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Green Infrastructure

Green Fields

Green infrastructure describes the network of greenspaces, landscapes and natural elements that intersperse and connect our cities, towns and villages. More than this, it is a holistic approach to viewing the natural environment which acknowledges the multiple benefits and vital functions it provides for the economy, wildlife, local people and communities alike – including local climate and air quality amelioration, floodplain management, and coastal sea defence.

Maximising the potential of local green space is a critical environmental priority for PUSH. Providing new local green assets and making more effective use of existing assets will help absorb pressure from new development and reduce the impact on the protected and environmentally sensitive landscapes surrounding and within South Hampshire. Providing high quality green space, accessible to the public, will be essential to delivering development that supports the economic aspirations of the sub-region.

Green space

PUSH commissioned consultants to undertake research and prepare advice to PUSH on the development of a Green Infrastructure Strategy. That work was completed in 2008, and in early 2009 consultants UE Associates were appointed to review and carry forward the research and recommendations from TEP.

UE Associates have developed a Green Infrastructure Strategy that sets out a comprehensive plan to make best use of existing assets and identify the opportunities for the creation of new ones that meet the needs of local communities. PUSH will, in the near future, begin work with a wide range of partners to develop an implementation plan and begin to implement the strategy.


PUSH adopts a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the Sub region


The purpose of this Strategy is to identify existing green infrastructure (GI), consider what enhancements or introductions should be made, and to recommend how the Strategy might be delivered. The guiding principles for green infrastructure use connectivity and multifunctionality to create a robust network of green spaces to address identified deficits and needs.

The vision for the Strategy is to provide a long term framework (to 2026) to shape and enhance an integrated and multifunctional green network of south Hampshire’s distinctive local environments to ensure they can adapt to climate change and are managed and valued as part of sustainable, prosperous and healthy lifestyles.

The aims of the strategy are to:

  • Identify sub-regional strategic initiatives and project proposals to provide a high quality of life for the people who live and work in the sub-region.

  • Seek to maximise multifunctional use of open space and natural spaces for a range of benefits including biodiversity, climate change, the production of food, fibre and fuel, economic investment and activity, health, landscape, recreation and well-being.

  • Promote connectivity of all types of greenspace at a range of scales.

  • Provide a key element of the sub-region’s mitigation strategy in relation to the Habitats Regulations.

The Green Infrastructure Strategy was adopted by the PUSH Joint Committee on 23rd June 2010 as a framework document subject to several minor amendments, which, have subsequently been revised as follows:

  • Deletion of references to a Joint Advisory Committee (JAC), particulary in Section 6.2. The functions suggested by the consultants that the remit be that of a JAC are now referred to the Sustainability and Community Delivery Panel.

  • Deletion of references to 'urban' South Hampshire where the text is referring to the sub-region. The sub-region is now referred to simply as South Hampshire. No references to 'urban' in relation to PUSH have been changed.

  • Paragraph 1.3.2. The planning of the functions of GI on individual sites should also take account the potential negative impacts on adjoining areas, including residential areas to ensure that they are not adversely affected by posssible uses.

  • Paragragh 4.10.4. Dog walking is a popular form of recreation across the sub-region, bringing benefits for health and quality of life to those who walk their dogs. Recognising and accomodating the needs of dog walkers whilst managing their potential impacts on wildlife sensitive to disturbance and on health.

The version that went to the PUSH Joint Committee in June had previously undergone extensive stakeholder consultation providing a wide range of partners including the Environment Agency, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England; with the opportunity to comment on the draft strategy in January 2010. PUSH would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners that took part in the consultation for their contribution and feedback.

PUSH Green Infrastructure Strategy Adopted June 2010 PDF 6Mb

PUSH Green Infrastructure Strategy Appendices Adopted June 2010 PDF 8Mb

The earlier work by TEP that formed the evidence base for the Green Infrastructure Strategy can be viewed below:

Towards a Green Infrastructure Strategy for South Hampshire (Advice to PUSH - July 2008) PDF 12Mb

Green Infrastructure Research Report (Chapters 1-4) PDF 9Mb

Green Infrastructure Research Report (Chapters 5-9) PDF 6Mb

Green Infrastructure Research Report (Appendices) PDF 9Mb