Residents’ perceptions of green infrastructure in the contemporary residential context: a study of Kingswood, Kingston-upon-Hull, England

Recent developments in the conceptualisation of green infrastructure have used ecosystems services as a framework to understand its multi-functionality. A number of studies explore green infrastructure functions and services, both outside and within the field of planning and design, primarily from the perspective of professionals. The research reported here uses an ‘on-site’ and ‘sharp-narrative’ qualitative approach in a typical urban extension in Kingston upon Hull, England, to gain further insight into how residents perceive green infrastructure and which aspects of it they value. The findings indicate that they understand green infrastructure experientially rather than functionally, predominantly appreciating its cultural services. The article addresses a gap in our understanding of residents’ perceptions of green infrastructure and its benefits within contemporary, master planned, speculative housing development. This knowledge is important at a time of rapid urban development to inform the successful planning and design of green infrastructure in new residential neighbourhoods.