SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1. Introduction and background
The study
1.1 Charnwood Borough sits within the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. One third of the population live in the thriving university town of Loughborough. The remaining two thirds live in the villages/small towns of the Soar and Wreake valleys and on the edge of Leicester.
1.2 In April 2009, PMP were commissioned by the Borough Council to undertake an open space, sport and recreation study in accordance with the requirements of Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17) and its Companion Guide, published in September 2002. The study will underpin the evidence base for the new Charnwood Local Development Framework. In addition, the study will provide guidance for the future delivery of facilities for leisure and recreation across the Borough.
1.3 The key aims and objectives of the study are to:
• provide local standards for open space, sport and recreation to enable the setting of local policies
• identify surpluses and deficiencies in open space, sport and recreation provision and to consider these against current needs and future growth
• help understand the split in responsibility for open space, sport and recreation provision between the private and educational sectors, Parish/Town Councils the County Council and the Borough Council
• inform future policies and planning obligations
• provide specific recommendations for the type and amount of open space, sport and recreation provision across the Borough and for each Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE)
• form part of and inform a wider Green Infrastructure approach in the Charnwood Core Strategy and other Development Plan Documents
• inform a wider evidence base about how each settlement within Charnwood functions, and in particular how improved open space, sport and recreation provision can contribute to wider social, economic and environmental objectives.
1.4 The findings of this work will provide a clear vision for the future delivery of open space, sport and recreation facilities and provide evidence for informed decision making.
1.5 Furthermore, it should be noted that the Borough Council is currently working with Northwest Leicestershire District Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council as part of a Charnwood Forest Regional Park, which was proposed through the emerging East Midlands Regional Plan. This proposal, as well as the strategic approach to the provision of green infrastructure provides important context to the PPG17 study.
1.6 This assessment of open space, sport and recreation facilities also incorporates a Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) which evaluates the adequacy of pitches for football, rugby, cricket and hockey and has been developed following the methodology
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outlined in “Towards a Level Playing Field – A Manual for the Production of Playing Pitch Strategies”(Sport England 2002).
Why public open space?
1.7 Recognition of the role that open spaces play in supporting the implementation of both national and local objectives is essential if the benefits that can be derived from open spaces are to be maximised.
1.8 The profile of open spaces, sport and recreation facilities is becoming increasingly high on the national stage and the value placed on open spaces by local communities is reflected in the Park Life Report (Greenspace, June 2007), which indicates that 92% of all those questioned had visited a park within the last month.
1.9 On a national level, PPG17 states that well designed and implemented planning policies for open space, sport and recreation are fundamental to delivering broader Government objectives, many of which are also reflective of local priorities in Charnwood. These include:
• supporting an urban renaissance
• promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion
• enhancing health and well being
• promoting more sustainable development.
1.10 The value of open space is not just recreational. The strategic contribution that open spaces can make to the wider environment includes: • defining the local landscape character and providing an appropriate context and setting for built development and infrastructure
• helping to achieve a softer interface between urban and rural environments
• emphasising the presence of particular natural features within the landscape such as river valleys, canals
• supporting habitats and local wildlife
• promoting and protecting biodiversity and habitat creation
• mitigating climate change and flood risk.
1.11 The foreword to the recently produced guide to the production of open space strategies (CABE Space 2009) states that:
Open space has never been more important than it is today. In the face of new environmental, social and economic challenges, it is essential to our quality of life, our health and well-being and to ensuring a more sustainable future for all. Creation, protection and improvement of a high quality open space network should be at the heart of every authority’s vision for an area.
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1.12 It reinforces the importance of consideration of open space, sport and recreation facilities within the planning system. The Government White Paper1 (May 2007) highlights minimising climate change and the protection of the environment as two of the key challenges to be addressed. Adapting Public Space to Climate Change (CABE Space 2009) states that adaptation to climate change means making towns and cities more resilient and advises that well-designed, flexible public spaces offer the most effective opportunity to adapt to threats. The document goes on to highlight that:
“Spaces that are softer, greener, more organic and natural will store water and are critical to modifying urban temperatures. Green spaces with a generous planting of trees link to form a network - offering cooler, cleaner air………. Urban green spaces form a natural infrastructure that is as critical to support urban life as streets, railways, drainage and sewers’’.
1.13 PPS12 (Local Spatial Planning 2008) highlights the importance of spatial planning in creating strong and prosperous communities. Consideration of the green infrastructure and the creation of a positive framework for the protection, development and enhancement of open space will contribute to the overall achievement of sustainable development. PPS 3 (Housing 2006) PPS 6 (Planning for Town Centres 2005) PPS 9 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 2005) and PPS 25 (Planning and flood risk 2006) all specifically reference the importance of appropriately designed open space in the creation of sustainable communities.
1.14 Parks, natural spaces and other types of open space do not exist in isolation but make up the green infrastructure of the Borough. Green infrastructure is the physical environment within and between urban areas. It is a network of multi-functional open spaces, including formal parks, gardens, woodlands, green corridors, waterways, street trees and open countryside. It comprises all environmental resources, and thus a green infrastructure approach also contributes towards sustainable resource management.
Function and benefits of open space
1.15 Almost all open spaces have both primary and secondary functions. For example outdoor sports facilities frequently function as amenity areas and many cemeteries are also havens for wildlife and biodiversity. Provision of a balance of different types of open space is essential to meet local aspirations. These aspirations may vary from place to place and change over time.
1.16 Changing social and economic circumstances, work and leisure practices, more sophisticated consumer tastes and higher public expectations have placed new demands on open spaces. They have to serve more diverse communities and face competition from various developers. While the provision of open spaces can be challenging, open spaces can also promote community cohesion, encourage community development and stimulate partnerships between the public and private sector.
1 Department of Communities and Local Government, “Planning for a Sustainable Future: White Paper” 21 May 2007
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1.17 Parks and open spaces are more accessible to a wider range of people than some sport and leisure facilities and are therefore better able to realise the aims of social inclusion and equality of opportunity. The provision of open spaces and recreation facilities is key to an ideal, sustainable and thriving community. The Park Life Report (Green Space June 2007) highlighted that 83% of those surveyed feel that parks are the focal point of a community. Provision of parks and other open spaces can therefore contribute to the integration of varying sectors of the community.
1.18 The benefits of open space are identified in Appendix A.
The local context
1.19 As detailed above, Charnwood Borough sits centrally between the three cities of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and includes a mix of both urban and rural settings.
1.20 The key characteristics (extracted from the Sustainable Community Strategy, the Corporate Plan 2009-2012, Charnwood 2026 - Planning for our next Generation and also the 2008 Health Profile for Charnwood - Department of Health.) of the Borough are:
• a mixture of urban and rural areas. In addition to Loughborough, the County town in the north of the Borough, there are also a string of larger settlements towards Leicester along the valleys of the River Wreake and Soar
• a population of circa 164,000 at present which is due to increase to over 175,000 by 2021
• an above average proportion of residents aged 15 – 24 years (15%); boosted by the large number of students attending both Loughborough University and Loughborough College in the Borough
• levels of mobility that are above average, with just 19% of the population without access to a car compared to 24% in the East Midlands region and 27% nationally
• a relatively affluent Borough, but with pockets of deprivation where communities suffer from poor access to jobs, poor housing and a lack of facilities
• overall a healthy population, with most residents describing their health as good (70%) or fair (22%)
• that the majority of indicators relating to the health of people living in Charnwood are better than average when compared with England, the East Midlands and with other similar authorities. However, Health Profiles compiled by the Department of Health estimate that over 1 in 5 adults smoke and almost 1 in 4 are obese
• life expectancy and premature death rates from major causes are all similar to or better than the England average. Life expectancy has risen at a similar rate to the England trend.
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1.21 Map 1.1 overleaf illustrates the main settlements in Charnwood and provides an indication as to the location of the Borough. Charnwood Forest, which forms part of the National Forest, is located within the Borough and draws many visitors particularly to Bradgate Park. To the east of the Borough are the rolling farmlands of the Wolds.
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Map 1.1 – Geographical location of Charnwood
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1.22 In light of the diverse characteristics of the Borough and the scale of the geographical area, for the purposes of analysis of different types of open space in this report, settlements have been divided into three hierarchies:
• larger settlements
• service centres
• smaller settlements.
1.23 Table 1.1 below outlines the populations in each of the areas and the key settlements included within each category. This settlement hierarchy has been derived using the evidence base available at the time of this study and is subject to change as the Core Strategy evidence base evolves.
Table 1.1 – Settlement hierarchies across Charnwood
Area name Population Settlements included Larger settlements 58% Loughborough, Shepshed, Birstall, Thurmaston
Service centres Anstey, Syston, Rothley, Mountsorrel, Sileby, 35% Quorn, Barrow, Hathern, East Goscote, Queniborough, Rearsby Smaller settlements Newtown Linford, Thurcaston, Wanlip, Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, Beeby, South Croxton, Ulverscroft, Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves; Swithland, Cossington, Thrussington, Seagrave, Walton on the Wolds, Burton on the 8% Wolds, Prestwold, Wymeswold, Cotes, Hoton, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Wanlip
Developing a Vision
1.24 It is essential that a clear vision for open spaces is developed to guide the proactive planning of open spaces across the Borough and ensure that all partners are working to achieve a common goal.
1.25 The vision for open space in Charnwood has been derived from the key themes of consultation carried out as part of this study (discussed later in this report) as well as an understanding of local, regional and national priorities. The vision is to provide:
‘An accessible, attractive, safe, secure and sustainable network of open space and sport and recreation facilities that protects and enhances biodiversity, provides choice, access and quality of life for all residents, workers and visitors and engenders pride in the local community.
1.26 Achievement of the following objectives will be central to the delivery of this vision:
• Quality - maintain and enhance the quality of open spaces in the Borough in terms of both recreation and biodiversity to ensure that it is safe, accessible, attractive and of high quality • Quantity - ensure the quantity of open space is sufficient to meet local needs • Access and functionality - ensure that sites are accessible and functional and provide maximum benefit to the local community
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• Management – ensure that sites are appropriately managed to maximise their functionality and value to the local community and wildlife.
1.27 This report summarises the key issues across the Borough of Charnwood and highlights opportunities for improvement. CABE Space Guidance recommends the subsequent development of a green space strategy for the Borough which outlines the key priorities and highlight the actions which will be taken when resources, opportunities and future development allow. The key priorities of this strategy would be delivered by Charnwood Borough Council and it’s partners.
Report structure
1.28 This report is split into 15 sections. Sections 1, 2 and 3 outline the methodology adopted to undertake the study, the methods of interpretation used and strategic context, while sections 4 to 14 evaluate the key issues for each type of open space. Section 15 summarises the key findings and evaluates the impact of the proposed SUEs. For ease of reference, sections are split as follows:
• Section Two – Undertaking the study (ie methodology)
• Section Three – Strategic Context
• Section Four – Parks and Gardens
• Section Five – Natural and Semi Natural Open Space
• Section Six – Amenity Green Space
• Section Seven – Provision for Children and Young People
• Section Eight – Outdoor Sports Facilities
• Section Nine – Playing Pitch Strategy
• Section Ten – Allotments
• Section Eleven – Cemeteries and Churchyards
• Section Twelve – Green Corridors
• Section Thirteen – Civic spaces, Village Greens and Historic Spaces
• Section Fourteen – Indoor Sports Facilities
• Section Fifteen – Summary and Planning Implementation.
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2. Undertaking the study
Introduction
2.1 This study has been undertaken in accordance with PPG17 and its Companion Guide as well as the Best Practice Guide to the preparation of Open Space Strategies (CABE Space 2009). PPG17 emphasises the importance of making decisions based on local needs and aspirations as opposed to following national trends and guidelines.
2.2 The Companion Guide indicates that the four guiding principles in undertaking a local assessment are:
(i) understanding that local needs will vary according to socio-demographic and cultural characteristics (ii) recognising that the provision of good quality and effective open space relies on effective planning but also on creative design, landscape management and maintenance (iii) considering that delivering high quality and sustainable open spaces may depend much more on improving and enhancing existing open space rather than new provision (iv) taking into account that the value of open space will be greater when local needs are met. It is essential to consider the wider benefits that sites generate for people, wildlife and the environment.
2.3 Paragraph 7 states that “local authorities should use the information gained from their assessments of needs and opportunities to set locally derived standards for the provision of open space, sports and recreational facilities in their areas”. PPG17 sets out the Government’s belief that national standards are inappropriate as they do not take into account the demographics of an area, the specific needs of residents and the extent of built development.
2.4 Setting local standards through the PPG17 process therefore ensures that the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities is tailored to the needs and aspirations of local residents as well as the characteristics and environment of the different size settlements in Charnwood.
Types of open space
2.5 The overall definition of open space within the government planning guidance is: “all open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can also act as a visual amenity”.
2.6 PPG17 identifies ten typologies including nine types of green space and one category of urban open space. It states that local authorities when preparing assessments of needs and audits of existing open space and recreation facililities should use these typologies, or variations of it.
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2.7 In order to best reflect the types of provision in Charnwood, slight changes were made to the typologies detailed in PPG17, specifically:
• provision for children and young people was subdivided into provision for children (up to 12) and provision for young people (over 12) in order to reflect that the presence of a facility for children does not necessarily negate the need for a facility for teenagers
• additional typologies of village greens and historic spaces were included. Village greens and historic spaces are considered alongside civic spaces in Section 13 and are also referenced within the amenity green spaces typology.
2.8 Table 2.1 sets out the types of open space included within this study. The categorisation of each open space into the typologies in Table 2.1 was carried out by Charnwood Borough Council as part of the site visit process.
Table 2.1 - Typologies of open space, sport and recreation facilities
Type Definition Primary Purpose Parks and These range from major parks to • informal recreation gardens small memorial gardens – often used for informal recreation and community • community events events. Natural and semi- Includes publicly accessible • wildlife conservation natural green woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, spaces grasslands (eg downlands, commons, • biodiversity meadows), wetlands and wastelands. • environmental education and awareness Amenity green Most commonly but not exclusively • informal activities close space found in housing areas. Includes to home or work informal recreation green spaces. • children’s play • enhancement of the appearance of residential or other areas Provision for Areas designed primarily for play and • children’s play children social interaction involving children below aged 12. While it is recognised that a wide variety of opportunities for children exist (including play schemes and open spaces not specifically designed for this purpose), as per PPG17, this typology considers only those spaces specifically designed as equipped play facilities.
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Provision for Areas designed primarily for play and • activities or meeting young people social interaction involving young places for young people aged 12 and above. While it is people recognised that a wide variety of opportunities for young people exist (including youth clubs and open spaces not specifically designed for this purpose), as per PPG17, this typology considers only those spaces specifically designed for use by young people for example: • teenage shelters • skateboard parks • BMX tracks • Multi Use Games Areas Outdoor sports Natural or artificial surfaces either • facilities for formal facilities publicly or privately owned used for sports participation sport and recreation. Includes school playing fields and: • outdoor sports pitches • tennis courts • bowls greens • golf courses. Allotments Opportunities for those people who • growing vegetable, fruit wish to do so to grow their own and flowers (drop root produce as part of the long-term crops) promotion of sustainability, health and social inclusion. May also include urban farms. This typology does not include private gardens. Cemeteries & Cemeteries and churchyards including • burial of the dead churchyards closed churchyards and other burial grounds. • quiet contemplation
Green corridors Includes towpaths along canals and • walking, cycling or riverbanks, cycleways, rights of way horse riding and disused railway lines. • leisure purposes or travel • opportunities for wildlife migration Civic spaces & Formal areas for pedestrians such as • community events village greens civic squares and market squares – often used for community events and • setting for civic settings for civic buildings. buildings Historic spaces Sites of historic value • informal recreation • community events
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2.9 As well as evaluating outdoor open space, sport and recreation facilities, in line with PPG17, indoor built facilities have also been considered. This typology includes sports halls, swimming pools, indoor bowls and health and fitness facilities.
PPG17 – five step process
2.10 The PPG17 Companion Guide sets out a five-step logical process for undertaking a local assessment of open space, specifically;
• Step 1 – identifying local needs
• Step 2 – auditing local provision
• Step 3 – setting provision standards
• Step 4 – applying provision standards
• Step 5 – drafting policies – recommendations and strategic priorities.
2.11 The tasks included within each step are detailed below.
Playing Pitch Strategy
2.12 The playing pitch strategy has been developed following the methodology set out in ‘Towards a Level Playing Field: A manual for the production of a playing pitch strategy’. Further information on the methodology used is provided in Section 9 of this report. Some phases of the PPG17 assessment also inform the Playing Pitch Strategy, specifically the consultation and the audit of existing provision.
Step 1 - identifying local needs
2.13 PPG17 states that community consultations are essential to identify local attitudes to existing provision and understand local expectations for additional or improved provision. The guidance relies less on the implementation of national standards and places increased emphasis on local needs.
2.14 A balance of statistical and subjective consultations was carried out in order to ensure that a wide variety of opinions were heard. Subjective consultation provides an opportunity to test the key themes arising from the statistical evidence.
2.15 The key stages of the local needs assessment are summarised below.
Desk research
2.16 Desk research was undertaken comprising:
• analysis of the population profile to inform the identification of existing and potential future needs for open space, sport and recreation facilities in Charnwood
• a strategic review of relevant background policy documents (national, regional and local) that provide an indication of local needs and the priorities for the Borough.
2.17 A summary of the key findings from this desk research are set out in section three of this report.
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Household survey
2.18 5,000 questionnaires were distributed to households across the Borough to capture the views of both users and non-users of open spaces during May 2009. Residents were randomly selected using the Council’s electoral register to ensure that a wide range of residents were given the opportunity to participate. A copy of the household survey and accompanying covering letter can be found in Appendix B.
2.19 517 completed postal questionnaires were returned during the survey period. A sample of around 500 responses provides results that are accurate to circa +/- 4.4% at the 95% confidence interval. This means for example, that if 70% of the survey sample had said that they think that the quality of parks is good, we can be 95% confident that had we interviewed all residents, the results would lie between 65.6% and 74.4%.
Geographical analysis
2.20 To assist with interpretation of views across the Borough, the analysis has been undertaken both on a Borough wide basis and also by the three settlement hierarchies set out in section one of this report.
2.21 Key questions included on the household survey were cross-tabulated against responses from residents living in each of the three settlement hierarchies to allow examination of the data at a more detailed local level. This provides an indication of how views vary according to the size of settlement in which people live.
Internet survey for children and young people
2.22 Consultation with young people and children is traditionally difficult, however, it is important to understand the views of this large sector of the community, as children and young people are important users of open space, sport and recreation facilities.
2.23 To reflect their importance, two questionnaires were posted on the internet during May 2009. One questionnaire was intended for pupils of a primary school age (referred to as children in this report) and one for young people of secondary school age (referred to as young people). All schools within the Council boundary were notified of the website address and asked to encourage their pupils to complete the questionnaires.
2.24 In total, 147 completed questionnaires were returned during the survey period from primary school aged children and 145 from secondary school aged children/young people.
Officer and On-line surveys
2.25 Two further questionnaires were posted on the internet to provide residents with an additional opportunity to give their views and also to allow Council Officers to provide feedback via an on-line self-completion questionnaire.
2.26 The availability of these surveys was promoted via the local media, however, responses were relatively low, at just 51 Officer questionnaires and 16 on-line questionnaires from residents.
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Sports club survey
2.27 A postal questionnaire was sent to all sports clubs included on a club database provided by the Council in order to obtain the views of local clubs and organisations on the adequacy of sports facility provision. Two questionnaires were sent out; one for pitch sport clubs (football, rugby, cricket and hockey) and one for non pitch sport clubs. 31 general sports clubs returned completed questionnaires and 24 pitch sports clubs did so.
Discussion groups/workshops
2.28 Discussion groups/workshop sessions were held with a wide range of key stakeholders, including two discussion groups with Parish Council representatives and one workshop session with key stakeholders (including representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Sport, South Charnwood School Sports Partnership and Loughborough University). In addition further consultation meetings were held with key Officers from the Council to explore issues in more detail.
2.29 A summary of the findings of all consultations undertaken can be found in Appendix C.
Step 2 - auditing local provision
2.30 PPG17 states that audits of provision should encompass all existing open space and sport and recreation facilities irrespective of ownership. The logic for this is that all forms of provision can contribute to meeting local needs. A detailed audit was compiled by Charnwood Borough Council.
2.31 As well as considering the quantity of open space, sport and recreation provision, it is also important to evaluate the quality of existing sites and therefore, site assessments were carried out at all open spaces identified in the audit by the Borough Council.
2.32 Site assessments recorded:
• the facilities available at each site
• wildlife and habitats that were evident
• additional details such as opening hours, financial performance and level of access where known.
2.33 In addition, each site was rated in terms of a number of qualitative features, specifically, main entrance, site boundaries, roads/ path/ access, fencing/walls/ railings , planted areas, grass areas, play equipment, security and safety, litter/bins, seats, toilets, parking, lighting, signage, information, cleanliness and changing rooms. For each of these factors, sites were awarded a score of 1 – 5 where one is poor and 5 is very good.
2.34 In order to enable comparisons between sites and across typologies, site scores were then converted into percentages by evaluating the total score achieved, against the maximum possible score for that site. The criteria that each site was measured against was defined by the factors included in the local quality standard for that typology. This is expanded upon further later in this section (under the explanation of the local quality standards).
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2.35 Audits of children and young people sites were carried out using Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) play value judging criteria. RoSPA sets out scoring thresholds to allow children and young people’s sites to be classified into one of the following: poor, below average, average, good or excellent. Junior, toddlers and teenagers have separate scoring thresholds which are appropriate to each age group.
2.36 In practice many play areas have elements of toddler play and junior play. Where this is the case the play area has been classified according to the predominant age group.
2.37 RoSPA states: “The assessments ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Average’ etc, are based on what RoSPA considers acceptable. In practice ‘Average’ will be in excess of the national average for existing play areas.” RoSPA therefore recognises that their standards are particularly stringent.
2.38 The RoSPA play value score was then converted into the scoring system used in the rest of the PPG17 audit ranging from very good to very poor.
2.39 Indoor sports facilities were not included within the open space site assessment programme as a county wide study to produce a sports facilities strategic framework was being undertaken simultaneously. This study also involved undertaking site assessments to indoor sports facilities in Charnwood and therefore, the findings from this study were used to provide information on the quality/access of indoor sports facilities. Quality scores assigned to each site, and the site assessment matrix used are set out in Appendix D.
Steps 3 and 4 - setting and applying provision standards
2.40 PPG17 states that open space standards should be set locally and recommends that national standards should not be used to assess local circumstances.
2.41 Local authorities use information gained from the assessment of needs and opportunities (stage 1) to set local standards for the provision of open space, sport and recreational facilities. In order to ensure that the recommended local standards are directly representative of local needs in Charnwood, standards have been derived from the findings of the consultations and the analysis of existing provision.
2.42 PPG17 recommends that local standards should include:
• quantitative elements (how much new provision may be needed)
• a qualitative component (against which to measure the need for enhancement of existing facilities)
• accessibility (including distance thresholds and consideration of the cost of using a facility).
2.43 Table 2.2 overleaf briefly summarises the process that has been adopted for setting local standards. Standards were set during a workshop that was attended by representatives from a range of Council departments. Standards have been set according to the three hierarchies outlined in section one of this report, specifically large settlements, service centres and smaller settlements.
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Table 2.2 – The setting standards process
Process Stage Methodology
National Analysis of any existing national standards for each typology. These standards are usually provided by national organisations (eg Fields in Trust) for playing pitches. It is important to ensure that national standards are taken into account as part of determination of local standards. Existing local Consideration of existing local standards for each typology that are standards currently applied by the Council. These include standards set out in the Local Plan and in other adopted strategies. Current provision Assessment of the current quantity of provision within the local (quantity authority area as a whole and within each of the settlement standards only) hierarchies. Benchmarking Figures detailing local standards set by PMP for other open space projects to provide a benchmark.
Consultation Consideration of the results of the survey findings with regards the (household provision of each type of open space. This analysis provides a survey) robust indication (at each hierarchy level) of public perception of the existing provision and aspirations for future provision of all different types of open spaces. Consultation Results from qualitative consultations are used to test the key comments themes emerging from the statistical evidence base and to determine issues of priority importance to residents. These feed in to the standards set. Analysis of Analysis of the existing provision including the quality of facilities existing provision and distribution of sites
PMP PMP recommendation of a local standard. The standard is based on recommendation an assessment of the local community need and will be in the form of: • quantity – x hectares per 1000 population • accessibility – a distance threshold in metres • quality – a list of essential and desirable features. PMP justification Full justifications for the recommended local standard based on qualitative and quantitative consultations are provided for each typology.
2.44 A brief explanation of the purpose of setting each type of standard is set out below. Full justification for each standard set is provided in Appendix E and F.
Quantity
2.45 The open space audit gives an understanding of the quantity of provision for each type of open space in settlement hierarchy. This level of detail enables the calculation of the amount (hectares) of each type of open space per 1,000 population.
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2.46 The overall aim of the quantity assessment is to:
• provide an understanding of the adequacy of existing provision for each type of open space
• establish areas suffering from deficiency of provision of each type of open space
• provide a guide to developers as to the amount of open space expected in conjunction with new development.
2.47 This assessment measures the quantity of provision against the current population as well as projecting forward to anticipate the potential implications of future population growth. For the purposes of summary in this report, quantity standards are applied by settlement hierarchy. Quantity standards can be applied to any given population in order to determine the adequacy of provision.
2.48 2004 Sub National Population Projections have been used to evaluate the impact of population growth. These projections indicate that by 2026, population will increase by 11%. Detailed distribution of this population growth is unavailable and it has therefore been assumed that population growth will occur across the Borough in proportion to the existing population. i.e. in areas of higher existing population growth, population growth will be higher.
Accessibility
2.49 Accessibility is a key criterion for open space sites. Without good access, the provision of high quality open space would be of limited value. The overall aim of accessibility standards is to identify:
• how accessible sites are
• how far people are willing to travel to reach open space
• areas that are deficient in provision (identified through the application of local standards).
2.50 Similar to quantity standards, accessibility standards should be derived from an understanding of community views, particularly with regards to the maximum distance that members of the public are willing to travel.
2.51 Accessibility standards are set in the form of distance thresholds (ie the maximum distance that typical users can reasonably be expected to travel to each type of provision using different modes of transport). Application of these standards will then facilitate the identification of areas where residents do not have appropriate access to facilities. PPG17 suggests that open spaces should be accessible by environmentally friendly forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport.
2.52 A straight line distance has been used to illustrate the accessibility catchment of each open space. The distances used to represent the local standard (expressed in minutes) have been taken from a study undertaken by the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA, now Fields in Trust, FIT). This study evaluated the impact of the natural pattern of roads on the distance that can be travelled. These distances are set out in Appendix E, standard setting.
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2.53 While this analysis at boroughwide level provides an overall indication of accessibility, detailed site by site decision making should take into account localised accessibility issues such as territorialism and the presence of large roads.
Quality
2.54 The quality and value of open space are fundamentally different and can sometimes be completely unrelated. Two examples of this are:
• a high quality open space is provided but is completely inaccessible. Usage is therefore restricted and as a result the value of the site to the public is limited
• a low quality open space may be used every day by the public or have significant wider benefits such as biodiversity or educational use and therefore has a high value despite qualitative issues.
2.55 The overall aim of a quality assessment should be to identify deficiencies in quality and key quality factors that need to be improved within:
• different settlement hierarchies
• specific types of open space.
2.56 The quality standards set as part of the study are intended to provide information on the key features of open space that are important to local residents. For each type of open space, features that are essential in the provision of a high quality facility are listed and desirable features are also recorded. These are derived from good practice as well as local consultation.
2.57 As highlighted earlier in this section, the agreed quality standards defined the criteria against which each typology was assessed. Sites were only therefore evaluated against the criteria which were considered to be essential and desirable for each type of open space. These criteria are explained in each section (4 – 12) under the head of quality standard. Scores were then translated into a percentage.
2.58 The percentage scores achieved were then measured against the local standard to define the overall quality rating.
2.59 Where a site did not achieve a score of average or above for all of the essential criteria, the maximum possible rating is average. A site not achieving average or above for all essential and desirable criteria cannot be awarded an excellent score.
2.60 Table 2.3 summarises the scores required to fall into each category.
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Table 2.3 – Quality Scores
Minimum Average Score
All Essential Criteria 3 or above Excellent 80% All Desirable Criteria 3 or above Very good All Essential Criteria 3 or above 70% to79.9% Good All Essential Criteria 3 or above 60% to 69.9% Average 50 to 59.9% Poor Below 50%
Step 5 – drafting policies - recommendations and strategic priorities
2.61 The application of the local standards enables the identification of deficiencies in terms of accessibility, quality and quantity and also enables analysis of the spatial distribution of unmet need.
2.62 In accordance with the PPG17 Companion Guide, an Open Space, Sport and Recreation study for the planning, delivery, management and monitoring of open space, sport and recreation facilities should have four basic components, specifically:
• geographical areas where existing provision is protected
- where the existing level of provision is below or the same as the recommended quantity standard, sites should be protected. Sites of high value to the community should also be protected
• areas where existing provision should be enhanced
- there are two discrete instances where existing provision may be in need of enhancement. In areas where there is a quantitative deficiency of provision but no accessibility issues the Council may wish to increase the capacity of existing provision. Alternatively, in areas where facilities or spaces do not meet the relevant quality standards, enhancements will be required. Site assessments will inform qualitative improvements
• areas where existing provision should be relocated or redesignated
- in order to meet local needs more effectively or make better overall use of land it may be necessary to relocate or re-designate some existing sites
• areas where new provision should be considered
- new sites should be located either in areas within the accessibility catchments of existing provision but where there is a quantitative deficiency or in areas outside of catchments. More generally, the Council should deliver a plan led approach to significant housing growth and open space and should test potential housing locations against the findings of the open space, sport and recreation study. The findings of this study should also be used to guide the levels of contribution required for each type of open space and within the SUEs.
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2.63 The recommendations contained within the report are based on the findings of the application of the local standards. They highlight the key issues in relation to open space across the Borough. An example is provided below:
Given the low number of sites within the town centre, all park and PG1 garden sites should be afforded protection from development.
2.64 The recommendations and key issues raised will inform the direction of the Local Development Framework as well as other strategic documents relating to open space, sport and recreation facilities. All recommendations made in this study are set out in Appendix G. The recommendations highlight issues only and do not represent a strategy for the future delivery of open space or formal policy relating to open space. Instead, these recommendations should inform the development of a green space strategy which will identify priority issues as well as resources, opportunities and funding. They also highlight issues that should be considered as part of policy.
2.65 Appendix H provides an example as to how local standards should be applied to determine surpluses and deficiencies.
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3. Strategic context
3.1 This section reviews the strategic context and provides background on the regional and local picture relevant to open space, sport and recreation facilities. Whilst this review is not exhaustive it provides details on the context in which the findings of this study sit and all documents included influence the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities in the borough.
3.2 As highlighted in section 2, this document follows the key principles of PPG17 and the Companion Guide. PPG17 reflects a recognition from the Government of the wider benefits derived from the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities, including:
• supporting an urban renaissance
• supporting a rural renewal
• promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion
• health and well being
• promoting sustainable development.
3.3 In addition to PPG17, there are numerous other national documents and agencies that shape the strategic context to open spaces, sport and recreation facilities across the country and as such influence the provision of facilities and the findings of this report.
3.4 Appendix I sets out the national strategic context, including relevant Planning Policy Guidance, key documents published by relevant national organisations, such as CABE, Sport England and DTLR.
3.5 Local strategic documents specific to one typology have been reviewed within the individual typology sections and specific strategic objectives that link into this study have been highlighted.
3.6 The remainder of this section summarises key regional and local policy documents.
Regional Policy Documents
East Midlands Regional Plan (March 2009)
3.7 The aim of this regional plan is to ensure that all development in the area enhances the East Midlands to become a region where communities are sustainable and environmental, social and economic well-being is evident. The strategy identifies the provision of a green infrastructure as an essential element of delivering sustainable communities.
3.8 The document supersedes RPG8. The policies in RSS8 will set the context for the preparation on Charnwood’s Local Development Framework and help in the development of related policy.
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3.9 Policy 1 sets out the key core objectives which should be taken into account in order to promote sustainable development. Objectives of specific relevance to green infrastructure are to:
• protect and enhance the environmental quality of urban and rural settlements
• improve the health and mental, physical and spiritual well being of the region's residents through access to health, cultural, leisure and recreation facilities and services.
• protect and enhance the environment
• achieve a ‘step change’ increase in the level of the region’s biodiversity
• reduce the causes of climate change
• reduce the impacts of climate change.
3.10 Policy 28 indicates that Local Authorities, statutory environmental bodies and developers should work with the voluntary sector, landowners and local communities to ensure the delivery, protection and enhancement of Environmental Infrastructure across the region. Priorities include:
• assessing the capacity of existing environment infrastructure to accommodate change in order to inform decisions on the scale, location and phasing of new development.
• develop green infrastructure plans within Local Development frameworks based on the character assessments of existing natural, cultural and landscape assets
• increase access to green space that can be used for formal and informal recreation, educational purposes and to promote healthy lifestyles without increasing pressure on sensitive sites
• identify funding mechanisms for the promotion and funding of green infrastructure in the region.
3.11 Policy 26 sets out the principles of protecting and enhancing cultural heritage reinforcing that sustainable development should see the protection, management and enhancement of natural assets.
3.12 Policy 27 relates to the protection of the historic environment, stating that growth should promote sensitive change to the historic environment and give regard to green infrastructure and biodiversity.
3.13 Policy 29 relates to the need for protecting and enhancing biodiversity; promoting partnership working to protect and enhance biodiversity, including the creation of and protection of networks of natural open space.
3.14 Policy 30 relates to maintaining and increasing woodland cover - highlighting that opportunities to increase woodland cover through new development and other mechanisms should be taken.
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3.15 This study will develop standards based on local needs and make recommendations which will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of national, regional and local planning documentation.
6Cs Green Infrastructure Strategy (August 2009)
3.16 The 6Cs Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy is currently being developed to provide a long term vision and strategic framework for delivery of green infrastructure across the 6Cs Growth Point - focussed on Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.
3.17 The Strategy will aim to protect, enhance and extend networks of green spaces and natural elements in and around the three cities, connecting with their surrounding towns and villages. The Strategy also aims to facilitate a major step-change in the scale, quality and connectivity of green infrastructure assets across the 6Cs area, to match the scale of new growth proposed and provide a focus for attracting and retaining sustainable development and investment. This will be achieved by protecting and enhancing existing assets and creating extensive new green infrastructure, and finding suitably resourced mechanisms for the long term management of both.
3.18 The strategy is being driven via a partnership of local authorities and environmental organisations called the 6Cs Strategic Green Infrastructure Project Board with support of external consultants, Chris Blandford Associates. A strategic planning framework and action plan are due to be developed by August 2009 - as such, key relevant information that is currently available from the GI Strategy has been taken into consideration in compiling this report.
3.19 This document draws on the findings of this regional green infrastructure study and provides a more localised picture for Charnwood BC. The identified sub regional importance of Green Infrastructure in Loughborough means that the findings of this PPG17 study and the key priorities identified are of particular importance across the 6Cs area.
East Midlands Regional Plan for Sport (2004)
3.20 The planned priorities set out in this document are to:
• build a more efficient and effective sporting system within the East Midlands
• increase participation in sport and active recreation to meet National Government targets
• make the East Midlands the most successful sporting region in England and to maximise its’ Contribution Towards National (England and UK/GB) success
• tackle inequality by increasing participation in sport and active recreation by under-represented groups and communities
• reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well being of the inhabitants of the East Midlands
• make communities in the East Midlands stronger and safer
• maximise the contribution of sport and active recreation to and from education and lifelong learning
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• benefit the local economy and realise the potential sport and active recreation has to contribute to the development of the Regional and Local Economy, ‘the East Midlands Development Agency has produced a regional economic strategy ‘Destination 2010’ which sits under the Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS)
3.21 The strategy has two high-level aspirations of equal weight – to deliver a ‘competitive region’ and at the same time to ensure that the region has ‘sustainable communities’.
3.22 The implication the strategy has for the provision of open space in Charnwood encompasses the wider benefits which sports participation can provide to the local community such as sport and community development as well as improving health and well being. As such, enhanced open spaces and amenity/informal recreation and sports provision will be vital.
Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework (November 2009)
3.23 A county-wide sports facilities strategic framework has been developed by Leicestershire and Rutland Sport. The study involved extensive research and consultation to assess existing provision in terms of quantity, quality and access. Key information relating to Charnwood contained within this document is included within the Outdoor and Indoor Sports Facilities sections of this report (ie sections 8 and 14).
3.24 This study therefore provides a localised picture of outdoor and indoor sports and supports the sub regional strategy for the future delivery of sports facilities.
State of the Natural Environment in The East Midlands (2008)
3.25 The State of the Natural Environment Report brings together information on the quality of the natural environment, specifically, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils. It highlights the role of the natural environment in rebuilding economic productivity and adapting to the impacts of climate change. For the East Midlands, it concludes that:
• the natural environment is much less rich than it was 50 years ago and remains under pressure from a variety of sources, including high levels of housing growth
• the region’s nationally designated landscapes, the Peak District National Park and the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, together cover 9% of the region. This is the lowest percentage of designated landscape coverage in any region
• the quality and diversity of the region’s landscape is under pressure, largely from past and continued growth of our cities and towns, and their infrastructure, such as roads and airports. While 44% of character has been maintained, just 11% of the area has been enhanced and 19% has been neglected
• the region’s statutory geodiversity sites are in good condition
• biodiversity in the East Midlands has declined over the past 200 years and is now at the lowest level of any region. Despite this, areas of nationally
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important biodiversity do remain and the region has the highest proportion of SSSI’s in favourable condition in the UK
• regionally, Natural England has reported a 14% increase in volunteering on its National Nature Reserves in less than a year. Over half of the region’s 121 Local Nature Reserves are managed in association with community groups.
3.26 Key priorities identified for the region of relevance to this study include:
• meeting international targets to holt the decline in biodiversity by 2010
• creating a system for the long term protection of wildlife that reverses the current decline rather than halting it
• spreading the natural wealth across the region and lobbying for increased investment in the natural environment
• responding to the challenges of pressures placed by housing growth on biodiversity and landscape. Green infrastructure will be a key component of this and the delivery of a regional park in Charnwood is central to regional green infrastructure
• ensuring that the natural environment supports adaptation for flood risk and climate change.
Local context
3.27 Key local policy documents and strategies relevant to open space, sport and recreation provision in Charnwood are summarised in Table 3.1 overleaf.
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Table 3.1 – Local Strategic Context: Implications for this PPG17 assessment
Document Document outline Implications for / of PPG17 Assessment
Charnwood Borough The Council recently developed a Corporate Plan covering the period 2009-2012. Open space, sport and recreation Corporate Plan 2009 – 2012 The Plan sets out a vision for the Borough to be ‘prosperous, progressive and facilities are an important means innovative and a place of choice to live, work and visit’. It also aims to make of achieving some of the key Charnwood a place where people are proud to live, work and enjoy leisure time. As objectives of the Corporate Plan. such, the Plan highlights the following key priorities: This open space, sport and recreation facility assessment will • the people provide an evidence base to guide prioritisation and maximise • prosperity the role of open spaces.
• place In particular, the study will help the Borough to achieve key • the environment objectives relating to health and • better Council. wellbeing, access to open spaces, and the protection of the The document highlights the following key priorities relevant to this assessment: local environment.
• encourage people to have healthier lifestyles This assessment also takes on board and integrates the relevant • consider and involve young people in the design and delivery priorities of the Corporate Plan. • work with partners to maintain the benefits the Olympics will provide for the Borough
• provide new houses, affordable homes, jobs, infrastructure and supporting facilities and amenities
• reduce crime and anti social behaviour
• create cleaner towns, villages and open space
• improve quality of life for people living in deprived neighbourhoods
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Document Document outline Implications for / of PPG17 Assessment
• adapt to climate change.
Specific actions are also raised in the plan. These include the desire to increase the number of residents who participate in sport and active recreation at least three times weekly to 28% and to complete improvements to facilities at South Charnwood Leisure Centre and Nanpanton Sports Ground by 2010.
Charnwood Sustainable The Sustainable Community Strategy has been produced by Charnwood Together, The community strategy sets out Community Strategy 2008 a strategic partnership designed to improve the lives of residents through developing the principles and direction for new ways of joint service delivery at a local level, in line with the Local Area the Borough and is therefore an Agreement for Leicestershire. The strategy is based on resident’s priorities and important reference point for this issues. open space, sport and recreation assessment. The Local A key focus of the strategy is to ensure residents have access to health care, local Development Framework will set parks, greenspaces and natural environment, the countryside and facilities for sport out the spatial plan for the and recreation, creative and community activities. This objectives falls under the achievement of the objectives of Charnwood Health and Wellbeing Partnership. the community strategy.
Key areas include Loughborough, Shepshed, Birstall, Thurmaston, Anstey and The effective provision of open priority neighbourhoods are East Loughborough, Mountsorrel, South Charnwood space, sport and recreation (Syston and Thurmaston). Another specific areas of focus is in Sileby, which was facilities will be central to the identified as an area that lacks public transport to facilities such as Soar Valley achievement of a number of key Leisure Centre, where there is a lack of youth facilities. Mountsorrel also lacked objectives set out within the youth provision and had high rates of anti-social behaviour in and around the village Sustainable Community Strategy. green.
Key objectives are in line with several Local Area Agreement aims, which include:
• improved health outcomes in Leicestershire including a reduction in health inequalities
• children and young people in Leicestershire are healthy
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Document Document outline Implications for / of PPG17 Assessment
• more people are physically active at a level which makes them healthier
• increased resident satisfaction with the built environment and improved green infrastructure.
Under the heading ‘Places and Environment Matter’ the following objectives are of particular relevance to natural open spaces:
• SO11: to protect the special and distinctive qualities of all landscapes, and to pay special attention to impacts upon Charnwood Forest and its environs and to support the National Forest Strategy
• SO12: to maintain and enhance the range of ecological sites, habitats and species found in Charnwood and seek to deliver biodiversity gain and reverse habitat fragmentation.
Within the Area Improvement Group there is the objective (SO3) to secure the provision of accessible facilities and services to meet the needs of all local people, having regards to the particular needs of the young, old and ‘hard to reach’. Priority neighbourhoods are East Loughborough, Mountsorrel, South Charnwood (Syston and Thurmaston).
Charnwood 2026 – Planning Charnwood 2026 is the name given to the Charnwood Local Development The key issues arising from this for our next generation Framework. The document published in October 2008 (Core Strategy Consultation) consultation have also been (further consultation) highlights a range of key issues that have been raised via wide-spread consultation, incorporated into the preparation including: of this report.
• the need to reduce the Borough’s impact on climate change This study will inform the Submission Draft of the core • that there will be a growing and ageing population (population set to increase strategy. The key issues from 164,800 to 177,300 by 2026) identified (including surpluses and deficiencies) in this PPG17 study, will be used to validate the
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Document Document outline Implications for / of PPG17 Assessment
• that there is a lack of affordable housing issues set out in this 2008 document and to update and review it where appropriate. • that there is a concentration of certain types of tenures of housing in some locations
• the impact of heavy volumes of traffic
• that real travel choices are limited outside the urban areas
• that there are pockets of deprivation
• that there are deficiencies in green space in some parts of the Borough
• that there are flooding risks along the River Soar and Wreake
• crime and fear of crime
• the need to maintain settlement identities
• the need for sustainable design/quality
• the decline and fragmentation of key biodiversity corridors
• the need to make use of natural resources.
The document sets out a vision for ‘an improved quality of life for everyone living and working in Charnwood’ and builds upon the key themes set out in the Corporate strategy (ie people matter, places and the environment matters, prosperity matters and partnerships matter).
Of particular relevance to this study, are a number of points made under the ‘places
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Document Document outline Implications for / of PPG17 Assessment
and the environment matter’ section, which sets out a vision for ‘creating safe and liveable areas – greener, cleaner and safer living environments with a focus on deprived areas’.
In addition, under the Green Infrastructure section, the document stresses the importance of safeguarding and enhancing green space, with specific reference to Charnwood Forest Regional Park, the strategic rivers (Soar and Wreake), Rothley Brook Corridor and the Green Wedges. It also highlights that:
• residents in the north of Charnwood do not have access to large recreational space and that there are also some smaller deficiencies
• the need for a local park in Shepshed, North and South Loughborough, Quorn, Barrow upon Soar, Mountsorrel and Sileby
• Thurmaston, Hathern, Loughborough, Mountsorrel and Shepshed are lacking in play areas
• proposed housing developments offer the opportunity for better linkages to network of sites.
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Summary and conclusions
3.28 The provision of open spaces, sport and recreation facilities contributes to the achievement of wider government objectives such as social and community cohesion, urban renaissance and promoting a healthy and enjoyable life. In addition, the effective provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities will be instrumental in the delivery of local priorities, including those set out in the Corporate Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy.
3.29 Any development of open spaces (ie provision of either new or enhancement of existing spaces) should take into account bio-diversity and nature conservation opportunities and develop an increasing environmental awareness, as well as facilitating the increase needed in participation in sport and active recreation. Consideration should also be given to the implications of future changes to the area, including the priorities set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy.
3.30 Many organisations are willing to work in partnership together to manage and develop existing open spaces and share similar aims and objectives eg protecting, enhancing and maximising usage and nature conservation value of open spaces. The importance of enhancing biodiversity across the region as well as maintaining and improving the green network is a key feature of many regional strategies.
3.31 Points emerging from the strategic review that are integral to the development of this open space, sport and recreation assessment in Charnwood are as follows:
• the natural environment is a key feature of Charnwood, providing many recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The protection and enhancement of the environment is a key aim for the Council and is also important to residents and tourists across the authority
• housing developments and geographical allocations driven by national planning policies and employment land allocations will have a direct impact on open space, sport and recreation provision and sustainability. Population growth will place increasing demands on existing open spaces as well as generating higher needs for recreational open space provision
• the increased focus on improving the health of local residents will raise the profile of open space, sport and recreation facilities. Open space can provide alternative opportunities for physical activity.
3.32 In summary, this review of strategic documents highlights the local importance of maintaining and improving open space sites within Charnwood Borough. This local needs study and resulting strategy will contribute to achieving the wider aims of a number of local and national agencies.
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SECTION 4 – PARKS AND GARDENS
4. Parks and gardens
Introduction and definition
4.1 This type of open space (as defined by PPG17) includes urban parks and formal gardens that provide opportunities for various informal recreation and community events. For the purposes of this study in Charnwood, country parks have been considered within the natural and semi natural open space category.
4.2 The Active People 1 Survey (Sport England) revealed that walking is the most popular recreational activity for people in England. Over 8 million adults aged 16 and over completed a recreational walk for at least 30 minutes in the weeks leading up to the study. The effective provision of parks therefore represents a key opportunity to increase levels of physical activity across Charnwood.
4.3 Parks provide a sense of place for the local community and help to address social inclusion issues within wider society. According to the Park Life Report (published June 2007), 83% of those questioned feel that parks are a focal point of community life. Parks also provide an important recreational resource.
4.4 In addition to the recreational opportunities provided by parks, these large green spaces provide structural and landscaping benefits to the surrounding local area. They also frequently offer ecological benefits, particularly in more urban areas. The provision of parks to break up urban landscapes is becoming increasingly important, particularly in light of growing fears regarding climate change. Appropriate provision of green space can contribute to a reduction of the impact of climate change.
4.5 Parks often contain a variety of facilities and amenities, including some that fall within different classifications of open space (eg children’s play facilities, sport pitches and wildlife areas). For classification purposes, the different open spaces within parks have been separated according to the PPG17 typology under which they most appropriately fall. Large green areas, footpaths, lakes and less dense woodland will provide the park area (total hectares) and the other facilities will be calculated separately under their own classification. This ensures that open space sites are not counted twice within this study.
Context
4.6 The benefits of parks are now recognised on a national scale, as is clear from the range of documents summarised in Appendix H. There are also a number of regional and local documents that refer to the importance of green spaces and the role of green spaces in achieving wider corporate priorities, including those set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy.
4.7 Consultation undertaken as part of the study revealed that parks and gardens are highly valued across the Borough – the most well used facility type - with 43% of respondents to the household survey indicating that they use parks and gardens at least once a week.
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Quantity
4.8 There are a wide range of parks and gardens provided across the Borough. These vary considerably both in terms of physical size and also in terms of the facilities and amenities provided; comprising large parks containing a wide range of facilities, such as Queen’s Park in Loughborough to much smaller local parks such as Sidings Park and Shortcliffe Park, also in Loughborough. Given its size and range of facilities provided it is clear that the catchment area of Queen’s Park extends well beyond its immediate locality.
4.9 The network of parks and gardens are supplemented by a series of natural and semi- natural green spaces and amenity areas. The interrelationship between these different types of open space is integral to the character of Charnwood. In addition to the identified parks and gardens, 16 sites were perceived to fulfil a secondary function as a park. These sites ranged from natural and semi natural spaces, amenity green spaces, green corridors and outdoor sports facilities.
4.10 In total, 49.34 hectares is dedicated to parks and gardens across Charnwood (primary purpose only). In general, most residents feel that there is an adequate amount of parks and gardens and many highlighted the value of these sites to the local community. This total excludes areas specifically dedicated to formal pitch provision (included within the Playing Pitch Strategy) / sports facilities as these are included within the outdoor sports facilities standard. Average sizes have been used to estimate the area dedicated to specific sports facilities.
4.11 The distribution of parks and gardens and their interrelationship with other types of open space will be returned to later in this section.
4.12 Table 4.1 summarises the distribution of parks and gardens.
Table 4.1 - Parks and Gardens across Charnwood Settlement Hierarchy Current provision (hectares) Numberof sites Smallest site (hectares) Largest site (Hectares) populationLDF (2021) Provisionper 1000 population (2021)
Larger settlements 26.44 14 0.33 4.06 101,368 0.2608 Service centres 21.69 14 0.089 5.83 61,779 0.3511 Smaller settlements 2.57 3 0.09 1.38 12,253 0.2097 Overall 50.70 31 175,400 0.2891
4.13 The key issues emerging from table 4.1 and consultations undertaken across the Borough relating to the quantity of parks and gardens include:
• Borough wide, nearly two thirds of residents (63%) feel that the quantity of parks and gardens is sufficient (more than enough/about right) to meet demand suggesting that overall there are positive perceptions relating to the quantity of provision
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• by 2021, provision per 1,000 population will be highest within the service centres and lowest within the smaller settlements, ranging from 0.35 ha per 1000 to 0.20 per 1000. This suggests however that current provision is relatively consistent. The views of residents are also generally consistent across the Borough, although a slightly higher proportion of residents within the smaller settlements are satisfied, despite having a slightly lower share – see below:
- in the larger settlements - 62% of respondents indicate that provision is about right or more than sufficient, while 15% suggest that there is ‘not enough’ parks and gardens. Queen’s Park is identified as particularly important site in Loughborough, with a number of residents indicating that this site is frequently visited
- in the service centres - 64% of respondents indicate that provision is about right or more than sufficient, while 17% suggest that there is ‘not enough’ parks and gardens
- in Smaller Settlements - 74% of respondents indicate that provision is about right or more than sufficient, while 13% suggest that there is ‘not enough’ parks and gardens. Almost all residents in the smaller settlements who indicated that the quantity of parks was insufficient suggested that the reason for their view was the lack of parks within close proximity to their home.
4.14 General comments from residents emphasise the importance of parks in the Borough. Comments made reinforced the high level of satisfaction with the provision of parks and gardens, with a number of residents stating that there are plenty of parks and gardens in the Borough and there is quite a lot of choice. Additionally, some residents in the smaller settlements suggest that linkages between small villages and larger open spaces are good. For those residents suggesting that the quantity of parks is insufficient, the main reasons relate to a lack of provision in their local area (in particular comments re. Syston and East Goscote) and the perception that parks and green spaces are frequently lost to development.
4.15 In addition, discussion at the stakeholders’ workshop suggested that the quantity of natural space in the Borough is viewed as one of the key positive features of the Borough. Stakeholders commended the variety of formal and informal open space. As such, attendees at the stakeholders workshop indicated that they would prioritise quality and security improvements over the creation of new parks.
4.16 In addition, some parks were perceived to be overused in certain areas. In particular Queen’s Park in Loughborough was seen to be overcapacity at times. Stakeholders also referenced the haphazard growth patterns of villages and the subsequent need to ensure that all parks and other informal open spaces were equitably distributed.
4.17 It is also clear from Table 4.1 that the size of sites across the Borough varies widely, with parks ranging from 0.089 ha to over 5ha in size. The average size of a park is 1.6 hectares. The parks and gardens are supplemented with a range of smaller amenity areas and natural sites which also fulfil the role of parks in many of the settlements.
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Setting provision standards
Parks and gardens
4.18 The recommended local quantity standard for parks and gardens has been derived from the assessment of local needs and analysis of the audit of provision and is summarised overleaf. Full justifications for the standard are provided within Appendix E and F.
4.19 Parks are a key priority for the Council and the role that these sites can play in the achievement of wider aims and objectives is recognised and as such it is important that existing provision is protected. Given that local consultation highlighted a general satisfaction with the quantity of current provision for parks and gardens, the local standard has been set at the Borough wide level of existing provision. This ensures that the standard is deliverable and achievable and promotes consistency across the Borough. It should be considered a minimum standard.
4.20 Setting the standard at the existing level of provision places an emphasis on maintaining and improving the quality of provision in the short term. However, new provision will be required in the event of population growth and new provision may also be required in settlements where provision falls significantly below the minimum standards, which will be highlighted through the application of the standards.
4.21 Application of the local standard alongside minimum size criteria will provide an understanding of the minimum size settlement in which parks should be provided. Outside of these settlements, access routes will take on greater importance. As well as evaluating the provision of parks, consideration will be given to the context of provision in relation to amenity spaces and natural areas.
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Quantity Standard – Local parks (see Appendices E and F – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision Recommended standard (hectares per 1000) (hectares per 1000) Larger settlements – 0.29 0.32 Service centres – 0.39 0.32 Smaller settlements – 0.23 0.32 Justification Overall, the general perception gathered from consultation is that quantity of local parks is sufficient (63% of residents in the household survey). This was reflected in all sizes of settlement although there are some areas where residents feel that they are outside of the appropriate catchment of a park. The overall satisfaction was apparent throughout consultations although the importance of parks and open spaces to residents was reinforced. While setting the standard at the existing level of provision (borough-wide) places an emphasis on maintaining and improving the quality of provision in the short term, new provision will be required in the event of population growth. New provision may also be required in settlements where provision falls significantly below the minimum standards. The standard has been set at the same level for each of the three settlement hierarchies and should be treated as a minimum standard.
Application of the standard on a settlement by settlement basis will enable identification of areas where provision falls below the minimum standard and where provision is sufficient to meet minimum requirements. It will encourage provision in the event of population growth. Application of the accessibility standard should be used alongside the quantity standard to determine areas where new provision is required. The need for parks in each settlement should be determined by the use of minimum size criteria as well as accessibility standards.
Quality
Current position
4.22 The quality of exiting parks and gardens was assessed through site visits undertaken by Charnwood Borough Council in 2009.
4.23 The Green Flag Award is a national standard for parks and green space. At present, Charnwood Borough Council manages two Green Flag parks (Queen’s Park and Outwoods, both in Loughborough). In addition, it should also be noted that Bradgate Park (Newtown Linford), Garendon Park (near Loughborough) and Prestwold Park (Prestwold) are all included on English Heritage’s national register of historic parks and gardens ( Whatton House, within North West Leicestershire is also included on the list – for which part of the garden falls within Charnwood Borough boundaries ).
4.24 The quality of parks in the Borough is varied, with the average quality score of a site being 62%. Quality scores range from 20% - 98%. The lowest quality site in the Borough is Pear Tree Lane Park and the highest quality site is Queen’s Park (both in Loughborough). At the time of inspection, Pear Tree Lane Park was not adopted by the Council and still fell under the ownership of a developer. As a consequence, it had not been formally laid out as a park. Quality scores are contained in Appendix D. Areas for improvement for sites identified as scoring poorly are contained in Appendix J.
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4.25 The quality of local parks is summarised in Table 4.2 below. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section.
Table 4.2 – Quality of local parks in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Range of quality scores (%) Average Quality Score(%)
Larger settlements 20% - 97% 66% Service centres 53% - 86% 71% Smaller settlements 50% - 56% 54% Overall 20%- 97% 67%
4.26 The key issues arising from consultation with regards to the quality of parks and gardens are as follows:
• 56% of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of parks to be good. 36% of residents regard the quality of this type of open space to be average, with only a very small percentage of respondents deeming parks and gardens to be poor. This suggests that overall, there are positive perceptions relating to the quality of parks
• the site assessment scores however were more varied, with the average quality score of a site being 67%. Overall, scores ranged from 20% to 97%, demonstrating the variations in quality that are evident
• the majority response in each of the three sizes of settlement is good, with the greatest level of satisfaction with quality of parks being found in the smaller settlements. Despite this, scores achieved in this area are lower:
- within the larger settlements parks are considered to be the highest quality type of open space, with 51% of residents indicating that the quality of parks is good and 40% average. This is reflective of the quality of existing sites. Queen’s Park, Loughborough is perceived to be an example of good practice
- in the service centres 60% indicated that the quality of parks is good, while 32% suggested that it is average
- 73% of residents of smaller settlements think that the quality of parks is good and 24% view it as average. Despite this, the quality scores of parks in the smaller settlements are relatively low
• household survey respondents indicated that they were most likely to have experienced the following problems in parks - vandalism and graffiti (20%), dog fouling (19%), misuse of site (17%) and litter (15%)
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• the majority of respondents to the household survey indicate that they feel safe when using parks. Some of the respondents from the young people survey however said that they sometime feel unsafe in parks – Queen’s Park was mentioned most frequently in relation to this issue
• other surveys conducted for the study with children/young people and officers generally reflect the site visit findings, that whilst there are good quality parks in the Borough that are well valued, there are some sites requiring improvement
• feedback provided at discussion group sessions with key stakeholders, Parish Council representatives and Council staff also suggested that the quality of parks is generally good. Queen’s Park, (and some of the larger natural and semi-natural sites, such as Bradgate Park (Newtown Linford) and Watermead Country Park, (Thurmaston) in particular were deemed to be very good sites. Although there were some concerns that the current provision will be threatened by funding shortfalls in the future and that resources are being concentrated on Green Flag parks to the detriment of other spaces; in particular, Southfields Park was identified as being unwelcoming to visitors and having limited facilities
• previous research undertaken by the Council in 2006/07 at Queen’s Park, Loughborough highlighted that users perceive the paths, benches, bins trees/shrubs/flowerbeds to be good/excellent, aspects such as the gates, entrance, signage and play area were deemed good/average whilst the toilets were considered to be poor quality. Issues identified as part of this study have now been addressed and Queen’s Park is a high quality facility
• site visits undertaken as part of this study indicate that over half of all parks in the Borough contain play equipment. 75% also contain bins and seats and almost half provide dog bins. Less than 30% have information boards. Access by car is relatively easy, with nine sites having parking on site or nearby
• site visits reveal that the quality of entrances, boundaries, paths and security is high. Parking, lighting and litter bins are key areas for improvement on many sites. This will be returned to later in this section.
Setting quality standards
4.27 The recommended local quality standard for parks and gardens is summarised overleaf. Full justifications and consultation relating to the quality of provision for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
4.28 The quality standard summarises the features that residents consider to be an important determinant of the quality of provision. These key criteria will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards.
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Quality standard – Parks and gardens (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Parks and gardens Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents. These key issues should be incorporated into an overall quality vision. Essential Desirable Clean/litter free Toilets (within the park or in close proximity) Appropriate planting Safety features eg CCTV, lighting or rangers Well kept grass Parking Footpaths and cycleways Variety of facilities Seating Appropriate Lighting Litter and dog bins Clearly defined and inviting main entrance Clear site boundaries.
Accessibility
4.29 The accessibility of sites is paramount in maximising usage as well as providing an opportunity for people to use the site. The recommended local standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations.
4.30 In addition to considering the distance that is travelled, consideration should also be given to other accessibility issues.
4.31 Consultation and analysis has shown that the key issues with regards to accessibility are:
• results of the household survey show that of those residents that currently use parks more frequently than any other type of open space, 66% walk and 23% drive to access this type of open space. 71% of users travel for fifteen minutes or less and only four residents travel more than thirty minutes
• consistent with the patterns portrayed by current users, overall, 68% of respondents to the household survey expect to walk to access a park and 22% would expect to drive
• expectations do however differ between residents in different size settlements. While 75% of residents in larger settlements and 62% of residents in service centres would expect to walk, only 35% of residents in smaller settlements would expect a park to be accessible on foot from their home.
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4.32 A lack of awareness regarding the location of parks is evident in some responses to the household survey. Location was also clearly a key determinant of usage of specific sites. 19% of residents indicated that the location of facilities is one of the main barriers to use of open spaces. This was the highest of all responses.
4.33 As well as location, some residents highlighted the importance of providing smooth footpaths and car parking if sites are to be accessible to older residents and to residents with disabilities.
4.34 The importance of providing appropriate parking for those who do wish to drive was discussed at the stakeholder workshop. In addition, access to some sites was considered to be particularly poor for residents not wishing to travel by car. Additional cycle storage was recommended. Perceived security issues were also highlighted as a barrier to access by residents.
4.35 Parish Council representatives reinforced the findings of the stakeholder workshop, indicating that public transport links are not adequate. It suggested that links need to be more flexible and included within facility plans. While it was suggested that cycle ways were good where they exist, there were perceived to be insufficient and a need to raise awareness of opportunities that do exist. Green linkages between villages (footpaths and cycleways) were considered to be of particular importance.
4.36 Previous research undertaken by the Council in 2006/07 identified that many users (40%) of Queen’s Park (Loughborough) are willing to travel for more than 20 minutes with the mode of transport split between car and on-foot. This reinforces the wider catchment that this park has in comparison to other more local facilities.
Setting accessibility standards
4.37 The recommended local accessibility standards for parks and gardens are summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E. The standards reflect the difference in aspiration between residents in the different settlement hierarchies.
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Accessibility Standard – Parks and gardens (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Parks and gardens 15 minute walk time 720m (larger settlements and service centres) and 10 minute drive time (smaller settlements). Justification In the larger settlements and service centres consultation demonstrated a clear preference for local access to formal parks with 68% of residents Borough wide (75% in larger settlements and 62% in service centres) expecting to walk to facilities. This is also reflective of the nature of the local authority, which is relatively flat. The recommended standard of 15 minutes reflects local aspirations in these areas. This is also in line with discussions in the workshops held as part of the assessment. Application of the standard will enable the identification of areas where parks should be provided but are not. The distribution of parks will be considered in the context of the location of amenity spaces and country parks. Shortfalls in provision may be delivered by upgrading amenity spaces and new space may be required in some areas. In contrast to residents in the urban areas, consultation exhibits a greater willingness by residents in the smaller settlements to drive to parks. A local standard of 10 minutes drivetime has therefore been set. The application of this standard will ensure that residents in the rural settlement are in reasonable distance of a formal park but will not require the provision of parks within all small rural settlements. The standard set links with the modal response. Improvements to access routes will be particularly important in these areas.
Applying provision standards
Quantity
4.38 The application of the recommended quantity, quality and accessibility standards is essential in understanding the existing distribution of parks and identifying areas where provision is insufficient to meet local need.
4.39 The application of the local quantity standard for each settlement hierarchy is set out in Table 4.3 overleaf.
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Table 4.3 – Application of quantity standard – Parks and gardens Settlement hierarchy Current shortfall / surplus against local standard standard in (ha (0.32 hectares per 1000population) Future shortfall / surplus against local standardin ha hectares (0.32 per 1000population)
-6.00 Larger Settlements -2.69 hectares hectares Service Centres 3.94 hectares 1.92 hectares -1.35 Smaller Settlements -0.95 hectares hectares -5.43 Overall 0.30 hectares hectares
Green = above the standard, Red = below the standard
4.40 Table 4.3 indicates the following:
• provision is currently just sufficient to meet the minimum standard). Population growth will however generate a shortfall in the quantity of parks
• provision in the service centres is sufficient in quantitative terms to meet demand
• the largest quantitative shortfalls is found in the larger settlements.
Accessibility
4.41 The application of the local accessibility standards for parks and gardens is illustrated in Maps 4.1 and 4.2 overleaf. The interrelationship between parks and gardens and amenity green space is considered in Map 4.3.
4.42 Maps 4.1 and 4.2 indicate the following:
• there is an even distribution of parks and gardens in the larger settlements and service centres
• despite an even distribution of parks and gardens, key areas of deficiency are evident to the north and south of Loughborough, south Shepshed, Queniborough, East Goscote and Rearsby. There are also deficiencies in Mountsorrel and Quorn
• all residents in the smaller settlements have access to a park or garden within the recommended 10 minute drive time. More localised provision may be required in some of the larger villages, for example in Woodhouse and Wymeswold
• nearly all residents in the larger settlements and service centres have access to a park or amenity green space within a 10 minute walk time.
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4.43 Amenity green space provides more localised and informal play opportunities for residents and these sites are particularly valuable for children and young people. The presence of amenity green space in areas deficient of parks provides an opportunity to formalise these spaces to better meet the needs of local residents.
4.44 Where parks are provided within a 10 minute catchment (the recommended distance threshold for amenity green space as set in Section 6) they may negate the need for further provision of amenity green space (as a higher order facility they provide a greater range of facilities) as they fulfil similar roles. This is discussed in Section 6.
Quality
4.45 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the overall quality score achieved (outlined in Table 4.2) and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. This is summarised in Table 4.4 below.
Table 4.4 – Measuring the quality standard OverallQuality Rating Minimum Average Score
All essential 80% or above criteria 3 or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above All essential 70 – 79% Very Good criteria 3 or above All essential 60 – 69% Good criteria 3 or above Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
4.46 Table 4.5 overleaf therefore summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 4.4.
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Table 4.5 – Quality of Parks in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy % of sites excellent % of sites very good % ofgood sites % of sites average % ofpoor sites
Larger settlements 7 20 0 60 13
14 21 0 65 0 Service centres
Smaller settlements 0 0 0 100 0
10 16 0 67 6 Overall Nb. Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
4.47 It can be seen that the quality of parks is higher than many other types of open space, with few sites achieving a rating of poor in relation to the overall quality standard. Despite this, 67% of sites were considered to be average. 26% of sites were rated as very good or excellent. The proportion of sites in the service centres achieving this rating was particularly high and the quality of parks when measured against the local standard is highest in these areas.
4.48 The quality of parks in the Borough is summarised in Map 4.4. Although there are fewer poor quality parks than other typologies, there remain sites in need of improvement. Sites in the smaller settlements are generally of lower quality, primarily because they have offer fewer facilities.
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Map 4.1 – Accessibility of parks and gardens in the larger settlements and service centres
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Map 4.2 – Accessibility of parks and gardens in the smaller settlements
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Map 4.3 – Accessibility of parks and gardens and amenity green space in Charnwood
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Map 4.4 – Quality of parks and gardens in Charnwood
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Priorities for future delivery
Borough Wide Issues
4.49 This section considers the Borough wide issues that need to be addressed. Consideration is then given to issues within specific settlements.
Protection and disposal of parks
4.50 The quantity standard has been set at the existing level of provision and indicates that while existing provision is only marginally below recommended levels, population growth will generate a significant shortfall unless new parks are provided.
4.51 Parks and gardens are the most frequently used type of open space in the Borough (43% use them daily or weekly) and stakeholders also reinforced the value of these sites in terms of their role in achieving wider aims and objectives. At the stakeholder workshop the need for more space for informal space to encourage residents to participate in physical activity was highlighted.
4.52 In recognition of the role of parks in the Borough, policy should protect all parks and gardens from development through the LDF. There are no recommendations for disposal.
PG1 Ensure that policy protects parks from development and that contributions towards new parks / improvement of existing sites are required as part of new development. Contributions / new provision should be based on the suggested local standard of 0.32 hectares per 1000 population.
Education and signage
4.53 The opportunity to educate residents on the natural environment was a key theme of stakeholder workshops, with many highlighting examples of good practice at larger sites in the Borough, including information boards and visitor centres. There are 9 parks with information boards in the Borough.
4.54 Furthermore, signage to many sites was perceived to be limited. A lack of awareness of the location of existing parks was a key issue arising from the household survey relating to both parks and natural spaces.
PG 2 Introduce signage (to raise awareness of sites) as well as information boards at large sites in the Borough. Consider also a programme of marketing to maximise awareness of opportunities available to residents.
Improving access to existing spaces
4.55 Parks are primarily located in the larger settlements and service centres. Consultation highlighted that the variety of facilities provided is the main positive feature of parks in the Borough and it is this that drives visitors to these sites.
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4.56 While residents in the larger settlements can expect parks to be in close proximity to their home, the size of sites means that many residents, particularly those in the rural villages, will need to travel further. This is expressed in the suggested accessibility standard.
4.57 In order to ensure that this is possible, sustainable access routes (footpaths and cycle routes) should be provided as well as public transport to the main towns. Attendees at the Parish Council workshop suggested that travelling east to west in the Borough is particularly challenging without the use of a car. The need to improve green corridors (both in terms of awareness and to fill in gaps in connectivity) is discussed in Section 13.
4.58 If residents are to be encouraged to travel by bike, or by public transport, parks should contain appropriate infrastructure to facilitate this. This should include cycle racks and areas for storage.
PG 3 Create new green corridors and improve existing to link residents in the smaller settlements with parks, focusing particularly on travel from East to West. Ensure that parks provide appropriate infrastructure to encourage cycling and use of public transport, such as cycle racks and areas for storage.
Maximising Biodiversity
4.59 Although parks are primarily recreational sites, they also play an important role in conservation and biodiversity.
4.60 Promotion of recreational opportunities on site should be balanced with the wider functions of the site. The Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan identifies a series of key habitats and indicates that parks play an important role in proving these habitats. In particular, parks contain mature trees (21 sites) hedgerows (19 sites) and grassland (15 sites). Eight sites also contain running water.
4.61 In areas devoid of natural and semi natural open space, inclusion of natural areas within parks may be a key means of providing access to this type of open space. Areas identified as lacking in natural open space include Shepshed, Loughborough, Thurmaston, Syston and Mountsorrel. This is discussed further in Section 5.
PG 4 Ensure that all improvements to parks take into account the requirement to balance biodiversity and recreation. Consider the provision of natural areas within parks in the Borough, particularly in areas deficient in provision (see Section 5).
4.62 The remainder of this section considers the key issues for the delivery of parks and gardens within Charnwood across each of the three settlement hierarchies.
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Larger settlements
4.63 Application of the quantity standard indicates that the quantity of parks in the larger settlements falls below the recommended minimum standard. Furthermore, projected population growth is likely to generate an increase in the existing shortfall, resulting in a need for an additional 6 hectares of parks in total in the larger settlements by 2026.
4.64 Application of the quantity standard to individual settlements indicates that while provision in Loughborough and Birstall is above the recommended level, the quantity of parks in Thurmaston and Shepshed falls below the recommended minimum standard. Areas in need of new parks are those where there are quantitative deficiencies and / or accessibility deficiencies. Requirements by settlement are discussed later in this section but the key priorities (and hence where the additional parks should be located) are Shepshed and Loughborough.
4.65 Accessibility mapping indicates that the majority of residents in the larger settlements have access to a park or garden within a 15 minute walk time. Almost all residents have access to either a park or amenity space. As higher order facilities, parks negate the need for additional amenity space, however an amenity space does not substitute for a park (although it means that the deficiency is of lower priority). Almost all residents in Birstall and Thurmaston are within the appropriate catchment of a park. Furthermore, residents in Thurmaston are located in close proximity to Watermead Country Park, which functions as a park (although is classified as natural open space for the purposes of this assessment). Despite adequate provision in quantitative terms, there are still parts of Loughborough where residents are out of the catchment for a park.
4.66 Maps 4.5 – 4.6 illustrate the locations of residents outside of the catchment area for parks in Loughborough and Shepshed and highlight the role that amenity spaces play in the provision of informal open space in these areas.
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Map 4.5 – Lack of access to parks in Loughborough
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Map 4.6 – Lack of access to parks in Shepshed
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4.67 As illustrated in Map 4.5, in the south of Loughborough there is an even distribution of amenity space although there are no parks. This suggests that the amenity space is particularly valuable in this area. Upgrading one amenity space to create a park (ie by providing a wider range of facilities) would offset the deficiencies in parks in this area. In the north, there is an overall lack of open space, this area is predominantly industrial and no new provision is therefore required.
PG 5 Upgrade an amenity space in the south of Loughborough to enable it to function as a park.
4.68 Like in south Loughborough, in Shepshed, there is a lack of parks in the south of the town although there is an abundance of amenity space. Upgrading one or more of these spaces would offset deficiencies in park provision.
PG 6 Upgrade an amenity space in the south of Shepshed to enable it to function as a park.
4.69 Outside of these areas, and in line with the findings of the household survey and workshops, qualitative improvements should be prioritised.
4.70 The quality of parks and gardens in the larger settlements is below that of the service centres. Although 21% of sites are very good or excellent, 14% are poor and the remainder are average.
4.71 In light of the value placed on parks, improvements to these sites will be particularly important. Discussions at both stakeholder workshops and Parish Council workshops suggested that investment should be targeted at smaller sites as well as maintaining the larger Green Flag accredited facilities.
4.72 Key areas of improvement for parks were as follows:
• Shepshed Glenmore Park– lighting and improvements to the quality of paths and play equipment. The site entrance was also perceived to be particularly poor
• Birstall Playing Fields – overall a good quality site, although the main areas for improvement were paths, security and overall cleanliness
• key areas for improvement at sites in Loughborough include access to toilets and lighting. The basic infrastructure at these sites is more substantial than in other areas of the Borough. Southfields Park was identified throughout consultation as being particularly poor. Site visits reveal that Pear Tree Lane Park is the poorest site in the larger settlements – at the time of site visits, this site had not been adopted and was not laid out as a park. Queen’sPark achieved an excellent rating and is the highest quality site in the Borough
• Thurmaston (Silverdale Play Area and Hadrian Road Recreation Ground) – there is a need to improve the sense of security and safety, as well as the entrance and to provide more bins and parking.
PG7 Focus on maintaining and improving the quality of parks in the larger settlements in line with the quality vision.
4.73 Population growth in the larger settlements may result in a requirement for additional parks longer term.
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Service centres
4.74 Quantitative analysis indicates that the current provision is above the minimum standard of provision.
4.75 Application of the accessibility standard illustrates this, with parks and gardens well distributed within the service centres, meaning that the majority of residents have access to a site within a 15 minute walk time.
4.76 The application of the standard at a settlement level indicates that the towns falling below the recommended standard are Mountsorrel, Rearsby, Queniborough, Rothley Barrow Upon Soar and East Goscote. With the exception of Queniborough, all of the other identified towns have amenity green space which exceeds the overall minimum standard. In Queniborough there is a sports facility and play area.
4.77 Maps 4.7 – 4.11 illustrate the lack of parks in the service centres of Mountsorrel, Quorn, Rearsby, Queniborough, Rothley and East Goscote and highlight the role that amenity space plays in meeting the needs of residents.
4.78 Map 4.12 illustrates provision in Quorn, where there are residents to the south west of the settlement outside of the catchment for either amenity space or a park.
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Map 4.7 – Lack of access to parks and the role of amenity green space in North West and South East Mountsorrel
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Map 4.8 – Lack of access to parks and the role of amenity green space in Rearsby
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Map 4.9 – Lack of access to parks and the role of amenity green space in Queniborough
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Map 4.10 – Lack of access to parks and the role of amenity green space in Rothley
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Map 4.11 – Lack of access to parks and the role of amenity green space in East Goscote
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Map 4.12 – Lack of access to parks and role of amenity green space in Quorn
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4.79 When considering the provision of amenity green space and parks and gardens, nearly all residents have access to at least one of these types of open space within the recommended distance threshold. As higher order facilities, parks negate the need for additional amenity space. However an amenity space does not substitute for a park (although it means that the deficiency is of lower priority).
4.80 Maps 4.7 – 4.11 therefore illustrate the role of amenity space. In all areas except Queniborough, amenity spaces are functioning as parks. Amenity green spaces are particularly important to the south of Mountsorrel. This therefore reinforces the importance of ensuring that the quality of amenity spaces in these areas is high, and provides the opportunity to upgrade facilities to enable them to fulfil the role of a park. Analysis of the quality of the existing sites demonstrates that sites in East Goscote are particularly good.
PG 8 Upgrade an amenity space in Mountsorrel, Rearsby, Rothley, South West Quorn and East Goscote to enable it to fulfil the function of a park. In Queniborough, where there is no amenity space, there is sports pitch and play area which have a similar function.
4.81 The quality of parks and gardens is higher in the service centres, with 35% of sites considered to be very good or excellent. The remainder are rated as average. No site achieves a poor rating.
4.82 Outside of towns where priorities have been identified for upgrading amenity space, the ongoing improvement and maintenance of parks should be prioritised in line with the quality vision. Parish Councils indicated that security and maintenance was a particular priority. Site visits suggested that signage, planting areas and the quality of infrastructure should also be addressed. The key issues and areas for improvement at each site are provided in Appendix J.
PG9 Improve the quality of facilities in line with the quality vision, focusing particularly on the sites not achieving the quality vision.
Smaller settlements
4.83 Unsurprisingly, given the more rural nature of the Smaller Settlements, only four parks (primary and secondary purpose) are located in these villages. Despite the limited local provision of parks and gardens, consultation demonstrated overall satisfaction with the current provision of parks and gardens in the area, which suggests that residents are prepared to travel to access a park or garden. This was reinforced in the Parish Council workshop and is reflected in the accessibility standard, which sets a 10 minute drivetime for residents in the smaller settlements.
4.84 All residents have access to parks within the recommended 10 minute drivetime.
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4.85 Minimum size criteria, alongside the application of the quantity standard can be used to determine which of the smaller settlements should contain a park.
4.86 Cabe Space / GLA Guidance (Open Strategies, Best Practice Guidance 2009) indicates that the minimum size for a small pocket park is 0.4 hectares. The quantity standard for Charnwood BC is 0.32 hectares per 1000. Based on this standard, 1250 residents creates demand of over 0.4 hectares and it can therefore be concluded that settlements of / exceeding this size should contain a park. This provides an indication only and guides decision making relating to new development.
4.87 The above suggests that only Woodhouse and possibly Wymeswold (shortfall marginally below 0.4 ha) would be expected to contain parks. Although neither have parks, both contain amenity green spaces which fulfil similar functions. Maintaining and improving the quality of amenity spaces in these villages should be prioritised in light of the size of the settlements.
PG10 Prioritise upgrades to amenity green spaces in Woodhouse and Wymeswold to ensure that they are able to function as parks. Improvements should draw upon the quality standard for parks as guidance.
4.88 The quality of parks and gardens in the Smaller Settlements is below that in other settlement hierarchies, with all sites achieving an average rating. The lower scores were achieved primarily as a result of the limited infrastructure these sites offer. Despite this, satisfaction with the quality of parks in these areas was high. The key issues and areas for improvement of sites not achieving the quality score is provided in Appendix J.
PG11 Provide advice and guidance to Parish Councils in the ongoing maintenance and improvement of existing parks.
4.89 Given that the provision of parks is not required in smaller settlements, access to existing sites takes on greater importance. The implementation of recommendation PG 3 is therefore of particular significance in these areas.
Summary
4.90 Parks are particularly valuable to local residents and are the most frequently used open space by residents of Charnwood.
4.91 The variety of facilities available at this type of open space is seen as particularly important and perceived to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for residents. The role of parks and gardens in meeting targets to increase level of physical activity and improve health should also not be underestimated. The wider benefits of parks are wide reaching and these sites are as valuable for the habitats they offer as the recreational opportunities that they provide.
4.92 The quality of parks and gardens is of particular importance to local residents. Many highlighted that the functionality of sites, along with the maintenance and perception of safety is of particular importance to them. Overall, the quality of parks is perceived to be higher than the quality of many other types of open space and this is supported through the site visits. Key issues identified included the need to improve signage, planted areas and equipment.
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4.93 There is an even distribution of parks across the Borough with all residents of the smaller settlements within the suggested drive time of a site. The need for these residents to travel accentuates the importance of providing appropriate linkages to encourage use of sustainable modes of travel and also the appropriate provision of facilities at sites such as cycle racks and storage. Where parks are expected more locally there are some gaps in the existing network of provision, particularly in south Loughborough and South Shepshed. Additionally, there are opportunities to upgrade amenity spaces within some of the service centres to provide more variety of facilities.
4.94 The key issues arising from the analysis of the provision of parks and gardens for the LDF are therefore as follows:
• ensure policy protects all sites from development and requires contributions towards new and / or improved provision from new developments
• seek to enhance the quality of parks and gardens in Charnwood in line with the quality vision
• consider the provision of new parks and gardens in South Loughborough and South Shepshed and upgrade amenity spaces in other areas of the Borough
• facilitate the development of appropriate links from smaller settlements to larger towns for the use of parks.
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5. Natural and semi natural open space
Introduction and definition
5.1 This type of open space includes woodlands, urban forestry, scrubland, grasslands (eg downlands, commons and meadows), wetlands, nature reserves and wastelands with a primary purpose of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Examples of such sites in Charnwood include Watermead Country Park (Thurmaston), Ruskin Field Meadow (Anstey), Gorse Covert Wood (Loughborough) and the pond adjacent to Beardsley Road (Quorn).
5.2 Natural and semi natural open space can frequently be found within other open space types, and in some instances there may be some sites classified as amenity green space or parks that have a secondary function as natural and semi natural open space sites. This serves to highlight the overlap between typologies. Natural open spaces also fulfil similar roles to parks, as highlighted in Section 4.
5.3 Although natural and semi natural open space plays a key role in wildlife conservation and biodiversity, the recreational opportunities provided by these spaces are also important. It is essential that an appropriate balance between recreational use, biodiversity and conservation is achieved.
5.4 Charnwood Forest is a particularly important resource in the Borough. This resource covers circa 12,500 ha and consists of woodland, farmland, country parks, nature reserves and villages. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is working alongside Charnwood Borough Council, Natural England, Leicestershire County Council and others to restore this area. Many areas of the Charnwood Forest are considered within this discussion of natural and semi natural open space.
5.5 This section therefore outlines the context and key consultation findings relating to natural and semi natural open space across Charnwood and the recommended local standards. These local standards are then applied in order to understand local issues and priorities.
Context
5.6 The importance of natural and semi natural open space in Charnwood is recognised within the local plan, in which key aims focus upon the protection and enhancement of the environment and to ensure that development is sustainable and has the least possible impact on the environment. As such, policy EV 18 sets out that planning permission will not be granted for developments which would result in the loss of important areas of open land retained in public or private ownership which contribute to the character of a settlement either individually or as part of a wider network of open space.
5.7 In addition, the Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategy (2008) has key objectives which include:
• SO11: to protect the special and distinctive qualities of all landscapes, and to pay special attention to impacts upon Charnwood Forest and its environs and to support the National Forest Strategy
• SO12: to maintain and enhance the range of ecological sites, habitats and species found in Charnwood and seek to deliver biodiversity gain and reverse habitat fragmentation.
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5.8 Like parks and gardens, natural open spaces also have a key role to play in the achievement of many local aims and objectives. Natural open spaces are central to the character of the Borough and, for many residents, are integral parts of a high quality of life. Bradgate Park, Prestwold Hall and Garendon Park are recognised on the English Heritage Register of historical parks and gardens, thus emphasising the importance of these sites to the context of the area.
Assessing local needs
5.9 Consultation undertaken as part of the study indicated that natural and semi natural open space is particularly valuable to local residents. This type of open space is well used in the borough, with 80% of household survey respondents using natural and semi natural open space on a regular basis and 45% doing so at least once per week.
Current position
Quantity
5.10 There is an abundance of natural and semi natural open space in Charnwood which is complemented by the local countryside. Accessible natural and semi natural open space (within or in close proximity of settlement boundaries) totals 903.58 hectares.
5.11 There are however six sites over 50 hectares which skew this total, specifically Outwoods and Jubilee Woods, Loughborough Meadows (both Loughborough), Bradgate Park Swithland Wood (both in Newtown Linford), Watermead Country Park (Thurmaston),and Beacon Hill Country Park (Woodhouse). Excluding these sites, total provision equates to 518.35 hectares, with provision predominantly found within the smaller settlements.
5.12 In addition to the recreational function that these sites offer for residents there are numerous sites of particular importance for their nature conservation and wildlife value, specifically:
• 17 sites which have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) across the borough, ranging in size from just under 400 hectares to 1 hectare and covering over 4% of the borough
• 218 Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) also previously know as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) – covering over 4% of the borough and including over 1,000 hectares and 100 kilometres of linear habitats
• 3 local nature reserves (LNR) covering circa 27 hectares which support a rich variety of wildlife or geological features and are important to local people, by enabling contact with the natural world
• 5 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological (RIGS) Sites and although these do not have any formal statutory protection, they are taken into consideration by the planning authority.
5.13 The majority of these sites are excluded from consideration within this study as their primary purpose is wildlife and conservation, rather than recreational usage. Charnwood Borough Council is carrying out separate assessments of biodiversity and geological conservation in line with Planning Policy Statement 9. Lists of these sites can be found on the Natural England website ( http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ ) and on the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website (http://www.lrwt.org.uk/).
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5.14 Table 5.1 summarises the distribution of natural and semi natural open space across Charnwood. In addition to the sites summarised in this table, there are 24 sites where the secondary function is natural and semi natural open space.
Table 5.1 - Natural and semi natural open space across Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Current provision hectares) Numberof sites Smallest site (hectares) Largest site (Hectares) populationLDF (2021) Provisionper 1000 population (2021)
Larger settlements 361.55 20 0.81 152 101,368 3.567 Service centres 19.43 9 0.73 4.30 61,779 0.3145 Smaller settlements 522.60 8 0.09 335 12,253 42.602 Overall 903.58 37 175,400 5.1515
5.15 The key issues emerging from Table 5.1 and consultations relating to the quantity of provision of natural and semi natural open space across the borough include:
• as may be expected natural open spaces are unevenly distributed across the borough. Provision is much higher in the smaller settlements; particularly given the existence of Bradgate Park, and is also higher within the larger settlements than in the service centres. This is largely due to the provision of Watermead Country Park in Thurmaston
• overall, the quantity of natural and semi natural open space is perceived to be sufficient (64%) by household survey respondents. 12% consider there to be ‘nearly enough’ provision and 18% consider there to be ‘not enough’ provision
• findings within each of the settlement hierarchies mirror the borough wide results with over 60% of residents in each area indicating that the provision of natural and semi natural open space is sufficient. Perhaps surprisingly, the highest levels were evident in the larger more urban settlements where natural space is often at a premium:
- in the larger settlements - the quantity of natural and semi natural open spaces in the town is perceived to be sufficient (about right or more than enough) by 58% of respondents. In contrast, 28% indicate that provision is insufficient
- in service centres - the provision of natural open space is perceived to be sufficient (about right or more than enough) by 56% of residents. However, 30% of residents indicate that provision is insufficient
- smaller settlements – a large proportion of respondents to the household survey consider the provision of natural open space to be sufficient (48%). 36% of residents indicate that provision is inadequate. It is in the smaller settlements where the highest quantity of natural and semi natural open space is located.
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• general comments from respondents to the household survey support the perception that provision is sufficient. Most residents who indicated that provision was insufficient suggested that too much natural open space had been lost to development and that natural open spaces should be protected. Many residents indicated that the character of Charnwood is defined by the countryside around the villages and the natural environment
• the variety and amount of natural open spaces was seen as a key feature of Charnwood during the stakeholder workshop. In particular Charnwood Forest, the wetlands and the presence of large quantities of SSSI and SINC were referenced. Attendees at the Parish Council workshop reinforced this, indicating that a variety of open spaces are available to residents. Spaces are particularly diverse as they are owned by a wide variety of organisations.
Setting provision standards
5.16 The recommended local quantity standard for natural and semi natural open space has been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and is summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
5.17 In addition to taking on board the consultation findings, the standard also draws on other local targets, looking at the importance of natural open space from both a recreational and wider benefit perspective. In particular, open spaces are instrumental in the drive to mitigate climate change.
5.18 Given the large amounts of existing provision of natural and semi-natural open space, a borough wide standard has been set in line with Natural England standards. This standard should be applied to new development only. In order to preserve the quantity of natural space across the Borough, existing space will be protected. Provision of this level of natural and semi natural open space will be very challenging in some parts of the Borough, in particular in the service centres, where current provision is significantly lower than in other areas.
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Quantity Standard (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision Recommended standard (hectares (hectares per 1000) per 1000) Larger settlements – 3.97 2.0 Service centres – 0.35 2.0 Smaller settlements – 47.44 2.0 Justification Local consultation highlighted that a significant proportion of residents consider the current provision of natural and semi-natural open space to be sufficient. However, some residents perceive there to be insufficient natural and semi- natural open spaces in the borough and also emphasised the importance of protecting the existing spaces. The amount of natural open space was seen as a key feature of Charnwood. The quantity standard has been set at the level recommended by Natural England to allow the Council to identify opportunities for new provision, but to ensure that levels of provision required as part of new development are realistic. The standard has been set consistently across the three areas of the Borough given the similarities in perception in all settlement hierarchies. It will however be a challenging standard to deliver, particularly in the service centres where current provision is significantly below that in other parts of the Borough. This standard should be treated as a minimum standard. In areas which are part of important wildlife corridors, provision of natural and semi natural open space may be required. Outside of areas of new development, policies will focus on the protection and enhancement of existing sites within the Borough. A challenging accessibility standard has been set to increase accessibility to natural and semi natural open space. This may be partially delivered through the provision of semi natural spaces in larger parks
Quality
Current position
5.19 The quality of existing natural and semi natural open space was assessed by site visits undertaken the Borough Council. The findings are summarised in Table 5.2. The scores achieved at each site are recorded in Appendix D. Key issues at sites are set out in Appendix J.
5.20 This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section.
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Table 5.2 - Quality of natural and semi natural open space in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Range of quality scores(%) Average Quality Score(%)
Larger 20% - 49% settlements 100% Service 26% - 48% centres 68% Smaller 31% - 61% settlements 100% 20% - 53% Overall 100%
5.21 The key issues arising from consultation and Table 5.2 with regards to the quality of natural and semi natural open space are as follows:
• 56% of residents consider the quality of this type of open space to be good while 34% of respondents suggest that the quality of natural and semi natural open space is average. Few residents believe the quality to be poor
• site assessments indicate that the quality of natural and semi natural open space is lower than consultations suggest, with an average quality percentage of 53%. Quality perceptions of residents may be influenced by the abundance of countryside and by the high quality standards at the well known country parks, such as Bradgate (Newtown Linford) and Outwoods (Loughborough)
• the majority of respondents within all sizes of settlement consider the quality of this typology to be good, although the proportion is significantly higher amongst respondents from the rural communities:
- in the larger settlements 55% of residents indicated that the quality of natural open space is good, 35% average and just 3% deem it to be poor
- in the service centres the responses were very similar, with 52% rating the quality of natural open space as good, 37% average and 4% poor
- unsurprisingly given the rural nature of smaller settlements, residents in these areas portrayed the greatest satisfaction with the quality of natural open space, with 84% of residents indicating that the quality of this typology is good and 16% average
• dog fouling and litter problems are considered to be problems by users of this type of open space. Grass cutting and the maintenance of seating or footpaths are not identified as being problematic
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• site visits indicate that planted areas and cleanliness is good across the Borough. Sites are overall considered to be relatively clean, although a lack of litter bins and dog bins emerges as a key issue. Information boards, seating and bins are identified as key areas for improvement. 14 existing sites contain information boards, and 10 provide education. 20 have either parking at the site or in close proximity
• responses from other surveys and workshop sessions with key stakeholders also highlighted some good quality provision in the borough, with a range of attractive sites providing different experiences.
Setting quality standards
5.22 The recommended local quality standard for natural and semi natural open space is summarised below. This standard sets out the essential elements of a high quality natural open space. These findings are derived from the key themes of local consultations. Full justification and consultation relating to the quality of provision is provided within Appendix E.
5.23 The key criteria set out in the local standards will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards.
Quality standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Natural and semi natural open space Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Water features Nature features Parking facilities Well kept and even footpaths Dog and litter bins and dog walking facilities Appropriate planting Provision of toilets (within the site or nearby) Seating Information
Accessibility
5.24 The local accessibility standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations. It considers the distance that residents are willing to travel to access different types of facilities as well as the mode of transport that they would anticipate using.
5.25 Household survey results show that 51% of current users of natural and semi natural open space walk to access a site, whilst 44% travel by car.
5.26 Consistent with the travel patterns indicated by current users, the majority of residents expect to walk to access a natural or semi natural open space (51%). 41% of residents would prefer to drive.
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5.27 Residents highlight the need for open access to natural open space and some respondents indicate that there are such spaces on the doorstep to their home. Access to local natural and semi natural open space is an important aspect of life in some of the more rural settlements.
5.28 The importance of providing appropriate parking for those who do wish to drive was discussed at the stakeholder workshop. In addition, access to some sites for residents not wishing to travel by car was considered to be poor. Specific examples given include Charnwood Forest and Bradgate Park (Newtown Linford).
5.29 Perceived security issues were also highlighted as a barrier to access by residents and it was indicated that there are access issues to Charnwood Forest although. Leicestershire Wildlife Trust provides public access to certain sites.
5.30 Some sites, such as Bradgate Park (Newtown Linford), Watermead Country Park (Thurmaston), Beacon Hill Country Park (Woodhouse), Castle Hill Country Park (Anstey) have a wider catchment area, attracting residents from outside of the Borough as well as local people. While it is important to ensure that all residents are able to access a local resource, these sites provide additional opportunities for locals and visitors to the area.
5.31 As well as highlighting specific issues relating to access to natural open space, stakeholders indicate that the rights of way network effectively provides access to the countryside.
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5.32 Parish Council representatives reinforced the findings of the stakeholder workshop, indicating that public transport links are not adequate at present. It was suggested that links need to be more flexible and included within facility plans. While it was also suggested that cycle ways were good where they exist, there were perceived to be insufficient and there is a need to raise awareness of opportunities that do exist. Green linkages between villages (footpaths and cycleways) were considered to be of particular importance. Parish Councils suggested that qualitative improvements and the protection of existing facilities were a particular priority for natural and semi natural open spaces.
Setting accessibility standards
5.33 The recommended local accessibility standard for natural and semi natural open space is summarised below. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
5.34 The standard places an emphasis on local access to natural spaces, something that was perceived to be particularly important to residents in light of the characteristics of the area and is reflective of the high expectations. This should be applied to both existing and new provision to identify areas where access to existing natural open space is in need of improvement.
Accessibility standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Natural and semi natural open space
10 minute walk time (480m) and access to sites by public transport
Consultation emphasises the importance of local access to natural and semi natural open spaces, with many residents suggesting that natural open space is part of the character of the area. There is a split between those who would expect to walk (larger settlements) and those in smaller settlements who would travel by car to reach natural areas. Other consultations highlight the importance of providing appropriate linkages to sites for residents who wish to walk. In recognition of the importance of promoting sustainable modes of transport and in light of the desire for localised natural open spaces a 10 minute walk time standard has been set as an aspirational target. This can be delivered through a variety of means, including green corridors and creation of semi natural areas within larger open space. This also draws upon the need to create habitats and promote biodiversity. Based on the location of many natural open space sites outside of settlement boundaries, a public transport time has also been set.
Applying provision standards
5.35 The application of the recommended quality, quantity and accessibility standards is essential to understand the existing distribution of open space, sport and recreation facilities and identify areas where provision is insufficient to meet local need.
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Quantity
5.36 In light of the uneven distribution of natural and semi natural open space, and the high levels of provision, the recommended quantity standard is to be applied to new provision only. It is therefore inappropriate to state areas of existing deficiency using the measure of 2ha per 1000 population. The need for additional natural open space as part of new housing developments should however be considered using the 2ha per 1000 population standard.
5.37 Assuming that the population of Charnwood grows by circa 20,000 residents as projected up to 2026, an additional 40 hectares of accessible semi natural open space would therefore be required.
Accessibility
5.38 Application of the recommended accessibility standard for natural and semi natural open space should be used to guide decision making on areas where new provision may be required, or where access routes to natural space and to the nearby countryside are of particular importance.
5.39 Map 5.1 and 5.2 illustrate the distribution of existing sites. While there are clusters of residents who are not able to access natural and semi natural spaces within the targeted 10 minute walk time, almost all are within a 10 minute drive time. Map 5.3 evaluates the interrelationship between natural and semi natural open spaces and sites designated for nature conservation.
5.40 As highlighted previously, some sites, such as Bradgate Park, Watermead Country Park and Beacon Hill Country Park have a wider catchment area, attracting residents from outside of the Borough as well as local people. While it is important to ensure that all residents are able to access a local resource, these sites provide additional opportunities for locals and visitors to the area.
Quality
5.41 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the overall quality score achieved (outlined in Table 5.2) and the presence of essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. This is summarised in Table 5.3 overleaf.
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Table 5.3 – Measuring the overall achievement of the quality standard
OverallQuality Rating Minimum Average Score
All essential 80% or above criteria 3 or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above All essential 70 – 79% Very Good criteria 3 or above All essential 60 – 69% Good criteria 3 or above Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
5.42 Table 5.4 therefore summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 5.3.
Table 5.4 – Quality Ratings Settlement hierarchy of% sites excellent of% sites very good of% sites good of% sites average of% sites poor
Larger settlements 11 0 0 26 63
0 0 0 56 44 Service centres
Smaller settlements 33 0 0 22 44
14 0 0 31 55 Overall Nb. Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
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5.43 Over half of all natural and semi natural sites are considered poor when measured against the recommended quality standard. In contrast, 14% of sites are rated as excellent. The quality of provision is varied across the three settlement hierarchies. Provision is poorest in the larger settlements, where 63% of sites are poor overall, although 11% are considered excellent. This serves to illustrate the contrast in the quality of sites. While fewer sites in the service centres are considered to poor, overall, the quality of provision is highest in the smaller settlements. 33% of sites in the smaller settlements are rated as excellent.
5.44 Map 5.4 summarises the quality of natural and semi natural open space .It is clear that the poor and high quality sites are sporadically located across the Borough.
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Map 5.1 - Natural and semi natural open space in Charnwood
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Map 5.2 – Access to natural and semi natural open space by car
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Map 5.3 – Interrelationship between natural and semi natural open spaces and sites designated for nature conservation
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Map 5.4- Quality of natural and semi natural open spaces
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Priorities for Future Delivery
Borough Wide Issues
5.45 This section considers the borough wide issues that need to be addressed. Consideration is then given to issues within specific settlements.
Protecting existing Natural and Semi Natural Open Space
5.46 Nearly two thirds of respondents (64%) considered the provision of natural and semi natural open space to be sufficient. This type of open space was perceived to be particularly valuable to residents in terms of recreational use and is also considered to be integral to the character of the Borough. Attendees at the Parish Council workshop suggest that natural open space and countryside should be protected as it ensures that villages retain their independence and do not merge into each other.
5.47 The majority of residents indicating that provision is insufficient highlighted the importance of natural open space and indicated that it is important that these sites are not lost to development. The importance of protecting this type of open space was a key theme throughout consultation. Residents and stakeholders indicated that the variety of natural space, which occurs as a result of the range of providers, was one of the main successes of the Borough.
5.48 In consideration of the importance of this type of open space both from a recreational and conservation perspective, all sites should therefore be offered protection through the LDF.
5.49 Application of the Woodland Trust accessibility standards further reinforces the need to protect existing woodlands and natural space. Table 5.5 summarises the implications of the application of the Woodland Trust Access to Woodlands Standards. The table takes in to account accessible woodland and also looks at the impact of improving access to woods that are currently inaccessible. It considers the improvements required to ensure that all residents have access to an accessible woodland within 500m of their home (231 additional hectares of woodlands required as well as improvements to access arrangements at existing woodlands). It also evaluates actions required to provide access to woodland within 4km of all homes.
Table 5.5 – Application of Woodland Trust Standard
Category Indicator Charnwood
Woodland % population with access to 2ha+ wood within 500m 1.72% within 500m % extra population with access to 2ha+ wood within 500m if 24.39% existing woods opened
% population requiring new woodland creation for access to 73.89% a 2ha+ wood within 500m
Minimum area of new woodland required for 2ha+ woods 231ha within 500m (ha)
Woodland % population with access to 20ha+ wood within 4km 49.49% within 4km
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Category Indicator Charnwood
% extra population with access to 20ha+ wood within 4km if 32.07% existing woods opened
% population requiring new woodland creation for access to 18.44% a 20ha+ wood within 4km
NSN1 Protect all valuable natural and semi natural open spaces and the green corridors which link them from development through policies in the Local Development Framework. New provision (or contributions towards the quality of existing spaces) should be required as part of housing developments and should be based on the recommended 2ha per 1000 population.
Improving access to existing spaces
5.50 The provision of additional natural and semi natural open space may not be possible, particularly in the larger towns and in this case attention should be given to improving accessibility to sites and through improved connectivity between different areas of open space.
5.51 As well as improving linkages between sites, consultation suggested that although there is high public use of some parts of Charnwood Forest (for example Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill), some parts of the Charnwood Forest are not accessible to residents. In addition, parts of Charnwood Forest are “no cycle” routes.
5.52 Negotiating access to these areas would improve overall quantities of provision in the Borough. Priorities for improved access to natural open space / new open space will be highlighted later in this section.
5.53 As well as formal natural spaces, Charnwood is blessed with large areas of countryside. This provides a further opportunity to increase access to natural environments for residents. This is also discussed in Section 13.
NSN2 Establish new green corridors and improve existing corridors to provide effective links between towns, natural and semi natural sites and other types of local open space as well as wider strategic sites. Negotiate public access to parts of Charnwood Forest which are currently inaccessible and maximise the links to open countryside. As well as improving linkages, it should be ensure that larger sites offer facilities for those who cycle to the site (i.e. bike storage).
Maximising Biodiversity
5.54 Natural and semi natural open space provides a valuable resource from both a recreational and biodiversity perspective. While the recreational value of these sites is important, it is essential to consider the balance between biodiversity and recreation (as reflected in local strategic documents).
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5.55 Promotion of recreational opportunities on site should be balanced with the wider functions of the site and ensure that recreation and wildlife uses are in equilibrium. This will require sympathetic management and maintenance and should be considered when priorities are identified.
5.56 The Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan identifies a series of key habitats, many of which are found in the natural and semi natural open space in the Borough, including mature trees (22 sites) hedgerows (16 sites), grassland (16 sites), deciduous woodland (10 sites) mixed wood (12 sites) and scrub (12 sites). The Strategic Green Infrastructure Study (2009) indicates that the woodlands of Charnwood Forest are particularly important in terms of biodiversity. It is part of the National Forest Sub-Regional Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement Area.
NSN3 Ensure that all improvements to natural and semi natural open space take into account the requirement to balance biodiversity and recreation. Promote sympathetic management of natural and semi natural open spaces.
5.57 As highlighted in the quantity standard, where new development is located on a wildlife corridor, effective natural and semi natural open space takes on greater importance and additional space of this nature should be required. Investigation should also give regard to the impact of development on the existing natural space and existing wildlife networks.
5.58 Sufficient natural space should be provided to link with existing spaces and continue and enhance the existing corridors.
NSN4 Ensure that where development takes place on wildlife corridors, natural open space above and beyond the minimum quantity standard is provided. This space should link with existing spaces and continue and improve existing corridors.
5.59 The remainder of this section considers the key issues for natural open space in each of the three settlement hierarchies.
Education
5.60 The opportunity to educate residents on the natural environment was a key theme of stakeholder workshops, with many highlighting examples of good practice at larger sites in the Borough, including information boards and visitor centres.
5.61 Furthermore, signage to many sites was perceived to be limited. A lack of awareness of the presence of existing sites was a key issue arising from the household survey relating to both parks and natural spaces. The need to promote the variety of natural and semi natural open spaces available for residents to enjoy was also raised during the Parish Council workshop.
5.62 Consultations with the County Council revealed that schools are committed to the education of their children with regards wildlife and biodiversity, with many creating natural areas within school grounds.
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NSN5 Work in partnership to implement signage (to raise awareness of sites) as well as information boards at large sites in the Borough. Consider also a programme of marketing to maximise awareness of opportunities available to residents across the Borough.
Larger Settlements
5.63 Over 138 hectares of natural and semi natural open space is located in the larger settlements. This equates to 1.52 hectares per 1000 population. While this level of provision is high for more urban settlements, it falls below the recommended Natural England standards of 2ha per 1000 population.
5.64 Analysis of the quantity of existing provision indicates that while provision actually exceeds 2ha per 1000 population in Loughborough and Thurmaston, it is significantly below this level in Birstall and Shepshed.
5.65 Application of the accessibility standard indicates that on the whole, there is good access to natural and semi natural open space in the larger settlements (taking into account sites of both primary and secondary purpose). However, areas of deficiency can be found in Shepshed, Loughborough and East Thurmaston (Maps 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7 respectively). These areas of deficiency are even more pronounced when considering the impact of railway lines, which effectively reduces the catchment areas that existing sites serve.
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Map 5.5 – Access to natural open space in Shepshed
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Map 5.6 – Access to natural open space in Loughborough
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Map 5.7 – Access to natural open Space in East Thurmaston
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5.66 Creating new natural open spaces in town centres is difficult due to a lack of space and opportunities and although residents in these areas of deficiency do not have access to natural or semi natural open space, they do have access to parks or amenity green space. Improved access to natural and semi natural space and countryside, particularly around the Loughborough Area is however a key priority of the 6 C’s Growth Point Infrastructure Study meaning that this is particularly important.
5.67 This provides the opportunity to create natural areas within these other sites (for example wild flower meadows within a park) and also reduces the need to provide additional natural open space. In light of deficiencies however, if other natural open space is not provided, access to areas of nearby countryside and nearby natural and semi natural sites will be particularly important. A good example of this is in Thurmaston, where Watermead Country Park is located to the west of the village. Although many residents are outside of the catchment of this space, improved linkages will facilitate usage. Leicestershire County Council analysis of the Public Rights of Way Network indicates that there are particular gaps around Birstall.
NSN6 Provide additional natural and semi natural space in Loughborough, Shepshed and East Thurmaston either by creating natural areas within existing sites, creating new sites or improving access routes to countryside and other spaces.
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5.68 The quality of natural and semi natural open space in the larger settlements is also below average, with 63% of sites rated as poor. The quality of sites ranges significantly, however, 11% of sites are rated as excellent. Beacon Hill Country Park, Bradgate Park and Charnwood Water were all rated as excellent. The quality standard identifies a clean and litter free site and well maintained footpaths as two of the essential features of a natural or semi natural open space. Site visits reveal that there are also opportunities to increase the infrastructure at sites, including bins, seats and paths as well as provide educational information. Provision of educational information was perceived to be a key opportunity during workshops. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
NSN7 Seek to enhance the quality of natural and semi natural open space in the larger settlements in line with the quality vision focusing on sites not achieving the recommended standards. Provide educational information at larger sites.
Service Centres
5.69 The provision of natural and semi natural open space is significantly lower in the service centres (19.43 hectares) compared to the other settlements hierarchies in the borough.
5.70 Provision in Syston, Sileby, Mountsorrel and Barrow Upon Soar falls significantly below 2 hectares per 1000 population.
5.71 However, despite limited provision, sites are distributed across the service centres, which means that a large proportion of residents have access to this type of open space within the recommended 10 minute walk time (taking into account sites of both primary and secondary purpose).
5.72 Settlements containing no natural open space, and where residents are significantly out of the recommended catchment for a space are:
• East Goscote
• Rothley
• Queniborough
• Rearsby
• Sileby
• Syston.
5.73 When considering the distribution of parks and gardens and amenity green space in this area of the borough, all residents located in those settlements identified above have access to at one of these types of open space within a 10 minute walk time. In addition to all residents having access to informal open space, there is also an abundance of nearby countryside near these settlements.
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5.74 Like in the larger settlements, this provides the opportunity to create natural areas within these other sites and also reduces the need to provide additional natural open space. In light of deficiencies however, if other natural open space is not provided, easy access to areas of nearby countryside will be particularly important. The presence of the River Soar running through many of the settlements of the Borough provides an importance opportunity to create multi functional linkages between settlements. The River Soar Strategy (Leicestershire Promotions 2009) emphasises the importance of this watercourse and sets out key priorities to maximise the value of this natural asset. This is also highlighted as a key opportunity within the 2009 6C’s Growth Point Green Infrastructure Study.
NSN8 Provide additional natural and semi natural space in Syston, Mountsorrel, Rothley and Barrow upon Soar either by creating natural areas within existing sites, creating new sites or improving access routes to countryside and other spaces. The River Soar provides a particular opportunity to create a high quality multi functional linkages in many of these villages. Identify opportunities to provide natural open spaces in areas currently lacking in this type of provision, particularly Sileby and Syston. There is also a lack of provision in East Goscote, Queniborough and Rearsby.
5.75 In light of the lack of provision in the area, it will be important that that the value of sites is maximised through qualitative enhancements.
5.76 In the service centres, natural and semi natural open space is also in need of improvement. 44% of all sites were considered poor and the remainder are rated as average. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site not achieving the quality score is provided in Appendix J.
NSN9 Seek to enhance the quality of natural and semi natural open space in the Service Centres focusing particularly on those sites not meeting the recommended quality vision.
5.77 The quality vision identifies a clean and litter free site and well maintained footpaths as two of the essential features of a natural or semi natural open space. Site visits reveal that there are also opportunities to increase the infrastructure at sites, including bins, seats and paths as well as provide educational information.
Smaller Settlements
5.78 The smaller villages in Charnwood are located in close proximity to natural countryside and the highest amount of natural and semi natural open space is located in these villages. This level of provision equates to 47.4 hectares per 1000 population. Provision is particularly high in the Parishes of Newtown Linford and Woodhouse.
5.79 In addition to specific sites, there is an abundance of natural space outside of the settlement boundaries, the majority of which is accessible to local residents. Many of these sites are of strategic importance to the borough, attracting visitors from far afield as well as those who live in close proximity to the site.
5.80 The nature of the smaller settlements and the proximity to the countryside means that while specific natural areas are not required, links to the countryside are of particular Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 90
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importance. The quality of natural and semi natural open space in the smaller settlements is higher than that in larger settlements and service centres, with 33% of sites rated as excellent. Despite this, 44% of sites still achieved a rating of poor. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
5.81 In consideration of the large number of SSSIs and SINCs in the area, it will be important that the biodiversity value of sites is taken into consideration when making any qualitative enhancements.
NSN10 Seek to enhance the quality of sites in line with the quality vision, taking into account the sensitive nature of environmentally important sites. Focus in particular on the sites not achieving the recommended standards.
NSN11 Identify opportunities to link residents in the smaller settlements with areas of nearby countryside, focusing particularly in the larger villages where natural open space is limited, in particular Wymeswold, Cossington, Thrussington and Seagrave.
Summary
5.82 Natural and semi natural open space is one of the most frequently visited types of open space with 80% of residents visiting natural open space at least once per month.
5.83 In addition to the recreational value of natural resources, residents also recognise the wider benefits of natural open spaces, particularly in terms of providing opportunities for biodiversity and habitat creation. The need to protect natural and semi natural open space from development was a key theme throughout consultation and while recreational opportunities should be encouraged, this should be balanced with conserving and promoting biodiversity. This was also reinforced through the stakeholder workshop as well as within local and regional strategic documents.
5.84 No quantity standard has been set for existing natural and semi natural open space, instead existing spaces should be protected and enhanced both in terms of quality for recreation and for biodiversity. When measuring access to natural open space, it can be seen that there are some residents with limited access, in particular in Shepshed. Some service centres also contain no provision.
5.85 Where opportunities arise, new semi natural space would be of benefit in these areas. This may be delivered through new sites, by creating natural areas within existing sites or by improving access to existing facilities. Natural open spaces will be required as part of new development, using the standard developed by Natural England in “Promoting Access to Nature” as a basis (2ha per 1000 population).
5.86 Improving the connectivity between sites will also be a key means of maximising access to natural spaces.
5.87 It is therefore recommended that the key priorities for the future delivery of provision of natural and semi natural open space that should be addressed through the Local Development Framework and/or other delivery mechanisms are to:
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• incorporate a policy protecting existing natural and semi natural open space within the Local Development Framework and a policy advocating improved biodiversity and conservation management
• ensure that new development contributes towards the provision of natural and semi natural open spaces, either through the creation of new sites or improvement of existing nearby natural spaces
• identify opportunities for improving the quality of natural and semi natural open spaces, both in terms of the wildlife and habitat values of the site, but also for recreational purposes
• promote sympathetic management of natural and semi natural open spaces and monitor the impact of recreation on these sites
• facilitate the development of new semi natural open spaces prioritising areas where access to natural open space is currently limited.
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SECTION 6 – AMENITY GREEN SPACE
6. Amenity green space
Introduction and definition
6.1 This type of open space is most commonly found in residential areas. It includes informal recreation spaces and green spaces in and around housing, with a primary purpose of providing opportunities for informal activities close to home or work. Amenity green space is also often used for landscaping purposes.
6.2 The function of this type of open space overlaps with many others, in particular parks and gardens and natural areas can also provide informal opportunities for children’s play where there are no other facilities. It is important therefore to consider the provision of amenity green spaces in the context of other types of open space.
6.3 Village greens have been audited separately as part of this study. In reality, village greens fulfil the role of amenity spaces in the villages. The interrelationship between village greens and amenity space has therefore been considered as part of this assessment.
6.4 There is much research relating to the links between the provision of high quality open space and a reduction in crime. Given that amenity space is perhaps the most local type of open space provided, high quality space will be essential in order to discourage misuse and encourage a culture of respect.
6.5 This section relates to amenity green spaces and sets out the strategic context, key findings of the consultations and recommended local standards. The standards are then applied to evaluate the adequacy of the existing amenity green space and the associated demand for these spaces. Standards are also applied in the context of other open spaces with overlapping functions.
Context
6.6 The importance of amenity green spaces is recognised in the Charnwood Local Plan, via Policy RT 5, which requires 38m² per 10 dwellings landscaped open space to be provided in new developments. Policy RT 7 seeks to protect informal recreation space from development. Policy RT 3 considers the provision for children in new developments and requires 125 m² per 10 dwellings of amenity space as well as 75m² per 10 dwellings equipped play areas.
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Assessing local needs
6.7 Consultation undertaken as part of the study highlighted that:
• amenity green space is used less frequently than many of the other types of open space in Charnwood, with only 19% of household survey respondents indicating that they use this type of open space on a weekly or more regular basis and with 45% indicating that they never use amenity green spaces in the Borough. The characteristics of amenity spaces can mean that they are as important in terms of the landscape benefits they offer as the wider recreational benefits that they bring
• the importance of amenity green space in maintaining and providing an attractive environment was regularly highlighted. However, the need to regularly maintain amenity green space was also emphasised.
Quantity
Current position
6.8 There are 153 amenity spaces across Charnwood, making this the most common type of open space in the Borough.
6.9 In addition, there are 56 sites which have a secondary function of amenity green space. These are primarily natural and semi natural open spaces and green corridors.
6.10 The distribution of this amenity space is summarised in Table 6.1 below.
Table 6.1 - Provision of amenity green space across Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Current provision (hectares) Number of sites Smallestsite (hectares) Largest site (hectares) populationLDF (2021) Provision per 1000 population(2021)
Larger settlements 24.08 67 0.019 3.2 101,368 0.2376 Service centres 42.55 70 0.021 10.0 61,779 0.6887 Smaller settlements 4.63 16 0.032 1.4 12,253 0.3779 Overall 71.26 153 175,400 0.4063
6.11 The key issues emerging from Table 6.1 and consultations relating to the quantity of provision of amenity green space across Charnwood are as follows:
• there is a much higher amount of amenity green space within the service centres
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• Borough wide, there is no clear direction of opinion regarding the quantity of amenity space. While 49% of residents believe that provision is insufficient, 43% have the opposing view
• whilst the views amongst residents within the larger settlements and service centres generally mirror the overall results, the responses from people living within the smaller settlements differ:
- in the larger settlements opinions on the adequacy of amenity space in Charnwood are split, with 43% of residents suggesting that provision is adequate (about right or more than sufficient), whilst 20% deem there to be ‘nearly enough’ provision and 20% deem there to be ‘not enough’ provision
- similarly, in the service centres 41% of residents suggested that provision is adequate (about right or more than sufficient), whilst 17% deem there to be ‘nearly enough’ provision and 22% deem there to be ‘not enough’ provision
- residents in the smaller settlements demonstrated a split in opinion – with 54% indicating that provision is adequate whilst 4% perceive there to be ‘nearly enough’ and nearly one-third (32%) feel that provision is sufficient.
6.12 Almost all of the residents that indicated that provision is insufficient referenced either the recent loss of amenity space to development, or the role that amenity green spaces play in providing facilities for children and young people..
6.13 The results from other surveys conducted for this study, also highlighted some differences in opinion:
• the majority of respondents (69%) to the officers survey consider the provision of amenity green space to be insufficient
• amongst the respondents from the children’s survey, 37% said that there are ‘a lot of amenity green spaces’ in Charnwood whilst 32% said that ‘there are some but that there could be more’ and 21% indicated that there are ‘not enough’ facilities.
6.14 Parish Council representatives highlighted that improvement to the quality and security of amenity spaces were of greater importance to them than the creation of new spaces. In particular maintenance at these sites was perceived to be poor. The amount of large grassed areas was also cited as a positive feature of Charnwood Borough by Parish Council representatives in that they provide both recreational and visual amenity.
6.15 Stakeholders praised the green appearance of Charnwood and it was suggested that amenity green spaces are central to this. Additionally, the need to proactively plan new developments to maximise the provision and functionality of green spaces within these sites was referenced. While the importance of securing amenity space as part of new development was clear, particularly when open space is lost to facilitate the development, the majority of focus was placed on qualitative improvements.
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Setting provision standards
6.16 The recommended local quantity standard for amenity green space has been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and is summarised below. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
6.17 The standard has been set at the existing level of provision Boroughwide. However, amenity green space is expected in all areas of the Borough and it is anticipated that the application of this standard will identify shortfalls in certain areas. Plus in addition to evaluating the provision of amenity green space in isolation, consideration will be given to the context of provision in relation to parks and natural areas.
6.18 The application of this standard will assist in the identification of the size of settlements above which amenity green space should definitely be provided.
Quantity Standard (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision Recommended standard (hectares per (hectares per 1000) 1000) Larger Settlements – 0.26 0.46 Service Centres – 0.77 0.46 Smaller Settlements – 0.42 0.46 Justification Local consultation presents no conclusive opinions on the amount of amenity green space within the Borough with 49% suggesting that the quantity is about right while 43% feel that provision is sufficient. Parish Councils indicated that there is a need for larger spaces that can accommodate a range of facilities but overall placed a focus on qualitative improvements. Attendees at workshops attributed the green nature of the Borough to the presence of significant quantities of amenity green space.
In light of the emphasis on qualitative improvements (particularly in the larger areas of the Borough) it is suggested that the standard is set at the existing level of provision Boroughwide. This should be treated as a minimum standard.
Application of the standard on a settlement by settlement basis will enable identification of areas where provision falls below the minimum standard and where provision is sufficient to meet minimum requirements. It will encourage provision in the event of population growth. Application of the accessibility standard should be used alongside the quantity standard to determine areas where new provision is required. Settlement by settlement deficiencies are summarised in Table 15.7.
Quality
Current position
6.19 The quality of exiting amenity green space was assessed through site visits undertaken by the Borough Council.
6.20 The quality of amenity green space is summarised in Table 6.2. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section. The scores achieved during site visits are recorded in Appendix D.
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Table 6.2 - Quality of amenity green space in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Range ofquality scores(%) Average Quality Score(%)
Larger 23% - 60% settlements 91% Service 25% - 59% centres 90% Smaller 27% - 52% settlements 83% 23% - 59% Overall 91%
6.21 As highlighted previously, the balance between quality and quantity was perceived to be particularly important if the value of amenity spaces in Charnwood is to be maximised. The key issues arising from consultation and analysis of the existing quality of provision are summarised below:
• 44% of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of amenity areas to be average. 17% consider the quality of this typology to be good, whilst 11% consider them to be poor indicating that there is some room for improvement to the quality of amenity areas
• site visits support the perception of residents, with the average quality score of a site being 59% which is poorer than for many other types of open space. The average quality of provision is highest in the larger settlements. It should also be noted that there are more poorer quality facilities than there are in other typologies
• findings within the three settlement hierarchies largely mirror the Borough wide result with circa 60% of residents in each area indicating that the quality of amenity green space is average/good:
- in the larger settlements , 47% of residents indicate that the quality of this type of open space is average, 12% consider it good and 14% poor. Average site visit scores are highest for amenity green spaces within these areas
- responses from residents in service centres were similar, with 44% perceiving provision to be average, 19% good and just 8% poor. Site assessments show a range of quality of amenity green space in this area, with quality scores ranging from 29% to 90%
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- responses from residents in the smaller settlements were generally more positive, despite the site visit quality scores indicating low scoring spaces within these areas. 21% of residents rated provision as average, 39% good and just 7% poor.
• litter problems were perceived to be the biggest problem by users of amenity green spaces
• responses from children and young people also show reasonable levels of satisfaction – but with potential for improvement, with:
- 46% of children suggesting that amenity spaces in their area are ‘clean, tidy and nice to use’ whilst 38% suggested that amenity spaces are average and ‘sometimes unclean and could be made better’
- 21% of young people suggested that amenity spaces are ‘clean, tidy and nice to use’ whilst 38% said that the quality of amenity spaces is average and ‘in need of some improvements’
• workshop sessions with Parish Council representatives highlighted that there are some issues in relation to amenity areas not being properly managed/maintained – specific issues highlighted were the need for more regular grass cutting, litter picks and removal of dog fouling. Also that there can be issues in relation to the maintenance of fencing and alleyways
• site visits reveal that the majority of amenity spaces in the Borough are basic grassed areas. While most contain grass and hedgerows, only 26 have seats and 28 have bins. 46 have at least some fencing
• site visits suggest that while the basic cleanliness of sites is good, and security is good, sites are particularly lacking in equipment and basic infrastructure such as seats and benches
• amenity green spaces were also perceived to offer significant benefits for wildlife and conservation. 77 had mature trees, 65 sites contain hedgerow, 80 sites contain grassland and 25 have areas of scrub.
Setting quality standards
6.22 The recommended local quality standard for amenity green space is summarised overleaf. It sets out a series of essential and desirable criteria for amenity green spaces in Charnwood. These key criteria will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards.
6.23 Full justification and consultation relating to the quality of provision is provided within Appendix E. Improvements to the quality of amenity green space were perceived to be particularly important to local residents.
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Quality Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Amenity green space Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Litter bins and dog bins Well kept grass and regular maintenance Seating Appropriate variety of planting Level surfaces Security and safety
Accessibility
6.24 The accessibility of sites is paramount in maximising usage. The recommended local standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations.
6.25 Only a small percentage of respondents to the household survey stated that they use amenity green spaces most frequently and it is therefore difficult to produce sound analysis on current usage patterns based on the sample size provided. However, for the small sample that did respond, over 90% travel on foot for 10 minutes or less - indicating that the catchment of these sites is relatively local.
6.26 The majority of residents expect to walk to an amenity green space (70%). Findings across all sizes of settlement are consistent with these findings, indicating that local provision of amenity space is expected across the Borough. There is a particular emphasis on cycling in the smaller settlements.
6.27 In addition, it should be noted that 27% of young people indicated that distance from home is a particular important determinant of whether people use facilities. 19% of young people regularly visit informal grass areas, with most doing so on foot.
Setting accessibility standards
6.28 The recommended local accessibility standard for amenity green space is summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E. In light of the consistency in expectation across the Borough, the same accessibility standard has been set at all settlement hierarchies. The quantity standard will be used to determine the minimum size settlement in which an amenity space would be expected.
6.29 In contrast to other types of open space, few other issues relating to access were raised with regards amenity green space either in the surveys or at the discussion groups, although some residents indicated that it is important to have access to local open space.
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Accessibility Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Amenity green space
10 minute walk
Consultation demonstrated strong expectations that amenity space will be provided local to the home, with 70% of residents expecting to walk to an amenity space and children and young people indicating that local access to open space is important. A walk time standard has therefore been set. This is also in line with Parish Council expectations which suggest that travelling to open spaces on foot should be encouraged. The standard of 10 minutes links with both the mean and modal responses and takes on board the comments made relating to the need to provide localised facilities. It is intended that amenity space will provide the most localised source of informal recreation and that equipped play facilities and formal parks will be more sporadically distributed.
Applying provision standards
Quantity
6.30 The application of the recommended quality, quantity and accessibility standards is essential in understanding the existing distribution of open space sport and recreation facilities and identifying areas where provision is insufficient to meet local need.
6.31 Table 6.3 summarises the application of the quantity standard both at the existing time and up to 2026. Table 15.7 summarises the issues at a settlement by settlement level.
Table 6.3 - Application of quantity standard population) Analysisareas 1000 population) (0.46 hectaresper Current shortfall / surplus against standardlocal Future shortfall / surplus against standardlocal hectares.46 per 1000 Larger Settlements -17.79 hectares -22.55 hectares Service Centres 17.03 hectares 14.13 hectares Smaller Settlements 4.39 hectares -1.01 hectares Overall -1.19 hectares -9.42 hectares
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6.32 Table 6.3 indicates the following:
• currently, there is a shortfall of amenity green space in the Borough (1.19 hectares). Based on future population projections, this shortfall is expected to increase to 9.42 hectares by 2026
• only within the service centres is the provision of amenity green space sufficient to meet current and future demand. Demand within specific settlements will be discussed later in this section
• the greatest shortfalls of amenity green space are found in the larger settlements.
Accessibility
6.33 Application of the accessibility standard is set out overleaf in Map 6.1. It can be seen that there are gaps in existing provision at all levels of the settlement hierarchy, in particular at Thurmaston, Birstall, Loughborough and in Quorn, Sileby and Syston.
6.34 This considers the role of amenity spaces in the context of spaces with a secondary function of amenity green space.
6.35 Map 6.2 considers the provision of amenity spaces in the context of parks and gardens. As a higher order facility, parks provide a greater range of facilities than amenity spaces. Where a park is within a 10 minute walk time (the recommended catchment for amenity space) an additional amenity space will not be required.
Quality
6.36 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the overall quality score achieved (outlined in Table 6.2) and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. This is summarised in Table 6.4 overleaf.
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Table 6.4 – Measuring quality against the recommended standard OverallQuality Rating Minimum Average Score
All essential 80% or above criteria 3 or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above
All essential 70 – 79% Very Good criteria 3 or above All essential 60 – 69% Good criteria 3 or above Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
6.37 Table 6.5 therefore summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 6.4.
Table 6.5 – Application of the quality standard
Settlement hierarchy % of sites excellent % of sites very good % ofgood sites % of sites average % ofpoor sites
Larger settlements 10 19 18 28 24
9 11 17 41 21 Service centres
Smaller settlements 0 6 0 56 38
8 14 16 37 24 Overall
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6.38 Table 6.5 indicates that the quality of amenity green spaces varies across all parts of the Borough, with examples of high quality facilities and sites also achieving poor quality ratings. Overall, a higher proportion of sites are considered good or better in relation to the quality standard (38%) than are rated as poor (24%). A higher proportion of sites in the smaller settlements are rated as average or poor and overall. In contrast, a higher proportion of amenity spaces in the larger settlements achieve ratings of good or better.
6.39 Map 6.3 summarises the application of the quality standard for amenity green space. As suggested in Table 6.5, poor quality facilities are sporadically distributed across the Borough.
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Map 6.1 – Amenity green space in Charnwood
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Map 6.2 – Amenity green space and parks in Charnwood
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Map 6.3 – Quality of amenity spaces in Charnwood
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Priorities for future delivery
Borough wide issues
6.40 This section considers the Borough wide issues that need to be addressed. Consideration is then given to issues within specific settlements.
Protection and disposal of sites
6.41 While amenity spaces were highlighted as being particularly important to local residents in that they provide local open spaces in close proximity to the home, the appropriateness of protecting all sites from development should be considered. In some instances, the loss of one site (which has limited existing functionality) and the subsequent improvement of a nearby site may offer greater overall value to local residents. This should only be considered where there are clusters of sites serving similar catchments and where sites do not offer significant biodiversity benefit.
6.42 While many residents indicated that the amount of amenity space in the Borough is integral to the character of the area, site quality was highlighted as being equal or greater importance than the provision of additional spaces.
6.43 Smaller sites (particularly those located in proximity to larger facilities) and those of poor quality may be of limited value to local residents and costly in terms of maintenance to the provider.
AGS1 The disposal of any site which can be proven to be surplus to requirements should only be permitted if a nearby site serving the same residents is enhanced. Sites serving unique catchment areas should be protected and enhanced. Policy should protect sites in the first instance, but should be flexible to ensure that disposal of sites where other benefits will be derived is possible.
6.44 In order to maintain an appropriate quantity of amenity green space, new provision will be required as the population grows.
AGS2 Ensure that new developments are required to contribute to the provision of amenity space. The required provision should take into account the location of nearby sites, as well as the interaction with parks and semi natural open spaces. Contributions towards amenity spaces should be required in addition to those for provision for children and young people.
6.45 The remainder of this section considers the key issues for the delivery of amenity green space within Charnwood across each of the three settlement hierarchies.
Larger settlements
6.46 The greatest shortfall of amenity green space is found in the larger settlements, with application of the quantity standard indicating that there is a current deficiency of 17.79 hectares of amenity green space.
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6.47 When evaluating provision in each of the individual settlements, it can be seen that all areas fall below the suggested standard, although provision in Shepshed is less than a hectare short of the minimum standard. The highest shortfalls are found in Loughborough.
6.48 Despite a significant shortfall of amenity green space in the area, accessibility mapping illustrates that the majority of residents do have access to an amenity green space within the recommended 10 minute walk time. However, areas of deficiency are evident in the east of Birstall, west of Thumaston and the north of Loughborough. (Maps 6. 4 – 6.7 respectively).
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Map 6.4 – Lack of amenity green space in Birstall
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Map 6.5 – Lack of amenity green space in Thurmaston
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Map 6.6 – Lack of amenity green space in north Loughborough
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6.49 When amalgamating the provision of parks and gardens and amenity green space, nearly all residents have access to at least one of these types of open space. Only one small area of deficiency is evident in the north of Loughborough (Map 6.7). In other areas the presence of a park or garden (as a higher order facility) in areas deficient of amenity green space, negates the need for amenity green space.
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Map 6.7 – Interrelationship between parks and amenity green spaces – remaining deficiencies in Loughborough
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6.50 Opportunities for the creation of additional amenity space in the above area where residents are outside of the catchment for all types of informal open space should be investigated. Where new provision is challenging in light of the character of the area, innovative solutions, such as tree lined streets, green walls etc should be explored.
6.51 As highlighted in Section 4, residents in both the north and south of Loughborough are outside of the appropriate catchment for a park. In the south of the town there is an even distribution of amenity space although there are no parks. This suggests that the amenity space is particularly valuable in this area. Upgrading one amenity space to create a park (ie by providing a wider range of facilities) would offset the deficiencies in parks in this area. In the north, although there is an overall lack of open space, this area is predominantly industrial and therefore no new provision is required.
AGS3 Upgrade an amenity space in the south of the town to enable it to function as a park.
6.52 Like in south Loughborough, in Shepshed there is a lack of parks in the south of the town although there is an abundance of amenity space. Upgrading one or more of these spaces would offset deficiencies in park provision.
AGS4 Upgrade an amenity space in the south of Shepshed to enable it to function as a park.
6.53 Although the distribution of amenity space, when combined with parks and gardens is even, the level of provision in each of the settlements when measured against the quantity standards is below the minimum standard. This means that sites do not have the capacity to cope with growing populations. In line with recommendation AGS 2, new provision as part of new development will be essential.
6.54 The quality of amenity green space in the larger settlements is higher than in other settlement hierarchies, with 47% of sites achieving a rating of good or better. This still however highlights that in addition to the need for increased provision, significant qualitative improvements are also required to some sites.
6.55 There are examples of poor quality facilities in all of the larger settlements, although the majority are located within Loughborough. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site not achieving the quality score is provided in Appendix J.
6.56 In particular, primarily in Loughborough and Shepshed, a number of sites are located in close proximity to one another which creates overlapping catchments. Map 6.3 indicates that sites in these areas are of varying quality. The value of sites of poor quality, serving the same catchment as another site is limited and consideration should be given to the disposal of these sites in favour or enhancement of existing provision or the creation of new sites in areas of deficiency in line with Recommendation AGS 1.
6.57 Maps 6.7 and 6.8 illustrate sites with overlapping catchments in Loughborough and Shepshed respectively. As shown on Map 6.8, there is a proposed open space in new development also likely to be provided in this area.
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Map 6.8 – Sites with overlapping catchments in Loughborough
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Map 6.9 – Sites with overlapping catchments in Shepshed
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AGS5 Priority should be given to enhancing the quality of amenity green space in line with the quality vision focusing particularly on the sites of poorer quality when measured against the quality standard. Particular focus should be given to the improvement of the infrastructure of sites and ensuring that maintenance regimes are adequate. The disposal of some sites in line with recommendation AGS 1 may facilitate qualitative improvement at nearby sites.
Service Centres
6.58 Service centres contain the highest amount of amenity green space within Charnwood (42.55 hectares) and application of the quantity standard indicates that provision is above the minimum standard.
6.59 Despite this, application of the quantity standard at a settlement level indicates that there are shortfalls of provision in Syston, Sileby, Queniborough, Anstey, Quorn and Hathern. All deficiencies are however below 1ha, with the exception of Syston where shortfalls are over two hectares. There is however a village green in Syston. Although categorised as a separate type of open space, this village green fulfils the role of amenity green space within the town.
6.60 In contrast, provision in Barrow on Soar and Mountsorrel is high. Provision in Mountsorrel is particularly valuable as there are no parks to the south of the town. There are also village greens in both of these areas. Amenity space is also particularly important in South Quorn as there are no parks in this area.
6.61 Application of the accessibility standard indicates that nearly all residents have access to an amenity green space within a 10 minute walk time. The only significant area of deficiency is found in Syston. This reflects the findings of the quantity standard. Map 6.10 overleaf illustrates these deficiencies.
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Map 6.10 – Lack of amenity green space in east Syston
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AGS6 Seek opportunities to increase the amount of amenity space in East Syston.
6.62 There are many opportunities to improve the quality of amenity green space in the service centres. 21% of sites are rated as poor and a further 41% only achieve an average rating. In contrast, 20% of sites are very good or excellent. The key issues and areas for improvement are provided in Appendix J.
6.63 In addition to improving the quality of amenity spaces, Section 4 highlights opportunities to upgrade several amenity spaces in areas deficient in parks specifically Mountsorrel, Rearsby, Rothley, Quorn and East Goscote.
6.64 In areas where there are overlapping catchments, consider the disposal of some sites in order to improve the quality of other sites in line with recommendation AGS 1.
AGS7 Improve the quality of facilities in line with the quality vision, focusing on those sites that do not achieve the recommended standards. Parish Councils indicated that key priorities for improvement included maintenance and safety. Site visits reveal that infrastructure (ie benches, bins etc) is also in need of improvement.
Smaller settlements
6.65 Based on a minimum size for an amenity space of 0.1 hectares, application of the quantity standard indicates that all settlements exceeding 225 residents should contain an amenity space. This provides an indication only and guides decision making relating to new development.
6.66 Application of the accessibility standard illustrates a good distribution of amenity green space in the Smaller Settlements. Application of the quantity standard suggests that the following villages (with sufficient population to justify an amenity space of 0.1ha or greater) do not currently have amenity green space or a site which has the secondary purpose of amenity green space:
• Swithland • Burton on the Wolds • Barkby • Thrussington • Cossington • Newtown Linford.
6.67 When considering the need for new amenity space, it is important to consider the interrelationship with other types of open space. Where residents do not have access to any type of open space, new amenity space should be prioritised. Even in areas where there are other types of open space, if these do not provide an amenity function then additional space may be provided. In the example villages above, most residents have access to at least a park (primary or secondary purpose) or an alternative site which has a secondary function of amenity space within a 10 minute walk time (and
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this negates the need for additional amenity space to an extent). Residents in Swithland do not.
6.68 Minimum size criteria, alongside the application of the quantity standard can be used to determine which of the smaller settlements should contain amenity green space. Assuming that the minimum size of an amenity space is 0.1ha and the quantity standard is 0.46 ha, application of the quantity standard suggests that 225 residents create sufficient demand to warrant the creation of an additional amenity space. It can therefore be concluded that settlements of / exceeding this size should contain an amenity green space. This provides an indication only and guides decision making relating to new development.
AGS8 As a minimum, support the development amenity spaces in villages where population exceeds 225. In particular, the need for provision in Swithland should be investigated.
6.69 While there are some deficiencies in provision in smaller settlements, Parish Councils highlighted that qualitative improvements are of particular importance. 38% of sites were rated as poor and Parish Councils indicated that security and maintenance were particularly problematic. Site visits indicate that many sites also lack basic infrastructure such as bins. In particular, the quality of amenity spaces in Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eves and Wymeswold is particularly important. As larger settlements, these are of sufficient size to warrant the creation of a park. The amenity spaces should therefore be upgraded to ensure that they are able to fulfil this function. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
AGS9 Support Parish Councils in the improvement of existing amenity green spaces by providing advice and guidance. Particular priority should be given to upgrading spaces at Wymeswold and Woodhouse Parish to ensure that sites fulfil similar roles to parks.
Summary and conclusions
6.70 The community interaction benefits of small open space are recognised, with residents identifying this type of open space as valuable to the local community. Localised open spaces are particularly important to children and young people and are also of high importance in the smaller rural settlements. These types of open space are often the focal point of community life. Furthermore, many consultees highlighted the role of smaller open spaces in defining the character of Charnwood.
6.71 Application of the quantity, quality and accessibility standards suggests that qualitative enhancements should be prioritised although some localised deficiencies are identified. Qualitative improvements should particularly focus around improvements to the basic infrastructure of a site, such as the provision of seats and bins. As the most local type of informal open space, application of the quantity standard suggests that all settlements of 225 residents or above should have at least one amenity green space.
6.72 Additional provision will be required in all areas as the population grows.
6.73 The key issues arising from the analysis of the provision of amenity green spaces are therefore to:
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• drive a strategic programme of qualitative improvements across the Borough focusing particularly on the infrastructure of sites
• ensure that policy requires the development of new amenity spaces in the event of new housing development where current or future provision falls below the minimum standards. Provision of amenity space should be required in addition to facilities for children and young people
• ensure that policy is sufficiently flexible to permit the development of some sites in order to invest in qualitative improvements in nearby sites
• facilitate the delivery of new amenity spaces in the settlements identified as priority for new provision (North Loughborough, Syston and Swithland).
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7. Provision for children and young people
Introduction and definition
7.1 PPG17 states that the broad objective of provision for children and young people is to ensure that they have opportunities to interact with their peers and learn social and movement skills within their home environment. At the same time, they must not create nuisance for other residents or appear threatening to passers by.
7.2 This typology encompasses a vast range of provision, from small areas of green space with a single piece of equipment (similar to the typology of amenity greenspace) to large, multi purpose play areas. It considers equipped provision only.
7.3 PPG17 notes that categorising facilities under one umbrella often ignores the needs of older children. Each site and range of equipment has a different purpose and often serves a different age group and target audience. Provision of facilities for children does not necessarily negate the need for provision for young people and vice versa.
7.4 In light of the differences between provision for children and young people, this typology has been subdivided and facilities for children and young people have been analysed separately.
7.5 Provision for children is taken to include equipped children’s play areas and adventure playgrounds that are perceived to cater for children under 12. Toddlers play areas are also included within this category. These facilities are referred to as facilities for children throughout this report. Where a site contains equipment for both toddlers and children, this has been classified by the predominant age group.
7.6 Guidance on the provision and design of children’s play areas includes the following national and international law and regulations.
• Disability Discrimination Act (equipment must by law comply both in terms of accessibility and play value for disabled children).
• European Safety Standards EN 1176 and EN 1177. Equipment, playground surfacing and design.
• National Playing Fields Standards (now Fields in Trust) Six Acre Standard.
7.7 Facilities for young people includes the following types of provision:
• Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs)
• skateparks
• basketball courts
• youth shelters
• informal kickabout areas
• BMX tracks
• Play areas / adventure playgrounds targeting teenagers.
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7.8 It is anticipated that these facilities would serve young people over the age of 12. These facilities are referred to as facilities for young people throughout this report.
7.9 In addition to considering the specific role that equipped provision for children and young people fulfils, the interrelationship with other types of open spaces, including parks and amenity areas will also be considered.
7.10 This section of the report sets out the strategic context, key findings emerging from consultation and assessment of current provision for children and young people. Local standards have been derived from the consultation undertaken as part of this study and are therefore directly representative of local needs. The application of these standards provides the Council with a number of policy options for the delivery of facilities for young people and children.
7.11 The majority of schools are currently inaccessible to the community outside of school hours and play areas at these sites have not been considered as part of this assessment. Amongst other things, the Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF) looks to place schools at the heart of the community. In future years, school sites may therefore be central to community life and offer opportunities outside of curricular hours for children and young people.
Context
7.12 The importance of appropriate provision for children and young people is rising up national, regional and local agendas and innovative design of facilities for children and young people, and their involvement within the design, is becoming increasingly important.
7.13 Play England, a national agency, looks to ensure that:
“All children and young people in England have regular access and opportunity for free, inclusive, local play provision and play space”.
7.14 Play England provides guidance for the creation of appropriate play opportunities, the key principles of which is summarised overleaf. It will be essential that new play provision in Charnwood, as well as improvements to existing facilities are designed with these principles in mind.
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Guidance Key principles Play England The strategy sets outs the principles for creating imaginative, Design For Play innovative and stimulating play spaces. The strategy outlines the ten principles for designing successful play spaces. Successful play spaces: • are bespoke • are well located • make use of the natural elements • provide a wide range of play experiences • are accessible to both disabled and non-disabled children • meet community needs • allow children of different ages to play together • build in opportunities to experience, risk and challenge • are sustainable and appropriately managed • allow for change and evolution. Play England The document outlines practical ways on how risk can be managed Managing Risk in play provision. In Play The document promotes the challenge of risk in play provision, whilst Provision protecting against harm and encourages the provision of more challenging facilities rather than traditional play provision.
7.15 The importance of play is also emphasised within the Local Plan, with policy RT 3 stating that for new developments, there should be 75m 2 equipped play areas per 10 dwellings as well as 125m 2 amenity areas per 10 dwellings.
7.16 Policy RT 6 of the Local plan sets out guidance in relation to the design of play areas including the need for areas that can be easily accessed (ie all properties should be within 400m of equipped play areas and within 200m of smaller incidental play areas), are well related to existing provision, form a focal point of the development and can be easily maintained and are able to successfully accommodate existing ecological interests and encourage the establishment of new habitats.
7.17 The Council has also developed a Play Strategy, covering the period 2006 – 2011 setting out a vision that ‘every child in Charnwood has an equal right to play in a safe and stimulating environment and enjoy their health and childhood experiences through a range of quality formal and informal play opportunities .’
7.18 Research and consultation conducted for the Play Strategy identified a number of key issues that should be addressed to ensure better quality and more play areas and opportunities throughout the borough. These include the need to:
• ensure equal levels of provision of quality play areas throughout the Borough
• ensure that play areas provided cater for a wider age range – younger and older children and separate out provision
• provide additional informal facilities required for older children / youth alongside play areas e.g. skate parks, multi use games areas etc
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• provide improved / increased opportunities for youths
• provide regular supervised play / activity / outreach sessions throughout the Borough all year round aimed at different age ranges
• provide different types of play provision e.g. natural play, rope swings etc
• design play areas to discourage anti social behaviour
• for local play opportunities to encourage and enable access
• provide indoor play opportunities
• provide improved play areas in Queen’s Park.
7.19 Charnwood Borough Council has recently invested in large scale, imaginative and exciting play areas at Queen’s Park (in line with the Play Strategy Action Plan). The play area has equipment that is more wide ranging, innovative and challenging than others in the Borough and is therefore termed a “Destination Play Area”. It is anticipated that this site (and other similar facilities) will serve a Borough wide catchment.
7.20 While this section of this report considers only equipped play areas for children and young people, there are many other types of facility which also have an important role to play in providing opportunities for children and young people. These include children’s centres (which provide a range of services for families with children up to five) and extended schools (which may provide a range of activities including sports, arts and cultural activities outside of school hours, as well as other services such as nurseries, adult learning and support). It is important that equipped provision for children and young people is considered in the context of these other services.
Consultation – Assessing Local Needs
7.21 Consultation undertaken across Charnwood demonstrates that residents feel strongly about the quality of play opportunities across the borough. Provision for children and young people were the overriding themes of all consultations. In particular, the lack of facilities for young people was frequently raised. This was perceived to have a negative impact on the quality of other open spaces and the use of other public areas.
7.22 While there was an emphasis on increasing the quantity of provision, in many instances the quality of facilities was deemed to be as significant an issue, with residents highlighting the lack of range and unimaginative facilities.
Quantity
Current position
7.23 The quantity of provision for children and young people across Charnwood is summarised in Tables 7.1 and 7.2 respectively. There are 82 play areas for children and 42 sites for young people. Of the 82 facilities for children, 25 are aimed predominantly at toddlers while 57 are primarily for juniors.
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7.24 It must be noted that this assessment considers only equipped facilities and does not take into account other activities offered. The interrelationship between equipped play and play spaces (ie amenity spaces and parks) will be considered later in this section. All equipped facilities in the Borough are included within this analysis, whether or not provision for children / young people is their primary purpose.
Table 7.1 - Provision for children across Charnwood Settlement hierarchy TotalNumber of sites TotalNumber of forSites Toddlers TotalNumber of forSites Juniors LDF population (2021) Provision per 1000 population (2021) – numberof sites
Larger settlements 43 10 33 101,368 0.42 Service centres 29 13 16 61,779 0.34 Smaller settlements 10 2 8 12,253 0.82 Overall 82 25 57 175,400 0.47
7.25 The key issues emerging from Table 7.1 and consultations relating to the quantity of provision are as follows:
• responses to the household survey indicate that there is no clear opinion of the adequacy of provision for children across the borough. While 44% of respondents indicate that provision is insufficient, 39’% of residents state that the quantity of children’s play areas is sufficient
• provision is distributed unevenly across the settlements, with the quantity of sites per 1000 far higher in the smaller settlements. This is however perhaps not surprising, as more facilities are required to provide local access for residents in smaller settlements. In addition to the facilities above, a facility at Delville Park, Syston is currently under construction
• all settlements contain both facilities predominantly aimed at toddlers and facilities for juniors. While in the larger and smaller settlements 20 – 25% of provision is aimed at toddlers, a much higher proportion of provision in the service centres serves the needs of toddlers.
• Issues arising in the different geographical areas include:
- larger settlements - 40% of residents indicate that provision is adequate (about right or more than enough) compared to 44% who feel that more is required. While many residents indicate that their opinions are based on a lack of provision in their locality, it is clear that in some instances, the quality of facilities impacts on the perceived quantity
- service centres – a relatively large proportion of respondents indicated that the provision of children’s play areas is insufficient (42%). 39% of residents consider provision to be sufficient
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- Smaller settlements - half the respondents to the household survey (50%) regard the provision of children’s play areas to be insufficient. 32% of residents indicate that provision is sufficient
• the majority of residents who indicate that provision is sufficient live near to a play area or indicate that they think that there are plenty in the Borough. The main reasons given by those who feel that provision is insufficient include: no play areas near to them (or not enough) not enough facilities on the site (number of pieces of equipment) and not enough good quality facilities
• 62% of residents who responded to the on-line survey and 51% of respondents in the officer survey consider the provision of children’s play areas to be insufficient
• 43% of children feel that there are ‘some play areas near their home but that they would like more’ whilst 38% of children state that there are ‘enough play areas’
• attendees at the Parish Council workshop said that they feel that there is a good amount of children’s play provision – in particular Barrow Parish Council highlighted that they had good provision for children
• at the stakeholder’s workshop, there were few references to the quantity of provision for children, although an improvement in both the quality and quantity of provision was perceived to be needed over the strategy period. At the stakeholder’s workshop, improvements to the quantity of facilities were perceived to be more important than the quality. A need for improved “family provision” was also highlighted at this session.
7.26 Table 7.2 summarises the quantity of facilities for young people across Charnwood.
Table 7.2 - Provision for young people across Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Numberof sites populationLDF (2021) Provision per 1000 population (2021)
Larger settlements 19 101,368 0.19 Service centres 16 61,779 0.26 Smaller settlements 7 12,253 0.57 Overall 42 175,400 0.24
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7.27 The key issues emerging from Table 7.2 above and consultations relating to the quantity of provision for young people are as follows:
• the household survey results shows that levels of dissatisfaction with the quantity of facilities for young people are the most conclusive of all typologies in Charnwood, with 61% of respondents indicating that provision is insufficient. Only 19% of residents feel that there are enough facilities for young people
• analysis of provision per 1000 population demonstrates that facilities for young people are distributed unevenly across the borough. Provision is lowest in the larger settlements and highest in the smaller settlements. The key issues arising in each of the settlement hierarchies are:
- larger settlements - only 25% of residents suggest that there are enough facilities (about right or more than enough) while 58% indicate that there are not enough
- service centres - only a minority of respondents regard the provision of facilities for young people to be sufficient (11%). 63% of residents indicate that provision is insufficient
- smaller settlements - the significant majority of respondents to the household survey regard the provision of facilities for young people to be insufficient (61%). Only 18% of residents consider provision to be sufficient
• almost all residents commenting on the provision for young people indicated that there were insufficient opportunities for young people. Many commented that this results in vandalism to other sites and / or young people using children’s play areas and hanging around on street corners
• the majority of people (80%+) responding to either the officer survey or on- line survey also consider provision for young people to be insufficient
• just 13% of respondents in the young people survey indicated that there are enough facilities for young people whilst 20% said there are some, but ‘could do with more’, 18% said there ‘are some, but they are poor quality’ and 15% said that there are ‘none’ near to their home
• reinforcing the findings of other consultations, provision for young people was one of the most frequently discussed issues at the Parish Council workshop. In particular, the need for increased provision was discussed. Many Parishes highlighted the role that youth groups play in providing alternatives to equipped play facilities for young people. Birstall Parish Council indicated that there was demand in their area for a skate park
• increasing the amount of provision for teenagers as well as improving the quality of existing sites was perceived to be one of the top priorities for Parish Council representatives. Memorial Park in Sileby was highlighted as an example of a good quality site which meets the needs of a wide range of users
• as well as the need for increased provision, solutions highlighted by Parish Councils relating to the quantity of facilities for young people include:
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- the need to provide mobile youth workers
- opportunities to improve cycle routes to permit travel between settlements
- the provision of a youth centre in Syston to serve surrounding villages
• at the stakeholders workshop, the challenge of tailoring facilities to meet the needs of young people was highlighted. The need to manage perceptions and actively engage this sector of the population was perceived to be particularly important.
Setting provision standards
7.28 The recommended local quantity standards have been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and are summarised overleaf. Full justification for each of the standards is provided within Appendix E.
7.29 Instead of a standard outlining the expected hectarage per 1000 population, a standard requiring all residents to be within a certain distance of a play area has been set. This is due to the differences in the area taken up by different types of equipment and the need to tailor both the range of equipment to meet the needs of local children and young people (for different ages groups) and the size of the facility (with a view to the number of children / young people that the facility is likely to serve. In order to deliver on the aspiration to have all residents within the appropriate distance thresholds, an increase on existing provision will be required. Additional facilities will also be required as part of new development. This is reflective of the overwhelming findings of consultation, which reveal a concern that provision is insufficient.
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Quantity standard – Children’s play areas (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Recommended standard Standard to be accessibility led. 1 play area within a 10 minute walk time of the home Justification Local consultation findings highlight no strong opinions relating to play areas for children. The majority of people who suggest that there is sufficient provision live near a facility. For those that feel that there is a need for more provision, reasons related to a lack of provision, the quality of existing facilities and the range of facilities provided. In light of the perceptions that there is a need to increase the quantity of provision as well as the associated quality of provision for children in some areas of Charnwood, it is recommended that the local standard represents an increase on existing provision. This will allow deficiencies to be addressed but promote a focus on the enhancement of play areas across the Borough. The recommended standard is accessibility led. This stems from the importance of location for facilities for children and also provides flexibility with regards the provision of different and innovative facilities. Play areas for children will be required in addition to amenity green spaces. The NPFA standards are a useful starting point when designing new residential or mixed use developments. Three different categories of play space have been identified by the NPFA, these are: • Local Area of Play (LAP) • Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) • Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) As a minimum, facilities should meet with NPFA (now Fields in Trust) LEAP and NEAP size criteria. This should be used to determine requirements for facilities as part of new development. The standard is also in line with that set out in the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan.
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Quantity standard – Provision for young people (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Recommended standard
Standard to be accessibility led. 1 facility for young people within a 10 minute walk time of the home Justification Local consultation findings reveal strong opinions relating to the provision of facilities for young people, with 61% of residents feeling that provision is insufficient. Reinforcing the findings of other consultations, provision for young people was one of the most frequently discussed issues at the Parish Council workshop. In particular, the need for increased provision was discussed. At the stakeholder’s workshop, the challenge of tailoring facilities to meet the needs of young people was highlighted. The need to manage perceptions and actively engage this sector of the population was perceived to be particularly important. The recommended standard is accessibility led. This stems from the importance of location for facilities for children and also provides flexibility with regards the provision of different and innovative facilities. Facilities for young people will be required in addition to amenity green spaces. The NPFA standards are a useful starting point when designing new residential or mixed use developments. Three different categories of play space have been identified by the NPFA, these are: • Local Area of Play (LAP) • Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) • Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) As a minimum, NEAP criteria is a useful guide and recommends play areas for 8 – 14 year olds which should include a grassed kick about area, a hard surfaced area for ball games (e.g. MUGA) or wheeled activities (e.g. BMX track, Skatepark), eight types of play equipment appropriate to this age group and seating, including a youth shelter.
Quality
Current position
7.30 The quality of existing facilities for children and young people were assessed through site visits undertaken by the Borough Council. Each site was measured against the factors defined in the quality standard (summarised later in this section) and received a total percentage score.
7.31 In addition to the factors used to measure all types of open space, audits of children and young people sites were carried out using RoSPA play value judging criteria. ROSPA sets out scoring thresholds to allow children and young people’s sites to be classified into one of the following: poor, below average, average, good or excellent. Junior, toddlers and teenagers have separate scoring thresholds which are appropriate to each age group. The RoSPA play value score was then converted into the scoring system used in the rest of the PPG17 audit ranging from very good to very poor.
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7.32 The overall percentage score incorporates the play value assessments carried out. The play value score (measured against the key ROSPA criteria) is summarised in Appendix J.
7.33 RoSPA states: “The assessments ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Average’ etc, are based on what RoSPA considers acceptable. In practice ‘Average’ will be in excess of the national average for existing play areas.” RoSPA therefore recognises that their standards are particularly stringent and the standards are therefore difficult to achieve.
7.34 The quality of provision for children is summarised in Table 7.3. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section. The key issues at each site are recorded in Appendix D, site quality scores database.
Table 7.3 - Quality of children’s play areas in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Range of quality scores facilities– for juniors (%) Averagequality scores facilities for juniors(%) Range of quality scores (facilities for toddlers (%) Averagequality scores facilities for toddlers (%)
25% - 93% 72% 37.5% - 70% Larger settlements 91% Service Centres 48% - 90% 70% 40% - 87% 76% 44% - 89% 72% 64% - 65% 65% Smaller Settlements 25% - 93% 71% 37.5% - 73% Overall 91%
7.35 The site visit scorings indicate that higher scores were achieved for aspects such as site boundaries, security, seating and cleanliness. Like other types of open space, the quality of provision varies significantly from 25% - 93%. The average score is however consistent over all sizes of settlement, ranging from only 70% - 72%.
7.36 With regards the quality of facilities for toddlers, there is a similar range in the quality of provision, with scores achieved varying from 37.5% - 91%. This range in quality is particularly apparent in the larger settlements.
7.37 The key issues arising from consultation with regards to the quality of children’s play areas are as follows:
• 35% of respondents to the household survey regard the quality of children’s play areas to be average. 23% of residents consider the quality of this typology to be good whilst 16% consider it poor; indicating that although the majority of respondents consider provision to be average/good there are some improvements required
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• site assessments reveal that the quality of children’s play areas is extremely varied and, whilst there is some very good quality provision within all three settlement hierarchies, there are also some poor quality facilities
• users of children’s play areas identified the following as problems; dog fouling (34%) and vandalism and graffiti (32%)
• the results are broadly similar in all three sizes of settlement with the majority of respondents considering play areas for children to be average/good:
- in the larger settlements 21% of residents indicate that the quality of facilities is good, 33% consider them average and 17% poor
- in the service centres , 25% of residents suggested that play provision is good, 40% consider them average and 15% poor
- in the smaller settlements , 24% of respondents indicated that the quality of facilities for children is good, 21% consider them average and 14% felt them to be poor
• 21% of children responding to the survey suggested that the quality of play areas is good, while 43% indicated that they were sometimes unclean and facilities could be improved. A further 15% suggested that sites were always unclean and untidy
• workshop sessions with key stakeholders and Parish Council representatives highlighted that children’s play provision is generally of a good standard – good quality sites were highlighted at Queen’s Park and Barrow. However, there are concerns that a lack of resources will mean that the quality of provision is likely to decline and that some facilities are too small to function well.
7.38 The quality of facilities for young people areas is summarised in Table 7.4 below. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section. The key issues at each site are recorded in Appendix D, site quality scores database
Table 7.4 - Quality of facilities for young people in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Range of quality scores (%) Average quality scores (%)
29% – 98% 69% Larger settlements Service centres 49 – 90% 65% 40% - 87% 66% Smaller settlements Overall 29% - 98% 67%
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7.39 The site visit scorings indicate that lower scores (ie lower quality) were generally found for aspects such as a lack of lighting whilst higher scores were achieved for aspects such as site boundaries, seating, litter and security. The quality of facilities in the larger settlements is higher overall than in other areas of the Borough.
7.40 The key issues arising from consultation with regards to the quality of facilities for young people are as follows:
• respondents to the household survey state that the quality of facilities for young people is poor (35%). Only 8% of residents feel that facilities for young people are good quality, whilst 21% consider them to be average
• site assessments indicate that the quality of facilities for young people is also extremely varied, especially within the large settlement areas, where quality percentages range from 29% to 98%. The average score is however consistent across all of the settlement hierarchies
• the low perceptions of quality given by residents may be influenced by the lack of provision in the borough
• responses differ across the three sizes of settlement:
- in the larger settlements 33% of respondents consider the quality of facilities to be poor, 21% consider them average and 9% good
- in the service centres 40% of respondents consider the quality of facilities to be poor, 20% consider them average and 5% good
- in the smaller settlements 18% of respondents consider the quality of facilities to be poor, 14% consider them average and 18% good
• 28% of young people indicated that the quality of facilities was average but in need of some improvement. 24% suggested that facilities for young people are poor and need extensive improvements. 9% perceive the quality of provision for young people to be high quality and well maintained.
Setting quality standards
7.41 The recommended local quality standards for provision for children and young people are summarised below and overleaf. They set out essential and desirable characteristics for facilities for children and young people. These key criteria will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards. Full justifications and consultation relating to the quality of provision for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
7.42 The standards summarise the key aspirations of residents of Charnwood with regards provision for children and young people. The importance of tailoring the facility to the needs and aspiration of the children within the catchment area cannot be underestimated.
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7.43 Guidance provided by Play England in the recent publications Managing Risk in Play Provision and Design for Play focuses on improving the play value of facilities for children and young people. The guidance moves away from the provision of traditional swings and slides and encourages the development of more innovative opportunities, including natural play environments. Adherence to this guidance is therefore likely to see a greater overlap and interrelationship between natural open spaces, informal open spaces and provision for children and young people in future years. The principles set out in this guidance should be considered when new facilities are provided and existing facilities are upgraded. Furthermore, any new facilities should be designed through consultation with young people. This will ensure that facilities are tailored to the needs and aspirations of local communities.
7.44 Looking forward, new facilities for Children and Young People should be created to a quality standard that is not less than “Good” as defined by RoSPA Play Value Standards: i.e. Toddlers Score ranging from 19-24; Juniors Score ranging from 32- 40; Young People Score ranging from 25-34.
Quality standard – Children’s play areas (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Children’s play areas Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Range of equipment Appropriate facilities for the young Nature features (meeting LEAP criteria as a minimum). RoSPA Play Standards should also be met Well kept grass and well maintained Toilets (on-site or in close proximity) equipment Appropriate design and location Seating Involvement of children in the design of Appropriate main entrance facilities Litter / Dog Bins Appropriate site boundaries Secure and safe location
Quality standard – Facilities for young people (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Facilities for young people Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Facilities for young (meeting NEAP Lighting criteria as a minimum). RoSPA Play Standards should also be met. Clean and litter free Appropriate main entrance Litter bins Adequate site boundaries
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Appropriate design and location Seating Involvement of young people in the Perception of safety and security design
Accessibility
7.45 The accessibility of sites is paramount in maximising usage as well as providing opportunities for people to use the site. The recommended local standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations.
7.46 Local access to provision for children and young people is particularly important in order to promote use of the site.
7.47 Consultation and analysis highlights that the key issues with regards accessibility of provision for children and young people include:
• unsurprisingly, current travel methods highlight a clear preference for walking to children’s play areas, reinforcing the expectation that facilities are provided locally
• the majority of respondents to the household survey indicate that they would expect to walk to a children’s play area (89%) and a facility for young people (73%)
• 37% of young people indicated that they usually meet friends at the local park. Only 5% meet at the skateboard park, 3% a ball court and 4% at a youth shelter. 5% meet at the BMX track. The highest proportion of young people play at friend’s houses / at their own home
• 18% of young people suggested that a lack of transport is a barrier to usage of open spaces and sports facilities. 27% indicated that proximity to their home prevented them from using facilities more. This was the highest of all barriers
• stakeholders referenced the need to ensure that there were accessible sites (and / or activities) for young people and that there is a need to promote access to existing facilities and raise awareness of the opportunities provided
• Parish Councils suggested that improved access to facilities on school sites would provide greater opportunities for the community, particularly facilities for children, amenity spaces and outdoor sports facilities. Access issues were not considered to be a priority for children and young people at the Parish workshop although the importance of encouraging people to access sites on foot was highlighted.
7.48 The recently provided ‘Destination Play Areas’ challenge these expectations. Facilities are of significantly higher quality and provide families with a day out. As a consequence, evidence on usage to date suggests that these facilities attract users from much further afield.
Setting accessibility standards
7.49 The recommended local accessibility standards for children’s play areas and facilities for young people are summarised below and overleaf. In the absence of strict
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guidelines on the quantity of provision, the application of these standards will dictate priorities for new facilities. Provision of both types of facility is expected to be in close proximity to the home. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
7.50 It is recognised that some facilities may attract users from a wider catchment and this will be discussed in the analysis that follows. While these facilities do not negate the need for local provision, they provide an additional and frequently used borough wide resource.
Accessibility Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Children’s play areas
10 minute walk
89% of respondents would expect to walk to a play area, providing strong evidence that these sites should be provided locally and that a walk time standard should be set. This was also supported by consultations with children and young people and with Parish Councils, which demonstrated the value of localised provision. The recommended standard of 10 minutes is in line with the modal response across the borough and will enable a balance between quality and quantity of provision. The standard links with that set for young people and for formal parks hence facilitating the delivery of sites containing multiple types of provision. Amenity spaces will provide localised opportunities for informal play. The recommended standard is applicable to all tiers of the settlement hierarchy in line with public expectation. The quantity standard will help to determine the size of settlements in which play areas should be provided. The standard is also in line with the standard for play provision outlined in the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan.
Recommended standard – Facilities for young people
10 minute walk
73% of respondents would like facilities for young people to be in walking distance of the home providing strong evidence that these sites should be provided locally and that a walk time standard should be set. This was also supported by consultations with children and young people which demonstrated the value of localised provision. The recommended standard of 10 minutes is in line with the modal response and will promote a balance between quality and quantity of provision. The standard links with that set for children and for formal parks hence facilitating the delivery of sites containing multiple types of provision. Amenity spaces will provide localised opportunities for informal play.
Applying provision standards
7.51 The application of the recommended quality, quantity and accessibility standards is essential in understanding the existing distribution of open space, sport and recreation facilities and identifying areas where provision is insufficient to meet local need.
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Quantity
7.52 As highlighted in the quantity standards analysis earlier in this section, the requirement for play facilities and provision for young people in new development is to be evaluated using an accessibility led approach based on the application of the accessibility standard.
7.53 Shortfalls in existing provision will also be evaluated using this approach.
Accessibility
7.54 Application of the accessibility standards is a key component of the evaluation of the adequacy of existing provision as well as the need for additional provision.
7.55 While this section focuses primarily on equipped areas for children and young people, it is also essential to consider the role that amenity green spaces play in providing informal play opportunities. Areas deficient in both amenity space and formal facilities should be a particular priority for new provision, as this indicates that there is a distinct lack of opportunities for play. At each settlement hierarchy, the interrelationship between facilities for children, young people and amenity green spaces will be considered.
7.56 Map 7.1 illustrates the application of the accessibility standard for facilities for children across Charnwood. It indicates that facilities are evenly distributed. The largest area of deficiency is to the south of Loughborough. This represents the current situation and does not take into account any play areas which are planned as part of new development.
7.57 Map 7.2 outlines the interrelationship between facilities for children and amenity greenspace. In areas where provision for children is lacking, amenity greenspace offers informal play opportunities. The comprehensive distribution of amenity areas, even in the smaller settlements, means that most residents have a minimum of one informal play opportunity.
7.58 Map 7.3 illustrates the application of the accessibility standard for facilities for young people. It demonstrates that facilities for young people are more sparsely distributed across the Borough than those for children. While all residents are within the appropriate catchment of facilities in Shepshed, there are gaps in the other larger settlements as well as in most service centres and smaller settlements.
7.59 Map 7.4 summarises the provision of facilities for young people and the provision of amenity spaces. Most areas devoid of equipped provision for young people have access to amenity space within the suggested 10 minute catchment area.
Quality
7.60 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the total quality score achieved (outlined in Table 7.3 and 7.4) and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. The methodology for calculating the overall quality rating is summarised below.
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Table 7.5 – Measuring sites against the recommended quality standard OverallQuality Rating Minimum Average Score
All essential 80% or above criteria 3 or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above
All essential 70 – 79% Very Good criteria 3 or above All essential 60 – 69% Good criteria 3 or above Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
7.61 Table 7.6 therefore summarises the application of the quality standard based on the essential and desirable quality criteria set out within the Local Standard.
Table 7.6 – Application of Quality Standard – Facilities for Children (includes both junior and toddlers provision) Settlement hierarchy of% sites excellent of% sites very good of% sites good of% sites average of% poor sites
Larger settlements 7 0 0 81 12
14 7 7 69 3 Service centres
Smaller settlements 0 0 20 60 20
9 2 5 74 10 Overall NB figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
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7.62 Table 7.6 illustrates that the majority of facilities for children were awarded average ratings. A higher proportion of sites were considered to be good or above (16%) than are poor (10%).
7.63 Table 7.7 summarises the quality ratings awarded to sites for young people.
Settlement hierarchy of% sites excellent of% sites very good of% sites good of% sites average of% sites poor
Larger settlements 26 5 11 47 11
0 25 6 63 6 Service centres
Smaller settlements 14 0 14 57 14
17 12 7 55 10 Overall NB figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
7.64 As can be seen above, a higher proportion of facilities for young people achieve ratings of excellent, very good or good than facilities for children. Despite this, 55% of sites are considered average. Again, only 10% of sites are rated poorly.
7.65 Map 7. 5 considers the quality of provision for children, based on the findings of the site visits. As highlighted earlier in this section, the quality of provision and range of facilities provided varies significantly. There are no distinct patterns in the quality of provision relating to the size of settlement although provision is clearly of higher quality in Loughborough and to the east of the Borough towards East Goscote and Queniborough than in other areas. Map 7.6 outlines the quality of facilities for young people. Again, high and low quality facilities are distributed sporadically across the Borough. Like provision for children, there is a concentration of higher quality facilities in Loughborough. In general, facilities in the west of the Borough are of lower quality overall than those in the East.
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Map 7.1 – Facilities for children in Charnwood
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Map 7.2 – Facilities for children and amenity green space in Charnwood
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Map 7.3 – Facilities for young people in Charnwood
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Map 7.4 – Facilities for young people and amenity green space in Charnwood
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Map 7.5 – Quality of facilities for children in Charnwood
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Map 7.6 – Quality of facilities for young people in Charnwood
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Priorities for Future Delivery
Borough wide issues
7.66 This section considers the borough wide issues that need to be addressed. Consideration is then given to issues within specific settlements.
Meeting demand
7.67 In order to effectively meet the needs of residents it is essential to ensure that residents have access to facilities of the appropriate quality within the required distance threshold. The Charnwood Borough Council Play Strategy aims to increase the provision of children’s and young peoples facilities and increase the opportunities available to this age group.
7.68 As well as addressing existing deficiencies, it is essential to ensure that residents of new development do not exacerbate pressures on existing play areas. An accessibility led approach should be taken to prioritise need in new development. Policy should require all new residents to be within 10 minutes of a children’s play area and facility for young people and the facilities provided should be in line with the quality standard.
CYP1 Ensure that policy requires contributions towards facilities for both children and young people as part of new development. Promote an accessibility led approach to the determination of levels of provision required as part of new development.
7.69 In addition to providing local play facilities, as highlighted earlier in this section, the ‘destination play area’ at Queen’s Park (Loughborough) has proved very popular and the potential for such a facility in the south of the Borough should be explored to ensure that all residents in the Borough have access to one of these sites.
CYP2 Seek to supplement the existing destination play area with a facility located strategically in the south of the Borough (potentially Syston / Thurmaston).
Involving children and young people in the design of facilities
7.70 Consultation highlighted the importance of involving children and young people in the design of facilities. One of the main issues to emerge from the Stakeholder workshop is the challenge of tailoring the provision of facilities to meet the needs of young people.
7.71 The surveys for both children and young people highlight a variety of preferences and different needs and aspirations. For example, the survey for young people demonstrates that priorities between new indoor youth centres, MUGAs and BMX tracks are evenly split. This is further highlighted by the priorities expressed in Parish Plans, with different facilities preferred in different areas. It will therefore be essential to tailor any new facilities to the children local to that site.
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7.72 The Play Strategy highlights the need to design play areas to discourage anti social behaviour. Involving children and young people in the design of facilities can generate pride in the facilities and in turn reduce incidents of anti social behaviour, such as graffiti and vandalism.
CYP3 Promote the involvement of children and young people in the design of facilities intended for their local area.
7.73 The remainder of this section outlines the key priorities in each of the settlement hierarchies of the Borough.
Larger Settlements
Children’s play areas
7.74 There are currently 43 play areas in total across the larger settlements. The highest quantity of provision is located in Shepshed (0.77 facilities per 1000) and the lowest levels of provision are found in Birstall (0.26 per 1000 population). These levels of provision do not take into account facilities that are currently planned as part of new developments. The impact of these facilities will be returned to later in this section.
7.75 Application of the accessibility standard indicates that play areas are well distributed, with most residents within a 10 minute walk of at least one facility.
7.76 When considering the location of children’s play areas and amenity green space nearly all residents have access to at least one of these types of open space within a 10 minute walk time. Only a small area of deficiency remains in the north of Loughborough. Although there is no play area located in this area, this land is industrial and therefore there is no need to provide a new facility.
7.77 In areas where residents are outside of the catchment area of existing provision, new facilities should be prioritised.
7.78 Application of the accessibility standards suggests that circa four additional facilities will be required to meet gaps in existing provision. The main areas of deficiency are west and south of Loughborough, North west of Birstall and south west of Thurmaston.
7.79 It is anticipated that the deficiency in South Loughborough will be rectified in the short term, as two new Local Equipped Areas for Play are anticipated to be provided as part of new development (illustrated on Map 7.8). Four Neighbourhood areas for play are also anticipated to be provided as part of the new Hallamfields development to the north of Birstall.
7.80 Maps 7.7 – 7.11 illustrate the existing areas of deficiency and also highlight planned provision in these areas. The location of amenity green spaces in these areas is also considered as these sites provide opportunities for informal play and new play facilities can also be situated on these sites.
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Map 7.7 – Lack of access to facilities for children in West Loughborough
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Map 7.8 – Lack of access to facilities for children in South Loughborough
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Map 7.9 – Lack of access to facilities for children in North West Birstall
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Map 7.10 – Lack of access to facilities for children in South West Thurmaston
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CYP4 Seek to increase the provision of children’s play areas in areas of identified deficiency, specifically West Loughborough and South West Thurmaston.
Ensure that new developments in South Loughborough and Birstall provide the planned additional facilities for children and young people.
7.81 Outside of the areas of deficiency, consideration should be given to the improvement of the quality of existing facilities. While there are some very high quality facilities (for example Queen’s Park, the highest quality site in the Borough) there are also examples of poorer quality facilities. 81% of facilities achieved an average score and 12% were considered poor. Overall sites are of varying quality, with scores ranging from 23% - 88%. The quality of facilities in the area should be maintained and enhanced. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
CYP5 Seek to maintain and enhance the quality of children’s play areas in the larger settlements in line with the quality vision focusing on the facilities which do not meet the recommended quality standards.
7.82 Many play areas are located in close proximity to one another which creates overlapping catchments. Overlapping catchments may be due to:
• A mixture of LEAPs and NEAPs that cater for different age groups
• High density residential population
• Toddler facilities being located close together.
7.83 In particular these overlapping catchments are evident in North Loughborough. The value of poor quality sites serving overlapping catchments and the target audiences that these sites serve should be assessed and if they are of limited value consideration should be given to the disposal of these sites in favour of increasing provision or enhancing the quality of remaining sites. Map 7.11 illustrates the sites containing overlapping catchments.
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Map 7.11 – Sites in North Loughborough containing overlapping catchments
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CYP6 Consider the value of poor quality sites serving overlapping catchments particularly in North Loughborough.
7.84 As the population of the larger settlements grows, it will be important to ensure that facilities for children are provided to meet the needs of new residents (in line with recommendation CYP 1).
Facilities for young people
7.85 19 facilities for young people are located within the larger settlements. Consistent with children’s provision, the highest amount of facilities per 1000 population is located in Birstall (0.26). The lowest levels of provision per 1000 are found in Shepshed (0.15).
7.86 Accessibility mapping indicates many residents are within the recommended distance of a facility (10 minutes), however in order to meet the standard of a facility within 400m of the home at least eight new facilities will be required.
7.87 New provision in areas of existing deficiency should be prioritised. In particular there are deficiencies in the west and south of Loughborough, and in south Shepshed. There is also a small area where residents are outside of the catchment for a facility in south Thurmaston despite significant recent increases in provision for young people. There are also some gaps in provision in North West Birstall. The gaps in these areas are illustrated on Maps 7.12 and 7.13. There are amenity green spaces in both of these areas that should be assessed for suitability for new provision.
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Map 7.12 – Lack of provision for young people in West Loughborough
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Map 7.13 – Lack of provision for young people in South Thurmaston
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CYP7 Provide new facilities for young people in order to meet identified deficiencies across Loughborough, south Shepshed and in south Thurmaston.
7.88 As the population of larger settlements is projected to grow, shortfalls of facilities for young people will increase. It will therefore be essential to ensure that the need to provide facilities for young people is considered as part of new developments (in line with recommendation CYP 1).
7.89 In addition to increasing the provision of facilities for young people it is also important to ensure that the quality of sites is in line with the quality vision. While 42% of sites are rated as excellent, very good or good, 47% of sites in the larger settlements achieved a rating of average and 11% of sites are rated poor. This highlights the need for qualitative improvements. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site not achieving the quality score are provided in Appendix J.
Service Centres
Children’s play areas
7.90 40 children’s play areas are located within the service centres. The number of facilities per 1000 population in the service centres ranges significantly from 0.34 in Anstey to 1.39 in East Goscote. In East Goscote however, facilities are all aimed at toddlers.
7.91 Application of the accessibility standard indicates that the majority of residents have access to a play area within the recommended 10 minute walk time. The main gaps in provision are to the south of Mountsorrel and east of Syston. The Parish Plan for Mountsorrel does not reference the need for an additional facility, although the Parish Plan in Anstey indicates that there is demand for a facility for the under 5’s. Consideration should also be given to the need to tailor some provision in East Goscote for juniors.
7.92 When amalgamating the provision of children’s play areas and amenity green space it can be seen that there are only a small number of residents in the east of Syston to not have access to either of these typologies (Map 7.14). Furthermore, provision in Syston is all aimed at toddlers.
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Map 7.14 – Deficiencies of children’s play areas and amenity green space in the east of Syston
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7.93 It is anticipated that new facilities may be provided in this area as part of new development. New provision is also likely as a result of new development in Rothley, Anstey and in Barrow upon Soar.
CYP8 Provide new facilities for children in areas of identified deficiency in particular in Syston.
7.94 Outside of the identified areas of deficiency, the initial focus should be on qualitative improvements to existing sites. Although the quality of sites in the service centres is higher than in other settlement hierarchies, with 28% of sites achieving ratings of good or above, 69% of sites were rated as only average and 3% of sites were rated poor. Improvements should take on board the priorities raised through the quality vision and should focus on more poorly rated facilities first. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
CYP9 Focus on qualitative improvements in other service centres in line with the quality vision focusing particularly on the facilities falling below the recommended quality standard.
Facilities for young people
7.95 16 facilities for young people are located in the service centres. The highest amount of provision per 1000 population is found in Rearsby. Queniborough does not contain any facilities for teenagers.
7.96 The application of the accessibility standard supports this as it can be seen that facilities for young people sparsely distributed across the settlements. Areas of deficiency are evident in all of the service centres, in particular in north Sileby, east and west Syston and in the south of Mountsorrel, Barrow upon Soar and West Quorn. There are also some residents outside the catchment of facilities in North East Anstey.
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Map 7.15 – Deficiencies of young people facilities in the north east Anstey
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7.97 Consistent with the findings for children’s provision, nearly all residents have access to a facility for young people or amenity green space within a 10 minute walk time.
7.98 In consideration of the high level of dissatisfaction with current provision and widespread accessibility deficiencies, there is a need to increase the provision of facilities for young people in the service centres. This is an identified need in Parish Plans for facilities for young people in Mountsorrel, Barrow and East Goscote. Application of the accessibility standard indicates that in order to alleviate deficiencies at least 10 new facilities will be required.
CYP10 Increase the provision of facilities for young people within the service centres in particular in Queniborough, East Goscote, Mountsorrel, Sileby, West and East Syston, Barrow upon Soar, North East Anstey and west Quorn.
7.99 The quality of facilities for young people in the Service Centres is the lowest of all settlements hierarchies in the borough. 63% of sites score average and 6% are rated as poor. Only 31% of sites achieved a rating of good or above, which compares poorly with the other settlement hierarchies. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
CYP11 Seek to enhance the quality of existing facilities for young people in the service centres in line with the quality vision focusing in particular on those that do not achieve the recommended quality standards.
Smaller Settlements
Children’s play areas
7.100 A total of ten children’s play areas are located within the smaller settlements. The greatest number of facilities per 1000 is found in South Croxton (4.15) and no facilities are located within 11 settlements.
7.101 Despite limited provision, application of the accessibility standard indicates that sites are well distributed, with the majority of larger settlements containing at least one play area. Those larger settlements where no play areas are located are:
• Swithland
• Thrussington
• Walton on the Wolds.
7.102 When considering the location of amenity green space in the smaller settlements, nearly all residents in the larger settlements have access to at least an amenity green space or children’s play area. Only residents in Swithland are outside the catchment of these typologies.
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7.103 In consideration of the lack of provision in Swithland, Thussington and Walton on the Wolds consideration should be given to demand for facilities in this area. Demand for provision in the smaller settlements outside the catchment of a play area should be monitored and new facilities provided if demand is sufficient. Parish Plans suggests that a play facility is required in Thrussington and reference is also made to the need for an upgraded facility in Wymeswold. It is anticipated that a new facility will also be provided as part of new development in this area.
CYP12 Seek to increase the provision of children’s play areas in those larger settlements devoid of provision in particularly Swithland, Thussington and Walton on the Wolds.
Assess demand for provision within the smaller settlements.
7.104 In settlements where provision is not required, effective transport links to nearby provision will be essential to maximise the opportunities for all residents. Provision in smaller settlements should be considered strategically to maximise the number of residents who are within a short drivetime of facilities.
CYP13 Maximise the transport links between smaller settlements and facilities for both young people and children. This will include public transport links as well as green corridors promoting walking and cycling.
Facilities for young people
7.105 Seven facilities for young people are located within the smaller settlements. The greatest number of facilities per 1000 is found in Hoton (2.84) and no facilities are located within 14 settlements.
7.106 As with the findings for children’s play areas, accessibility mapping indicates that the majority of residents within the larger settlements have access to a facility for young people. The larger settlements where no facilities are located are as follows:
• Seagrave
• Barkby
• Swithland
• Thrussington
• Thurcaston
• Walton on the Wolds.
7.107 When amalgamating the provision of facilities for young people and amenity green space nearly all residents in the larger settlements have access to a site within a 10 minute walk time. Only residents in Swithland do not have access to either type of open space.
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7.108 The provision of facilities for young people may not be possible in the smaller settlements in light of the specialist nature of provision and the consequential investment required. Demand for provision in the smaller settlements outside the catchment of a facility should be monitored and new provision provided if demand is sufficient.
CYP14 Evaluate demand for provision for young people in the smaller settlements, particularly in Barkby, Seagrave, Swithland, Thrussington, Thurcaston and Walton on the Wolds and provide a facility where deemed appropriate and necessary.
7.109 In settlements where provision is not required, effective transport links to nearby provision will be essential to maximise the opportunities for all residents. Provision in smaller settlements should be considered strategically to maximise the number of residents who are within a short drivetime / cycle of these facilities.
CYP15 Maximise the transport links between smaller settlements and facilities for both young people and children. This will include public transport links as well as green corridors promoting walking and cycling.
Summary and recommendations
7.110 Equipped provision for children and young people was a key theme of consultations undertaken. Residents expressed concerns over the quantity of provision, as well as highlighting that the quality of many facilities is insufficient and that facilities are perceived to be boring and not challenging. Tailoring facilities to meet the needs of young people was highlighted as one of the main challenges faced by the Borough.
7.111 Analysis of existing facilities highlights that there is significant variation in the quality of sites. While there are some new and different facilities there are also many sites which are old and offer little in terms of play value.
7.112 In addition, there are quantitative and accessibility issues in all settlement hierarchies for both children and young people. In order to adequately provide for residents within the appropriate distance threshold new provision will be required in all areas. Provision in the service centres for young people is particularly poor and new provision will be required in most of these towns. The distribution of play facilities is more comprehensive, with the main priorities for new provision being in Loughborough, Birstall, Thurmaston and Syston. Some of these issues will be resolved when planned developments go ahead.
7.113 Quality is as important as quantity however and any new facilities developed should meet the suggested quality criteria and should provide exciting play opportunities for children and young people. Site assessments carried out at existing facilities should also be used to inform decisions on those facilities in need of enhancement.
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Local Development Framework Implications
7.114 The key issues arising from the analysis of the provision of facilities for children and young people for the LDF are therefore as follows:
• facilitate the delivery of facilities for children and young people through the planning system and ensure a strategic approach to the future delivery of facilities
• ensure that policies are in place to secure contributions from new developments towards provision for children and young people
• identify opportunities for new provision in areas currently devoid of provision
• address the quality issues highlighted at existing sites and ensure that existing and new facilities provide exciting play opportunities
• facilitate the delivery of improved public transport and green corridors between smaller settlements and larger settlements containing facilities.
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8. Outdoor sports facilities
Introduction and definition
8.1 This section considers the provision of outdoor sports facilities across Charnwood. Outdoor sports facilities are a wide-ranging category of open space which includes both natural and artificial surfaces for sport and recreation that are either publicly or privately owned.
8.2 Outdoor sports facilities are often a focal point of a local community, functioning as a recreational and amenity resource in addition to a formal sports facility. This is particularly true of pitches, which often have a secondary function of a local dog walking and ball kickabout area and some even function as small parks.
8.3 Facilities included within this category are:
• playing pitches • synthetic turf pitches (STPs) • tennis courts • bowling greens • athletics tracks • golf courses.
8.4 Sport England has developed a separate methodology for assessing demand for playing pitches and this is set out in ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’. This provides a more detailed assessment of pitches and enables detailed analysis of surplus and shortfalls. It builds on the key aspects of the PPG17 process, specifically the audit of existing provision and local needs consultation. As part of this open space, sport and recreation study an assessment of pitches has been carried out in line with the methodology set out in Towards a Level Playing Field. The findings for Playing Pitches are therefore set out in Section 9. All other types of outdoor sports facility are covered within this section.
8.5 While this study provides a strategic overview of existing outdoor sports facilities and future priorities across the Borough, in light of the demand led nature of outdoor sports facilities, specific studies should be carried out relating to each type of facility and an overall strategy for the future delivery of sport should be developed. In addition to providing a strategic overview, this study draws on the key issues identified as part of the Charnwood BC Sports Ground Option Appraisal (2007).
8.6 This options appraisal investigated all Charnwood BC owned sports grounds in the Loughborough area specifically:
• Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course • Queen’s Park • Park Road Sports Ground • Lodge Farm Playing Fields • Derby Road Playing Fields • Nanpantan Sports Ground.
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8.7 It also appraised the possibility of the development of a Football Development Centre and / or multi sport and active recreation hub at Nanpantan Sports Ground.
8.8 The effective provision of formal and informal facilities for sports will be instrumental if participation is to increase in line with national and local targets. This will place greater demand on the facility stock and emphasises the need to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.
8.9 The Sport England National Strategy is set out under three headings, specifically Grow, Sustain and Excel. If Charnwood Borough Council is to achieve the long term ambition of excelling, it will be essential to ensure that all facilities at all levels are of the highest quality and are fit for purpose.
Context
Active People Survey results
8.10 The Active People Surveys (conducted in 2005/06 and repeated in 2007/08 and 2008/2009) included a widespread survey of adults aged 16 and over living in England. The Survey gathered data on the type, duration and intensity of people's participation in different types of sport and active recreation, as well as information about volunteering, club membership (member of a club where they play sport), people receiving tuition from an instructor or coach, participation in competitive sport and satisfaction with local sports provision.
8.11 The key results for Charnwood are set out in Table 8.1, highlighting that Charnwood residents have above average participation rates in all key performance indicators comprising:
• participation rates in sport/physical activity (minimum of 30 minutes moderate intensity sport/physical activity on three or more days per week )
• levels of volunteering in sport
• levels of club membership
• levels of tuition in sport
• levels of engagement in competitive sport
• satisfaction with sports facilities.
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Table 8.1 – Active People Survey key data
Charnwood Borough East Midlands England AP1 AP2 AP3 AP1 AP2 AP3 AP1 AP2 Ap3 Participation 22.7% 26.0% 23.9% 20.8% 21.6% 21.8% 21.0% 21.3% 21.6% Volunteering 5.7% 4.7% 4.1% 5.1% 5.3% 5.8% 4.7% 4.9% 4.7% Club 27.4% 25.8% 20.6% 24.1% 24.1% 23% 25.1% 24.7% 24.1% membership. Tuition 19.6% 20.7% 19.5% 16.9% 17.6% 17.2% 18.0% 18.1% 17.5% Competition 18.9% 18.8% 12.3% 15.3% 15.1% 14.3% 15.0% 14.6% 14.4% Satisfaction 76.3% 77.0% 72.9% 67.7% 66.2% 69.1% 69.5% 66.6% 68.4% with facilities NB AP 1 = Active Places 1 (2005/2006) AP 2 = Active Places 2 (2006 – 2007) AP 3 = Active Places 3 (2008 – 2009).
8.12 Recently released data from the Active People 3 survey indicates that participation in Charnwood has declined from figures in Active People 2 survey although the decline is not statistically significant. Performance against the other indicators has also declined, although only the decrease in club membership and competition is statistically significant.
Market Segmentation
8.13 Sport England has developed nineteen sporting segments to help us understand the nation’s attitudes and motivations – why they play sport and why they don’t. This facilitates decision making to ensure that facilities cater for the needs and expectations of local residents.
8.14 The research builds on the results of Sport England’s Active People Survey, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's Taking Part survey and the Mosaic tool from Experian. It informs Sport England’s Strategy and Business Plan 2008-2011 and helps ensure that money is invested into areas that will have the greatest impact.
8.15 Residents are classified according to their key characteristics and analysis of the dominant market segments provides an indication as to the type of facilities that may be required if certain groups are to become active. The key characteristics of some of the dominant population groups in Charnwood are illustrated in Table 8.2 overleaf
8.16 Market segmentation shows that ‘Tim’ and ’Phillip’ are the most dominant market segment. The ‘Philip’ segment is the most above the national average (1.8%).
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Table 8.2 – Dominant market segments in Charnwood
Label Age Status Characteristics Ben 18 – 25 Single Sporty (Segment 1) Recent graduate, hard work/play hard attitude Enjoys taking part in sport Tim 26 – 35 Single/ Sporty married (Segment 6) Settling down with partner, buying a May have house children Enjoys technical sports. Likely to have Professional private gym membership, and compete in some sports Phillip 45 - 55 Married Sporty (Segment 11) Professional Has more time for himself Older children Most active type within this Peer Group, enjoys participating in a number of activities, including team sports, racquet games and technical sports Helena 26 – 35 Single Sporty (Segment 5) Professional female Alison 36 - 45 Married Sporty (Segment 7) Busy mum Roger and Joy 56 - 65 Married Free-time couples nearing the end of their careers (Segment 13) Retired or part time Participate one/two times a week. Enjoy activities such as walking, swimming,
table tennis or golf, and also keep fit classes Chloe 18 – 25 Single Image conscious, likes to keep fit/trim (Segment 3) Graduate/ Makes friends at fitness classes etc professional Likely to volunteer within sports/the arts
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Strategic context
8.17 At national level, particularly in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics, sport and active recreation is a particular priority. It is hoped that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games can be the catalyst for increased participation across the country and leave a legacy of high participation and high quality facilities. Of particular relevance to the Borough is that Loughborough University has identified its own offer as a pre-games training camp for 2012 and recently announced that it will play host to the Japanese and Great Britain teams. This is likely to stimulate local interest in sport and recreation and may therefore have a knock on impact on demand for facilities. This intensifies demand for higher quality facilities.
8.18 Of particular relevance to this assessment of outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood are the following key factors:
• there are national and regional targets to increase participation and to get one million people more active – the successful achievement of these targets will impact on the demand for facilities
• participation is no longer just about sport – in order to reduce health inequalities and address issues of health decline there are moves to increase the contribution of sport and active recreation to overall levels of physical activity – this includes maximising the roles of parks and other open spaces (as highlighted in other sections of this report) as well as building on formal sports participation
• agencies are now working to reduce the participation gap and increase voluntary and community sector involvement
• the national Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF) and the Extended Schools’ Agenda.
Regional context for sport facility provision
8.19 The ‘Change 4 Sport’ in England’s East Midlands A Regional Plan for Sport 2004 to 2008, identifies the following priorities:
• to build a more efficient and effective sporting system within the East Midlands
• to increase participation in sport and active recreation to meet national government targets
• to make the East Midlands the most successful sporting region in England and to maximise its’ contribution towards national (England and UK/GB) success
• to tackle inequality by increasing participation in sport and active recreation by under-represented groups and communities
• to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well being of the inhabitants of the East Midlands
• through sport and active recreation make communities in the East Midlands stronger and safer
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• maximise the contribution of sport and active recreation to and from education and lifelong learning
• to benefit the local economy and realise the potential sport and active recreation has to contribute to the development of the regional and local economy, ‘the East Midlands Development Agency has produced a Regional Economic Strategy ‘Destination 2010’ which sits under the Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS)
• the strategy has two high-level aspirations of equal weight – to deliver a competitive region and at the same time to ensure that the region has sustainable communities.
8.20 This strategy therefore recognises the wider benefits which sports participation can provide to the local community such as sport and community development and improving health and well being.
Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework (November 2009)
8.21 A County-wide sports facilities strategic framework has been developed by Leicestershire and Rutland Sport. The study involved extensive research and consultation to assess existing provision in terms of quantity, quality and access.
8.22 The document sets out a vision that ‘Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland aspire to have a mix of sports facilities across the sub-region which reflects its wider aspiration to be a place where residents enjoy the quality of life they expect, in an environment which is diverse, safe, health, attractive and prosperous’.
8.23 The strategic framework considers the following facilities:
• Swimming Pools • Sports Halls • Synthetic Turf Pitches • Athletics Facilities • Indoor Bowls • Indoor Tennis • Major sports facilities including ice rinks, ski centres and arenas.
8.24 The document advocates the provision of a facility hierarchy including:
• core facilities – that are strategically significant with a wide range of activity areas, fully staffed, a focus on sports development and competition and provide a key contribution to the quality of life in the area
• key community facilities – which have core staffing
• local community facilities – which have minimal or peripatetic staffing.
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8.25 The document highlights a range of key issues across the County including:
• the need for major investment into swimming pools and sports halls
• the need to maximise opportunities of the BSF programme
• the need to increase the number of 3G synthetic pitches
• the demand for provision of additional athletics provision (ie training straights or ‘Js’ and technical throwing or jumping areas)
• the need for more accessible indoor tennis facilities
• the need to develop more indoor bowls facilities in North West Leicestershire, Hinckley, Rutland and Oadby and Wigston as a priority
• the need to consider the feasibility of providing a specialist sport/entertainment facility (eg ice skating, skiing or 3-5,000 seat arena).
8.26 At present, the document does not make any recommendations in relation to the need for additional facilities in the Borough, but suggests the need for qualitative/access improvements on some school sites.
8.27 The remainder of this section will consider the provision of outdoor sports facilities across Charnwood, considering firstly the broad distribution of facilities as a whole and then each facility type in turn.
Quantity of provision
8.28 The overall amount of land dedicated to outdoor sports facilities across Charnwood is summarised in Table 8.3. Calculations exclude golf courses outside of the settlement boundaries which will skew figures. The figures include school sites. Formal sports provision included within larger parks is also included. It also includes playing pitches although these will be considered in more detail in Section 9. Consideration will be given to the specific type of facility provided during the application of local standards.
Table 8.3 – Provision of outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Current provision (hectares) Numberof sites Smallest site (hectares) Largest site (hectares) Larger settlements 176.34 64 0.04 16.10
Service centres 175.15 58 0.05 18.08
Smaller settlements 54.52 28 0.15 6.57
Overall 406.01 150 0.04 18.08
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8.29 The key issues emerging from Table 8.3 and consultations relating to the quantity of outdoor sports facilities across the Borough are as follows:
• overall, there are 406 hectares of outdoor sports facilities spread across 150 sites. The highest quantity of provision is found in the larger settlements followed by the service centres, although provision per 1000 population is highest within the smaller settlements
• household survey results show that of the facility types surveyed, dissatisfaction with the quantity of provision was highest for synthetic turf pitches and tennis courts, although in both cases the proportion of respondents who said that they don’t consider there to be enough provision currently is relatively small:
- STPs: 19% sufficient, 21% insufficient (60% no opinion)
- tennis courts: 28% sufficient, 22% insufficient (50% no opinion)
- bowling greens: 36% sufficient, 11% insufficient (53% no opinion)
- golf courses: 39% sufficient, 15% insufficient (46% no opinion)
• responses show that there are differences in opinion across the settlement hierarchies, with:
- the greatest level of dissatisfaction with STP provision amongst residents from the larger settlements, where 23% indicate that there is ‘not enough’ provision
- the greatest levels of satisfaction (40%) for bowling greens amongst residents in the larger settlements
- the greatest level of dissatisfaction with golf courses amongst residents within the larger settlements, where 35% consider current provision to be insufficient. Satisfaction levels are highest amongst residents in the smaller settlements (55% deem provision adequate)
• from the general sports club survey, it should be noted that:
- of those bowls clubs that responded to the survey, 75% indicate that the provision of bowling greens is good. The remaining 25% of clubs state that the quantity of bowling greens is excellent. No clubs indicated that they would prioritise additional provision over qualitative improvements. In addition, 75% of clubs indicated that their club membership has been either static or increasing suggesting that demand is likely to remain stable. None of the clubs are looking to expand the range of facilities provided
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- all responding tennis clubs indicated that the quantity of provision is average or above. 71% of tennis clubs indicated that their facilities currently meet league regulations. No club suggested that the quantity of match facilities was an issue and only one club felt that training facilities inhibited club development. Despite this, over half of all clubs indicated that expanding the range of facilities provided was one of their key priorities moving forward and 57% of clubs suggested that quantitative improvements were a greater priority than either quality or access improvements
• there was no clear consensus of opinion with regards to the quantity of sports provision from children and young people, with:
- 36% of children stating that they feel that there are ‘some facilities but that there could be more’, whilst 30% indicated that there are ‘not enough’ and 24% stated that there are ‘a lot of facilities’
- 21% of young people think that there are ‘enough’ outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood, whilst 17% think there are ‘enough but not the right type’ and 17% said that there are ‘not enough’ outdoor sports facilities
• at the stakeholder workshop, the range of high quality facilities, particularly for elite level sport was seen as a key strength of the Borough although to an extent these facilities are centred in Loughborough. There was also acknowledgement that ancillary provision at some outdoor sites needs increasing/improving. It was highlighted that there is good sport specific provision and in particular it was considered that there are high levels of synthetic turf pitches
• access to school sites was perceived to be a key priority going forward as the infrastructure is believed to be in place to provide a high quality network of sports facilities if school sites were opened up to the local community outside of school hours
• residents and stakeholders indicated that there are some localised deficiencies in sports provision, in particular in Shepshed and Birstall. The need for Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course was also questioned. Other issues identified related to the quantity of ancillary accommodation
• attendees at Parish Council workshops indicated that additional provision would be a priority although many of these comments related to ancillary accommodation as well as to alternative sports facilities including trim trails. Similar to the stakeholder’s workshop, Parish Clerks felt that sports facilities were one of the main strengths in Charnwood Borough. The involvement of the voluntary sector and Parish Councils was also referenced.
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Setting provision standards – quantity
8.30 The recommended local quantity standard for outdoor sports facilities has been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and is summarised below. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
8.31 The standard should be applied for broad planning need only, and used to determine the amount of space that should be set aside for outdoor sports facilities. Localised decisions as to the type of facilities that are required should then be taken.
8.32 For playing pitches, the playing pitch strategy calculations (set out in Section 9) enable a specific calculation determining the amount of community pitches required. This concludes that 1.09 hectares of pitch provision should be dedicated to pitches which are available for community use.
Quantity Standard (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision (hectares Recommended standard (hectares per 1000 population) per 1000 population) 2.60 hectares 2.60 hectares (of which 1.09 hectares is dedicated for community playing pitches) Justification The application of the Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM) suggests that overall, the quantity of provision is sufficient to meet needs although there are some localised deficiencies as well as issues relating to the supply for specific sports. For other sports, priorities revolve around improving access to existing facilities as well as enhancing the quality of sites. The standard has therefore been set at the existing level of provision. This reflects the need to focus on improved quality facilities and also takes into account the abundance of facilities located at school sites which are not currently open to the general public. While additional pitches might be required, existing sites can be reconfigured to increase their capacity.
Current provision - quality
8.33 The quality of existing outdoor sports facilities was assessed through site visits undertaken by the Borough Council. The key issues arising from site assessments are discussed later in this section. Site quality scores are contained in Appendix D.
8.34 In general however, the quality of outdoor sports facilities is relatively high, indicated by an overall average score of 68%. The average quality of provision is consistent across the three settlement hierarchies, although there is a range in the quality of provision in the service centres.
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8.35 The key issues emerging from consultation relating to the quality of outdoor sports facilities are as follows:
• a large proportion of household survey respondents did not have an opinion on the quality of outdoor sports facilities, however of those that did, the majority consider provision to be average/good, with
- STPs: 14% rate STPs as average, 11% rate them good and 5% rate them poor
- tennis courts: 20% rate tennis courts as average, 9% rate them good and 8% rate them poor
- bowling greens: 17% rate bowling greens as average, 14% rate them good and 2% rate them poor
- golf courses: 15% rate golf courses as average, 15% rate them good and 5% rate them poor
- athletics tracks: 10% rate tracks as average, 12% rate them good and 6% rate them poor
• findings across the different settlement hierarchies are generally consistent with the overall results although it should be noted that a slightly higher proportion of respondents in the larger settlements consider bowling greens (37%) to be average/good, whilst a slightly higher proportion of respondents in the smaller settlements consider golf (31%) and athletics tracks (19%) to be good
• workshop sessions with Parish Council representatives highlighted that there is a need for some sites to be upgraded, particularly where there is a lack of changing/ancillary facilities and inadequate car parking provision (eg Birstall Sports Ground was highlighted as being in need of upgrade)
• 46% of children said that they consider outdoor sports facilities to be ‘clean, safe and nice to use’, whilst 38% said that they are ‘sometimes unclean’
• 33% of young people consider outdoor sports provision to be average, 16% consider them to be ‘clean, tidy and well maintained’ whilst 11% perceive them to be of ‘poor quality and in need of extensive improvement’
• research carried out by the Council with golf course users at Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt course during 2009 highlighted that the site is highly valued and people make regular use of the facility. Most aspects are well regarded and value for money provided is considered to be good.
Setting provision standards – quality
8.36 The recommended local quality standard for outdoor sports facilities is summarised overleaf. Full justifications and consultation relating to the quality of provision for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
8.37 There are two key components to the effective provision of outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood, specifically:
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• ensuring that facilities are fit for purpose in terms of the construction of the pitch / court / green
• ensuring that the management of these facilities is effective and meets local aspirations.
8.38 The quality standard highlights the key aspirations for sports facilities emerging from public consultation. In addition to this, focus should be placed on ensuring that facilities meet National Governing Body and Sport England quality criteria. These criteria are summarised in Appendix K.
Quality Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard
Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents. These key issues should be incorporated into an overall quality vision. Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Dog free area Well kept grass / playing surface Adequate site boundaries Level surface Main entrance Appropriate maintenance and marking Security and safety out of lines Toilets Seating Parking Lighting Changing facilities
Setting provision standards – accessibility
8.39 The accessibility of sites is paramount in maximising usage as well as providing an opportunity for all people to use the site. The recommended local standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations.
8.40 Local consultation highlighted that:
• of the household survey respondents that use outdoor sports facilities more frequently than any other open space, 65% travel by car and 76% travel for fifteen minutes or under
• the preferred method of travel was by car. This is reflective of the rural nature of the Borough, with many residents expecting to travel to access an outdoor sports facility. Responses were as follows:
- STPs: walk (26%), car (58%) - tennis courts: walk (40%), car (44%) - bowling greens: walk (37%), car (49%) - golf courses: walk (16%), car (73%) - athletics tracks: – walk (15%), car (69%).
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• research carried out by the Council with Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt users during 2009 highlighted that users generally drive to use the facility; with most travelling less than 20 minutes
• young people use a range of modes to travel to outdoor sports facilities – with 39% walking, 32% travelling by car, 13% cycling and 16% by bus
• the majority of sports clubs indicated that their members would usually drive to access to outdoor sports facilities
• at the stakeholder workshop, the need to increase access to facilities on school sites was highlighted. The facilities at Loughborough University were perceived to offer good access to local residents and it was suggested that the university offers a positive role model, encouraging people to participate in sport. The shared use of facilities for curricular and community purposes was a key theme of the workshop
• the opportunities to increase access to schools were also raised by Parish Councils. It was also indicated that rising maintenance costs will result in increased costs for pitch hire (in particular in Syston) and this may become a barrier to access longer term.
8.41 Many residents indicated that access to outdoor sports facilities across the Borough is good, although reference was made to limited access for residents in some settlements. In particular residents felt that access to provision in Shepshed and Birstall is poor. The price of facilities was also perceived to be prohibitive by a small number of residents.
8.42 The recommended local accessibility standard for outdoor sports facilities is summarised below. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
Accessibility Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – outdoor sports facilities
10 minute drive time to all facilities
Justification Analysis of consultation with residents demonstrates that the majority of users currently travel to outdoor sports facilities and with the exception of grass pitches, residents also expect to drive to other facilities. Consultation highlights the expectation that facilities will be provided local to the home, however it is clear that the quality of sites and the degree to which they are fit for purpose takes on greater importance. A 10 minute drive time standard has therefore been set for all types of outdoor sports facilities, except grass pitches. This will promote the provision of high quality facilities and will be treated as a minimum standard of provision. Good access to school facilities will be essential if this standard is to be achieved.
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Applying provision standards
8.43 In order to provide an overview of sports provision in Charnwood, the quantity standard has been applied.
Quantity
8.44 Table 8.4 illustrates the application of the standard against the current provision in each of the three settlement hierarchies.
8.45 As highlighted, the wide range of facilities included within this typology means that the application of an overarching quantity standard provides an indication of provision for broad planning need only.
8.46 Where shortfalls of provision are evident, the type of facility that is most appropriate for a given area should be derived from expressed demand and local participation trends as well as gaps in the existing network of provision. The playing pitch component within the quantity standard sets out a specific recommendation as to the area of pitches (in hectares) that should be provided.
8.47 The adequacy of specific facilities in Charnwood is discussed later in this section.
Table 8.4 – Application of quantity standard Analysis area Current shortfall / surplus against local standard (1.76 hectares 1000per population) Future shortfall deficit/ against local standard hectares (1.76 per 1000 population)
Larger Settlements -60.33 hectares -87.22 hectares Service Centres 30.91 hectares 14.52 hectares Smaller Settlements 25.91 hectares 22.66 hectares Overall -3.51 hectares -50.03 hectares
8.48 As highlighted, the broad standard for outdoor sports facilities should be applied for planning need only. Table 8.4 indicates that:
• the provision of outdoor sports facilities is insufficient to meet current demand. Based on future population projections, there will be a shortfall of 50.03 hectares overall. This covers the whole range of outdoor sports facilities and represents an indicative shortfall only
• based on the indicative standard, provision within the service centres and smaller settlements is sufficient to meet demand. Only within the larger settlements is the provision of outdoor sports facilities insufficient to meet demand. There are however localised areas of deficiency and gaps in provision for specific sports which will be returned to later in this section.
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8.49 These calculations do not take into account any increases in participation, which are a key local and regional target. If participation was to increase, pressure on existing facilities would rise significantly.
Accessibility
8.50 Map 8.1 summarises the distribution of outdoor sports facilities across Charnwood. It can be seen that there is a good distribution of outdoor sports facilities across the Borough. Significantly higher amounts of facilities are located in the larger settlements and service centres, however all of the service centres have at least one facility.
Quality
8.51 Map 8.2 summarises the quality of sports facilities across the Borough. There are no clear patterns in the distribution of high and low quality facilities. The quality of specific types of facility will be returned to later in this section.
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Map 8.1 - Outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood
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Map 8.2 – Quality of outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood
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Priorities for Future Delivery
Borough Wide Issues
Quantity
8.52 In light of the importance of outdoor sports facilities to residents, and their role in increasing physical activity, it will be important to ensure that all sites are protected from development unless it can be proven that the site is surplus to demand, or that development of one site will result in improved facilities at a nearby site. Paragraph 10 of PPG 17 requires that before any open space can be built on, it must be demonstrated that it is surplus to requirements, not only in terms of its existing use, but also in respect of any other functions of open space which it can perform. Sport England planning guidance highlights this point and reinforces that this requirement should be considered prior to the recommended disposal of any site. These principles should be incorporated through the provision of appropriate policies in the LDF and is referenced further in Section 15.
OSF1 Protect all outdoor sports facilities from development unless criteria set out in Sport England policy are met. This should be carried out through the incorporation of appropriate policies in the LDF.
Biodiversity
8.53 In addition to the quality of sites for sports participation, the role of outdoor sports facilities in terms of nature conservation and biodiversity should not be ignored. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan highlights the importance of urban habitats. While outdoor sports facilities are not referenced specifically, many of these sites are within or have a similar function to parks and may therefore contain habitats of particular value.
OSF2 Improvements to outdoor sports facilities should give consideration to the habitats provided at these sites and the species that are evident.
Sport specific facility issues
8.54 The remainder of this section considers sport specific issues arising from the application of standards.
8.55 Table 8.5 summarises the distribution of tennis courts, bowling greens, athletics tracks and synthetic turf pitches across Charnwood. It must be noted that if participation was to increase significantly, demand would increase and higher pressure would be placed on existing facilities
8.56 With the exception in the reduction of a junior playing pitch at Lodge Farm, pitch, bowling and tennis provision is consistent with that that was recorded in the 2007 Options Appraisal although some pitches were not marked out at the time of the initial site visits.
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Table 8.5 – Specific sports facilities across Charnwood Settlement hierarchy Tennis Courts BowlingGreens Athletics tracks Full Size Synthetic pitches
Larger Settlements 40 6 1 8 Service Centres 34 6 0 2 Smaller Settlements 6 1 1 2 Overall 80 13 2 12
8.57 Table 8.5 above indicates the following:
• there is an uneven distribution of outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood. The majority of facilities are located in the larger settlements and service centres - the main urban settlements of the Borough
• there is limited provision of more specialised outdoor sports facilities in the smaller settlements eg tennis courts and bowling greens
• synthetic turf pitches are located across the Borough.
Tennis courts
Context
8.58 There is currently no national strategy for tennis, although there is a National Facilities Plan. At a national level, of the 2600 existing clubs, 303 have indoor courts and the remainder are based at outdoor facilities only.
8.59 In order to facilitate tennis development, the LTA intend to develop a hierarchy of provision which will include international High Performance Clubs (10 nationally), High Performance Clubs and County Accredited clubs, which will be the satellite and feeder clubs. The LTA are now focussing their investment in facilities around a club structure through their ‘Club Vision’ initiative.
8.60 The key objectives of the strategy in underpinning and enhancing the overall vision of the LTA are:
• develop a comprehensive network of training and competition facilities • continue developing all year round playing facilities – emphasising covered courts and floodlighting • accelerate the building of acrylic and clay courts – the LTA’s preferred performance surfaces • assist development programmes at a local level by supporting the provision of enhanced facilities.
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8.61 Priority facility types identified include:
• covered courts • clay courts • floodlighting • practice walls.
8.62 Tennis Leicestershire Ltd support the LTA national priorities.
8.63 There are three strong Tennis Clubs in Loughborough, all of which are affiliated with the LTA. Charnwood Tennis Club, Loughborough Town Tennis Club and Loughborough Greenfields all have priorities of increasing their membership at all levels and improving their standard of performance.
8.64 In addition to tennis clubs in Loughborough, there are several strong clubs based in the Market Towns around the Borough, specifically Syston Northfield TC, Birstall Watermead Tennis Club and Quorn LTC, Rothley Ivanhoe LTC, Newtown Linford LTC, Sileby LTC and Gynsill Lawn Tennis Club, Anstey.
Context
8.65 The current club membership is increasing year on year and facility improvements at a local level are aimed at increasing participation further.
8.66 The Dan Maskell Tennis Centre at the University provides a high quality indoor tennis centre accessible to the general public as well as to university students. The LTA Academy, on the same sites provides a high quality regional tennis development centre.
8.67 The following sites contain outdoor tennis facilities:
• Bowls Club off Collingwood Drive (Sileby)
• Stadon Road and Sports Ground (Anstey)
• Gynsill Close (Gynsill Tennis Club – Anstey)
• Towles Fields (Burton on the Wolds)
• Northfields (Syston)
• Woodhouse Road Tennis, Manor House Hotel ( Woodhouse)
• Mountsorrel Lane (Rothley)
• King George's Field, Queniborough Road (Queniborough)
• Syston Rugby Club (Queniborough)
• Elizabeth Park, Redhill Lane (Thurmaston)
• Cricket Ground (Newtown Linford)
• King George V Playing Fields, Main Street (Woodhouse)
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• Nanpantan Sports Ground, Brook Lane (Loughborough)
• Forest Road Tennis Club (Loughborough)
• Holt Drive Sports Ground (Loughborough)
• Leicester Road Playing Fields (Loughborough)
• Park Road Sports Ground (Loughborough)
• Burleigh Community College (Loughborough)
• Roundhills Community College (Thurmaston)
• Hind Leys Community College (Shepshed)
• Stonehill School Campus (Birstall)
• Humphrey Perkins High School and Community Centre (Barrow Upon Soar).
8.68 Table 8.6 summarises the provision of tennis facilities across the Borough.
Table 8.6 – Tennis courts in Charnwood Area Area Number of Sites Number of Courts
Larger Settlements 10 40
Service Centres 9 34 Smaller Settlements 3 6 Overall 22 80
8.69 Table 8.6 indicates that tennis courts are unevenly distributed across the Borough with the majority of sites located in the larger settlements and service centres.
8.70 In total, there are 22 tennis court sites containing to a total of 80 courts. This equates to 0.5 courts per 1000 population or one court for every 1994 residents. This level of provision is high in comparison to averages in other areas in which PMP have undertaken similar studies.
8.71 The largest public sports facility containing tennis courts is Nanpantan Sports Ground. This facility is also used by Charnwood Tennis Club. Courts at this site are only available at certain times and not all courts are available for public pay and play.
8.72 In addition to public and club tennis courts, there are also several facilities at school sites. The 2007 Options Appraisal indicates that there is a lot of interaction between clubs and schools, meaning that children in the Borough are exposed to tennis at an early age.
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8.73 Charnwood Borough Council, along with clubs and schools are the main providers of tennis courts in the Borough. Outside of Loughborough however, there are relatively few pay and play opportunities with most facilities requiring membership of the club. Consultation undertaken as part of the 2007 Options Appraisal indicated that membership of clubs is growing. The survey undertaken as part of this survey suggests that membership varies across the Borough. While half of clubs suggested that membership is increasing, some clubs suggested that is decreasing. A lack of internal and external funding was perceived to be the key challenges facing clubs.
8.74 The quality of tennis courts in Charnwood is good. Four sites containing tennis were rated as excellent or very good, specifically Towles Playing Field (Burton on the Wolds), Northfields Tennis Club (Syston), Forest Road Tennis Club (Loughborough) and Elizabeth Park (Thurmaston).
8.75 The distribution of tennis courts is illustrated overleaf on Map 8.3. This map indicates that all residents have access to a tennis court within the recommended 10 minute drive time.
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Map 8.3 – Tennis courts in Charnwood
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Adequacy of Existing Provision
8.76 Application of the local accessibility standard demonstrates that most residents have access to a tennis court within the recommended 10 minute drive time. There is a particular gap of provision in Shepshed, where residents are outside of the catchment of a public facility. The school facility in Shepshed is of particular importance, as without this facility, residents are unable to access any tennis courts.
8.77 Despite high levels of provision in comparison to other areas, the household survey suggests that tennis is popular and that in some areas, there is demand for additional provision. This is supported particularly in the service centres and smaller settlements and may be reflective of the more limited casual pay and play provision in these areas. Parish plans for Thrussington, East Goscote, Sileby, Wymeswold and Mountsorrel all reference the popularity of or demand for tennis facilities. In Rothley, the Parish Council require the club to permit casual access to two of it’s facilities. Dissatisfaction with quantity of tennis courts was higher in the household survey than for any other type of facility.
8.78 To an extent the sports club survey supports this. While clubs suggested that the quantity of provision is average and is not currently inhibiting participation, over half of all clubs indicated that expanding the range of facilities provided was one of their key priorities moving forward and 57% of clubs suggested that quantitative improvements were a greater priority than either quality or access improvements. This suggests that while provision is sufficient at the current time, there may be a need to increase capacity at existing sites to meet demand in future years. The Hallam Fields development in Birstall is likely to see an improvement in the quality of provision through a S106 agreement.
8.79 Newtown Linford Tennis Club indicated that their club is constrained by the facilities that they use and that they do not meet league requirements. Floodlights are required and additional capacity at the club site would also help the club to realise it’s plans.
8.80 The 2007 Options appraisal indicated that despite high demand for tennis (and an above average propensity to participate in tennis), the public facility at Park Road in Loughborough is under used. It is also of poor quality. The appraisal highlighted that while maintaining the status quo is the short term option, longer term and following the redevelopment of the town centre, reconfiguration of the site may be appropriate and this may result in the loss of the tennis courts. These courts are regularly hired by local schools and are also used occasionally as netball courts. Further exploration of other pay and play opportunities at better quality courts throughout the Borough should therefore be explored.
8.81 In the event of the loss of provision, qualitative improvements to existing sites, alongside improvements to the capacity of facilities should be prioritised. Exploration of other pay and play opportunities as above at other higher quality facilities in partnership with other providers will also be essential.
8.82 Unless analysis of usage demonstrates that existing facilities are not required, all sites should be protected from development. Where usage is low, the reasons for this should be investigated prior to the disposal of a site, and any facilities lost should be replaced at an alternative location. Given the role that the courts at Park Road play an important role in providing opportunities for casual play, the loss of these facilities would leave a gap in provision in Loughborough.
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TENNIS Improvements are required to the quality of some (public) tennis facilities. Additionally, in order to improve capacity at existing sites, consideration should be given to the provision of covers over some courts to ensure that facilities are playable all year around. This is particularly important longer term. Monitor demand for additional facilities, particularly in Parishes where demand has previously been expressed and provide new sites where appropriate. Additional community provision in these areas could be supplied by improving access to facilities at school sites. New development is likely to generate demand for additional provision. The potential impact of new development can be investigated using the current Boroughwide level of provision (0.5 courts per 1000 population).
Bowling greens
8.83 There are 35 affiliated Counties to the English Bowling Association (EBA), to which a total of 2,700 clubs are in membership nationwide. The current national priority remains to generate interest in the game from and increase participation figures of young people. The scheme is a partnership initiative with the purpose of providing a pathway to enable children and young people to participate in the sport of bowls and to develop their potential to whatever appropriate level they so wish. The EBA are anticipating that all Counties will be involved during this next year so there is no reason why any young person with potential to progress in the sport should not be afforded an opportunity to be considered for these events.
8.84 The main rationale behind encouraging young people to the game is the declining membership figures across the country.
8.85 The priorities of Leicestershire and Rutland Bowling Association (L&RBA) reflect those of the National Body and aim to promote these key aims and objectives to all clubs. During consultation undertaken as part of the 2007 Options Appraisal, it was commented that the L&RBA support local clubs to maintain membership figures, encourage new members and have a priority of attracting women and more young people to the game.
8.86 This is particularly important as clubs in Leicester and Rutland have experienced the same declining participation as has been found nationally.
Context
8.87 There are 16 bowling greens distributed across 15 sites in Charnwood, specifically:
• Bowls Club off Collingwood Drive (Sileby)
• Shepshed Town Bowls Club, Charnwood Road (Shepshed)
• Birstall Playing Fields, School Lane, (Birstall)
• Syston Bowling club, Central Park, St. Peters Street (Syston)
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• Fosse Way (Syston)
• Clay Street Bowling Green (Wymeswold)
• High Street Bowling Green (Quorn)
• Loughborough Road Playing Fields (Rothley)
• Mountsorrel Lane (Rothley)
• Elizabeth Park, Red Hill Lane (Thurmaston)
• Granby Bowls Club, Park Road Sports Ground (Loughborough)
• Loughborough Bowls Club , Mayfield Drive, Beacon Road (Loughborough)
• Queen’s Park Bowling Green (Loughborough)
• Loughborough GreenFields Sports and Social Club, Holt Drive Sports Ground (Loughborough)
• Nanpantan Sports Ground (Loughborough).
8.88 Table 8.7 summarises the distribution of these facilities.
Table 8.7 – Bowling Greens in Charnwood Area Area Number of Sites Number of greens
Larger Settlements 7 8
Service Centres 6 6 Smaller Settlements 1 1 Overall 14 15
8.89 Similar to the findings for tennis courts, Table 8.7 indicates that the majority of bowling greens are located within the larger settlements and service centres. Only one bowling green is found in the smaller settlements. Residents in these areas therefore have to travel further to reach a facility.
8.90 The current provision of bowling greens is equivalent to 0.1 bowling greens per 1000 residents or one bowling green per 10,500 residents.
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Adequacy of existing levels of provision
8.91 The findings of the household survey highlight that residents are satisfied with the current level of provision. Only 11% of respondents to the household survey consider provision to be insufficient. Furthermore, all bowling clubs responding to the sports club survey stated that the quantity of bowling greens is good or excellent. All clubs indicated that qualitative improvements should be prioritised over the provision of additional bowling greens.
8.92 In addition to the satisfaction with current provision, all but one bowling club indicated that membership had remained static and that they are not looking to expand the size of their club. Only one club suggested that membership was increasing. No evidence of latent demand has emerged and one club recently held an open day, but new members served only to replace members lost in recent years.
8.93 The distribution of bowling greens is illustrated on Map 8.4 overleaf. It demonstrates that nearly all residents have access to a bowling green within a 10 minute drive time. Only residents in Newtown Linford and the west of Anstey are outside the catchment of a bowling green.
8.94 With regards the quality of provision, 31% of respondents to the household survey consider the quality to be either average or good. Quality assessments suggest that the quality of bowling greens is good. As highlighted, the findings of the sports club survey suggest that qualitative improvements are the highest priority. Issues relating to security are seen to be particularly important, as well as improvements to the provision and ancillary accommodation. Loughborough Granby Bowling Club also indicated that the quality of the green required improving if the site was to be suitable to host county matches. The quality of pavilions is perceived to be particularly important if new players are to be encouraged.
8.95 At the time of the 2007 Options Appraisal, plans for the redevelopment of Loughborough Town Centre included changes to the boundary of Queen’s Park, which would impact on the bowls green. The Options Appraisal therefore highlights the long term potential to relocate this green at Queen’s Park as part of a wider plan to create a bowling hub at Park Road. Although clubs are in agreement with the benefits of creating a hub, the need to maintain club identity was reinforced. Economies of scale would be achieved by joining the clubs, however the loss of the Bowling Green from Queen’s Park would detract from its heritage.
8.96 The 2007 Options Appraisal also indicated that the current supply of bowling greens in Loughborough was sufficient to meet the needs of clubs stated that the green at Park Road was currently being used to capacity on the peak day of usage. Any future growth at the club, or the relocation of the Queen’s Park club to Park Road, would therefore place unwanted pressures on the one green and that the long-term sustainable development of the club (or clubs) would be dependent on the provision of a further green. The club using Park Road was the only club to indicate that membership was expanding although they suggest that qualitative improvements are more important at the current time.
8.97 Longer term, if efforts to increase participation in bowls are successful (and due to the impact of population growth), additional provision may be required.
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BOWLING The existing level of provision is currently sufficient to meet demand. Focus should be on qualitative improvements, in particular on ancillary provision, enhancing security and improving the quality of the greens. In the long term, monitor the demand for bowling greens and react to opportunities to improve provision. The impact of new development can be investigated based on the current provision of 0.01 per 1000 population.
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Map 8.4 – Bowling greens in Charnwood
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Synthetic turf pitches
Context
8.98 Sport England research into the use of STPs indicates that they play two principal roles, midweek training for football and weekend matches for hockey.
8.99 Active Places Power indicates that the quantity of synthetic turf pitches (STPs) in Charnwood is above average, with the total quantity equating to 0.06 STPs per 1000 population. This figure is above both the regional (0.04) and national (0.03) averages.
8.100 Table 8.8 illustrates provision in Charnwood in comparison to national and regional averages. The Leicestershire and Rutland sports facilities strategic framework study outlines the need for more 3G pitches, although no specific requirements are made for Charnwood BC. It is also worth noting that not all pitches in Charnwood are included on the Active Places database at the current time and in reality provision is therefore higher than expressed below (data in table 8.8 is taken from Active Places). Taking all pitches into account, pitch provision in Charnwood equates to 0.08 STPs per 1000 population.
Table 8.8 – Synthetic turf pitch provision in the region (according to Active Places)
Geographical area STPs/1000 population (pitches)
National 0.03 East Midlands 0.04 Charnwood 0.06
8.101 There are 12 full sized synthetic turf pitches meeting with Sport England definitions (and included within Active Places) in Charnwood, eight of which are located in the larger settlements, two in the service centres and two in the smaller settlements. Specifically, these sites are:
• Loughborough College (Loughborough)
• Loughborough University (3 – one sand based, one 3g pitch and one water based pitch)
• Loughborough Grammar School (Loughborough)
• Ratcliffe College (Ratcliffe on the Wreake)
• Rawlins Community College (3g pitch) (Quorn)
• Soar Valley Leisure Centre (Mountsorrel)
• Wellbeck Defence Sixth Form College (Woodhouse Eves)
• Hind Leys Community College (Shepshed)
• Burleigh Community College (Loughborough)
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• Longslade Community College (Birstall).
8.102 Soar Valley Leisure Centre is the only Borough Council owned site, with the other eleven STPs located on education sites. Three of the above full size pitches are 3g pitches, namely Loughborough University, Loughborough College and Rawlins Community College.
8.103 Map 8.5 illustrates the existing distribution of provision, indicating that most residents have access to an STP within a 10 minute drive time. Some residents in more rural parts of the Borough are not within a 10 minute drive time of a facility. There is a particular concentration of provision in Loughborough.
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Map 8.5 – Synthetic turf pitches in Charnwood
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Adequacy of Existing Provision
8.104 Consultation indicated that the quantity of STPs is perceived to be insufficient by 21% of respondents to the household survey. Only 19% of residents stated that the provision of STPs was sufficient. Despite this, the amount of synthetic turf pitches in the Borough was highlighted as a key strength at the Stakeholder workshop.
8.105 27% of football club respondents indicated that they have problems accessing local training facilities. When looking at responses in more detail the key reason was that STPs are often fully booked, with block bookings being a particular issue for clubs. The current problem is therefore access to facilities, particularly at peak time.
8.106 The capacity of existing facilities, and the limited access to existing facilities for the general public (particularly in Loughborough) means that additional facilities are likely to be required in the short - medium term. In the interim, alternative management may be required to increase the number of teams that can use synthetic turf pitches for training. Calculations and consultation suggest that the current stock of facilities are sufficient to meet the needs of competitive hockey clubs. At the time of the compilation of the site audit by the Borough Council, overuse of the Loughborough Carillion Sports Ground was identified as a key issue and was attributed to the fact that the hockey club are unable to find a synthetic turf pitch with sufficient capacity for them to use.
8.107 The FA has identified a gap to the South of the Borough (and to the north of Leicester). There is also less provision to the east of the Borough around Syston and Thurmaston, indicating that this area is potentially of higher priority. The 2007 Options Appraisal identified the potential to provide an additional synthetic turf pitch on Nanpantan Sports Ground and demand from clubs was evident. This facility would facilitate training for both rugby and football. The sports club survey carried out as part of this assessment indicated that 65% of clubs would like to see a new synthetic turf pitch and that access to pitches is currently problematic. This would address existing capacity issues in Loughborough.
8.108 The Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facility Strategic Framework considered the need for additional synthetic pitches. It did not highlight specific need in Charnwood at the current time.
8.109 The household survey, as well as surveys with sports clubs found that the quality of STPs is generally perceived to be average or good. Site assessments undertaken as part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facility Strategic Framework Study indicate that the quality of STPs is generally good, with the quality of STPs at Loughborough College and Soar Valley Leisure Centre perceived to be very good. However, the quality of the STP at Hind Leys Community College was identified as poor and therefore opportunities for improving the quality of provision at this site should be explored. The quality of pitches at Burleigh Community College and Longslade Community College was also indicated to be poor.
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STP Evidence suggests that facilities are close to capacity at peak times. In the short term, providers should therefore consider dividing pitches to accommodate more than one team at a time during a one hour slot. Explore opportunities for improving the quality of the STP at Hind Leys Community College, Burleigh Community College and Longslade Community College. In the short to medium term, new provision is required, particularly in the event of population growth. Current provision of 0.08 facilities per 1000 can be used to project the likely impact of population growth.
Athletics
Context
8.110 There are two athletics tracks in Charnwood both of which are located on educational sites.
8.111 The athletics track at Loughborough University is a 400 metre, 8 lane synthetic track and the athletics track at Ratcliffe College is a cinder track.
8.112 The facility at Ratcliffe College offers no pay and play access, and the track at Loughborough University is available for pay and play on Mondays and Wednesdays through access arrangements with Charnwood Athletics Club.
8.113 The current provision of athletics tracks equates to 0.09 lanes per 1000 population. This figure is above both regional and national averages (0.05). Table 8.9 below outlines the provision of athletics tracks in comparison the regional and national average. Provision in Charnwood is significantly above the level expected.
Table 8.9 – Athletics tracks in the East Midlands region
Athletics tracks/1000 population Geographical area (lanes)
National 0.05 East Midlands 0.05 Charnwood 0.09
8.114 Map 8.6 illustrates the distribution of athletics tracks.
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Map 8.6 – Athletics tracks in Charnwood
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8.115 It can be seen that the majority of residents are within the recommended 10 minute drive time (although these facilities are not available for use by the general public). Key areas of deficiency are located in the smaller settlements. The tracks are well distributed, located at either side of the Borough.
8.116 Although a number of residents in the smaller settlements are outside the catchment of athletics track the current provision of athletics tracks is significantly above both national and regional averages.
8.117 While no evidence emerged as part of this study to suggest additional athletics tracks are required, the lack of access to an athletics track permitting casual use for local residents is a concern. This should be monitored and new provision (or enhancement of the existing sites should be prioritised if demand becomes evident. In this event, In light of the distribution of existing facilities, the facility at Ratcliffe College, currently a cinder track, could be refurbished and opened to the community.
ATHLETICS There is limited opportunity for pay and play access to athletics facilities in the Borough. Demand for athletics should therefore be monitored and additional provision provided if required.
Golf Courses
8.118 Golf courses are particularly important in terms of biodiversity as well as providing residents with the opportunity to play golf. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan indicates that biodiversity at Charnwood Forest Golf Course is particularly high.
Context
8.119 The vision for golf in England is the result of a partnership between the EGU, ELGA and PGA developed to meet the challenges faced in the game. The vision is:
“To allow England to become the leading golfing nation in the world by providing more opportunities for participants to start, stay and succeed in the game.”
8.120 The following are identified as the key challenges for golf in England:
• the need to overcome perceptions that golf is time consuming
• the need to maximise club membership – there is the target to grow the active members of affiliated clubs by 50,000 over the next five years
• retention of 18-30 year olds – perceived as low when compared to other groups
• the need to constantly review the impact of introductory programmes – golf ranges are acknowledged as crucial facilities within the ‘start’ or FUN- damentals phase of the development pathway as identified by the Long Term Athlete Development Model. The ELGA views them as important facilities in increasing female participation levels.
• in overall terms the target is to attract an additional 400,000 golfers into the game over the next five years – a 10% increase on the current 4.2 million, to 4.9 million by 2009.
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English Golf Union: Golf Development Strategic Plan – A Framework for Golf in England 2004-2014
8.121 At present there is no facility strategy for golf in England although a Golf Development Strategy has been produced to feed into the Whole Sport Plan for golf.
8.122 The main aims of EGU golf development include:
• to promote the game of golf and increase people’s awareness
• to introduce more people to golf regardless of age, gender or background
• to provide opportunities for people to sustain their involvement and regularly participate in golf
• to make it easier to join a golf club by improving accessibility and affordability.
8.123 In the context of Sport England’s objectives this strategy encompasses ‘start’ (recruitment) and ‘stay’ (retention). The EGU define three main sections in golf development:
• junior golf (under 18) – promotion and developing opportunities
• 18-30 year olds – retention of golfers and sustaining participation
• introducing people of any age – ‘Get into Golf’ structure.
8.124 Specifically in relation to facility provision the strategy is looking to strengthen the accessibility, affordability and quality of affiliated golf clubs in England and to develop relationships with golf ranges and other golfing facilities.
Regional priorities
8.125 Leicestershire and Rutland Golf Union are governed by the English Golf Union, adopting the national priorities and delivering them on a regional level. LRGU rely heavily on co-operation from affiliated clubs to promote grass roots golf and target groups such as women and children.
8.126 Consultation with LRGU undertaken as part of the 2008 Options Appraisal found that there is a trend of declining membership within many of the 32 clubs throughout Leicestershire. It was commented that the three affiliated clubs within Loughborough also have vacancies for membership and the uptake of pay and play opportunities at these clubs and throughout the whole of the region is limited.
Adequacy of existing provision
8.127 There are eight golf courses within Charnwood. Of these sites, according to Active Places, six sites offer pay and play access (one of which is pitch and putt). The remaining two sites only allow registered membership use. The eight courses are as follows:
• Beedles Lake Golf Centre - pay and play (East Goscote)
• Charnwood Country Club - pay and play (Loughborough)
• Charnwood Forest Golf Club - pay and play (Woodhouse Eves)
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• Lingdale Golf Club - pay and play (Woodhouse Eves)
• Longcliffe Golf Club - pay and play (Loughborough)
• Park Hill Golf Club - membership only (Seagrave)
• Rothley Park Golf Club - membership only (Rothley)
• Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course - pay and play (Loughborough).
8.128 Analysis of the quantity of golf courses in comparison to the national and regional picture is set out in Table 8.10. It can be seen that the number of holes per 1000 population in Charnwood is above both the national and regional averages. This data is taken from Active Places Power.
Table 8.10 – Golf Courses across the region
Geographical area Golf courses/ 1000 population (holes)
National 0.67 East Midlands 0.71 Charnwood 0.76
8.129 The 2007 Options appraisal supports this, indicating that provision is above the level that might be expected, stating specifically that:
• with 57,666 residents within Loughborough, population per golf course (including Shelthorpe) is 14,416, in comparison with 25,875 in England. This shows that the number of golf courses is high in relation to the national average .
• with 5881 regular adult golfers within Loughborough, capacity of golfers per golf course is 1,470, in comparison with 2,015 in England. This shows that the number of golf courses is high in relation to the number of golfers .
8.130 Supporting the above comparisons, 39% of respondents to the household survey indicated that provision was sufficient. Only 15% of respondents consider provision to be insufficient. The majority of the remainder had no opinion. Application of the accessibility standard indicates that all residents are within the appropriate distance threshold of at least one golf course, and indeed many courses are located in close proximity to each other.
8.131 It can therefore be concluded that the existing supply of golf courses is more than sufficient to meet local need both now and in the future.
8.132 Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course is the only Borough Council owned golf course in Charnwood. This site is an 18 hole pitch and putt course that allows pay and play access. Research carried out by the Council with golf course users during 2009 highlighted that users value this site highly and make regular use of the facility. Most aspects are well regarded and value for money provided is considered to be good. The site is predominantly used for casual use and practice.
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8.133 The long term demand for Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course was questioned during consultation. The high levels of provision in close proximity mean that provision is above the demand in the local area. In line with the 2007 Options Appraisal, the loss of this site (or part of the site) may be justifiable. Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course uniquely provides affordable pay and play facilities in a social housing area. Affordable access to a golf course also reduces anti social behaviour from golf played on parks and amenity spaces. The reconfiguring of Shelthorpe Pitch and Putt Golf Course should be subject to further public consultation, and a more detailed analysis / comparison of other pay and play opportunities should be presented before considering alternative uses.
8.134 The Options Appraisal indicates that the preferred option is to maintain part of the site as golf and to dedicate the remainder as open space, potentially a new district park, as this would provide open space in the area to meet an identified deficiency. No evidence has been collected as part of this assessment to suggest that this does not remain appropriate.
8.135 Longer term, in the event that the facility is no longer required as a golf course, consideration should be given to the other open spaces uses that this site could have as there is potential for the site to be used to provide additional open space in the area to meet the identified deficiencies.
GOLF Maintain adequate levels of golf provision in line with national and regional standards. Continue to ensure that pay and play opportunities are available to residents.
Summary
8.136 Outdoor sports facilities are a wide ranging category of open space which includes both natural and artificial surfaces for sport and recreation. Facilities can be owned and managed by councils, sports associations, schools and individual sports clubs, with the primary purpose of participation in outdoor sports. Examples include:
• playing pitches
• athletics tracks
• bowling greens
• tennis courts.
8.137 A local standard has been set for outdoor sports facilities in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility. This should be applied for broad planning need only.
8.138 Further consideration has also been given to the priorities arising for tennis, bowls, synthetic turf pitches and golf courses. There is limited evidence to suggest that additional provision is required at the current time (with the exception of tennis courts) and it is clear that there are an abundance of facilities across the Borough for all sports although participation increases and population growth will impact on demand. Current issues are therefore predominantly around ongoing improvements to the quality of facilities. Key issues for each sport include:
• improvements to the quality of bowling greens are of higher priority than the provision of additional facilities. Club members indicated that ancillary
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provision, security and safety and improvements to the actual green were particularly important if new members were to be encouraged
• tennis courts are distributed evenly across the Borough and all residents are within the appropriate distance of at least one facility. Despite this, demand is higher for additional tennis courts within the household survey than any other facility. There is demand identified in several Parish Plans and additional provision in these areas should therefore be considered
• while the quantity of athletics tracks is above the national average, neither track provides pay and play opportunities. Although consultation did not reveal any evidence of latent demand at the current time, this should be monitored to ensure that opportunities are provided if residents wish to participate in athletics
• there are currently sufficient synthetic turf pitches to meet demand although the quality of the facility at Hind Leys Community College, Burleigh Community College and Longslade Community College is poor and needs upgrading. Longer term, additional provision will be required
• the quantity of golf facilities is significantly above the national and regional averages and most sites provide pay and play opportunities. The current level of provision is sufficient to meet demand.
8.139 It is therefore recommended that the key priorities for the future delivery of provision for outdoor sports facilities in Charnwood that should be addressed through the Local Development Framework include:
• protect all outdoor sports facilities from development in line with Sport England policies. Ensure that policy only permits sites to be lost where it can be proven that there is no demand for the facility or where the capacity will be improved or enhanced at another site
• seek to improve the quality of outdoor sports facilities. Sites should meet National Governing Body criteria. This includes the provision of appropriate changing facilities. Focus for improvement should be on public tennis facilities, as well as bowling greens and the synthetic turf pitch at Hind Leys Community School
• review the implications of population growth and changes in the participation profile on the demand for facilities regularly. Facilitate the creation of new facilities where they are required, in particular new synthetic turf pitches and tennis courts.
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9. Playing pitch provision
Introduction
9.1 This analysis of playing pitches has been undertaken following the methodology outlined by Sport England in ‘Towards a Level Playing Field – A Manual for the Production of Playing Pitch Strategies’ (Sport England and CCPR 2003).
9.2 It considers voluntary participation by adults and young people in competitive:
• football
• cricket
• rugby
• hockey.
9.3 This section presents the key findings arising from pitch specific survey work and consultation, highlighting areas of concern and opportunity. It also summarises the key issues arising from general consultations undertaken as part of the PPG17 assessment.
9.4 The following areas are considered:
• the current picture – a review of current participation trends and playing pitch provision in England for pitch sports and outdoor sports, at national and local levels
• methodology – a summary of the process advocated in ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’
• the current position supply and demand situation– a quantitative and qualitative appraisal of current playing pitches across Charnwood and an evaluation of demand for pitches in the borough
• application of Sport England’s Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM).
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Context
Active People survey
9.5 The Sport England Active People surveys 2005/6 (Active People Survey 1) and 2007/8 (Active People Survey 2), suggest that football is one of the top three sports nationally in terms of percentage increase in participation, with an additional 122,000 people taking up the game between the two surveys.
9.6 The breakdown of participation by sports affecting this playing pitch strategy, and the change in participation between Active People Survey 1 and Active People Survey 2, is shown in Table 9.1 below.
Table 9.1 - Sport by sport results – Active People Survey
% of the adult % change in % of the adult population (16 participation Sport and population (16 plus) taking recreational plus) taking part at part at least activities least once a week – once a week – 2007/08 2005/06 +0.21 (statistically Football (all) 4.97 5.15 significant) +0.01 (not statistically Cricket 0.48 0.49 significant) +0.10 (statistically Rugby Union 0.48 0.49 significant) +0.01 (not statistically Hockey (field) 0.23 0.24 significant)
9.7 The results for the first quarter of 2009 indicate that between 2008 and 2009, the proportion of people participating once a month or more has:
• shown a statistically significant decline for rugby and football
• remained static for hockey and cricket.
9.8 Key national statistics, trends, issues and implications for future demand for playing pitches are outlined in Table 9.2 overleaf. This information is based on Sport England National Governing Body (NGB) guidance packs that outline the participation status for each sport. This context will be important in determining the future demand for pitch sports in Charnwood.
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Table 9.2 - National trends in pitch sports
Key facts Key trends Implication for pitches and ancillary facilities 1.47 million young people More children are More mini soccer and aged 11-15 participate in playing due to popularity junior pitches are football regularly of mini soccer needed Female participation has More women are playing Improved quality of risen 21%, equating to the game ancillary facilities and in 35,000 more players particular dedicated changing facilities Informal 5-a-side football More mid-week fixtures Players defecting to five- has grown in popularity in (often five-a-side a-side, therefore recent years leagues) and more non- additional synthetic turf grass pitches and indoor space may be required The Active People survey More pitches will be The vast number of indicates that 7.1% of the needed children playing mini- Football Football active population now play soccer will result in the football regularly, making need for more junior and football the 5th most mini pitches in the future popular sport in the UK in and in the long term, terms of participation, with adult pitches. 2.9 million participants As illustrated in Paragraph 9.5, according to the Active People Survey, football has had the third largest increase of all sports between 2005/ 2006 and 2006/2007. 28% of cricketers are aged Increased participation More pitches used for 16-19, compared to 12% by young people Kwik cricket and new who have participated in mobile pitches any sport or active introduced in schools recreation Female participation has Increased participation Improved access risen from 0.14% to 0.19%, by women needed to quality a rise of 0.05 percent. This training pitches and represents a change from improved ancillary 16,000 to 29,000 facilities in smaller clubs
Cricket participants, 13,000 is required additional female participants. England won The Ashes in The England and Wales Increased pressure on 2005 and subsequently Cricket Board has pitch availability, and lost the series in 2007. reported a 50% increase requirements for in participation across all additional ancillary forms of cricket accommodation
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Key facts Key trends Implication for pitches and ancillary facilities Rugby - Making An Impact Rugby union is predicted Clubs will be targeted to is the most comprehensive to grow by 0.1% from ensure they can run study into participation 0.6% to 0.7% between additional teams, trends in rugby union in 2005 and 2013. This therefore the demand for England. 254 ex-players, represents a 17% pitches will at least 193 people involved in change remain static or rugby at all levels, and potentially increase 1,708 members of the (positive outcome of public were interviewed Rugby World Cup 2007 between January and April may have had an 2003. impact) The Active People survey Many initiatives are in May require better Rugby indicates that rugby is the place to increase quality pitches with 21st most popular sport in opportunities and ancillary facilities and the UK, with participation promote the sport increased promotion of rates of 0.7%. junior rugby Women’s participation has Increase in participation Improved clubhouse increased significantly in by women. Women’s facilities and increased recent years. rugby is still a minority access to pitches sport but is stronger than ever, particularly in universities Hockey is one of top five Slight decline in youth Continuing requirement most popular games in participation. Emphasis for STPs and improved schools, although adult therefore is placed on clubhouse facilities to participation has declined promoting hockey meet league recently and the number of among young people to requirements and to children citing it as secure the future of the encourage club/team enjoyable has dropped game. However, many formation may be
Hockey from 13% to 10%. The clubs still do not have required Active People survey access to STPs indicates that 0.3% of the population participates in hockey.
Current provision
Quantity
9.9 There are a total of 211 pitches in the borough. These sites are listed in Appendix L. This figure includes all known public, private, school and other pitches whether they are in secured public use or not. The existing pitches comprise of the following:
• 79 adult football pitches
• 44 junior football pitches
• 16 mini football pitches
• 40 cricket pitches
• 21 rugby union pitches
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• 1 rugby league pitch
• 12 synthetic turf pitches.
9.10 Of these 213 pitches, 141 (66%) are full-size adult football, cricket and rugby pitches. This equates to circa one pitch for every 903 adults in Charnwood. This ratio of pitches to adults ranks Charnwood as average in comparison with many other authorities for which data is currently available (from PMP’s database) as shown in Table 9.3. Furthermore, the number of pitches to adults is above the national average.
9.11 With the exception in the reduction of a junior playing pitch at Lodge Farm, pitch, provision is consistent with that that was recorded in the 2007 Options Appraisal although some pitches were not marked out at the time of the initial site visits.
Table 9.3 – Ratio of pitches to adults
Local Authority Ratio (Pitches: adults) Kennett District Council 1:365 St Albans City and District Council 1:540 Chichester District Council 1:599 South Somerset District Council 1:608 Halton Borough Council 1:677 Staffordshire Moorlands District Council 1:761 Lichfield District Council 1:766 North Lincolnshire Council 1:773 North Wiltshire District Council 1:804 Derwentside District Council 1:815 Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council 1:867 South Ribble Borough Council 1:891 Charnwood Borough Council 1:903 Swindon 1:926 Adur District Council 1:947 Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council 1:968 England 1:989 Ipswich Borough Council 1:992 Northamptonshire County 1:1,015 St Helens 1:1,050 Portsmouth City Council 1:1,100 Tamworth Borough Council 1:1,221 Sandwell MBC 1:1,327 Wolverhampton City Council 1:1,537
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9.12 In addition to the grass pitches, as highlighted in section 8, there are 12 full size synthetic turf pitches located within Charnwood. Three of these pitches are 3G pitches. These pitches are suitable for competitive adult football matches and can therefore potentially alleviate shortfalls of adult grass football pitches.
9.13 There are also a number of pitches located on school sites that do not allow formal community use. These pitches are not included within the 213 pitches identified and will be discussed later in this section.
9.14 Although many schools do not allow formal community use Leicestershire County Council encourages community use of school facilities where possible. However, schools are responsible for the own management of their facilities and ultimately the individual school decides whether community use of these facilities is allowed.
Accessibility
9.15 In line with ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’, our definition of ‘community pitches’ is those pitches with ‘secured community use’.
9.16 In practice this definition embraces:
• pitches which are in local authority management or other public ownership or management
• any facilities owned, used or maintained by clubs/private individuals which as a matter of policy or practice are available for use by large sections of the public through membership of a club or admission fee. In either case the ‘cost of use’ must be reasonable and affordable for the majority of the community. ‘Reasonable cost’ implies that pitch hire rates are broadly similar to other public sector provided pitches
• pitches at education sites which are available for use by the public through formal community use arrangements. However, no formal community use arrangements are in place in Charnwood
• any other institutional facilities which are available to the public as a result of formal dual/community agreements.
9.17 Of the 213 pitches identified, 152 (72%) are formally secured for use by the local community. As demonstrated in Table 9.4, 72% ranks Charnwood highly in comparison to other local authorities in PMP’s database. It is important to note that comparisons are made for information only, from a sample of other authorities that PMP has completed work for.
Table 9.4 – Percentage of secured community pitches
Local authority % of pitches secured for community use Ipswich Borough Council 84% Tamworth Borough Council 80% North Lincolnshire Council 77% Bromsgrove District Council 75% Wolverhampton City Council 73%
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Local authority % of pitches secured for community use Croydon Borough Council 72% Charnwood Borough Council 72% South Somerset District Council 69% Sandwell MBC 67% Lichfield District Council 65% Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council 64% Maidstone Borough Council 61% Staffordshire Moorlands District Council 56% Swindon Borough Council 55% Halton Borough Council 54% Adur District Council 53% St Albans City and District Council 49% South Ribble Borough Council 47% Chichester District Council 43%
Location of pitches
9.18 The distribution of existing pitches by settlement size has been considered, using the geographical areas outlined in Section 1.
9.19 Table 9.5 illustrates the area of playing pitches (in hectares) available for community use and the proportion of the total pitches available.
Table 9.5 – Distribution of pitches in Charnwood
Total playing pitch % of playing pitch Total playing pitch area with secured Sub-area area with secured area (hectares) community use community use (hectares)
Larger Settlements 96.98 60.78 62.7% Service Centres 105.38 65.18 61.9% Smaller Settlements 28.76 15.44 53.7% Total 231.12 141.40 61.2%
9.20 In total there are 231.12 hectares of playing pitches across Charnwood. 72% of this total area is secured for community use (including synthetic turf pitches).
9.21 The largest area of playing pitches is found in the service centres, with a total area of 105.38 hectares. This area also has the greatest amount of playing pitch area formally secured for community use (65.18 hectares).
9.22 Despite the service centres having the highest quantity of pitch area secured for community use the larger settlements have the highest percentage of pitches secured for community use (62.7%).
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9.23 The distribution of pitches by settlement is set out in Appendix L. The location of pitches across the borough is illustrated in Map 9.1 overleaf.
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Map 9.1 – Provision of grass pitches in Charnwood
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Ownership
9.24 Table 9.6 below illustrates the ownership of all pitches. It can be seen that the Parish Council and the Local Education Authority (LEA) are the largest overall providers across the borough.
Table 9.6 – Ownership of all playing pitches in Charnwood
Ownership Nr of adult football pitches football pitches Nr of adult Nr of junior football pitches pitches mini football Nr of pitches Nr of cricket pitches union rugby Nr of adult pitches union Nr of junior rugby pitches league rugby Nr of adult pitches Nr of artificial Borough Council 13 3 6 6 4 0 0 1 LEA 24 30 9 8 7 2 0 7 Other Education 3 0 0 2 3 0 1 4 Parish Council 29 9 1 7 1 0 0 0 Private/voluntary 10 2 0 17 4 0 0 0 Total 79 44 16 40 19 2 1 12
9.25 Table 9.7 overleaf summarises the ownership of community pitches in Charnwood.
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Table 9.7 – Ownership of community pitches in Charnwood
Ownership Nr of adult football pitches football pitches Nr of adult Nr of junior football pitches pitches mini football Nr of pitches Nr of cricket pitches union rugby Nr of adult pitches union Nr of junior rugby pitches league rugby Nr of adult pitches (hockey) Nr of artificial Local authority 13 3 6 6 4 0 0 1 LEA 11 7 3 1 1 0 1 3 Other Education 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 4 Parish council / 0 voluntary sector 29 9 1 7 1 0 0 Private/corporate 10 2 0 17 4 0 0 0 Total 66 21 10 33 13 0 1 8
9.26 Table 9.7 above indicates that in addition to schools being key providers of pitches in the borough, there are also a number of pitches with formal community use agreements. This reinforces the important role that schools play in the provision of sports facilities in Charnwood.
Quality of pitches
9.27 Perceived quality of pitches (and ancillary facilities) is almost as important as actual quality as the perceptions of users or potential users can easily change patterns of use.
9.28 Site assessments were undertaken by PMP using the site assessment matrix provided as part of the ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’ guidance. It is important to note that the assessments represent a snap shot in time and therefore any natural influences such as the weather may affect the quality of the pitches. Scores for each pitch are provided in Appendix M.
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Site facilities
9.29 The site assessment matrix rates both the overall facilities (changing rooms, parking, etc) and the pitches themselves. The percentage scores for the overall site are broken down as follows:
• over 90% - excellent
• 60% to 89% - good
• 40% to 59% - average
• 30% to 39% - poor
• less than 30% - very poor.
9.30 Table 9.8 summarises the ratings awarded to site facilities across Charnwood.
Table 9.8 – Quality of site facilities in Charnwood
Quality of site facilities Proportion of sites in this category Excellent 0% Good 73% Average 13% Poor 14% Very poor 0%
9.31 No sites achieved a score that ranks the overall quality of facilities as excellent or very poor.
9.32 Six sites scored 39% and below, indicating that the quality of facilities is poor. These sites were:
• Barrow Park, Barrow upon Soar – This site has no changing facilities or dedicated parking
• Fowkes Street Playing Pitches, Rothley – This site has no changing facilities and parking is limited
• King Georges Field, Queniborough - This site has no changing facilities or dedicated parking
• Netherfield Road, Anstey - This site has no changing facilities or dedicated parking
• Rempstone Road Football Pitches, Wymeswold - This site has no changing facilities or dedicated parking
• Thurmaston Doorstep Green, Thurmaston - This site has no changing facilities and there is limited parking.
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9.33 All of these sites are owned by Parish Councils and the main reasons for the poor scores are a lack of changing facilities and a lack of dedicated car parking. Full details for each site are provided in Appendix M.
9.34 The mean score across all sites was 63% indicating that the quality of facilities is generally good. Although the provision of changing facilities and improved car parking may be a future priority at some sites, it is important to note that any requirement for on-site facilities is dependent on the current usage or status of a site. This will be returned to later in this section.
Pitch quality
9.35 The percentage scores for pitches are broken down as follows:
• over 90% - excellent pitch
• 65% to 90% - good pitch
• 55% to 64% - average pitch
• 30% to 54% - below average pitch
• less than 30% - poor pitch.
9.36 The ratings for each individual pitch at each site can be found in Appendix M. Table 9.9 summarises the ratings awarded to pitches across Charnwood.
Table 9.9 – Quality of playing pitches across Charnwood
Quality of pitch Proportion of pitches in this category Excellent 0% Good 70% Average 30% Below average 0% Poor 0%
9.37 The overall results for the quality of pitches indicate that the significant majority of pitches are rated as good (70%). 30% of pitches were rated as average and no pitch achieved a score less than average.
9.38 When considering the quality of pitches for individual sports site assessments indicate that the quality of cricket pitches is noticeable higher in comparison to football and rugby pitches. The average quality score of a cricket pitch is 75% and for football and rugby the average quality score of a site is 67% and 66% respectively.
9.39 Examples of highly rated pitches in the borough were:
• Loughborough Town Cricket Club (91%) - Loughborough
• Shepshed Messengers Cricket Club (87%) - Shepshed
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• Nanpantan Sports Ground (84%) - Loughborough
• Pasture Lane Park and Sports Ground (79%). - Hathern
9.40 The poorest pitches in the Borough were considered to be:
• Thurmaston Doorstep Green (61%) - Thurmaston
• Towles Fields (61%) – Burton on the Wolds
• Barrow Park (59%) – Barrow upon Soar
• Station Road (58%) – Stafford Orchard.
9.41 Site specific issues raised on Council owned pitches included:
• Derby Road Playing Fields – the quality of pitches is generally good, however the length of grass on the rugby pitches is too long and the goalposts are rusty. It is important to note that the rugby pitches are leased to Loughborough RFC and they are responsible for the maintenance of the rugby pitches at Derby Road. The 2007 options appraisal suggested that there are also problems with security and safety at this site
• Lodge Farm Playing Fields – the quality of pitches is generally good, however at the time of site visits, the grass was too long and there was evidence of graffiti and vandalism on the changing rooms
• Nanpantan Sports Ground – the quality of pitches is generally good, however the changing facilities are in need of refurbishment. This is particularly the case if junior and women’s football is provided and was also identified as part of the 2007 options appraisal.
User perceptions
9.42 The key issues in terms of participation, facilities used, issues experienced by clubs and development opportunities are summarised in tables 9.11 – 9.14 overleaf. The issues raised in local strategic documents relating directly to each sport are also highlighted in these tables.
9.43 The key findings relating to grass pitches arising from the household survey are summarised below:
• while 42% of residents had no opinion on the quantity of grass pitches, 45% said provision was sufficient and only 13% indicate that it is insufficient. Residents living in the smaller settlements displayed higher levels of negativity
• with regards the quality of pitches, 27% rate grass pitches as average, 17% rate them good and 5% rate them poor.
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Research and Consultation
Demand
9.44 Table 9.10 outlines the number of clubs and teams for football, rugby, cricket and hockey currently playing in Charnwood. A full list of teams can be found in Appendix H.
Table 9.10 – Teams within Charnwood
Sport Number of clubs Number of teams
Football 68 258 Cricket 13 83 Rugby Union 7 41 Rugby League 1 4 Hockey 6 37 Total 95 423
9.45 Of the 423 teams currently playing in Charnwood, nearly two thirds are football teams (61%). Of the football teams, 41% (105) are adult teams. The remaining 59% of teams are made up of junior and mini sides.
9.46 It is important to note that the PPM only considers teams which play their home matches on pitches within the borough. A number of clubs based within Charnwood play outside the borough. However these teams indicated that their current home venue is their preferred venues, these teams are as follows:
• Anstey Town FC
• Birstall United Juniors U8s - U10s.
9.47 Demand would increase if these teams decided to play on pitches more local to their home.
9.48 Most teams in Charnwood are playing at their preferred location, and are playing in close proximity to the home. Clubs did however emphasise the importance for club development of having all teams playing at the same site.
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Table 9.11 – Football in Charnwood
Consultee Issue Status in Charnwood Sports clubs Membership Football is the most popular team sport in terms of participation in Charnwood with a total of 258 teams, excluding the semi-professional/professional sides. There was no clear trend in the levels of membership. 38% indicated that membership had increased, 38% stated that membership had remained static and 25% specified that membership had decreased in the last five years. Of those clubs that indicated that membership had increased, reasons given focused on an increase in the number of junior and mini teams. 23% of clubs indentified increasing the number of members as a key aim for the future. A lack of funding and ownership of land were identified as the main issues affecting these clubs who are looking to expand. Standard of play There are a several leagues that cater for teams from the Charnwood area. These leagues extend into the rest of the county, particularly towards Leicester in the south. This means that there is a lot of cross border travel. The two primary leagues are: • Charnwood Sunday Football League which plays Sunday mornings • North Leicestershire Football League which plays on Saturday afternoons. The leagues above are considered to be part-time social leagues. Other leagues that teams in Charnwood play in include Leicester and District Mutual League, Leicester and District Sunday Juniors Football League and the Leicestershire Senior League. A number of semi-professional teams (Shepshed Dynamo, Loughborough Dynamo and Quorn FC, all of the Unibond league) also play within the borough boundaries. The FA football data suggests that teams play in 31 leagues in Charnwood. Adult football in Charnwood is played on Sunday mornings and Saturday afternoons and junior and mini football on Sunday mornings, these are therefore the peak day/times for football. Facilities used The major Borough Council owned sites for football are at Derby Road and Nanpantan Sports Ground. Derby Road contains a total of 17 pitches (football, rugby and cricket) and Nanpantan Sports Ground contains a total of 11 pitches (football and cricket). The quality of pitches at both sites was generally good. A full audit of scores is provided at Appendix I. These pitches provide the main central venues for football in the borough. The only other remaining Borough Council owned pitches are Lodge Farm Playing Fields and Park Road Sports Ground. Lodge Farm Playing Fields provides 3 adult football pitches and is used extensively by a number of teams in the borough. Park Road Sports Ground contains one cricket pitch and is home to Loughborough Town Cricket Club. There are four educational establishments that have secure community use and 15 establishments which allow informal community use.
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Consultee Issue Status in Charnwood Issues The main quality, quantity and accessibility issues highlighted through site assessments and consultations were: • respondents to the sports club questionnaire highlighted a difference in opinion regarding the quantity of pitches. 31% stated that there was average provision, 25% good and 25% poor. Encouragingly 19% of respondents stated that the provision of pitches was excellent – this suggests that overall there are generally positive perceptions of the adequacy of pitches in Charnwood • in addition to the above, all clubs indicated that their current home pitch is their preferred match venue • over 90% of clubs indicated that they do not have problems accessing local facilities for competitive play. 27% of clubs specified that they do have problems accessing local facilities for training. The main reasons given for a lack of access to training facilities were that facilities were often fully booked and expensive to hire. • over half of respondents stated that the overall quality of pitches was good (54%). 38% indicated that the quality of pitches was average. Encouragingly, only 8% of respondents felt that the quality of pitches was poor. The firmness of surface and free drainage were the highest rated factors and disabled access and changing facilities were the lowest rated factors. This suggests that the main quality issues revolve around site facilities, rather than the quality of pitches • Lodge Farm Playing Fields and Derby Road Playing Fields were specifically highlighted as good quality sites by football clubs. However, the quality of changing facilities at Council owned pitches was identified as an issue • a difference in opinion regarding the condition of facilities was evident, with 47% indicating that the quality of pitches had deteriorated and 33% stating that the quality of pitches had neither improved nor deteriorated. 20% of clubs felt that the quality of facilities had improved • only 43% of clubs felt that they get good value for money in relation to the quality of pitches and 75% of these respondents indicted that they would be willing to pay more if the quality of pitches was improved • specific development issues raised by clubs included: - Loughborough Youth FC – the club has an ‘access for all’ policy and increases its number of teams by one or two each year. The club has a total of 16 teams but they do not currently own their ground. This is detrimental to the development of the club and currently three teams do not have a ground to play at for the 2009/10 season. The club would like to own their own ground but are restricted by a lack of money
- FC Dynamo – the club competes at a high standard in Leicestershire North League Division one. If the club is promoted to the Premier Division they will require a floodlit ground. The club is also looking to introduce a reserve team but are finding this difficult as the team is required to play at the same pitch as the first team.
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Consultee Issue Status in Charnwood League Consultation with league secretaries highlighted few issues with regards to the quantity of pitches in Charnwood. secretaries However, although there was perceived to be enough pitches, the availability of pitches was considered to be an issue. An example given was that pitches are marked on Thursday and if it rains on this day they are not marked and then matches get cancelled on the weekend. The quality of pitches was specified as generally good by league secretaries. The maintenance of Borough Council owned pitches was considered to be adequate and no major problems were highlighted. However, the pitches at Lodge Farm and Derby Road were said to occasionally have minor problems with drainage and the changing rooms at Derby Road Playing Fields were identified as unsecure, with these facilities often being broken into. Nanpantan Sports
Ground and Lodge Farm were given as examples of high quality sites in the borough. The secretary for the Charnwood Sunday Football League identified increasing the availability of pitches as a key priority for the future. Increasing access to school pitches was also perceived to be important. The need for a high quality venue for hosting cup final matches was highlighted as a priority by the secretary of the North Leicestershire Football League. No issues were raised with regards to the accessibility of sites. Leicestershire The key aims of the Leicestershire and Rutland FA are to: and Rutland • increase participation Football Association • improve the quality of provision • widen access to football opportunities in the county. Leicestershire and Rutland County FA Strategy 2008 – 2012 The key challenges identified include investing in facilities and halting the decline of the male 11-a-side game and support the existing teams. The four strategic goals are: • growth and retention – sustaining and increasing the number of players • raising standards and addressing abusive behaviour – creating a safe and positive environment • developing better players – focusing on the 5 – 11 age group • running the game effectively – leading and governing the game. Targets of the strategy include: • increasing the number of youth and adult teams • increasing the number of FA charter standard youth and mini teams • increasing investment in football facilities from £1.25 million to £5 million.
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Table 9.12 - Rugby in Charnwood
Consultee Issues Status in Charnwood Sports clubs Membership There are seven rugby clubs in Charnwood which contain a total of 41 teams. Respondents indicated that membership had either remained static or increased over the past five years. All respondents highlighted increasing the number of members as a key aim for the club. Standard of play Teams play in a variety of leagues across the county. These leagues include Midlands 2 East (North) League, Midlands 2 East and Leicestershire League Division 3. Teams also compete in a number of cup competitions across the county. Facilities used Teams play at a variety of facilities in Charnwood. Loughborough RFC is the largest club in the borough and the club leases the rugby pitches at Derby Road Playing Fields. Syston RFC is the only club in the borough that owns its own ground and the remaining teams play at educational establishment sites including Loughborough University, Hind Leys Community College and Longslade Community College. Issues Responding clubs indicated that the overall quantity of pitches in the borough was generally insufficient. A number of clubs highlighted that pitches are predominantly located on educational sites and that they play at their venue because it is the only facility in the area. The overall quality of pitches was generally perceived to be average. Specifically, Birstall RFC indicated that the pitches they use at Longslade Community College are not marked out properly and litter can be regularly found on the pitches. Shepshed RFC indicated that the pitches at Hind Leys Community College are adequate, but could be improved with some investment. Access to facilities was not identified as an issue. Rugby No response received to date. Football Union (RFU)
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Table 9.13 – Cricket in Charnwood
Consultee Issue Status in Charnwood Sports clubs Membership There are a total of 13 clubs in Charnwood, comprising of 83 teams. The majority of clubs contain both senior and junior teams. 80% of responding clubs indicated that membership had increased in the past five years and reasons given for an increase in membership revolved around the growth of junior sections and involvement in initiatives such as ‘Chance to shine’. The majority of responding clubs (60%) specified increasing the number of members as a key aim for the future. Standard of play The two major competitive leagues in Charnwood are: • Everands Leicestershire County Cricket League • Leicestershire Youth League. League fixtures are on Saturday afternoons, with clubs also fielding Sunday sides and many teams competing midweek. Facilities used The majority of cricket clubs are owned privately or leased directly from the Council/Parish Council (Loughborough Town Cricket Club and example). The overall quality of pitches is perceived to be good, however the grass on the outfield at Council owned sites was considered to be too long. This was perceived to be due to the use of facilities for a variety of sports. Issues The quantity of pitches was generally perceived to be sufficient by respondents and all clubs indicated that they play at their preferred venue. Specifically it was stated that the majority of settlements in Charnwood have a local cricket pitch. The quality of pitches was highlighted as good by respondents. The length of grass, grass coverage and bounce of the ball on the pitch were identified as the highest quality factors. Parking and changing facilities were perceived to be the main areas for improvement. Specifically, Burton on the Wolds Cricket Club indicated that the grass is too long on the outfield at Towles Fields. A key issue raised by some clubs was a problem with the development pathways from youth to senior level. It was stated that when junior players progress beyond the U17 age group they find it difficult to establish themselves in the senior teams due to the presence of older players. Burton on the Wolds Cricket Club was an example of his process, with the club stating that many of their players have joined the club from far afield because of this situation. Burton on the Wolds Cricket Club indicated that the pavilion at Towles Fields has recently been extended. No specific issues were highlighted with regards to accessibility. League No response received to date. secretaries Leicestershire No response received to date. & Rutland Cricket Board (LRCB)
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Table 9.14 – Hockey in Charnwood
Consultee Issues Status in Charnwood Sports clubs Membership There are currently six hockey clubs in Charnwood, comprising of a total of 37 teams. Charnwood Sileby Ladies Hockey Club and Loughborough Town Hockey Clubs have a specific focus on increasing the junior sections of their clubs. Standard of play The two major competitive leagues are: • Midland Regional Hockey Association East Midlands Leagues (male) • Leicestershire and Rutland Hockey Association League (female) Matches take place on Saturdays afternoons and a number of teams also compete in a variety of cup competitions. Facilities used Clubs play at a variety of synthetic turf pitches across the borough. Pitches used by clubs for competitive matches are Soar Valley Leisure Centre,and Loughborough University. Soar Valley Leisure Centre is the only Borough Council owned facility in Charnwood. All other pitches are located on educational sites. Issues and Responding clubs did not identify any specific issues with regards to the quantity of provision. Overall the provision of constraints synthetic turf pitches was perceived to be sufficient, however accessing facilities was identified as an issue by clubs. A lack of publicly accessible facilities was identified as the key reason for this, with Soar Valley Leisure Centres STP identified as the only public facility in Charnwood. The quality of pitches was generally perceived to be good and Soar Valley Leisure Centre was highlighted as a high quality site. However, it was emphasised that 3G pitches are unsuitable for hockey, making three of the STPs in the borough ‘unusable’. English Consultation with English Hockey (EH) supports the findings of sports club consultation. EH highlighted that hockey is Hockey predominantly played at Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel due to difficulties in accessing other pitches in the borough. Loughborough University was specifically emphasised as a site which is difficult to access due to the use of the pitch by all University teams and as a Centre of Excellence. The school facilities, such as Hind Leys Community College, were identified as vital for developing young players and increasing access to these facilities was identified as key to developing hockey in Charnwood. EH did not identify any specific quality issues with regards to synthetic turf pitch provision, however the popularity of 3G pitches was perceived to have a detrimental impact on the development of hockey due to the unsuitability of the surface. The cost of facilities was identified as a barrier to access, particularly for smaller clubs.
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9.49 Loughborough Students is the only rugby league club in the borough. The club comprises of two male teams and two women’s teams. Competitive matches are played at Loughborough University.
9.50 The remainder of this section draws on the findings of the supply and demand analysis to identify key issues and a future delivery strategy for pitches in Charnwood.
Adequacy of current provision – The Playing Pitch Methodology
9.51 The Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM) comprises eight stages. Stages 1 to 6 involve numerical calculations, whilst Stages 7 and 8 develop issues and solutions. The methodology draws on the information collected earlier in this section and is employed to analyse the adequacy of current provision and to assess possible future situations, in order that latent and future demand (identified through Team Generation Rates), and the problems with quality, use and capacity of existing pitches can be taken into account. The increase in population is considered by modelling a future year scenario – in this case, 2026. Potential changes to the pitch stock over that time are also taken into consideration.
9.52 Figure 9.1 sets out the eight stages of the Playing Pitch Methodology,
Figure 9.1 – Key stages of the Playing Pitch Methodology Process
Stage 1 Identifying teams
Stage 2 Calculating home games per team per week
Stage 3 Assessing total home games per week
Stage 4 Establishing temporal demand for games
Stage 5 Defining pitches used/required on each day
Stage 6 Establishing pitches available
Stage 7 Assessing the findings
Stage 8 Finding solutions
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9.53 It is implicit to the methodology that each sport is dealt with individually with a specific set of calculations for each because, despite some superficial similarities, they exhibit very different patterns of play.
9.54 We have further subdivided the analysis of some sports to deal with specific sub- sectors of activity within them, eg junior play or adult play, in order that important aspects are not submerged in aggregated data. Football and rugby have been subdivided in this manner, whereas no differentiation has been made between junior and senior cricket and junior and senior hockey teams as they play on pitches of similar dimensions.
9.55 As the playing pitch strategy is a peak day model, we have determined on which day teams/leagues wish to play their fixtures, as well as the peak time (AM or PM). The methodology also considers the ability of pitches to sustain play on the peak day and at the peak time. In Charnwood, it is important to note that adult football teams play on both Saturday and Sunday. All PPM calculations for Charnwood BC are set out found in Appendix H.
Pitch Quality - Carrying capacity
9.56 There is no formula for calculating the carrying capacity of pitches, as it is dependent on a wide range of factors such as weather conditions, age/weight of users, quality of players etc. However, through local knowledge, user surveys, site visits, interviews and an analysis of usage patterns from the previous season, it is possible to estimate the approximate capacity of each pitch.
9.57 In calculating the carrying capacity of a pitch, the following should be considered:
• what proportion of games are cancelled on the pitch due to poor pitch condition?
• is the condition of the pitch declining over the season?
• what is the maintenance regime for the pitch at present?
• could the capacity of the pitch be improved by enhanced maintenance?
• to what extent are pitches required to accommodate training activity?
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9.58 The weighting system used to account for the carrying capacity of pitches is outlined in Table 9.15. The standard PPM assumes that pitches are able to take two games per week. However, if a pitch is of particularly good quality, it may be able to accommodate more than two matches per week, hence a higher weighting. If, on the other hand, the pitch in question is only able to accommodate one match, it is equivalent to half a pitch – able to take one game per week.
9.59 Increasing the quality of a pitch will therefore increase the capacity of a pitch and reduce the overall number of facilities required. Qualitative improvements are therefore likely to be as important as the provision of additional pitches.
Table 9.15 – Carrying capacity of each type of pitch
Carrying Capacity Multiplication Factor Three matches (or more) per week 1.5 Two matches 1.0 One match per week 0.5 One match or less per fortnight 0.25
9.60 In light of lower levels of wear and tear generated by young players, and the short duration of matches, mini football pitches are considered able to sustain three or four games per week without detrimental impact on the pitches.
9.61 No pitches are considered to be able to sustain less than two games per week.
9.62 Synthetic hockey pitches are not affected by the conditions discussed above as wear and tear on these pitches does not occur to the same degree as grass. These pitches have therefore been considered able to take four hockey games on the peak day, although this is dependent on flexible programming of matches to ensure this is feasible.
9.63 Grass hockey pitches are no longer used for competitive senior matches and have therefore been excluded. However, a small amount of junior hockey teams in Charnwood do play on grass hockey pitches.
PPM Calculations
9.64 Table 9.16 shows the calculations undertaken to determine the surplus/deficit of pitches in Charnwood. The data behind these calculations is found in Appendix H. Explanatory notes are provided below:
• as per PPM guidance, it is assumed that all football and rugby teams play a home match every fortnight. However, for cricket teams it is assumed that many teams play home matches more than every fortnight (ie mid-week matches, ground hire to work teams etc), hence the figure of 0.7
• data has been determined by a combination of questionnaire responses, telephone interviews and discussions with league secretaries. Figures are approximate and it is acknowledged that these may change weekly
• the figures highlighted in Red or Green represent the peak day demand.
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Table 9.16 – PPM calculations for Charnwood Borough Council
Rugby Football Mini-soccer Cricket Rugby Union Hockey League STAGE ONE Adult games 105 43 23 4 27 76 Identifying teams Junior teams 77 40 18 0 1 STAGE TWO Adult games 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Calculate home games per week Junior teams 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 STAGE THREE (S1x S2) Adult games 53 30 12 2 14 38 Assessing total home games per week Junior teams 39 28 9 0 1 STAGE FOUR Adult games 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Saturday AM 0% Junior teams0% 0%0%0%0% Adult games 45% 95% 100% 100% 90% Saturday PM 10% Junior teams 5% 60% 100% 0% 90% Adult games 55% 0% 0% 0% 5% Sunday AM 90% Establish temporal demand for Junior teams 95% 0% 0% 100% 0% pitches Adult games0% 0%0%0%0% Sunday PM 0% Junior teams0% 0%0%0%0% Mid week 1- Specify Adult games0% 5%0%0%5% 0% day Junior teams 0% 40% 0% 0% 10% Mid week 2- Specify Adult games0% 0%0%0%0% 0% day Junior teams0% 0%0%0%0% STAGE FIVE (S3 x S4) Adult games 0 0 0 0 0 Saturday AM 0 Junior teams 0 0 0 0 0 Adult games 24 29 12 2 12 Saturday PM 4 Junior teams 2 17 9 0 0 Defining pitches used each day Adult games 29 0001 Sunday AM 34 Junior teams 37 0 0 0 0 Adult games 0 0000 Sunday PM 0 Junior teams 0 0 0 0 0 Mid week 1- Specify Adult games 0 2001 0 day Junior teams 0 11 0 0 0 Mid week 2- Specify Adult games 0 0000 0 day Junior teams 0 0 0 0 0 STAGE SIX Adult games 59 11 1 15 34 16 Establishing pitches currently available Junior teams 18 0 0 STAGE SEVEN (S6-S5) Adult games 59.0 11.0 0.5 Saturday AM 15.0 33.5 16.0 Junior teams 17.5 0.0 0.0 Adult games 35.4 -0.5 -1.5 Saturday PM 11.2 -11.9 3.4 Junior teams 15.6 -9.0 0.0 Adult games 30.1 11.0 0.5 Sunday AM -19.2 33.5 15.3 Identifying shortfall (-) and surplus Junior teams -19.1 0.0 0.0 (+) Adult games 59.0 11.0 0.5 Sunday PM 15.0 33.5 16.0 Junior teams 17.5 0.0 0.0 Mid week 1- Specify Adult games 59.0 11.0 0.5 15.0 20.8 15.3 day Junior teams 17.5 0.0 0.0 Mid week 2- Specify Adult games 59.0 11.0 0.5 15 0 33 5 16 0
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9.65 The key issues arising are:
• there are sufficient adult football pitches to meet demand at the peak time (Sunday am) equal to 30.1 pitches
• there is a significant undersupply of junior football pitches at peak time (Sunday am) of 19.1 pitches
• there is a large undersupply of mini football pitches at peak time (Sunday am) equal to 19.2 pitches
• there is a large shortfall of cricket pitches at peak time (Saturday pm) equal to 11.9 pitches
• there is a minor undersupply of adult rugby union pitches at peak time (Saturday pm) equal to 0.5 pitches
• there is a under supply of junior rugby union pitches at peak time (Saturday pm) equal to 9 pitches.
9.66 These results are based on the assumption that teams wish to play on pitches which meet the National Governing Body recommendations for their age category. However, we are aware that in Charnwood some junior football teams play on senior sized pitches. This was also evident at the time of the 2007 Options Appraisal. This means that the oversupply of adult pitches may not be borne out in reality and indeed, when amalgamating the total supply of adult and junior pitches (on the peak day Sunday am) and balancing this against total demand there is sufficient provision of pitches. It does however mean that the lack of appropriate pitches for junior and mini teams may be inhibiting participation. This was also recognised in the 2007 Options Appraisal.
9.67 In addition to the community facilities offering full public access, 16 schools in Charnwood offer casual access for teams and a number of other schools offer no community access. As highlighted, these sites do not fall under the definition of secured community use and have therefore been excluded from calculations. The level of use at each school is summarised in Appendix H.
9.68 A lack of secured community use agreement means that there is no long term guarantee that the pitch will be available. When including those school pitches which allow informal community use at the current time the undersupply of junior pitches decreases significantly to 9.6 pitches. This serves to highlight the important role that these schools play.
Analysing provision in Charnwood in more detail
9.69 Analysing pitch provision in Charnwood as a whole disguises the patterns of supply and demand within different geographical areas.
9.70 The adequacy of provision in the three settlement hierarchies is set out in Table 9.17 overleaf.
9.71 Demand has been classified according to the home ground at which a club plays. This means that consideration of the table in isolation may disguise areas of shortfall arising as a result of ‘invisible need’ ie areas where there are no pitches but demand is present. This will be returned to later.
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Table 9.17 – Summary of PPM results by Settlement Hierarchy
Sub-area name / Surplus Shortfall (Adult pitches) football Shortfall / Surplus (Junior pitches) football Shortfall Surplus / (Mini pitches) football (Cricket Surplus / Shortfall pitches) / Surplus Shortfall (Adult pitches) Rugby / SurplusShortfall (Junior pitches) Rugby pitches Total A - Major settlements 12.3 -10.7 -3.2 -4.7 -4.0 -0.5 -10.7 B - Service centres 14.7 -10.0 -15.6 -3.6 3.5 -8.5 -19.5 C - Smaller rural settlements 3.2 1.6 -0.5 -3.6 0.0 0.0 0.7 30.1 -19.1 -19.2 -11.9 -0.5 -9.0 9.72 The keys issues arising from Table 9.17 are as follows:
• the supply of adult football pitches exceeds demand in all sizes of settlement (however, it is important to note that a number of junior teams are currently playing on adult pitches)
• there is an undersupply of junior football pitches in the larger settlements and service centres, indicating that junior teams may currently be playing on adult pitches
• there is an overall shortfall of 19.2 mini soccer pitches, with shortfalls located in the service centres and larger settlements
• there is an undersupply of 11.9 cricket pitches in the borough, with shortfalls located in the larger settlements as well as in the smaller settlements
• there is a minor undersupply of adult rugby union pitches, equivalent to 0.5 pitches. However, there is a shortfall of 9 junior rugby union pitches. In light of the lack of junior rugby pitches in the borough, this suggests that the junior teams currently play on adult pitches
• there is an overall shortfall of playing pitches . However, there is sufficient provision of football pitches for all age groups in the smaller settlements
• the highest pressure on pitches is found in the service centres (19.5 pitches shortfall).
9.73 Table 9.18 summarises the adequacy of provision within the individual settlements in Charnwood. These calculations exclude Platts Lane in Cossington as these pitches were closed for renovation during the season when data was collected. Platts Lane will provide two adult football pitches once renovated and this will increase provision in Cossington.
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Table 9.18 – Summary of PPM results by settlement (pitches) n
Ward name football adult of Shortfall Shortfall of junior football Mini-soccer of Shortfall Shortfall of cricket union rugby adult of Shortfall unio of junior rugby Shortfall pitches Total Sub-area Anstey 0.2 -2.4 -2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 -4.5 B - Service centres Barkby 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.5 C - Smaller rural settlements Barkby Thorpe 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Barrow Upon Soar 3.0 0.0 1.5 -2.9 0.0 0.0 1.6 B - Service centres Beeby 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Birstall 4.0 -3.8 0.0 2.0 -2.5 0.0 -0.3 A - Major settlements Burton on the Wolds 0.7 0.0 0.0 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.4 C - Smaller rural settlements Cossington 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Cotes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements East Goscote 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 B - Service centres Hathern 1.3 0.2 1.8 1.7 0.5 -5.5 -0.0 B - Service centres Hoton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Mountsor rel 2.2 -1.0 -1.4 -1.4 0.0 0.0 -1.5 B - Service centres Newtown Linford 0.0 0.0 0.0 -2.7 0.0 0.0 -2.7 C - Smaller rural settlements Prestwold 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Queni bor ough 0.9 -1.4 -0.5 0.0 3.0 -3.0 -1.0 B - Service centres Quorndon 2.5 -3.6 -6.3 1.5 0.0 0.0 -5.9 B - Service centres Ratcliffe on the Wreake 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Rearsby 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 B - Service centres Rothley 0.2 0.6 -1.4 -2.0 0.0 0.0 -2.6 B - Service centres Seagrave 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Shepshed 3.1 -1.8 2.7 -2.1 -0.5 -0.5 0.9 A - Major settlements Sileby 0.9 -0.5 -3.2 1.5 0.0 0.0 -1.2 B - Service centres South Croxton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Swithland 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Syston 2.5 -1.9 -4.1 -1.9 0.0 0.0 -5.3 B - Service centres Thrussington 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Thurcaston 0.0 1.0 0.0 -2.0 0.0 0.0 -1.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Thurmaston 2.7 -3.3 -3.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 -3.8 A - Major settlements Ulverscroft 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Walton on the Wolds 0.0 0.0 0.0 -2.1 0.0 0.0 -2.1 C - Smaller rural settlements Wanlip 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Woodhouse 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 C - Smaller rural settlements Wymeswold 1.5 0.6 -0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 2.6 C - Smaller rural settlements Loughborough 2.5 -1.8 -2.7 -4.6 -1.0 0.0 -7.5 A - Major settlements Total 30.1 -19.1 -19.2 -11.9 -0.5 -9.0 -29.5 9.74 Table 9.18 indicates the following:
• there is an overall shortfall of playing pitches in 13 settlements in Charnwood
• the greatest overall shortfall of playing pitches is found in Loughborough (7.5 pitches) and Quorn (5.9 pitches)
• there are sufficient adult football pitches in all settlements in Charnwood
• there is a shortfall of junior football pitches in ten settlements, with the highest shortfalls in Birstall (3.8) and Quorn (3.6)
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• there is a shortfall of mini soccer pitches in ten settlements, with the greatest shortfalls located in Quorn (6.3), Syston (4.1), Sileby (3.2) and Thurmaston (3.2)
• there is a shortfall of cricket pitches in ten settlements. The greatest shortfall is found in Loughborough (4.6) and Barrow Upon Soar (2.9)
• the greatest pressure on rugby pitches is in Hathern
• although shortfalls are identified in Birstall and Thurmaston, as previously, highlighted there is planned provision of at least one sports pitch in both of these settlements. This will offset demand to an extent.
9.75 Although there is currently a shortfall of playing pitches in Birstall new pitches will be provided as part of the Hallamfields Development. This may reduce existing shortfalls in Birstall.
9.76 It must be noted that some teams are currently travelling across the Borough to access pitches. Provision of community pitches in Rothley and East Goscote may reduce demand in other parts of the borough.
Predicting the future
Team Generation Rates
9.77 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team. TGRs are derived by dividing the appropriate population age band for the relevant sport (eg for adult football it is the 16-45 age group) by the number of teams playing that sport. Calculating TGRs enables fair comparison to be made between different areas where similar studies have been undertaken. They also enable the projection of likely future participation.
9.78 Team generation rates also provide an indication of latent demand (potential future demand).
9.79 TGRs can be calculated for each of the individual disciplines, such as adult men’s football, adult women’s football, mini-soccer. Once these TGRs have been calculated, they can be brought together to form one TGR for each sport.
9.80 The TGRs for each sport in Charnwood are shown Tables 9.19 – 9.23 and are compared to the national average based on Sport England database of Team Generation Rates.
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Table 9.19 – Football team generation rates
Age group Charnwood TGR National average Senior male 1:330 1:314 Senior female 1:16,973 1:10,593 Junior male 1:86 1:71 Junior female 1:861 1:818 Mini soccer 1:102 1:141
9.81 Table 9.19 indicates that with the exception of mini soccer teams, the number of people required across each age group to generate a team is above the national average. This suggests that participation in football is below average.
9.82 Data provided by the FA County Administration system (Football Association 2009) provides a contrasting viewpoint, indicating that participation in mini and junior teams is below the national average. It suggests that to achieve participation targets an additional 15 junior male teams, 6 junior female teams and 12 mini football teams would be required.
9.83 This data source differs from the Sport England data as it considers all local authorities, and not just those that have prepared Playing Pitch Strategies. The lower levels of participation in junior and mini football suggest that the lack of appropriate pitches is potentially inhibiting participation.
Table 9.20 – Cricket team generation rates
Age group Charnwood TGR National Average Senior male 1:936 1:1,333 Senior female 1:39,295 1:72,518 Junior male 1:255 1:1,481 Junior female 1:9,943 1:15,926
9.84 Table 9.20 indicates that the number of people required across each age group to generate a team is significantly below the national average. This indicates that participation in cricket is above average, particularly junior cricket.
Table 9.21 – Rugby Union team generation rates
Age group Charnwood TGR National Average Senior male 1:1,612 1:10,315 Senior female 1:7,253 1:43,770 Junior male 1:440 1:1,864 Junior female 0 1:19,529
9.85 Table 9.21 indicates that the population required to generate one team for both senior and junior rugby is significantly less than the national average. This suggests that participation levels in rugby are high.
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Table 9.22 – Hockey team generation rates
Age group Charnwood TGR National Average Senior male 1:1,886 1:7,595 Senior female 1:2,425 1:10,292 Junior male 1:1,670 1:4,239 Junior female 1:2,505 1:5,115
9.86 Consistent with the findings for rugby union, Table 9.22 indicates that the population required to generate one team across all age groups is significantly less than the national average. This indicates that participation levels in hockey are high.
Projections for 2026
9.87 By applying TGRs to population projections for 2026, using the PPM we can project the theoretical number of teams that would be generated over the LDF period and gain an understanding of the adequacy of current pitch provision to meet future demand, assuming the supply and capacity of pitches does not alter in the interim.
9.88 Table 9.23 therefore models the likely implications of future population change. The calculations behind this model are set out in Appendix H.
Table 9.23 - Summary of PPM results for 2026 ootball pitches) ootball
Sub-area name / SurplusShortfall (Adult football pitches) Shortfall/ Surplus (Junior football pitches) ShortfallSurplus / (Mini f Shortfall / Surplus (Cricket pitches) / SurplusShortfall (Adult pitches) Rugby Shortfall (Junior / Surplus pitches) Rugby pitches Total A - Major settlements 10.1 -13.3 -5.2 -7.8 -4.9 -0.6 -21.7 B - Service centres 13.1 -13.3 -19.2 -5.2 2.7 -9.8 -31.7 C - Smaller rural settlements 2.0 1.3 -0.5 -6.5 0.0 0.0 -3.6 25.3 -25.3 -25.0 -19.5 -2.2 -10.3 9.89 Table 9.23 indicates that pressure on existing pitches will grow by the year 2026, particularly with regards to junior football and mini soccer. The location of population growth will be a key determinant of where additional pitches will be required.
Summary of need for playing pitches
Charnwood Borough
9.90 Table 9.24 overleaf summarises the adequacy of pitch provision across the borough in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility.
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Table 9.24 - Summary of need for playing pitches in Charnwood Borough
Playing Pitch provision
• The ratio of pitches to adults (1:903) is above the national average and average in comparison to other local authorities. • The largest pitch providers in the borough are Parish Councils and educational establishments. These two owners provide 69% of pitches in the borough. • The quantity of pitches in the borough is generally perceived to be adequate by users. • PPM calculations indicate that there is a theoretical shortage of pitch provision within all of the three settlement hierarchies. The greatest shortfalls are for mini soccer pitches and junior football pitches, with two out of the three areas having insufficient provision, equating to a theoretical overall shortfall of 19.2 mini soccer pitches and 19.1 junior football pitches. There are also shortfalls of provision for rugby. Quantity Quantity • The supply of adult pitches is significantly greater than demand, however, many junior teams do currently play competitive matches on adult pitches. When the supply of adult and junior pitches is considered together, there is an overall surplus of circa 10 pitches in Charnwood (This takes in to consideration the current carrying capacity of pitches). • In addition to the above, including all school sites which offer informal community use within calculations significantly reduces shortfalls in provision. Further improvements to the level of community access will therefore enhance pitch provision in the long term. • Site visits indicated that the quality of pitches is generally good. This is supported by consultation findings. • Deficiencies identified by the PPM and highlighted earlier can be addressed through the improvement of existing pitches (as this increases the carrying capacity of pitches). Key issues highlighted by consultation and site assessments with regards to the quality of pitches include: - the quality of pitches is generally perceived to be good. Lodge Farm Playing Fields and Nanpantan Sports Ground are specifically highlighted as high quality sites Quality - the lack of suitable ancillary facilities was highlighted as the key issue with regards to the quality of sites. There is a significant amount of pitches in the borough that do not have changing facilities or dedicated parking, which makes them unsuitable for clubs competing in local league competitions. This also leads to issues accommodating female teams and problems of providing for junior teams alongside senior teams due to child protection issues.
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Playing Pitch provision
• Of the 213 pitches identified in Charnwood, 72% are secured for use by the community. • The role of educational establishments that offer informal access in Charnwood is vital. As previously identified, if all schools offering informal community use had secure community access the shortfall of junior football pitches decreases by over 50% (10.5 pitches) to 7.6 pitches. • Currently 16 schools offer informal community use and whilst these school pitches are currently available for use by teams, a lack of security surrounding the agreements means that this can change at any time, placing significant pressure on the remaining pitch stock. Long term security of these agreements is therefore essential. • In addition to these schools, there are also a number of schools which have pitches that are currently not available for community use. Securing community use of these pitches will also be important if current shortfalls of junior football pitches are to be alleviated.
Access Access • Encouraging schools to permit community use may require financial commitment from the local authority to improve playing surfaces and capacity, provide or improve changing accommodation. The BSF programme may offer opportunities to enhance and upgrade facilities in future years. The extended schools agenda may also facilitate the use of school facilities for community use. Increasing access to pitches at school sites ensures that resources are maximised. • More than half of clubs (53%) that responded to the sports club survey indicated that currently, they do not get value for money in relation to the cost of pitches. Nearly two thirds of clubs (65%) suggested that they would be willing to pay more if the quality of pitches was to be improved. Following pitch improvements the current charging policies should be reviewed and consideration should be given to the implementation of a hierarchy of prices, where higher quality facilities are available at a higher fee.
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Key issues and solutions
9.91 The remainder of this section summarises the key issues and highlights solutions relating to pitch provision in Charnwood. It considers:
• a hierarchical approach to pitch provision
• dealing with overuse and underuse
• addressing shortfalls and surpluses
• setting local standards for pitch provision.
9.92 In view of the need to achieve higher standards of pitch and ancillary provision across the borough, a hierarchy of pitch provision is proposed.
9.93 Sport England recommends a playing pitch "hub" approach where pitches for an area are concentrated on fewer sites with a greater number of pitches on each site. This is with a view to providing a higher standard of facilities on fewer sites. A hub site may be a local authority, school or university facility. The potential for such a hub was also discussed as part of the 2007 Options Appraisal, with Nanpanton Sports Ground identified as a potential opportunity.
9.94 The second tier of the hierarchy comprises of smaller satellite sites, located strategically to serve communities across the borough. Satellite sites are able to add value, as additional, complementary opportunities through their being associated with the hub facilities. These sites are particularly important in a rural Borough like Charnwood, where residents want opportunities to play competitive sport close to their home. A better use of limited resources will arise from investment and management in more sustainable sites. Long term sustainability of provision was a particular concern.
9.95 This hierarchy has been used to identify the pitches providing for higher level adult and junior competition, and those for lower level adult competition, casual play and training.
9.96 One of the key principles of the hierarchy is that changing facilities should only be provided on sites with management in place and that in order to ensure long term sustainability; focus should be placed on multi pitch sites.
9.97 A set of qualitative standards have been recommended for each tier in the hierarchy. Based on an appraisal of sites, Table 9.25 identifies existing sites that are most suitable for inclusion in each tier of the hierarchy. However, it is important to note that the qualitative standards recommended for each tier are aspirational and the most suitable existing sites may require enhancements before they can reach this standard. For many clubs in the Borough, club identity is essential, and this hierarchical approach will ensure that facilities can provide the opportunity for these clubs to have their own facilities which are sustainable.
9.98 These standards have been developed taking into account the principles outlined in PPG17, which state that:
“Quality depends on two things: the needs and expectations of users, on the one hand, and design, management and maintenance on the other”
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Table 9.25 - Proposed hierarchy of pitch provision
Tier Qualitative standards – aspirational Example pitch sites Tier 1 - • Multi pitch site (at least 4 pitches) Derby Road Playing Flagship/hub • Adequate changing facilities that: Fields, Nanpantan sites Sports Ground, - are flexible, fit for a variety of purposes and Rawlins Community which fully comply with the provisions of the College. Disability Discrimination Act
- provide for a number of different groups to use the facility at the same time, in safety The 2007 options and comfort appraisal identifies the - meet current standards - Sport England potential for and NGB guidelines Nanpanton Sports Ground to become the • Managed community access flagship facility, which • Very high standard of maintenance would include the • Quality of site – should score 90% or above stadium for the using site assessment matrix Unibond League teams. • Sufficient dedicated car parking • Size of pitch must meet NGB specification. • Potential to include 3g pitches for training Tier 2 - • Multi pitch site (at least 2 pitches) Memorial Park, Satellite • Adequate changing facilities (new builds must Meadow Lane Playing sites meet current standards) Fields, Lodge Farm Playing Fields • Managed community access
• Quality of site – should score 70% or above using site assessment matrix Many of the larger • High standard of maintenance Parish Council facilities would fit into • Some dedicated car parking – to lesser this categorisation extent than hub sites • Size of pitch must meet NGB specification. Tier 3 – • Suitable for the use of a small number of local South End Recreation Single pitch teams Ground, Elizabeth sites • Changing perhaps not essential Park, Birstall Playing Fields • Quality of site – should score 60% or above using site assessment matrix • Car parking nearby but not necessarily on site • Medium level of maintenance.
9.99 The tier 1 and 2 sites should be prioritised for improvement. Further development of pitch sites in the future should be assessed in line with the above hierarchy. Improvements required should be informed by the scores achieved on the site assessments carried out as part of the development of this strategy.
9.100 In order to drive a programme of improvements, a minimum quality standard should be applied, measured by the score according to the site assessment matrix. It is recommended that this is set at:
• 60% for the site and ancillary facilities (the percentage score required to be categorised as good)
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• 65% for the pitch area (the score currently required to be categorised as a good pitch). This should reflect a minimum standard of provision.
9.101 It is important to note that the above quality standards are minimum requirements and in the long term the quality standards outlined in the pitch hierarchy (Table 9.25) should look to be achieved at the relevant pitch sites.
9.102 The proportion of pitches and ancillary facilities meeting this requirement should be monitored annually. The site assessment matrix can be found in Appendix J.
9.103 The Council should act as an enabler and support all partners in maintenance, improvement and enhancement of their facilities.
PPS 1 Seek to enhance the quality of pitches in line with the quality vision. The programme of improvement should concentrate on tier 1 and tier 2 pitch sites – multi pitch sites offering fit for purpose facilities and changing accommodation. Construction of changing facilities on single pitch sites is not recommended.
Dealing with overuse
9.104 The quality of pitches is currently impacted by the overuse of some sites. There are a number of sites in the borough that are currently being over used. Given that this significantly impacts on pitch quality, it should be addressed prior to further qualitative improvements at these sites:
• Elizabeth Park, Thurmaston (2 adult football pitches) – seven junior football teams and seven mini soccer teams currently use this site even though no junior or mini pitches are provided
• Memorial Playing Fields, Syston (5 adult football pitches) – nine adult football teams currently play at this site. Additionally, nine mini soccer and four junior football teams also play at this site even though no pitches are provided for these age groups
• Rawlins Community College, Quorn (3 adult and 6 junior football pitches) – nine adult, six junior and eight mini soccer teams currently use this site. This site is particularly overused when considering curricular use of the pitches.
9.105 In contrast there are a number of pitches in the borough that are currently underused by teams in the borough:
• Barrow Park (Barrow Upon Soar)
• Beacon Road Sports Ground (Loughborough)
• King George V Playing Fields (Loughborough)
• Rearsby Village Hall (Rearsby)
• South End Recreation Ground (Loughborough)
• Station Road (Quorn)
• Thurmaston Doorstep Green (Thurmaston).
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9.106 The 2007 Options Appraisal also identified some surplus provision at Lodge Farm and Derby Road. This occurred as a result of a lack of provision for junior and mini teams, while the supply of adult pitches remains high.
9.107 One new sports pitch will be provided as part of the planned ASDA development in Thurmaston and and two new sports pitches as part of Hallam Fields at Birstall. These facilities will help to reduce existing deficiencies in these areas.
9.108 To help reduce pressures on over used pitches, providers of pitches should seek to either:
• move teams currently playing on over used pitches to other pitches in the borough that are currently under used
• improve the quality of existing pitch sites so that carrying capacity is increased and the pitch is able to sustain more matches per week
• develop new pitches.
9.109 However, before moving teams it is important to consider the quality of sites to ensure they can meet the increased demand. This is particularly important with regards to school pitches.
PPS 2 Consider reallocation of teams to pitches which are currently underused in order to reduce overplaying and maintain quality. Providers of pitches should look to do this in conjunction with schools/colleges and Parish Councils.
Addressing deficiencies
9.110 The analysis of the PPM by settlement enables the identification of localised priorities within Charnwood. Analysis reveals that the key current shortfalls of all types of playing pitches are located in:
• Syston (8.9 pitches)
• Loughborough (7.5 pitches)
• Quorn (5.9 pitches)
9.111 Deficiencies can be addressed by several mechanisms including:
• upgrading existing pitches and consequently improving the capacity (discussed above)
• improving access to existing sites
• providing new facilities.
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Protection of existing provision
9.112 The first component of addressing deficiencies is to protect existing provision.
9.113 The identified deficiencies of certain pitch types (and pressures on the overall pitch stock in the borough for junior and mini pitches) emphasises the importance of protecting many of the existing areas of playing pitch land and open space in public, private and educational ownership, as playing pitches can be under threat from other, non sport development. This was discussed in Section 8 (OSF1) and is particularly important for pitches.
9.114 Sport England policy outlined in A Sporting Future for Playing Fields in England outlines five conditions that may allow for development on a playing field. If one of these five conditions is met then disposal of a site may be permitted if the overall change to the pitch provision has positive repercussions for pitch provision in the borough. The five conditions are:
• a carefully quantified and documented assessment of current and future needs has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Sport England that there is an excess of playing field provision in the catchment, and the site has no special significance to the interests of sport
• the proposed development is ancillary to the principal use of the site as a playing field or playing fields, and does not affect the quantity or quality of pitches or adversely affect their use
• the proposed development affects only land incapable of forming, or forming part of, a playing pitch, and does not result in the loss of or inability to make use of any playing pitch (including the maintenance of adequate safety margins), a reduction in the size of the playing areas of any playing pitch or the loss of any other sporting/ancillary facilities on the site
• the playing field or playing fields, which would be lost as a result of the proposed development, would be replaced by a playing field or playing fields of an equivalent or better quality and of equivalent or greater quantity, in a suitable location and subject to equivalent or better management arrangements, prior to the commencement of development
• the proposed development is for an indoor or outdoor sports facility, the provision of which would be of sufficient benefit to the development of sport as to outweigh the detriment caused by the loss of the playing field or playing fields.
PPS 3 As a result of the pressure on the existing pitches, protect pitches from development in the LDF. Policy should include Sport England criteria for the protection of pitches
Improving access
9.115 According to PPG17, access to outdoor sports facilities are only considered high valued if they are accessible to the local community. An inaccessible facility is of limited value to the local community as a sports facility, regardless of the quality of the space.
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9.116 Access to school and college sites is a frequently raised issue across the UK, with many good quality playing fields sitting unused on peak days. While the proportion of schools permitting community use in Charnwood is high, there are several schools currently permitting usage but without a secured agreement. These include:
• Barrow Hall Orchard Church of England Primary School
• The Martin High School, Anstey
• Woodhouse Eves St Paul’s Church of England Primary School
• Sileby Redlands County Primary School.
9.117 Many of the community schools are also let out on an ad hoc basis only.
PPS 4 In areas of pitch deficiency, consider negotiating formal access to school pitches as an alternative to providing new facilities.
Specific Priorities
Specific issues raised by clubs relating to their pitches were highlighted in Tables 9.10 to 9.14. The priorities in the areas with the largest shortfalls are summarised overleaf in Table 9.26 for each sport.
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Table 9.26 - Key issues by sport & potential solutions
Sport Priority areas Potential Solutions Football The main gap in provision focuses In Syston, there are particularly pressures on junior and mini football pitches. in terms of ensuring that facilities are able The areas of highest priority are: to accommodate juniors and women as • Syston (shortfall of 1.9 junior well as adult males. Reconfigured pitches / pitches and 4,1 mini pitches) pavilions (and additional provision) is • Quorn (shortfall of 3.6 junior required in this area. Pitches in Syston are pitches and 6.3 mini pitches) also catering for clubs from outside of the town. Improving pitches in other areas may • Loughborough (shortfall of 1.8 reduce demand in Syston. junior pitches and 2.7 mini pitches). In Loughborough, the extension of Nanpanton Sports Ground to include Other priority areas include Sileby additional pitches could reduce pressure in and Anstey. Loughborough (and in surrounding areas). Consultation with clubs in Quorn did not identify any issues with regards the quantity of pitches, but shortfalls in this area reinforce the value of Rawlins Community College and the importance of securing these pitches for long term use. Additionally, there are opportunities at primary schools in the area to secure formal agreements for use of the pitches. Demand in Quorn should be monitored. Consultation also indicated that there are pressures on pitches in Queniborough, and that a lack of provision is inhibiting club development. It must be noted that some teams are currently travelling to pitches. The increased usage of the provision of community pitches in Rothley and East Goscote may reduce demand in other parts of the borough. Cricket Shortfalls in cricket provision have Given that quality was identified as a higher predominantly resulted in clubs priority by cricket clubs, focus should creating junior teams. Key areas remain on quality in the short term. of pressure are: Pressures on pitches in these areas should • Loughborough however be monitored. The Sports Ground • Syston Options Appraisal identified the potential to reconfigure pitch provision across sites in • Barrow Upon Soar Loughborough to realign pitch provision. • Newtown Linford Rugby Pressure is focused around There are insufficient facilities of existing clubs in Birstall, appropriate quality and there is a need to Loughborough and Shepshed. increase provision, particularly in the areas Again this is generated as a result where pressure is high. School facilities of increasing demand for the junior currently used are of limited quality and game. require improvement if appropriate provision is not available at public sites. Hockey There are sufficient pitches to Priority should be given to improving meet the needs of hockey teams. existing facilities to ensure that they are suitable for matches, particularly Hind Leys Community College, Burleigh Community College and Longslade Community College (as highlighted in S8).
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9.118 The priorities for improvement / new provision should be determined by the level of shortfall in each area (outlined in Table 9.18).
Developing local standards
9.119 The findings of this Playing Pitch Assessment can be used to inform the creation of local standards. These build on the standards set out in Section 8 and provide more specific detail for pitches. Local standards have been set for playing pitches in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility. These are summarised below and set out in full detail in Appendices D and E.
Accessibility Standards
9.120 As part of the PPG17 assessment (and explained in more detail in Section 8) recommendations have been made for local standards across the Borough. These standards have been derived from local needs consultations. The recommended local accessibility standard for pitches has been set at a 10 minute walk time and it is therefore important to consider pitch provision at a localised level (although there is also an accepted need to travel further for competitive matches). This ten minute standard is based on both residents’ opinions of how far they would expect to travel to pitches for both formal and informal use. The justification for this standard is summarised below and set out in detail in Appendix E.
Recommended standard – outdoor sports facilities 10 minute walk time to informal grass pitches 20 minute drive time to formal grass pitches Justification Analysis of consultation with residents demonstrates that the majority of users currently expect to find a grass pitch within walking distance of their home and are willing to travel up to 10 minutes (this was both the most common and the modal response. All clubs responding to the club survey who are playing competitively indicated that they would expect to travel by car to high standard grass pitches which are suitable for competitive. Most would expect to travel between 20 and 24 minutes. A local standard has therefore been set at a 10 minute walk time, to represent the views of those who expect to find informal pitch provision locally. For formal pitches, a drive of up to 20 minutes should be expected (based on club consultation). Consultation highlights the expectation that facilities will be provided local to the home, however it is clear that the quality of sites and the degree to which they are fit for purpose takes on greater importance. Good access to school facilities will be essential if this standard is to be achieved.
Setting a Local Quantity Standard
9.121 Fields in Trust Standard for pitch provision states that for every 1,000 people, 1.2 hectares of playing pitches should be provided. However, this is a national benchmark and it is important to also consider the local context and local variations that may cause this.
9.122 PPG17 advocates the development of local standards that consider the local population and local community needs. In sections 4 – 8, local quantity standards have been set for all types of open space and a broad overarching standard has been set for outdoor sports facilities (section 8).
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9.123 The findings of the Playing Pitch Methodology calculations inform the development of a local quantity standard for pitches which will reflect specific local demand for football, cricket and rugby pitches in the Borough. Synthetic turf pitches are also not included in this standard due to the range of pitches (eg sand based, 3G) and the fact that they are only used for competitive play by hockey clubs. Synthetic turf pitches were discussed in Section eight.
9.124 The existing level of provision is based upon the current supply of community accessible pitches (measured in area) in the borough, divided by the population. The current level of community accessible playing pitches is 0.90 hectares per 1000 population.
9.125 The PPM outlines where current shortfalls and surpluses exist for each type of sport and a local standard can therefore be created based on these calculations. The standard takes into account the additional pitches needed (or surplus pitches identified) to meet demand and calculates the area of this required level of provision. This method of calculating the standard is based on local need and is therefore compliant with the principles set out in PPG17.
9.126 For Charnwood, a minimum of 1.09ha of accessible playing pitches per 1000 people is required to meet local demand.
9.127 This figure constitutes a minimum level of provision to ensure that supply and demand are aligned, and does not take into account the recommended strategic reserve.
9.128 The justification for the recommended standard is outlined overleaf.
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Quantity Standard (Appendix E)
Existing level of provision(hectares per 1000 Recommended standard (hectares per 1000 population) population) 0.90 hectares 1.09 hectares
Justification
The application of the Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM) suggests that overall, the quantity of provision is sufficient to meet needs although there are some localised deficiencies as well as issues relating to the supply for specific sports.
In order to calculate the amount of area required for community pitch use, the following calculations were undertaken:
Total playing Playing Additional Total pitch area pitch area Required pitch area future Sub-area Population with per 1,000 Population Pitch required pitch secured population Provision (ha) area (ha) community (ha) use (ha) A - Major 15,229 60.78 3.99 3.32 64.10 91,027 0.70 settlements B - Service centres 90,375 65.18 0.72 -8.80 56.38 55,477 1.02 C - Smaller rural 51,874 15.44 0.30 20.62 36.06 11,003 3.28 settlements Total 157,477 141 0.90 30.28 171.68 157,507 1.09
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Developing quality standards
9.129 In section 8, the key quality criteria for all outdoor sports facilities were set out. In addition to this, for pitches, they should be measured against the quality criteria set out in Towards a Level Playing Field. The minimum baseline scores targeted should be:
• 60% for the site and ancillary facilities (the percentage score required to be categorised as good)
• 65% for the pitch area (the score currently required to be categorised as a good pitch). This should reflect a minimum standard of provision.
9.130 The local quantity standard for playing pitches has been set above the existing level of provision (0.90) at 1.09 hectares per 1000 population.
PPS 5 Increase the existing level of community accessible pitch provision from 0.90 hectares per 1000 to 1.09 hectares per 1000 population.
Summary
9.131 The ratio of pitches to adults (1:907) is above the national average and average in comparison to other local authorities. The largest pitch providers in the borough are Parish Councils and educational establishments. These two owners provide 69% of pitches in the borough. Charnwood Borough Council provides a series of large multi pitch sites in and around the Borough.
9.132 The quantity of pitches in the borough is generally perceived to be adequate by users although a series of quality issues were identified. Ancillary provision is perceived to be a particular issue, particularly if children and females are to be encouraged to play the game. In particular, the quality of ancillary accommodation at Nanpantan Sports Ground, Lodge Farm Playing Fields and Derby Road Playing Fields is currently inadequate.
9.133 PPM calculations indicate that there is a theoretical shortage of pitch provision within all of the three settlement hierarchies. The greatest shortfalls are for mini soccer pitches and junior football pitches, with two out of the three areas having insufficient provision, equating to a theoretical overall shortfall of 19.2 mini soccer pitches and 19.1 junior football pitches. There are particular pressures on football pitches in and around the larger settlements.
9.134 In addition, there is pressure on existing cricket pitches (particularly in the rural settlements) and on rugby pitches (particularly in the larger towns).
9.135 The key priorities arising out of this analysis are therefore:
• increase the amount of provision for junior teams. This may mean increasing community use of school pitches, increasing the provision of junior pitches or alternatively, increasing the amount of junior teams playing matches on adult pitches. Whilst this is not ideal from a development perspective it provides a degree of flexibility with the existing pitch stock (ie both senior and junior teams can use them). Any joint use of pitches should consider the implications of child protection etc and it should be ensured that appropriate changing facilities are provided. Longer term, new provision is required for junior teams, this may include reconfiguring existing adult pitches. This is also outlined as an option within the 2007 Options Appraisal
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• to alleviate deficiencies of mini soccer pitches consider increasing provision in Charnwood. This could be achieved through the conversion of surplus adult pitch into mini soccer pitches
• in consideration of the high level of use of pitches from both junior and senior teams, seek to enhance the quality of pitches using the hierarchical approach to prioritise improvements
• seek to secure formal community use agreements for all school pitches in the borough, particularly in areas of deficiency.
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10. Allotments
Introduction and definition
10.1 This typology includes all forms of allotments. The primary purpose of allotments is to provide opportunities for people to grow their own produce as part of the long-term promotion of sustainability, health and social inclusion. This type of open space may also include urban farms.
10.2 Like other open space types, allotments can provide a number of wider benefits to the community in addition to their primary purpose. These include:
• bringing together different cultural backgrounds
• improving physical and mental health
• providing a source of recreation
• making a wider contribution to the green and open space network.
Context
10.3 Allotments are becoming increasingly popular nationally, following the recognition of the role that they can play in encouraging all sectors of the community to participate in active recreation. Allotments offer an alternative active pastime to participation in formal sport, particularly for older residents.
10.4 The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) 2008 is responsible for national policy on allotments and consider allotments to be important in terms of bring together all sections of the community, as well as providing opportunities for people to grow their own and promote health and wellbeing.
10.5 DCLG aims to ensure that allotments are well managed, and are only disposed of where there is no demand for them and established criteria are met.
10.6 It details the duties of Borough, District and Parish Councils covered by [Section 23 of the 1908 Allotments Act (as amended)]..
10.7 Contributions towards allotments in Charnwood from new development are not currently required by the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan.
10.8 This section considers the quality, quantity and accessibility of allotments across Charnwood.
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Current Provision
10.9 There are currently 34 allotment sites across Charnwood. These sites are predominantly distributed across the larger settlements and service centres.
10.10 The average size of sites is 37 plots. Provision varies significantly however from 7 plots (East Road Allotments, Wymeswold) to 90 plots (Cambridge Road, Shepshed). There is no clear pattern relating to the size of the settlement and the size of the allotment. Although smaller settlements predominantly contain smaller allotments sites, the main towns contain a mixture of small and large sites. In addition to varying numbers of plots, the size of plots also varies significantly.
10.11 In total there are circa 1293 plots. In some instances plot sizes are estimates. Where site size is not known, it has been assumed that the site is average size (37 plots).
10.12 Sites are managed by a variety of bodies but predominantly by Parish Councils and Charnwood Borough Council. The Borough Council manages 10 sites.
10.13 As highlighted above, demand for allotments has increased in recent years and this is reflected in the presence of waiting lists at sites across the Borough. This additional demand is now evident in all parts of the Borough. Analysis of approximate take up of existing plots indicates that there are over 1200 plots tended. The majority of vacant plots are located in Quorn. There are also some vacancies at sites in Birstall and Barrow although there are waiting lists at other sites in these areas.
10.14 30% of respondents to the household survey indicated that they would be interested in managing an allotment. Levels of interest vary across the borough, with 27% of respondents in larger settlements indicating that they would be interested in tending an allotment plot, 32% in the service centres and 37% in the smaller settlements.
10.15 The quantity of allotments across the Borough is summarised in Table 10.1.
Table 10.1 - Provision of allotments across Charnwood Settlement Settlement hierarchy provision Current (hectares) sites of Number Smallest site (hectares) site Largest (hectares) LDF population (2021) 1000 Provision per population (2021)
Larger settlements 20.09 17 0.50 2.5 101,368 0.20 Service centres 18.71 13 0.39 2.49 61,779 0.30 Smaller settlements 2.52 5 0.16 0.83 12,253 0.21 Overall 41.32 35 0.16 2.49 175,400 0.24
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10.16 The key issues emerging from Table 10.1 and consultations relating to the quantity of allotments include:
• a difference in opinion regarding the quantity of allotments is evident. 40% of respondents to the household survey feel that provision is insufficient (15% ‘not enough’ and 25% ‘nearly enough’) and 33% of residents state that provision is sufficient
• the distribution of allotments is uneven, both in terms of number of sites, and site size. Provision per 1000 population is highest within the service centres. Despite this, opinions of the quantity of allotments are relatively consistent – although satisfaction levels are slightly higher amongst residents from the larger settlements where there is most provision:
- larger settlements - household survey results indicate that 38% of respondents perceive allotment provision to be adequate, whilst 36% consider it to be insufficient (20% ‘not enough’ and 16% ‘nearly enough’)
- service centres - 48% of respondents to the household survey regard the provision of allotments to be insufficient (33% ‘not enough’ and 15% ‘nearly enough’). However, 24% of respondents feel that provision is adequate
- smaller settlements - 43% of respondents to the household survey consider the provision of allotments to be insufficient (32% ‘not enough’ and 11% ‘nearly enough’). 36% of residents indicate that provision is adequate
• general comments from residents emphasise the need to increase the provision of allotments in Charnwood. In addition to a lack of provision, residents highlight a high demand for this type of open space, with waiting lists evident on a number of sites
• feedback from other surveys undertaken for this study also highlighted demand for additional allotment provision, with 76% of respondents from the Officer Survey and 63% of respondents from the on-line survey deeming current provision to be insufficient
• at the Parish Council workshop, it was noted that there were shortfalls of allotment provision across the Borough. In particular shortfalls were noted in Anstey, Rothley, Queniborough, Syston, Birstall and Barrow. Increased allotment provision was one of the main issues identified at the workshops
• shortfalls of allotments provision were also identified during the stakeholder workshop with many attendees making reference to the waiting lists evident on current sites – for example, detailed waiting lists held for allotments in Loughborough by Charnwood Borough indicate that there are currently 284 plots and a further 190 residents on the waiting list for a plot
• analysis of feedback from Parish Council surveys suggest that the majority of allotment sites are near or at capacity. There are some spaces at sites in Quorn, Barrow upon Soar and Birstall.
Setting quantity standards
10.17 The recommended local quantity standard for allotments has been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and is summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
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10.18 The standard recommends an increase on the existing level of provision. This is based on the existing waiting lists in addition to expressed demand from local residents.
Quantity Standard (see Appendices D and E – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision (hectares Recommended standard (hectares per per 1000) 1000) Larger settlements – 0.22 0.33 ha per 1000 Service centres – 0.33 Smaller settlements – 0.23 Justification Findings from local consultation identify high demand for allotments, with 40% of respondents to the household survey indicating that they need additional allotments are required and 30% of residents suggested that they would be interested in renting an allotment if sufficient plots were available. Shortfalls and waiting lists were also identified during consultations with Parish Councils, stakeholders and internal officers, reinforcing the need for higher levels of provision. The local standard has therefore been set above the existing boroughwide level of provision placing an emphasis on new site development and also the protection of current allotment sites. The standard takes into account the amount of additional space required to meet current and future waiting lists (and assumes that waiting lists will be filled by providing half plots). This standard should be applied to each settlement to enable the identification of specific deficiencies and the application of the accessibility standard will inform decision making on new allotment provision. In addition to maximising the amount of allotments provided, consideration should be given to alternative management practices, such as half plots.
Quality
Current position
10.19 The quality of existing allotments was assessed through site visits undertaken by the Borough Council. Each site was measured against the factors defined in the quality standard (summarised later in this section) and received a total percentage score.
10.20 The quality of allotments is summarised in Table 10.2. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section.
10.21 The key issues at each site are recorded in Appendix D, site quality scores database.
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Table 10.2 - Quality of allotments in Charnwood Settlement Settlement hierarchy of quality Range (%) scores Quality Average Score (%)
Larger settlements 20 – 83% 55% Service centres 20 – 87% 56% Smaller settlements 43 – 87% 65% Overall 20 – 87% 57%
10.22 The key issues emerging from Table 10.2 and consultations relating to the quality of allotments are summarised overleaf:
• 30% of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of allotments to be average. 13% of residents state that the quality of this typology is good and 10% consider it poor. As would be expected, a large proportion of respondents (48%) did not have an opinion on the quality of allotments
• the difference in opinion regarding the quality of allotments is reflected in the range of quality of scores, with the quality of sites ranging from 20% - 87%. The average quality score of an allotment is 57%, indicating that the quality of some allotments needs to be improved. This also suggests that the average quality of allotments is lower than many other types of open space in the Borough
• findings within the three sizes of settlement are consistent with the overall results although a higher proportion of respondents within the smaller settlements (25%) deem the quality of allotments to be good. Only a relatively small proportion deems the quality of allotments to be poor; 9% in the larger settlements, 10% in the service centres and 11% in the rural communities
• other survey results show that:
- 34% of respondents to the officer’s survey consider the quality of allotments to be average whilst 23% of respondents identify the quality of this type of open space as good/very good
- 25% of respondents to the on-line survey consider the quality of allotments to be average, whilst 19% consider them good/very good and 25% consider them to be poor
• research carried out by the Council with tenants of Council managed sites during 2009 highlighted that users are generally satisfied with existing facilities (average satisfaction score was 73%). In particular users scored the following aspects well; removal of rubbish, boundary maintenance, on-site water provision and promotion. By comparison the road and pathway maintenance and management of overgrown plots were less well regarded (particularly at Alan Moss, Great Central and Lodge Farm allotment sites, all in Loughborough)
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• site visits concluded that the key issues at allotments were unclear entrances, poor lighting, a lack of toilet facilities at some sites and varied infrastructure (parking, footpaths etc). In general, the cleanliness and maintenance of these sites was good.
Setting quality standards
10.23 The recommended local quality standard for allotments is summarised below. Full justifications and consultation for the local standard is provided within Appendix E.
10.24 The quality standard summarises the features that residents consider to be an important determinant of the quality of provision. These key criteria will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards.
Quality Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Allotments Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Compost and litter bins Water supply Toilets Parking facilities Appropriate entrance Well managed, appropriate access routes Security
Accessibility
10.25 The accessibility of sites is paramount in maximising usage as well as providing opportunities for all people to use the sites. The recommended local standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations.
10.26 A small percentage of respondents to the household survey stated that they use allotments most frequently and it is therefore difficult to produce sound analysis on current usage patterns based on the sample size provided. Of the nine users, 67% travelled on foot and the same proportion travel under 10 minutes to their allotment.
10.27 62% of respondents to the household survey expect to walk to an allotment while 28% would travel by car. The proportion of respondents that would expect to walk is slightly higher in the larger settlements and less in the service centres and smaller settlements.
10.28 At the stakeholder’s workshop, access issues to allotments were raised, particularly with regards waiting lists. It was suggested that temporary allotments should be created out of parkland. Quantity of allotments was perceived to be the key issue at the Parish Council workshop sessions.
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Setting accessibility standards
10.29 The recommended local accessibility standard for allotments is summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix E. The standard takes into account the expectation that allotments will be provided locally.
10.30 Waiting lists at sites were perceived to be the main barrier to the usage of allotments. Few other issues were raised.
Accessibility Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Allotments
Long Term - 15 minute walktime (720m)
Consultation demonstrates that opinions are split between those who expect to walk to an allotment (62%) and those who would expect to drive. Many allotment plots are however located outside of settlement boundaries and it is in these areas where there is greater potential to increase the provision of allotments. The long term intention is to maximise the number of residents who are within walking distance of their nearest accessible allotment plots. Quantity of allotments is perceived to be a particular issue borough wide. In the short term, areas where the access to allotments is particularly poor will be prioritised. This will be based on the minimum criteria that all residents should be within a 10 minute drive time of their nearest available allotments. This is the modal response of those residents who expected to travel by car.
Applying provision standards
10.31 The application of the recommended quality, quantity and accessibility standards provides an understanding of the existing distribution of allotments. In light of the demand led nature of allotments, this should be treated as an indication only. Table 10.3 summarises the application of the quantity standard.
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Table 10.3 – Application of the quantity standard Future shortfall / shortfall Future surplus against local standard / shortfall Future surplus against local standard Analysis areas Analysis areas per 0.33 hectares 1000 population) per 0.33 hectares 1000 population) Larger Settlements -9.95 hectares -13.36 hectares Service Centres 0.4 hectares -1.68 hectares Smaller Settlements -1.11 hectares -1.52 hectares Overall -10.66 hectares -16.56 hectares
10.32 Table 10.3 indicates that the provision of allotments is insufficient to meet demand, with deficiencies found in all areas of the Borough except the services centres. Longer term, there are also deficiencies in these areas. In addition, waiting lists are evident on all Borough Council owned allotment sites and almost all Parish Council owned sites are full. This suggests that new provision will be required.
10.33 Application of the quantity standard at a settlement level suggests that provision falls below the recommended minimum standards in the majority of settlements. Only in Burton on the Wolds, Woodhouse, Shepshed, Barrow Upon Soar, Wymeswold, Seagrave, Rothley, Rearsby, Quorndon and Hathern is provision sufficient to meet the standard. Even in these areas, there are waiting lists at many of the existing sites.
Accessibility
10.34 The application of the accessibility standard for allotments is outlined in Map 10.1 overleaf. The map indicates that there is a good distribution of allotments in Charnwood. The majority of residents have access to an allotment within a 15 minute walk time and the only key areas of deficiency are located in East Goscote, Queniborough, Thurmaston and Mountsorrel.
Quality
10.35 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the total quality score achieved (outlined in Table 10.2) and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. The methodology for calculating the overall score is summarised in Table 10.4 overleaf.
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Table 10.4 – Measuring sites against the recommended quality standard Overall Quality Overall Quality Rating Minimum Score Average
All essential criteria 3 or above 80% or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above
All essential criteria 3 or above 70 – 79% Very Good
All essential criteria 3 or above 60 – 69% Good
Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
10.36 Table 10.5 therefore summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 10.4
Table 10.5 – Application of Quality Standard Settlement Settlement hierarchy % of sites excellent % of sites very good % of sites good % of sites average % of sites poor
Larger settlements 13 0 6 38 44
8 8 0 46 38 Service centres
Smaller 20 0 0 60 20 settlements 13 3 2 48 34 Overall Nb. Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
10.37 Table 10.5 illustrates that the majority of allotments were awarded ratings of average or poor. A higher proportion of allotments in the smaller settlements were of high quality than in the larger settlements and service settlements. Almost half of all allotments in the larger settlements are poor.
10.38 Map 10. 2 illustrates the quality of existing provision. It highlights where sites are of high quality and where there are particular priorities for improvement. It can be seen that poor quality facilities are spread across the Borough and high quality sites are also equally dispersed.
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Map 10.1 – Accessibility of allotments in Charnwood
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Map 10.2 – Quality of allotments in Charnwood
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Priorities for Future Delivery
Borough Wide Issues
10.39 This section considers the borough wide issues that need to be addressed. Consideration is then given to issues within specific settlements.
High Demand for new provision
10.40 While new provision should be sourced where possible (specific areas referenced later), in the short term, consideration should also be given to a change in management practice to maximise the number of residents that can use an allotment. These practices could be adopted at allotments Borough wide, regardless of ownership. In particular the following options should be considered:
• provide half plots where suitable opportunities arise to ensure that the site can accommodate a higher number of residents
• ensure that residents have only one allotment plot at any one time.
ALL1 Consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate policies to promote effective usage of allotment sites including: • providing half plots where suitable opportunities arise to ensure that sites can accommodate a higher number of residents • ensuring that whilst demand continues to outstrip supply, tenants are not given the opportunity to acquire multiple tenancies • promoting appropriate use of allotments.
10.41 As well as addressing management issues relating to existing provision, all sites should be protected from development to ensure that they are available long term to meet the needs of residents. There are no recommendations for the disposal or redesignation of any allotments in the Borough.
ALL2 Include a policy within the LDF that protects allotments from development. Loss of allotments should only be permitted where it can be proven that the site is surplus to requirements and is unlikely to be required in future years. Ensure new housing developments contribute to any increase in demand as necessary through the inclusion of appropriate policy in the LDF. It may necessary to consider innovative solutions to the provision of allotments, for example the location of facilities at school sites.
Maximising the role that allotments play in conservation and biodiversity
10.42 The provision of high quality allotments is not just important from a recreational perspective but this type of open space plays an important role in providing wildlife habitats and contributing towards biodiversity.
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10.43 The Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan highlight allotments as one of the key urban habitats in the County. The increased use of fertilisers and pesticides on allotments is highlighted as a key threat to conservation.
10.44 Site assessments carried out as part of this study indicate that allotments provide important habitats with seven sites identified as having mature trees, and 20 sites containing hedgerows.
ALL3 As well as improving the function of allotments from a user perspective, ensure that the management, maintenance and future planning of these sites takes into account their role in nature conservation and biodiversity.
10.45 In light of the demand led nature of allotments, application of the quantity, quality and accessibility standards should be treated as a starting point only. Detailed research and monitoring of local demand should be undertaken prior to the development of new allotments. Consideration of existing waiting lists is a particularly useful indicator of latent demand.
10.46 The remainder of this section summarises the key issues for the delivery of allotments within Charnwood across each of the three settlement hierarchies.
Larger Settlements
10.47 Application of the quantity standard indicates that the current provision of allotments falls below the recommended standard, with there being an overall shortfall of 9.95 hectares. Based on the average size of an allotment plot (250m2) the current shortfall in the larger settlements equates to circa 400 plots. Additional demand for allotments further exacerbates this shortfall, with waiting lists evident on all sites in the area (190 people in total for Council managed sites in Loughborough).
10.48 Application of the quantity standard to provision in specific settlements indicates the following:
• Loughborough – the bulk of additional plots required are in Loughborough (although this may be slightly misleading due to the proportion of students in the area), this is to an extent supported by the waiting lists at Borough Council owned sites
• Thurmaston – there are shortfalls of almost 3 hectares and there may be demand for over 100 plots
• Birstall – although provision falls below the minimum standard, shortfalls are lower than in other areas. Circa 16 plots would ensure that minimum standards were met. At the time of the open space audit, there were some spaces at existing sites although consultation at the Parish Council workshop indicates that there is now demand for additional provision
• Shepshed – provision exceeds the minimum standards although all existing allotment sites are full.
10.49 Accessibility mapping highlights that there is a good distribution of sites in the larger towns, with the majority of residents within the recommended 15 minute walk time of an allotment. The only significant area of deficiency is located in Thurmaston (see Map 10.3 overleaf), particularly in the North West of the village.
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Map 10.3 – Deficiencies in North West Thurmaston
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10.50 In consideration of the large quantitative shortfall in the larger settlements, there is a requirement for additional allotments in Thurmaston, as well as in Loughborough. Application of recommendation ALL1 will ensure that existing sites are able to accommodate more residents, but longer term, there may also be a need for additional provision in Shepshed and Birstall. Priority should be given to Thurmaston and Loughborough as provision in these areas is already below the recommended minimum quantity standard.
ALL4 Provide new allotments in Thurmaston and Loughborough. Monitor usage and latent demand for allotments in Shepshed and Birstall and provide new facilities where appropriate.
10.51 While focus should be placed on increasing the quantity of provision in the larger settlements it is also important to ensure that existing and future provision is in line with the recommended quality vision.
10.52 The quality of allotments in the larger settlements is lower than that in the other settlement hierarchies. 44% of sites were considered to be average and a further 38% poor. Great Central Road allotments (Loughborough) and Cambridge Street Allotments (Shepshed) were both rated as excellent. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
ALL5 Improve the quality of the sites which do not meet the recommended minimum provision standard.
Service Centres
10.53 Quantitative analysis indicates that the current provision of allotments is just above the minimum standard. Despite this, residents in the service centres exhibit higher levels of dissatisfaction than in other areas.
10.54 Application of the standard to each of the service centres highlights shortfalls in the following towns:
• Mountsorrel – the highest levels of quantitative shortfalls are located in Mountsorrel, with a shortfall of circa 80 plots
• Syston (72 plots)
• East Goscote (38 plots)
• Sileby (34 plots)
• Queniborough (30 plots)
• Anstey (15 plots).
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10.55 Provision of allotments exceeds minimum standards in Barrow upon Soar, Rothley, Rearsby, Quorndon and Hathern although existing provision is predominantly at capacity. Feedback at the Parish Council workshop indicated that there is demand for additional facilities at Barrow and in Rothley, despite provision exceeding the minimum standard. There are plots remaining in Quorn and a few plots at one site in Barrow.
10.56 Application of the accessibility standard indicates that the majority of residents have access to an allotment within the recommended accessibility standard. However, key areas of deficiency are evident in East Goscote, Queniborough and to the east of Mountsorrel (Maps 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6).
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Map 10.4 – Deficiencies in East Goscote
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Map 10.5 – Deficiencies in Queniborough
Map 10.6 – Deficiencies in the east of Mountsorrel
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Map 10.6 – Deficiencies to the East of Mountsorrel
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10.57 Consideration should therefore be given to increasing the provision of allotments in the service centres. Particular priority should be given to provision in East Goscote and Queniborough, where no residents have access to an allotment. In addition, the application of the accessibility standard indicates new provision should be made in south Anstey, south/ south western Syston and the south of Barrow upon Soar.
10.58 Application of recommendation ALL1 will ensure that existing sites are able to accommodate more residents, but longer term new provision should be considered in all areas where provision is indicated to be below the minimum standard.
ALL6 Provide allotments in East Goscote and Queniborough where there are currently no allotments. Provide new allotments in south Anstey, south/ south western Syston and the south of Barrow upon Soar. Monitor demand for new provision in Anstey, Rothley, Sileby, Syston and Barrow. Parish Council consultations suggest that demand already exceeds supply in these areas.
10.59 The quality of allotments in the service centres is only just above that of the larger settlements with 46% of sites rated average and 38% poor. Upper Church Street Allotments in Syston were rated excellent and Cemetery Road Allotments in Sileby were considered very good. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
ALL7 Improve the quality of the allotments in the service centres using the quality standard as a guide.
Smaller Settlements
10.60 A total of 2.52 hectares of allotments is located in smaller settlements. Application of the quantity standards indicates that there is a current shortfall of 1.11 hectares spread across the settlements.
10.61 The current shortfall of allotments is equivalent to 44 plots and respondents to the household survey indicated dissatisfaction with the current provision. Therefore in light of the quantitative shortfall in the area and dissatisfaction with the current provision, opportunities to increase the provision of allotments should be considered.
10.62 Application of the quantity standard suggests that those settlements where existing deficiencies exceed 5 plots are:
• Thurcaston
• Newtown Linford
• Cossington
• Thrussington.
10.63 The quantity standard suggests that provision in Woodhouse Parish and Wymeswold Parish is particularly high in proportion to the population, although almost all plots are taken.
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10.64 Of the smaller villages, analysis of access to allotments reinforces the application of the quantity standards, as it can be seen that Thurcaston and Newtown Linford are the largest settlements with no localised allotment provision (Map 10.1).
10.65 Demand for allotments in those smaller settlements where there is currently no provision should be evaluated and if demand is sufficient, support should be given to Parish Councils to provide new facilities.
ALL8 Consider opportunities to increase the provision of allotments in the Smaller Settlements. Assess demand for allotments within larger settlements, in particular Thurcaston and Newtown Linford where there is currently no provision and consider the location of new sites where demand is sufficient.
10.66 The quality of allotments in the smaller settlements is higher than the service centres and larger settlements. 20% of sites are excellent. Despite this, 20% of sites still achieved a poor rating. The key issues and areas for improvement for each site are provided in Appendix J.
ALL9 Improve the quality of allotments in Burton on the Wolds and Woodhouse Eves.
Summary
10.67 There are currently 34 allotment sites across Charnwood Borough Council. While many of these are located in the larger towns, Parish Councils also provide facilities in smaller and more rural settlements.
10.68 Consultation and analysis of waiting lists indicate that provision is insufficient to meet local demand and there are waiting lists exceeding 400 residents. It is clear that demand is increasing and the household survey demonstrated significant latent demand.
10.69 Application of the recommended accessibility standard (15 minute walk time) and the quantity standard highlight key priorities for new provision, in particular Loughborough, Thurmaston, East Goscote, Mountsorrel and Queniborough. Application of the quality standard suggests that there are 25 sites falling below the recommended minimum standard.
10.70 The key priorities for improving the provision of allotments over the Local Development Framework period therefore include the need to:
• ensure that allotments are protected from development through the Local Development Framework
• consider allocating new sites for allotments in the Local development Framework and ensure that contributions are required towards allotments as part of new development
• consider alternative management arrangements at existing sites to maximise the number of residents that can be accommodated
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• improve the quality of existing allotment sites in order to ensure that all sites are of adequate quality to meet the needs of local residents.
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11. Cemeteries and churchyards
Introduction
11.1 This typology encompasses both churchyards contained within the walled boundary of a church and cemeteries outside the confines of a church. This includes active private burial grounds, local authority burial grounds and closed churchyards, as well as churchyards which do not offer burial space. A closed churchyard” is generally taken to mean a churchyard which has been closed for burials by an Order in Council under the Burial Acts. All types of cemetery / burial space are referred to under the name of cemetery for the purposes of this report.
11.2 Although the primary purpose of this type of open space is burial of the dead and quiet contemplation, these sites frequently have considerable value for the promotion of wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
11.3 Some churchyards contain areas of unimproved grasslands and various other habitats. They can also provide a sanctuary for wildlife in urban settlements and often offer historic value in the more rural landscapes.
11.4 Cemeteries and churchyards can be a significant open space provider in rural settlements. In some instances, cemeteries and churchyards may be the only open space within a settlement. They can therefore function as an area of open space, as well as fulfilling their primary purpose.
11.5 In urban areas especially, although representing a relatively minor resource in terms of the land, they can be important for nature conservation.
11.6 The importance of cemeteries and churchyards in rural areas of the Borough is emphasised in Charnwood. Of the 46 cemeteries and churchyards, 7 are in the larger settlements, 16 are in the service centres and the remainder (23) are located in the smaller settlements.
11.7 Charnwood Borough Council is a Burial Authority by virtue of S214 (1) of the Local Government Act. It manages the cemetery in Loughborough. Burial authorities have the power to provide cemeteries. There is no statutory duty to create new cemeteries or extensions of existing cemeteries, but burial authorities have powers of management of their existing cemeteries. Parish Councils also have the power to provide and maintain cemeteries and burial space under the same Local Government Act.
Current provision
11.8 The total amount of land dedicated to cemeteries and churchyards across the Borough is 37.40 hectares. Sites are evenly distributed and there are churchyards in the majority of the main towns in the Borough. These sites are owned and managed by a variety of Providers. Like many other types of open space in the Borough and Parish Councils are important providers of cemeteries and churchyards.
11.9 Of the 46 sites, at least 17 have space for burials, almost all of which is provided by Parish Councils. According to the 2007 Burial Audit, there are over 1000 plots remaining in Mountsorrel and Thurcaston.
11.10 The distribution of cemeteries and churchyards is illustrated overleaf on Map 11.1. It clearly demonstrates that the cemeteries and churchyards are dispersed evenly across the Borough.
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Map 11.1 – Cemeteries and churchyards across Charnwood
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Setting provision standards
Quantity
11.11 PPG17 Annex states: "many historic churchyards provide important places for quiet contemplation, especially in busy urban areas, and often support biodiversity and interesting geological features. As such many can also be viewed as amenity greenspaces. Unfortunately, many are also run-down and therefore it may be desirable to enhance them. As churchyards can only exist where there is a church, the only form of provision standard which will be required is a qualitative one."
11.12 For cemeteries, PPG 17 Annex states: "every individual cemetery has a finite capacity and therefore there is steady need for more of them. Indeed, many areas face a shortage of ground for burials. The need for graves, for all religious faiths, can be calculated from population estimates, coupled with details of the average proportion of deaths which result in a burial, and converted into a quantitative population-based provision standard."
11.13 While it is not appropriate to consider a provision standard for churchyards, the future need for cemeteries and burial space should therefore be evaluated.
11.14 Although this provides an indication of the likely future land use requirements, accurately predicting current and future death rates is difficult, particularly in light of changing burial patterns as well as the evolving population profile.
11.15 The 2001 census indicates that average mortality rate is 10.2 per 1000 population. Charnwood Borough deviates from average mortality rates due to the profile of the population and this average mortality rate is marginally lower. The ongoing turnover of students means that the population is younger than average and therefore deaths are less likely to occur. In addition, Charnwood has a high proportion of Hindus, who desire cremation as opposed to burial. This is likely to reduce the need for burials. As the structure of the population changes however, and the population continues to age both nationally and locally, demand may also fluctuate.
Demand for Cemeteries in Loughborough
11.16 A Burial Audit conducted by Peter Mitchells Associates in 2007 indicated that 43 new graves are required per annum (1075 new graves over the next 25 years) in Loughborough Cemetery. This is in line with existing burial patterns (41 new graves required currently). Broadly, this is based on the following calculations:
• death rate 9.39 per annum
• 85% of deaths result in cremation
• analysis of proportion of new graves required (as opposed to use of existing graves)
• total number of new graves required.
11.17 On the assumption that one grave is 10ft by 4ft 6”, and that 43 new graves are required each year, it can be projected that circa 0.02 hectares burial space will be required per annum in Loughborough. In order to measure the potential impact that population change will have on the demand for burial space, this can be converted to 0.0003ha per 1000 population.
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11.18 Consultation at the stakeholder’s workshop and during internal consultations indicates that there are insufficient cemeteries for the Borough in the long term. This is supported in the Charnwood Burial Space Audit (Peter Mitchell Associates 2007) which indicates that Loughborough Cemetery requires an extension by 2032.
Burial Space outside Loughborough
11.19 Outside of Loughborough (but using the same parameters) the need for new graves can be calculated in a similar manner:
• death rate 9.39 per annum means there are circa 899 deaths per annum
• 85% of deaths result in cremation meaning circa 134 deaths result in burial
• current practice suggests that almost half of these burials are in existing graves, meaning that an additional 70 graves are required per annum.
11.20 The burial space audit suggests that there are over 7340 new graves available at Parish Cemeteries in the Borough. According to the 2007 Burial Audit, some Parishes are however actively seeking extensions as they are nearing capacity or do not have local facilities. The audit names East Goscote Parish as being particularly keen to secure burial space. Thurmaston, Syston and Sileby Parishes all have less than 20 years burial capacity remaining.
11.21 There is therefore sufficient burial space overall across the Borough outside of Loughborough. The preference for localised provision may however mean that extensions / new provision are desired in some areas.
11.22 On the assumption that one grave is 10ft by 4ft 6”, and that 70 new graves are required each year, it can be projected that a minimum of 0.03 hectares burial space will be required per annum outside Loughborough. In order to measure the potential impact that population change will have on the demand for burial space, this can be converted to 0.0003 ha per 1000 population.
Recommended standard – Cemeteries and churchyards No standard to be set for churchyards. Based on current population figures, death rates, the proportion of burials carried out each year and the number of new graves required, it is suggested that burial space is planned using a standard 0.0003ha per 1000 population. In order to accommodate unanticipated additional demand (ie through an emergency) a strategic reserve should also be included. Burial trends and death rates should be reviewed as a minimum on a five year cycle to ensure that sufficient provision is maintained.
Quality
Current position
11.23 The quality cemeteries and churchyards was assessed through site visits undertaken by Charnwood Borough Council. The quality of cemeteries and churchyards is summarised in Table 11.1. This table summarises the total percentage achieved at each site (in accordance with the methodology set out in Section 2). The overall quality rating in line with the local standard is discussed later in this section.
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Table 11.1 - Quality of cemeteries and churchyards Settlement Settlement hierarchy of quality Range (%) scores Quality Average Score (%)
Larger settlements 34% - 77% 60% Service centres 40% - 97% 67% Smaller settlements 40% - 83% 59% Overall 34% - 97% 63%
11.24 The site visit scorings indicate that lower scores (ie lower quality) were generally found for aspects such as litter/bins, seating and parking provision at cemeteries and churchyards, whilst higher scores were achieved for aspects such as, fencing, roads/paths and access and cleanliness. Appendix D records the quality scores achieved, while appendix J identifies the specific issues for each site.
11.25 The main habitats offered at cemeteries and churchyards are mature trees (31 sites), hedgerows (19 sites) and grassland (16 sites).
11.26 The key issues emerging from Table 11.1 and consultations relating to the quality of cemeteries and churchyards are summarised below:
• the majority of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of cemeteries and churchyards to be average (40%). 29% of residents rate them good and 5% poor
• responses from respondents living within the larger settlements and service centres are consistent with the overall findings, whilst responses from residents within the smaller settlements are more positive, with a higher proportion (46%) deeming the quality of cemeteries and churchyards to be good and 29% average
• results of other surveys conducted for the study suggest that most respondents consider the quality of cemeteries to be good/average, with:
- 55% of respondents to the officer’s survey deeming quality to be good and 31% average
- 43% of respondents to the on-line survey considering the quality of cemeteries and churchyards to be good, whilst 25% consider them average
• site assessments generally support the perceptions of residents, with the average quality score of a site being 63%. Quality scores are wide ranging from 34% - 97%.
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Setting quality standards
11.27 As highlighted, it is only appropriate to set a quality standard for cemeteries and churchyards. This should take into account any national or local standards. Full indication of consultation and justifications for the recommended local standard are provided within D. The recommended local standard, derived directly from consultation across Charnwood, has been summarised below.
11.28 The quality standard summarises the features that residents consider to be an important determinant of the quality of provision. These key criteria will then be incorporated with the quality scores during the application of local standards.
Quality Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Cemeteries and churchyards Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Seating Well kept grass Parking facilities Appropriate planting Appropriately maintained and even footpaths Infrastructure including bins Opportunities for biodiversity and wildlife Toilets
Accessibility
11.29 With regards to accessibility there are no definitive national or local standards for cemeteries and churchyards. There is also no realistic requirement to set catchments for such typologies as they cannot easily be influenced through planning policy and implementation.
Applying provision standards – identifying geographical areas
11.30 Given that it is not appropriate to set any local accessibility standards it is also not appropriate to identify areas of deficiency or need in relation to accessibility.
11.31 It is, however, important to consider the capacity of existing sites to meet future needs. It is apparent that existing cemeteries have a finite capacity and that new provision will therefore be required when sites become full. The application of the quantity standard for cemeteries will enable the projection of future burial needs and will therefore enable the analysis of the adequacy of existing provision.
11.32 Proactive planning is essential in order to ensure the adequate provision of cemeteries. The management and maintenance of sites is a big challenge for the Council as is the provision of new burial plots on an ongoing basis and this should be considered as part of the Local Development Framework.
11.33 Analysis of the capacity of existing sites means that new provision / extension of Loughborough Cemetery is likely to be required over the LDF period. There is sufficient burial space in other areas although the preference for localised burial may mean that
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additional space is desired. Provision in Sileby, Syston and Thurmaston has less than 20 years capacity remaining.
CC1 The Council should keep under review the opportunities for the reuse, expansion or acquisition of suitable land to ensure the continued and sustainable provision of local cemeteries. The LDF should facilitate the delivery of an extension to the cemetery in Loughborough and the provision of additional burial spaces in Parished areas where new localised provision is desired. A standard of 0.0003 hectares per 1000 population should be used to project future need.
11.34 In addition to ensuring that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand, it is important to consider the quality of the provision of cemeteries and churchyards. The recommended quality standard, as well as site visits, should be used to inform the improvements needed. Site visits indicate that key areas include aspects such as litter/bins, parking and seating.
11.35 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the overall quality score achieved and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. This is summarised in Table 11.2.
Table 11.2 – Measuring sites against the recommended quality standard Overall Quality Overall Quality Rating Minimum Score Average
All essential criteria 3 or above 80% or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above
All essential criteria 3 or above 70 – 79% Very Good
All essential criteria 3 or above 60 – 69% Good
Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
11.36 Table 11.3 summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 11.2
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Table 11.3 – Quality of cemeteries and churchyards Settlement Settlement hierarchy % of sites excellent % of sites very good % of sites good % of sites average % of sites poor
Larger settlements 0 14 0 71 14
13 25 6 50 6.25 Service centres
Smaller settlements 17 0 4 52 26
13 11 3 54 17 Overall Nb. Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
11.37 The quality of cemeteries and churchyards is positive overall and generally, cemeteries and churchyards are one of the highest quality open spaces in the Borough. Despite this, while 24% of sites are considered to be very good or excellent, 17% are rated as poor. 54% of all sites are average. The quality of cemeteries and churchyards is highest in the service centres. Despite the higher quality facilities, there remain many opportunities for improvement. Map 11.2 overleaf illustrates the quality of cemeteries and churchyards from a user perspective.
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Map 11.2 – Quality of Cemeteries and Churchyards
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CC2 Support improvements to the quality of cemeteries and churchyards across the Borough, using the findings of the site visits to guide improvements needed.
11.38 Quality of cemeteries and churchyards from a user perspective should be balanced with biodiversity and the creation of habitats.
11.39 This links with priorities set out in the Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action plan, which identifies the importance of cemeteries and churchyards in providing urban habitats, in particular:
• calcareous grassland
• mature trees
• rocks and built structures (in particular encouraging lichens).
CC3 Stakeholders should recognise and promote the nature conservation value of cemeteries and churchyards and develop a greater awareness of ecological management and maintenance of cemeteries and churchyards.
Summary
11.40 Cemeteries and churchyards can be significant providers of open space, particularly in rural areas. In towns they can represent a relatively minor resource in terms of the land required, but are important for nature conservation.
11.41 Local standards for accessibility and quantity have not been set. Despite this, it remains important to consider the future delivery of cemeteries and churchyards anticipating future demand as well as assessing the current level of provision.
11.42 The essential and desirable features set out in the quality standards should guide the future development and improvement of cemeteries and churchyards across the Borough. Site visits indicate that the quality of existing cemeteries and churchyards is high.
11.43 In some instances, cemeteries and churchyards are the only type of open space within a village, making them a particularly valuable element of the rural green space network. Enhancements to accessibility and quality should be prioritised in these areas.
11.44 The wider benefits of churchyards are significant and it is wrong to place a value on churchyards and cemeteries focusing solely on quality and accessibility. In addition to offering a functional value, many cemeteries and churchyards have wider benefits including heritage, cultural and landscape values. They are also identified as a key urban habitat in the Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Strategy.
11.45 The key priorities for the future delivery of cemeteries and churchyards across the Borough therefore include:
• the LDF should facilitate the delivery of additional cemeteries and should project need across the LDF period. New provision is likely to be required in Loughborough using a baseline figure of 0.0003ha per 1000 population
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• recognise and promote the nature conservation value of cemeteries and churchyards and investigate the implementation of ecological management
• enhance the quality of sites where appropriate using the essential and desirable features as a guide.
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12. Green corridors
Definition
12.1 This open space type includes towpaths along canals and riverbanks, cycleways, rights of way and disused railway lines. Green corridors are linear routes with a primary purpose of providing opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding, whether for leisure purposes or travel. Green corridors also facilitate wildlife migration.
12.2 Green corridors can be particularly valuable in towns, facilitating links between open spaces and local residents. Green corridors also provide valuable linkages between the towns and outlying rural settlements. As highlighted throughout this report, in many instances enhancing links between open spaces will be as important as the development of new sites.
12.3 Green linkages are also an essential component of the green infrastructure of the Borough.
12.4 From PMP’s work elsewhere in the country, it is clear that a green corridor network can bring the following benefits for people:
• it improves access to existing sites
• it increases the usage levels of existing sites
• it increases the capacity of existing sites by relieving pressure on ‘honeypot’ locations
• it increases the catchment areas of existing sites.
Strategic context and consultation
12.5 In addition to improving sustainability and linking urban areas with nearby rural settlements and countryside, green corridors represent an important chance to promote sustainable transport by cycle and on foot. Provision and use of green corridors will be a key determinant in the achievement of targets for participation in sport and active recreation.
12.6 The latest government plan published by the Department for Transport and entitled “Walking and Cycling: an action plan” states:
“Walking and cycling are good for our health, good for getting us around, good for our public spaces and good for our society, for all these reasons we need to persuade more people to choose to walk and cycle more often”.
12.7 This reinforces the need to address any gaps in the green corridor network and to capitalise on opportunities to increase and enhance the network. Providing a high quality infrastructure will not only increase use of green corridors, but will increase usage of individual open space sites and reduce barriers to access.
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12.8 The rural nature of much of the Borough lends itself to the provision of linear corridors which link open spaces (and settlements) together. The Borough contains a variety of provision, including canals and towpaths that form the basis of the green infrastructure – particularly with the River Soar running through the Borough. The abundance of natural countryside provides significant opportunities for a dense Public Rights of Way (PROW) network.
12.9 The key planning document ‘Charnwood 2026 – Planning for our next generation’ sets out all the policies and development proposals for the area.
12.10 Of particular relevance to this study, are a number of points made under the ‘Places and the environment matter’ section, which sets out a vision for ‘creating safe and liveable areas – greener, cleaner and safer living environments with a focus on deprived areas’.
12.11 It also highlights that green spaces have been connected together to provide ‘green infrastructure networks’ across the district and in to neighbouring districts providing multi-functional benefits including recreational space, biodiversity enhancements, flood protection and helping to improve the overall environment and health and well being of the population. As such it sets out a range of objectives including the need:
• to secure the provision of accessible facilities and services to meet the needs of all local people
• to promote health and well being by ensuring that residents have access to health care, local parks, green spaces and natural environment, the countryside and facilities for sport and recreation, creative and community activities
• to protect the historic environment and identity of the Borough’s locally distinctive towns, villages and neighbourhoods
• to protect the special and distinctive qualities of all landscapes and pay special attention to impacts on Charnwood Forest and to support the National Forest.
12.12 In addition, under the Green Infrastructure section, the document stresses the importance of safeguarding and enhancing green space, with specific reference to Charnwood Forest Regional Park, the strategic rivers (Soar and Wreake), Rothley Brook Corridor and the Green Wedges. It also highlights that proposed housing developments offer the opportunity for better linkages to networks of sites.
12.13 As highlighted in section 3, the geographic area of Charnwood Borough is included within the 3 Cities Sub Region Green Infrastructure Study. Currently being developed by a project board, this will consider the overall network of open spaces as well as linkages for both wildlife and human movement. This open space, sport and recreation study will provide an important evidence base to inform this work. This evidence base highlights the importance of green corridors and identifies Loughborough as a particular priority. The continued maintenance, improvement and enhancement of green corridors will be key to the achievement of this objective.
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12.14 Within the Borough of Charnwood the National Forest (including the Charnwood Forest), River Soar Strategic River Corridor and the River Wreake Strategic River corridor are identified as sub-regional corridors. The area around Loughborough (not Shepshed) is identified as an urban fringe enhancement zone as is the area around the Leicester Principal Urban Area (including Anstey, Birstall and Thurmaston).
12.15 In addition to the sub regional corridors, City Scale Green Infrastructure corridors are proposed to link up settlements, strategic GI assets and sub regional corridors. Three of these corridors are situated within Charnwood, specifically:
• Charnwood Forest
• River Soar Floodplain Mountsorrel to Loughborough
• Northwest Leicester Urban Fringe.
12.16 The strategy also identifies 22 opportunities for greenway routes, based largely on the existing public rights of way network. 7 of these cross Charnwood Borough.
12.17 Leicestershire County Council, as the managing authority for Public Rights of Way, has produced a Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PROWIP).
12.18 Consultation undertaken as part of the strategy development reinforced the role that green corridors play in every day life, concluding that:
• most walking journeys begin from the doorstep
• 90% of the Leicestershire public see access to the countryside as important
• most people in the county go walking or riding in the countryside at least once a month
• 94% of the Leicestershire public live in or close to predominantly urban areas
• 46% of the network is within these areas, amounting to 1400 kilometres (870 miles) of routes near to doorsteps
• the main motivation for walkers and riders is because it is fun and healthy
• over the last 25 years the amount of miles travelled on foot and bicycle fell by more than 25%
• physical activity, walking in particular, could make the single most effective contribution to the health of the nation.
Consultation feedback
12.19 Research and consultation undertaken for this study highlights the following information in relation to green corridors:
• green corridors are a popular type of open space in the Borough; 73% of respondents to the household survey indicated that they use green corridors, with 33% doing so once a week or more often
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• workshop sessions with key stakeholders highlighted the important role of the River Soar in providing good quality provision and access to a range of activities. However, some stakeholders suggested the need for green corridors to be better planned and ‘multi-functional’
• at the Parish Council workshop it was suggested that links need to be more flexible and included within facility plans. While it was also suggested that cycle ways were good where they exist, they were perceived to be insufficient and there is a need to raise awareness of opportunities that do exist. Green linkages between villages (footpaths and cycleways) were considered to be of particular importance.
Current position
Quantity
12.20 The Leicestershire Public Rights of Way Network is made up of:
• footpaths
• bridleways
• byways and restricted byways and is over 3000km in length.
12.21 Footpaths make up 80% of this network. Across the county, path density per square kilometre is relatively uniform, although there are some gaps in the network, in particular in Charnwood Forest.
12.22 This open space, sport and recreation study has audited 83 green corridors distributed across the Borough. In addition, National Cycle Route 6 passes through the Borough, linking Shepshed and Loughborough. In total, the green corridors are 76km in length.
Setting quantity standards
12.23 The Annex A of PPG17 – Open Space Typology states:
“the need for Green Corridors arises from the need to promote environmentally sustainable forms of transport such as walking and cycling within urban areas. This means that there is no sensible way of stating a provision standard, just as there is no way of having a standard for the proportion of land in an area which it will be desirable to allocate for roads”.
12.24 It is therefore recommended that no provision standard should be set. PPG17 goes on to state that:
“Instead, planning policies should promote the use of green corridors to link housing areas to the Sustrans national cycle network, town and city centres, places of employment and community facilities such as schools, shops, community centres and sports facilities. In this sense green corridors are demand-led. However, planning authorities should also take opportunities to use established linear routes, such as disused railway lines, roads or canal and river banks, as green corridors, and supplement them by proposals to ‘plug in’ access to them from as wide an area as possible”.
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Quality
12.25 Quality is central to the use and value both as a recreational resource and also as a means of enhancing wildlife.
12.26 Consultation undertaken as part of the PROWIP indicates that the key issues relating to the quality of sites are crossing points, physical obstructions and missing finger posts. With regards to complaints relating to the network over the past ten years, these relate to:
• signage (13%)
• styles (12%)
• crops (11%)
• routes not indicated on the ground (8%)
• vegetation (8%)
• gates (6%)
• way marking (5%).
12.27 Site visits undertaken as part of this open space, sport and recreation assessment concluded that the quality of green corridors is particularly varied. Overall site scores achieved ranged from 20% to 100%. Comments made as part of the site visits indicated that the key areas for improvement were pathways and bins as well as improved maintenance with several sites being described as overgrown.
12.28 Many corridors were perceived to be particularly useful for sustainable movement.
12.29 Surfacing is also frequently raised as an issue during consultations. Other issues raised relating to the quality of provision during consultation for this study were:
• 41% of respondents to the household survey feel that the quality of green corridors is average whilst 33% rate the quality as good and just 7% poor
• results from respondents living within the larger settlements and service centres mirror the overall results. However, a higher proportion of respondents in the smaller settlements (62%) state that the quality of green corridors is good. This suggests that residents in these areas have access to higher quality green corridors than in other areas of the Borough
• results of other surveys conducted for this study indicate that the majority of residents consider the quality of green corridors to be average/good, with:
- 37% of respondents to the officers survey rating the quality of green corridors as average, whilst 23% consider them good and 17% consider them to be poor
- 38% of respondents to the on-line survey rating the quality of green corridors as average, whilst 6% rate them as good and 31% consider them to be poor
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- 23% of primary school aged children and 23% of secondary school children surveyed indicate that they perceive green corridors in Charnwood to be ‘clean, safe and nice to use’, whilst 39% and 23% respectively, suggested that they are ‘sometimes unclean and could be made better’.
Setting quality standards
12.30 A quality vision, based on the aspirations of the local community of Charnwood has therefore been set. Full justifications for the recommended local standards are provided within Appendix E.
Quality Standard (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Green corridors Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Clean and litter free Effective main entrance Clearly defined footpaths Litter and Dog bins Natural features Appropriate planting Lighting
Applying Quality Standards
12.31 The overall quality rating for each site is based on the total quality score achieved and the essential and desirable criteria listed in the quality standard. The methodology for calculating the overall score is summarised in Table 12.1 overleaf.
Table 12.1 – Measuring sites against the recommended quality standard Overall Quality Overall Quality Rating Minimum Score Average All essential criteria 3 or above 80% or above Excellent All desirable criteria 3 or above
All essential criteria 3 or above 70 – 79% Very Good
All essential criteria 3 or above 60 – 69% Good
Average 50 – 59% Poor Below 50%.
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12.32 Table 12.2 summarises the application of the quality standard based on the quality criteria set out in Table 12.1. Given that green corridors usually run across settlements, quality has only been considered at a Boroughwide level.
Table 12.2 – Application of Quality Standard Settlement Settlement hierarchy % of sites excellent % of sites very good % of sites good % of sites average % of sites poor
Overall 8 37 22 14 20 Nb. Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding
12.33 As can be seen above, the quality of green corridors is good, with over half of all sites rated as good or better. 20% of corridors were however still considered to be poor.
Accessibility
12.34 There is no requirement to set catchments for green corridors given the nature of this type of facility. Given that no standards have been set for quantity and accessibility, it is not possible to apply these standards.
Priorities for Future Delivery
12.35 The aim is to provide an integrated network of high quality green corridors which link spaces together and provide opportunities for informal recreation and alternative means of transport. Corridors also enable the migration of species across the Borough.
12.36 The PROWIP highlights those areas where residents are more than 250m from a public right of way. This is particularly important as the plan identifies that the majority of residents expect access to start at the door. The key gaps identified in Charnwood are:
• Mountsorrel • Birstall. 12.37 The natural assets of Charnwood Borough provide strong opportunities for the creation of multi functional green corridors. As well as ensuring that sites are protected through the LDF, a proactive approach to addressing gaps in the network will also be required. The sub regional green infrastructure study indicates that access routes around Loughborough are particularly important in light of the volume of people who wish to visit the countryside in this area.
GC1 Proactively, and with partners, seek to address gaps in the existing network, in particular: • Birstall
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• Mountsorrel • Links into the main settlements from outlying towns • South Loughborough, and East and West edges of the town. Creation of new corridors should look to capitalise upon the natural assets of the Borough. The River Soar for example provides a good opportunity.
12.38 In addition to delivering an overall joined up network, improvements to the quality of existing corridors will be essential if current usage is to be maintained and increased. This may include improved signage, enhanced general maintenance and enhanced footpaths. Gateways and styles were also identified as key issues as part of the PROWIP.
12.39 The PROWIP indicates that in order to maximise the number of residents who benefit from improvements, qualitative enhancements should first be targeted at areas within 1km of an urban settlement. The Strategic Green Infrastructure Study indicates that Natural England has defined six target areas within which applications for public funding under the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme are encouraged. The Soar and Charnwood are one of these six areas that were considered to have particular potential to benefit from investment, in particular in light of the biodiversity features and the potential for recreational access and education through the linear paths (ie green corridors).
GC2 Drive a programme of qualitative improvements across the Borough including enhanced maintenance of footpaths and increased signage.
12.40 As highlighted in previous sections, improving health and physical activity is a key priority for the Council. Charnwood 2026 – Planning for our next generation, states that the appropriate provision of green corridors and promotion of the opportunities available will have a positive influence on the drive to reduce health inequalities. Enhancing access to green corridors will therefore emphasise the role that outdoor recreation can play in delivering a number of health, economic and sustainable health objectives. Parish Councils raised the importance of promoting the green corridors that are available and increasing awareness of these routes.
GC3 Promote the opportunities available to increase usage of green corridors. As well as increasing awareness, partnership working with the PCT and other key organisations to deliver organised opportunities should be considered. 12.41 The creation of green corridors should not be considered only from a recreational perspective. As referenced earlier in this section, corridors provide an important habitat for wildlife, as well as facilitating migration across the Borough.
GC4 Ensure that maintenance regimes at green corridors are sympathetic to the wider role of these sites in terms of biodiversity and habitat creation.
Summary
12.42 Green corridors provide opportunities close to peoples’ homes for informal recreation, particularly walking and cycling, as part of every day activities, for example, travel to work or shops. Therefore the development of a linked green corridor network will help to improve the health and well being of the local
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community. In this way, green corridors can be integral to the achievement of targets for increased active recreation.
12.43 There are already a large number of footpaths and green corridor networks within Charnwood and consultation indicates that they are well used. Future opportunities and developments should seek to enhance the pathways along rivers corridors and to identify and address gaps in the existing network. The Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan identifies particular gaps in Mountsorrel and Birstall.
12.44 Future improvement needs to encompass linkages between large areas of open space, create opportunities to develop the green corridor network and utilise potential development sites. Development should consider both the needs of wildlife and humans. Signage, maintenance and improvements to the quality of footpaths were identified as key priorities.
12.45 A network of multi-functional greenspace will contribute to the high quality natural and built environment required for existing and new sustainable communities in the future. An integrated network of high quality green corridors will link open spaces, helping to alleviate other open space deficiencies and provide opportunities for alternative means of transport.
12.46 The key priorities for the future delivery of green corridors should therefore include:
• facilitating the protection and development of the network through the inclusion of appropriate policies in the LDF. This should include policies which support the creation of green corridors in areas of new housing development
• working in tandem with key partners to help maximise the use of green corridors and Public Rights of Way and to deliver the Countryside Access Strategy
• driving a programme of qualitative improvements (focusing firstly on routes within 1km of urban areas) including enhanced maintenance of footpaths and increased signage as well as appropriate gateways
• promoting the opportunities available to increase usage of green corridors.
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13. Civic spaces, village greens and historic spaces
Definition
13.1 Civic spaces include civic and market squares and other hard surfaced community areas designed for pedestrians. The primary purpose of civic spaces is the provision of a setting for civic buildings and together with village greens also offer space for public demonstrations and community events etc and can often define the character of the local environment.
13.2 PPG 17 states that “the purpose of civic spaces, mainly in town and Borough centres, is to provide a setting for civic buildings, opportunities for open air markets, demonstrations and civic events. They are normally provided on an opportunistic and urban design led basis. Accordingly it is for planning authorities to promote urban design frameworks for their town and Borough centre areas”.
13.3 Historic spaces are sites that are considered important in the preservation of the local history or have a particular historic value.
Strategic context and consultation
13.4 The results of the household survey show that civic spaces, village greens and historic sites are well used by local residents, with:
• 59% of respondents indicating that they use a civic space/village green at least once a month and 50% indicating that they use historic spaces at least once a month with the proportion being even higher amongst residents from service centres and smaller settlements:
- service centres: 71% use civic spaces and village greens and 60% use historic spaces
- smaller settlements: 92% use civic spaces and village greens and 80% use historic spaces
• civic spaces are also an important resource for visitors and workers within the Borough – 66% of respondents to the officers survey said that they use civic spaces/village greens at least once a month.
13.5 East Midlands in Bloom is a well established competition which encourages pride of place. In 2009, the entries were Loughborough Town (Charnwood Borough Council), Syston Town Council and Thrussington.
13.6 Local documents including the Council’s Corporate Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy stress the importance of ‘place and environment’ and the need to ‘protect the historic environment and the identity of the Borough’s locally distinctive towns, villages and neighbourhoods’.
13.7 In addition, the Local Plan - Policy EV 9 sets out that planning permission will not be granted for developments which would have an adverse effect on the character or setting of parks and gardens of historic landscape effect or character. This may also involve village greens.
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Current provision
13.8 12 civic spaces/village greens have been identified via the audit as well as one historic space. These include a range of facilities, including Market Place in Loughborough, the Green in Anstey, Industry Square in Barrow upon Soar, the High Street in Quorn and the Green, Buttermarket in Mountsorrel and Castle Hill Park.
13.9 Consultation highlights the following key issues with regards the quality, quantity and access to civic spaces/village greens and historic spaces:
• 48% of respondents to the household survey consider the current provision of civic spaces/village greens to be sufficient, 34% deem it insufficient (18% ‘nearly enough’, 16% ‘not enough’)
• residents in service centres (54%) and smaller settlements (58) are more satisfied with the current levels of civic space/village green provision
• 37% of respondents deem the current provision of historic spaces to be sufficient, 32% deem it insufficient (13% ‘nearly enough’ and 19% ‘not enough’). Although it should be noted that a higher proportion of respondents in the smaller settlements think there should be more historic spaces
• the majority of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of civic spaces and village greens to be average (43%). 23% of residents state that the quality of this typology is good and 8% deem it poor
- responses from respondents living within the larger settlements and service centres are consistent with the overall findings although a slightly higher proportion of respondents (10%) living within the larger settlements rate this typology as poor. Responses from residents within the smaller settlements were more positive, with a higher proportion (46%) deeming the quality of civic spaces and village greens to be good and 29% average
• workshop sessions with key stakeholders highlighted the importance of civic spaces/village greens to local communities – for example ‘Britain in Bloom’ competitions not only encourage improved quality but also help foster community cohesion
• the majority of respondents to the household survey consider the quality of historic spaces to be average (35%). 18% of residents state that the quality of this typology is good and 9% deem it poor
- responses from respondents living within the larger settlements and service centres are consistent with the overall findings. Responses from residents within the smaller settlements were again more positive, with a higher proportion (43%) deeming the quality of historic spaces to be good and 29% average
• most people expect to walk to civic spaces/village greens, whilst most people expect to drive to a historic space.
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13.10 The quality of exiting civic spaces/village greens and historic spaces was assessed through site visits undertaken by Charnwood Borough Council in 2009 – a summary of the key findings from these visits are set out below:
• the average quality score for civic spaces/village greens was 55%
• quality scores for civic spaces and village greens ranges between 50% and 61%
• site visit scorings indicate that lower scores (ie lower quality) were generally found for aspects such as litter/and dog bins at civic spaces/village greens, whilst higher scores were achieved for aspects such as security/safety, seating, roads/paths and access.
13.11 Map 13.1 overleaf identifies the location of the existing civic spaces, village greens and historic spaces in Charnwood.
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Map 13.1 – Civic Spaces, village greens and historic spaces in Charnwood
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Setting a quantity standard
13.12 PPG17 suggests that it is not realistic to set a quantity standard for civic spaces, village greens and historic spaces in light of the specialist nature of this type of open space.
13.13 Therefore no provision standard has been set. However, PPG17 adds that it is desirable for planning authorities to promote urban design frameworks for their town and Borough centres. The design and planning of new neighbourhoods in Charnwood should take into account the demand for new civic spaces and village greens from local residents and ensure that such spaces are incorporated within master plans.
Quality standard
13.14 Full details of the consultation and justifications for the recommended local standard are provided within Appendix E. The recommended local standard, derived directly from consultation across Charnwood has been summarised below.
Quality Standard – Civic spaces and village greens (see Appendix E)
Recommended standard – Civic spaces and village greens Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents. These key issues should be incorporated into an overall quality vision. Essential Desirable Clean/litter free Parking facilities Well kept grass Appropriately maintained footpaths Seating Appropriate planting Litter and dog bins Security and Safety
Recommended standard – Historic spaces Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents. These key issues should be incorporated into an overall quality vision. Essential Desirable Clean/litter free Events Well kept grass Nature and water features Parking facilities Appropriate planting Toilets Seating Litter bins Signage
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Setting an Accessibility standard
13.15 PPG17 states that there is no realistic requirement to set catchments for such a typology as the provision of civic spaces/village greens and historic spaces will not be appropriate in every environment and cannot be easily influenced through planning policy and implementation.
13.16 Appropriate access to sites is however paramount in maximising usage.
Applying provision standards
13.17 Given that it is not appropriate to set any local quantity or accessibility standards, it is also not appropriate to state areas of deficiency or need based on standards.
13.18 The distribution of village greens has however been analysed in section 6, as part of the identification of areas that are deficient in amenity spaces.
13.19 As suggested by PPG17, planning policy should aim to facilitate the delivery of civic spaces where appropriate and to provide guidelines as to the appropriate design for such facilities.
Summary
13.20 There are 12 civic spaces and village greens across the Borough. Throughout the consultation, the aesthetic importance of these spaces is highlighted and they are perceived to be regularly used by both visitors and residents. Civic spaces function as a key meeting place and provide a release from the stress of work. The improvement of civic spaces in Charnwood has been a key component of the recent regeneration of the Borough.
13.21 The nature of this typology means that sites are very specific to their locality. The design and planning of new neighbourhoods in Charnwood should take into account demand for new civic spaces and village greens from local residents and ensure that such spaces are incorporated within master plans.
13.22 A quality standard has been set as a benchmark for new areas of civic space and for village greens and the maintenance of existing areas across the Borough.
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14. Indoor sports facilities
Introduction
14.1 PPG17 states that it is essential to consider the role that indoor sports facilities play in meeting the needs of local residents.
14.2 The methodology for the assessment of indoor facilities is slightly different to other PPG 17 typologies in that specific demand modelling can be undertaken in line with Sport England parameters and using Sport England tools. As such, Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) and Active Places Power tools have been used to assess local demand, together with feedback from local consultation, to ensure that the findings have been based on understanding local needs and expectations and ensuring that facilities are sufficient to meet that need.
14.3 It should be noted that, given the wider catchments that indoor sports facilities serve, it was not deemed appropriate to assess facilities on a settlement by settlement basis.
14.4 Facilities included within this category for Charnwood are:
• sports halls
• swimming pools
• health and fitness
• indoor bowls.
14.5 There are many opportunities for the improvement of facilities across Charnwood, particularly capitalising upon the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme if Leicestershire County Council are successful in their bid. In addition, other sources of funding (such as National Governing Bodies) may offer further avenues for improvement, although it is recognised that funding opportunities for the majority of sports are currently limited.
14.6 The provision of indoor sports facilities that meet local and national standards will be key to the delivery of local, regional and national objectives – including those set out within Sport England and the County Sport Partnerships strategic documents which have been reviewed in section eight of this report.
Consultation
14.7 General findings from the research and consultation undertaken for this study relevant to indoor sports facilities are summarised below:
• household survey results show that:
- 22% of residents use sports halls (7% at least once a week)
- 63% of residents use swimming pools (22% at least once a week)
- 25% of residents use health and fitness facilities (14% at least once a week)
- 6% of residents use indoor bowls facilities (1.5% at least once a week)
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• the majority of respondents to the household survey consider the provision of all types of indoor sports facilities to be sufficient, with only a relatively small proportion stating that there are not enough facilities at present:
- only 20% of residents consider there to be ‘not enough’ sports halls - only 24% of residents consider there to be ‘not enough’ swimming pools - only 15% of residents consider there to be ‘not enough’ indoor bowls facilities - only 20% of residents consider there to be ‘not enough’ health and fitness facilities
• a relatively large proportion of household survey respondents did not have an opinion on the quality of indoor sports facilities, however of those that did, the majority consider provision to be average/good, with:
- swimming pools: 35% rate pools as good, 32% rate them average and 8% rate them poor - sports halls: 24% rate them sports halls as good, 26% rate them as average, and 5% rate them poor - health and fitness suites: 24% rate health and fitness facilities as good, 24% rate them average and 5% rate them poor - indoor bowls: 10% rate indoor bowls facilities as good, 11% rate them as average and 6% rate them poor
• findings across the three settlement hierarchies were generally consistent with the overall results although it should be noted that a higher proportion of respondents in the smaller settlements consider swimming pools (48%) to be good quality
• workshop sessions with key stakeholders highlighted that indoor sports provision in the Borough is generally of a good standard - in particular the world class facilities provided at Loughborough University were referenced and also the high quality provision at the Council owned sites. However, the quality of provision on some school sites is deemed to be in need of improvement
• the majority of sports clubs consider the quality of provision to be good (48%) or average (39%). However it should be noted that quality was perceived to be the biggest issue with sports facilities in Charnwood, with 48% of sports clubs selecting quality compared to 19% who selected quantity and 19% who selected access. The sports club’s biggest priorities were in relation to:
- keeping prices low (55%) - cleanliness and maintenance (36%) - high specification facilities (32%)
• 55% of children surveyed said that they consider the indoor sports facilities in Charnwood to be ‘clean, safe and nice to use’, whilst 19% said that facilities are ‘sometimes unclean and could be made better’
• 30% of young people surveyed said that they perceive indoor sports facilities to be ‘clean, safe and nice to use’, whilst 22% deem them average – ‘in need of some improvements’. 11% consider indoor sports facilities to be poor.
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14.8 According to the Active People 2 survey (outlined in more detail in Section 8) 77% of residents in Charnwood are satisfied with the quality of sports facilities. This had increased marginally from the first Active People Survey.
Current position
14.9 A broad review of indoor sport and recreation facilities has been undertaken to guide future planning within Charnwood. This review was based on the Active Places database, the FPM and relevant information included within the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Framework.
14.10 This review considers the facilities owned by Charnwood Borough Council and also takes into account facilities owned by other providers, including schools, the University and commercial providers.
14.11 Provision of sports halls, swimming pools, health and fitness facilities and indoor bowls has been considered in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility. For clarity, the provision of each type of facility is considered individually.
Quality
14.12 The PPG17 Companion Guide reinforces that design and management are factors integral to the successful delivery of a network of high quality sport and recreation, stating that:
“Quality depends on two things: the needs and expectations of users, on the one hand, and design, management and maintenance on the other.”
14.13 Quality standards are therefore subdivided into two components, specifically:
• management and maintenance
• design specification.
14.14 The key objectives underpinning this are:
• to ensure high standards of management and customer service are attained, which meet or exceed customer expectation and lead to a quality leisure experience for all users of facilities
• to provide clear guidance relating to facility specifications, ensuring suitability of design for the targeted range of sports and standards of play as well as individual requirements for specialist sports and uses.
Management of indoor facilities
14.15 Quest is a tool for continuous improvement, designed primarily for the management of leisure facilities and leisure development. Quest defines industry standards and good practice and encourages their ongoing development and delivery within a customer focused management framework.
14.16 The Quest accreditation is therefore synonymous with high quality and good practice and achievement of this at facilities across Charnwood should be targeted.
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All leisure providers to follow industry best practice principles in relation to a) Facilities Operation, b) Customer Relations, c) Staffing and d) Service Development and Review. The detail of the internal systems, policies and practices underpinning implementation of these principles will correlate directly to the scale of facility, varying according to the position of the facility within the levels of the established hierarchy. 14.17 At present there are two facilities within the Borough which have achieved Quest accreditation Loughborough Leisure Centre (with a score of 82%) and Soar Valley Leisure Centre (with a score of 85%).
14.18 As well as reflecting Quest practice, the management of indoor sports facilities should reflect the views and aspirations of the local community. Residents considered the following key issues to be of particular importance in the provision of a high quality indoor facility:
• cleanliness of changing rooms (65%)
• cost of facilities (60%)
• maintenance of facilities (46%).
14.19 The recommended local quality standard for indoor sports facilities is summarised below. Full justifications and consultation relating to the quality of provision for the local standard is provided within Appendix N.
14.20 The aspirations are derived directly from the findings of local consultations.
Quality standard – Indoor sports facilities (see Appendix N)
Recommended standard – Indoor Sports Facilities Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents. These key issues should be incorporated into an overall quality vision. Essential Desirable Changing room cleanliness Ease and security of parking Affordable facility charges Welcoming staff Well maintained facilities Accessible Wide-range of activities Ease of booking
14.21 Improvements to the quality of existing facilities were highlighted as being of greater importance than increases in the overall quantity of provision.
Design specifications 14.22 In line with PPG17 recommendations, in addition to establishing a quality vision for sports facilities based on local community needs, facilities should meet with appropriate technical specifications.
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Quality standard (design and technical)
QS1 All new build and refurbishment schemes to be designed in accordance with Sport England Guidance Notes, which provide detailed technical advice and standards for the design and development of sports facilities.
14.23 A full list of Sport England Design Guidance Notes can be found on the Sport England website and are available to download free. A summary of key criteria for the quality of sports facilities is provided in Appendix K.
14.24 The space requirement for most sports depends on the standard of play – generally the higher the standard, the larger the area required. Although the playing area is usually of the same dimensions, there is a need to build in provision for increased safety margins, increased clearance height, spectator seating, etc. Similarly, design specification varies according to level of competition with respect to flooring type and lighting lux levels, for example.
14.25 Sport England Design Guidance Notes are based on eight standards of play. Consideration should be given to the desired specification of the facility in question at the outset.
Supply and demand analysis – developing standards
14.26 In order to evaluate the adequacy of existing facilities, supply is compared to an estimated demand. The foundations of all demand assessments are analysis of the demographic nature of the resident population within the local authority. Consideration is also given to the impact of facilities in surrounding local authorities.
14.27 The findings of supply and demand models should inform the development of provision standards. Quantity standards should only be applied through the planning process where new facilities are required, and where part of the need for new provision is generated by the impact of the new development. The application of provision standards will be critical however in the event of significant population growth.
14.28 Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) is a key tool for measuring the supply and demand for sports halls and swimming pools. The national run conducted in 2008 and 2009 was based on over 65,000 records collected as part of the National Benchmarking Service as well as specific surveys carried out across the country with the purpose of updating the FPM. The parameters used in the FPM are therefore directly representative of usage. This means that the use of the FPM for analysis of the provision of sports halls and swimming pools provides a robust understanding of supply and demand in an area and consequently of the adequacy of supply to meet demand.
14.29 The FPM considers the quantity and type of provision, as well as the appropriateness of the facility to meet the needs of residents in its catchment area. The current position of indoor sports provision is discussed by typology over the following pages.
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Sport halls
Context
14.30 Within Charnwood there are currently 16 sports facilities that contain sports halls, which comprise 23 sports halls and total 99 badminton courts across the Borough. Of these, three facilities have halls larger than four badminton courts; at Loughborough University (20 courts in total including a 12 court hall plus two 4 court halls), Burleigh Community College (8 courts) and Loughbrough Leisure Centre (8 courts). Table 14.1 overleaf outlines detailed information on each of these sites.
14.31 According to the Sport England Facility Planning Model, Charnwood has a total supply of 95 badminton courts, which equates to 81 courts (when taking into account the hours that the facility is available). In terms of provision per 10,000 population, this equates to 5.6 courts per 10,000 population which is above both the regional average (3.7 courts) and national average (3.8 courts). This excludes Humphrey Perkins High School sports hall which was built in 2008 and was therefore not included in the Facility Planning Model. NB. The FPM only considers sports halls that are 3 badminton courts in size or larger.
14.32 The provision of sports halls in Charnwood is summarised in Table 14.1 overleaf.
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Table 14.1 – Provision of sports halls in Charnwood
Site name Access Policy Year Built Number of Condition BURLEIGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1952 4 Good BURLEIGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1999 4 Poor HIND LEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Pay and Play 1976 4 Poor HOTON VILLAGE HALL Pay and Play 1908 1 - HUMPHREY PERKINS COMMUNITY CENTRE Pay and Play 1957 1 Poor HUMPHREY PERKINS COMMUNITY CENTRE Pay and Play 1957 1 Poor HUMPHREY PERKINS SCHOOL SPORTS HALL Sports Club / Community Association 2008 4 LIMEHURST HIGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association 2000 4 Good LONGSLADE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1977 4 Poor LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE Pay and Play 2006 4 Good LOUGHBOROUGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association 1978 4 Neither LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 1975 8 Very good LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY Pay and Play 1996/2003 20 - RATCLIFFE COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1975 4 Neither RAWLINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1987 4 Neither RAWLINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 1 Poor ROUNDHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS Sports Club / Community Association 4 Poor SHEPSHED HIGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association 1975 4 Good SOAR VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 2004 4 Very good WELBECK DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 2005 4 WREAKE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS Sports Club / Community Association 1972 4 Poor WREAKE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS Sports Club / Community Association 1972 4 Poor
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Quality of existing provision
14.33 The quality of facilities is particularly important to local residents. The age of facilities, along with the quality of the sites may influence how likely residents are to uses facilities.
14.34 Site visits to sports halls within the Borough were undertaken recently as part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework study; the assessments made are shown on table 14.1 above highlighting that:
• the two Council-owned facilities are deemed to be very good quality
• although not assessed for the Strategic Framework study, the University facilities provide good standards of provision
• there are also a number of facilities on school sites that are deemed to be good quality, namely Burleigh Community College, Limehurst High School, Shepshed High School and Loughborough College
• seven of the sports halls on community college sites were deemed poor quality.
14.35 In particular, the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework study highlights the need to improve school sports facilities across the County and the need to ensure that the Building Schools for the Future process seeks to replace or refurbish sports halls and ancillary facilities in need of investment.
Quantity of provision
14.36 The key findings from the FPM data run (which excludes Humphrey Perkins High School) are that:
• sports hall provision in Charnwood currently equates to 5.6 courts per 10,000 population which is above both the regional average (3.7 courts) and national average (3.8 courts)
• the current population in Charnwood is likely to generate demand equivalent to circa 8,029 visits per week in the peak period (VPWPP) by 2019 this is projected to increase to 8,968 – this level of demand is equivalent to 50 badminton courts, rising to 55 courts by 2019
• existing sports hall provision within the Borough provides supply equivalent to circa 16,345 VPWPP (Council owned facilities are estimated to supply circa 2,400 VPWPP)
• 96% of demand is currently being met by existing provision, which is higher than the regional average of 91% and national average of 90%
• most unmet demand in the Borough is due to residents who live outside the recommended catchment of a sports hall
• sports halls are currently operating at approximately 54% used capacity, which is lower than the regional average (68%) and the national average of (66%) and well below the ‘comfort’ level which is 80% for sports halls – suggesting that there is some space capacity. However, the model estimates that Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Limehurst High School, Shepshed High School and Loughborough Leisure Centre are all operating close to or above capacity
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• not all demand for sports halls from Charnwood residents will be met by Charnwood’s sports halls as some residents may be located closer to halls in neighbouring Boroughs and vice versa. However, on balance, it is estimated that Charnwood is a net importer – importing 19% of demand from outside the Borough.
14.37 The above findings suggest that on a quantitative basis, the current supply of sports halls is adequate and that in terms of meeting the needs of Charnwood Borough residents there is an over supply equal to 8,316 VPWPP and there may also be some overlapping catchments. Furthermore, Humphrey Perkins High School provides additional courts which are not included in the above modelling calculations.
14.38 As detailed above; consultation undertaken for this study indicated that most residents consider current sports hall provision to be adequate, with:
• over one third of household survey respondents (35%) considering the quantity of sports halls in Charnwood to be ‘about right/more than enough’. 14% considering there to be ‘nearly enough’ and 20% considering there to be ‘not enough’ sports halls in the Borough
• the responses from residents in the larger settlements and service centres mirror the overall results, whilst a higher proportion (33%) of respondents from the smaller settlements consider the quantity of sports hall provision to be ‘more than enough/about right’.
Access to facilities
14.39 Access to facilities is perhaps the most important determinant of the adequacy of provision of facilities. The findings of the household survey and other consultations show that:
• of those residents that use indoor sports facilities more frequently than any other open space/sports facility, 77% travel by car and 89% travel for 15 minutes or under
• 54% of residents expect to travel to a sports hall by car – average journey time is 15 minutes and the mode is 10 minutes
• results in the larger settlements and service centres mirror the overall results, however, within the smaller settlements respondents expect to travel for longer, with the mean travel time being 15 minutes and mode being 15 minutes.
14.40 Map 14.1 overleaf illustrates the distribution of existing sports halls and demonstrates the catchments, based on a 10 minute drive time.
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Map 14.1 – Sports Hall Provision in Charnwood & drive time catchments
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14.41 It can be seen that when considering access by car, all residents are within a drivetime of at least one facility; access to facilities on foot is however more limited. In order to assess the degree to which demand is met by the supply of facilities, the FPM takes into account the location of existing sports halls and the likely means of transport that people will use to reach the site. It also takes into account the profile of the population and the type of facilities that are provided to serve the population.
14.42 The FPM data indicates that in terms of access to sports halls, 87% of demand is satisfied for those who travel by car compared to just 13% who travel on foot – which is slightly below the regional average (14%) and national average (16%).
14.43 However, given the rural nature of many parts of the Borough, it is unrealistic to expect that all residents could access a sports hall on foot, local consultation highlighted that most residents expect to drive to use an indoor sports facility and also in addition to the larger sports halls, there are a range of smaller community halls which act as local facilities and can host a range of activities including dance, yoga, martial arts and aerobics etc; providing a particularly valuable resource in the more rural settlements.
Summary – sports halls 14.44 Analysis of the quantity, quality and accessibility of sports halls indicates that overall there is sufficient quantity to meet demand and that 96% of demand is currently being met which is above national and regional average levels. Plus sports hall provision in Charnwood per 10,000 population is also above regional and national average levels.
14.45 Facilities are well distributed across the Borough and there are no areas of high unmet demand.
14.46 Given the high levels of existing provision, future focus should be on:
• developing future investment strategies for core facilities to ensure that sports halls and changing facilities are adequately maintained and refurbished
• improving and maintaining the quality of sports halls - particularly the school/college facilities that were rated poorly, namely Rawlins Community College, Humphrey Perkins High School, Hind Leys Community College, Wreake Valley Community College and Burleigh Community College
• giving consideration to the maximisation of resources on school sites and access by the community as participation increases, with programmes such as Building Schools for the Future and the extended schools programme offer significant opportunities (the Leicestershire and Sports Facilities Strategic Framework study advocates a minimum of 20 to 30 hours per week community use)
• ensuring that the programming of all sports facilities is complementary and works to achieve the maximum benefit for the local community
• ensuring that the cost of accessing facilities is appropriate for different client groups
• the providers of indoor sports facilities striving to achieve the quality vision and where possible, larger sites should work towards Quest accreditation, the national benchmark for quality ( as highlighted, this has already been achieved by Loughborough Leisure Centre and Soar Valley Leisure Centre ).
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14.47 The impact of new housing developments should be assessed using the Sport England Facility Calculator which provides estimates of the impact of the additional population in terms of demand for facilities. Swimming pools
Context
14.48 There are currently 15 swimming pools within Charnwood (on 14 sites), equating to a total of 4,169m² of water space (3,129 m² when taking into account the hours that the facility is available). Details of the main swimming pools in the Borough are outlined in Table 14.2 overleaf. Of this provision, almost 1000m 2 is owned / managed by Charnwood Borough Council.
14.49 Table 14.2 shows that there is a wide range of swimming provision across the Borough, including:
• 10 pools which are 25m in length
• 1 pool which is 50m in length (at Loughborough University)
• 4 pools which are less than 25m in length.
14.50 There are three pool facilities owned by the Council – the remaining facilities are predominantly based on school sites across the Borough.
14.51 Table 14.2 overleaf summarises the provision of swimming pools in Charnwood.
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Table 14.2 – Provision of swimming pools in Charnwood
Site name Sub Type Access Policy Year Built Lanes Width Length Condition BURLEIGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Main/General Sports Club / Community Association 1952 4 10 25 Poor HIND LEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Main/General Pay and Play 1976 4 9.25 23 Neither HUMPHREY PERKINS COMMUNITY CENTRE Main/General Pay and Play 1957 5 9 25 LA FITNESS (LOUGHBOROUGH) Main/General Registered Membership use 2004 2 12 17 LONGSLADE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Main/General Pay and Play 1977 4 8 25 Neither LOUGHBOROUGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL Main/General Sports Club / Community Association 1955 4 8.5 24 Neither LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE Main/General Pay and Play 1975 6 12.5 25 Very good LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE Main/General Pay and Play 1975 4 8.5 20 Good LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY Main/General Pay and Play 2002 8 20 50 Very good QUALITY LIVING HEALTH CLUB (LOUGHBOROUGH)Learner/Teaching/Training Pay and Play 1993 0 6 8 RATCLIFFE COLLEGE Main/General Sports Club / Community Association 1975 5 10 25 Neither RAWLINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Main/General Pay and Play 1987 4 10 25 Good ROUNDHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS CENTREMain/General Sports Club / Community Association 0 9.1 18.2 Poor SOAR VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE Main/General Pay and Play 2004 4 8.5 25 Very good SOUTH CHARNWOOD SWIMMING POOL Main/General Pay and Play 1987 5 10.5 25 Good WELBECK DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE Main/General Sports Club / Community Association 2005 6 10 25
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Quality of existing provision
14.52 As with sports halls, site visits to swimming pools within the Borough were undertaken recently as part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework study; the assessments made are shown in the previous table highlighting that:
• the Council-owned facilities were deemed to be very good quality (Loughborough Leisure Centre and Soar Valley Leisure Centre) and good quality (South Charnwood Pool). Since site visits were undertaken, the South Charnwood Leisure Centre facility has been refurbished and is now very high quality
• the pool at Loughborough University was also deemed very good and the pool at Rawlins Community College was also deemed to be good quality
• pools at Burleigh and Roundhill Community Colleges were deemed poor quality.
Quantity of provision
14.53 The key findings from the FPM data run are that:
• swimming pool provision in Charnwood currently equates to 24.6m² per 1,000 population which is considerably higher than both the national and regional average of 12.9 m²
• the current population in Charnwood is likely to generate demand equivalent to circa 9,598 visits per week in the peak period (VPWPP) by 2019 this is projected to increase to 10,784 – this level of demand is equivalent to 1,688 m², rising to 1,896 m² by 2019
• existing swimming pool provision within the Borough provides supply equivalent to circa 25,420 VPWPP – suggesting a large oversupply in provision. In fact if Charnwood wished to only meet demand generated by Charnwood residents this could be done so with just the Council owned facilities and University pool, which are estimated to supply circa 13,503 VPWPP which is still significantly higher than estimated demand
• Charnwood has a below average proportion of people (13%) who do not have access to a car, so there will be a higher proportion of people who are mobile and will therefore be able to access a greater choice of pools
• the model estimates that 88% of visits to pools in Charnwood are made by car and 12% on foot (slightly below the amount expected to walk regionally 15%)
• 97% of demand is currently being met by existing provision, which is higher than the regional average which is equates to 89% and also the national average which equates to 91%
• unmet demand equates to just 46m² currently rising to 52 m² in 2019
• nearly all of the unmet demand in the Borough is due to residents who live outside the recommended catchment of a swimming pool and do not have access to a car
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• swimming pools are currently operating at approximately 54% used capacity, which is lower than the regional average (55%) and the national average of (57%) and well below the ‘comfort’ level which is 70% for swimming pools – suggesting that there is some space capacity. The model estimates that Soar Valley Leisure Centre has the highest ‘pool usage’, but there are a number of facilities on school sites which are estimated to have low ‘pool usage’ levels; namely Loughborough Grammar School (16%), Burleigh Community College (21%) and Hind Leys Community College (35%)
• the model estimates that with population increases, by 2019 the older pools will become less attractive and will cater for less demand and the newer pools will become much busier (particularly Soar Valley Leisure Centre and Loughborough University pool); with an overall average usage of 59%
• as with sports halls, the model takes into account the fact that not all demand for pools from Charnwood residents will be met by Charnwood’s pools as some residents may be located closer to pools in neighbouring Boroughs and vice versa. On balance, it is estimated that Charnwood is a net importer – importing 37% of demand from outside the Borough.
14.54 The above findings suggest that on a quantitative basis, the current supply of swimming pools is more than adequate to meet the needs of Charnwood Borough residents – with an over supply equivalent to 15,822 VPWPP currently and14,636 in 2019.
14.55 The Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Framework study also highlights that based on ASA calculations Charnwood has an oversupply of water space equivalent to 1,971m².
14.56 As detailed above, consultation carried out for this study also indicates that most residents consider current levels of swimming pool provision to be adequate:
• 47% of residents said that they consider the current provision of swimming pools to be ‘about right/more than enough’, whilst 12% said that there are ‘nearly enough’ pools. 24% said that there are ‘not enough’ swimming pools
• responses from residents living within the larger settlements and service centres are similar to the overall results, whilst a much smaller proportion (7%) of respondents from the smaller settlements consider there to be ‘not enough’ pools.
Access to facilities
14.57 Findings of the household survey and other consultations show that:
• 59% of residents expect to travel to a swimming pool by car – average journey time is 14 minutes and the mode is 10 minutes
• results in the larger settlements and service centres mirror to the overall results, however, within the smaller settlements respondents expect to travel for longer, with the mean travel time being 17 minutes and mode being 15 minutes.
14.58 Map 14.2 overleaf illustrates the distribution of existing swimming pools and demonstrates the catchments, based on the above assumptions (10 minutes drive time larger settlements and service centres and 15 minutes drive time smaller settlements).
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Map 14.2 Swimming Pool Provision in Charnwood & drive time catchments
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14.59 It can be seen that when considering access by car, nearly all residents are within a drivetime of at least one facility; access to facilities on foot is however more limited. In order to assess the degree to which demand is met by the supply of facilities, the FPM takes into account the location of existing sports halls and the likely means of transport that people will use to reach the site. It also takes into account the profile of the population and the type of facilities that are provided to serve the population.
14.60 The FPM data indicates that in terms of access to swimming pools, 82% of demand is satisfied for those who travel by car compared to just 18% who travel on foot – which is higher than the regional average (15%) and national average (17.7%).
14.61 However, given the rural nature of many parts of the Borough, it is unrealistic to expect that all residents could access a swimming pool on foot, local consultation highlighted that most residents expect to drive to use an indoor sports facility.
Summary – swimming pools 14.62 Analysis of the quantity, quality and accessibility of swimming pools indicates that overall there is sufficient quantity to meet demand and that 97% of demand is currently being met which is above national and regional average levels. In addition, swimming pool provision in Charnwood per 1,000 population is significantly higher than the regional and national average levels.
14.63 Assessments of pools found that the quality of provision at the three Council owned facilities, the University and Rawlins Community College were all good, whilst provision on a number of school sites was considered to be poor.
14.64 Facilities are well distributed across the Borough and there are no areas of high unmet demand.
14.65 As with sports halls, given the high levels of existing provision, future focus should be on:
• developing future investment strategies for core facilities to ensure that swimming facilities and changing facilities are adequately maintained and refurbished
• ensuring that the programming of all swimming pools is complementary and works to achieve the maximum benefit for the local community
• ensuring that the cost of accessing facilities is appropriate for different client groups
• the providers of indoor sports facilities striving to achieve the quality vision and where possible, larger sites should work towards Quest accreditation, the national benchmark for quality.
14.66 The Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework advocates that local authorities work together with the County Council to ‘ make a strategic decision with regards to the future of school swimming pools throughout the County…..in the light of school pools being regarded as ‘supplementary areas’ and not part of the core facilities which the DCFS funds in the BSF programme’ . Based on the findings of the FPM data and qualitative assessments, the results suggest that if the pools on school sites in the Borough were lost during the BSF process, residents would still have access to five good quality facilities, that technically have adequate capacity to meet all demand generated from Charnwood residents.
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14.67 The impact of new housing developments should be assessed using the Sport England Facility Calculator which provides estimates of the impact of the additional population in terms of demand for water space. Indoor bowls
14.68 A purpose built indoor bowls facility is provided within the Borough at Charnwood Indoor Bowls Club. This facility is owned by Charnwood BC and leased to the Bowls Club. The facility:
• was built in 1990 • contains eight rinks • is owned and managed by a sports club • allows access on a pay and play basis.
Supply and demand
14.69 Household survey results showed that almost half of all residents (45%) had no opinion on the quantity of indoor bowls facilities. However, the majority of the remainder felt that provision was sufficient, with 19% indicating that the quantity of indoor bowls provision is ‘about right/more than enough’, 7% deeming current provision to be ‘nearly enough’ whilst 15% state that there is ‘not enough’ provision.
14.70 Active Places Power indicates that the amount of indoor bowls provision in Charnwood is equivalent to 0.05 rinks per 1,000 population, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 rinks but slightly lower than the regional average of 0.06 rinks per 1,000 population.
14.71 Active Places Power data also suggests that, 85% of demand for indoor bowls in Charnwood is met. This compares positively with the England average (58%) and is comparable with the regional average (88%).
14.72 This site was also assessed as part of the Leicestershire and Rutland sports facilities strategic framework study – in which its quality was rated as very good.
Accessibility
14.73 Local consultation undertaken reveals that 59% of respondents would expect to drive to an indoor bowls rink. The mean expected travel time is 19 minutes, whilst the modal (most common) response is 10 minutes. Results in the larger settlements and service centres mirrored the overall results, however, within the smaller settlement areas, respondents expect to travel for longer, with the mean travel time being 19 minutes and mode being 15 minutes.
14.74 Map 14.3 overleaf illustrates that applying a 15 minute drive time accessibility catchment to indoor bowls facilities means that the majority of residents in Charnwood are within this distance threshold, although there are some parts of the Borough where residents lie outside this catchment area, predominantly in the east, south east and south west (within areas such as Thrussington, Anstey, Queniborough, Syston and Barkby).
14.75 However, there is an indoor bowls facility just south of the Borough in Leicester and, given the specialist nature of this facility and the fact that the English Indoor Bowling Association recommends that residents be within a 20 minute drive time of an indoor bowls facility provision is considered to be adequate.
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Map 14.3 – Indoor Bowls in Charnwood & drive time catchments
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Summary – indoor bowls
14.76 The key findings in relation to indoor bowls are that:
• there is one indoor bowls facility in Charnwood
• the quality of the facility is very good
• Active Places Power indicates that Charnwood has an above average level of provision per 1,000 population of indoor bowls rinks compared to England
• only 15% of respondents consider there to be ‘not enough’ indoor bowls facilities in Charnwood
• the majority of residents are within a 15 minute drive time of an indoor bowls facility.
14.77 As such, future focus should be placed upon:
• maintaining the quality of the existing facility
• ensuring that local residents are aware of the indoor bowls facility and programme of activities and that the facilities provided are accessible and affordable.
14.78 Where any additional demand for indoor bowls is identified, this could be met through the provision of short mat and long mat bowls activities within the programming of sports halls or community hall facilities. Health and fitness
Context
14.79 There are currently 12 health and fitness facilities within Charnwood providing a total of 516 stations – these facilities are detailed in Table 14.3 overleaf.
14.80 Table 14.3 overleaf shows that there is a range of facilities across the Borough:
• including both ‘pay and play’ and private membership facilities
• facilities that range in size – with 4 small facilities containing under 30 stations and 8 medium-large facilities including the University facility which has over 150 stations
• most facilities are relatively new; with eight having been built during the last 10 years.
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Table 14.3 – Provision of health and fitness facilities in Charnwood
Site name Access Policy Year Built Number Condition HEALTHROOMS FITNESS CLUB Pay and Play 1995 40 JOHN SKILLEN MARTIAL ARTS & FITNESS CENTRE Pay and Play 2004 18 LA FITNESS (LOUGHBOROUGH) Registered Membership use 2004 60 LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE Pay and Play 2006 50 Very good LOUGHBOROUGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association 1978 10 Neither LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 1975 63 Very good LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY Pay and Play 2001 157 QUALITY LIVING HEALTH CLUB Pay and Play 1993 7 SOAR VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 2004 45 Very good DK'S GYM Registered Membership use 2000 40 WELBECK DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE Sports Club / Community Association 2005 26 Neither SOUTH CHARNWOOD LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 2009 40 Very good
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Quality of existing provision
14.81 Site visits were undertaken to a selection of health and fitness facilities as part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Facilities Strategic Framework study; the findings of the assessments are shown in the table above which highlights that quality of facilities was mainly deemed to be good, with the following facilities deemed very good quality; Loughborough Leisure Centre, Soar Valley Leisure Centre and Loughborough College.
14.82 As highlighted earlier, consultation undertaken for this study showed that most residents consider the quality of health and fitness facilities to be either good (24%) or average (24%) and only a small proportion (5%) consider these facilities to be poor.
Supply and demand
14.83 Household survey results showed that 37% of respondents consider the quantity of health and fitness facilities to be ‘about right/more than enough’. 10% consider there to be ‘nearly enough’ facilities, whilst 20% consider there to be ‘not enough’ health and fitness facilities. Again, the results within the larger settlements and service centres mirror the overall results, whilst a smaller proportion (11%) of respondents from the rural areas consider there to be ‘not enough’ health and fitness facilities.
14.84 Active Places Power indicates that the amount of health and fitness provision in Charnwood is equivalent to circa 3.49 health and fitness stations per 1,000 population in which is lower than the regional average (4.82) and national average (5.35). However, this does not take into consideration the new 40 station facility which has recently been provided at South Charnwood Pool, which increases the provision in Charnwood to circa 3.7stations per 1,000 population.
Accessibility
14.85 Local consultation undertaken reveals that 63% of respondents would expect to drive to a health and fitness facility. An average travel time of 14 minutes is expected by car, with the most common response also being a 10 minute travel time (responses ranged from just 5 minutes to 60 minutes). Results in the larger settlements and service centres mirrored to the overall results, however, within the smaller settlements respondents expect to travel for longer, with the mean travel time being 19 minutes and mode being 15 minutes.
14.86 Map 14.4 overleaf illustrates that applying a drive time accessibility catchment of 10 minutes to larger settlements and service centres and a 15 minute drive time in smaller settlements that the majority of residents are within the catchment area for a health and fitness facility.
14.87 There is only a small area in the north east of the Borough (around Walton on the Wolds and Wymeswold) where residents lie just outside a catchment area of a facility in Charnwood. These residents are however within a 10 minute catchment area of East Leake Leisure Centre in Rushcliffe and no additional provision is therefore required.
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Map 14.4 – Health and Fitness Facilities in Charnwood & drive time catchments
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Summary – health and fitness provision
14.88 The key findings in relation to health and fitness facilities are that:
• there are twelve facilities in Charnwood – including both ‘pay and play’ facilities and private facilities
• the quality of most facilities is good
• Active Places Power indicates that health and fitness provision per 1,000 population is lower than the regional or national average levels
• only 20% of respondents consider there to be ‘not enough’ health and fitness facilities in Charnwood
• the majority of residents are within a 10 minute drive time catchment (larger settlements/service centres) or 15 minute drive time catchment (smaller settlements) of a health and fitness facility
• in light of levels of provision being below average, population growth may generate demand for additional facilities.
14.89 Therefore, it is recommended that future focus should be placed upon:
• the need for ongoing investment by facility owners into health and fitness facilities to ensure that the gyms, equipment and changing rooms remain in good condition and continue to meet customer expectations
• ensuring that local residents are aware of the facilities available and that the facilities provided are accessible and affordable.
The future provision of indoor facilities in Charnwood
14.90 Analysis of the current supply and demand of indoor sports facilities in Charnwood concludes that there are sufficient facilities to meet current and future demand in quantitative terms. Facilities in Council ownership are in good condition – however, a number of facilities on school sites are ageing and strategic decisions will need to be made together with the County Council as to the future of such facilities.
14.91 Other key issues raised that should be addressed in order to increase participation and use at leisure centres include:
• ensuring that investment strategies are in place for future repairs and maintenance requirements
• ensure that the pricing structure is attractive to all sections of the community
• ensure that facilities on school sites (namely sports halls) provide access to the community out of school hours
• ensuring that the programming at facilities are complementary to one another.
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15. Summary and planning implementation
15.1 This study of open space, sport and recreation facilities has been completed in accordance with the requirements of the latest Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17) and its Companion Guide.
15.2 This section considers the wider benefits of open spaces and the impact and implications of the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities on priorities in Charnwood Borough.
15.3 It also highlights the key issues arising from the study and the implications of these from a planning perspective. It should be noted that the study provides guidance for the Council and its partners and highlights key issues that should be considered. There are resource implications for many of the issues identified and future studies and action plans will identify which priorities will be taken forward and how. The recommendations therefore highlight key issues that should be considered when Borough Council Policy is made.
The wider context
Why are open spaces in Charnwood Borough important?
15.4 There has been a national recognition in recent years of the continuing importance of open spaces. Various policies and strategies have shown a commitment to renewal of this vital part of our heritage including Government Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for open space, sport and Recreation1 and a multitude of guidance documents produced by CABE Space. The Green Spaces, Better Places Report (DTLR Task Force May 2002)2 highlighted that parks and open spaces:
• contribute significantly to social inclusion because they are free and accessible to all • can become a centre of community spirit • contribute to child development through scope for outdoor, energetic and imaginative play • offer numerous educational opportunities • provide a range of health, environmental and economic benefits.
15.5 The wider benefits of open space are well documented. Table 15.1 summarises these benefits and illustrates how the provision of open spaces contributes to these agendas.
1 Department of Communities and Local Government, Planning Policy Guidance Note 17, July 2002, 2 DTLR, 2002: Green Spaces, Better Places (Urban Green Spaces Task Force 2002)
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Table 15.1 – The wider benefits of open space
Priority Short term objectives for the future delivery of open space Enhance the Ensure the Maximise Maximise the quality of open quantity of open access to use of open spaces across space is existing open space, sport and Charnwood sufficient to spaces recreation Borough meet local facilities needs Local Priorities Development of sustainable 9 9 9 9 communities Minimising 9 9 9 9 Flood Risk Mitigating Climate 9 9 9 9 Change Providing appropriate habitats and 9 9 promoting biodiversity Increasing participation 9 9 9 9 and improving health
15.6 As well as national priorities, the effective provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities is central to the achievement of the objectives of the East Midlands Plan (EMRP). The key objectives of the EMRP are:
• to ensure that the location of development makes efficient use of existing physical infrastructure and helps to reduce the need to travel • to promote and ensure high standards of sustainable design and construction, optimising the use of previously developed land and buildings • to minimise waste and to increase the re-use and recycling of waste materials • to improve accessibility to jobs and services by increasing the use of public transport, cycling and walking, and reducing traffic growth and congestion.
15.7 Seven policies in the plan relate directly to open space, sport and recreation facilities. In particular, Policy 1 highlights the role of green infrastructure in sustainable development, specifically: • to protect and enhance the environmental quality of urban and rural settlements • to achieve a step change in biodiversity • to reduce the impact of climate change • to minimise environmental impact of new development.
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Green Infrastructure
15.8 Green Infrastructure (GI) comprises a network of multi-functional greenspace set within, and contributing to, a high quality natural and built environment. Green Infrastructure is widely considered to be an essential requirement for the enhancement of quality of life, for existing and future generations, and to be an integral element in the delivery of ‘liveability’ for sustainable communities. Its provision, and importantly, its connectivity is relevant at every level from county wide rural landscapes down to a local level both within larger urban areas as well as small rural settlements. It also provides the framework for supporting a wide range of ‘environmental processes’.
15.9 The Leicestershire 6Cs Growth Point Green Infrastructure Study considers the strategic functionality and needs across the study area with regards:
• the connectivity of the natural greenspace network for wildlife
• the accessibility of the natural greenspace network for people
• the distinctiveness of the natural greenspace network
• target areas for environmental benefits
• target areas for public benefits.
15.10 The Study concludes that:
• the network of natural/semi-natural green spaces within the 6Cs Growth Point is highly fragmented, with limited extensive areas of continuous habitat of high biodiversity value. Charnwood Forest is, however, highlighted as one of the exceptions to this – the importance of Charnwood Forest is also highlighted in this document, both in terms of the habitats it offers but also the wildlife needs it brings. The River Soar and River Wreake are also identified as sub regional corridors
• green corridors are viewed as an important resource throughout this study. This is also reinforced in the sub regional document. The strategic needs for linking habitats in the Charnwood area are labelled as;
- west beyond the National Forest outside of the 6Cs Growth Point (including Needwood Forest)
- southwest to assets within the wider coalfield area (for example to the north west of Hinckley)
- north and east to valleys of the Trent and Soar
• in relation to access for people, there is a need for large sites of 500ha or greater, sites of 100ha or greater and sites of 20ha or greater, although the Charnwood Forest provides a diverse cluster of sites that are likely to attract visitors from further afield. The majority of the growth point area is well served for accessible natural open space. The findings of this assessment reinforce these points. Loughborough, Shepshed and Thurmaston are highlighted as particular areas where natural open space is more limited
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• with regards access routes to the countryside, Loughborough is regarded as one of the priority areas at a sub regional level for improvements to access routes, in particular because of the popularity of the surrounding countryside. This issue is also highlighted through a gap in the strategic rights of way network and is illustrated above, access to natural open space is also more limited in this area
• city scale Green Infrastructure corridors are proposed to link up settlements, strategic GI assets and sub regional corridors., specifically within Charnwood, identified priorities include:
- Charnwood Forest
- River Soar Floodplain Mountsorrel to Loughborough
- Northwest Leicester Urban Fringe.
• conclusions relating to the character of the green space network suggest that Charnwood character area is “diverging” (Countryside Quality Counts (CQC) study Natural England) which suggests that the character of the area is transforming so that either its distinctive qualities are being lost, or significant new patterns are emerging. These findings highlight the strategic need for interventions to sustain and enhance the condition of landscapes both in Charnwood, and throughout the 6Cs Growth Point
• in terms of environmental benefits, Natural England has defined six target areas within which applications for public funding under the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme are encouraged. The Soar and Charnwood are one of these six areas considered to have particular potential to benefit from investment, primarily in light of the biodiversity features and the potential for recreational access and education. The River Soar is also highlighted as a key priority for recreational development as part of this study and it provides an important opportunity to maximise the value of natural assets.
Green Infrastructure at a local level
15.11 As highlighted at a national and regional level, the provision of appropriate high quality green space results in an array of benefits that far exceed the recreational value of open space. Linkages between green spaces further enhance the benefits that can be achieved by maximising access between and within open spaces for people and wildlife.
15.12 It is essential that high quality open spaces are provided and these are accessible by sustainable modes of transport.
15.13 This study provides a starting point for the analysis of green infrastructure in Charnwood.
15.14 It builds on the findings of the sub regional documentation and provides a localised perspective in Charnwood. Many issues raised in this document are also highlighted in the sub regional document and are therefore of particular priority.
15.15 Map 15.1 overleaf provides an overview of existing open spaces in the Borough.
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Map 15.1 – Open Space provision across Charnwood
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Planning open space, sport and recreational facilities at a local level
15.16 At a local level, the role that open spaces play in the achievement of wider corporate objectives is recognised, both within overarching documents such as the Sustainable Community Strategy (Charnwood Together 2008) and the Local Area Agreement and also within wider consultations, such as those recently undertaken as part of the Core Strategy further consultations and the preparation of Parish Plans.
15.17 The sustainable Community Strategy both informs, and is informed by, the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the priorities of the community strategy are driven by the four building blocks set out in the LAA. The delivery of the aims and objectives of the Community Strategy is therefore a key priority for Charnwood Borough Council, Charnwood Together and stakeholders across the Borough.
15.18 Table 15.2 summarises the contributions that achievement of some of the key objectives arising from the assessment of local needs and existing provision can generate.
Table 15.2 - Achievement of Community Strategy objectives through the provision of open space
Places and environment matter People Matter • improving public pride through high • maximising use of open spaces and quality open space sports facilities for physical activity and achievement of the Council’s targets for • enhancing the safety of open spaces increasing participation in sport and and the perception of safety of open physical activity space sites through the promotion of good quality design and planning • investing in the quality of sports facilities and ensuring that all residents have • promoting the role of open spaces in access to local facilities the fight to mitigate climate change and to reduce flood risk • promoting the wider benefits of open space on physical and mental health • open spaces are central to the historic identity of Charnwood and their • ensuring that open spaces meet the protection will ensure this character is needs of all sectors of the community. protected.
Prosperity Matters Partnership Matters • delivering attractive places and • promoting and encouraging community enhancing local identity and image involvement in the provision, though investment in the quality of maintenance and management of open facilities spaces • maximising opportunities through • ensuring joined up working between regeneration to enhance the quality of different providers of open space, sport open spaces and provide open and recreation facilities. spaces of the right type and in the right place • ensuring that new development results in positive change in the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities.
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15.19 Table 15.3 summarises the role of open space in the achievement of the priorities of other regional and local strategies. The key objectives of each of the documents are summarised in Section 3.
Table 15.3 - Contribution of the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities to wider strategy objectives
Document Short term objectives for the future delivery of open space Enhance the Ensure the Maximise access Maximise the quality of open quantity of open to existing open use of open spaces space is spaces and to the space, sport and sufficient to open countryside recreation meet local facilities needs Regional Documents East Midlands 9 9 9 9 Regional Plan CSP Strategic Facilities 9 9 9 9 framework 6CS Green Infrastructure 9 9 9 9 Strategy Leicestershire and Rutland 9 Biodiversity Action Plan Local Documents Local Area 9 9 9 9 Agreement Community 9 9 9 9 Strategy Charnwood Play Strategy 9 9 9 9 2008 – 2011
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Providing open space in Charnwood
15.20 Sections 4 – 14 of this report have evaluated the quantity, quality and accessibility of different types of open space, sport and recreation facility in Charnwood.
15.21 In order to effectively address the issues raised and to deliver improved open spaces across the Borough a partnership approach will be required.
Partnership working across Charnwood
15.22 There are a variety of organisations managing and maintaining open spaces across the Borough. These include:
• Charnwood Borough Council (responsibility for Loughborough Town)
• Parish and Town Councils (who have a statutory role to provide and look after community buildings, open space, allotments and play areas in their local area)
• Sports clubs and voluntary groups
• County Council (who provide country parks and schools)
• and external organisations such as the Wildlife Trust.
15.23 An indicative breakdown of ownership between each of the above groups is summarised in Table 15.4 and 15.5. Appendix D includes details of the ownership where known and this has been used to inform both tables. This data has been compiled based on the following assumptions:
• where ownership is not recorded in the database ie not known, sites in Loughborough have been assumed to be managed by Charnwood BC and sites in Parished areas have been assumed to be the responsibility of the Parish
• sites have been classified according to their primary purpose only. Where formal sports facilities are located in parks, for the purposes of this table only they are included within parks
• further education / other includes universities etc as well as schools where it is specifically stated that they are not under Leicestershire County Council ownership
• the size of sites has been rounded and may therefore not tally exactly with information contained in other tables.
15.24 It can be seen that Parish Councils own circa 516 hectares of open space while Charnwood BC owns 354. The LEA owns almost 200ha. There is therefore a need for partnership working and for knowledge and information sharing.
15.25 Table 15.5 converts the figures set out in Table 15.4 into percentages to enable analysis of the approximate proportion of open space in the ownership of each body.
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Table 15.4 – Ownership of Open Space across Charnwood (hectares in ownership of each body)
Leicestershire County Charnwood Council Trust / Further / Borough Parish (including Committee Other Ownership Council Council schools) Club Developers / Private education Parks 15 45.6 Natural and Semi Natural Open Space 201.7 51.3 244.9 0.06 405 Green Corridors 41.1 9.4 2.3 Amenity Green Space 17.3 49.2 3.2 0.03 Children and Young People 3.7 6.6 0.1 0.03 0.1 Allotments 12.7 28 0.6 Village Green / Civic Spaces 2.9 Outdoor Sports 62.6 79 191.9 12.3 14.1 34.9
Table 15.5 – Ownership of Open Space across Charnwood (percentage of land (hectares) in ownership of each body – based on total land ownership set out in Table 15.5.
Leicestershire County Charnwood Council Further / Borough Parish (including Trust / Other Ownership Council Council schools) Club Developers Committee education Parks 25% 75% 0% 0% 0%0% 0% Natural and Semi Natural Open Space 22% 6% 27% 0% 0% 45% 0% Green Corridors 78% 18% 4% 0% 0% 0% 0% Amenity Green Space 25% 71% 5% 0% 0% 0% 0% Children and Young People 35% 63% 1% 0% 0% 1% 0% Allotments 31% 68% 0% 0% 0%1% 0% Village Greens / Allotments 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Outdoor Sports 16% 20% 49% 3% 0% 4% 9%
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15.26 It can be seen that Charnwood Borough Council and Parish Councils provide the majority of open space. Parish Councils’ are particularly important in the delivery of facilities for children, parks, allotments and amenity green space. The County Council also own almost 50% of sports facilities, emphasising the role that schools play in the delivery of this type of open space. The County Council also own Country Parks.
Reducing existing deficiencies
15.27 This report identifies a series of deficiencies across the Borough. The varying responsibility in terms of ownership and management means that addressing these gaps will not be the responsibility of one agency, but will require commitment from a variety of groups.
15.28 When measuring deficiencies purely against the local quantity standard on a Parish level) ie not taking into account accessibility), the following conclusions can be drawn: Calculation of deficiencies by this method suggest that:
• there are minor deficiencies of parks in Loughborough, but in Parished areas deficiencies amount to 8 hectares
• there is sufficient natural and semi natural space in Loughborough to meet minimum quantity standards (although accessibility standards indicate that additional space is required). Gaps in Parished areas equate to almost 150 ha, predominantly located in the larger service centres
• in terms of amenity space, in quantitative terms only there are shortfalls of 9ha. Up to 18 additional hectares may be required in Parishes
• Charnwood Borough Council would need to provide another 6ha of allotments, while up to 12ha additional land may be required in Parished areas
• there are deficiencies of pitches in Loughborough, although many of these may be solved by reconfiguration. There are, however, also additional pitches required in some Parished areas.
15.29 The above figures serve to highlight the pressures on providers of open space in the Borough and reinforce the importance of creating an approach to open space provision which is sustainable in the long term.
15.30 Several issues relating to the management of open spaces across the Borough were highlighted during the course of consultation. In order to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of open space across the Borough, the following issues should be considered:
• Parish Councils indicate that current funding (capital and revenue) is insufficient to continue to maintain Parish Open Space at the current level. The long term sustainability of existing and new open spaces was questioned
• while external funding is available to Parish Councils (and to Sports Clubs) there is a lack of knowledge sharing. It was also suggested that additional guidance on funding applications and sources of funding would be of benefit. Funding is becoming more difficult to acquire in some instances
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• there are challenges in providing community use of school facilities, particularly with regards opening up these facilities without opening the whole school.
15.31 In addition to the challenges identified, consultations and research undertaken as part of this study highlighted the following opportunities relating to the provision, management and maintenance of open spaces:
• Loughborough University is seen as a key driver of the character of the town. There are significant opportunities to capitalise further on the resources that the university has as well as maximising the input that the University and its students can have in day to day community life. For example, students with expertise in sports may wish to volunteer at local sports clubs
• there are many examples of effective partnership working across the Borough, including the Charnwood Forest Partnership and the Charnwood Sport and Recreation Alliance (CSARA). Further such partnerships are required to enhance the quality of stakeholder involvement
• there are opportunities to increase the role that schools play in community life and to maximise use outside of curricular hours that these sites have to offer. The extended schools programme and Children’s Centres programme will provide a starting point of achieving this.
15.32 In order to maximise the benefits that can be derived from the provision of open spaces, a joint working group should be formed comprised a variety of key stakeholders across the Borough to resolve the above issues and proactively investigate the opportunities raised.
Priorities arising in the study
15.33 The priorities and issues outlined in this report are a result of the application of a series of local standards. These standards were set following an extensive programme of consultation and the key issues arising from consultation feed directly into the standards that have been set. For each typology, the following standards were set:
• quantity – amount of provision that can be expected per 1000 population
• quality – the key qualitative aspects expected for each type of open space
• accessibility – the distance that residents expect to travel to reach different types of open spaces.
15.34 These standards provide a guide as to the appropriate amount of open space in each area of the Borough. As well as facilitating a proactive approach to improving the overall provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities in line with local needs, these standards can be used to determine the additional demand that new developments will generate. This will be returned to later in this section.
15.35 Table 15.6 summarises the key issues and priorities for each type of open space and highlights the potential implications for the Local Development Framework.
15.36 Further detail on the suggested policy approach can be found later in this section.
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Table 15.6 - Implications of key issues by open space type for the Local Development Framework
Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
Parks and Parks are particularly valuable to local residents and are the most frequently Consider including parks within a policy on open space. Gardens used open space by residents of Charnwood. In addition to protecting existing open space, a new park The variety of facilities available at this type of open space is seen as is required in Loughborough and Shepshed as well as in particularly important and perceived to provide a wide range of recreational some service centres. This should be delivered either opportunities for residents. These sites were also identified as important in through upgrading local amenity spaces or the allocation terms of the biodiversity. of new sites. Consideration should therefore be given to The quality of parks and gardens is of particular importance to local residents, including either an allocation for new parks or the need to in particular the management, maintenance and overall cleanliness. Overall, upgrade existing sites within policy. the quality of parks is higher than the quality of many other types of open The Local Development Framework should consider space and this is supported through the site visits. facilitating contributions towards improvements to the There is an even distribution of parks across the Borough with all residents of quality of parks as well as to the provision of new parks. the smaller settlements within the suggested drive time of a site. The need for Consideration should be given to including the local these residents to travel accentuates the importance of providing appropriate planning standards as well as providing guidance on the linkages to encourage use of sustainable modes of travel and also the key quality criteria that should be taken into account in the appropriate provision of facilities at sites such as cycle racks and storage. creation of new parks and improvement to existing None of the small settlements contain sufficient residents to require the facilities. creation of a new park. Where parks are expected more locally there are some gaps in the existing network of provision, particularly in south Loughborough and South Shepshed. Additionally, there are opportunities to upgrade amenity spaces within some of the service centres to provide more variety of facilities. Particular examples include Mountsorrel, Rearsby, Queniborough, Rothley, Quorn and East Goscote. Natural and Natural and semi natural open space is one of the most frequently visited types Consideration should be given to including natural and Semi Natural of open space with 80% of residents visiting natural open space at least once semi natural open spaces within an overall policy on the Open Space per month. protection of open spaces. This policy should extend to In addition to the recreational value of natural resources, residents recognise natural open spaces of recreational value as well as those the wider benefits of natural open spaces, particularly in terms of providing with specific designations such as SSSI, LNR, SINC. opportunities for biodiversity and habitat creation. The need to protect natural The Local Development Framework should consider and semi natural open space from development was a key theme throughout facilitating contributions towards improvements to the consultation and while recreational opportunities should be encouraged, this quality of natural and semi natural open spaces as well as
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Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
should be balanced with conserving and promoting biodiversity. new spaces where these are required. No quantity standard has been set for existing natural and semi natural open Consideration should also be given to promoting the space, instead existing spaces should be protected and enhanced both in improvement of existing, and creation of new, linkages terms of quality for recreation and for biodiversity. When measuring access to between settlements and existing open spaces within the natural open space, it can be seen that there are some residents with limited Local Development Framework. access, in particular in Shepshed. Some service centres also contain no or limited natural space (Sileby, Syston, Mountsorrel). Where opportunities arise, new semi natural space would be of benefit in these areas. This may be delivered through new sites, by creating natural areas within existing sites or by improving access to existing facilities. Improving the connectivity between sites will also be a key means of maximising access to natural spaces. Amenity The community interaction benefits of small open space are recognised, with The Local Development Framework should consider Green Space residents identifying this type of open space as valuable to the local facilitating contributions towards improvements to the community. Localised open spaces are important to children and young people quality of amenity green spaces as well as new spaces and are also of high importance in the smaller rural settlements. These types of where these are required. Local standards should be open space are often the focal point of community life. Furthermore, many used to determine the amount of space required as part of consultees highlighted the role of smaller open spaces in defining the character new development and consideration should be given to of Charnwood. incorporating these into guidance. Amenity green space Application of the quantity, quality and accessibility standards suggests that will be required in addition to provision for children and qualitative enhancements should be prioritised although some localised young people. deficiencies are identified North Loughborough, Syston and Swithland. Consideration should be given to the inclusion of strategic Qualitative improvements should focus around improvements to the basic amenity green spaces within any overall policy on the infrastructure of a site, such as the provision of seats and bins. As the most protection of open space. It may also be necessary to local type of informal open space, application of the quantity standard suggests allocate new sites in areas of identified deficiency. that all settlements of 225 residents or above should have at least one amenity green space. Provision for Equipped provision for children and young people was a key theme of Consider considering both the provision for children and Children and consultations undertaken. Residents expressed concerns over the quantity of facilities for young people as separate entities within Local Young provision, as well as highlighting that the quality of many facilities is insufficient Development Framework policy. Provision for children and People and that facilities are perceived to be boring and not challenging. Tailoring young people should be required in addition to amenity facilities to meet the needs of young people was highlighted as one of the main green space (ie it is not interchangeable). challenges faced by the Borough. The Local Development Framework should consider
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Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
Analysis of existing facilities highlights that there is significant variation in the taking on board the standards recommended and should quality of sites. While there are some new and different facilities there are also seek to promote a strategic approach to play provision, many sites which are old and offer little in terms of play value. requiring either new facilities for both children and/ or young people depending on local need and aspirations or In addition, there are quantitative and accessibility issues in all settlement qualitative improvements to existing facilities. Decision hierarchies for both children and young people. In order to adequately provide making should be based on the proposed accessibility led for residents within the appropriate distance threshold new provision will be approach. required in all areas. Provision in the service centres for young people is particularly poor and new provision will be required in most of these towns. The Consideration should be given to the incorporation of distribution of play facilities is more comprehensive, with the main priorities for design guidance which promotes the development of a new provision being in Loughborough, Birstall, Thurmaston and Syston. Some variety of different facilities, including the provision of of these issues are likely to be resolved if planned developments go ahead. In challenging and innovative facilities where appropriate, as light of the success of the Destination Play Area in Loughborough, it is well as traditional play provision. Current facilities are suggested that a new equivalent facility is provided in the south of the varying in terms of the quality. It is important to ensure Borough, potentially in Thurmaston or Syston. that all new facilities offer high play value. Quality is as important as quantity however and any new facilities developed should meet the suggested quality criteria and should provide exciting play opportunities for children and young people. Site assessments carried out at existing facilities should also be used to inform decisions on those facilities in need of enhancement.
Allotments There are currently 34 allotment sites across Charnwood Borough Council. Consider including a policy within the Local Development While much of this is located in the larger towns, several Parish Councils Framework which protects allotments from development. provide facilities in smaller and more rural settlements. In addition to protecting existing sites, new allotments are Consultation and analysis of waiting lists indicate that provision is insufficient to required to meet current and future demand. meet local demand and there are waiting lists exceeding 400 residents. It is The Local Development Framework should therefore clear that demand is increasing and the household survey demonstrated consider either allocating sites for allotment provision or significant latent demand. alternatively should include a policy permitting the Application of the recommended accessibility standard (15 minute walk time) conversion of appropriate sites for allotment use as well and the quantity standard highlights key priorities for new provision, in as protecting existing sites. particular Loughborough, Thurmaston, East Goscote, Mountsorrel and Consideration should be given to ensuring that policy Queniborough. There are also some sites requiring qualitative improvement includes a requirement towards allotments from new development.
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Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
Cemeteries Proactive planning is essential in order to ensure the adequate provision of Consider the allocation of new land for burials where and cemeteries. While there are sufficient burial spaces in Parish burial grounds, it appropriate. A standard of 0.0003 ha per 1000 population Churchyards is projected that an extension will be required at Loughborough Cemetery over should be used to project need. the LDF period. The quality of cemeteries and churchyards is high in comparison to other open spaces. Green Green corridors provide opportunities close to peoples’ homes for informal Consider the inclusion of a policy promoting the Corridors recreation, particularly walking and cycling, as part of every day activities, for development of a green network within the Local example, travel to work or shops. Therefore the development of a linked green Development Framework. This should link with policies corridor network will help to improve the health and well being of the local promoting sustainable transport principles. community. In this way, green corridors can be integral to the achievement of targets for increased active recreation. There are already a large number of footpaths and green corridor networks within Charnwood and consultation indicates that they are well used. The Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan identifies particular gaps in Mountsorrel and Birstall. The 6Cs Green Infrastructure Plan highlights the importance of providing access to the countryside in the Loughborough area. Leicester and Loughborough have been identified by the 6Cs GI Strategy as important for providing access to the countryside. Future development needs to encompass linkages between large areas of open space, create opportunities to develop the green corridor network and utilise potential development sites. Development should consider both the needs of wildlife and humans. Signage, maintenance and improvements to the quality of footpaths were identified as key priorities. A network of multi-functional greenspace will contribute to the high quality natural and built environment required for existing and new sustainable communities in the future. An integrated network of high quality green corridors will link open spaces, helping to alleviate other open space deficiencies and provide opportunities for alternative means of transport. Outdoor Outdoor sports facilities are a wide ranging category of open space which Consider the inclusion of a policy protecting outdoor Sports includes both natural and artificial surfaces for sport and recreation. Facilities sports facilities. This policy should ensure that detailed Facilities and can be owned and managed by councils, sports associations, schools and assessments of demand are required prior to the disposal Playing individual sports clubs, with the primary purpose of participation in outdoor of any site. For pitches, the criteria set out in Sport
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Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
Pitches sports. Examples include: England Planning guidance should be included. • playing pitches Consideration should also be given to the inclusion of policy that promotes improvements to existing sites, for • athletics tracks example by ensuring policy permits provision of ancillary • bowling greens accommodation. • tennis courts. Consider the implementation of policies that require A local standard has been set for outdoor sports facilities in terms of quality, contributions towards either the creation of new / quantity and accessibility. This should be applied for broad planning need only. improvement of existing outdoor sports facilities as part of new development. This should draw on the recommended Further consideration has also been given to the priorities arising for tennis, standards. bowls, synthetic turf pitches and golf courses. There is limited evidence to suggest that additional provision is required at the current time (with the exception of tennis courts) and it is clear that there are an abundance of facilities across the Borough for all sports although participation increases and population growth will impact on demand. Current issues are therefore predominantly around ongoing improvements to the quality of facilities. Key issues by facility type include: • improvements to the quality of bowling greens are of higher priority than the provision of additional facilities. Club members indicated that ancillary provision, security and safety and improvements to the actual green were particularly important if new members were to be encouraged • tennis courts are distributed evenly across the Borough and all residents are within the appropriate distance of at least one facility. Despite this, demand is higher for additional tennis courts within the household survey than any other facility. There is demand identified in several Parish Plans and additional provision in these areas should therefore be considered • while the quantity of athletics tracks is above the national average, there are relatively limited pay and play opportunities. Although consultation did not reveal any evidence of latent demand at the current time, this should be monitored to ensure that opportunities are provided if residents wish to participate in athletics • the quality of the STPs at Hind Leys Community College, Longslade
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Typology Key Issues and Priorities Implications for LDF Policy
Community College and Burleigh Community college is poor and needs upgrading. There is also pressure on existing pitches at peak times. Longer term, additional provision will be required. • the quantity of golf facilities is significantly above the national and regional averages and most sites provide pay and play opportunities. No additional golf courses are required to meet demand. The playing pitch strategy evaluates the provision of pitches in the area and concludes that while there are sufficient pitches overall, there are some localised deficiencies and areas where new provision may be required. There are particular pressures on junior and mini pitches for football and rugby, and a lack of appropriate pitches is likely to start inhibiting demand. There are particular pressures on pitches in Loughborough, Syston and Quorn .Outside of these areas, future focus should be placed on improving the quality of provision through a hierarchical approach. Indoor Sports Analysis of indoor sports facilities includes sports halls, swimming pools, indoor Consider including a policy protecting indoor sports Facilities bowls, and health and fitness provision. Charnwood Borough Council owns facilities. and manages the core public facilities. Other facilities are located at school Consider including policy that facilitates improvements to sites. There are also some commercial health and fitness facilities and existing sites, for example by ensuring policy permits swimming pools. provision of ancillary accommodation. There are sufficient facilities to meet current and future demand in quantitative Consider incorporating policy that requires contributions terms for all types of facilities and there are no areas of unmet demand. towards indoor sports facilities as part of new Facilities in Council ownership are in good condition – however, a number of development. The Sport England facility calculator should facilities on school sites are ageing and strategic decisions will need to be be used to determine the impact of new development. made together with the County Council as to the future of such facilities.
Future priorities should therefore focus on maintaining and improving the quality of the existing stock as well as promoting the availability of these facilities to residents. In order to maximise community benefit it should be ensured that facilities are effectively programmed (and that programmes at each site are complementary) and are accessible to all sectors of the community.
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15.37 The key issues arising from the application of standards by settlement are summarised overleaf in Table 15.7. The table provides an indication only of the surpluses and deficiencies against the quantity and accessibility standards. Sections 4 – 14 highlight the key priorities for each type of open space. It should be noted that this settlement by settlement summary should be used for indicative purposes only. It will be subject to constant change.
15.38 For outdoor sports facilities, the table summarises only surpluses and demand for pitches as the local standards (drivetimes) do not require other facilities locally.
15.39 Only those typologies for which it is appropriate to identify surpluses and deficiencies have been included in the Table. Indoor facilities have been excluded from consideration as they are predominantly a Boroughwide resource.
15.40 Red text indicates that there are shortfalls / areas in need of improvement.
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Table 15.7 – Key Issues by Settlement Hierarchy
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Quantity 0.32 ha per 1000 2ha per 1000 0.46 ha per 1000 Quantitative Quantitative 2.60 ha per 1000 of 0.33 ha per 1000 No standard set n/a population population (to be population standard not standard not which a minimum of 1.01 population applied to new expressed in expressed in should be community provision only) hectares, instead hectares, instead use pitches accessibility accessibility standard should be standard should be used to guide used to guide provision. provision. Quality For a site to be rated as For a site to be For a site to be rated as For a site to be For a site to be For a site to be rated as For a site a site to be For a site to be n/a ‘Good ’it must achieve a rated as ‘Good’ it ‘Good’ it must achieve a rated as ‘Good’ it rated as ‘Good’ it ‘Good ‘ it must achieve a rated as ‘Good’ it must rated as ‘Good’ it score of 60 - 69%, plus all must achieve a score of 60 - 69%, plus must achieve a must achieve a score of 60 - 69%, plus achieve a score of 60 - must achieve a Recommended Standards of the essential criteria score of 60 - 69%, all of the essential score of 60 - 69%, score of 60 - 69%, all of the essential 69%, plus all of the score of 60 - 69%, listed below must be rated plus all of the criteria listed below must plus all of the plus all of the criteria listed below must essential criteria listed plus all of the as average (3 out of 5) or essential criteria be rated as average (3 essential criteria essential criteria be rated as average (3 below must be rated as essential criteria above. (Cleanliness, listed below must be out of 5) or above listed below must be listed below must be out of 5) or above average (3 out of 5) or listed below must be Planted Areas, Grass rated as average (3 (Cleanliness, Planted rated as average (3 rated as average (3 (Cleanliness, grassed above (Cleanliness, rated as average (3 Areas, Roads, paths and out of 5) or above Areas) out of 5) or above out of 5) or above areas, toilets, parking water supply, parking, out of 5) or above cycle ways, Seats and litter (Cleanliness, (Cleanliness, range (Appropriate and changing facilities) roads, paths and (Cleanliness, Grass and dog bins) Roads, paths and of equipment / play facilities, cycleways, security and Areas, planted cycleways, planted value, grass areas) Cleanliness, litter safety) areas, litter bins) areas) bins) Accessibility 15 minute walk (720m) or 10 minute walk time 10 minute walk time 10 minute walk time 10 minute walk time 10 minute walk time 15 minute walk time No standard set N/a 10 minute drive time (480m) (480m) (480m) (480m) (480m) to grass pitches. (720m) (smaller settlements) 10 minute drive time to tennis courts, bowling greens, athletics tracks, golf courses and synthetic turf pitches Settlement Type Parish Population Application of Standards and Key Issues by open space typologies
Larger Settlements Loughborough 57,557 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant issues • Current Provision: 0.32 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.30 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.94 • Current Provision: 0.21 • Current Provision: include: ha per 1000 3.50 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 20 play facilities 12 facilities. ha per 1000 population ha per 1000 population one cemetery and • Deficiencies in • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended for juniors and • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended one churchyard. parks in the south Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per seven for toddlers standard set standard: 2.60 ha per standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity of the town, which 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / 1000 1000 standard can be addressed • Surplus: 0.02ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -9.16ha in standard set Surplus: n/a • Shortfall:-37.93 ha in • Shortfall: -6.65 ha in recommended. by upgrading an new development total • Shortfall / total. Shortfalls for all total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / Surplus: amenity green Quality only). Surplus: n/a Quality types of pitch provision existing sites. Existing cemetery space to a park in The quality of sites ranges Quality Quality of sites except adult football, has insufficient this area. Provision Quality from poor to excellent. Key Quality of sites ranges Quality ranges from poor to specifically -1.8 junior Quality capacity to meet of linear park as Quality of sites from poor to excellent. Quality of sites excellent. Key areas football, -2.7 mini The quality of sites improvements include litter demand over the part of new bins, seating, main ranges from poor to Key areas for ranges from poor to for improvement football, -4.6 cricket ranges from poor to Core Strategy development may entrance and lighting. excellent. Key areas improvement include excellent. Key areas include the play pitches, -1 adult rugby excellent. The key issues period to 2026 reduce this need. for improvement are litter bins and seats. for improvement value offered at pitches. There is also arising are parking, and new provision • A lack of access to Accessibility footpaths, parking, include the play sites, lighting, the potential that synthetic security, pathways, will therefore be natural and semi Residents living in the litter bins, seats, Accessibility value offered at quality of play pitch may be required fencing and the main required. south of the town are information and Although there is a lack sites, the quality of equipment and the longer term. No unmet entrance. The quality of natural open outside of the cleanliness and of provision for amenity play equipment and grassed areas demand identified for sites ranges from poor to Quality space, despite recommended catchment maintenance. green space in parts of the grassed areas within play facilities. tennis, bowls, golf or excellent. The two sites are provision being for a park. Although there north Loughborough, this within play facilities. athletics. There are rated as average above 2ha per are access deficiencies in Accessibility is to some extent Accessibility also pressures at Accessibility and very good. The 1000 population the north of the town too, A large proportion of lessened by the Accessibility Residents in the Derby Road Playing A small proportion of key areas for • A lack of access to this area is predominantly residents in the provision of parks in this Some residents in south and west of Fields, located on the Loughborough residents, improvement are facilities for industrial and not a priority town are outside of area, and the primarily the south and west the town are outside edge of in the northwest and litter bins and seats. children in the for new provision. the recommended industrial uses in the of the town are the recommended Loughborough. west of the town are south and west of distance threshold north of the town. In outside the catchment. The • Facilities cater for outside the Accessibility Loughborough. Impact of forthcoming of natural open addition, some spaces recommended dense network of grass roots sport right recommended No accessibility Provision of two developments space. are located in close catchment. There main roads reduces up to elite level. catchment for allotment standard set. facilities for A new linear park / amenity proximity to each other are some facilities access to facilities Facilities include provision. The majority of children as part of green space will be created Impact of and therefore serve the located in very close for young people bowling greens, tennis Loughborough residents Impact of new development forthcoming in the South of same residents, reducing proximity to each and limits the courts, synthetic turf are within the forthcoming may reduce this Loughborough. developments their overall value to the other in the North. catchments of some pitches (3g and recommended developments need. None community. The dense network sites. sand),???? ?pitches, catchment for this type of None • A lack of young of main roads golf courses and an provision.. people’s provision Impact of forthcoming reduces access to athletics track. in west and south developments facilities for children Impact of forthcoming west of the town.
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Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space A new linear park / and limits the developments • Whilst most amenity green space will catchments of some None residents are be created in the South sites. within an of Loughborough. acceptable walking Impact of Impact of distance of forthcoming forthcoming Quality allotments there developments developments Quality of facilities remains a A new linear park / Two LEAPs to be ranges from poor to very quantitative amenity green provided as part of good. The main issues shortfall for this space will be development in identified at sites include type of provision. created in the South South lighting, toilets, seating • There is a need to of Loughborough. Loughborough. and the main entrance. The synthetic turf pitch at increase cemetery Burleigh Community capacity as this is College is in need of insufficient to meet refurbishment. demand over the Core Strategy Accessibility period to 2026. Residents within the recommended catchment For all types of open of facility. Derby Road space provision, Playing Fields are also there is varying located in Hathern, on quality in provision. the boundary with Although a number Loughborough. of sites have been rated as excellent or Impact of forthcoming very good, there is a developments still a need to None improve the quality
of many sites across all typologies of open space.
Other Issues: There are pressures on the playing pitches in Loughborough, despite there being a high quantity of provision. The provision of amenity green space is below the recommended standard of 0.46ha per 1000 population. Although there is lack of provision for amenity green space in parts of north of Loughborough, this to some extent is lessened by provision of parks in this area, and the primarily industrial uses in the north of the town.
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Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Shepshed 12,989 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant issues: • Current Provision: 0.21 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.43 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.34 • Current Provision: • There is scope to ha per 1000 0.59 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 9 play facilities for 2 facilities. 1.68ha per 1000. ha per 1000 population one cemetery and upgrade an • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors and 1 for • No quantity Facilities provide • Recommended one churchyard. amenity green Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set opportunities for standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity space in the south 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / bowls, cricket and 1000 standard to form a park in • Shortfall: -1.46ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.44ha in standard set Surplus: n/a football. There are also • Surplus: 0.08ha in recommended. order to address new development total • Shortfall / tennis courts and a total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / Surplus: the lack of park Quality only Surplus: n/a Quality synthetic turf pitch at existing sites. Existing cemetery provision. Hind Leys Community Glenmore Park is the only Quality One facility is rated is sufficient to • There are Quality College. Pitches at this park (2.70 ha) and is rated Quality of sites ranges Quality good while the other Quality meet demand. significant quantity average. Potential Sites are rated poor from poor to excellent. Quality of sites is considered to be site are also available The two sites are rated and access improvements include – average. Key Key area for ranges from poor to poor. The key areas for public use. excellent and poor. The Quality deficiencies in the footpaths, main entrance areas for improvement is seating. average. Key areas for improvement are • Recommended main areas for The two sites are quantity and and lighting. improvement are for improvement site boundaries, the standard: 2.60 ha per improvement are the rated as poor and accessibility of planted areas, Accessibility include the play main entrance, 1000 of which a main entrance, roads average. The key Accessibility footpaths, Most residents within the value offered at quality of facilities, minimum of 1.09 and paths and security. areas for natural and semi- There is a lack of access to cleanliness, recommended sites, the seating lighting, litter bins, should be community improvement are natural greenspace parks for residents in the information and litter catchment of existing and the entrance. seating and use pitches Accessibility roads, planted in central, eastern South of the Town. bins. spaces. Some spaces cleanliness and • Shortfall: -11.89ha in The majority of residents areas, bins, seats and west parts serve overlapping Accessibility maintenance. total. The only unmet are within recommended and pathways. • There is a need to Impact of forthcoming catchments. Sites in the Most residents demand identified is catchment, although a improve the quality developments Accessibility south of the town are within Accessibility for pitches (shortfall of small number of Accessibility of provision for None. Residents in central, particularly valuable recommended Residents in the junior football (-1.8), residents in the west of No accessibility children There is eastern and western given the lack of park catchment of a south of the town cricket (-2.1) and adult the town are not. standard set. a need to address areas outside of the provision and facilities for facility. are outside the and junior rugby quality issues for recommended young people. recommended pitches (both -0.5). Impact of forthcoming Impact of young people’s catchment. catchment for this developments forthcoming provision in the Impact of forthcoming type of provision. Quality None developments south of Shepshed Impact of developments Quality of facilities None • There are forthcoming None Impact of ranges from poor to shortfalls in the developments forthcoming excellent. In general, provision for junior None. developments key areas for football, cricket None improvement include and junior and parking, lighting and site adult rugby entrances. In particular, improvements are pitches. The required to the synthetic quality of surface at Hind Leys cemeteries is poor. Community School. Other Issues: Accessibility There are small Residents are within the shortfalls in quantity recommended and accessibility of catchment of all facility amenity greenspace. types. Although meeting appropriate Impact of forthcoming standards for developments quantity, accessibility None and quality, there is still evidence of further need for allotment provision Birstall 11,504 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.35 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.02 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.29 • Current Provision: • Large quantitative ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 2 play facilities for 3 facilities. 1.19ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and shortfall in • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors and 1 for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. provision of Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity amenity 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / pitches and a bowling 1000 standard greenspace in • Surplus: 0.38ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -5.06ha in standard set Surplus: n/a green. • Shortfall: -0.42 ha in recommended. Birstall, and there new development total • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / Surplus: particular issues of Quality only). Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. Existing cemetery accessibility in the Birstall Playing Fields is the Quality 1000 is sufficient to east and the south Quality only park and is rated Quality of sites ranges • Shortfall: -16.20 in meet demand. • There is no natural good. Potential There are no natural from poor to average. total. Small overall and semi-natural improvements include open spaces. Key area for shortfall of pitches, green space in footpaths and toilets. improvement are planted specifically junior Birstall although areas and maintenance. football (-3.8 pitches) some residents in and adult rugby Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility Quality Quality pitches (-2.5). No Quality Quality the east are within The majority of residents Some residents on Residents in the east All sites were rated Quality of sites additional demand has Sites are rated poor to Both sites are rated the catchment of natural and semi-
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space are within the edge of settlement and south are outside of as average. Key ranges from been identified for average. The key areas average. Key areas natural greespace recommended catchment. are within the the recommended areas for average to very tennis courts, bowling for improvement are the for improvement are in adjoining areas. recommended catchment for facilities. improvement good. Key areas for greens, synthetic turf entrance, roads and parking, grass, The lack of Impact of forthcoming catchment of natural include the play improvement the pitches or golf courses paths, security and paths, litter and informal developments open space in Impact of forthcoming value offered at main entrance, parking. seating. recreational space Potential park to be surrounding areas. developments sites, grassed areas security and safety Quality in Birstall means provided as part of Residents in the Potential park / amenity and safety and and lighting. All sites except one are Accessibility Accessibility that new provision Hallamfields Development west of Birstall are space to be provided as security. rated as average. The Majority of residents No accessibility should be to the North of Birstall outside the part of Hallamfields Accessibility remaining site is good. within recommended standard set. considered, as well recommended development (north of Accessibility Some residents in The key issues identified catchment of allotment improvements in catchment area. Birstall). Residents in the the north west are are lighting, main sites, either within Birstall Impact of the quality of sites North West are outside of the entrance, grass and, or in neighbouring forthcoming Impact of outside of the recommended security and safety. One Leicester City. developments • There is pressure forthcoming recommended catchment. site also scored poorly None on playing pitches developments catchment. for changing rooms. The Impact of forthcoming for junior football None. Impact of synthetic turf pitch at developments and adult rugby. Impact of forthcoming Longslade Community None New pitches will forthcoming developments College is in need of however be developments Four facilities for refurbishment. provided as part of Four facilities for children / young the development children / young people to be Accessibility at Hallamfields people to be provided as part of All residents are able to • The Hallamfields provided as part of Hallamfields access tennis courts, development will Hallamfields Development (north bowling greens, synthetic also provide new Development (north of Birstall). turf pitches and golf play areas in the of Birstall). courses within the North West, an recommended drive area of deficiency times. of provision for children and young Impact of forthcoming people. developments
The Hallamfields development (north of Other issues Birstall) will provide 2 Allotment provision is football pitches and a slightly below cricket square. quantitative standards and sites are within acceptable walking distances; however there is still evidence of further demand. Thurmaston 8,978 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues: • Current Provision: 0.14 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.11 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: No • Current Provision: • There is a shortfall ha per 1000 16.96 ha per ha per 1000 2 play facilities for 2 facilities. 1.66ha per 1000 provision one cemetery. in the quantity of • Recommended 1000 • Recommended juniors and 1 for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended • No quantity parks, and even Standard: 0.32ha per • Recommended Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per standard though there is an 1000 population Standard: 2ha per 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / opportunities for 1000 recommended. even distribution, • Shortfall: -1.63 ha in total 1000 population • Shortfall: -3.13 ha in standard set Surplus: n/a bowls, tennis and • Shortfall: -2.96 ha in • Shortfall / accessibility is (to be applied to total • Shortfall / football. total. Surplus: There is affected by major Quality new development Surplus: n/a Quality Recommended less than 20 years transport routes standard: 2.60 ha per The quality of sites ranges only). Amount of Quality One facility is rated Quality capacity • There is a lack of provision 1000 use pitches from excellent to poor. Quality of sites ranges Quality as very good and No provision. remaining in the provision for young Potential improvements influenced by from average to poor. Sites were rated the other average. • Shortfall: -8.43 in total. existing cemetery people in the south include footpaths, litter presence of Key area for average – poor. Lighting and litter 3.3 junior pitches and Accessibility and there will of the village. bins, main entrance, Watermead improvement are Key areas for bins are the areas 3.2 mini pitches short. Most residents outside of therefore be a Consideration lighting and security and Country Park. cleanliness, planted improvement for improvement. No additional demand the recommended requirement to should also be safety. areas, litter bins, seats include the play has been identified for catchment. consider new and security. value offered at tennis courts, bowling provision over the given to a sites, litter bins and greens, synthetic turf Impact of forthcoming Core Strategy destination play safety and security. pitches or golf courses developments period to 2026 area in None Thurmaston to serve the south of the borough. Residents in the Accessibility Quality Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility Quality Quality south west are Most residents are within Watermead Country Residents in the west of Residents in the Some residents in Sites are of high quality. Newark Road outside of the the recommended Park rated as the town do not have South West of the the south are Seating was the key Cemetery is rated catchment for catchment of a park, even average. Planted access to an amenity town are unable to outside of the issue identified for as average. Litter facilities for though the rail line and areas identified as space within the access either recommended improvement. bins and parking are children and the main road act as a barrier the main area for recommended facilities for toddlers catchment. The rail the key areas for quality of existing to access. improvement. catchment. or juniors. In line and main road Accessibility improvement. provision is poor
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space addition, the train act as a barrier for All residents are within • There is a lack of Impact of forthcoming Accessibility Impact of forthcoming line and main road some residents. the recommended Accessibility provision junior developments While Watermead developments acts as an access drivetime of tennis No accessibility and mini pitches. None. Park provides a None barrier Impact of courts, bowling greens standard set. • Whilst some valuable resource forthcoming and synthetic turf pitches residents may and is a strategic Impact of developments and golf courses. Impact of benefit from being site for the Borough forthcoming None forthcoming close to allotment as a whole, its developments Impact of forthcoming developments provision in location means that None developments None neighbouring residents to the east None areas, Thurmaston of Thurmaston do does not have any not have a local natural and semi provision itself. natural open space. Residents in the The train line also northwest of reduces access to Thurmaston are Watermead Country outside the Park for residents in recommended the east of the town distance of allotment Impact of provision. forthcoming developments Other Issues: None • There is need for new burial space towards the end of the Core Strategy period to 2026.
• Watermead Country Park provides natural and semi-natural greenspace, but residents to the East of Thurmaston are outside the recommended distance to this type of open space and which is further affected by the barriers created by transport routes. There are also issues in terms of quantity and quality of amenity greenspace across Thurmaston, and issues of a lack of access to this provision in the west •
Anstey 5,963 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision:0.48ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.4 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.26 • Current Provision: • Residents in the per 1000 1.03 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 facility for juniors 1 facility. 2.22ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and northeast of the • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended and 1 for toddlers • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. village are outside Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity the appropriate 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / pitches and tennis 1000 standard catchment for • Surplus: 0.95ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.36ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a courts. • Shortfall: -0.42 ha in recommended. young people’s • new development total Surplus: n/a • Recommended total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / facilities. A new Quality only) Quality standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. Surplus: There is facility will be Stadon Road Park and Quality Quality Stadon Road Park, 1000 sufficient capacity provided as part of Sports Ground is the only Quality Quality of sites ranges Sites were rated the only site, is • Shortfall: -2.29ha in Quality
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 345
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space park. It is rated average. Sites rated average from very good to poor. average - good. rated as very good. total. Shortfall of junior Anstey Lane Allotments, in the existing development at Key areas for improvement to poor. Footpaths, The key areas for Key areas for Lighting is identified football (-2.4) and mini the only site is rated cemetery at the Bradgate Road. include footpaths, planted litter bins, parking improvement are litter improvement as the key areas for soccer pitches (-2.3. average. Parking is the current time. • There is a shortfall and grassed areas, litter and information bins, seats and planted include the play improvement. No additional demand main area for in junior and mini bins and lighting. were identified as areas. value offered at has been identified for improvement. Quality soccer provision, key areas for sites, main entrance Accessibility tennis courts, bowling The two sites are • There is a lack of Accessibility improvement. Accessibility and seating. Residents in the greens, synthetic turf Accessibility rated as average natural and semi Most residents have Most residents within North East are not pitches or golf courses Majority of residents are and excellent. The natural open space access to a park. Accessibility recommended Accessibility within the not within recommended key priorities for and also a shortfall The majority of catchment of existing Most residents recommended Quality catchment. improvement are in the quantity of Impact of forthcoming residents are provision. within catchment for such All facilities are rated as litter, seating and amenity green developments located within the recommended a facility. average. The key areas Impact of forthcoming parking. None. recommended Impact of forthcoming catchment, although for improvement are developments space, even catchment developments a small number of Impact of identified as fencing, None. Accessibility though most Amenity green space to residents in the forthcoming toilets and parking. One No accessibility residents in the Impact of be provided as part of north east of Anstey developments pitch is rated as poor – standard set village are within forthcoming development on are outside of the key areas for an acceptable developments Bradgate Road. recommended A new facility should improvement are walking distance of None. distance to such a be provided at changing and parking. these types of facility. Bradgate Road. provision. A new Accessibility amenity green Impact of All residents within space will be forthcoming recommended drivetime provided as part of developments of tennis courts, development at NEAP to be synthetic turf pitches and Bradgate Road. provided as part of golf courses, although Although there is a development on residents to the west of lack of provision in Bradgate Road. the town are outside of quantitative terms the recommended when measured catchment for a bowling against the local green. standards, the
Impact of forthcoming even distribution developments of parks, natural None. open space and amenity space means that improvements to the quality of existing provision is as important as new facilities. • The majority of residents are outside recommended catchment of allotment provision.
Other Issues: • Western parts of Anstey are outside of the catchment for a bowling green, however no additional demand has been identified.
• Allotment provision is marginally below recommended quantity standards. There are waiting lists at existing sites and furthermore, provision is only of average quality. Syston 11,845 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues:
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 346
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space • Current Provision: 0.68 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.26 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.17 • Current Provision: • There is no natural ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 5 facilities for 2 facilities. 3.45ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery. or semi natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended • No quantity open space Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per juniors. standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per standard meaning a short 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / provision for tennis, 1000 recommended. fall in quantity and • Surplus: 4.24ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -2.42 ha in standard set Surplus: n/a cricket, football and • Shortfall: -1.86 ha in • Shortfall / accessibility. new development total • Shortfall / bowls. total. Waiting lists at Surplus: There is There are also Quality only) Surplus: n/a Quality • Recommended existing sites. less than 6 years shortfalls of Quality of sites ranges from Quality The two facilities standard: 2.60 ha per capacity amenity green average to excellent. Key Quality Quality of sites ranges Quality were rated average 1000 Quality remaining in the space, and No natural and semi areas for improvement from very good to poor. Sites were rated and good. The • Surplus: 10.04ha in Upper Church Street existing cemetery residents in the natural open space average to very include planted areas, Key areas for equipment, lighting total. Shortfalls of Allotments, the only site, and new provision east are outside parking and lighting. improvement are planted good. Key areas and cleanliness and junior (-1.9) and mini is rated excellent. should be the recommended Accessibility areas, litter bins and for improvement maintenance were football (-4.1) and considered. distance to this Accessibility The majority of seats. include the play highlighted as the cricket pitches (-1.9). Accessibility type of open space The majority of residents residents outside of value offered at key priorities for No additional demand Residents in the south Quality meaning new are within the the recommended Accessibility sites and the quality improvement. has been identified for and south west are Barkby Road recommended catchment catchment. Some residents outside of equipment. tennis courts, bowling outside the Cemetery is rated provision may be of a park. of recommended Accessibility greens, synthetic turf recommended as excellent. required. Outside Impact of catchment, particularly in Accessibility The train acts as a pitches or golf courses catchment for allotment the east of the Impact of forthcoming forthcoming East Syston. Some residents in barrier to access to provision. Accessibility town, the park developments developments the east are outside these facilities for Quality No accessibility provision means None. None Impact of forthcoming of the some residents, and Quality of provision Impact of forthcoming standard set that increased developments recommended there are residents ranges from good to developments amenity green New amenity green catchment. The outside of the excellent. Key areas for None space provision is space to be provided as presence of the train recommended improvement are site less important, and part of development on line also inhibits catchment in both entrances, security and opportunities to Barkby Road access to existing the East and the safety, site boundaries improve quality of provision. West. and lighting. provision will be priority. New Impact of Impact of Accessibility provision will forthcoming forthcoming All residents within however be developments developments recommended drivetime provided as part of New facility to be of tennis courts, bowling new development provided as part of None greens and synthetic turf at Barkby Road. development on pitches and golf courses. Barkby Lane and an • Residents in the additional facility Impact of forthcoming East of Syston are provided as part of developments outside the Barkby Road None recommended Development distance for addresses some of facilities for this deficiency. children, a situation made worse by the barrier created by the railway line. New provision will be provided as part of developments on Barkby Road and Barkby Lane. • In terms of facilities for young people, residents in East and West Syston are outside the recommended distance for these facilities. • There are shortfalls in junior and mini football, and for cricket. • Allotment provision is below the recommended standards and residents in the south and south
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space west are outside the recommended catchment for this type of provision. There are also waiting lists. • There is a need for further cemetery provision. Rothley 3,841 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.02 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.65 • Current Provision: • There are no parks per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 4 facilities for 1 facility 2.59ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and within Rothley and • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. there is therefore Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers. standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity potential to 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / tennis, bowls, cricket 1000 standard upgrade an • Shortfall: -1.23 ha in total (to be applied to • Surplus: 2.13ha in total standard set Surplus: n/a and football pitches. • Surplus: 1.22 ha in recommended. amenity green new development • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / space into a park. Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. Surplus: Capacity The protection of There are no parks. Quality of sites ranges The facility at the 1000 use pitches. of existing amenity green Quality from average to Quality rear of Rothley • Shortfall: -0.06 in total. Quality cemetery space is Accessibility No natural and semi excellent. Key area for All sites were rated Primary School, the Shortfalls of mini Loughborough Road sufficient. particularly Residents do not have natural open space improvement are, average – very only site in the town soccer (-1.4) and Allotments is rated as important for the access to parks within the planted areas, grassed good. Key areas is rated very good. cricket pitches (-2) but average. The key area Quality village in the recommended distance Accessibility areas, litter bins and for improvement The key area for no other unmet for improvement is roads Both sites are rated absence of a park. threshold. The distribution Most residents are seats. include the play improvement is demand has been and pathways. average. Litter bins, The Persimmon of amenity space is outside the value offered at lighting. identified grass areas and however good and recommended Accessibility sites, quality of Accessibility parking are the key Homes residents have access to catchment Most residents within equipment, Accessibility Quality Majority of residents areas for development at this type of informal space. recommended entrances, seating Most residents are Quality of provision rated within recommended improvement. Hallfields Lane will Impact of catchment of amenity and litter bins. within the average to very good. catchment. provide further Impact of forthcoming forthcoming green space. Spaces recommended Key areas for Accessibility amenity green developments developments particularly valuable in Accessibility catchment of a improvement are Impact of forthcoming No accessibility space. Given the None. None the absence of parks. Most residents facility. entrance, seating, developments standard set absence of natural within lighting, changing None green space in the Impact of forthcoming recommended Impact of facilities and parking. village, there is a developments catchment. forthcoming Accessibility need to identify New amenity green developments ways of providing space to be provided as Impact of None Accessibility this type of space part of Persimmon forthcoming All residents within and this could Homes development. developments recommended drivetime potentially be New facility for of tennis courts, bowling located within any children to be greens and synthetic turf new park. provided as part of pitches and golf courses • The Persimmon Persimmon Homes as well as playing Homes development at pitches suitable for Hallfields Lane. competition. development at Hallfields Lane will Impact of forthcoming include a new play developments area. None • There are shortfalls in the provision of mini- soccer and cricket pitches. Mountsorrel 7,858 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.04 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 2.31 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.05 • Current Provision: • There is a lack of ha per 1000 1.02 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 3 facilities for 3 facilities. 1.09ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population two churchyards provision for • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended • No quantity children and for Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per standard young people in 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / tennis, bowls, cricket 1000 recommended. the south and • Shortfall: -2.21 ha in total (to be applied to • Surplus: 14.57 in total standard set Surplus: n/a and football pitches. • Surplus: 2.20 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: east. new development • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Waiting lists at Capacity of • There are Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. existing provision shortfalls in junior Loughborough Road Park Quality of sites rated All three facilities 1000 sufficient. and mini-football Quality is the only park and is rated average to poor. Key Quality are rated as • Shortfall: -11.85 in Quality provision and average. Potential Sites rated average area for improvement are All sites were rated average. Lighting is total. Shortfalls of Halstead Road Quality unmet demand for improvements include to poor. Footpaths, planted areas, grassed average – very the key priority, and Junior football pitches Allotments, the only site, The two sites are local tennis has grassed areas, main litter bins, seats, areas, litter bins and good. Key areas litter bins, security (-1), mini football is rated average. The rated as average been identified. entrance, parking and cleanliness and seats. for improvement and safety, the pitches (-1.4) and key area for and poor. The key
lighting. maintenance, include the play entrance and play cricket pitches (-1.4) improvement is the areas for information and Accessibility value offered at value are also and unmet demand for pathways. improvement are Other Issues • The provision of
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 348
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Accessibility parking identified as Most residents within sites, quality of highlighted as local tennis courts has parking, seating, parks is Some parts of the town are key areas for recommended equipment, main requiring also been identified. Accessibility litter bins and significantly below outside of the improvement. catchment. These sites entrances, security improvement. . Residents to the east are pathways. the recommended recommended catchment are particularly valuable and safety and litter Quality outside of the quantity standards, for parks. In north west Accessibility in the absence of parks bins. Accessibility All facilities rated recommended Accessibility and small parts of Mountsorrel in particular Many residents are Some residents in average. Key areas for catchment for allotment. No accessibility the south of the there are some spaces outside of the Impact of forthcoming Accessibility the south and east improvement toilets, Provision. standard set village are outside which have a secondary recommended developments Residents in the are outside of the safety, main entrance, of the catchment. function as parks. catchment of natural None south outside of the recommended litter, parking and Impact of forthcoming Impact of The impact of this open space recommended catchment. lighting. developments forthcoming is lessened by the Impact of forthcoming catchment. None developments provision of developments Impact of Impact of Accessibility None None. forthcoming Impact of forthcoming All residents within amenity green developments forthcoming developments recommended drivetime spaces. The high None developments None of tennis courts, bowling amount of these None greens, pitches suitable spaces provides an for competitive use, opportunity to synthetic turf pitches and upgrade one or golf courses more of these sites to a park, Impact of forthcoming particularly to the developments Northwest of the None village. Consideration should also be given to providing natural greenspace within amenity green spaces to reduce gaps in access to this provision.
• Provision of allotments is above the minimum standard however there are waiting lists at existing sites. Residents to the east are outside recommended distance to this type of provision.
Sileby 7,448 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.79 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.18 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.22 • Current Provision: • There is no natural ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 3 facilities for 2 facilities 0.63ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and and semi-natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. green space within Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity Sileby and large 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / tennis, bowls, cricket 1000 standard parts of the village • Surplus: 3.54 ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -2.06 in total standard set Surplus: n/a and football pitches. • Shortfall: -0.81 ha in recommended. are outside the new development • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / recommended Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. Surplus: There is distance to this Both parks were Quality of sites rated Both facilities are 1000 less than 20 years type of open Quality considered to be very excellent to poor. . Key Quality rated average. Play • Shortfall: -14.66 in Quality capacity space. No natural and semi area for improvement are Sites rated average The quality of sites good. Lighting is the main value was an issue total. Shortfalls of remaining in the Consideration area for improvement. natural open space planted areas, grassed to excellent Play at one site, and Junior football pitches ranges from poor to very existing cemetery should be given to areas, litter bins and value is the key other issues such as (0.5), mini football good. The key issues for and there will providing this type Accessibility Accessibility seats. area identified for litter bins, the main pitches (-3.2). No improvement are the therefore be a of open space, Most residents are able to Large amounts of improvement. entrance, lighting additional unmet entrances, paths, requirement to potentially within a access a park within the residents outside of Accessibility and cleanliness demand identified. security and fencing and consider new recommended catchment. recommended Most residents within Accessibility offer potential for the parking. provision over the park or amenity catchment. recommended Most residents improvement at the Quality Core Strategy space. Impact of forthcoming catchment. within other. Quality of facilities rated Accessibility period to 2026 • Residents to the developments Impact of recommended poor to very good. Key Majority of residents north of the village None. forthcoming Impact of forthcoming catchment. Accessibility areas for improvement within recommended Quality are outside the developments developments The train line may fencing, litter, seating, catchment. Sites were rated as recommended None None Impact of restrict access to parking, lighting and average and very distance for young forthcoming these facilities for changing rooms. Impact of forthcoming good. Parking, people’s facilities,
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 349
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space developments some people living developments seating, litter, and the presence None in the west of the Accessibility None planted areas and of train line may town and there are All residents within roads and pathways act as a barrier also some residents recommended drivetime were highlighted as meaning residents outside of the of tennis courts, bowling the key areas for in the west of recommended greens, pitches suitable improvement. Sileby have poor catchment for a for competitive sport, access to this type facility in the north. synthetic turf pitches and Accessibility of provision. golf courses. No accessibility • There are Impact of standard set shortfalls in junior forthcoming Impact of forthcoming and mini football developments developments Impact of None None forthcoming provision. developments • Although most None residents in Sileby are within the recommended distance of allotment provision, there are significant shortfalls in the overall quantity and quality of provision. There are waiting lists at existing sites. • There is a need for further cemetery capacity.
Other Issues • The even distribution of parks reduces the need for amenity spaces these sites are not required where a park is accessible within the recommended catchment for amenity green space. Although there are quantitative shortfalls, most residents are within the appropriate catchment. There are some opportunities for the improvement of sites.
Quorn 5,101 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.16 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.28 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.67 • Current Provision: • Quorn has a ha per 1000 1.04 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 2 facilities for 1 facility 5.87ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one site. shortfall in the • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended Churchyard. amount of both Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity parks and amenity 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / tennis, bowls, cricket 1000 standard green spaces. • Shortfall: -0.82ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.91 in total standard set Surplus: n/a and football pitches. • Surplus: 1.73 ha in recommended. Residents in new development • Shortfall / • Recommended total. • Shortfall / southwest are Quality only) Quality Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per Surplus: Existing outside the Both sites were rated as Quality of sites rated The quality of 1000 Quality provision is catchment for both Quality average. The key areas for excellent to poor. Key Quality Stafford Orchard • Surplus: -16.70 in The key areas for sufficient. parks and for improvement are planted Sites rated average area for improvement are Sites rated as Play Area, the only total. Shortfalls of improvement are the amenity green areas, litter bins, toilets and to poor. Key areas planted areas, grassed average and poor. facility, was Junior football pitches entrance, roads and Quality space, whilst lighting. for improvement areas, litter bins and The key areas considered average. (3.6), mini football paths, security and St Bartholomews residents in north
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 350
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space identified include seats. identified for The main areas for pitches (-6.3). No parking. Both sites are Church is the only and west Quorn Accessibility footpaths, planted improvement improvement additional unmet rated poor. site and is rated as are able access Residents in the south west areas, litter bins, Accessibility include play value, include lighting, site demand identified. good. Parking is the amenity are outside of the seating, toilets and Most residents are within site boundaries and boundaries, main Accessibility key area for greenspace, but recommended catchment information. recommended main entrance, play entrance and the Quality Majority of residents improvement. are outside the for both parks and amenity catchment, although equipment and equipment. Quality of facilities within recommended catchment of a green space while Accessibility there is a lack of grassed areas. ranges from average to catchment. Accessibility park. The lack of residents in North and Most residents able provision in the Accessibility excellent. Key areas for No accessibility either significant West Quorn are able to to access natural southwest. These sites Accessibility Residents outside of improvement grass, Impact of forthcoming standard set amenity green access amenity green open space. are particularly valuable Most residents the recommended seating, toilets, lighting, developments space or parks in space but are also outside in the absence of parks within catchment for a parking and changing Potential redevelopment Impact of the south of Quorn of the catchment for a park. Impact of recommended facility in the west. facilities. of Loughborough Road forthcoming forthcoming Impact of forthcoming catchment. allotments may developments means that new Impact of forthcoming developments developments Impact of Accessibility significantly affect None provision is developments None. None Impact of forthcoming All residents within access to and important. An The Stafford Orchard forthcoming developments recommended drivetime quantitative provision in amenity green Project may address some developments The Stafford of tennis courts, bowling Quorn. space in the north of the identified The Stafford Orchard Project greens, pitches suitable and west of Quorn deficiencies. Orchard Project may address some for competitive sport, should be may address some of the identified synthetic turf pitches and upgraded to of the identified deficiencies. golf courses. function as a park. deficiencies. Given the lack of Impact of forthcoming parks the developments protection of None amenity green space is particularly important. • Whilst many residents are within an appropriate distance of children’s facilities the quality of provision is low. Residents in the west of Quorn are outside the recommended distance of young peoples facilities. • There are shortfalls in the village for junior football and mini- football. Other issues • There is a shortfall in the quantity of natural and semi- natural green space, although most residents of the village are within appropriate distance of this type of open space. • Allotment provision in Quorn meets recommended standards for quantity and accessibility, but quality of this provision is poor. Potential redevelopment of Loughborough
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Road allotments may significantly affect access to provision in Quorn.
Barrow 5182 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.55 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.76 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.37 • Current Provision: • There is no natural ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 2 facilities for 2 facilities 1.89ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and and semi natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. 1 for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. green space within Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided are, cricket standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity Barrow. The 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / and football pitches. 1000 standard presence of the • Surplus: 1.19 ha in total (to be applied to • Surplus: 6.73 in total standard set Surplus: n/a • Recommended • Surplus: 0.21 ha in recommended. River Soar new development • Shortfall / standard: 2.60 ha per total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / however provides Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality 1000 existing sites. Surplus: The a natural resource The two sites were rated Quality of sites rated Both facilities are • Shortfall: -3.67ha in quantity of to the area and Quality average and very good. average to poor. . Key Quality rated as average. total. Shortfalls of Quality provision is this should be The main areas for No natural and semi area for improvement are Sites rated as Key issues identified cricket pitches (2.9.) Nottingham Road sufficient. maximised. The improvement are the main natural open space planted areas, grassed average to poor. include play value, No additional unmet Allotments, the only site, even distribution entrance, seating and areas, litter bins, seats Key areas for lighting, litter bins, demand identified. is rated average. The Quality of parks and lighting. Accessibility and safety and security. improvement seats and security key issues are the main The quality of both Large amounts of Some issues with include the play and safety. Quality entrance, pathways, amenity green facilities is rated as spaces means that Accessibility residents outside of cleanliness and value offered at Quality of facilities rated security and parking. very good. The key there is also an The majority of residents recommended maintenance also sites, litter bins, Accessibility excellent and very good. area for opportunity to are within the catchment, although identified. seats, play Small amount of Key area for Accessibility improvement is provide natural recommended catchment this is off-set by equipment, grassed residents outside of improvement is lighting. Residents in the south of toilets. of a park. access to the River Accessibility areas and main recommended the village are outside green space within Soar and also to Most residents within entrances. catchment for Accessibility the recommended Accessibility these larger sites. Impact of forthcoming open spaces in recommended provision, All residents within catchment for allotment No accessibility • Whilst within developments Barrow which have catchment. Accessibility predominantly in the recommended drivetime provision. standard set recommended None. a secondary Most residents East of the town. of tennis courts, bowling standards for purpose as natural Impact of forthcoming within greens, pitches suitable Impact of forthcoming Impact of accessibility, the and semi-natural developments recommended Impact of for competitive sport, developments forthcoming quality of facilities green space. None catchment. forthcoming synthetic turf pitches and None developments for children is low. developments golf courses. None For residents in Impact of Impact of New facility to be the far east of forthcoming forthcoming provided as part of Impact of forthcoming Barrow upon Soar developments developments development on developments there is lack of None New facility to be None Cotes Road. young peoples provided as part of facilities within the development on recommended Cotes Road. walking distance. New facilities for children and young people will be provided as part of the new development on Cotes Road. • There is a high demand for cricket pitches within the village. • Allotment provision meets recommended standards for quantity, but residents in the south are outside the recommended catchment and evidence from waiting list suggests a shortfall in provision. Hathern 1,939 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0.47 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.14 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.84 • Current Provision: • There is no natural ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1facility for 1 facility 9.98ha per 1000 ha per 1000 population one cemetery and and semi-natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended one churchyard. green space, and
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per toddlers standard set provided include standard: 0.33 ha per • No quantity residents are also 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / football, cricket and 1000 standard outside the • Surplus: 0.30ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.62 in total standard set Surplus: n/a rugby pitches. • Surplus: 2.93 ha in recommended. recommended new development • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Waiting lists at • Shortfall / walking distance to Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per existing sites. Surplus: Capacity this type of open Pasture Lane Park is the Quality of sites rated Pasture Lane Park 1000 of existing space. only park and is rated Quality average to poor. Key Quality is the only facility in • Surplus: 14.32ha in Quality cemetery is Opportunities to average. The key areas for No natural and semi area for improvement are Pasture Lane Park, Hathern. It is rated total. Pressure on The sites are rated poor sufficient. provide new natural open space improvement include planted areas, grassed the only site in the as good. The main junior rugby pitches (- and average. The key natural green cleanliness and areas, litter bins and areas for areas for improvement area, was rated 5.5) but this is Quality space (potentially maintenance and lighting. Accessibility seats. average. Key areas improvement are are the main entrance, balanced with Both sites are rated within other sites) Most residents are for improvement play value, lighting surpluses of other paths and parking. as average. The key should be Accessibility not able to access Accessibility include the play and seating. pitches. No additional areas for considered. Some residents are outside natural and semi Most residents within value, play unmet demand Accessibility improvement are • Although most of the recommended natural open space, recommended equipment and Accessibility identified. The facilities Majority of residents litter bins, seats, residents are catchment for provision. although there are catchment. seats. Most residents in this area also meet within recommended planted areas and spaces whose within demand from catchment. parking. within Impact of forthcoming secondary function Impact of forthcoming Accessibility recommended Loughborough as they recommended developments off-sets this developments Most residents catchment of facility. act as a strategic site Impact of forthcoming Accessibility walking distance to None. deficiency. None within Small amount of for this part of the developments No accessibility amenity green recommended residents to the Borough. None standard set space, there is a Impact of catchment. west of the town shortfall in the forthcoming outside the Quality Impact of quantity and developments Impact of recommended All facilities rated forthcoming quality of this None forthcoming catchment. Roads average. Key areas for developments provision. developments act as a barrier to improvement are None None access. entrance, seating, Other Issues lighting, security and • There is pressure Impact of safety, changing and on existing rugby forthcoming cleanliness. pitches, although developments this is balanced None Accessibility with the good All residents within supply of other recommended drivetime pitches of tennis courts, bowling greens, pitches suitable • Although the for competitive sport, quantity of parks is synthetic turf pitches and above the golf courses. recommended standards, Impact of forthcoming residents in the far developments south west are None outside the recommended walking distance for such facilities. It may be possible to upgrade an amenity green space to function as a park, although the amount of residents who are unable to access a park is relatively small, and to an extent the amenity space negates that need. The sports facilities in the local area also have a secondary function as a park.
• There are a very small amount of residents outside the recommended distance for young people’s facilities
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 353
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space
• Although the quantity of allotments exceeds recommended standards, waiting lists suggest that there is additional unmet demand. East Goscote 2,887 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.79 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • There are no parks per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 4 facilities for 2 facilities 2.68ha per 1000 provision. None. and provision is • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended • No quantity therefore below Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per juniors. standard set provided are all standard: 0.33 ha per standard minimum 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / pitches. 1000 recommended. standards in terms • Shortfall: -0.92 ha in total (to be applied to • Surplus: 0.95 in total standard set Surplus: n/a • Recommended • Shortfall: -0.95 ha in • Shortfall / of quantity and new development • Shortfall / standard: 2.60 ha per total. Surplus: n/a accessibility. Quality only). Quality Surplus: n/a Quality 1000 Amenity green There are no parks. Quality of sites rated The facilities are • Surplus: 0.25ha in Quality Quality space is above the Quality average to excellent. . Quality rated average and total. Unmet demand No provision There are no sites. minimum Accessibility No natural and semi Key area for Sites were rated very good. The key for tennis courts standards and so The lack of parks means natural open space improvement are planted average to areas for potential Accessibility Accessibility is particularly that all residents are areas, seats and litter excellent. Key improvement are Quality Residents outside of No accessibility important given outside of the Accessibility bins. areas for play value and Jubilee Playing Fields recommended standard set the lack of parks in recommended catchment Residents outside of improvement are lighting. The main rated very good. Lighting catchment. the village. for existing parks, although recommended Accessibility play value and site entrance and play and changing facilities Impact of all residents are within the catchment. Most residents within entrances. equipment are also identified as areas for Impact of forthcoming forthcoming Consideration catchment of an amenity recommended issues. improvement. developments developments should be given to green space, meaning that Impact of catchment. Accessibility None None upgrading amenity there are opportunities for forthcoming Most residents green space so informal recreation. developments Impact of forthcoming within that it functions as None developments recommended a park. None catchment. • There is no natural or semi-natural Impact of forthcoming Impact of Accessibility Accessibility green space - this developments forthcoming Small amount of All residents within could be None. developments residents outside of recommended drivetime addressed by None recommended of tennis courts, bowling provision within catchment for greens, pitches suitable existing areas of provision (small for competitive sport, amenity green pocket in both the synthetic turf pitches and space. east and west). golf courses. • There are no
allotments Impact of Impact of forthcoming
forthcoming developments developments None Other Issues None • A small amount of residents are outside the recommended distance to young people’s facilities. • Unmet demand for tennis courts has been identified • There are no cemeteries in the village.
Queniborough 2,332 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.02 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • There are no parks per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1 facility for No provision 6.33ha per 1000 provision. one churchyard. and there is a • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. None for • No quantity population. Facilities • Recommended • No quantity quantitative Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per juniors. standard set provide opportunities standard: 0.33 ha per standard shortfall of 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • No quantity • Shortfall / for football, tennis, 1000 recommended. amenity green • Shortfall: -0.75 ha in total (to be applied to • Shortfall: -1.03 ha in standard set Surplus: n/a rugby and cricket • Shortfall: -0.77 ha in • Shortfall / space, even new development total • Shortfall / • Recommended total. Surplus: Quantity though most Quality only). Surplus: n/a Quality standard: 2.60 ha per of provision is residents of the There are no parks. Quality No provision 1000 Quality sufficient. village are with the Quality Wetherby Close Open Quality • Surplus: 8.71ha in No provision recommended Accessibility No natural and semi Space is the only The only facility, Accessibility total. Shortfall of junior Quality walking distance of
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 354
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space The lack of parks means natural open space amenity green space. King George’s Field No provision. All (-1.4) and mini football Accessibility St Mary’s Church, this type of open that all residents are The site is rated as very Play Area is rated residents outside of pitches (-0.5) and Residents are outside of the only site, is space. There is no outside of the Accessibility good. Key areas for excellent. the recommended junior rugby pitches (- recommended rated as average. natural or semi- recommended catchment Residents are improvement are seating catchment. 3) catchment The key areas for natural green for existing parks, although outside of and litter bins. Accessibility improvement are space within the all residents are within the recommended Most residents Impact of Quality Impact of forthcoming seats, parking, village. The lack of catchment of an amenity catchment. Accessibility within forthcoming Facilities rated average developments planted areas and parks and amenity green space, meaning that Most residents within recommended developments to very good. Key None grassed areas. provision means there are opportunities for Impact of recommended catchment. None improvements include that the protection informal recreation. forthcoming catchment. entrance, lighting, Accessibility of existing space is developments Impact of security, seats, toilets, No accessibility particularly Impact of forthcoming None Impact of forthcoming forthcoming parking and changing. standard set developments developments developments important and new None. None None Accessibility Impact of provision is All residents within forthcoming essential recommended drivetime developments • There is no of tennis courts, bowling None provision for young greens, pitches suitable people within for competitive sport, Queniborough. synthetic turf pitches • There are shortfalls in junior Impact of forthcoming football and mini developments football as well as None junior rugby provision. • There are no allotments which is a significant shortfall.
Rearsby 1,051 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.50 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current provision: • Current Provision: • There are no parks per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1facility for 1 facility 1.35ha per 1000 1.59ha per 1000. one churchyard. and there is also • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. • No quantity population. Only • Recommended • No quantity no natural or semi- Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set football pitches standard: 0.33 ha per standard natural green 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / provided. 1000 recommended. space. There is • Shortfall: -0.34 ha in (to be applied to • Surplus: 0.05 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a • Recommended • Surplus: 1.32 ha in • Shortfall / sufficient amenity total new development Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60 ha per total. Surplus: Capacity green space which only). Quality Quality 1000 of existing site is important to Quality The only site, Brookside Quality Melton Road Village • Shortfall: -1.31ha in Quality sufficient. protect, given the Quality There are no parks. Open Space, is rated as Church Lane Play Hall, the only site, is total. No identified Melton Road Allotments, lack of parks and No natural and semi excellent. Area, the only considered poor. unmet demand. the only site, is rated Quality natural green Accessibility natural open space facility, was rated as The key issues average. The main areas St Michaels Church, space. The lack of parks means Accessibility very good. The identified are Quality for improvement are the the only site, is Consideration that all residents are Accessibility Most residents within quality of play security and safety, Melton Road Village Hall main entrance, footpaths rated as very good. should however be outside of the Residents are recommended equipment was lighting, site Playing Field, the only and parking. Toilets are identified given to the recommended catchment outside of catchment. The absence considered to be the boundaries and site site is rated poor. as the key area for for existing parks, although recommended of parks means that main area for entrance. Improvements required Accessibility improvement. upgrading existing all residents are within the catchment. amenity green space is improvement. include entrance, Majority of residents amenity space to catchment of an amenity particularly valuable. Accessibility fencing, site boundaries within recommended Accessibility form a park green space, meaning that Impact of Accessibility Small amount of security and lighting. catchment. No accessibility • Small amounts of there are opportunities for forthcoming Impact of forthcoming Most residents residents in the standard set residents are informal recreation. developments developments within north fall outside of Accessibility Impact of forthcoming outside the None None recommended the recommended All residents within developments Impact of recommended Impact of forthcoming catchment. catchment. recommended drivetime None forthcoming walking distance to developments of tennis courts, bowling developments facilities for young None. Impact of Impact of greens, pitches suitable None people and the forthcoming forthcoming for competitive sport, quality of the developments developments synthetic turf pitches. existing site is poor None None Impact of forthcoming Other Issues developments Whilst the quantity of None and accessibility to
allotments in Rearsby is sufficient, the quality of the site is only average. Smaller Settlements Newtown Linford 956 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • There is some per 1000 448 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1facility for 1 facility 1.83ha per 1000 provision. one churchyard. pressure on
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 355
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. • No quantity population. • Recommended • No quantity existing cricket Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set Opportunities for standard: 0.33 ha per standard facilities and 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / cricket and tennis. 1000 recommended. additional capacity • Shortfall: -0.31 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.44ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a • Recommended • Shortfall: -0.32 ha in • Shortfall / required at the total. Based on minimum new development total Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60 ha per total. Demand exceeds Surplus: The tennis club. size criteria, settlement is only). Quality 1000 5 plots. quantity of • There are no too small to require a Quality Quality The quality of Grey • Shortfall: -0.74ha in existing provision allotments so new park. Quality No amenity green space. Grey Close Play Close Play area is total. Pressure on the Quality is sufficient. provision may be Provision ranges in Area, the only average. Issues existing cricket pitches No provision required quality from Quality Accessibility facility, was rated as identified include (-2.7) and additional Quality There are no parks. excellent to poor. No access to amenity good. The main play value, security capacity required at Accessibility All Saints Church, Other Issues Key areas for green space although areas for and safety and the tennis facility. Majority of residents the only site, is Although there is no Accessibility improvement access to Bradgate Park improvement are lighting. outside of recommended rated as average. amenity green space, All residents are within a 10 include footpaths, which offers informal security and safety Quality catchment The key areas for residents have minute drive time of a park. seats, litter bins, recreational and toilets. Accessibility Newtown Linford Cricket improvement are Bradgate Park has a parking, toilets and opportunities. Most residents are and Tennis Club rated Impact of forthcoming identified as litter access to informal secondary function as a information. Accessibility located within the average. Key areas for developments bins, toilets and recreation park. Impact of forthcoming Most residents recommended improvement are parking None parking. opportunities and Accessibility developments within catchment. and lighting. therefore deficiencies Impact of forthcoming Most residents are None recommended Accessibility are of lower developments within the catchment Impact of No accessibility significance. None. recommended forthcoming standard set Maintaining and catchment. developments improving the quality None of sites will therefore be as important as new provision. Impact of Impact of Accessibility Impact of forthcoming forthcoming All residents within forthcoming developments developments recommended drivetime developments None. None of tennis courts, bowling None greens, pitches suitable for competitive sport, synthetic turf pitches
Impact of forthcoming developments None
Thurcaston and 2,108 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues Cropston • Current Provision: 0.65 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.13 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • There is no natural ha per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1facility for 1 facility 1.95ha per 1000 provision. one churchyard or semi natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended toddlers. • No quantity population. • Recommended and one green space in Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set Opportunities for standard: 0.33 ha per cemetery. Thurcaston and 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / cricket and football. 1000 • No quantity although most • Surplus: 0.71ha in total. (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.7 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a • Recommended • Shortfall: -0.70 ha in standard residents are new development total Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60 ha per total. Demand exceeds recommended. within the Quality only). Quality 1000 5 plots. • Shortfall / recommended The existing site is Quality Quality Cropston Play Area, • Shortfall: -1.37ha in Surplus: The walking distance of Quality considered average. The Quality of sites rated Cropston Play area, the only facility, is total. Shortfall of Quality quantity of amenity green main areas for No natural and semi average to poor. Key the only facility, was rated as good. The cricket pitches (-2). No No provision existing provision space, there are improvement are the main natural open space area for improvement are rated as good. The main areas for other unmet demand is sufficient. shortfalls in quality entrance, footpaths, planted areas, seats and main areas for improvement are identified. Accessibility and quantity. security and safety and Accessibility litter bins. improvement are security and safety Majority of residents Quality There is pressure lighting. Residents are security and the and the main Quality outside of recommended The two sites are • outside of Accessibility main entrance. entrance. Sites rated as very good catchment rated as average on existing cricket Accessibility recommended Most residents within and poor. Main areas for and excellent. The pitches. All residents are within a 10 catchment. recommended Accessibility Accessibility improvement are main Impact of forthcoming key areas for • There are no minute drive time of a park catchment. Most residents Most residents are entrance, security and developments improvement are allotments and so and within a local 10 Impact of within within the safety, seating, lighting None the provision of litter consideration minute walk time. forthcoming Impact of forthcoming recommended recommended and the grass. bins and seats. should be given to developments developments catchment distance of this this type of Impact of forthcoming None None facility. Accessibility Accessibility provision. developments Impact of All residents are within No accessibility None. forthcoming Impact of the recommended standard set Other Issues developments forthcoming drivetime of tennis Residents are outside None developments courts, synthetic turf Impact of appropriate None pitches and golf courses forthcoming catchment for a but outside of developments bowling green. appropriate catchment None for a bowling green
Impact of forthcoming
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 356
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space developments None
Wanlip 180 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: Apart from the per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. 99.12ha per 1000 provision. one churchyard. churchyard/ • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity cemetery and school, Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha per standard: 0.33 ha per standard Wanlip lacks any 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / 1000 population 1000 recommended. other type of open • Shortfall: -0.06 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.08ha in Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a • Surplus: 17.33ha in • Shortfall: -0.06 ha in • Shortfall / space provision. The total. Based on minimum new development total total total. Surplus: The lack of open space size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality • No unmet demand quantity of provision means that too small to require a Quality No provision No provision identified. Quality existing provision opportunities for new Quality park. No provision. No provision is sufficient. provision (where No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Quality demand exists) Quality natural open space Accessibility All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility Stonehill High School / should be sought. There are no parks. Residents outside of of recommended of recommended Longslade Community Majority of residents Access routes to Accessibility recommended catchment. catchment. College. No facilities not outside of recommended nearby spaces and Accessibility Most residents are catchment. There are no on education sites. catchment the countryside will All residents are within a 10 within the sites that offer informal minute drive time of a park. recommended recreational also be of particular catchment of this opportunities. significance. Impact of forthcoming type of open space. Impact of forthcoming Impact of Impact of Accessibility Impact of forthcoming Quality developments developments forthcoming forthcoming All residents within the developments Church of our Lady None. Impact of None developments developments recommended drivetime None of St Nicholas, the forthcoming None None of tennis courts, bowling only site, is rated as developments greens, synthetic turf average. The key None pitches and golf courses. areas for Access to school facility improvement are limited. STP at pathways, grassed Longslade Community areas and parking. College in need of refurbishment Accessibility No accessibility Impact of forthcoming standard set developments None Impact of forthcoming developments None
Barkby 325 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: – • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: Apart from the per 1000 0 ha per 1000 0.0 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. 4.56ha per 1000 provision. two churchyards. cemetery and cricket • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity ground, Barkby lacks Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha per standard: 0.33 ha per standard any other type of 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / 1000. 1000 recommended. open space • Shortfall: -0.10 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.15 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a • Surplus: 0.64ha in • Shortfall: -0.11 ha in • Shortfall / provision. The total. Based on minimum new development total. This provision is total. Surplus: The cricket ground does size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality for cricket. No unmet quantity of not provide informal too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision demand identified. Quality existing provision recreational Quality park. No provision is sufficient. opportunities. The No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility Quality lack of open space Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Beeby Road Cricket Accessibility Quality provision means that There are no parks. recommended of recommended of recommended Ground, the only facility, Majority of residents The two opportunities for new Accessibility catchment. catchment. catchment. is rated as excellent. outside of recommended churchyards are provision (where Accessibility Some residents catchment rated as poor and demand exists) All residents are within a 10 outside of Impact of forthcoming Impact of Impact of Accessibility excellent. The key minute drive time of a park. recommended developments forthcoming forthcoming All residents are within Impact of forthcoming areas for should be sought. catchment. None developments developments the recommended developments improvement are Access routes to Impact of forthcoming None None drivetime of tennis None the provision of litter nearby spaces and developments Impact of courts, bowling greens, bins, seating, toilets the countryside will None. forthcoming synthetic turf pitches and and parking. also be of particular developments golf courses. significance. None Accessibility Impact of forthcoming No accessibility developments standard set None Impact of forthcoming developments None
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 357
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space
Barkby Thorpe 61 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: There is no open per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. no provision space and this lack • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity of open space Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard provision means that 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.16ha in 1000 recommended. opportunities for new • Shortfall: -0.02 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.03 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.02 ha in • Shortfall / provision (where total. Based on minimum new development • No unmet demand total. Surplus: No demand exists) size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality identified. provision. should be sought. too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality Access routes to Quality park. Quality No provision Quality nearby spaces and No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility No provision No provision the countryside will Quality natural open space All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility also be of particular There are no parks. of recommended of recommended Majority of residents Accessibility significance. catchment. catchment. outside of recommended No accessibility catchment. standard set.
Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility Impact of Impact of Accessibility Impact of forthcoming Impact of All residents are within a 10 Large amounts of Residents outside of forthcoming forthcoming All residents within the developments forthcoming minute drive time of a park. residents outside of recommended developments developments recommended drivetime None developments recommended catchment. There are no None None of tennis courts, bowling None Impact of forthcoming catchment. sites that offer informal greens, synthetic turf developments recreational pitches and golf courses None. Impact of opportunities. forthcoming Impact of forthcoming developments Impact of forthcoming developments None developments None None
Beeby 74 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: There is scope for per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. one churchyard. the improvement in • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity the quality of the Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard churchyard/ 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: - 0.19ha in 1000 recommended. cemetery. There is • Shortfall: -0.02 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.03 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.02ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: no other provision. total. Based on minimum new development • No unmet demand total. The quantity of The lack of open size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality identified. existing provision space provision too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality is sufficient. means that Quality park. Quality No provision opportunities for new No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility No provision Quality provision (where Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility All Saints Church, demand exists) There are no parks. recommended of recommended of recommended Accessibility Majority of residents the only site, is should be sought. Accessibility catchment. There are no catchment. catchment. All residents within the outside of recommended rated as poor. Access routes to Accessibility Some residents sites that offer informal recommended drivetime catchment Planted areas, litter nearby spaces and All residents are within a 10 outside of recreational Impact of Impact of of tennis courts, bowling bins, seating and minute drive time of a park. recommended opportunities. forthcoming forthcoming greens and golf courses. Impact of forthcoming parking were the countryside will catchment. developments developments Residents are outside of developments highlighted as the also be of particular Impact of forthcoming Impact of forthcoming None None the recommended None key priorities for significance developments Impact of developments catchment for synthetic improvement. None. forthcoming None turf pitches. developments Accessibility Impact of forthcoming None Impact of forthcoming No accessibility developments developments standard set None. None Impact of forthcoming developments None
South Croxton 241 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.04 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1 facility for no facilities. facilities. provision. one churchyard. Although above • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity recommended Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard standards for 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.63ha in 1000 recommended. accessibility and • Shortfall: -0.08 ha in (to be applied to • Surplus: -0.14 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.08 ha in • Shortfall / quantity, the quality total. Based on minimum new development Surplus: n/a • No unmet demand total Surplus: The of amenity green size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality identified. quantity of space in south too small to require a South Croxton Village Quality No provision Quality existing provision Croxton has been
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space park. Quality Hall, the only site, is South Croxton Quality No provision is sufficient. identified as poor. No natural and semi rated poor. Key issues Village Hall Play Accessibility No provision The quality of the Quality natural open space include seating, litter bins area was rated All residents outside Accessibility Quality facilities for the There are no parks. and security and safety. poor. The key of recommended Accessibility Majority of residents St John’s Church, young has been Accessibility issues identified for catchment. All residents within the outside of recommended the only site, is identified as poor in Accessibility Some residents Accessibility improvement are recommended drivetime catchment rated as poor. The South Croxton. There All residents are within a 10 outside of Residents within play value, main Impact of of tennis courts, bowling key areas for is scope for the minute drive time of a park. recommended recommended entrance, security, forthcoming greens, synthetic turf improvement are improvement in the catchment. catchment. seating, litter bins developments pitches and golf courses planted areas, litter quality of the Impact of forthcoming and seating. None bins, seating and churchyard/ developments Impact of Impact of forthcoming Impact of forthcoming parking. cemetery. The poor None. forthcoming developments developments developments None None quality of some None existing provision means that Accessibility Accessibility qualitative Most residents No accessibility improvement should within standard set be prioritised over recommended new provision. catchment. Impact of forthcoming Impact of developments forthcoming None developments None
Ulverscroft 85 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current provision: There is no public per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. none open space in • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity Ulverscroft. The lack Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard of open space means 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.22ha in 1000 recommended. that opportunities for • Shortfall: -0.03 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.04 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus:-n/a total • Shortfall: -0.03 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: new provision (where total. Based on minimum new development • No unmet demand total. n/a demand exists) size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality identified. should be sought. too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality Quality Access routes to Quality park. Quality No provision No provision nearby spaces and No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility No provision the countryside will Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility Accessibility also be of particular No provision. recommended of recommended of recommended Accessibility Majority of residents No accessibility significance. Accessibility catchment. There are no catchment. catchment. All residents within the outside of recommended standard set Accessibility Some residents sites that offer informal recommended drivetime catchment No provision outside of recreational Impact of Impact of of tennis courts, bowling Impact of recommended opportunities. forthcoming forthcoming greens, synthetic turf Impact of forthcoming forthcoming Impact of forthcoming catchment. developments developments pitches and golf courses developments developments developments Impact of forthcoming None None None None None. Impact of developments Impact of forthcoming forthcoming None developments developments None None Woodhouse and 2,086 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues Woodhouse Eves • Current Provision: -0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.01 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • There is no park per 1000 44.38 ha per ha per 1000 1 facility for 1 facility. 9.71ha per 1000 0.40ha per 1000 two churchyards within the parish. • Recommended 1000 • Recommended juniors. • No quantity • Recommended population. • No quantity • The quantity of Standard: 0.32ha per • Recommended Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set standard: 2.60ha per • Recommended standard natural and semi- 1000 population Standard: 2ha per 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / 1000. standard: 0.33 ha per recommended. natural green • Shortfall: -0.67 ha in 1000 population • Surplus: 1.15ha in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a • Surplus: 14.84ha in 1000 • Shortfall / space far exceeds total. (to be applied to Surplus: n/a total. This provision is • Surplus: 0.14ha in Surplus: The the recommended new development Quality Quality for cricket, football and total. quantity of standards. Quality only). Sites rated as average to Quality Woodhouse Eaves tennis. No unmet existing provision Quantitative
There are no parks. poor. Key concerns Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Play demand identified. Quality is sufficient. provision of Quality included planted areas, Village Hall is the Area, the only site, Main Road Allotments, amenity green Accessibility Beacon Hill Country grassed areas, litter bins only play area. It is rated as average. Quality the only site, is Quality space is above All residents are within a 10 Park is the only site and seats. was rated average. Play value and King George V Playing considered poor. The The quality of both standards, but this minute drive time of a park and is rated The main areas for lighting are the key Fields was rated main entrance, roads sites is considered provision is of low and also have access to excellent. Footpaths Accessibility improvement are priorities for average. The key areas and paths, security, poor. The key areas quality. There is local amenity green space. were the lowest Most residents within the play value and improvement. for improvement are the parking and toilets are all for improvement are scoring element of recommended the grassed areas. main entrance, site considered to be key planted areas, litter potential to Impact of forthcoming the site. catchment. Accessibility boundaries and fencing, areas for improvement. bins, toilets and upgrade an developments Accessibility Most residents are lighting and changing. parking. amenity space to None. Accessibility Impact of forthcoming Most residents within the Accessibility enable it to Location of the developments within recommended Accessibility Majority of residents Accessibility function as a park.
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Beacon means that None recommended catchment of a All residents are within within recommended No accessibility most residents are catchment. facility. the recommended catchment. standard set outside of drivetime of tennis Other Issues recommended Impact of Impact of courts, bowling greens, Impact of forthcoming Impact of • The quantity of catchment. This is forthcoming forthcoming synthetic turf pitches and developments forthcoming allotments is above greatly reduced by developments developments golf courses. None developments standards for the presence of None None None quantity, but is of Broombriggs area Impact of forthcoming low quality. which wasn’t developments • There is scope for included within the None improvement in audit. the quality of the
Impact of churchyard forthcoming developments None Swithland 232 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 1.68 • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: There is no natural per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. • Recommended provision. one churchyard. and semi-natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity standard: 2.60ha • Recommended • No quantity green space within Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set • Shortfall: -0.21ha in standard: 0.33 ha per standard the parish, although 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / total 1000 recommended. a small part of the • Shortfall: -0.07 in total. (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.11 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a • No unmet demand • Shortfall: -0.08 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: village is within the Based on minimum size new development identified. total. The quantity of recommended criteria, settlement is too only). Quality Quality Quality existing provision walking distance of small to require a park. No provision. No provision No provision Quality Quality is sufficient. Swithland Woods (Swithland Woods St Leonards Chuch of No provision (within Newtown lie in Newtown Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility Quality England School - quality Quality Linford Parish). There are no parks. Linford Parish) Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility not assessed. St Leonards, the Apart from access to recommended of recommended of recommended Majority of residents only site, is rated as Swithland Woods Accessibility Quality catchment. Swithland catchment. catchment. Accessibility outside of recommended average. The key there is a lack of All residents are within a 10 No natural and semi Wood offers informal All residents within the catchment areas for minute drive time of a park. natural open space recreational Impact of Impact of recommended drivetime improvement are open space, which opportunities. forthcoming forthcoming of tennis courts, bowling Impact of forthcoming litter bins, toilets and means that Impact of forthcoming Accessibility developments developments greens, synthetic turf developments parking. opportunities for new developments Some residents in Impact of forthcoming None None pitches and golf courses None provision (where None. the East are outside developments Accessibility demand exists) of recommended None Impact of forthcoming No accessibility should be sought. catchment. developments standard set Access to a space for None informal recreation Impact of Impact of opportunities reduces forthcoming forthcoming the need for new developments developments provision in this None None settlement, although access to amenity space is particularly important as the settlement is of sufficient size to warrant such provision. Access routes to nearby spaces and the countryside will also be of particular significance. Cossington 595 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • Cossington is too per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1 facility for one facility. 44.11ha per 1000 provision. one churchyard. small to warrant a • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity park, however, the Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard village has no 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Surplus: 24.68ha in 1000 recommended. natural green • Shortfall: -0.19ha in total. (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.27 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.20 ha in • Shortfall / space or amenity Based on minimum size new development Surplus: n/a • No unmet demand total. Demand exceeds Surplus: The green space which criteria, settlement is too only). Quality Quality identified. 5 plots. quantity of means that small to require a park. No provision. Quality Platts Lane was existing provision opportunities for Quality Platts Lane Playing rated as poor. The Quality Quality is sufficient. new provision Quality No natural and semi Accessibility Field is the only key area for No provision Most provision is at (where demand There are no parks. natural open space Residents outside of facility. The site was improvement is play school sites (Ratcliffe Quality exists) should be recommended rated as poor. The value. College / Cossington C Accessibility All Saints Church, sought. Accessibility Accessibility catchment but have key priority for of E School) and Platts Majority of residents the only site, is
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space All residents are within a 10 Some residents access to a site which improvement is the Accessibility Lane was closed for outside of recommended rated as excellent. • There are no minute drive time of a park. outside of offers informal recreation play value. Most residents refurbishments at the catchment allotments recommended opportunities. within the time of site visits and Accessibility Impact of forthcoming catchment. Accessibility recommended was therefore not Impact of forthcoming No accessibility Other Issues developments Impact of forthcoming All residents within catchment. assessed. developments standard set The quality of None. developments recommended None existing play facilities None catchment. is in need of Impact of Impact of Accessibility Impact of improvement. forthcoming Impact of forthcoming All residents within the forthcoming developments forthcoming developments recommended drivetime developments None developments None of tennis courts, bowling None None greens, synthetic turf pitches and golf courses
Impact of forthcoming developments None
Thrussington 550 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity There is a small • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.1 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: amount of natural per 1000 0.16 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. one churchyard and semi natural • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended and one open space in Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per cemetery. Thrussington and 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall: n/a • Shortfall / Surplus: 1000 • No quantity this site was rated as • Shortfall: -0.18 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.15 in total Surplus: n/a 1.20ha in total • Shortfall: -0.18 ha in standard poor quality. Some total. Based on minimum new development Quality • No unmet demand total. Demand exceeds recommended. residents remain size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality No provision identified. 5 plots. • Shortfall / outside of the too small to require a The Green is rated No provision Surplus: The catchment for this park. Quality average. The key area Accessibility Quality Quality quantity of facility. Apart from Hoby Road Open for improvement is Accessibility All residents outside No provision No provision existing provision this site, and the Quality Space rated poor. planted areas. All residents outside of recommended is sufficient. cemetery and There are no parks. Footpaths, bins, of recommended catchment. Accessibility Accessibility churchyard, there are parking and seats Accessibility catchment. All residents within the Majority of residents Quality no other open spaces Accessibility highlighted as Most residents have Impact of recommended drivetime outside of recommended Both sites are rated in Thrussington. This All residents are within a 10 needing access to this site. Impact of forthcoming of tennis courts, bowling catchment as average. The key means that minute drive time of a park. improvement. forthcoming developments greens, synthetic turf areas for Impact of forthcoming developments None pitches and golf courses Impact of forthcoming improvement opportunities for new Impact of forthcoming Accessibility developments None developments identified include provision (where developments Some residents None Impact of forthcoming None parking, seating, demand exists) None. outside of developments litter bins, planted should be sought. recommended None areas and paths. Access routes to catchment. nearby spaces and Accessibility the countryside will Impact of No accessibility also be of particular forthcoming standard set significance. developments None Impact of forthcoming developments None
Seagrave 514 Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: – 2.32 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: – • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: – • Current Provision: – • Current Provision: • There are no ha per 1000 – 0 ha per 1000 1.98 ha per 1000 1 facility for no facilities. 0.35ha 1.36ha. one churchyard facilities for • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended and one cemetery teenagers and the Standard: – 0.32ha per Standard: – 2ha Standard: – 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set standard: - 2.60ha standard: – 0.33 ha • No quantity quality of provision 1000 population per 1000 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -1.16 ha in per 1000 standard for children is only • Surplus: – 1.03 ha in population (to be • Surplus: - 0.78ha in • Shortfall / Surplus:-- n/a total • Surplus:- 0.53 ha in recommended. average total. applied to new total. Surplus: - n/a • No unmet demand total. • Shortfall / Surplus: development Quality identified. The quantity of Other Issues Quality only). Quality Quality No provision Quality existing provision • Provision of
Sites rated as average. Key Amenity green space Green Lane Park Quality Swan Street Allotments, is sufficient. amenity green areas for improvement are Quality rated as average. Areas Play Area is the only Accessibility the only site, are rated Site was not assessed space and parks is planting, seating, litter bins, No natural and semi for improvement include facility. The key All residents outside average. Security and Quality significantly above parking and lighting. natural open space seats, planted areas and areas for of recommended Accessibility safety is the main area The two sites are the recommended litter bins. improvement are catchment. All residents within the for improvement. both rated average. minimum Accessibility Accessibility the play value, recommended drivetime The key areas for All residents are within a 10 Most residents Accessibility security and safety, Impact of of tennis courts, bowling Accessibility improvement are standards. There is minute drive time of a park. within Most residents within litter bins and the forthcoming greens, synthetic turf Majority of residents planted areas, litter however scope to Residents also have local recommended recommended quality of the play developments pitches and golf courses within recommended bins and seating. improve the quality access to facilities. catchment. catchment of amenity equipment. None catchment. of provision green space. Impact of forthcoming Accessibility • The quality of the
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SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Impact of forthcoming developments Impact of forthcoming No accessibility existing allotments developments None developments standard set and cemetery are None. None also rated as Impact of Impact of forthcoming Accessibility Impact of average. forthcoming developments All residents within forthcoming developments None recommended developments None catchment. None
Impact of forthcoming developments None
Walton on the 272 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues Wolds • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.74 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 8.10 • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: Most residents are per 1000 0.44 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. per 1000 population provision. one churchyard within the • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended and one appropriate Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per cemetery. catchment of 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Surplus: 1.49ha in 1000 • No quantity amenity green space • Shortfall: -0.09 ha in (to be applied to • Surplus: 0.08 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a total. • Shortfall: -0.09 ha in standard and natural and semi total. Based on minimum new development • Shortfall of cricket total. recommended. natural open space size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality pitches (2.1). No other • Shortfall / and the amount of too small to require a Six Hills Road Open No provision No provision unmet demand Quality Surplus: The amenity green space Quality park. Space, the only site, is identified. No provision quantity of is above the The only site, rated as average. The Accessibility Accessibility existing provision minimum standard. Quality Poplar Hill was key issues identified All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility Quality is sufficient. The adequate level There are no parks. rated as poor. Litter include seating, planting of recommended of recommended Walton on the Wolds Majority of residents of provision suggests bins, seats and and grassed areas and catchment. catchment. Cricket Club, the only outside of catchment Quality that quality rather Accessibility information litter bins. site, is rated as average. The two sites are All residents are within a 10 considered in need Impact of Impact of The key areas for Impact of forthcoming rated as average than quantity will be minute drive time of a park. of improvement. Accessibility forthcoming forthcoming improvement are developments and poor. The key the key priority, and Most residents within developments developments security, seating, parking None issues identified there is scope for Impact of forthcoming Accessibility recommended None None and lighting. include roads and improvement of developments Most residents catchment. paths, planted these sites. None. within Accessibility areas, litter, seating recommended Impact of forthcoming All residents within the and parking. Other Issues catchment of facility. developments recommended drivetime There are no facilities None of tennis courts, bowling Accessibility for children and Impact of greens and golf courses No accessibility young people so new forthcoming although they are outside standard set sites should be developments of the catchment for provided if demand is None. synthetic turf pitches. Impact of evident. Additionally, forthcoming there are no Impact of forthcoming developments allotments and there developments None is a need to provide None some if demand is evident.
Burton on the 996 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity . Quantity Quantity Significant Issues Wolds • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.32 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Most residents are per 1000 0.61 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 2 facilities for one facility. 3.33ha per 1000. 0.44ha. one cemetery within the • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity Provision for football, • Recommended • No quantity appropriate Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set cricket and tennis. standard: 0.33 ha per standard catchment of 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Recommended 1000 recommended. amenity green • Shortfall: -0.32 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.14 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60ha • Shortfall: -0.11 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: space and natural total. Based on minimum new development Surplus: n/a • Surplus: 0.73 ha in total. Demand exceeds n/a and semi natural size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality total 5 plots. open space too small to require a Springfield Close Open Quality Towles Fields, the • Minor shortfall of 0.3 Quality although the Quality park. Space is the only site The quality of both only facility, is rated mini soccer pitches. Quality Church of Philip amount of amenity Sites rated as and is rated average. facilities is rated as excellent. Melton Road Allotments, No other unmet Cemetery is rated green space is Quality average to Bins and seats are the average. The main the only site, is rated good. demand identified. below the There are no parks. excellent. Key areas key areas for area for Accessibility average. The key issues minimum for improvement improvement. improvement is play Most residents Quality are main entrance, roads Accessibility standard. The Accessibility include litter bins, value. within Towles Fields, the only and paths and parking. No accessibility All residents are within a 10 seating and Accessibility recommended facility, is rated as standard set adequate level of minute drive time of a park. information. Most residents have Accessibility catchment. excellent. Accessibility provision suggests access to amenity green All residents within Residents within Impact of that quality rather Impact of forthcoming space within the recommended recommended forthcoming than quantity developments recommended catchment. catchment. developments should be the key None. catchment. None priority, and there Accessibility Impact of forthcoming Impact of Impact of Impact of forthcoming is scope for
Charnwood Borough Council - Open Spaces, Sport & Recreation Study Page 362
SECTION 15 – SUMMARY AND PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION
Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space Most residents are developments forthcoming forthcoming developments improvement of within Amenity green space to developments developments Accessibility None these sites. The recommended be provided as part of Play area to be None All residents within the forthcoming David catchment of facility David Wilson Homes site provided as part of recommended drivetime Wilson off Melton Road. David Wilson of tennis courts, bowling Development will Impact of Homes site off greens and golf courses include amenity forthcoming Melton Road. although outside of the green space. developments catchment for synthetic • There are no None pitches. allotments and . demand for these Impact of forthcoming facilities should be developments None investigated • There is scope to improve the play value of existing play areas. A play area is to be provided as part of the proposed David Wilson development
Prestwold 70 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: Apart from the per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. one churchyard. cemetery, Prestwold • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended (natural burial site lacks any other type Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per not included in of open space 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.18ha in 1000 audit). provision. The lack • Shortfall: -0.02 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.03 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.02 ha in • No quantity of open space total. Based on minimum new development • No unmet demand total. standard provision means that size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality identified. recommended. opportunities for new too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality • Shortfall / provision (where Quality park. Quality No provision Surplus: The demand exists) No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility No provision quantity of should be sought. Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility existing provision Access routes to There are no parks. recommended of recommended of recommended Accessibility Majority of residents is sufficient. nearby spaces and Accessibility catchment. There are no catchment. catchment. All residents within the outside of recommended the countryside will Accessibility Some residents sites that offer informal recommended drivetime catchment Quality also be of particular All residents are within a 10 outside of recreation opportunities. Impact of Impact of of tennis courts, bowling St Andrews Church, minute drive time of a park. recommended forthcoming forthcoming greens, synthetic turf Impact of forthcoming the only site, is significance. catchment. Impact of forthcoming developments developments pitches and golf courses developments rated as average. Impact of forthcoming developments None None None The key areas for developments Impact of None Impact of forthcoming improvement are None. forthcoming developments pathways, grassed developments None areas and litter bins. None Accessibility No accessibility standard set
Impact of forthcoming developments None
Wymeswold 1,103 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.34 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.50 • Current Provision: • Although there is per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 1 facility for one facility. 6.80ha per 1000. hectares per 1000 one churchyard no natural open • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity Provision for football, • Recommended and one space, some Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set bowls and cricket. standard: 0.33 ha per cemetery. residents benefit 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Recommended 1000 • No quantity from natural open • Shortfall: -0.35 in total. (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.13 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a standard: 2.60ha • Surplus: 0.19 ha in standard space in adjoining new development Surplus: n/a • Surplus: 4.63 ha in total. recommended. settlements. The only). total. • Shortfall / amount of amenity Quality Quality Quality Quality • Small shortfall of mini Quality Surplus: The green space is Quality There are no parks. Provision is rated from London Road Play The quality of the soccer (-0.5) and Sites are rated average quantity of marginally below No natural and semi very good to poor. Litter Area, the only site, existing facility and excellent. The site unmet demand for existing provision the recommended Accessibility natural open space bins, seats, planted and is rated average. (London Road Play entrance and pathways local tennis. is sufficient. quantity of
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Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space All residents are within a 10 Accessibility grassed areas are the The main areas for area) is average. are the main area for provision, however minute drive time of a park. Some residents key issues identified. improvement are Play value, litter Quality improvement. Quality all residents are outside of play value and litter bins and lighting are Sites are rated as poor to Both sites are rated within the Impact of forthcoming recommended Accessibility bins. the key priorities for very good. The main Accessibility average. The key appropriate developments catchment. Residents within improvement. areas for improvement All residents within areas for catchment. None. recommended Accessibility are seating, lighting and recommended improvement are Opportunities to Impact of catchment. All residents within Accessibility the main entrance. catchment. litter, seating and improve the quality forthcoming recommended Most residents parking. of provision should developments Impact of forthcoming catchment within the Impact of forthcoming be taken and new None developments recommended Accessibility developments Accessibility provision should None Impact of catchment of the All residents within the None No accessibility also be considered forthcoming existing facility. recommended drivetime standard set developments of tennis courts, bowling where required. New facility to be Impact of greens and golf courses Impact of provided as part of forthcoming although outside of the forthcoming Other Issues development on developments catchment for synthetic developments • The quality of the Wysall Lane None pitches. None allotments, churchyards and Impact of forthcoming cemetery is developments average None • There are opportunities to improve the quality of play facilities and the facility for young people – these are currently rated as average. A new facility will also be provided as part of the new development on Wysall Lane.
Cotes 29 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: There is no public per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. none open space. The • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity lack of open space Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard means that 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.08 in total 1000 recommended. opportunities for new • Shortfall: -0.01 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.01 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a • No unmet demand • Shortfall: -0.01 ha in • Shortfall / provision (where total. Based on minimum new development identified. total. Surplus: n/a demand exists) size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality should be sought. too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality Quality Quality Access routes to Quality park. No provision No provision No provision. nearby spaces and No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility the countryside will Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility also be of particular There are no parks. recommended of recommended of recommended All residents within the Majority of residents No accessibility significance. Accessibility catchment. catchment. catchment. recommended drivetime outside of recommended standard set Accessibility Some residents of tennis courts, bowling catchment All residents are within a 10 outside of Impact of forthcoming Impact of Impact of greens, synthetic turf Impact of minute drive time of a park. recommended developments forthcoming forthcoming pitches and golf courses Impact of forthcoming forthcoming catchment. None developments developments developments developments Impact of forthcoming None None Impact of forthcoming None None developments Impact of developments None. forthcoming None developments None
Hoton 353 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: There is no public per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 one facility for one facility. facilities. provision. none open space. The • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended juniors. • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity lack of open space Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per • No quantity standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard means that 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population standard set • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.92ha in 1000 recommended. opportunities for new • Shortfall: -0.11 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.16 in total • Shortfall / Surplus: n/a total • Shortfall: -0.12 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: provision (where total. Based on minimum new development Surplus: n/a • No unmet demand total. n/a demand exists) size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality identified. should be sought. too small to require a No provision. Quality Old Parsonage Quality Quality Access routes to Quality park. Old Parsonage Lane, the only Quality No provision No provision. nearby spaces and
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Recommended Standards Parks Natural and Semi Amenity Green Space Facilities for Facilities for Outdoor Sports Allotments Cemeteries and Overall Summary Natural Open children Young People Facilities Churchyards Space No natural and semi Accessibility Lane, the only facility is rated No provision the countryside will Quality natural open space Residents outside of facility, is rated average. The key Accessibility Accessibility also be of particular There are no parks. recommended average. Play value issues highlighted Accessibility Majority of residents No accessibility significance. Accessibility catchment. is the main area for for improvement are All residents within the outside of recommended standard set Accessibility Some residents improvement. play value and recommended drivetime catchment Facilities for children All residents are within a 10 outside of Impact of forthcoming access. of tennis courts, bowling Impact of and young people minute drive time of a park. recommended developments Accessibility greens, synthetic turf Impact of forthcoming forthcoming are of average catchment. None All residents within Accessibility pitches and golf courses developments developments quality. Impact of forthcoming recommended All residents are None None Improvements to this developments Impact of catchment. within the Impact of forthcoming provision will be of None. forthcoming recommended developments higher importance developments Impact of catchment. None None forthcoming than the provision of developments Impact of new facilities. None forthcoming developments None Ratcliffe on Wreake 173 Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Significant Issues • Current Provision: 0 ha • Current Provision: • Current Provision: 0.0 • Current Provision: • Current Provision: • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: no • Current Provision: • There is some per 1000 0 ha per 1000 ha per 1000 no facilities. no facilities. facilities. provision. one churchyard pressure on • Recommended • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity • No quantity • Recommended • Recommended • No quantity existing cricket Standard: 0.32ha per Standard: 2ha per Standard: 0.46ha per standard set standard set standard: 2.60ha standard: 0.33 ha per standard facilities and 1000 population 1000 population 1000 population • Shortfall / • Shortfall / • Shortfall: -0.45ha in 1000 recommended. additional capacity • Shortfall: -0.06 ha in (to be applied to • Shortfall: -0.08 in total Surplus: n/a Surplus: n/a total. • Shortfall: -0.06 ha in • Shortfall / Surplus: required at the total. Based on minimum new development • No unmet demand total. n/a tennis club. size criteria, settlement is only). Quality Quality Quality identified. • There are no too small to require a No provision. No provision No provision Quality Quality allotments so new Quality park. Quality No provision St Botolph’s Church, provision may be No natural and semi Accessibility Accessibility Accessibility No provision the only facility, is required Quality natural open space Residents outside of All residents outside All residents outside Accessibility rated as excellent.
There are no parks. recommended of recommended of recommended Accessibility Majority of residents Other Issues Accessibility catchment. catchment. catchment. All residents within the outside of recommended Accessibility Although there is no Accessibility Some residents recommended drivetime catchment No accessibility All residents are within a 10 outside of Impact of forthcoming of tennis courts, bowling standard set amenity green space, minute drive time of a park. recommended developments greens, synthetic turf residents have catchment. None pitches and golf courses Impact of access to informal Impact of forthcoming forthcoming recreation developments Impact of developments opportunities and None. forthcoming None therefore deficiencies developments are of lower None significance. Maintaining and improving the quality of sites will therefore be as important as new provision.
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Planning Implementation
15.41 This section evaluates the strategic planning policies required in Charnwood to secure the open space, sport and recreation facilities recommended in this report and also summarises the adequacy of existing policies within the current local plan.
Existing Policies
15.42 A review undertaken by Charnwood Borough Council on the effectiveness of existing policies in the Charnwood Local Plan is summarised in Table 15.8.
Table 15.8 – Effectiveness of existing policies
Strengths Weaknesses • explicit and prescriptive • based on size and not quality – • stretching (in comparison with other facilities provided are not authorities) necessarily adequate and do not comply with Council adoption • successful in securing S106 and planning criteria applications. • requirements not necessarily appropriate for different sizes of site • type of space secured not necessarily appropriate and not always publicly accessible • limited flexibility for approach based the size of schemes • reactive approach • limited evidence to justify requirement for maintenance or financial contributions • some requirements too prescriptive and unrealistic to deliver, eg RT 4.
15.43 The key issues with regards the effectiveness of existing policy that should be taken into account when formulating future policy, as such there is a need to:
• ensure that policies are clear, precise and transparent
• ensure that the approach to the requirement for new provision is tailored to the size of the development
• consider quality, quantity and accessibility and to promote a strategic approach to decision making
• raise the importance of taking into account maintenance requirements.
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The Way Forward – The Local Development Framework
15.44 In broad terms, it is likely that the following areas will need to be addressed within policies in the Local Development Framework:
• open space and outdoor sports facilities
• indoor sports facilities
• green links
• developer contributions.
15.45 The following recommendations relating to developer contributions and policy are based on best practice, however there are many other alternative approaches which could be pursued. As with recommendations throughout this report, the suggested approach provides a guideline only and does not constitute policy.
Towards a new set of policies
1. Open space and outdoor sport policy
15.46 This should cover the following points, either in the policy itself or in the supporting text:
• open space should be qualitatively and quantitatively protected and/or enhanced in light of recommendations contained within this study to protect against development for other uses
• redevelopment of open spaces should only be considered where clear justification can be proved in line with this study. In other words, where a surplus can be shown or equivalent replacement open space can be provided within acceptable walking distance (drawing on accessibility standards to define this distance)
• residential and business developments should make provision for the open space, sport and recreation needs that they generate. Needs should be calculated using the quantity, accessibility and quality standards set out in this study.
2. Indoor sports facilities policy
15.47 Whilst it will normally be appropriate to allocate developer contributions to open spaces surrounding a development site, the pooling of funds to improve indoor sports facilities should be considered. This can facilitate refurbishment and/or new provision and help to lever funding from elsewhere. An indoor sports facilities policy should cover the following points, either in the policy itself or in the supporting text:
• indoor sports facilities should be qualitatively and quantitatively protected and/or enhanced in light of recommendations contained within this study to protect against redevelopment
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• re-development of indoor sports facilities should only be considered where clear justification can be proved in line with this study. In other words, where a surplus can be shown or equivalent replacement indoor sports facilities can be provided within acceptable walking/public transport distance (drawing on accessibility standards to define this distance)
• developments will normally need to make financial contributions to indoor sports provision based on the recreation needs that they generate. In the case of large developments, provision may be required as part of the development – for example for a community hall. Needs should be calculated using the Sport England Facility Calculator.
3. Green links or infrastructure policy
15.48 This should build on the findings of the 6Cs Green Infrastructure Study as well as draw on the issues set out in this document and should cover the following points, either in the policy itself or in the supporting text:
• green links should be protected from any development which would hinder the delivery of the routes
• where developers are not able to make provision for open space on site, financial contributions to off site open space may be used to deliver part of the green infrastructure network, bearing in mind the benefits that will accrue to new residents, existing residents and wildlife
• priority will be given to those parts of the network which have the potential for creating the highest levels of use.
4. Developer contributions policy
15.49 This should cover the following points, preferably in a separate Supplementary Planning Document:
• contributions should be made on a ‘per resident‘ basis
• the value of the off -site contributions should be based on the amount of open space which would have otherwise have been required on site (or the balance after on site provision has been made)
• financial contributions may be used to deliver qualitative improvements to existing open spaces, where those improvements would benefit the residents of the new development
• a commuted sum for maintenance should also be sought, based on the cost of maintenance for a period of 20 years including the cost of maintaining special items, eg children’s play areas, young people’s facilities, footbridges etc
• contributions may be pooled to deliver ‘strategic' open space, sport and recreation facilities including indoor sports facilities and a green infrastructure network.
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Developer Contributions - General principles
15.50 PMP’s work around the country has identified a set of general principles which should be adhered to in order to provide a robust set of planning policies. These are:
• minimum size of development to trigger the policies
• estimating the requirements from residential development
• consideration of the impact of non-residential development
• maintenance costs and commuted sums
• pooling of contributions for new provision and quality improvements.
15.51 Figure 15.1 overleaf summarises the process that should be followed. The key points listed above are discussed in more detail in the paragraphs that follow.
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Figure 15.1 – Process for determining Open Space Contributions
Decide whether the dwellings proposed are required to provide open space and the types of open space, sport and recreation facilities required.
Yes
Determine whether, after the development, there will be sufficient quantity No of open spaces within recommended distances of the development site, including on site, to meet the needs of existing and new residents based on the proposed local standards.
Yes No
Does the quality of open spaces Work out the requirement for each within the recommended applicable type of open space. distances match the standard in the Assessment.
Yes No Determine whether the open space can/should be provided on site.
No developer The developer will No Yes contribution normally be towards open space required to is normally required. contribute to the Determine whether Determine whether upgrading off-site the open space the open space will open spaces can/should be be designed and within provided on a site built by the recommended elsewhere. Council. No further distances. action Yes Yes No
The Work out the Calculate the developer recommended recommended open should open space space contribution for design and contribution Calculate the recommended open new open spaces. build the for new open space contribution for upgrading open spaces. existing sites. space on site.
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Minimum size of development to trigger the policies
15.52 It is recommended that Charnwood Borough Council seeks developer contributions from all residential developments, regardless of size. This is because the cumulative impact of small proposals not contributing to open space can be detrimental to the achievement of sustainable communities. Furthermore, no evidence is available to suggest that requiring contributions for minor schemes will make development unviable
15.53 Local standards within this PPG17 assessment should be applied to most new dwellings, including flats and conversions to residential use. However, the standards should not necessarily apply to all new residential developments, with some likely exceptions including replacement dwellings, extensions and annexes which will not necessarily increase the demand for open space, sport and recreation facilities.
15.54 Where the proposed development is for specialist housing which will not create a demand for all or some of the elements of the open space, sport and recreation, no requirement will be sought. For example, housing for elderly people will not generate a significant requirement for outdoor children’s equipped play space or casual/informal play space, thus no such provision should be sought.
15.55 In general, the best practice approach taken to affordable housing is to include a statement within the guidance stating that affordable housing schemes will require the same level of provision as open market housing but where it can be demonstrated that this would lead to the scheme being unviable, the level of provision required might be reduced. However the justification for reducing contributions needs to be robust because the tenants of affordable housing may be less likely to be able to access alternatives eg have resources to join a gym or travel further afield to reach required open space.
Estimating the requirements from residential development
15.56 The first stage in assessing the quantitative need for new open space, sport and recreation facilities is to estimate the number of residents living in the proposed development. This should be calculated by setting out assumed occupancy rates (relating to the number of bedrooms in the house) within SPD / DPD. Where applications are received in outline and this is not known, the open space requirement should be estimated by applying the average density of the surrounding area and an average household size. This initial figure should in all circumstances be updated by a detailed calculation based on the number of bedrooms, once a reserved matters application is submitted. Table 15.9 overleaf sets out the quantitative need per person in Charnwood based on the application of the local standards. It includes only those facilities for which quantity standards have been set.
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Table 15.9 - Calculating Quantitative Need
Typology Local Quantity Standard Per Person Parks and gardens 0.00032 Natural and Semi Natural Open Space (additional required if located on a wildlife corridor) 0.002 Amenity Green Space 0.00046 Allotments 0.00033 Outdoor sport 0.00178
Determine whether the open space can/should be provided on-site
15.57 To ensure the provision of useable areas of open space which can be easily and economically maintained, open space should not normally be provided on site if the levels required fall below the minimum size standards for each open space type. This will address the identified issue of small open spaces and the need to pool contributions required as part of small developments. Following the principle of minimum size standards for on site provision, this is likely to be limited to amenity green space and provision for children and young people.
15.58 Recommended minimum size thresholds (derived from best practice examples including CABE Space and GLA Guide to the Preparation of Open Spaces) are included below in Table 15.10.
Table 15.10 - Recommended minimum size thresholds
Typology Minimum Size (hectares) Parks and gardens 0.4 Natural and Semi Natural Open Space 0.05 Amenity Green Space 0.1 Provision for children and young people 0.04 + buffer (20 – 30 metres from nearest dwelling) Outdoor sport facilities 0.28 Allotments 0.05
15.59 When applied to Charnwood BC (and assuming an average of 2.42 people per dwelling based on the 2001 census), the suggested minimum size for on site provision is outlined in Table 15.11 overleaf.
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Table 15.11- On site provision
Typology Minimum Size Local Quantity Number of Number of Threshold Standard people to dwellings (hectares) (hectares per achieve required person) minimum size (based on 2.42
threshold persons per dwelling) Parks and 0.4 gardens 0.00032 1250 516 Amenity Green 0.04 Space 0.00046 87 35.9 Natural and 0.05 Semi Natural open space 0.002 25 10.3 Allotments 0.05 0.00033 152 62.8 Outdoor Sports 0.28 Facilities 0.00260 108 44.6
15.60 The local standards for Charnwood BC are set out in terms of hectares per 1000 population. These standards indicate the amount of space that is required per 1000 population and as a consequence can be used to estimate the impact of any size population. This approach is the most common approach used in SPD / DPD and reduces the need for site area multipliers, which add complexity to the process. The content of that space should be based on local need and design guidance.
Non residential development
15.61 Regarding non-residential developments, we recommend that contributions are sought towards public open space provision from all applications for business development. This would correspond to the expected number of net additional employees that would result from the proposal, based on the proposed use and the amount of floor space. This approach would be consistent with that recommended for residential developments.
15.62 Paragraph 23 of PPG 17 refers to the use of planning obligations relating to new development “especially housing”, thus not ruling out uses other than housing. A number of authorities seek contributions in relation to employment uses. Key principles that emerge from these examples are:
• planning obligations can relate to office, shop, retail and warehouse uses
• local authorities normally employ cut off points, a common one being 1000 square metres of gross floor space
• assumed or actual occupancy is taken from local survey figures
• authorities may request full contributions (eg Windsor and Maidenhead) or reduced contributions based on percentage of employees from outside the area (eg South Northamptonshire) or the percentage of the day assumed to be spent in the area (London Borough Camden)
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• other uses from which contributions may be sought include hotels, hostels and halls of residence, holiday parks, static caravan sites and dwellings subject to holiday let conditions (North Devon).
15.63 Commercial developments put pressure on existing recreational facilities at lunchtime and after work. Users of these areas are not always residents of Borough and additional burdens are put on resources as a result. Assuming that the workers commute a distance which is greater that the accessibility standards in this PPG17 assessment, then they will contribute towards an increased level of demand on existing provision within that locality which means that a developer contribution is necessary.
Maintenance costs and commuted sums
15.64 Where a type of open space is provided on site, the developer will need to demonstrate that the space will be appropriately managed and maintained. If the space is to be adopted by the council or Parish Councils, the developer will normally be required to pay a commuted sum to cover the costs of future maintenance.
15.65 Where a type of open space is provided off site, and the majority of the use is by residents of the new development, the developer will normally be required to pay a commuted sum to cover the cost of future maintenance over a defined period. This is intended to avoid situations where open spaces become neglected and deteriorates to an extent that their functions are harmed.
15.66 Where facilities for open space are to be provided by the developer and will be adopted by the Council or Parish Councils (eg small areas of amenity green space and children’s play areas):
• the council must be satisfied that the required open space is laid out and completed satisfactorily and in accordance with approved plans
• the developer should be required to maintain the open space for 12 months, or other reasonable period for ‘establishment’
• a commuted sum payment should be payable on transfer of the land covering cost of maintenance for a defined period. Analysis of current policies relating to open spaces across the country suggests that most Councils request maintenance for between 10 and 20 years. There is no formulae that can be used to calculate the appropriate maintenance period and the Council should develop a robust justification to move from the established maintenance period to a longer one
• the commuted maintenance sum should be calculated using current maintenance prices to manage open space (provided this is sufficient to meet the quality standard), by either:
- multiplying the typical cost of maintaining a hectare of provision (to the required standard) by the number of years for which maintenance is required
- or by calculating the net present value of the anticipated revenue payments.
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• different levels of maintenance contributions may be required for different types of open space, as the cost to maintain a space is dependent upon the facilities and landscape features present within the site
• where the current maintenance prices are insufficient to meet the quality standards, appropriate figures should be set out by the Council to take into account the additional budget required to meet the standard. This is particularly important in Charnwood, where long term issues relating to the sustainability of maintaining high quality open space have been raised.
Pooling of contributions for new provision and quality improvements
15.67 The local quantity standards within this study indicate that there are deficiencies in different types of open space across the Borough. As a consequence, the majority of new development will need to provide or contribute towards new open space provision.
15.68 For some developments, there may be a requirement for developers to make a contribution towards off site provision. The pooling of these contributions will enable the Council to improve the quality and capacity of existing open space, sport and recreation facilities, where a facility can serve the new development appropriately.
15.69 Facilities should only be considered for improvement where they are within the local accessibility catchment – generally 10 to 20 minutes walk from the edge of the new development in question or a drive time in rural areas.
15.70 The Companion Guide to PPG17 states that the need for the enhancement of existing provision arises when there will be a sufficient quantity of provision within the distance threshold of the development site after the development, but some elements of this provision fail to meet the adopted quality standard / vision.
15.71 The same principle can apply for delivery of ‘strategic’ facilities, such as a green infrastructure network.
Calculating the recommended open space contribution for new open spaces.
15.72 Standard costs for the enhancement of existing open space and provision of new open spaces (across all typologies) should be clearly identified and revised annually. Consideration should be given to the specific landscape costs / features that are incorporated into a development and the likely impact on the proposed maintenance contributions.
15.73 Where a developer contributes to off-site provision there is a need for a normalised capital cost per unit of provision to establish the payment required. The level of developer contributions for off-site provision will depend on whether it includes the costs of land acquisition. In light of the pressures relating to management and ownership of open spaces across the Borough, it is recommended that the cost of land acquisition is included. Without including land costs there is little chance that additional land can be purchased.
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15.74 The cost of open space can be difficult to determine based on what elements of open space provision should be included within the costing, for example, whether the cost of a facility should include site preparation, eg levelling, drainage, special surfaces and what ancillary facilities to include within costings, what level of equipment and land costs. However, based on our research of other local authorities we have set out benchmark costs in Table 15.12. These are mid range figures which include land acquisition costs and VAT. They have also been heavily informed by SPONS 2008 which provided figures for all types of buildings and landscapes and also draw on Sport England Kitbag Figures (Q2 2009). They are based on research undertaken for open space assessments produced by pmpgenesis during the period 2007 – 2009.
15.75 Over the past 12 months there has been a significant challenge for the construction industry due to the recession. Whilst general building costs have continued to rise quite significantly during this period, further hampered by exchange rates, the actual volume of workload during this period has reduced Tender Prices. This data is therefore representative of the current situation but should be updated regularly.
Table 15.12 - Benchmark capital costs of open space, including land acquisition
Category Cost per Mainten-ance Land Value Total per hectare hectare (£) (indicative – (Indicative per (including mainten- per hectare hectare) ance and land for 10 years) acquis-ition) Parks and 337,200 100,000 37,000 474,200 gardens Amenity 12,600 10,500 37,000 60,100 Green Space Natural and 22,300 10,500 37,000 69,800 Semi Natural open space Outdoor sport 539,200 - 37,000 576,200 facilities Provision for 483,800 - 37,000 520,800 children and young people Allotments 149,000 - 37,000 186,000
15.76 The above costs can be used to convert the level of contribution required per person by calculating the amount of land required per person for each type of open space (according to the local standard). Commuted sums should be converted into units per dwelling in order to increase transparency of the process.
15.77 The implementation of revenue schemes is also recommended where the provision of new space cannot be met in full. For example the provision of an on-site open space co-ordinator can help ensure the spaces provided are used to best effect and helps provide information and increases knowledge not only about the spaces but also about nature, health, food production etc.
15.78 The formulae for outlining developer contributions for each type of open space is therefore as follows:
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Open space requirement = Number of people in development (A) multiplied by the level of open space per
person (ha) (B) multiplied by cost of open space per person (£) (C).
Open Space requirement = A x B x C for each type of open space.
Looking to the future: Community Infrastructure Levy
15.79 Proposed changes to the planning system may see the introduction of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This forms part of a wider package of funding for infrastructure to support housing and economic growth and is expected to make a significant contribution towards the infrastructure required and ensure that development is delivered in a sustainable way.
15.80 Changes to the planning system following the Planning Act 2008 enabled the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Local Authorities are empowered but not required to introduce this levy. CIL forms part of a wider package of funding for infrastructure to support housing and economic growth and is expected to make a significant contribution towards the infrastructure required and ensure that development is delivered in a sustainable way.
15.81 CIL is a standard charge decided by designated charging authorities and levied by them on new development. CIL extends further than transport and strategic infrastructure and include elements that contribute to the quality of life in a neighbourhood.
15.82 From 2012, S106 is to be scaled back, but will remain to cover mitigation or impact and used strictly under the terms of Circular 05/2005 (which will be made statute). As such it is envisaged that Local Authorities will decide what types of infrastructure would fall under a local CIL rate. Examples may be transport, schools, health centres, flood defences and importantly, play areas, parks and other green spaces.
15.83 CIL charges will be based on simple formulae which relate the size of the charge to the size and character of the development paying it. If CIL is to come into force, the process suggested with regards determining the levels of contribution required as part of S106 agreements should be fed into the calculations of the proposed CIL tariff. Decisions regarding the type of open space required in each development would follow a similar process to that outlined above.
The Future in Charnwood – Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUE)
15.84 The East Midlands Regional Plan requires Charnwood Borough Council to make provision for a minimum of 15,800 homes between 2006 and 2026. It is important that development is planned to ensure it is sustainable in terms of both scale and form.
15.85 The priority is to build new homes and create jobs on previously developed land within urban areas however there is insufficient brownfield land available for both homes and businesses. Whilst the Council is undertaking further work to identify potential capacity within the urban areas, the majority of new development will need to be built on greenfield sites adjoining urban areas.
15.86 Charnwood Borough Council, as part of the further consultation on the Core Strategy, has therefore proposed the creation of SUE. These are large scale developments
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comprising of homes, jobs, community facilities, shops and green spaces. They are large enough to deliver significant new infrastructure (such as parks, roads, schools and drainage) and a good range of services and facilities to support the new homes and jobs.
15.87 A number of locations have been considered for the location of these SUE, specifically:
• South Charnwood
- East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton
- East of Thurmaston/South of Syston
- East of Thurmaston/South of Syston/ North of Hamilton
- North of Birstall North of Glenfield/South of Anstey
• North Charnwood
- South of Loughborough
- South West of Loughborough
- West of Loughborough
- West of Shepshed
- East Loughborough
- East Loughborough on or near Wymeswold.
15.88 Following consideration of all options, two preferred options are set out within the consultation document. These have not yet been formally adopted by the Council, but are:
• East of Thurmaston / North of Hamilton – development would be in close proximity to Thurmaston and would seek to benefit this town, but would maintain the separation between Thurmaston and Syston
• West of Loughborough – located with Charnwood Forest to the East and the River Soar to the South and would be closely related to the facilities and services in Loughborough and Shepshed.
15.89 It is essential that open space, sport and recreation facilities are planned at the outset of the masterplanning of the Sustainable Urban Extension. This will ensure that the SUE incorporates sufficient open space to meet minimum size criteria, and that all residents are within the appropriate catchment of different types of open space and sport and recreation facilities.
The SUE’s in Charnwood
15.90 The size of the SUE, ie the number of residents that they are likely to accommodate, means that provision will be required within the overall development for most types of open space. This is supported by local standards, almost all of which suggest that resident should be within walking distance of proposed developments. The only types
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of open space and sports facilities which accessibility standards propose should be accessible by car are:
• indoor sports facilities
• outdoor sports pitches – synthetic turf pitches, bowling greens and golf courses.
15.91 As a result, the implications of the SUE will be primarily based on the size of the population that will be generated by the development. The actual type of provision provided on site should however be influenced by the site location and existing shortfalls and surpluses. For example, development near Charnwood Forest may benefit from investment in green linkages to link with the Charnwood Forest as opposed to large scale on site natural and semi natural open space.
15.92 Where residents are expected to travel, it is important to note that those in South Charnwood are likely to look towards Leicester, while those in North Charnwood will focus on Loughborough and Shepshed.
15.93 The implications for the South Charnwood Options are summarised in Table 15.13 and the implications for the North Charnwood Option are evaluated in Table 15.14.
15.94 The tables setting out the implications for each of the proposed locations should be read alongside the table which sets out the general requirements for the new SUE, based on the projected additional population. The amount of open space required in each location will be broadly the same and will draw on the application of the quantity standards. Space will be located in response to existing provision in the surrounding communities.
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Table 15.13 – Impact of Proposed Sustainable Urban Extension – South Charnwood
Area Detail Likely Implications
GENERAL Proposed 5000 homes will generate circa and additional 12,500 residents. 5000 new This suggests that the following amount of open space would be required within the masterplan for the development homes Open space type Quantity Area (hectares) Comment Standard (hectares per 1000) Parks 0.32 4 To meet accessibility standard may be needed as two sites Natural Open Space 2 25 Some of this requirement could be delivered through the creation of linkages to countryside etc. Amenity Space 0.46 5.75 Should be split over several strategic sites to meet accessibility standard but retain functionality Facilities for children Provision within 25 facilities Estimate based on application of accessibility 480m of the standard. Need to be strategically located home Facilities for Young Provision within 25 facilities Estimate based on application of accessibility People 480m of the standard. Need to be strategically located home Outdoor Sports 2.60 32 hectares Some provided at school sites. Specific Facilities facilities should be considered in relation to community need and located at school with community agreement. Application of sport specific facility standards suggest that provision should include 13 hectares of community pitches, five tennis courts. The additional population is almost sufficient to warrant the creation of an STP Allotments 0.33 4.125 Provided as one or two sites.
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Area Detail Likely Implications
In terms of indoor sports facilities, the Facility Calculator indicates that the additional demand generated would be: • 127.89m2 swimming pool water. In light of the quantity of provision and capacity of existing facilities it is unlikely the additional provision is required. • 3.62 courts of sports hall space. A new hall could be provided at either Syston or at the on site secondary school • the new population may generate demand for up to 70 health and fitness stations • the new population would not be sufficient to generate demand for additional tennis / bowls facilities although contributions could be required towards the provision of a new facility. East of Existing Provision Thurmaston / North The proposed location of the SUE means that residents to the west and south of the development will benefit from existing spaces of Hamilton located in the east of Thurmaston specifically Redhill Lane Park (east) and Land east of Brackenfield Way (amenity space). Silverdale Play Area and Hadrian Road Open Space are also within the catchment of some residents. Residents will also have good access to the countryside and to Watermead Country Park. Existing Deficiencies The quantity of provision in Thurmaston is currently below the recommended minimum standards for parks, amenity green space, outdoor sports facilities and allotments. There are also issues relating to access to natural open space and amenity green space. Residents in South West Thurmaston are outside of the catchment for children and young people. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? The majority of the proposed SUE is outside of the recommended catchments of existing facilities, particularly the east and north east of the SUE. The lack of access to natural and semi natural open space and amenity green space in Thurmaston means that amenity green space and natural open space located in the west of the SUE would be particularly beneficial. It will also be important to maximise linkages to Watermead Country Park. There are no existing gaps in provision for children or young people to the east of Thurmaston, however local access will mean new provision is required as part of the SUE. In particular, new provision will be required further east in the SUE. There is already a need for additional allotments in the town and the creation of the SUE in this area will exacerbate this further. Consideration should be given to providing new allotments in a location which is also accessible from Thurmaston
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Area Detail Likely Implications
East of Existing Provision Thurmaston / The proposed location of the SUE means that residents to the west and south of the development will benefit from existing spaces South of Syston located in the east of Thurmaston specifically Redhill Lane Park (east) and Land east of Brackenfield Way (amenity space). Silverdale Play Area and Hadrian Road Open Space are also within the catchment of some residents. Residents will also have good access to the countryside and to Watermead Country Park. In Syston, Deville Park, Archdale Street and Haddon Close, as well as the amenity spaces on Old Station Road and Wolsey Way may be of benefit to residents of the SUE. Existing Deficiencies The quantity of provision in Thurmaston is currently below the recommended minimum standards for parks, amenity green space, outdoor sports facilities and allotments. There are also issues relating to access to natural open space and amenity green space. Residents in South West Thurmaston are outside of the catchment for children and young people. Like Thurmaston, Syston currently contains quantitative deficiencies in natural open space and amenity green space and there is also pressure on allotments. In addition, there are shortfalls in outdoor sports facilities and some accessibility deficiencies for children and young people in the east and west. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? The impact of development in this proposed location would be split between Thurmaston and Syston. The proposed location of the site means that much of the of the SUE would be within the catchment area of an existing facility (in either Syston or Thurmaston), Facilities where existing provision in Syston and Thurmaston is sufficient should be located centrally in the SUE, to ensure that there is no impact on the usage of facilities in the existing towns and to maximise the use of new facilities. This may include facilities for children and young people. Residents on the periphery of the SUE may still travel to Syston or Thurmaston to use facilities. Residents in both Syston and Thurmaston would benefit from the creation of new natural open space, and natural space in the SUE should therefore be located in the proximity of both towns. It will also be important to maximise access to Watermead Country Park. It is also desirable to ensure that some amenity space provided as part of the SUE is located in the west, so that it is accessible from Thurmaston. Likewise, consideration should be given to locating new allotments in a location accessible from Thurmaston. East of Existing Provision Thurmaston/ South This proposed location benefits from the location of the same existing facilities as above in both Thurmaston and Syston. In of Syston/ North of addition however, residents would benefit from additional spaces in Thurmaston including Kendall Drive and Kiln Avenue. Access Hamilton to Watermead Country Park would also remain. Existing Deficiencies
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Area Detail Likely Implications
The quantity of provision in Thurmaston is currently below the recommended minimum standards for parks, amenity green space, outdoor sports facilities and allotments. There are also issues relating to access to natural open space and amenity green space. Residents in South West Thurmaston are outside of the catchment for children and young people. Like Thurmaston, Syston currently contains quantitative deficiencies in natural open space and amenity green space and there is also pressure on allotments. In addition, there are shortfalls in outdoor sports facilities and some accessibility deficiencies for children and young people in the east and west. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? The impact of development in this proposed location would be split between Thurmaston and Syston. The proposed location of the site means that much of the of the SUE would be within the catchment area of an existing facility (in either Syston or Thurmaston), The more spread out / dispersed nature of the SUE means however that in order to ensure that all residents are within the appropriate catchments, provision will need to be distributed evenly throughout the new area. In particular, given the location of provision in the surrounding communities, it would be of benefit if natural open space, allotments and amenity green space were located to the West of the SUE, in close proximity to Thurmaston. North of Birstall Existing Provision While the very south of this proposed location will benefit from access to facilities in Birstall, the majority (north of the road) will not be within the appropriate distance. There is a range of facilities in north Birstall and residents are able to access most types of open space. Residents in the north of the proposed SUE will be able to access facilities in Rothley, specifically Hallfields Lane Allotments, Hallfields Lane Play Area, The Green and amenity spaces around Hallfields Lane. Existing Deficiencies In Birstall, there are currently quantitative shortfalls in natural open space, amenity space, playing pitches and allotments. In North Birstall, there are accessibility deficiencies in facilities for children and young people. Current provision in Rothley exceeds minimum quantity standards in most types of open space, although there are deficiencies in parks and natural open spaces. The majority of residents are able to access all of the different types of open space. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? There are access issues to facilities for young people and children in North Birstall and it would therefore be of benefit if facilities if some facilities for children and young people were located in the south of the SUE. It may be of benefit to residents in Rothley if a park was provided to the North of the SUE.
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Area Detail Likely Implications
North of Glenfield / Existing Provision South of Anstey Residents in the north of the SUE will be able to access some facilities within Anstey, specifically Stadon Road Park, Millfield Close Play area as well as the country park. Existing Deficiencies There are existing quantitative shortfalls in natural open space, amenity green space, pitches and allotments although most residents are within the appropriate catchment of existing facilities. The adequacy of provision in Glenfield, (located in Blaby District) is unknown. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? There are existing pressures on allotments, amenity spaces and pitches in Anstey and the location of new facilities of this type to the North of the SUE would therefore be of benefit. Given that there is good access to play facilities, a park and the country park, in order to maximise usage of new and existing facilities, consideration should be given to locating these facilities towards the centre / south of the SUE. Consideration will also need to be given to the provision in Glenfield in order to inform decisions on the most suitable locations for facilities in the South of the SUE.
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Table 15.14 – Impact of Proposed Sustainable Urban Extension – North Charnwood
Area Detail Likely Implications North Charnwood Proposed 3500 3500 homes will generate circa and additional 8750 residents. new homes This suggests that the following amount of open space would be required within the masterplan for the development Open Space Type Quantity Standard Area Comment (hectares per 1000) (hectares) Parks 0.32 2.8 To meet accessibility standard may be needed as two sites Natural Open Space 2 17.5 Some of this requirement could be delivered through the creation of linkages to countryside etc. Amenity Space 0.46 4.025 Should be split over several strategic sites to meet accessibility standard but retain functionality Facilities for children Provision within 480m 17 play areas Estimate based on application of of the home accessibility standard. Need to be strategically located. Facilities for Young Provision within 480m 17 facilities Estimate based on application of People of the home accessibility standard. Need to be strategically located Outdoor Sports 2.60 22.75 Some provided at school sites. Specific Facilities facilities should be considered in relation to community need and located at school with community agreement. Application of sport specific facility standards suggest provision should include 9 hectares of community pitches, four tennis courts. The additional population is almost sufficient to warrant the creation of an STP Allotments 0.33 2.8875 Provided as one or two sites.
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Table 15.14 – Impact of Proposed Sustainable Urban Extension – North Charnwood
Area Detail Likely Implications • 89.52m2 swimming pool water. In light of the quantity of provision and capacity of existing facilities unlikely additional provision is required. • 2.54 courts of sports hall space. Given that halls in the area are already operating near to capacity an additional facility may be required • the new population may generate demand for circa 50 additional health and fitness stations • the development will not be sufficient to generate the need for additional indoor bowls facilities.89.52m2 swimming pool water. In light of the quantity of provision and capacity of existing facilities unlikely additional provision is required • the development will not be sufficient to generate the need for additional indoor bowls facilities. South of Existing Provision Loughborough This location to the south of Loughborough would see the SUE benefit from some of the open spaces located to the South East of the town, specifically Allendale Road (Green Corridor), Allendale Road Natural and Semi Natural Space and Shelthorpe Golf Course. There are no play areas, parks or amenity space with catchments extending into the area Existing Deficiencies Loughborough currently contains quantitative deficiencies in amenity green space and there is a need for additional allotments as well as some pitches. The south of the Town is identified as being particularly deficient in parks in terms of accessibility and there are also some areas of South Loughborough where residents are outside of the catchment for facilities for children and young people. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? Given the lack of a park in South Loughborough, consideration should be given to the location of a park to the North / West of the SUE so that residents in the south of Loughborough would benefit. Consideration should also be given to the provision of a play area and facility for young people located to the North of the SUE. Residents in the East of the proposed SUE would not benefit from any spaces in Loughborough and it would be essential to ensure that facilities are appropriately located to serve these residents.
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Area Detail Likely Implications South West of Existing Provision Loughborough This location to the south west of Loughborough would see the SUE benefit from some of the open spaces located to the South west of the town, specifically Bramcote Road Amenity Space and natural open space, Lower Green Green Corridor and Outwoods (to the west of the proposed SUE area). Moat Road Play Area may also be accessible to some residents. Additionally, there are some very small amenity spaces which would be within the suggested catchment of residents to the east of the development. Existing Deficiencies Loughborough currently contains quantitative deficiencies in amenity green space and there is a need for additional allotments as well as some pitches. The only deficiency of significance in the west of the town is facilities for both children and young people. The South of Loughborough is identified as being particularly deficient in parks (although it is more the south east than the south west). Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? Given the lack of a park in South Loughborough, consideration should be given to the location of a park to the North East of the SUE so that residents in the south of Loughborough would benefit. Consideration should also be given to the provision of a play area and facility for young people located to the North of the SUE. Given the pressures on allotments in Loughborough, location of the new allotments and pitches towards the north of the SUE may also be of benefit. West of Existing Provision Loughborough The built up area of the SUE will abut the urban area of Loughborough. The remainder of the SUE is set out as a large country park which would adjoin Loughborough. The eastern part of the SUE is in close proximity to natural open space and green corridors located in the North Western Park of Loughborough. There are also some access routes across the potential SUE and motorway which would provide access to some open spaces on the eastern side of Shepshed. Existing Deficiencies Loughborough currently contains quantitative deficiencies in amenity green space and there is a need for additional allotments as well as some pitches. The only deficiency of significance in the west of the town is facilities for both children and young people. There are deficiencies of natural open space, parks and amenity green spaces in Shepshed. In particular, there is a lack of access to natural open space in the East of the town. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? Given the pressures on allotments and pitches in Loughborough, the location of these facilities in close proximity to Loughborough may be of benefit. The more limited access to facilities for children and young people in the west of the town means that the location of such facilities on the eastern part of the SUE may also be of benefit. Given the lack of natural open space in Eastern Shepshed, it would be appropriate to locate new provision on the west of the SUE.
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Area Detail Likely Implications West of Shepshed Existing Provision The proposed location to the west of Shepshed means that the east of the proposed SUE will benefit from some open spaces in Shepshed, specifically Oakley Road Natural Open Space, Oakley Road Play Area and McCarthy Road Amenity Green Space. Additionally, there is a green corridor from Charnwood Road to Tamworth Road which if extended, would link the SUE with Shepshed. Some residents to the east of the proposed SUE would also be within the catchment of Glenmore Park and Conway Drive Amenity Green Space. Existing Deficiencies Existing provision of parks, amenity green space and natural open space in Shepshed is below the recommended quantity standard. There are particular access issues to natural open space in the west of the town. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? Given the lack of provision in west Shepshed, amenity space and natural open space in the SUE should be located in a position that is accessible to residents in Shepshed ie to the east of the SUE. Other provision should be strategically located to ensure that all residents are able to access the facility. East of Existing Provision Loughborough The proposed location of the SUE means that it is not within the catchment of any existing open spaces. Existing Deficiencies Loughborough currently contains quantitative deficiencies in parks and amenity green space and there is a need for additional allotments as well as some pitches. There are no significant deficiencies identified to the east of the town. Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? New provision should be located strategically to ensure that all residents in the SUE are within the appropriate distance thresholds of facilities.
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Area Detail Likely Implications East of Existing Provision Loughborough on The proposed location means that the far corners of the proposed SUE would benefit from existing spaces in Wymeswold and and around Hoton. In Hoton, there is a facility for children and young people. There a variety of facilities in Wymeswold including amenity green Wymeswold spaces, sports facilities and children’s play area. Airfield Existing Deficiencies There is a lack of natural open space and amenity green space in Hoton although provision for children and young people is currently sufficient. In Wymeswold, there is a lack of natural open space and there is no park. There are also some identified deficiencies of sports facilities (tennis courts). Where would new open space provision be best located to address existing deficiencies or to maximise the use of existing provision? While there are no significant gaps in provision to the east of Loughborough, there is a lack of access to natural open space and some identified deficiencies in outdoor sports facilities in Wymeswold. Provision in the SUE of these types of facilities should therefore be located in close proximity to Wymeswold. It may also be beneficial to locate a new park in close proximity to Wymeswold and Hoton.
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Summary
15.95 The open space, sport and recreation study provides and important part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework, guiding the formulation and implementation of planning policies. This relates to both the protection and enhancement of existing open space and the framework for developing planning obligations.
15.96 The study provides the tools in which the value of an open space can be assessed on a site-by-site basis, as and when a development proposal is submitted for an existing piece of open space. The study also facilitates proactive planning of open space, sport and recreation facilities across the Borough.
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