At masterplanning scale the aim should be to establish a ‘green infrastructure network’. A ‘Joint Statement on Green Infrastructure’ by English Nature and partners suggests that its design should ‘link or extend the network of existing sites, providing green corridors...from urban through suburban to rural’1. The network defines a communities green infrastructure, integrating key functional requirements:

• Urban design principles – a hierarchy of permeable streets defined by housing of sufficient density and mix of uses to animate the public realm. Communities require accessible green space as set out in PPG 3 and PPG17;
• Functional habitat networks – a mosaic of smaller greenspaces set within a continuous, linked hierarchy of larger greenspaces in order to minimise edge effects and to maximise the extent and variety of habitats available;
• Valuable ecological services – the design of habitat networks in order to deliver services such air conditioning, pollution control and flood prevention (see Chapter 1.2);
• Connections with nature – planned connections with nature intended to provide opportunities for experience, learning and involvement (see Chapter 1.3).

The network provision for larger greenspaces is based on recognised Accessible Natural Greenspace and Publicly Accessible Open Space standards. The network provision of mosaics and linkages reflects best practice from EU cities.

The plan will also need to integrate and establish links with valuable features of the existing green infrastructure, as identified by the context study. These features can make a valuable contribution to the network’s provision of parks, greenways and nature reserves.

Overvecht in the Netherlands demonstrates the basic principles of a network. In particular it considers the importance of urban design principles in planning for safe routes, as highlighted by the Safe Cities Movement. The potential for UK application of green infrastructure networks can be demonstrated by Stratford City’s proposed open space strategy.