Comment

Representation ID: 18986

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Green infrastructure has great potential to deliver health and recreational benefits to the local community. New woodland planting in advance of development allows the environment to begin to mature as the rest of the development occurs. Plans for retaining existing trees and woodlands will particularly help people develop a positive attitude to development areas.

Open space should also include semi natural areas with biodiversity gain which are not impacted by sports pitches or play grounds. Increasing evidence strongly suggests that both physical and mental health is improved through contact with nature.