Introduction
Green Infrastructure (GI) is a network of multi-functional areas valuable to communities and wildlife. This includes woodland, hedgerows, lines of significant trees, etc.

Policy idea
We have produced a Green Infrastructure Network map of the Farnham Royal neighbourhood area for protection and improvement. Development proposals coming forward will need to consider it in the design of their schemes.

Related feedback from community workshops
Protect
– Tranquillity
– Rural character
– Access to countryside and green spaces
– Wildlife
– Woodland, hedges, and trees

Conclusion
Identifying our GI network is the first step to protect its functionality and connectivity and will also contribute to maintaining access to countryside and preserving the rural character.

Introduction
Local Green Space designation is a planning policy tool that can be used to give protection against development to publicly valued green spaces.

Policy idea
Candidates for Local Green Space designation can be recommended by the local community if they meet the following tests:
Has to be near the community it serves.
Demonstrably special value e.g., recreational (most likely), historic or biodiversity.
Can’t be a large tract of land e.g., all the way round the village.

If a space is designated, it will be given protection equivalent to an area in the green belt, generally meaning no development will be permitted.

Related feedback from community workshops
Protect
Tranquillity
Rural character
Access to countryside and green spaces

Conclusion
Similarly, to FAR2, this policy will safeguard the tranquillity and rural character of the area.

Introduction
Design codes are used to set out design principles for new development.

Policy idea
A Farnham Royal design code would establish the principles of essential design considerations in each distinct area of the Parish.
This would ensure that new development demonstrates a connection with local character.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Rural character
– Historic buildings and local
Change
– Overuse of infilling

Conclusion
Design codes are detailed and can address a wide range of land use-based issues in an area. By identifying area-specific characteristics, they would guide future development without compromising the rural character.

Introduction
Local Heritage Assets are buildings and structures which are not nationally listed but provide architectural or historic value to the local area.

Policy idea
We are compiling a list of buildings and structures and will contact landowners in due course.
To gain designation, English heritage criteria must be met.
The local community can nominate buildings or structure they consider has architectural or historical value.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Historic buildings and local architecture

Conclusion
By creating a list of Local Heritage Assets, the neighbourhood plan will be able to carry out the community’s wishes of protecting historic buildings and architecture that make a contribution to Farnham Royal’s character and sense of place.

Introduction
The neighbourhood plan can be used to protect the use of a building for a local community use.

Policy idea
We have identified local community uses and pubs which we think should be protected from change of use as finding new land for such uses is often difficult. We will also encourage their improvement.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Community facilities
– Local businesses and shops
Encourage
– Improve existing community facilities
Change
– Village centre

Conclusion
We will seek to protect community facilities and important local businesses from unnecessary loss.

Introduction
Following a change in the planning system and how it classified uses, crèches and nurseries now do not fall within the same ‘use class’ as other community services and there is less of a barrier to changing its use without planning permission.

Policy idea
We have identified our early years provision services and want to use the neighbourhood plan to identify how important they are.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Community facilities
– Local businesses and shops
Encourage
– Improve existing community facilities

Conclusion
Similarly, to FAR6, this policy will seek to protect early years provision.

Introduction
As with FAR7, there is now less of a barrier to businesses changing their use.

Policy idea
We have identified the extent of our village centre and want to use the neighbourhood plan to identify how important the retention of these uses are.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Local businesses and shops
– Mixed use development schemes lying within the defined Village Centre
Change
– Village Centre

Conclusion
Similarly, to FAR7, this policy will seek to protect uses in our village centre.

Introduction
The Parish Council has adopted an Active Travel Strategy and we want to use the neighbourhood plan to progress its aims.

Policy idea
We have identified the extent of sustainable travel network and where we need improvements including traffic management measures. Development proposals coming forward will need to consider it in the design of their schemes.

Related feedback from the community workshops
Protect
– Public transport
Encourage
– Traffic mitigation measures
Change
– Speeding and through traffic

Conclusion
Identifying our existing sustainable travel network, and where there are opportunities for improvement, will help direct investment to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport.