The consultation on the draft Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is published for consultation from 26 February 2026 until 5pm on 26 March 2026.

The following documents are being consulted on:

Comments must be provided in writing, either by email to strategic.planning@crawley.gov.uk or by post to: 

Please note that late representations cannot be accepted.

The Green Infrastructure SPD reflects and expands upon the open space, biodiversity and countryside policies in the adopted Crawley Borough Local Plan 2023 to 2040, providing supporting guidance to assist applicants in meeting the Local Plan requirements. This includes the policies in relation to:

• the green infrastructure network
• trees
• open space
• biodiversity (including Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Greening Factor)
• Countryside and High Weald National Landscape

On adoption, the SPD will form part of the development plan for Crawley and will be an important consideration in determining planning applications. Once adopted it will replace the Green Infrastructure SPD (2016).

The SPD is accompanied by a draft consultation statement and a sustainability screening report.

The SPD, and its accompanying documents, is also available to view at the following locations:

• Crawley Town Hall: The Boulevard, Crawley RH10 1UZ.  Phone: 01293 438000.  Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
• Crawley Library: Southgate Avenue, Southgate, Crawley RH10 6HG.  Phone: 01293 651744.  Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm

Crawley’s green infrastructure network supports the environment and the wellbeing of residents. Green infrastructure functions include: recreation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation/adaptation, drainage, transport, job creation, visual amenity, and food and fuel sources. 

The SPD sets out the key elements which make up important assets within Crawley and provides guidance on the following Local Plan policies:

• Policy CH2 Principles of good urban design
• Policy CH3 Normal requirements of all new development
• Policy CH6 Tree planting and replacement standards
• Policy CH7 Structural landscaping
• Policy CH9 Development outside the built-up area
• Policy CH10 High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty
• Policy CH11 Rights of way and access to the countryside
• Policy CH13 Conservation areas
• Policy CH17 Historic parks and gardens
• Policy ENV1 Green infrastructure
• Policy ENV2 Biodiversity
• Policy ENV3 Local green space
• Policy ENV4 Open space, sport and recreation
• Policy ENV5 Provision of open space, sport and recreational facilities

A key element of green infrastructure planning is taking opportunities to create multi-functional green spaces; making the best use of available land. Consideration should be given to how each space functions as part of the wider green infrastructure network.