Should the SPD include guidance to promote green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

Do you think provision of green infrastructure in town centre locations is important? What advantages and disadvantages does green infrastructure bring?

I think this is vital to ensuring the success of our town centres. The feel of Orpington at the moment is unpleasant - its very busy with traffic and the buildings on the whole are not very attractive. I view it as somewhere I go only if i needs something rather than a destination in itself, with the exception of priory gardens. With increased green infrastructure i think the whole town centre could be improved and made into somewhere I would want to bring my kids and enjoy the cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities.

What type of green infrastructure do you think is most suitable for Orpington Town Centre?

Increased numbers of trees on the high street, up towards the leisure centre and near the library. Could also include some seating areas with native planting and wildflowers incorporated. Green screening could allow the cafes to use the pavement more and maintain privacy for customers. Pedestrianisation of the centre of the high street could allow for a nicer feel and some planting like Bromley high street has.

Do you think there are any opportunities/locations where new green infrastructure could be provided in Orpington Town Centre?

Literally everywhere! The town is really quite ugly and there are very few areas which would not benefit from some greenery. In particular the pedestrian areas leading from the highstreet through to the cinema would benefit from some greening.

Which, if any, open spaces in and around the town centre do you currently use, and why?

Priory gardens. The children's play park is well equipped, although seriously in need of some TLC, and the duck pond is fun. We find it easy to access as the R3 stops outside. I think better use could be made of the wide open space here though - more events or perhaps more buggy/scooter friendly paths. Less formal planting to be replaced with native wildflowers.

Are there any open spaces in and around the town centre you do not currently use, but would like to? What changes would make you more likely to use this open space?

No, but that's because there really aren't any!

Should the SPD include guidance to promote green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

Do you think provision of green infrastructure in town centre locations is important? What advantages and disadvantages does green infrastructure bring?

Yes, this is incredibly important. Orpington is not an attractive town despite some good local parks. Greening would improve environmental factors, health and wellbeing, and would attract more residents and businesses to the area.

What type of green infrastructure do you think is most suitable for Orpington Town Centre?

Small parks, community gardens, trees and planting, sustainability awareness zones.

Do you think there are any opportunities/locations where new green infrastructure could be provided in Orpington Town Centre?

Empty units, pavements, corners, outside the leisure centre, the square.

Which, if any, open spaces in and around the town centre do you currently use, and why?

Priory Gardens

Should the SPD include guidance to promote green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

Do you think provision of green infrastructure in town centre locations is important? What advantages and disadvantages does green infrastructure bring?

Yes, I think it is vital. We should strive to look at green infrastructure to help improve quality of life and as a solution to many issues we face. Trees and green walls to help improve air quality to combat the ever increasing asthma and other respiratory conditions we see. Help to cool ‘urban islands’ in summer by capturing heat and stop it being trapped in the concrete and tarmac, exacerbating the ever more frequent heatwaves we see. Creating green spaces for leisure. This has huge impact on physical and mental Health wellbeing and is likely to attract and retain people to the area. I can’t see any disadvantages other than short term cost.

What type of green infrastructure do you think is most suitable for Orpington Town Centre?

Re-greening if the high street. More trees and green wall/planters, to help combat pollution and heat.

Do you think there are any opportunities/locations where new green infrastructure could be provided in Orpington Town Centre?

Orpington station attracts huge traffic (massive car park). Could more be done around that area to reduce pollution through trees and green walls? Lots of children queue for buses next to the gridlocked main road, which must impact their lungs.

Which, if any, open spaces in and around the town centre do you currently use, and why?

Priory gardens. Great outdoor space. Well laid out. Could do more ‘wilding’ to encourage insects and birds etc Poverest/Covert Wood. Good open space. Wood is good to escape heat and see some wildlife. Perhaps more could be made of that area.

Are there any open spaces in and around the town centre you do not currently use, but would like to? What changes would make you more likely to use this open space?

N/A

Do you have any other comments in relation to green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

We have some fantastic roads around Orpington/Knoll/Petts Wood with very established trees. Unfortunately, over time these are going one by one. Sapplings are often planted but with poor success rates. It would be good to try to make sure our stock of trees are protected for future generations. Maybe try to enlist the public to help point out where tree planting might work in their vacinity, and perhaps enlist them to help with monitoring or even watering in the early years.

Should the SPD include guidance to promote green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

Do you think provision of green infrastructure in town centre locations is important? What advantages and disadvantages does green infrastructure bring?

Yes. Improved air quality, great for mental well being and for social interaction

What type of green infrastructure do you think is most suitable for Orpington Town Centre?

Green walls, green roof tops, street trees, maybe you could encourage shops to have planters outside - Orpington in bloom competition etc..

Do you think there are any opportunities/locations where new green infrastructure could be provided in Orpington Town Centre?

Roof tops, strips of car parks which are under used could be planted as wild flower gardens!

Which, if any, open spaces in and around the town centre do you currently use, and why?

Priory park to walk my dog, Goddington park

Should the SPD include guidance to promote green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

Do you think provision of green infrastructure in town centre locations is important? What advantages and disadvantages does green infrastructure bring?

Yes very important. Green infrastructure can provide a wide range of benefits including public health, environmental and biodiversity benefits. Zero disadvantages.

What type of green infrastructure do you think is most suitable for Orpington Town Centre?

Parks, water spaces exist and should be better maintained and green elements of the built environment such as street trees, green roofs and green walls should be developed installed and maintained by LBB.

Do you think there are any opportunities/locations where new green infrastructure could be provided in Orpington Town Centre?

High Street by reducing vehicular movement and traffic and installing a 'green corridor' for pedestrians and cycists.

Which, if any, open spaces in and around the town centre do you currently use, and why?

Goddington park, Jubilee Park, High Elms - for leisure, relaxation and exercise.

Are there any open spaces in and around the town centre you do not currently use, but would like to? What changes would make you more likely to use this open space?

Linking up green spaces using cycle lane 'corridor' connections between and within them.

Do you have any other comments in relation to green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre?

LBB should 'walk the walk' and do some of the above instead of only 'talk the talk' and paying lip service to green infrastructure in Orpington Town Centre.