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<p>The Levelling Up White Paper is clear that green infrastructure is a key component
to levelling up, as so many levelling up goals are connected to green places that
local people can be proud of. People’s lives are shaped by the social and physical
fabric of their communities. The local mix of social and physical capital, which includes
good quality green spaces, gives areas their unique character and vibrancy, and makes
residents proud to live there.</p><p>A beautiful built environment, access to leisure
and cultural amenities and safe neighbourhoods can also attract businesses to high
streets, leading to increased footfall and private sector investment in communities.
To make this a reality, communities must have strong civic institutions, assets and
relationships that anchor local pride in place.</p><p>My department has set out in
the National Planning Policy Framework that planning policies and decisions should
take into account the desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing character and
setting, which can include preserving residential gardens.</p><p>My department is
delivering the £9 million Levelling Up Parks Fund which provides direct grants to
deliver over 100 green spaces in the communities with the lowest access to green space.</p><p>The
Government also announced in the Levelling Up White Paper that we will invest a further
£30 million to refurbish at least 30 parks in England, with an emphasis on providing
facilities for young families.</p><p>Further details on these funds will be announced
in due course.</p>
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