| Where in Ashford?
It concerns all of Ashford – from the
surrounding countryside, right into the heart of the town centre.
What is it really about?
Its about bringing together those social, economic
and environmental elements that define ‘sustainable communities’
and it will do this by means of quality spaces to be called
‘green’ infrastructures.
What is a Green infrastructure?
It is defined as publicly accessible, sustainable
and multi-functional waterways, green spaces and corridors linked
together to allow enjoyment of the natural and built environments.
What are the projects main aims?
 | To provide a better quality of life for both
existing and new communities via sound green infrastructures
(green spaces and waterways).
| To act as a tool for identifying the green
infrastructures required to support Ashford’s planned growth.
These green spaces and waterways are of course vital to the
successful development of Ashford. For example further development
must better integrate green infrastructure in order to aid a sense
of a community.
| To ensure green infrastructure (green spaces and
waterways) is given recognition of its primary function in
development and not viewed as secondary, or an add on after
thought. |
| |
Why it different from other strategies?
| It will include phasing, prioritisation and
funding of projects all under one umbrella strategy. Further more
it will identify opportunities for links between social, economic
and environmental factors. Not only will it provide functional
green infrastructures such as wildlife experiences, it will also
look at delivering ecological services such as flood protection
and microclimate control.
| It will focus on consolidation of ‘green’
infrastructures (green spaces and waterways) so resources can be
concentrated and used more effectively. |
|
When is the Green and Blue strategy set to start?
It is aimed that by 2031 Ashford will be ‘a
living network of green and blue spaces for people and nature’.
In Summary
Basically this Green and Blue Strategy will make
green space and waterways a priority consideration within management
and future developments.
Where does this leave the Ashford Green Corridor?
This all sounds good for the environment but what
will happen to the existing Ashford Green Corridor? As to whether
the Ashford Green Corridor keeps its name and exact boundaries is
uncertain, but one aspect definite is that this new strategy
supports and strengthens the original aims of the Ashford Green
Corridor project. |
