Implementation Project: Green Corridor

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N PROJECT The implementation of a green corridor on Botley Road

Freddy Hedberg - 12027233 Module Number: U37773

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Oxford Planning Association (OPA) has come up with an implementation project following a letter of instruction from a community group in Oxford.

It seeks professional advice on the feasibility of submitting a planning application to re-establish Botley Road to a greener area with safer pedestrian paths and cycle ways, this implementation project was initiated.

In addition to these analytical methods, five green corridor case studies are examined, in which the purpose, the process, and the final product are extracted. The results from these case studies identified ten interventions that can be applied to the Botley Road, these include biodiversity, connectivity, cycle ways, footpaths, education, green roofs, landscape improvements, pedestrian crossings, the Thames River, tree planting and street Both the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) trees. and Oxford City Council’s Green Space Strategy Plan (2013-2027) encourage local planning authorities Stakeholders who could be potentially involved to adopt and promote green infrastructure in their in this project are identified. It was decided that Local Plans. Studies have shown that green ways are each stakeholder is essential for the success of beneficial to inhabitants’ psychological and social the project, hence their involvement is crucial. A well-being, as well as improving the environment table was drawn-up identifying each stakeholder’s and helping to achieve climate change mitigation involvement in each intervention. and air pollution reduction.

In order to carry out this project, guiding principles This reports looks at implementing a green way along need to be followed; therefore the national and local Botley Road with the aim of sharing the road between policies on green infrastructure and green spaces motorist, cyclists and pedestrians. Methods used in have been adopted to promote the green corridor the analysis included the examination of the Botley concept with emphasis on biodiversity, Oxford’s tree Road through the use of historical research, S.W.O.T. policy, the “people before cars” policy (safe cycle and analysis and morphological mapping. The analysis pedestrian links to Frideswide Square from Botley discusses Botley Road’s strengths, weaknesses, and Osney), and the protection of built heritage and opportunities and threats. Overall, the strength’s archaeological features. and opportunities far outweigh the weaknesses and threats thus making it possible to transform it into a green corridor.

Legal aspects need to be taken into consideration for biodiversity, sometimes several surveys need to be carried out in consultation with Nature England and the Environment Agency to identify any priority protected species, important habitats or other biodiversity features on or adjacent to the application site. A proposal to improve cycle ways, footpaths and pedestrian crossings on Botley Road will be considered under the movement framework. Concerning landscaping, this will be done in consultation with the City Council and the Highway authority. Oxfordshire County Council will be consulted for the use of sustainable urban drainage. In accordance with national laws, historic areas will be respected. Financially, there is a table representing the indicative cost of the project.

The report demonstrates that the green corridor project will benefit the Botley Road and its surrounding areas and communities; therefore, it would be feasible to submit a policy planning application. It also encourages the client to incorporate community involvement into the project. This report serves as a reference for the next steps of putting the project in motion. Recommended actions to be taken for the implementation project are as follows: • Introduce street trees onto the Botley Road.

• Create a Tree Planting Day for and the local communities and school.

• Improve cycle and footpaths.

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CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONTENTS LETTER OF INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Discusses the different sections of the report and looks at the benefits of green corridors.

CHAPTER 2: STUDY AREA Goes into the historical context of Botley Road, then into its present use. The road is then analysed through S.W.O.T. and morphology.

CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDIES Five case studies of green corridors are presented.

CHAPTER 4: INTERVENTIONS Ten key guidance notes are taken out of the case studies to form interventions to the client.

CHAPTER 5: APPLICATION The interventions are applied onto Botley Road.

CHAPTER 6: DATA RESEARCH The stakeholders to the project are identified. Legal and financial aspects of the interventions are discussed.

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION The results of the project are summed up. The next steps of the implementation are discussed.

REFERENCES

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LETTER OF INSTRUCTION Oxford Planning Association (OPA) 35 St Aldate’s Oxford OX1 1BD 5 March 2016 Dear Sir/Madam, The Friends of Green Infrastructure have concluded that in accordance with the National Policy for Green Spaces in cities and the Oxford City Council’s Policy Core Strategy 21 (Green spaces, leisure and sport) and Policy CS12 (Biodiversity) it would be beneficial to develop Botley Road as a green corridor. This proposed corridor would not only enhance and make Botley Road more aesthetic but it would encourage more cyclists and pedestrians to use this route and thus improve their health and wellbeing. Furthermore, by enticing more greenery and vegetation, Oxford City will help stimulate biodiversity and mitigate climate change and air pollution. A more attractive and better quality landscape will provide stronger economic benefits such as attracting more businesses and cafes/restaurants that will help create a sense of place to this grey infrastructure area.

The intention of this letter is to seek your office’s advice in re-establishing Botley Road to a more natural green area and to advise if this request is likely to be accepted through a policy application or otherwise.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Madden Paul Madden President Friends of Green Infrastructure 8 Duke Street Oxford OX2 0HH

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION The first chapter of the report will introduce the aim of the implementation project. The term ‘green corridor’ will be defined to the reader. This section will also look into the benefits of introducing greenery into the urban environment. The photographic evidence presented is owned by the author unless told other wise.

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T H E

R E P O RT

This report discusses the implementation project which sets out to give professional advice to the Friends of Green Infrastructure who wants to put forward either a planning application or a development plan project to an area in Oxford. An implementation project is a brief showing detailed research, financial, legal aspects and any other challenges to the client’s proposal. The road map for this particular project can be found on page ten. The purpose of this implementation project is to be able to put forward the development project desired by the client to the local city council. In this case, the theme of the proposal lies in urban design in which graphics will be heavily used to show the vision for the implementation project. The subject of study for this particular project is green corridors which are becoming a more popular urban design characteristic and can be found in different cities around the world. The aim is to implement a green corridor

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on Botley Road in Oxford which will have an impact an ideal tool to use in shaping a better urban on the road itself as well as the surrounding area. environment on various levels. Due to their positive attributes, they can enhance and promote wildlife The next point of interest is to understand what is circulation, ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental meant by a green corridor. The concept of a green sustainability, sustainable transport systems (trams, corridor is known through various names such as, cycling) and improve citizens health and wellbeing. greenways, wildlife corridors, landscape corridors and ecological. On a visual level, green corridors are Oxford City Council’s Green Space Strategic Plan roads which in character have greenery located along (2013—2027) outlines future accomplishments them, whether it is in the form of trees, hedgerows concerning existing corridors in Oxford. Objective and other plant vegetation, which connect various 20, 6.9 adopts and promotes the practice of heavily green areas to each other (these are often encouraging more linked corridors so that species parks, wetlands, rivers, meadows and countryside). are able to migrate in the city (Oxford City Council, 2013). In Objective 21, the report emphasises the The President’s Commission on Americans target for promoting wildlife corridors in order to Outdoors (1987) defines greenways as enabling protect and enhance biodiversity in Oxford, this the provision of open spaces to people’s homes strategy will be achieved in collaboration with Oxford as well as connecting rural and urban areas Preservation Trust (Oxford City Council, 2013). through a linked system. Green corridors are

B E N E F I T S Psychological

Environmental

Introducing vegetation in the city has many benefits on different levels such as environmental, social, financial and, of course, aesthetic. One of the most abstract benefits of this concept is a psychological one as it provides a connection to people with nature in their urban lives. The presence of greenery in cities has a significant impact on the built environment’s aesthetics and gives people a visual contrast from the city scenery of concrete buildings. Having plants in urban spaces makes them seasonal indicators for city dwellers and also creates visual beauty for people (Wong and Chen, 2009).

Introducing vegetation in the city has many benefits on different levels such as environmental, social, financial and, of course, aesthetic. One of the most abstract benefits of this concept is a psychological one as it provides a connection to people with nature in their urban lives. The presence of greenery in cities has a significant impact on the built environment’s aesthetics and gives people a visual contrast from the city scenery of concrete buildings. Having plants in urban spaces makes them seasonal indicators for city dwellers and also creates visual beauty for people (Wong and Chen, 2009).

Social

Economically

Vegetation can also add various social benefits to urban areas as it makes them become places for recreation, meetings and an escape from the urban environment (Givoni, 1991). A sense of community can be accomplished through vegetation by the use of parks and trees in an area (Wong and Chen, 2009). Health wise, plants have a direct effect on humans through restorative effects and can accomplish the reduction of stress in people and further resistance to illnesses as well as enabling better recovery rates (Ulrich and Parson, 1992).

Looking at the economic benefits of introducing additional greenery to the urban environment, properties which possess or are close to vegetation often have a higher market value. For example, having trees in urban areas makes cities more attractive and properties with trees and shrubs will make home buyers want to pay more. Studies show that property values increase from 6 to 15 (Southernforests.org, 2016) and sell faster if they have trees around them (Wong and Chen, 2009). The value of a property and the buyer’s view on it has an affect if there is the presence of greenery, or water, or even forest close by (Cellmer, Senetra and Szczepanska, 2012). Having

trees around a property can also reduce the cooling cost in the summer by up to 30%; similarly in winter with the properties heating cost as trees can create natural windbreaks (Southernforests.org, 2016).

The presence of trees in an area can also help to economically boost the local community of an area by attracting businesses and tourism. Studies have shown that customers will be willing to pay up to 10% more on goods and services a business if retail shops are located in an area with street trees. In addition, businesses located in areas with high vegetation have 30% more approval ratings on their products compared to businesses situated in areas barren of trees (Southernforests.org, 2016).

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R OA D

M A P

Defined

What a green corridor is.

Exemplars

Five case studies of green corridors.

Study Area

Application • Stakeholders • Legal • Finance

Interventions

• Historical Context • S.W.O.T. • Morphology

This figure shows the implementation process to the final report.

The faded sections represent the events occurring after the report (discussed in the conclusion).

Conclusion

A list of ten interventions from the case studies.

Three actions suggested by OPA.

THE REPORT Discussion

Friends of Green Infrastructure deliberation.

Stakeholders

Timetable

Discussion with stakeholders as to Friends of Green Infrastructure’s priorities.

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Look into how long each initiative will take till completion.

First Three Initatives Data research: • Detailed plan • Costing • Financial • Agencies to act

Publicity

Use of media to infrom people of the project.

Actions

As an example: • Green Roofs • Street Trees • Education

CHAPTER 2 12

STUDY AREA This chapter analyses Botley Road by studying its historical context. It will be brought up to date to give an understanding of what exists around the road today. A S.W.O.T. will be presented with a morphological analysis of the Botley Road.

B O T L E Y

R OA D

Map 1: This is a map of Botley Road showing the street network in red and the Thames River in blue.

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H I S T O R I C A L C O N T E X T The study area in which the implementation project is looking at is Botley Road, located westwards from Oxford city centre. In a historical context, Osney Abbey was one the most prestigious architectural buildings in Oxford during the medieval period.

Founded by Robert d’Oilly in 1129 as a priory, it became an abbey in 1154 and continued on as one of Oxford’s wealthiest monasteries. In 1537, the abbot John Burton complained that “if he was to remain in such a damp place as Oseney his life would be shortened” (Graham, 1998) which gives an insight to how Osney was a major landmass stranded in the marshes. The abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII in 1539 due to the protestant reformation. One of its largest bells known as Great Tom was removed from the abbey’s west tower and installed at Christ Church; this was due to the transfer of the bishopric in 1545 which took many of the abbey’s ready cut stones to build its foundations (Graham, 1998). In 1644, during the Civil War, Osney Abbey was destroyed in order to complete fortifications in Oxford.

Links between Botley and Oxford were not the best until recently. The reason for this is because of the River Thames posing difficulty for those travelling to the west, east and north; so the use of ferries and bridges were used. Botley can be seen on the map (Figure 1) where the blue area represents the zones liable to flooding. A seasonal footpath was put in across the meadows around 1210 and from the instructions of the Osney Abbey, John Heyns built

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Figure 1: A map showing the areas prone to flooding (blue) around Oxfordshire (source: Graham, 1998).

Figure 2: Drawing by Hesketh in 1640 of the west tower of the Osney Abbey (source: Graham, 1998).

Figure 3: Osney Mill which became part of the Osney Abbey later on (source: Graham, 1998).

Figure 4: A coach at the Botley Road tollgate in before it got destroyed in 1840 (source: Graham, 1998).

H I S T O R I C A L C O N T E X T a causeway in 1467 from Botley Road to the Ferry Hinksey which was passable for most of the year (Graham, 1998). It was only around 1530 that Botley Road became a causeway built by John Claymond.

Before the ancient causeway, people travelling west from Oxford would either have to travel north-west to Binsey, taking the bridge over to Seacourt and finally heading to Wytham Hill to use the Swinford ferry; or travelling south-westward to use the North Hinksey ferry and then to Cumnor (Botley & North Hinksey Community, n.d.). The causeway became popular with those travelling westward out of Oxford. Botley Road was turnpiked in 1767 with improvements to minimise flooding by building a number of arches, thus earning the name of “Seven Bridges Road”. Waterways were an alternative method of transport to move goods and materials to Osney Abbey by using its millstream. Farming was predominant in the area, the meadows on either side of the Botley Road were used for growing hay in the summer (Figure 6) and in areas that were reached by water, crops were transported to dry land by punts (Graham, 1998). Grazing cattle and sheep were also common in these meadows (Figure 7). One of the problems of the road was the risk of highwaymen such as in 1784 where the Bath coach was robbed of £28 near Cumnor Hill (Botley & North Hinksey Community, n.d.). From this brief historical context of Botley, the implementation project aims to reclaim some of historical imagery on a green level.

Figure 5: Osney Abbey as it might have looked in 1520. Drawing by H W Brewer in 1891 (source: Graham, 1998).

Figure 6: The Botley Road on 13 May 1781 (source: Graham, 1998).

Figure 7: Drawing by P Dewint in 1851 shows the traffic on Botley Road (source: Graham, 1998).

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B O T L E Y R OA D T O DAY Industry

Network

Botley has grown over time and expanded from a major land area stranded out on the marshes to a heavily used road which allows traffic to enter Oxford from the west. It is predominantly residentially occupied which can be seen along Botley Road and its tributary roads. There are also various commercial and industrial developments on Botley Road such as Waitrose and Toys Are Us. These provide large out-of-town shopping centres for people in Oxford.

The Borltey Road is an important road as it connects the west to Oxford and joins up with the ring road surrounding the city. It is a vital commuter route as many people from Cumnor use the road to get to work in the city. It is also host to Seacourt park and ride which is one of Oxford’s schemes to reduce the number of cars entering the city. Botley Road also leads onto Frideswide Square neighbouring the train station which is an important transportation hub for Oxford as it leads people in and out of the city. Frideswide Square has been redeveloped in order to provide a better gateway to the city from the west of Oxford. The scheme for the square will aim to “improve traffic flow, reduce journey times and provide a new, attractive public space with far better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists” (Oxfordshire County Council, 2014b). A picture of the design of Frideswide Square can be seen on figure 8. For this implementation project, one has to think about how to tie in the addition of a green corridor to the Frideswide Square. It contributes to this report’s implementation as the Botley Road is the major access route into Oxford from the west and the square is the entrance area to the city. The square looks aesthetically better and can therefore merge into this implementations scheme.

Surroundings Most of Botley Road’s surroundings are made up of fields, grazing lands and meadows (such as Port meadow). Two allotment sites can be found on the north side of Botley Road: Twenty Pound Meadow and Botley Meadow. Combined, they provide 238 plots for gardeners to use for producing vegetables and fruit for their own consumption (Westoxfordallotments. org, 2016). There are also two parks that are used by locals: Botley Park and Oatlands Park.

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Figure 8: Birds eye view of Frideswide Square (source: Oxfordshire County Council, 2014).

Figure 9: View of Frideswide Square today from above (source: The Urbanists, 2016).

Figure 10: View of Frideswide Square on the street level (source: The Urbanists, 2016).

S . W. O . T. A NA LYS I S Strengths

Opportunities

• Access road to Oxford from the west.

• Botley Road is a large road in terms of width (Average: 19.75m).

• Presence of greenery.

• The historical bridges provide aesthetical pleasing views.

• Bus lanes.

• Botley leads to the finished Frideswide Square redevelopment.

• There are various community groups around the road such as: • The Botley & North Hinksey Communities • Osney Island Community • West Oxford Community Association (WOCA)

• Increase the pedestrian friendly qualities of the Botley Road.

• Have additional priority public transport lanes.

• Able to create a regularity of street trees down the Bottley Road.

• Getting communities to involved and partake in the project.

• Incorporate aspects of the River Thames into the implementation project.

Weaknesses

Figure 11: Areas liable to flooding (light blue) (source: Environmental Agency, n.d.)

Threats The main threat to the Botley Road is that it is prone to flooding. This can be seen on the map (Figure 11) which shows that most of the surrounding area around Botley Road will be affected if flooding occurs. The impact of flooding can be seen from the photographs in figures 12, 13, 14.

Figure 12: Picture of the flooding of South Street in 1903 (source: Graham, 1998).

• Aesthetically unpleasing.

• No proper cycle lane throughout the whole of the Botley Road.

• The pedestrian walkway is not wide enough and varies in width along the road.

• Not enough regular pedestrian crossings.

Figure 13: The 2014 flood hitting the Botley Road (source: BBC, 2014 & BBC News, 2014)

Figure 14: Flooding under the railway bridge in 1957 (source: Graham, 1998).

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M O R P H O L O G Y

Map 2: This is a morphological map of Botley Road showing the various layers it possesses.

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CHAPTER 3

CASE STUDIES In this section of the report, we will discuss why implementing greenery in cities either in the form of a green corridor or other green infrastructure can be beneficial for urban living. Examples of green corridors from around the world will be presented to give an idea of how they look, work and impact the environment around them. These findings will give an understanding of how implementing a green corridor on the Botley Road can be beneficial not only for the area of Botley but also for Oxford and any future development.

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E C O L O G I C A L N E T WO R K

It has to be noted that certain factors have to be thought through when implementing a green corridor on Botley Road. Firstly there are climatic difficulties as these case studies are from various different locations and thus will not give the exact same result. Flooding is another factor involved with the Botley Road that cannot be ignored and is advised to be discussed. In addition there will be political differences on the subject of how the Boatley Road should be developed to benefit Oxford; but Oxford Planning Association (OPA) wants to stress that the reduction of inwards and outwards traffic from the city is a top priority and through this implementation project will ameliorate the visual impact of traffic.

Much literature on green corridors mentions biology and its ecological networks. Jongman and Pungetti (2004) define ecological networks as systems of species in the natural environment in

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which their interconnections make a fragmented ecosystem comprehensible which in turn develops biological diversity. The way that an ecological network functions in the environment is by having core areas which are preserved by buffer zones and are connected to each other through ecological corridors (Jongman and Pungetti, 2004). The functionality of these ecological corridors is to indicate that there is connectivity in physical forms; they also possess aesthetic, recreational and social/ psychological functionalities. This leads to the subject of greenways and their relation to ecological networks. Initially, greenways were used to link and enable people to access the countryside whilst ecological networks came from conserving species and their habitats. Recently, both these concepts have nearly fused together as they are both seen as important for species movement and survival (this includes humans) (Jongman and Pungetti, 2004).

CASE STUDY 1 EXHIBITION ROAD

Purpose

Product

This case study looks at the Exhibition Road in London which runs from Hyde Park to South Kensington.

This project was completed in December 2011 and has become a success. This street aimed to redesign its layout so as to be more accessible for both vehicles and pedestrians through the use of shared space. Its purpose was to relieve traffic on the road and make it more pedestrian friendly by enabling safe crossing. The project also was looking to green London, and by remodelling Exhibition Road it would be able to incorporate green elements.

Today, Exhibition Road has become a pleasant street leading to Hyde Park for both drivers and pedestrians. With the establishment of shared space on Exhibition Road, it has become safer for pedestrians to access. Cars drive more carefully with the removal of any certainty as it makes them more cautious when driving down Exhibition Road.

Figure 15: Cross section of Exhibition Road showing the design aspect (source: Rbkc.gov.uk, 2016).

Process The shared space concept helps ensure a safer environment as it deliberately creates uncertainty for drivers as they do not know who has the right of way; so road users have to work it out amongst themselves in order to keep moving (Evening Standard, 2012).

The way in which planners managed to improve the road was by removing any street clutter so as to make it easier for people to move around the street (Rbkc. gov.uk, 2016). The addition of trees helps green the road and contributes to the greening of London.

Figures 16 & 17: Views down Exhibition Road with the presence of trees (source: As Easy As Riding A Bike, 2013).

Figures 18 & 19: Exhibition Road and the handling of cars and cyclist (source: As Easy As Riding A Bike, 2013).

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CASE STUDY 2 OXFORD STREET

Purpose Oxford Street is located in Manchester and is a primary road which leads into the city centre and its central business district. This is a relatively new example of a green corridor as we do not see the full effect of it.

The project is part of a bigger picture to encourage the people of Manchester to socialise outdoors and to cycle and walk more. In addition it looks at adding more greenery in the city which will help lower carbon levels through the use of vegetation.

to monitor and study the effect of greenery on the climate of an urban environment. This research goes towards managing climate change in the city as well as providing data from around the world.

With the help of green roofs in the area, Manchester’s landscape is becoming increasingly green. An example of this can be seen at the Manchester Metropolitan University (Figure 22).

These green roofs help in terms of managing the amount of rain water is captured by the buildings, reduce the amount of solar heating, and finally enable the cooling of Manchester through the The use of tree planting along the road as well as use of transpiration (Onlinegreencity.com, 2016). green roofing creates this greenway. Using trees on key roads will establish Manchester’s green network enabling pedestrian friendly networks linking to key destinations around the city centre.

Having an abundance of greenery will also make This project is relatively new and is still growing; Manchester more aesthetically pleasing. The this means that we cannot see the full effects just use of state of the art tree pits will ensure that yet. But as seen in the photos, green roofs have the trees have a sustainable and healthy growth already been put in place and have changed the (Onlinegreencity.com, 2016). This use of technology scenery of both the Manchester Metropolitan aims to reduce damage to the sidewalk and to University and Whitworth Art Gallery. With the limit the amount of maintenance needed for each addition of street trees, Manchester’s roads bring tree. The partnership between Red Rose Forest an aesthetically pleasing view to people and and the University of Manchester have been able also bring partnerships between the city council to start the international i-trees project which aims and the universities through the i-trees project.

Figure 20: Whitworth Street with street trees (Online greencity.com, 2016).

Process

Product

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Figure 21: Medlock Street and it's new green corridor (Onlinegreencity.com, 2016).

Figure 22: Manchester Metropolitan University's green roof (Onlinegreencity.com, 2016).

CASE STUDY 3 THE THAMES RIVER

Purpose This case study focuses on the Hampton to Kew green/river London. Its aim is to protect the movement of species along

Thames from stabilisation and allowing native plants to grown in corridor in rural areas all contributed to improving biodiversity. and enhance the corridor. Other projects included awareness raising through signage and information boards, as well as physical landscape improvements. One such project was “Putting the Thames Back into Kingston”, this Through the introduction of a towpath management included new landscape works such as footpaths, regime there has been a reduction in water borne lighting, cycle ways, street furniture and signage litter by 80%, reduced invasive plant species by 90% with improved links from the town centre to and a successful increase in native riparian species the river (Thames Landscape Strategy, 2010).

(Thames Landscape Strategy, 2010). Implementation of the London Biodiversity Action Plan has helped this project to deliver and address habitat and species specific improvements, including the creation of new From the Thames River project between Hampton reed beds, supporting bat populations and planting and Kew, the introduction of a river/green corridor Black Poplars. The installation of bat friendly lights has managed to create habitat improvement for an along the Twickenham embankment and roosting increase in species such as the bat, badger and owl sites has led to long term improvement in the bat population. Many improvements have been made population. This green/river corridor acts as a natural to create a better environment for people; the sanctuary for other habitat sensitive species such use of lighting and street furniture as well as cycle as badgers and owls. A comprehensive approach paths has given the corridor a pleasant atmosphere to landscape maintenance was employed, using to it. The use of signage has enabled people to traditional timber tree fences rather than plastic receive information about the area and its natural guards, pulling out weeds (volunteer groups) rather environment. There are many volunteer groups that than spraying, using willow spilling for riverbank helped with the project in order to see it to completion.

Figure 23: The Bombus sylvarum, one of the rarest bum blebees (source: Essexbiodiversity.org.uk, 2012).

Process

Product

Figure 24: A reed bed grows after improving the area (Nature Near London, 2013).

Figure 25: Improving biodiveristy can increase the number of water voles (Waterpark.org, 2015).

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CASE STUDY 4 MÜNSTER

Purpose The city of Münster is located in Western Germany and was the first city to create an ecological concept during the 1960s. It is composed of a city centre and various suburban areas encircled by a landscape area which takes up approximately three quarters of the city. Münster has incorporated the Green Spaces Ordinance which aims to preserve and continue to develop the ecological and climatic aspects of the city. This means that the city aims to ensure “the development of green, leisure time and recreational spaces and the extensive provision of playgrounds, allotments and cemeteries” (Muenster.de, 2006).

The Ordinance shows Münster’s green system which manages to ensure the circulation of fresh air in the city; it does this through the means of three green rings and the use of seven green corridors which connect the countryside to the city centre. A great aspect of this system is that it enables people to move easily around the city due to footpaths and cycle networks.

(Muenster.de, 2006). The Promenade is considered as the heart of the green system. The second green ring is located between the centre and its districts.

This ring includes twelve individual landscape parks and connects the outer district to the Münster’s centre through green corridors. The final green ring is located on the fringes of Münster and constitutes large landscape areas. The seven green corridors link the three green rings together and make it easy for the residents of Münster to move from the city centre to the countryside (Figure 28). These corridors connect various areas of the city together through greenery and encourage residents to cycle or walk.

Figure 26 & 27: Bids eye view of Munster (Source: Thiel, 2016) with one of its green corridor rings around the city centre (Source: Wolk, 2006).

Product

The final result of the Münster is a connected system of green corridors which link the inner city to its outskirts. These corridors manage to link the three rings that circle Münster and provide a safe path for people to walk and cycle As mentioned previously, Münster has three green on. This encourages people to be outside more. rings in which the first is called the Promenade and is located around the city centre. It is a 4.5 kilometres green ring with four rows of lime trees that offers a leisure and sports area to thousands of people

Process

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Figure 28: Munste's seven green corridors and its three rings (Source: Muenster.de, 2006).

CASE STUDY 5 SINGAPORE

Singapore has incorporated green corridors into its island nation with the addition of a hierarchy of parklands which has resulted in it becoming a Garden City. This has taken as long as 40 years to accomplish, starting in 1963 with the first Tree Planting Day. The parklands and open spaces were planned out so as to be interconnected with each other to create a network made out of green corridors; this would make better use of the limited land resources.

It is interesting to note that there is around three thousand hectares of mature secondary rainforest located at the heart of Singapore (Tan, 2004) that is the main water catchment area of the island. This area is in fact linked to Singapore’s coastal fringe by means of 11 major water channels; these pass through numerous open spaces which makes it all the more sense to plan green corridors along them.

Due to the rivers not connecting to each other, the green corridors had to be linked by using road reserves. Through this process, a matrix of green corridors was created as seen on the map (Figure 31).

Process

Product

The use of green corridors enables fauna movement from one park to another as well as human movement on established jogging tracks put in place. This vast web of greenways aims to connect the population of Singapore to more than 300 parks, and when this network will be completed it will enable a green matrix of connectivity throughout the island. One of Singapore’s secondary aims was to improve the biodiversity in urbanised areas through the use of nature corridors. These green corridors have, in fact, created a multifunctionality to themselves as they “seek a balance between the ecological, cultural, social and aesthetic goals” (Ahern, 1995).

Singapore has been able to provide a network of green connectors to link many parks together.

This creates an abundance of biodiversity on the island nation enabling wildlife to flourish. With over 300 parks, the government is able to educate the younger generation about the importance of biodiversity protection and conservation.

Purpose

Figure 30: A photograph of Siglap's park connector in Singapore (source: Tan, 2004).

Figures 29: An example of a cross section of a park connector (source: Tan, 2004).

Figure 31: Concept plan of Singapore's park connectors back in 2002 (source: Tan, 2004).

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CHAPTER 4

INTERVENTIONS From the previous case studies, a number of key guidance notes can be taken from them. These can be made into interventions which will be used to produce the green way on Botley Road.

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Cycle Paths & Footpaths

P R I N C I P L E S

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These will be improved, which will give a better network for the movement of people through From the case studies seen in the previous chapter, Botley Road. Cyclist will have a safer lane on the principles can be drawn from them which lead to road allowing them to cycle down the Botley a range of possible interventions on Botley Road. Road. Pedestrians will have bigger walkway to These interventions are going to be phased which use after the bicycle lane is placed on the road. means that it might take some time to fully complete the implementation. They will be opportunistic through profit, provide employment and will maximise the use of Botley Road. These are listed below not in order of precedence but alphabetically:

Biodiversity

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With various areas of the Botley Road incorporating different aspects that green corridors provide (street trees, shared space), we also have to ensure that these areas are providing a connected green way into Oxford from the west. This will be done by ensuring the presence of some sort of vegetation along the Botley Road which will link the areas together.

Figure 32: Shrub connector (Source: Nanoni, 2012).

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4

Partnering up with some of Oxford’s universities can enable the carrying out of research experiments related to urban climate change. The use of i-trees such as in Manchester could be used to contribute data towards climate change and air pollution research.

1

With the presence of water from the Thames River and the addition of street trees, there is the possibility of increasing the amount of species in the area and improving their habitat. This will enrich the existing biodiversity in and around the Botley Road.

Connectivity

Education

Figure 33: A safe cycle path for people to use (source: Team Better Block, 2015).

Figure 35: Partnership with Oxford's universities (source: Alamy, 2015).

Green Roofs

5

This concept can be added to commercial and even residential buildings. It will make the Botley Road greener and also provide benefits such as aesthetical views, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), energy conservation, air quality and wildlife (Grant, 2006).

Figure 34: A footpath safe from traffic (source: Pak wheels.com, 2008).

Figure 36: Installing a green roof in Orleans, France (source: Grant, 2006).

Pedestrian Crossing

P R I N C I P L E S

7

Safer pedestrian crossing on the Botley Road will be ensured through the use of shared space. The east end of the Botley Road will be a continuation Landscape Improvements of Frideswide Square and become a shared These can be made to the Botley road in space. This will slow drivers down when entering terms of street furniture. By increasing the Oxford. In addition, an increase of frequent amount of benches, signage and cycle stands pedestrian crossing will be applied to the road. this can improve how people use the Botley Road and increase the amount of activity.

6

Tree Planting Day

9

This event will get neighbourhood communities to participate in the planting of trees on the Botley Road.

This will be a community process which aims to educate various generations about pollution and climate change. The event can occur during the national tree week which will start from the 26 of November 2016 to 4 December 2016 (Treecouncil.org.uk, 2016).

Figure 40: Every generation participates on Tree Planting Day in Singapore (source: Baker, 2014).

Figure 37: Street furniture which incorporates bicycle racks and vegetation pots (source: Cilento, 2010).

Street Trees

Figure 39: The introduction of a toucan crossing can increase safety (source: Gov.uk, 2016).

10

They will be added onto Botley Road and will use adequate tree pits. This alignment of trees will create the corridor effect on Botley Road and increase the aesthetics. In turn this addition of greenery will create Thames River Botley Road’s close proximity to the Thames River a multifunctional green way on Botley Road which will help enhance biodiversity along these areas. It will contribute to people and wildlife movement. is envisaged to encourage local volunteer groups to help with the planting of reed beds, hedgerows and Black Poplars as well as assisting in the maintenance of greens areas along Botley Road and the Thames, this in turn will create a more natural environment for plant and animal species to increase and thrive.

8

Figure 38: Street furniture that includes trees in their design (source: Morph Interior, 2011).

Figure 41: Storm water drainage system using street trees (source: GreenBlue Urban, 2016).

29

CHAPTER 5 30

APPLICATION This project does not categorise as a major scheme, therefore the development of this implementation project will be done incrementally. In terms of staffing, for a phased development one will need a project leader. In this case they would be landscape architect trained in their field and have a good knowledge of the Oxford area. They would bring in their team to develop the project to the standards of the GOA. It has to be mentioned that there will be a voluntary side that has to be discussed later on with the stakeholders as we want to encourage people to own the project and to conserve the final product of the development. The following map shows where the interventions would be implemented.

A P P L I C AT I O N

Map 3: This map shows the application of some of the interventions in Chapter 4.

31

CHAPTER 6

DATA RESEARCH More information is required on the ten interventions. In this chapter, the stakeholders are identified for each of the interventions. Legal and indicative financial costs are also discussed. This helps give an overall idea of the multiple layers this project possesses.

33

S TA K E H O L D E R S Below is a list of stakeholders whose involvement The number one scale represents the lowest in the project is essential. Each one needs to be involvement in the specific intervention and consulted in order for them to contribute to the a five the highest involvement in the project. greening of the Botley Road. These are listed below not in order of precedence but alphabetically: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

BBOWT (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust) Botley & North Hinksey Community Bus Companies Environmental Agency Forestry Commission Highway Authorities Local Schools Natural England Neighbourhood Communities Osney Island Osney, St Thomas & New Botley Allotment Association Oxford City Council Oxford Conservation Volunteers Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) Oxfordshire County Council The Tree Council West Oxfordshire District Council Wildlife Conservational Research Unit Wildlife Trust

The table entitled ‘stakeholder involvement’ shows each of the ten interventions discussed previously with their associated potential stakeholder. Each stakeholder is rated on a scale from one to five on how involved they are with the intervention.

34

Interventions

Stakeholders

BBWOT Forestry Commission Natural England Osney, St Thomas & New Botley Allotment Association Biodiversity Oxfordshire County Council Wildlife Conservational Research Unit Wildlife Trust BBWOT Natural England Connectivity Oxford City Council Bus Companies Highway Authorities Cycle Paths & Footpaths Oxford City Council Oxford Preservation Trust Local Schools Education Wildlife Conservational Research Unit

Green Roofs

BBWOT Botley & North Hinksey Community Natural England Osney Island Table 1: Stakeholder Involvement.

Involvement 5 1 4 2 3 2 4 4 1 5 3 3 5 3 5 5 2 5 1 5

S TA K E H O L D E R S

Interventions Landscape Improvements

Pedestrian Crossing

Thames River

Tree Planting Day

Street Trees

Stakeholders Oxford City Council Oxfordshire County Council West Oxfordshire District Council Bus Companies Highway Authorities Oxford City Council West Oxfordshire District Council BBWOT Botley & North Hinksey Community Environmental Agency Natural England Osney Island Oxford Conservation Volunteers Wildlife Trust Botley & North Hinksey Community Forestry Commission Local Schools Osney Island The Tree Council West Oxfordshire District Council Forestry Commission Natural England Oxford City Council Table 2: Stakeholder Involvement continued.

Involvement 5 2 3 3 1 5 3 5 3 1 1 3 5 5 4 2 5 4 5 1 2 2 5

35

L E G A L

POLICY Green corridors are an integral part of green infrastructure, as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), local planning authorities should adopt a strategic approach in their Local Plans for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of biodiversity and green infrastructure.

The Framework also emphasis that local planning authorities should allow opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments in order to protect and enhance it (Communities and Local Government, 2012). The Green Space Strategy for Oxford (Oxford City Council, 2013) supports and encourages the establishment of green walking and cycling routes throughout Oxford which will not only improve the health and well-being of its residents but will also contribute to enhancing the city’s

36

biodiversity. The introduction of green corridors to a city helps tree stocks to be retained, enhanced and increased which is in accordance with Oxford’s tree policy population to have an abundance of trees and to broaden the species selection on order to cope with climate change (Oxford City Council, 2013). “People before cars” is part of the national sustainable development policies (Communities and Local Government, 2012) and the local Oxford policy (Oxford City Council, 2013). This can be achieved by providing high quality, safe and direct pedestrian and cycle links to Frideswide Square from Botley and Osney. Objective 22 of the Green Space Strategy for Oxford calls for the protection, preservation, promotion and enhancement of built heritage, archaeological features and view cones.

L E G A L LEGISLATION uk, 2015), development needs to avoid impacts on protected species, this green corridor project will be encouraging green space, reducing air pollution, Legislation requires that biodiversity be considered preserving and re-establishing habitats for Oxford’s at all stages of the planning application process. protected species. Therefore, it is most unlikely Initial discussions should be held with Nature that a survey of protected species on Botley Road England and the Environment Agency regarding would be a prerequisite to the planning application. biodiversity issues to identify any priority protected species, designated sites, important habitats or other biodiversity features on or adjacent to the application site. A biodiversity survey needs report is required at the pre-application stage, emphasis should be A proposal to improve cycle ways, footpaths and placed on demonstrating how the application can pedestrian crossings on Botley Road would be result in an “overall enhancement in biodiversity” considered under the movement framework that (Oxfordshire County Council, 2014a). Special Areas would form part of a planning agreement pursuant to of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Section 106 – Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Interest (SSSI) are given a high level of protection The design of these cycle/pedestrian routes should through the planning and legal system requiring new be segregated and clearly marked with appropriate developments to undergo an assessment of potential lighting to encourage use. Seat provision at 400m impacts or an Environmental Impact Assessment intervals is desirable. Recent legislation requires that before permission is granted, Botley Road does not people with disabilities are able to use these areas. fall into the above-mentioned categories. Under the Appropriate lighting in accordance with British Wildlife and Countryside Act 981 (Jncc.defra.gov. Standard, to include LED and dimming technology is

Biodiversity

Street Design

recommended (Oxfordshire County Council, 2015).

Concerning landscaping, design and retention of existing landscape features should be ascertained and a detailed survey of trees and hedgerows should be conducted. All trees will be retained in consultation with the City Council. Planting within visibility splays should follow the rules of the Highway Authority (Oxfordshire County Council, 2015). Regarding draining, a sustainable urban drainage system should be used (Oxfordshire County Council, 2015).

Archaeology The Oxford Archaeological Plan: Resource Assessment (Beckley and Radford, 2012) notes that a deserted medieval village was recorded along the Botley Road and St Fridewides Church (1870) on Botley Road is now Grade II listed, therefore, in accordance with national laws, these areas have to be respected and new planting on or near these areas will be carried out in consultation with the City Council.

37

F I NA N C E This table represents the indicative cost for each of the interventions. The ‘How’ column indicates the methods used to achieve the interventions with each of their indicative price in the next column. These prices were based on the sources that are listed in the last column.

Interventions Biodiversity

Connectivity

Cycle Paths & Footpaths

Education

Green Roofs

How Protecting Natural Regeneration

£2.9/each

New Natural Regeneration Establishment

£300/hectare

Cultivate and grade shrub bed with mushroom compost, removal of all stones and debris, dig planning holes, supply and planting of specified shrubs in 400 mm centres quantities, replacement of failed plants.

£3,550.00 / 100 m2 £150 / m & £70 / m for kerbing

New footway using materials Cycle track with simple junctions

£116.50 - £233.50 per km

Through the use of research grants

To be determined

Intensive green roofs with: Vapour barrier laid to prevent condensation Insulation Reservoir board Filter fleece

£12.17 / m2 £31.01 / m2 £14.58 / m2 £2.89 / m2

Table 3: Indicative cost of interventions.

38

Cost

Source (Ruralpayments.org, 2016)

Spon’s (AECOM, 2015)

(Transport Retort, 2011) (sustrans, 2009)

Not Applicable

Spon’s (AECOM, 2015)

F I NA N C E

Interventions

How

Cost

Landscape Improvements

Benches and seating Signage (1200 x 1000 mm) Sheffield Stainless Steel Cycle Stand.

£1,075.00 per set £2,061.20 each £119.75 per number

Pedestrian Crossing

Putting in place one zebra crossing with fractioning surface.

£18,000 - £28,000

Volunteer work

Not Applicable

Thames River

Tree Planting Day

Street Trees

Seed fund in partnership with The Tree Council: • Community tree fund: • Up to four fruit trees • Trees for schools fund: • Up to four fruit trees Semi mature tree planting of 18 – 20 cm girth, with tree plantings of 1500m x 1500m x 1500m deep.

To be discussed with the organisation

£285.00 each

Source Spon’s (AECOM, 2015) (Wiltshire Council, 2011) Not Applicable

The Tree Council (Treecouncil.org.uk, 2016)

Spon’s (AECOM, 2015)

Table 3: Indicative cost of interventions continued.

39

CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION The final chapter of this report brings this phase of the implementation to a close. It also suggests three actions to be taken by the client for the continuation of the project. The next stages of the implementation process are also discussed.

41

C O N C LU S I O N From this implementation project, Botley Road is fit to become a green corridor in the west of Oxford.

The term green corridor and its variants have been defined to the client in order to understand the multifunctionality of these up and coming landscape design projects. They offer psychological, social, environmental and economic benefits to humans as well as habitat benefits for wildlife. The project went on to analyse the study area. Botley Road has been examined on a historical level as well as through the use of S.W.O.T. and morphological analysis. Case studies from different parts of the world where presented and discussed to show how green corridors have affected those areas. Ten interventions were taken from the five case studies which could potentially be applied to the Botley Road. Stakeholders have been identified and assessed in terms of how they could participate in each intervention listed. National and local framework and strategy policies have been discussed, as well as legislations for biodiversity, street design, landscaping and archaeology. Finally, a financial section has shown indicative costs for the various interventions in order to value this project.

others were community and volunteer involvement.

OPA advises and encourages in the future steps of the development of the green corridor to adopt a community based decision making process. This will make local communities around the Botley Road involved with the project and have a sense of ownership of the greenway into Oxford. OPA suggests three actions from the report that the client and the council may or may not choose to use when continuing the development of a green corridor. The first action is to add street trees to the Botley Road as it enhances the overall aesthetics.

The second is the participation of local communities on a “Tree Planting Day� to create awareness of the importance of nature. And finally, the third action is to improve cycle paths and footpaths.

For the continuation of this project, it now has to go through various stages for it to be set in motion.

These can be found illustrated on the next page. The Friends of Green Infrastructure now have to decide on what they want to put forward after reading this project report on greening Botley Road. They then need to consult with the stakeholders listed in this The implementation project has shown a great deal report and discuss with them how they are going of insight into what is required to green the Botley to carry out the interventions. After discussions, a Road. Many attributes of the project were physical time table is set-up to indicate when each initiative such as street furniture and street trees, whilst would take place and how long they would go under

42

construction. After this has been established, the Friends of Green Infrastructure can go forward and select three initiatives that they see as being the most beneficiary/effective for greening Botley Road.

A series of data research will be produced for each of the interventions. These consist of finding detailed plans they will use, costing and financing of each intervention, and finally identifying the agencies that will carry them out. Publicity will be obtained to inform the public of what initiatives are going forth.

Finally, the three initiatives will become actions that will take place on the Botley Road. At this point, we do not know what these actions will be; they might also be different to the ones we suggested in this chapter.

These actions could be to execute the installation of green roofs on commercial buildings down Botley Road, to add street trees on both sides of the road or to use partnerships with Oxford universities to carry out research projects in the area. In conclusion, OPA confirms that the Friends of Green Infrastructure should submit a policy planning application in accordance with the above recommendations.

R OA D

M A P

Defined

What a green corridor is.

Exemplars

Five case studies of green corridors.

Study Area

Application • Stakeholders • Legal • Finance

Interventions

• Historical Context • S.W.O.T. • Morphology

This figure is the same as the one on page ten, but this one emphasises the processes after this report.

Conclusion

A list of ten interventions from the case studies.

Three actions suggested by OPA.

THE REPORT Discussion

Friends of Green Infrastructure deliberation.

Stakeholders

Timetable

Discussion with stakeholders as to Friends of Green Infrastructure’s priorities.

Look into how long each initiative will take till completion.

First Three Initatives Data research: • Detailed plan • Costing • Financial • Agencies to act

Publicity

Use of media to infrom people of the project.

Actions

As an example: • Green Roofs • Street Trees • Education

43

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