Council to go green in plans for future

LDA Design has been appointed by the authority to undertake a green infrastructure (GI) Strategy to help allocate additional housing sites, employment areas and quality green space.

According to Government agency Natural England green infrastructure is a "strategically planned and delivered network of high quality green spaces and other environmental features".

It is supposed to "deliver a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities".

Green Infrastructure includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens.

LDA Design said it would work closely with the council and its partners to develop a strategy to stimulate public and private sector investment in GI over the next decade.

The consultancy said it was anticipated that new and enhanced GI will play a "key role in promoting housing and economic development" while adapting to and mitigating for climate change.

Director Neil Horner said: "Barnsley is key to the growth of the Leeds and South Yorkshire city regions and this strategy will, therefore, provide both with an opportunity to reflect wider regional GI policy in local strategy and actions."

Council development spokes-man Coun Bill Newman added: "Investing in green infra-

structure will play a key

part in Barnsley's sustainable growth, making the best use of our existing natural assets and creating new green spaces as well."

"It is vital that we adapt to the impacts of climate change and improve the local economy and the LDA Design approach to GI will allow us to do both successfully."

It is expected that the strategy will be completed by June when work will begin to carry out its proposals.