Council outlines 'green wedges' policy aimed at easing development pressure on nature and wildlife

Locations in the borough earmarked as potential 'green wedges'

A 'Green Wedges' policy is under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council with an aim  to ease pressure from housing and other development on nature and wildlife. Below is its proposal which is currently  being put out to public consultation.

It is considered appropriate to explore the potential of strengthening the protection given to specific areas of land that are considered crucial in providing important ecological corridors.

The council is keen to increase the biodiversity and to support the strengthening of natural networks. 

It would therefore specifically support proposals to create biodiversity net gain sites or other approaches to enhance the natural environment in these areas.

While the aim would be to strengthen the landscape quality and environmental quality of these areas, it would not be intended that they should operate as an absolute restriction on all development proposals.

Certain types of development may be acceptable as long as they are not detrimental to the character, role and function of the Green Wedge within which they are situated. 

This may include agricultural and forestry related development, green space, outdoor sport and recreation uses or the reuse of rural buildings and extensions or alterations to existing dwellings. 

It may also include flood defence or drainage works, provision of new infrastructure such as bridges or telecommunications or specific development required by a public or private utility to fulfil their statutory obligation.

The final identification of the boundaries to the Green Wedge areas will need to be reconsidered in light of housing requirement.