Do you care about the environment, bio-diversity and climate change? If so, you have a chance to shape the planning guidance being drawn up for developers in Mansfield.
A draft supplementary planning document (SPD) concerning Green Infrastructure has been drafted by Mansfield District Council and interested parties are now being asked to comment on it during a six-week public consultation from 8 September to 20 October.
The document will guide developers in the future when designing new building projects in how to improve habitats for plants and animals, and help create green corridors to allow wildlife to thrive across the district.
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: "The council is committed to making Mansfield a greener place which values its wildlife and open spaces and helping to create new habitats for plants and wildlife.
“This proposed document expands on guidance already contained within the council’s adopted planning strategy, the Local Plan and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the green environment to let us know their opinions.”
The draft supplementary planning document encourages high quality green infrastructure, such as networks of multi-functional green space, and ensuring its maintenance in the long term, as part of any major development.
The new SPD, once adopted, would also help developers consider additional matters such as biodiversity and resilience to climate change, including how to reduce the potential for flooding. It will also encourage them to increase the amount of informal open space in the district and improve the public realm.
The draft document can be viewed and downloaded online at the council’s planning consultation portal at https://mansfield-consult.objective.co.uk/kse/. People can take part in the consultation by answering questions at the end of each section using the online or paper questionnaires.
Printed copies of the draft guidance can be viewed at Mansfield Civic Centre or at libraries within the district. A printed copy can also be provided, in exceptional circumstances, where someone is unable to access the document online. These should be returned in person or by mail.
To find out more about council planning policy, visit the council website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/planning-policy.