Open Spaces Strategy First Stage Issues Consultation

(1) Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 This consultation is an important part of Harborough District Councils strategy for the future of all open spaces in the District.

1.2 The consultation is split into two parts

• Part One: Open Spaces Strategy; Issues and discussion
• Part Two: Provision for Open Space Sport and Recreation: Developer Guidance document; Issues and discussion

Part 1: Open Spaces Strategy – will:

• determine the current level of all open space throughout the district and relevant minimum provision, accessibility and quality thresholds.
• Set the typologies of open space throughout the District
• Set the aims, objectives and policies for each typology of open space
• Set out a delivery plan for the objectives

Part 2: Provision for Open Space Sport and Recreation: Developer Guidance document – this guidance document will:

• Use the minimum provision, accessibility and quality thresholds devised through consultation in the Open Spaces Strategy and apply them to new developments.
• Set out the mechanism through which the provision thresholds will be applied

1.3 It will influence how the Council manages and secures the future of open spaces in its ownership, and how we will work with others to secure new open space in the future.

(1) 1.4 We will also seek to protect existing sites for open space sports and recreation whether privately or Council owned, by applying legislation in the National Planning Policy Framework and the District Local Plan.

(1) 1.5 We are seeking views throughout this issues document concerning the way that communities want to use open space in the future, and how the minimum provision, accessibility and quality of open space can be defined to allow new sites to be secured. Your views will help us prepare both documents.

1.6 Both are strategic level document, and will not identify management plans for individual sites. We will seek to identify the principle of managing open space in the future and how green spaces could be managed differently to support the priorities of the Council.

1.7 We will be investigating the community’s views on the important strategic issue of connecting up green spaces and settlements by the use of a new network of ‘Greenways’; these are proposed to be for cycling and walking using disused railway lines and other appropriate routes. Opinion will be sought concerning where this network could be developed, and how it will be paid for and managed.

(1) 1.8 Parks and open spaces are increasingly recognised for the contribution they make to the community they serve and how they benefit local people. This includes their health and wellbeing, the local economy1, community safety and whether they impact in a positive way to a general sense of satisfaction with where people live.

1.9 Proximity to high quality green space has been shown to increase the value of residential properties by up to 15% and increase occupancy rates of business premises by 5 to 7%2

1.10 Consultees can comment on any paragraph or section of this document. However, questions have been asked throughout the document to seek views where specific feedback would be of benefit.

1 CABE Space, The Value of Public Space
2 Does Money Grow on Trees? (CABE Space, 2005).