Have your say about Aylesbury Vale's parks and open spaces

Archived press release

Date Published: 12/11/09

Comment on the future of the Vale's parks and open spaces

Aylesbury Vale’s parks and open spaces are set to benefit from further enhancements thanks to a long-term strategy developed by AVDC.

The council’s draft Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out the vision for managing parks, playing fields, play areas and other green spaces across the Vale up to 2026, and aims to ensure that the green spaces enhance the local environment, are accessible, attractive, safe and enjoyable to visit.

Improvements have already been made in recent years following public consultation. Now, the council has drawn up an action plan setting out a range of proposals for future years, and is asking residents to comment on it.

Included in the strategy are ten flagship projects the council wishes to bring to fruition between now and 2026. They include a network of new nature reserves around the planned housing developments, and improvements to existing sites such as Bernwood Forest, Wendover Woods and Whaddon Chase.

It is considered key to Aylesbury Vale’s future that quality green spaces are protected and provided, given the enormous housing growth destined to come to the district. The government, through the South East Plan, requires AVDC to provide for 26,890 new homes by 2026.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Building new communities is about much more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about providing a range of community facilities including green spaces that can be used for leisure and help encourage local wildlife. By producing this strategy and acting upon it we will be taking an important step forward to help improve the quality of life for the people of Aylesbury Vale.”

The draft strategy can be viewed by logging on to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/greenspaces and all comments need to be received by 31 December. To request a copy of the strategy, call 01296 585210 or email greenspaces@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk