Stoke-on-Trent Open Space and Green Infrastructure Assessment Consultation

In this section

  1. Stoke-on-Trent Open Space and Green Infrastructure Assessment. Consultation
  2. FAQ's

Stoke-on-Trent Open Space and Green Infrastructure Assessment. Consultation

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is developing a new Open Space and Green Infrastructure Assessment. We invite you, residents, local businesses, community groups and other organisations, to share your views and thoughts on the current state of green and blue spaces in Stoke-on-Trent.

What open spaces are

Open spaces are any vegetated land or water areas that are not necessarily publicly accessible. Think of, for example, allotments, amenity and recreational green space, cemeteries and churchyards, formal parks and gardens, green corridors (including canals, rivers and former railway lines), playgrounds, and semi-natural green space (e.g. natural grassland, meadows, scrubland and woodland).

Outdoor sports facilities also function as open space but most of these are already covered within the City Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy 2021-2040, which can be read in conjunction with the existing 2018 Green Space Strategy.

In the Stoke-on-Trent, open space was previously described as green space, as is evident in the 2018 Green Space Strategy. In the 2026 Assessment, the term 'open space' is used in compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

What green infrastructure is

Green Infrastructure (GI) is the network of green and blue spaces and other natural features in urban and rural areas. Together, this network of green and blue spaces can deliver a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity. Green Infrastructure is often also referred to as Green and Blue Infrastructure.

A GI network can include open spaces, but also street trees, green roofs/walls, parks, private gardens, sustainable drainage systems, through to wildlife areas, woodlands, wetlands and natural flood management functioning at local and landscape scale. Linear GI includes roadside verges, green bridges, field margins, rights of way, access routes, and canals and rivers. GI includes all public and private green and blue spaces.

Why open space and green infrastructure are important

Well designed and managed open spaces and green infrastructure generate multiple benefits for people and nature and creates greener, healthier places to live that supports a more productive economy. They are important for:

  • Nature rich and beautiful places
  • Active and healthy places
  • Thriving and prosperous places
  • Improved water management
  • Resilient and climate positive places

Open spaces and green infrastructure provide an opportunity to link with Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, Nature Recovery Network, and Natural Capital.

Watch this short explainer film by Natural England to find out more about what green infrastructure is and why it matters. [to embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8QwFquk2o]

Why your views matter

Participating in this consultation is an opportunity to signpost what you think is important for your quality of living. Your experiences are vital for us to assess the current state of green infrastructure in the Stoke-on-Trent, and to explore any opportunities for new green infrastructure provisions and partnerships.

What this consultation entails

We will ask you a series of questions about your use and appreciation of open space and green infrastructure in and around the city. We will also ask you who you think could or should be involved in open space and green infrastructure management in the Stoke-on-Trent.

This consultation asks you about the following:

  • Open spaces within Stoke-on-Trent: existing open spaces, your use of them, and their accessibility
  • Green infrastructure in and around Stoke-on-Trent: existing green infrastructures, your use of them, and their accessibility
  • Who is involved, or should be involved, in open space and green infrastructure provision and management in Stoke-on-Trent.

Your answers are strictly confidential and will be processed anonymously.

Taking part

You can take part in the consultation by completing the online response form here.

Please note: By clicking to complete the online form, you will be taken to a third‑party platform hosted on Microsoft Forms and managed by our consultation consultants.

Alternatively, you can collect a paper response form. You can find these paper forms at the following locations:

Return paper response forms by post to:

Planning Policy Team

Civic Centre

Glebe Street

Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HH

All responses must be received by Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 12 noon.

​More information

Do you have any other questions? Reach out for further information or advice by phoning 01782 233841 or emailing LocalPlan@stoke.gov.uk.