This report finds that over half London boroughs already make a specific policy commitment in relation to the ‘All London Green Grid’ (ALGG) – a Greater London Authority (GLA) policy guidance agreed in 2012 to support a network of green spaces and river-based corridors throughout London.
The policy aims to maximise the benefits of ‘green infrastructure’ for people throughout London. CPRE London and Neighbourhoods Green wanted to assess how the London boroughs were progress in this area.
The report finds that, while the ALGG has been adopted into over half of London boroughs policies, there is some variation in the quality of those policies and a number of boroughs are still to refer to it as they are updating their Local Plans
The review included a survey of ALGG partners and policy makers, as well as a small number of site visits to assess policy implementation. Respondents highlighted the positive impact of the green grid policy, with more formal borough recognition of the value of green spaces, more coordinated responses and new partnerships, but they also said many areas need for more financial support.
CPRE London and Neighbourhoods Green call on the Mayor to ensure that green infrastructure investment is embedded within the GLA's long term 2050 infrastructural investment plan for London;
“It is vital that the Mayor recognises green infrastructure as a productive asset, which, with proper investment and coordinated support, can deliver considerable benefits for London’s economy, environment, long term resilience and community wellbeing.” says John Croxen, CPRE London branch chair
The report calls for:
1. Supporting local policy uptake: London boroughs who haven’t already done so should integrate All London Green Grid principles and green infrastructure policies into all relevant policies. The GLA should ensure all boroughs have clear ALGG policies and are implementing them effectively.
2. Strategic coordination: strengthening collaboration within and between the boroughs and the ALGG Area Frameworks, and for boroughs to work with new partners i.e. local businesses and housing associations, to ensure it is delivered as effectively as possible. The GLA should provide additional support for coordination and review functions.
3. Strategic investment: The effective delivery of green infrastructure objectives requires further investment, particularly where less progress has been made (such as, blue/green space schemes along the Thames, food production initiatives, and green infrastructure skills development. Identification of new sources of investment should include a review of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Act and levy to fund other London-wide green grid requirements. In addition, foundations with similar green infrastructure objectives could form a consortia with or alongside the GLA. Strategic funding is particularly required to support the ALGG in relation to:
- Monitoring baseline and periodic green infrastructure audits to support strategic green infrastructure planning;
- Innovation including to support ‘big ticket’ areas such as blue/green space improvement, as well as community-led initiatives;
- Area coordination to support partnership working, skills development and pooling of activities.
4. Baseline audits and tracking progress: there is a clear need for regular review of policy uptake and delivery outcomes by London boroughs, green grid partners and the GLA to assess progress and identify future investment opportunities. Furthermore local green infrastructure audits should be adopted to create a baseline of data of those resources that are available for each ALGG area. The GLA should review the progress of the ALGG by supporting the creation of a robust dataset, including the current Key Performance Indicators, as well as tracking the progress of each borough and Area Framework in terms of policy uptake and project implementation.
A copy of the report is available to download here.