Pennines Green Infrastructure Action Plan Consultation Draft

Overview

Green infrastructure is the natural outdoor environment around us and is part of the life support system of the community. It includes all the green spaces from gardens, playing fields, parks and street trees to the wider countryside surrounding the borough. It also includes open water features such as canals, streams and lakes. These spaces provide a number of essential benefits that support our quality of life, health and well-being by providing opportunities for sport and recreation, encouraging wildlife and biodiversity, reducing flood risk and helping Pennines Township adapt to climate change.

The draft Pennines Green Infrastructure Action Plan has been produced to help to ensure that our green infrastructure is appropriately protected, managed and enhanced with new areas created where appropriate. The Plan will also provide an evidence base for both highlighting opportunities within the Township where resources can be most effectively targeted and also for attracting funds and partnership working.

Why your views matter

We have produced the draft Plan after consulting with a wide range of groups, individuals and interested parties within Pennines Township and now we want your views on the document.

You can look at printed copies of the Plan at selected council libraries, customer service centres and community centres: 

Central Library, Littleborough Library, Milnrow Library, Smallbridge Library, Smithybridge Library and Wardle Library http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/library_services.aspx

Rochdale Customer Service Centre, Floor 2, Municipal Offices http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/about_the_council/contact_us/customer_services.aspx  

Littleborough Old People's Welfare, Littleborough Pensioners Association and Wardleworth Community Centre http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/community_and_day_services.aspx  

You can also view a copy at the Planning Reception, Floor 1, Telegraph House, Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JH

We would like your views on the draft Plan by the 25 May 2012. It would be particularly helpful if you could use the online form when responding. Please consider the following questions when giving us your views.

• Are there any green infrastructure issues we have not addressed within the draft Action Plan but which you feel should be included?
• Do you have any ideas for green infrastructure projects within Pennines to deliver benefits in your neighbourhood or the wider Township? 
• Is the draft Action Plan clear? 

Email comments to: LDF.consultation@rochdale.gov.uk

Post comments to: Strategic Planning Services, Rochdale Borough Council, PO Box 32, Telegraph House, Baillie Street, Rochdale OL16 1JH

Need help? If you have any queries or problems in responding, please telephone us on 01706 924365.

What happens next

After the consultation has finished, the comments received will be published within a schedule of proposed changes, which will be presented to Pennine Township Committee in July 2012 along with the final draft Action Plan.

A separate annually updated work programme will support delivery of the plan and will identify short term projects and those for development in the medium and long term and will enable progress to be monitored and reviewed by the Township as required.