In this chapter

• Introduction to development management policy
• Housing
• Climate change
• Nature and ecosystem services
  • Policy N/SHS: Sites, habitats and species
  • Policy N/BNG: Biodiversity net gain
  • Policy N/GI: Green infrastructure
  • Policy N/OS: Open spaces
  • Policy N/TWC: Trees and woodland conservation
  • Policy N/CELLC Landscape character and setting of settlements
  • Policy N/RFSD: Flood risk management and sustainable drainage
  • Policy N/ES: Ecosystem services
  • Policy N/EN: Ecological networks and nature recovery - local nature recovery strategies
• Green Belt
• Jobs and economy
• Healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities
• Heritage and design
• Sustainable transport
• Pollution, contamination and safety
• Minerals and waste
• Waste
• Infrastructure

Policy N/OS: Open spaces

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

• Relevant national policy or regulations
• National or regional trends
• Local situation and needs/li>
• How we have dealt with this issue in the past
• The thinking behind the policy

Policy options for the new Local Plan

We may suggest a variety of approaches:

• Keeping existing policy as it is
• Making small changes
• Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
• Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future

Policy option analysis

• A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.205 The NPPF highlights the importance of having access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation.

9.206 Placemaking Plan Policy LCR6 indicates that where new development generates a need for additional recreational open space (“green space”) and facilities including allotments, parks and recreation grounds and play space (youth and children) which cannot be met on-site or by existing provision, the developer will be required to either provide for, or to contribute to the provision of accessible sport and recreational open space and/or facilities to meet the need arising from the new development in accordance with the standards set out in the Green Space Strategy, and Planning Obligations SPD or successor documents.

9.207  The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Natural Environment Topic Paper.

Policy options for the new Local Plan

9.208 NPPF paragraph 102 sets out the following in relation to open spaces:

9.209 ‘Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities, and can deliver wider benefits for nature and support efforts to address climate change. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities (including quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new provision. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.’

9.210 As such, the following options are proposed:

Option A

Continue with the existing approach, that being open space requirements are achieved through the implementation of policy LCR6. This will require consultation with the B&NES parks team on applications, with open space requirements set within the Green Space Strategy and Planning Obligations SPD.

Advantages of Option A

• The existing approach allows for flexibility, as standards are not set within policy.

Disadvantages of Option A

• As standards and requirements are set within separate documents the current approach can result in inconsistency in terms of open space provided through the planning application process.

Option B

Incorporate Natural England Space standards within planning policy.

Advantages of Option B

• Will take account of most current and up to date guidance. Setting standards within policy will allow for stronger weighting in determining applications.

Disadvantages of Option B

• Will limit flexibility should standards change.

Option C

Remove policy (accessible green space to be covered under consolidated GI policy).

Advantages of Option C

• Allows for a more concise plan overall, ensuring GI and provision of green space are covered together. The revised GI Strategy will include accessible green space standard as part of NE GI Framework approach.

Disadvantages of Option C

• May reduce scope of flexibility for achieving certain forms of open space or GI should they be considered collectively.

Discussion questions

Question 1

Which of the policy Options A to C do you prefer? Please say why

Question 2

Are there any approaches which can be taken to ensure the policy can better reflect the Council’s Corporate priorities?