Open Spaces and Green and Blue Links
Context
Open spaces, rivers, canals and green routes are a defining feature of Tamworth and play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing, nature and the character of the borough. The River Tame, River Anker, Kettle Brook and the Coventry Canal shape the town and form key green and blue corridors that run through neighbourhoods and beyond the borough boundary.
These spaces provide places for people to walk, cycle, play, relax and connect with nature. They also help manage flood risk, support wildlife, improve air quality and make Tamworth a more attractive place to live and work. As the borough grows and changes, it is important that open spaces are protected, improved where needed and well connected to form a strong and usable network for everyone.
Our proposed approach
The new local plan will seek to protect, and where possible, enhance and better connect Tamworth’s network of open spaces and green and blue links. The aim is to create a joined‑up, high‑quality network that supports healthy lifestyles, nature recovery, climate resilience and sustainable movement across the borough.
Our proposed approach is to:
- Protect existing open spaces that are important for recreation, nature, health or local character
- Look to improve the quality and accessibility of spaces, particularly where local deficiencies have been identified
- Strengthen green and blue links where possible, especially along rivers, canals and key walking and cycling routes
- Ensure new development contributes to meeting open space needs where required, and does not place additional pressure on existing provision
- This approach is informed by local evidence and the feedback received at the Issues and Options stage.
Proposed local plan policies on open space
The proposed approach will be reflected in a series of policies within the new plan. The proposed direction of those policies is set out below.
* Please note policy direction numbers follow on from other topic areas available to comment on. This section covers policy directions 45 to 48 *