A DOCUMENT offering advice on environmentally-friendly development has earned Monmouthshire County Council a sought-after award.
The council’s Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Guidance won a local planning accolade at the 2015 Landscape Institute Awards held recently in London.
Described by the judges as: “A practical and very comprehensive tool to encourage consideration and application of green infrastructure in planning”, the guidance aims to improve the county’s social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being by embedding green infrastructure into new developments.
The document guides the council and applicants through initial pre-application discussions, the application process and the consideration of matters and conditions relating to green infrastructure. It outlines the council’s expectations for green infrastructure and its inclusion within development proposals.
The guidance was funded and supported through the Welsh Government’s Planning Improvement Fund. Its continuing delivery has been supported by the council’s Green Infrastructure and Countryside, Planning Policy and Development Management teams.
Council Leader Peter Fox (Con, Portskewett) said: “We are justifiably proud of Monmouthshire’s special landscape and this welcome recognition for our green planning guidance illustrates how passionately we guard the county’s environment.”
He added: “Congratulations go to all those who played a part in gaining this prestigious award.”