Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd.

Suffolk Coastal District Council

Open Spaces Assessment

October 2014

CONTENTS

EXECUTUVE SUMMARY 1

1 INTRODUCTION 11

2 THE SUFFOLK COASTAL CONTEXT 16

3 STRATEGIC INFLUENCES ON PROVISION 21

4 DEMAND FOR OPEN SPACE 29

5 SUPPLY OF OPEN SPACE 38

6 THE CURRENT SUPPLY-DEMAND BALANCE 80

7 THE FUTURE SUPPLY-DEMAND BALANCE 90

8 PLANNING POLICY CONSIDERATIONS 91

9 ACTION PLAN 93

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The aims of the assessment

1) The aims of the assessment are to:

To inform SCDC on the open space and recreational areas that are required to serve existing and new development, covering both the demand for and use of existing open space identifying areas of deficiency or surplus and highlighting priority locations for future provision. To identify the likely level of funding available from identified bodies, assisting in the delivery of the assessment and its action plan to ensure the area has access to good quality local and regional open space environments. To prioritise any funding for open space maintenance or projects from local authority budgets, including from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106. To identify the provision needed to support measures to promote greater physical activity locally. To establish the longer term sustainability of open spaces and ancillary features such as car parking and on-going funding or management. To review existing local standards of both provision and accessibility and recommend prioritised solutions in the form of amendments, improvements or continued use of existing standards.

What the assessment covers

2) The assessment covers the following types of publicly accessible open space:

Parks and gardens. Natural and semi-natural greenspace (publicly accessible heathland, commons, woodland, countryside and coastal areas). Informal amenity open space (more than 0.2 ha in size). Allotments. Play provision for children and young people. Cemeteries. Rights of Way and public footpaths.

About Suffolk Coastal

3) Population - The current population of Suffolk Coastal is 124,600. The relatively aged population structure is likely to inflate demand in the district for the gentler forms of exercise and physical activity, such as those accommodated by open spaces.

4) Ethnicity - The ethnicity of 96.6% of the local population is ‘White’ and since national and regional sports participation rates in a predominantly White populations is generally lower than for Black and minority ethnic groups, the demography of Suffolk Coastal should generate below average demand.

5) Disability - An estimated 19% of the local population (around 23,000 people) is affected by some form of disability and therefore ensuring that built facilities have adequate access arrangements, equipment adaptations and activity programmes is an important consideration.

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6) Growth - The Office for National Statistics projections for Suffolk Coastal forecast that the population of the district will be 132,000 by 2027, an increase of 7,400 people, or 5.9% growth. However, the because of demographic trends, the number of people aged 50 or less will fall by 10,500 people, or 18.2%, which will mean enhanced demand for sports favoured by older people.

7) Income - The relatively buoyant local economy will boost the amount of disposable income available for discretionary spending on activities such as leisure and physical activity and should therefore increase demand levels.

8) Health - Good health indices locally underline the importance of ensuring access to open spaces, as part of a wider strategy to get the local population more physically active.

9) Deprivation - Although the deprivation indices for Suffolk Coastal as a whole are much better than the national average, there are some variations at a more local level. Since deprivation is associated with lower rates for participation in physical activity, patterns of demand are likely to vary within the district as a whole.

10) Landscape quality - The high quality of Suffolk Coastal’s natural environment, including the nationally designated Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides a strong attraction for many people seeking opportunities for high and low level physical activity, yet at the same time there is the need to conserve and enhance the natural qualities of the area.

Meeting local and wider priorities

11) Business Plan - The Council’s Business Plan includes a commitment to promote active and healthy lifestyles and open spaces are an integral means of facilitating this priority.

12) Core Strategy - The Core Strategy contains positive policies on the provision and retention of playing pitches and non-pitch facilities. The ‘Settlement Hierarchy’ provides a framework for identifying levels of provision appropriate to settlements of different sizes.

13) Green Infrastructure Plan - The Plan sets standards for Accessible Natural Greenspace. When these are applied, much of the inland parts of the district are deficient in access to natural greenspace.

14) The Haven Gateway Green Infrastructure Strategy - The strategy identifies key projects in Felixstowe and Rendlesham/Tunstall Forests that would improve the capacity and accessibility to open spaces in the district.

15) The Suffolk Health and Well-being Strategy - One of the priorities in the Strategy is ‘increasing the levels of physical activity and encouraging greater use of our natural environment’.

16) The Suffolk Nature Strategy - The strategy identifies the benefits of encouraging increased levels of physical activity using open spaces.

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17) The County Rights of Way Improvement Plan - The Plan highlights the need to develop the network both as a recreational resource in its own right and as a means of accessing open spaces.

18) National Planning Policy Framework - Government policy on open spaces is contained in the National Planning Policy Framework, which makes clear the importance of protecting and enhancing open space through evidence-based assessments of local need to inform the statutory planning process.

Local demand

19) Participation rates - According to the ‘Active People’ survey, overall rates of adult physical activity in Suffolk Coastal have increased since 2005/6 and have consistently been above the regional and national averages, although the most recent figure (35.3%) fell back to around the regional and national figures.

20) Popular activities - The rates of local involvement individual sports activities are instructive, because outdoor activities like cycling and running, that make significant use of open spaces, have much higher than average participation rates in Suffolk Coastal.

21) Market Segmentation - The Market Segmentation data suggests that the relatively large proportion of residents from market segments representing older age groups suggests that demand for walking and gentle exercise will be buoyant in Suffolk Coastal.

22) Community consultation - A number of common themes have emerged from community consultation in each of the five sub-areas in the district, in particular:

Public transport is poor in all the rural parts of the district, which emphasises the need for open space provision in and/or within easy reach of rural settlements. Whilst the public rights of way network is extensive and generally well-used, the network often involves interaction with busy roads. Levels of use in some areas have led to surface degradation and signposting/waymarking could be improved. Disabled access is poor at many open space sites. Car parking provision is inadequate at many of the more popular open space sites.

23) Visitor surveys - The two open space visitor surveys conducted in the district reveal that more than one-third of respondents visit open space sites at least daily, most drive to reach the locations concerned and around 80% live within 20km. A wide variety of different uses of open space include several forms of active physical recreation.

Local supply

24) Park and gardens - There are only six parks and gardens in Suffolk Coastal, five of which are in Felixstowe with the other in Woodbridge. The quality of most aspects of most parks is rated as at least ‘average’ and two sites have achieved the coveted ‘Green Flag’ status. Accessibility to parks and gardens is mainly limited to the urban populations of Felixstowe and Woodbridge, although this accounts for 59,000 people in all (47.4% of the district population).

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25) Natural and semi-natural greenspace - There are 63 natural/semi-natural greenspace sites in the district, totalling 5,868.26ha. Levels of provision are very much higher in the coastal sub-areas of the district than the inland areas. Five sites (7.4%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 12 (11.8%) were rated as ‘above average’, 35 (42.6%) as ‘average’, 16 (23.6%) as below average and 10 (14.7%) as ‘poor quality’. About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive, about 75,000 people (60.2% of the population) are within 10 minutes cycle and about 35,000 people (28.1% of the population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest natural or semi-natural greenspace site.

26) Amenity greenspace - There are 82 amenity greenspace sites in the district, totalling 75.98ha. There are large variations in levels of provision, with the Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest. Nine sites (14.5%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (19.4%) were rated as ‘above average’, 32 (51.7%) as ‘average’, eight (12.9%) as below average and only one (1.6%) as ‘poor quality’. About 110,000 people (88.2% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive, about 85,000 people (68.2% of the population) are within 5 minutes cycle and about 45,000 people (36.1% of the population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest amenity greenspace site.

27) Allotments - There are 28 allotment sites in the district, comprising 1,265 plots and totalling 22.80ha. The Leiston sub-area has the highest per capita levels of provision and the Kesgrave sub-area the poorest. Three sites (11.1%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (48.1%) were rated as ‘above average’ and the remaining 11 (40.7%) as ‘average’. About 118,000 people (94.7% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive, 100,000 people (80.3% of the population) are within 10 minutes cycle and 35,000 people (28.1% of the population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest allotment site.

28) Children’s play - There are 129 children’s play sites in the district totalling 24.54ha. The Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Kesgrave the poorest. The quality of provision varies widely, with disabled access rated as ‘poor’ at more than 70% of the sites in the district. About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive, about 105,000 people (84.3% of the population) are within 5 minutes cycle and about 55,000 people (44.1% of the population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest play area.

29) Cemeteries and churchyards - There are 101 cemeteries and churchyards in the district totalling 55.65ha. The Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest. In terms of their leisure and physical activity function, more than 80% of the sites were rated as ‘poor’ quality (or with limited leisure use potential). The whole population of the district lives within ten minutes drive, about 115,000 people (92.3% of the population) are within 10 minutes cycle and about 85,000 people (68.2% of the population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest churchyard or cemetery.

30) Public rights of way - There are 1,400km of public rights of way in Suffolk Coastal district, which equates to 11.24km per 1,000 residents. This compares with a figure of 7.40km per 1,000 residents in Suffolk as a whole and the county has one of the densest networks in the country. The quality of all routes sampled was ‘good’ or ‘above average’. Whilst overall levels of provision are good in the district, network connectivity could be improved.

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The current balance between supply and demand

31) On the basis of the analysis of the current balance between supply and demand of open spaces in Suffolk Coastal, the following needs have been identified:

Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Parks and gardens No overall shortfall in Quality improvements Accessibility to parks and parks and gardens in needed to boundaries at: gardens is mainly limited Suffolk Coastal. Cavendish Park to the urban populations No formal park provision Quality improvements of Felixstowe and in the Kesgrave sub-area needed to paths at: Woodbridge, although at present, whereas based Cavendish Park this accounts for 59,000 upon the standard there Quality improvements people in all (47.4% of the should be 2.94ha. needed to planted areas at: district population). Allenby Park Cavendish Park Quality improvements needed to paths at: Allenby Park Langer Park Natural/semi-natural No overall shortfall in Quality improvements 120,000 people (96.3% of greenspace natural/semi-natural needed to sites at: the district population) greenspace in Suffolk Barthorps Folly are within 10 minutes Coastal. Bickers Heath drive. Per capita levels of Church Common 75,000 people (60.2% of provision are lower in the Darsham Marshes the district population) Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Deben Riverside are within 10 minutes Framlingham sub-areas. cycle. Simpson’s Saltings 35,000 people (28.1% of Snape Common the district population) Sutton Heath are within 10 minutes Thorpeness Beach walk.

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Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Amenity greenspace No overall shortfall in Quality improvements 110,000 people (88.2% of amenity greenspace in needed to sites at: the district population) are Suffolk Coastal. Adastral Close within 5 minutes drive. Per capita levels of Ashground Close 85,000 people (68.2% of provision are lower in the Badgers Bank the district population) are Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Brook Farm within 5 minutes cycle. Woodbridge sub-areas. Bury Hill 45,000 people (36.1% of Butchers Field the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of Church Road their nearest amenity Fenton’s Link greenspace site. Fox Lea Heath Drive Kirton Village Green New Circle Oak Close Old Circle Philip Avenue Pitman’s Grove Platters Road St. Andrew’s Close St. Lawrence Green St. Martin’s Green The Fitches Through Jollys East Through Jollys South Tymmes Place, Westleton Village Green Allotments A shortfall of 3.7ha of No quality improvements 118,000 people (94.7% of allotments in Suffolk needed. the district population) are Coastal. within 10 minutes drive. Additional provision 100,000 people (80.3% of required in the Kesgrave, the district population) are Framlingham and within 10 minutes cycle. Woodbridge sub-areas. 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk. Children’s play No overall shortfall in The variety of equipment 120,000 people (96.3% of equipped children’s play is below ‘average’ at 44 the district population) are space in Suffolk Coastal. sites within 5 minutes drive. Per capita levels of The quantity of 105,000 people (84.3% of provision are lower in the equipment is below the district population) are Kesgrave and Felixstowe ‘average’ at 56 sites. within 5 minutes cycle. sub-areas. The fencing is below 55,000 people (44.1% of ‘average’ at 71 sites. the district population) are Disabled access is ‘below within 5 minutes walk. average’ at 118 sites.

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Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Churchyards and No overall shortfall in The quality of 83 sites is The whole population of cemeteries churchyards and cemeteries rated as below ‘average’ in the district lives within ten in relation to their leisure relation to their leisure uses. minutes drive. uses in Suffolk Coastal. 115,000 people (92.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle. 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk. Public rights of way No overall shortfall in Quality is generally rated The whole population of the public rights of way, as at least ‘average’, district lives in close although some connectivity although some more proximity to access points to issues should be addressed. popular routes do suffer the rights of way network. some surface degradation Disabled access is problematic to much of the network.

The future balance between supply and demand

32) The Office for National Statistics published ‘2012-based Sub-national Population Projections for Local Authorities in England’ (2014), which contains figures on projected population change in the district to 2027. The ONS projections for Suffolk Coastal forecast that the population of the district will be 132,000 by 2027, an increase of 7,400 people, or 5.9% growth.

33) Projected future needs are calculated below, based upon locally devised standards of provision:

Open space Current Standard Extra Population Extra provision provision (ha/’000) by 2027 needed by 2027 Parks and gardens 11.40ha 0.21ha 7,400 1.55ha Nat./Semi-nat greenspace 5,872.66ha 47.0ha 7,400 347.80ha Amenity greenspace 75.88ha 0.61ha 7,400 4.51ha Allotments 22.05ha 0.20ha 7,400 1.48ha Children’s play 24.44ha 0.20ha 7,400 1.48ha Churchyards/cemeteries 55.65ha 0.45ha 7,400 3.33ha Public rights of way 1,400km 11.24km 7,400 83.18km

Dealing with deficiencies

34) Improving access to existing open space provision can be achieved in a number of ways:

Formal agreements - Securing improved access through the development of formal agreements serves to safeguard public usage of open space and in some cases may provide sufficient security of tenure to allow external funding applications to be sought, to provide further enhancements. One example is the designation of Access Land under the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act (2000), which allows additional public access at specified sites in addition to traditional linear footpaths and bridleways.

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Physical improvements - A number of physical improvements to greenspace sites can improve access, especially for people who are generally less mobile such as the elderly and disabled. Examples include surfaced pathways, the provision of accessible gates and stiles and in the case of sites in rural areas that are relatively distant from the urban parts of the district, dedicated car parking.

Public transport improvements - Local community consultation notes a number of instances where improvements to public transport (in particular rural buses), would reduce the need for travel by private vehicles.

Rights of way improvements - Improving the rights of way network to ensure that there are appropriate linkages between key open space sites and settlements in the district would improve access and promote more sustainable forms of transport. The designation of additional named and/or themed trails in and around the district would promote the use of key routes.

Information and awareness - The provision of interpretive panels at sites with nature conservation interest can help to educate and inform users and enhance the user experience. Similarly, good on-site signposting can improve user confidence in exploring larger sites or following marked trails. By the same token, off-site signposting creates greater awareness of sites by non-users and may therefore encourage usage. Finally, the development and distribution of publicity materials promoting open space sites will also raise awareness amongst potential users.

Delivery partners

35) Suffolk Coastal District Council - The council is likely to play the lead role in co-ordinating the development of the larger, more facility sites, in conjunction with other partners where appropriate.

36) Parish councils - Parish councils will continue to play a valuable role in providing and maintaining facilities in the rural parts of the district.

37) Voluntary and charitable organisations - Local and national conservation trusts (such as the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) also provide and manage natural and semi-natural greenspace sites, including the creation of new areas from time to time. Sustrans is responsible for promoting and maintaining the National Cycle Network and also for promoting sustainable transport.

38) Developers - The Council will seek funding that could assist with the provision of open spaces that will meet the needs of the inhabitants of new developments in the district.

39) Partnership arrangements - Partnership arrangements involving combinations of any of the above providers will help to share the costs of provision, management and maintenance of additional provision.

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Action plan to meet existing needs

40) The action plan identifies the ways in which current deficiencies might be met and the partners who will have a role in providing and funding new and improved provision.

Open space Current assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Parks and Current levels of provision are Schedule improvements to site boundary at gardens adequate to meet existing needs. Cavendish Park when resources allow. Improvements needed to Schedule improvements to paths at Cavendish boundaries at 1 site. Park when resources allow. Improvements needed to paths at Schedule improvements to planted areas when 1 site. resources allow at: Improvements needed to planted - Allenby Park areas at 2 sites. - Cavendish Park Improvements needed to general Schedule improvements to general access when access at 2 sites resources allow at: No accessibility deficiency. - Allenby Park - Langer Park Natural/semi- Current levels of provision are Support site owners with external funding natural adequate to meet existing needs. applications for improvements to visitor access at: greenspace Improvements to facilitate visitor Barthorps Folly access needed at 9 sites. Bickers Heath No accessibility deficiency. Church Common Darsham Marshes Deben Riverside Simpson’s Saltings Snape Common Sutton Heath Thorpeness Beach Amenity Current levels of provision are Site owners to enhance leisure usage potential at: greenspace adequate to meet existing needs. Adastral Close Amenity Greenspace 25 sites have the potential to offer Ashground Close Amenity Greenspace additional leisure opportunities. Brook Farm Amenity Greenspace No accessibility deficiency. Bury Hill Amenity Greenspace Butchers Field Fenton’s Link Amenity Greenspace Fox Lea Amenity Greenspace Kirton Village Green Philip Avenue Amenity Greenspace Pitman’s Grove Amenity Greenspace Platters Road Amenity Greenspace The Fitches Amenity Greenspace Through Jollys East Amenity Greenspace Through Jollys South Amenity Greenspace Westleton Village Green

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Open space Current assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Allotments A shortfall of 3.7ha of allotments. Town and parish councils to identify sites with Additional provision required in potential for conversion to allotments and the Kesgrave, Framlingham and engage with local community groups to Woodbridge sub-areas. develop new sites. Disabled access improvements All existing allotment providers to implement needed at all existing sites. disabled access improvements when resources No accessibility deficiency. allow. Children’s Current levels of provision are All play site providers to address identified play adequate to meet existing needs. quality deficiencies when resources allow. The variety of equipment is below When additional equipment is provided, ‘average’ at 44 sites. consideration should be given to adaptive The quantity of equipment is equipment suitable for disabled usage. below ‘average’ at 56 sites. The fencing is below ‘average’ at 71 sites. Disabled access is ‘below average’ at 118 sites. No accessibility deficiency. Cemeteries Current levels of provision are Most cemeteries and churchyards have limited and adequate to meet existing leisure- potential to accommodate additional leisure uses, churchyards related needs. so no action is required. The quality of 83 sites is rated as below ‘average’ in relation to their leisure uses. No accessibility deficiency. Public rights Current levels of provision are Suffolk County Council as the Local Highways of way adequate to meet existing needs. Authority should review: Some connectivity issues should Opportunities for creating new links to be addressed. rationalise the network. Surface degradation on some Surface improvements on priority routes as popular routes. resources allow. Disabled access is difficult on Arrangements for access by people with much of the network. disabilities to the network. No accessibility deficiency.

Action plan to meet future needs

41) The action plan identifies the ways in which future deficiencies might be met and the partners who will have a role in providing and funding new and improved provision. The deficiencies arising from the projected growth in population of 7,400 people are based upon the planning standards for each type of facility.

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Open space Future assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Parks and Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 1.55ha of additional gardens 1.55ha of parks and gardens parks and gardens, funded by developer contributions and within 15 minutes drive of new developments. Natural/semi- Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of access to an additional natural 347.80ha of natural and semi- 347.80ha of natural and semi-natural greenspace, greenspace natural greenspace and/or improve the capacity of existing sites to accommodate additional use, funded by developer contributions and within 10 minutes drive of new developments. Amenity Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 4.51ha of additional greenspace 4.51ha of amenity greenspace amenity greenspace, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 5 minutes drive of new developments. Allotments Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 1.48ha of 1.48ha of allotments allotments, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 10 minutes drive of new developments. Children’s play Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 1.48ha of 1.48ha of children’s play areas children’s play areas, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 5 minutes drive of new developments. Cemeteries and Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 3.33ha of additional churchyards 3.33ha of cemeteries and cemeteries and churchyards, funded by developer churchyards (based upon leisure contributions and within 15 minutes drive of usage) new developments. Public rights of Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 83.16km of way 83.18km of public rights of way. public rights or way, both on-site to provide connectivity between larger new developments and the existing network, or funded by developer contributions to improve the capacity of the existing network to accommodate additional use.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. (PLC) was appointed by Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) to produce an Open Spaces Assessment for the district.

1.2 Background

SCDC’s overall vision is to ‘maintain and sustainably improve the quality of life for everybody growing up, living in, working in and visiting the area’ and leisure services contributes to the following Corporate Business Plan priorities:

Promote increased access to quality leisure and cultural facilities and activities.

Protect and promote the health and well-being of all our communities to ensure they remain safe from harm, and able to live healthy lifestyles.

In addition, the provision of leisure services also contributes to other key corporate priorities including economic development. It is the Council’s intent to work in partnership to promote access to leisure services and to promote the health and well-being of all local communities.

With these priorities in mind SCDC is producing a Leisure Strategy for Suffolk Coastal district, which will have three strands:

A Playing Pitch and Non-Pitch Assessment.

A Built Facilities Assessment.

An Open Space Assessment.

These assessments will guide future provision and management of leisure provision to serve existing and new communities in Suffolk Coastal, feeding into the long term delivery of the Suffolk Coastal District Local Plan - Core Strategy and Development Management Policies, up to 2027 and guiding Suffolk Coastal’s development partner in the form of a 10 year leisure strategy.

The assessments will support SCDC’s overall vision and core priorities and be based on a comprehensive, robust evidence base which will inform future planning policy decisions.

1.3 The study aims

The aims of the Assessment are as follows:

To inform SCDC on the open space and recreational areas that are required to serve existing and new development, covering both the demand for and use of existing open space identifying areas of deficiency or surplus and highlighting priority locations for future provision.

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To map the identified existing provision of open space on a GIS system and return this data to Suffolk Coastal District Council in a format compatible with ArcGIS alongside the findings of this assessment.

To identify the likely level of funding available from identified bodies, assisting in the delivery of the assessment and its action plan to ensure the area has access to good quality local and regional open space environments.

To prioritise any funding for open space maintenance or projects from local authority budgets, including from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106.

To identify the provision needed to support measures to promote greater physical activity locally.

To establish the longer term sustainability of open spaces and ancillary features such as car parking and on-going funding or management.

To review existing local standards of both provision and accessibility and recommend prioritised solutions in the form of amendments, improvements or continued use of existing standards.

1.4 The scope of the study

The open spaces covered in the study are all those of the following types:

1.4.1 Open space typologies

Parks and gardens. Natural and semi-natural greenspace (publicly accessible heathland, commons, woodland, countryside and coastal areas). Informal amenity open space (more than 0.2 ha in size). Allotments. Play provision for children and young people. Cemeteries. Rights of Way and public footpaths.

1.4.2 Geographical scope

A number of key settlements in the Suffolk Coastal district border neighbouring local authorities. The study will include analysis of any significant areas of open space in neighbouring local authority areas, where they are used by residents of Suffolk Coastal.

1.4.3 Timescale

The strategy will cover the period from 2014 to 2027.

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1.5 The study methodology

Although Planning Policy Guidance 17 ‘Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation’ has been superceded, its ‘Companion Guide’ remains the template for undertaking open space studies. It advocates a five stage approach which we applied as follows:

Identifying local needs - We collected and analysed data on local demand and need for open spaces for sport and physical activity.

Auditing existing provision - We compiled information on the quantity, quality and accessibility of open spaces in Suffolk Coastal, which included site visits to audit each site.

Setting provision standards - We developed evidence-based local standards of provision for each type of open space, with quantitative, qualitative and accessibility elements.

Applying provision standards - We applied the standards of provision to assess the adequacy of existing provision and to project needs based on future population growth.

Drafting policies - We drafted policies and an action plan for the provision improvement and retention of open space in Suffolk Coastal.

1.6 The study methodology

To enable analysis also to be undertaken at a more local level, five sub-areas of Suffolk Coastal, based upon ‘Housing Market Areas’ are identified in SCDC’s ‘Adopted Core Strategy and Development Management Policies’ (2013). The details of the sub-areas are set out below, along with the wards incorporated in each.

Sub-area Wards Kesgrave and district Grundisburgh Nacton Kesgrave East Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave West Witnesham Martlesham Felixstowe and district Felixstowe East Felixstowe South-east Felixstowe North Felixstowe West Felixstowe South Trimleys with Kirton Woodbridge and Hollesley with Eyke Rendlesham district Farlinghaye Riverside Kyson Seckford Melton and Ufford Sutton Orford and Tunstall Wickham Market Otley Framlingham and Earl Soham Framlingham district Hacheston Peasenhall Leiston and district Aldeburgh Snape Leiston Walberswick & Wenhaston Saxmundham Yoxford

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A map of the sub-areas is below:

1.7 Assessment format

The structure of the assessment is as follows:

The local context. Local strategic influences. Wider strategic influences. Demand for open spaces. Supply of open spaces. Assessment of open spaces. Planning considerations. Action plan.

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2 THE SUFFOLK COASTAL CONTEXT

2.1 Introduction

This section identifies the context within which playing pitch and outdoor sports facilities provision is made in Suffolk Coastal. It covers the following:

Background. Population. The local economy. Deprivation indices. Health indices. Implications for playing pitch and outdoor sports facilities provision.

2.2 Background

Suffolk Coastal district is located in east Suffolk. It covers 89,100 hectares with a coastline of 76km (155km including estuaries. A large proportion of the district (36%) is nationally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for its environmental quality and importance. The Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a major tourist destination, being highly attractive to visitors and playing a key role in the local economy. In addition The Deben Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and Orwell Estuary SPA are internationally important wildlife sites and have to be carefully managed in order that the special characteristics of the locality are retained.

The district is primarily rural, with more than 80% of the population living in market towns or smaller settlements. The largest urban area is Felixstowe, with a population of more than 24,000, but the only other centres of population with more than 10,000 people are Kesgrave and Woodbridge.

2.3 Population

Based on the 2011 Census, Suffolk Coastal has a population of 124,600 (ONS, 2012). This represents growth of 8.0% (around 9,200 people) since the previous census in 2001.

2.3.1 Age structure

The age structure from the 2011 census is set out below, with comparator figures for the East and for England as a whole. The data shows that the area has a relatively elderly age structure, with more than half the population aged over 45, compared with a national figure of under 42%.

Age Suffolk Coastal Suffolk Coastal % East % England % 0-14 21,000 16.9% 17.7% 17.6% 15-24 15,000 12.0% 12.1% 13.3% 25-44 22,700 18.2% 26.4% 27.2% 45-64 36,900 29.6% 26.2% 25.4% 65+ 29,100 23.3% 17.5% 16.5% Total 124,600 100% 100% 100%

Source: 2011 Census (ONS, 2012) Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. 16 Suffolk Coastal District Council Open Spaces Assessment

2.3.2 Ethnicity

Suffolk Coastal has a predominantly white population with 96.6% classing themselves as white, which is a higher proportion when compared with both the East of England (90.9%) and England as a whole (85.5%).

Group Number % White 112,650 96.6 Mixed 1,270 1.2 Asian 920 1.6 Black 350 0.4 Other ethnic 110 0.2

Source: 2011 Census (ONS, 2012)

2.3.3 Disability

The Papworth Trust published ‘Disability in the UK 2013: Facts and Figures’ (2013) which contains the following facts on disability in the UK:

Almost 1 in 5 people (19%) in the UK have a disability. Only 17% of disabled people were born with their disabilities. The majority of disabled people acquire their disability later in life.

The prevalence of disability rises with age, with 45% of adults over state pension age registered as disabled.

Extrapolating the national figures to the population of Suffolk Coastal, more than 23,000 people have some form of disability, of which 13,000 are aged 65 and over.

2.3.4 Sub-areas

The sub-areas were constructed as per the geographical groupings in section 1.4.4 above and their respective populations are as follows:

Sub-area Population Kesgrave and district 34,357 Felixstowe and district 30,612 Woodbridge and district 28,112 Framlingham and district 10,941 Leiston and district 20,276

Source: 2011 Census (ONS, 2012)

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2.3.5 Population growth

The Office for National Statistics published ‘2012-based Sub-national Population Projections for Local Authorities in England’ (2014), which contains figures on projected population change in the district to 2027. The ONS projections for Suffolk Coastal forecast that the population of the district will be 132,000 by 2027, an increase of 7,400 people, or 5.9% growth.

However, the because of demographic trends, the number of people aged 50 or less will fall by 10,500 people, or 18.2%, which will mean reduced demand for leisure activities favoured by younger people.

2.4 The local economy

The transport and communications sector is critical to the economy of Suffolk Coastal accounting for 21% of all local jobs (including the Port of Felixstowe and the BT Research and Development Centre at Martlesham).

Average earnings in 2011, for full and part time employees, show an increasing trend and stand at £26,530 which compares favourably with the Suffolk county average of £24,913. It is also above the average for the UK. On the whole the district is quite affluent but there are some areas with isolated pockets of deprivation.

The October 2012 unemployment rate for the district was 1.8% which is well below the Suffolk (2.9%), regional (3.0%) and national (3.8%) averages.

Resident qualification levels are generally above those seen at national level and also for the wider East of England. As such 77.6% of the population have a qualification at NVQ Level 2 or above which is in excess of the national average of 69.7%. Similarly only 5.9% of the population has no qualifications at all, whereas the Suffolk-wide figure is 9.0% and the national average stands at 10.6%. However those with higher level qualifications (50.6%), attaining NVQ Levels 3 and 4, whilst slightly below national figures (52.7%) still remain above the Suffolk average (49.9%).

2.5 Health indices

The Department of Health’s ‘Health Profile for Suffolk Coastal’ (2013) contains the following details on local health indices:

The health of people in Suffolk Coastal is mixed compared with the England average. Deprivation is lower than average, however about 2,400 children (11.9%) live in poverty. Life expectancy for both men (80.6 years) and women (83.7 years) is higher than the respective national averages (78.6 years and 82.6 years).

Life expectancy is 3.3 years lower for men and 3.1 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Suffolk Coastal than in the least deprived areas.

15.1% of Year 6 children are classified as obese compared with 19.2% nationally.

The estimated level of adult obesity is 22.4%, which is better than the England average of 24.2%.

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2.6 Deprivation indices

According to the Government’s Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2010, Suffolk Coastal was ranked at 257 out of 354 local authorities in England, where 1 was the most deprived area and 354 the least deprived. However, this masks some variations across the district.

None of the population of the Suffolk Coastal lives in areas classified as being amongst the 20% most deprived in the country, however some parts of Felixstowe are ranked within the next quintile (the 20% to 40% most deprived areas nationally).

2.7 Landscape

The natural landscape of Suffolk Coastal is of a very high quality with international as well as national status designations, covering large areas. Its coast and countryside are acknowledged as being of exceptional quality and have, and continue to play, a significant role in how the area has developed and how it is likely to develop in the future.

The district contains some 48.8km of open coast and some 139km of tidal edge within the estuaries. Approximately one-third of the district, based around the coast and its hinterland is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and 11,200 hectares of the district is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

In addition, ‘Natura 2000’ is a network of protected sites that represent areas in the European Union of the highest value for biodiversity. These areas may be designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) where they support rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species of plants or animals (other than birds). Where areas support significant numbers of wild birds and their habitats, they may become Special Protection Areas (SPA). Suffolk Coastal contains areas of both.

2.8 Summary of the local context

The implications for open space provision in Suffolk Coastal are as follows:

The relatively aged population structure is likely to inflate demand in the district for activities involving gentle exercise, such as walking and cycling, both of which are accommodated by open spaces and the rights of way network.

The ethnicity of 96.6% of the local population is ‘White’ and since national and regional sports participation rates in a predominantly White populations is generally lower than for Black and minority ethnic groups, the demography of Suffolk Coastal should generate below average demand.

An estimated 19% of the local population (around 23,000 people) is affected by some form of disability and therefore ensuring that open spaces have adequate access arrangements is an important consideration.

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Population growth of 7,400 people (a 5.9% increase) by 2027 will inflate demand for open space. Existing open spaces may come under threat of development to accommodate new housing. However, the because of demographic trends, the number of people aged 50 or less will fall by 10,500 people, or 18.2%, which will mean reduced demand for leisure activities favoured by younger people.

The relatively buoyant local economy will boost the amount of disposable income available for discretionary spending on activities such as physical activity and active leisure and should therefore increase demand levels.

Good health indices locally underline the importance of ensuring access to open spaces, as part of a wider strategy to get the local population more physically active.

Although the deprivation indices for Suffolk Coastal as a whole are much better than the national average, there are some variations at a more local level. Since deprivation is associated with lower rates of physical activity, patterns of demand are likely to vary within the district as a whole.

The high quality of Suffolk Coastal’s natural environment, including the nationally designated Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides a strong attraction for many people seeking opportunities for high and low level physical activity, yet at the same time there is the need to conserve and enhance the natural qualities of the area.

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3 STRATEGIC INFLUENCES ON OPEN SPACE PROVISION

3.1 Introduction

This section examines the influence of local strategic policies and priorities open space provision in Suffolk Coastal, including the impact of neighbouring areas.

3.2 The Suffolk Coastal Business Plan

The ‘Suffolk Coastal District Council Business Plan 2012 - 2022’ (2012), describes in detail the approach and actions that the Council will be taking in the medium term, in leading and contributing towards an improved vision for the area.

3.2.1 Vision and strategic direction

The vision is ‘maintaining and sustainably improving the quality of life for everybody growing up, living in, working in and visiting the area’. It is underpinned by seven key themes:

Economic development, tourism and leisure

Planning and coastal management

Housing and benefits

Customers and communities

Community Health

Green environment

Resources

3.2.2 Implications for open spaces

Planning and coastal management - The priority is to promote and support the development of sustainable, thriving communities…preserving the historic, natural environment, proactively managing the effects of a changing coastline.

Community health - The priority is to promote increased access to quality leisure and cultural facilities and activities.

Green environment - The priority is to protect, enhance and make sustainable use of our environment; creating an attractive and accessible rural, coastline and urban environment for the people who live, work and visit the area; and providing a rich and diverse legacy for future generations.

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3.3 The Suffolk Coastal Core Strategy

The Council’s Core Strategy and Development Management policies are contained in ‘The Suffolk Coastal District Local Plan: Core Strategy and Development Management Policies’ (2013). The document sets out in strategic terms, the Council’s overall approach to future development in the period to 2027, where it should take place and the key factors that will be taken into account when considering proposals for development.

3.3.1 The environment

One of the key objectives of the Core Strategy is ‘community well-being’, which includes the following statements on open space:

‘Significant investment will have been made in the creation and establishment of a green infrastructure network across the district, but primarily between the outskirts of Ipswich and the Deben Estuary and on the edges of Felixstowe and the Trimleys. This will be for the benefit of wildlife through the provision of green corridors, and by providing alternative recreation/leisure space to the estuary itself, for residents and tourists’.

3.3.2 Physical activity

One of the key objectives of the Core Strategy is ‘community well-being’, which includes the following statements on physical activity:

‘Both the Council, through its corporate strategies and the Local Strategic Partnership through the Sustainable Community Strategy, promote the concept of healthy communities. The Core Strategy seeks to ensure that the community is as healthy as possible by providing/promoting opportunities for it to live a healthy lifestyle. One of the ways of achieving this and hence an important role for the LP, is to ensure the provision of green spaces, areas for quieter, more informal leisure pursuits’.

3.3.3 Green space policy

Strategic Policy SP17 states that:

‘The Council will seek to ensure that communities have well-managed access to green space within settlements and in the countryside and coastal areas, in order to benefit health, community cohesion and greater understanding of the environment, without detriment to wildlife and landscape character. Where adequate green space is not provided as part of a development, developer contributions will be sought to fund the creation of appropriate green space and/or management and improvement of access to green space. In particular, the Council will work on green infrastructure opportunities with partners in strategic housing growth areas in order to suitably complement development proposals. Developer contributions will be secured by means of conditions, legal agreements and/or through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (once a charging schedule has been adopted)’.

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3.3.4 Development management policies

Policy DM32 - Sport and Play, states that:

‘Proposals for new facilities for sport and play will be considered in relation to the character of the location, the scale of the settlement, the impact on landscape and townscape, access provision, highway safety and residential amenity’.

‘Proposals that involve the loss of existing sports facilities and playing space (youth and adult) whether public, private or a school facility will be judged against:

- The overall needs of the community; - Adopted standards of provision; - The availability of comparable facilities elsewhere; - The contribution which a facility makes to the character of an area; and - Its value for informal recreation’.

‘Where the loss of the facility would result in a shortfall in provision or would exacerbate an already existing shortfall, an equivalent facility must be provided in a location agreed with the District Council and secured by a planning obligation, or other legal agreement’.

‘Proposals for new residential development will be expected to provide or contribute towards indoor and outdoor sport and play space, including equipment and maintenance, where a local need has been identified. Contributions to off-site provision will be secured as part of the standard charges set in the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, when adopted’.

Policy DM32 - Allotments, states that:

‘The District Council will encourage the provision of new allotments in order to meet any demand that might be identified. The Council will resist the loss of existing allotments to other uses unless suitable alternative allotments of equivalent size and quality are provided in the locality. The exceptions to this policy will be where:

‘There is overwhelming evidence to show that there is unlikely to be any future demand for the allotments; and

Other allotments already exist and have the necessary spare capacity, and the District Council is satisfied that a recreation or community use is not appropriate’.

3.4 Suffolk Coastal Green Infrastructure Strategy

The ‘Suffolk Coastal Green Infrastructure Strategy’ (2011) comprises an analysis of green infrastructure in the district, including accessible natural greenspace.

3.4.1 Vision

The strategic vision is to establish a framework for the delivery of high quality green infrastructure over the next 20 years, complementing and supporting planned housing and development growth.

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To contribute to quality of life through ensuring that everyone living and working in Suffolk Coastal District has access to a high quality natural and historic environment.

3.4.2 Assessment of Accessible Natural Greenspace

An Accessible Natural Greenspace (ANG) standard was adopted for Suffolk Coastal, stating that the whole population should have access to:

Neighbourhood site - A 2ha+ site of within 300m of home.

District site - A 20ha+ site within 1.2km of home.

Sub-regional site - A 60ha+ site within 3.2km of home.

Regional level site - A 500ha+ site within 10km of home.

In applying the standard, the assessment noted the following deficiencies:

Neighbourhood sites - Large areas away from the coast are deficient, in particular Framlingham and Saxmundham.

District site - Only 20-25% of the district population is within the requisite distance of a district site, again principally in the coastal areas.

Sub-regional site - Only 20-25% of the district population is within the requisite distance of a sub-regional site, again principally in the coastal areas.

Regional level site - Around 70% of the district population is within the requisite distance of a regional site, largely due to the large size of the catchment areas.

3.5 Haven Gateway Green Infrastructure Strategy

The Haven Gateway Partnership was established in 2001 and brings together the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, Mistley and their surrounding hinterlands including the major centres of Colchester and Ipswich. It is a major focus for housing growth and as such, it was required to produce the ‘Haven Gateway Green Infrastructure Strategy’ (2008) to demonstrate how it would provide for open space needs.

Key proposals of significance to Suffolk Coastal are as follows:

Rendlesham and Tunstall Forests - The forests are capable of accommodating significant numbers of visitors if facilities (visitor centres and car parks) are provided.

Felixstowe Green Corridors - A number of green corridors linking Felixstowe with the wider countryside were proposed.

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3.6 Joint Health and Well-being Strategy for Suffolk

The ‘Joint Health and Well-being Strategy for Suffolk 2012 - 2022’ (2013) is a countywide strategy that sets out priorities for improving health and well-being.

3.6.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategy identifies four strategic outcomes:

Every child in Suffolk has the best start in life.

Suffolk residents have access to a healthy environment and take responsibility for their own health and well-being.

Older people in Suffolk have a good quality of life.

People in Suffolk have the opportunity to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

3.6.2 Priorities for action

One of the priorities for action that will contribute to all four of the strategic outcomes is ‘increasing the levels of physical activity and encouraging greater use of our natural environment’.

3.7 Suffolk Nature Strategy

‘Suffolk’s Nature Strategy’ (2012) is a countywide strategy that sets out priorities for preserving and improving the natural environment in the county. The strategy identifies several key benefits of open spaces:

A 2010 study on ‘The relationship of physical activity and overweight to objectively measured green space accessibility and use’ identified that people who live within 500m of accessible green space are 24% more likely to meet recommended levels of physical exercise than those that live further away.

Department of Health and the ‘UK National Ecosystem Assessment’ (2011) figures suggest that adequate access to greenspace can lead to reductions in sedentary behaviour, which nationally create £2 billion annual savings to the treatment of coronary heart disease, colo- rectal cancer and stroke.

The strategy has three broad sections, the key elements of which are summarised below:

3.7.1 The natural environment

All protected sites will be positively managed and new partnerships developed to deliver wider landscape scale conservation.

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3.7.2 Economic growth

An evidence base for the economic and social value of Suffolk’s green spaces will be developed by 2016 to inform decision makers.

3.7.3 Health and well-being

The following specific recommendations are included:

Health and well-being - ‘The benefits of people being able to enjoy the natural environment should be embedded in Suffolk’s health and wellbeing agenda by 2016. Community leaders and senior public health officials should champion the role the environment can play in prevention, cure and recovery. We would like to see a significant increase in GPs use of ‘green care’ referrals, such as Health Walks or Care Farms’.

Public access - ‘Suffolk County Council should seek opportunities to improve the connectivity of the public access network and the development and improvement of the public rights of way network. Physical access improvements should go hand-in-hand with wildlife sensitivity and quality interpretation, to enable people to access and understand our natural environment’.

3.8 Suffolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan

‘In Step with Suffolk - Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2006 - 2016’ (2006) is a review of the use, demand and management of the rights of way network in the county. It contains the following key material:

3.8.1 The extent of the network

There are approximately 3,400 miles (5,400km) of public right of way (PRoW) in Suffolk, one of the highest densities of network in the country. These routes form an integral part of the county’s transport network allowing residents and visitors to move around the county on foot, bicycle, horse and vehicle away from busy roads.

3.8.2 Strategic objectives

The plan contains the following objectives:

To provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network.

To provide a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users.

To develop a safer network.

To increase community involvement in improving and managing the network.

To produce an up-to-date definitive map.

To improve promotion, understanding and use of the network.

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3.9 Government policy

In March 2012, the Government published the ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ (2012), setting out its economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. Taken together, these policies articulate the Government’s vision of sustainable development, which should be interpreted and applied locally to meet local aspirations. The policies of greatest relevance to open spaces are as follows:

Sustainable development - ‘The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

Health and well-being - ‘Local planning authorities should work with public health leads and health organisations to understand and take account of the health status and needs of the local population, including expected future changes, and any information about relevant barriers to improving health and well-being’.

Open space, sports and recreational facilities - ‘Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. The planning system has a role in helping to create an environment where activities are made easier and public health can be improved. Planning policies should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of sports and recreational facilities in the local area. The information gained from this assessment of needs and opportunities should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required’.

Public rights of way - Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.

Local Green Space - Local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify for special protection green areas of particular importance to them. By designating land as Local Green Space local communities will be able to rule out new development other than in very special circumstances. Identifying land as Local Green Space should therefore be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs and other essential services. Local Green Spaces should only be designated when a plan is prepared or reviewed, and be capable of enduring beyond the end of the plan period.

Preservation of open space - ‘Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

- An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or

- The need for and benefits of the development clearly outweigh the loss’.

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3.10 Summary of local strategic influences

The Council’s Business Plan includes a commitment to the green environment and to promote active and healthy lifestyles and open space provides an integral means of facilitating these priorities.

The Core Strategy contains positive policies on the provision and retention of open space.

The Green Infrastructure Plan sets standards for Accessible Natural Greenspace. When these are applied, much of the inland parts of the district are deficient in access to natural greenspace.

The Haven Gateway Green Infrastructure Strategy identifies key projects in Felixstowe and Rendlesham/Tunstall Forests that would improve the capacity and accessibility to open spaces in the district.

One of the priorities in the Suffolk Health and Well-being Strategy is ‘increasing the levels of physical activity and encouraging greater use of our natural environment’.

The Suffolk Nature Strategy identifies the benefits of encouraging increased levels of physical activity using open spaces.

The County Rights of Way Improvement Plan highlights the need to develop the network both as a recreational resource in its own right and as a means of accessing green spaces.

Government policy on open spaces is contained in the National Planning Policy Framework, which makes clear the importance of protecting and enhancing open space through evidence- based assessments of local need to inform the statutory planning process.

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4 DEMAND FOR OPEN SPACE

4.1 Introduction

This section examines involvement in physical activity in Suffolk Coastal, to better understand the likely patterns of background demand for open space in the study area. The data is drawn from a number of sources, principally:

Sport England surveys and data.

Community consultation undertaken for the emerging Suffolk Coastal Leisure Strategy.

Locally commissioned research on open space usage.

To place the local results in context, the Sport England data has been assessed against the national and regional (East of England) averages, to provide a wider geographical perspective against which to track local trends. Whilst it has most direct relevance to formal sports facilities, many of the more popular forms of physical activity like walking, cycling and running, utilise open spaces and the rights of way network, so the overall tends will influence demand for open space.

4.2 The ‘Active People’ survey

The ‘Active People’ survey was first commissioned by Sport England in 2005 and has been carried out annually ever since. The survey is the largest study of patterns of adult (people aged over 16) involvement in sport and physical activity ever undertaken and involved telephone interviews with a representative sample of between 500 and 1,000 residents of each local authority district in the country. Six surveys have been undertaken to date, which has enabled trends to be tracked over a seven year period. The following Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) have most relevance for demand for open spaces.

Overall participation - This is defined as ‘taking part on at least one day a week in moderate intensity sport and active recreation (at least four days in the last four weeks) for at least 30 minutes continuously in any one session’.

Participation in individual sports - This is defined as ‘the percentage of adults who have participated at least once in a sport in the preceding four weeks’.

4.2.1 Overall participation

Overall rates of regular adult participation in sport and physical activity (at least one session of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week) show that whilst local rates have generally been close to the East and England averages, there has been an increase in participation rates in Suffolk Coastal over the survey period as a whole, although the most recent figure fell to around the regional and national figures.

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Area 2005/6 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Suffolk Coastal 32.0% 37.8% 34.4% 34.9% 32.1% 39.7% 35.3% East 34.8% 36.5% 35.6% 34.9% 34.7% 36.0% 35.4% England 34.2% 35.8% 35.7% 35.3% 34.8% 36.0% 35.2%

4.2.2 Participation in individual sports

The top five sports in which survey respondents from Suffolk Coastal participated in the four weeks prior to the survey are listed below, along with the respective regional and national figures:

Sport Suffolk Coastal East England Cycling 12.1% 8.4% 8.1% Swimming 10.7% 11.1% 11.5% Health and fitness 9.1% 10.1% 10.9% Running 8.1% 6.6% 6.7% Football 5.1% 5.8% 6.3%

4.3 Market Segmentation

Sport England has identified 19 adult market segments, to better understand specific motivations and barriers to physical activity. The data provides a useful way of anticipating demand for activities, based upon the extent to which segments are represented in the local population.

4.3.1 Suffolk Coastal market segments

The proportion of the Suffolk Coastal population in each market segment is tabulated below, with the East and national figures for comparison:

Segment Suffolk Coastal East England Competitive male urbanites 5.2% 5.3% 4.9% Sports team drinkers 2.3% 4.0% 5.4% Fitness class friends 5.5% 5.3% 4.7% Supportive singles 2.1% 3.2% 4.3% Career focused females 4.9% 5.0% 4.5% Settling down males 10.3% 10.5% 8.8% Stay at home mums 5.4% 5.4% 4.4% Middle England mums 4.3% 4.8% 4.9% Pub league team mates 2.5% 4.1% 5.9% Stretched single mums 1.6% 2.9% 3.7% Comfortable mid-life males 10.3% 9.6% 8.6% Empty nest career ladies 7.5% 6.8% 6.1% Early retirement couples 9.7% 8.2% 6.8% Older working women 2.6% 3.2% 4.9% Local ‘old boys’ 2.2% 2.9% 3.7% Later life ladies 1.1% 1.6% 2.1% Comfortable retired couples 9.0% 5.1% 4.2% Twilight years gents 4.5% 4.3% 4.0% Retirement home singles 8.1% 7.9% 8.0%

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4.3.2 Dominant segments

Sport England classifies the ‘dominant’ market segments as those with more than 7% of the local population. In Suffolk Coastal these comprise ‘settling down males’, ‘comfortable mid-life males’, ‘empty nest career ladies’, ‘early retirement couples’, ‘comfortable retired couples’ and ‘retirement home singles’. The activities likely to appeal to these segments are as follows:

Segment name Characteristics Sports that appeal Settling down males Age 26-45 Canoeing Married Skiing Owner-occupied Cricket Employed full-time Golf 50% have children Cycling Social class ABC1 Squash 32% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week Football 27% do no exercise Comfortable mid- Age 36-65 Sailing life males Married Gym Owner-occupied Football Employed full-time Jogging 50% have children Badminton Social class ABC1 Golf 26% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week Cycling 39% do no exercise Cricket Empty nest career Age 46-55 Swimming ladies Married Yoga Owner-occupied Walking Employed full-time Horse riding No dependent children Aqua aerobics Social class ABC1 Pilates 25% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week Step machine 44% do no exercise Gym Early retirement Age 56-65 Swimming couples Married Sailing Owner-occupied Walking Retired/employed full-time Golf No dependent children Aqua aerobics Social class ABC1 Shooting 19% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week Bowls 54% do no exercise Fishing

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Segment name Characteristics Sports that appeal Comfortable Age 65+ Bowls retired couples Married Snooker Owner occupied Golf Retired Walking No dependent children Tennis Social class ABC1 Fishing 14% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week Table tennis 70% do no exercise Swimming Retirement home Age 65+ Walking singles Single Bowls Owner occupied and council Dancing Retired Gentle exercise No dependent children DE 5% do 3x30 minutes exercise per week 86% do no exercise

Based upon the activities likely to appeal to these groups, the relatively large proportion of residents from market segments representing older age groups suggests that demand for walking and gentle exercise will be buoyant in Suffolk Coastal.

4.4 Community consultation

4.4.1 Introduction

Suffolk Coastal District Council organised a major community consultation exercise in connection with the development of its overarching Leisure Strategy. The objectives of the consultation were as follows:

To inform the Council of any gaps in the leisure facility information previously compiled.

To update the Council on the current local patterns of physical activity and advise of the future wants and needs for leisure and recreation service provision over the next ten years.

To identify any current barriers to keeping local communities physically active and any known local opportunities to overcome them.

4.4.2 Survey format

The consultation period which set out to identify stakeholder views ran from February to June 2014. The consultation process involved the following:

Five parish and town council focus groups were organised to ensure Councillors were able to feed in more specific local information. A total of 72 local stakeholders attended these events.

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Four resident and community group drop-in sessions were held for members of the community that wanted to find out more about the project or speak to an officer regarding their personal experiences. A total of 43 local residents attended these events.

An online questionnaire, also made available in hard copy, was added to the Suffolk Coastal District Council website, a link to this was also pushed out by many of the Council’s partners via social media, e-newsletter/e-blast, newsletter/newspaper, radio, links on websites and promotion at many events across the district. 244 questionnaires were completed on-line and 33 hard copies submitted.

4.4.3 Views on facilities provision

The issues that emerged in relation to demand for sports facilities are summarised below:

Quantity - The majority of survey respondents believe that the numbers of most types of open space are about right to meet existing needs.

Quality - There is general satisfaction with the quality of open spaces in the district.

General access - There are some criticisms regarding the accessibility of footpath and cycle networks mainly referred to uneven or unsafe surfaces, lack of connecting routes within rural villages or routes that adjoin busy main roads and overgrown surrounds (i.e. bushes blocking access).

Disability access - Respondents cited difficulties with disabled access to some open spaces in the district.

4.4.4 Factors encouraging participation

Respondents felt that the most important factors encouraging participation are the proximity of open spaces to home and 83% feel that open spaces are easy to access in the district.

4.4.5 Factors inhibiting participation

32.5% of respondents indicated that they have no current barriers to becoming more physically active, but 35.8% cited cost and 29.1% lack of time.

4.4.6 Specific sub-area issues

The issues that emerged in relation to open space provision in each sub-area are summarised below:

Sub-area Emerging issues Framlingham There is good quality and level of provision of fixed play equipment in the sub-area. and district Limited or no public transport. For the services that are available, the running times are poor. Use of the public rights of way network is difficult, because many routes entail at least some walking on busy roads.

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Sub-area Emerging issues Kesgrave and Most local open spaces are easily available and accessible to the general public. district Footpaths and cycle ways in Martlesham are used by a large proportion of the local community. Kesgrave is easily accessible by public transport and travelling to Ipswich is relatively easy. The Park and Ride service is also very close and easy to use. Although there are many footpaths and cycle ways in the area that are well used these are often fragmented and are not designed for wheelchair/pushchair access. Further promotion and physical signage of footpaths and cycle ways would increase awareness of the networks available. There are development threats to a number of open space sites in the area. Felixstowe Work is currently under way to create a cycle path along the full length of the sea front in and district Felixstowe. There is generally good access to the coast and countryside in the sub-area. Improvements need to be made to footpaths as they are often fragmented, eroded and inaccessible to people with disabilities. In Waldringfield, the path is breached therefore it is not possible to walk the full length of the River Deben, this leads to walking on dangerously busy roads with very narrow lanes. Car parking is poor at many open space sites. Disability access is poor both into and around most open space sites. It would be beneficial to create and promote a districtwide, footpath network so that safe, off- road walks, to and from villages/towns such as Waldringfield to Woodbridge are possible where public transport is sparse. Lack of funding to manage natural sites properly could lead to degeneration, loss of status or closure. Coastal flooding and storm damage has already adversely affected open space sites and the public rights of way network in the area and the problem may become worse with climate change. Woodbridge The Deben Estuary Partnership plan includes a full list of mooring sites and footpaths and district surrounding the River Deben. Several amenity greenspace sites in Melton are not used to their full potential. A lack of local awareness is one factor contributing to underuse. Equipped play areas are generally of good quality in the sub-area. Access to natural and semi-natural greenspace sites, the River Deben and the coast is a very positive local feature. Public transport in the rural parts of the sub-area is poor. There is a lack of safe cycle paths. There is a shortage of affordable allotments. Car parking at the more popular open space sites is problematic during the peak season. Leiston and Footpath networks in the sub-area are often disjointed, with surface erosion from over-use and district off-road cycling. The public rights of way network in the area is very poorly signposted. Efforts should be made to safely link footpaths to create a network that avoids busy roads. Further promotion of cycle networks situated away from busy roads is required. There are many events in the area such as Coastal organised runs, walks, swims and cycle events. Access to open space sites via public transport is problematic, with services very busy during the peak period and very limited in the off-peak period. Car parking at the more popular open space sites is problematic during the peak season.

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4.5 Suffolk Sandlings Visitor Survey

The ‘Suffolk Sandlings Living Landscape Visitor Survey Report’ (2011) contained the results of a survey in Tunstall and Rendlesham Forests, ‘to understand current recreational use in the area, in order to better manage the sites with consideration to future visitor pressures’. The results provide a valuable insight into usage patterns of open space in Suffolk Coastal as a whole.

4.5.1 The scope of the survey

Interview surveys were conducted at 17 locations in Suffolk Coastal. A total of 596 visitors were interviewed, covering both winter and summer survey periods and at all times of day. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders were all included in the survey.

4.5.2 Frequency of visits

The key findings on the frequency of use of the open space sites are tabulated below:

Frequency % Respondents Daily 34.9% Weekly 29.5% Monthly 10.6% Less than monthly 14.8% Less than annually 10.3%

4.5.3 Types of use

The key findings on the types of use of the open space sites are tabulated below:

Type of use % Respondents Dog walking 52.8% Walking 22.0% Exercise 3.5% Family/children 5.3% Cycling 7.1% Birdwatching 3.0% Other 6.3%

4.5.4 Mode of transport

The key findings on the mode of transport used to reach the open space sites are tabulated below:

Type of use % Respondents Car 78.9% Walking 17.5% Cycling 2.2% Horse riding 0.8% Other 0.7%

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4.5.5 Distance travelled

The median distance travelled by residents of Suffolk Coastal to reach the site they were using was 6.71km for winter respondents and 8.18km for summer respondents. Overall, 85% of visitors live within 20km of the survey sites.

4.6 Deben Estuary Visitor Survey

The ‘Deben Estuary Visitor Survey Report’ (2011) was conducted ‘to provide baseline data relating to visitor numbers and recreational use of the Deben estuary’. The report was commissioned to examine the impact of a proposed housing development in Martlesham, but the results provide some additional information on the use of open space around the Deben estuary. A summary of the findings is as follows:

The scope of the survey - 510 interviews were conducted in July 2011, with groups totalling of 1,284 visitors.

Mode of transport - 79.1% of respondents travelled by car, 8.1% by bike and 11.2% on foot.

Distance travelled - The median distance travelled by to reach the site at which they were interviewed was 15.4km.

Types of use - The key findings on the types of use of the open space sites are tabulated below:

Type of use % Respondents Walking 48.0% Watersports 31.3% Family outing 25.5% Social trip 22.5% Dog walking 17.6% Exercise 9.8% Birdwatching 7.8% Cycling 5.9%

4.7 Summary of local activity patterns

The implications for open space provision in Suffolk Coastal are as follows:

According to the ‘Active People’ survey, overall rates of adult physical activity in Suffolk Coastal have increased since 2005/6 and have consistently been above the regional and national averages, although the most recent figure (35.3%) fell back to around the regional and national figures.

The rates of local involvement individual sports activities are instructive, because outdoor activities like cycling and running, that make significant use of open spaces, have much higher than average participation rates in Suffolk Coastal.

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The Market Segmentation data suggests that the relatively large proportion of residents from market segments representing older age groups suggests that demand for walking and gentle exercise will be buoyant in Suffolk Coastal.

A number of common themes have emerged from community consultation in each of the five sub-areas in the district, in particular:

- Public transport is poor in all the rural parts of the district, which emphasises the need for open space provision in and/or within easy reach of rural settlements.

- Whilst the public rights of way network is extensive and generally well-used, the network often involves interaction with busy roads. Levels of use in some areas have led to surface degradation and signposting/waymarking could be improved.

- Disabled access is poor at many open space sites.

- Car parking provision is inadequate at many of the more popular open space sites.

The two open space visitor surveys conducted in the district reveal that more than one- third of respondents visit open space sites at least daily, most drive to reach the locations concerned and around 80% live within 20km. A wide variety of different uses of open space include several forms of active physical recreation.

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5 SUPPLY OF OPEN SPACE

5.1 Introduction

This section analyses the supply of open space in Suffolk Coastal.

5.2 Definitions

5.2.1 Parks and gardens

Parks and gardens are publicly-accessible, multi-functional greenspaces providing high-quality opportunities for informal recreation and community events, typically in urban areas. They incorporate formal and informal features, such as flower beds, trees, landscaped areas and ancillary provision such as toilets and seating areas.

5.2.2 Natural and semi-natural greenspace

Natural and semi-natural greenspace sites are defined as those sites with public access where wildlife, conservation, biodiversity and environmental education take precedence over recreational uses in determining management regimes. This includes areas with protective statutory designations and also comprises publicly accessible heathland, commons, woodland, countryside and coastal areas.

5.2.3 Informal amenity open space

Amenity open space is defined as publicly-accessible sites that provide opportunities for informal leisure and physical activity, close to home or work, or which enhance the appearance of residential or other areas. The size and utility of such spaces varies widely, with some having provision such as paths, benches, rubbish bins and planting schemes, whilst others comprise only grassed areas. For the purposes of this study, only sites that are larger than 0.2ha have been included, on the basis that smaller areas are unlikely to be able to accommodate physical activity.

5.2.4 Allotments and community gardens

Allotments and community gardens are defined as publicly-accessible green spaces that provide opportunities for people to grow their own produce, as part of the long-term promotion of sustainability, health and social inclusion.

5.2.5 Provision for children and young people

These are defined as publicly-accessible areas designed and equipped primarily for play and social interaction involving children and young people.

5.2.6 Churchyards and cemeteries

In open space terms, cemeteries and churchyards are defined as publicly-accessible green spaces providing opportunities for quiet contemplation. Many sites have historic and cultural value and some sustain wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

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5.2.7 Public rights of way

Public rights of way include footpaths, bridleways, byways, roads used as public paths, cycle tracks and permissive paths.

5.3 Parks and gardens

5.3.1 Quantitative analysis

Parks and gardens are principally urban features, which provide high quality, multi-function green spaces to compensate for the absence or relative shortage of other forms of open space in towns and cities. Details of the six parks and gardens in Suffolk Coastal are listed below:

Site Sub-area Size Allenby Park Felixstowe 1.35ha Cavendish Park North Felixstowe 3.13ha Cavendish Park South Felixstowe 1.54ha Cliff, Town Hall and Spa Gardens Felixstowe 3.00ha Elmhurst Park Woodbridge 1.91ha Langer Park Felixstowe 1.75ha

As urban features, per capita levels of parks and gardens provision in Suffolk Coastal have been assessed in relation to the populations of the three towns in the district with more than 10,000 residents:

Town Population Ha. per 1,000 people Felixstowe 30,000 0.32ha Kesgrave 14,000 - Woodbridge 11,000 0.56ha URBAN TOTAL 55,000 0.21ha

5.3.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of parks and gardens in Suffolk Coastal involved visits to all sites to undertake non-technical visual inspections. The criteria assessed were those that make parks and gardens attractive to use for leisure and physical activity purposes. The definitions for each criterion were as follows:

Main entrance

Rating Definition Score High Quality Easy to find with a welcome/advisory sign, appropriate 5 size, clear, clean, tidy, well-maintained and inviting. Above Average Appropriate size, clear, clean, tidy, well-maintained and 4 inviting. Average Obvious, open, inviting, adequately maintained and clean. 3 Below Average Apparent as an entrance and clean. 2 Poor quality Obscure as an entrance, dirty and poorly maintained. 1

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Site boundaries

Rating Definition Score High Quality All clearly defined and well-maintained. 5 Above Average All clearly defined, maintenance reasonable. 4 Average All clearly defined, maintenance ‘patchy’. 3 Below Average Mostly clearly defined, maintenance ‘patchy’. 2 Poor quality Poorly defined and poorly maintained. 1

Roads, paths, cycleways and access

Rating Definition Score High Quality Suitable materials, level for safe use, edges well-defined, surfaces clean, 5 debris and weed free and good disabled access throughout. Above Average Suitable materials, level for safe use, edges well-defined and disabled 4 access in most areas. Average Suitable materials, level for safe use and some disabled access. 3 Below Average Suitable materials but with some faults and poor disabled access. 2 Poor quality Roads and paths in the correct place, but in need of obvious repair, 1 disabled access poor and very restricted.

Planted areas

Rating Definition Score High Quality Numerous plants, with appropriate mix, installed and maintained to a 5 high standard. Above Average Numerous plants, with appropriate mix, installed and maintained to a 4 reasonable standard. Average Numerous plants, with appropriate mix of plants and ‘patchy’ 3 maintenance. Below Average Limited range of plants, maintenance acceptable. 2 Poor quality Limited planting with limited maintenance. 1

Grassed areas

Rating Definition Score High Quality Full grass cover throughout, dense sward, good colour and cleanly cut. 5 Above Average Full grass cover throughout, dense sward, good colour and cleanly cut, 4 few weeds, grass cut frequently to keep it short. Average Full grass cover throughout main area but some thin patches evident, 3 some bald areas discrete, grass cut frequently but length excessive between cuts, cut quality good. Below Average General grass cover patchy, with some bald areas, cut infrequently or at 2 poor frequency, clippings obvious or cut quality poor. Poor quality General grass cover poor, wear has led to patchy/poor cover with little 1 or no attempt to correct the problem, clippings obvious and cut quality poor.

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Litter bins

Rating Definition Score High Quality Numerous and in good condition. 5 Above Average Numerous and in average condition. 4 Average Adequate number and in good/average condition. 3 Below Average Insufficient number but in good condition. 2 Poor quality Insufficient number and in poor condition. 1

General cleanliness

Rating Definition Score High Quality No evidence of litter, dog fouling or graffiti. 5 Above Average Very limited evidence of litter, dog fouling or graffiti. 4 Average Some evidence of litter, dog fouling or graffiti. 3 Below Average Substantial evidence of litter, dog fouling or graffiti. 2 Poor quality Widespread evidence of litter, dog fouling or graffiti. 1

Safety and security

Rating Definition Score High Quality A very good sense of safety at all times, with excellent sight lines 5 throughout the entire site, good lighting of appropriate areas and no obvious safety hazards. Above Average A good sense of safety at all times, with good sight lines 4 throughout the site, reasonable lighting of appropriate areas and no obvious safety hazards. Average A reasonable sense of safety at all times, with good sight lines 3 throughout most of the site and no obvious safety hazards. Below Average A reasonable sense of safety in daylight, with reasonable sight 2 lines across some of the site and some limited safety hazards. Poor quality A poor sense of safety, with concealed areas throughout the site 1 and several obvious safety hazards.

Parking and general access

Rating Definition Score High Quality Parking provided integral, or adjacent to, the green space, with 5 adequate spaces, site clean, tidy in good condition and well sign posted. Above Average Parking provided integral, or adjacent to, the green space, with 4 adequate spaces, but maintenance could be better. Average Parking provided integral, or adjacent to, the green space, with 3 limited spaces and reasonable maintenance. Below Average Parking provided integral, or adjacent to, the green space, with 2 limited spaces and poor maintenance. Poor quality Parking provision very limited. 1

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The assessed scores were as follows:

Criterion Allenby Cavendish Cavendish Cliff/Town Hall/ Elmhurst Langer Park Park (N) Park (S) Spa Gardens Park Park Main entrance 3 3 3 4 5 3 Site boundaries 3 2 2 5 5 5 Roads/paths/cycleways 3 2 2 3 5 3 Planted areas 2 1 1 4 5 4 Grassed areas 4 4 4 3 5 4 Litter bins 3 3 3 3 5 4 General cleanliness 3 3 3 4 5 4 Safety and security 4 4 4 4 5 3 Parking/general access 1 4 4 4 3 1 MEAN 2.89 2.89 2.89 3.78 4.67 3.44

Langer Park, Felixstowe

The quality assessment can be summarised as follows:

Main entrance - The main entrances are rated as at least ‘average’ quality.

Site boundaries - Site boundaries were rated as ‘below average’ at Cavendish Park.

Paths - The quality of the paths were rated as ‘below average’ at Cavendish Park.

Planted areas - Planted areas were rated as ‘below average’ at half the parks and gardens.

Grassed areas - The grassed areas are rated as at least ‘average’ quality at all sites.

Litter bins - Provision of litter bins is rated as at least ‘average’ quality at all sites.

General cleanliness - General cleanliness is rated as at least ‘average’ quality at all sites.

Safety and security - Safety and security is rated as ‘above average’ quality or better at five sites.

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Parking/general access - Parking and general access is rated as ‘poor’ at Allenby and Langer Parks.

5.3.3 Disabled provision

Disabled provision is good at most parks, although parking and general access at Allenby and Langer Parks will adversely affect accessibility for people with disabilities.

5.3.4 Accessibility analysis

15 minutes travel time is the typical maximum journey for most parks users. The accessibility analysis in the map below shows that:

Driving - The whole populations of Felixstowe and Woodbridge, collectively comprising around 59,000 people, are within 15 minutes drive of their nearest park.

Cycling - About 40,000 people are within 15 minutes cycle of the nearest park.

Walking - About 30,000 people are within 15 minutes walk of the nearest park.

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5.4 Natural and Semi-natural Greenspace

5.4.1 Quantitative analysis

Details of the 63 publicly-accessible natural and semi-natural greenspace sites in Suffolk Coastal are listed below.

Some sites have limited public access via the public rights of way network and in others access was disrupted by the storm events of 2013. Whilst it may not be possible to roam across the full extent of all sites therefore, each provides visual amenity and features of interest that make them attractive destinations for local people and visitors to the district.

The majority of the sites are designated for their nature conservation value, with many being of national (designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest) or international importance (designated as Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation). Extensive public access and associated recreational activities can be detrimental to the ecological value of such sites, so it not assumed that there will be any significant intensification of use at any of the more environmentally sensitive sites.

Site Address Sub-area Size Alde Mudflats Church Lane, Iken IP12 2EN Woodbridge 22.0ha Aldringham Common Aldeburgh Road, Aldringham IP16 4QQ Leiston 0.66ha Barthorps Folly Heath Road, Hollesley IP12 3NB Woodbridge 12.0ha Bawdsey Quay Ferry Road, Bawdsey IP12 3AX Woodbridge 1.5ha Bickers Heath Heath Road, Wenhaston, IP19 9BU Framlingham 4.7ha Blackheath Blackheath Road, Wenhaston, IP19 9HB Framlingham 14.7ha Blaxhall Common Snape Road, Blaxhall IP12 2EJ Woodbridge 44.5ha Blowers Common Narrow Way, Wenhaston, IP19 9AN Framlingham 0.3ha Bromeswell Green Common Lane, Bromeswell IP12 2PQ Woodbridge 7.2ha Broomheath Broomheath, Woodbridge, IP12 4DN Woodbridge 1.54ha Boyton & Hollesley Marshes Cotton’s Acre, Boyton IP12 3LR Woodbridge 18.0ha Captain’s Wood School Road, Sudbourne IP12 2BE Woodbridge 56.0ha Church Common Narrow Way, Wenhaston, IP19 9EJ Framlingham 3.2ha Darsham Marshes Westleton Road, Yoxford IP17 3LD Leiston 20.0ha Deben Riverside Fayrefield Road, Melton IP12 1NX Woodbridge 6.0ha Dingle Marshes NNR Beach Road, Dunwich IP17 3BZ Leiston 93.0ha Dunwich Forest Dunwich IP17 3DZ Leiston 270.0ha Dunwich Heath Dunwich IP17 3DJ Leiston 87.0ha Farthing Wood Mendip Drive, Kesgrave IP5 1JZ Kesgrave 0.9ha Felixstowe Beach CWS Sea Road, Felixstowe IP11 2QN Felixstowe 0.1ha Foxhall Stadium Woods Foxhall Road, Rushmere IP4 5TL Kesgrave 46.06ha Foxburrow Farm Saddlemakers Lane, Melton IP12 1NA Woodbridge 67.0ha Framlingham Mere New Road, Framlingham IP13 9HW Framlingham 13.8ha Hazelwood Marshes Marsh Lane, Aldeburgh IP17 1PG Leiston 64.0ha Haylings Pond Meadow Haylings Grove, Leiston IP16 4DU Leiston 0.85ha Hutchison’s Meadow Melton Road, Woodbridge IP12 1PD Woodbridge 1.0ha Kesgrave Woods Hall Road, Kesgrave IP5 2PS Kesgrave 19.32ha Knodishall Common Snape Road, Knodishall IP17 1UG Leiston 13.2ha Landguard Common View Point Road, Felixstowe IP11 3TW Felixstowe 33.0ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size Levington Lagoon Church Lane, Levington IP10 0LH Kesgrave 5.0ha Lower Hollesley Common Melton Road, Hollesley IP12 3NB Woodbridge 92.6ha Martins’ Meadows Rookery Road, Monewden IP13 7DF Framlingham 4.0ha Martlesham Common Main Road, Martlesham IP5 3RU Kesgrave 9.21ha Melton Riverside Wilford Bridge Road, Melton, IP12 2PA Woodbridge 6.5ha Melton Woods Leeks Hill, Melton IP12 1LG Woodbridge 10.5ha Mill Heath Bartholomew’s La., Wenhaston, IP19 9BU Framlingham 5.3ha Mill Stream LNR Rushmere St. Andrew IP4 5QW Kesgrave 7.5ha Minsmere RSPB Reserve Westleton IP17 3BY Leiston 990.0ha Nacton Shore Shore Road, Nacton IP10 0ET Kesgrave 8.0ha Newbourne Springs Woodbridge Road, Newbourne IP12 4NY Woodbridge 19.0ha North Warren RSPB Reserve Thorpeness IP16 4QS Leiston 44.3ha Orwell Country Park Ipswich Road, Nacton IP10 0JG Kesgrave 80.0ha Parklands Wood The Avenue, Ufford Woodbridge 5.0ha Playford Alder Carr Butts Road, Playford IP5 1DP Kesgrave 6.8ha Rendlesham Forest Rendlesham IP12 3NF Woodbridge 1,500.0ha Rushmere Common Heath Road, Rushmere St. Andrew IP4 5QQ Kesgrave 79.7ha Simpson’s Saltings Hollesley Bay IP12 3JW Woodbridge 25.0ha Sizewell Beach Leiston-cum-Sizewell IP16 4UH Leiston 40.0ha Sizewell Belts Lovers Lane, Leiston IP16 4UP Leiston 144.0ha Snape Common Priory Road, Snape IP17 1QQ Leiston 8.0ha Snape Marshes Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SE Leiston 19.8ha Sutton Common Sutton Heath Estate, Sutton IP12 3TU Woodbridge 104.6ha Sutton Heath Sutton Heath Estate, Sutton IP12 3TA Woodbridge 62.3ha The Grove Grove Road, Felixstowe IP11 9GA Felixstowe 4.0ha The Haven Thorpe Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5BH Leiston 45.0ha The Mount Foxhall Road, Kesgrave IP4 5TL Kesgrave 43.82ha Thorpeness Beach Thorpeness IP16 4NW Leiston 38.0ha Trimley Marshes Cordey’s Lane, Trimley St. Martin IP11 0UD Felixstowe 77.0ha Upper Hollesley Common Heath Road, Hollesley IP12 3HU Woodbridge 102.6ha Wadd Conservation Area Aldecar Lane, Benhall, IP17 1HN Leiston 3.5ha Walberswick NNR The Street, Walberswick IP18 6PU Leiston 1,192.0ha Westleton Common Darsham Road, Westleton IP17 3BD Leiston 18.4ha Westleton Heath NNR Dunwich Road, Westleton IP17 3DB Leiston 145.5ha TOTALS - - 5,868.26ha

Per capita levels of provision of natural and semi-natural greenspace in each sub-area of Suffolk Coastal are listed below. It shows large variations in levels of provision, with the Leiston sub-area having more than forty times the per capita levels of provision than the Felixstowe sub-area:

Sub-area Population Ha. Ha. per 1,000 people Kesgrave and district 34,357 306.2ha 8.91ha Felixstowe and district 30,612 114.1ha 3.73ha Woodbridge and district 28,112 2,164.84ha 77.00ha Framlingham and district 10,941 46.0ha 4.20ha Leiston and district 20,276 3,237.12ha 159.65ha SUFFOLK COASTAL 124,600 5,868.26ha 47.10ha

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Landguard Common Nature Reserve, Felixstowe

5.4.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of natural and semi-natural greenspace in Suffolk Coastal involved visits to all sites to undertake non-technical visual inspections. The assessments for each site involved establishing the presence of absence of:

Signposting to the site. Information board(s)/interpretation panel(s). Marked paths. Clear entrance. Dedicated car parking.

Ratings for each site were allocated according to the number of elements present (i.e. ‘5’ for all five features, ‘4’ for four features and so on):

The criteria assessed were those that make accessible natural and semi-natural greenspace attractive to use for leisure and physical activity purposes. The assessed scores were as follows:

Site Rating Alde Mudflats 3 Aldringham Common 3 Barthorps Folly 2 Bawdsey Quay 3 Bickers Heath 2 Blackheath 3 Blaxhall Common 3 Blowers Common 3 Bromeswell Green 3 Broomheath 3

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Site Rating Boyton & Hollesley Marshes 4 Captain’s Wood 3 Church Common 2 Darsham Marshes 2 Deben Riverside 1 Dingle Marshes NNR 4 Dunwich Forest 4 Dunwich Heath 5 Farthing Wood 3 Felixstowe Beach CWS 3 Foxhall Stadium Woods 4 Foxburrow Farm 5 Framlingham Mere 3 Hazelwood Marshes 3 Haylings Pond Meadow 3 Hutchison’s Meadow 3 Kesgrave Woods 4 Knodishall Common 3 Landguard Common 5 Levington Lagoon 3 Lower Hollesley Common 4 Martins’ Meadows 3 Martlesham Common 4 Melton Riverside 5 Melton Woods 3 Mill Heath 3 Mill Stream LNR 4 Minsmere RSPB Reserve 5 Nacton Shore 3 Newbourne Springs 3 North Warren RSPB Reserve 5 Orwell Country Park 5 Parklands Wood 3 Playford Alder Carr 3 Rendlesham Forest 4 Rushmere Common 3 Simpson’s Saltings 2 Sizewell Beach 3 Sizewell Belts 3 Snape Common 2 Snape Marshes 3 Sutton Common 3 Sutton Heath 2 The Grove 4 The Haven 4 The Mount 3

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Site Rating Thorpeness Beach 2 Trimley Marshes RSPB 5 Upper Hollesley Common 3 Wadd Conservation Area 3 Walberswick NNR 5 Westleton Common 3 Westleton Heath NNR 4

Nine sites (14.5%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 12 (19.4%) were rated as ‘above average’, 32 (51.7%) as ‘average’, eight (12.9%) as below average and one (1.6%) as ‘poor quality’.

Broomheath, Woodbridge

5.4.3 Disabled provision

Disabled access is poor at many natural/semi-natural greenspace sites. The position would be improved with the provision of surfaced pathways, accessible gates and stiles and dedicated parking for blue badge holders.

5.4.4 Accessibility analysis

The Suffolk Sandlings Visitors Survey identified that the median distance travelled by residents of Suffolk Coastal to reach natural and semi-natural greenspace was 8.18km (around five miles). For this reason, a five-mile drivetime catchment has been selected (equivalent to 10-minutes travel time) and 10-minute cycling and walking catchments have also been marked around each site. The accessibility analysis in the map below shows that:

Driving - About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive of their nearest natural or semi-natural greenspace site.

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Cycling - About 75,000 people (60.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle of their nearest natural or semi-natural greenspace site.

Walking - About 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest natural or semi-natural greenspace site.

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5.5 Amenity Greenspace

5.5.1 Quantitative analysis

Details of the 82 publicly-accessible amenity greenspace sites in Suffolk Coastal are listed below:

Site Address Sub-area Size Adastral Close Adastral Close, Felixstowe IP11 2TP Felixstowe 0.40ha Aken Field Recreation Ground Chapel Lane, Charsfield IP13 7PX Framlingham 1.50ha Ashdale Green Amenity Greenspace Ashdale Road, Kesgrave IP5 2YH Kesgrave 2.72ha Ashground Close Am. Greenspace Ashground Cl., Trimley St. Martin IP11 0YA Felixstowe 0.25ha Ataka Road Amenity Greenspace Ataka Road, Felixstowe IP11 9DH Felixstowe 0.49ha Badgers Bank Amenity Greenspace Crawford Lane, Kesgrave IP5 2YW Kesgrave 0.21ha Badingham Pocket Park Mill Road, Badingham IP13 8LD Framlingham 0.70ha Benhall Village Green Benhall Green, Benhall IP17 1HT Leiston 0.85ha Brook Farm Amenity Greenspace Brook Farm Road, Saxmundham IP17 1EE Leiston 0.60ha Bruisyard Riverside Park The Street, Bruisyard IP17 2EB Framlingham 1.75ha Bury Hill Amenity Greenspace Bury Hill, Melton IP12 1HQ Woodbridge 0.31ha Butchers Field Amenity Greenspace Low Road, Great Glemham IP17 2DH Framlingham 0.37ha Castle Meadow Bridge Street, Framlingham IP13 9GB Framlingham 2.25ha Castle Street Amenity Greenspace Castle Street, Woodbridge IP12 1HR Woodbridge 0.75ha Church Field Church Terrace, Wickham Market IP13 0QS Woodbridge 0.49ha Church Field Waldringfield IP12 4PZ Woodbridge 2.58ha Church Road Amenity Greenspace Church Road, Little Glemham IP13 0BA Framlingham 0.21ha Chediston Amenity Greenspace Chediston Street, Chediston IP19 0BA Framlingham 0.63ha Clopton Amenity Greenspace Manor Road, Clopton IP13 6QW Framlingham 0.60ha De-Brink-on-The -Green Eagle Way, Martlesham IP5 3PJ Kesgrave 0.60ha Dennington Village Green Swainston Way, Dennington IP13 8DB Framlingham 0.25ha Eyke Playing Field Church Lane, Eyke IP12 2SJ Woodbridge 3.10ha Fair Field Green Marlesford Road, Hacheston IP13 0DW Framlingham 0.96ha Faulkeners Way Amenity Greenspace Faulkeners Way, Trimley St. Mary IP11 0XZ Felixstowe 1.20ha Fen Meadow Seckford Street, Woodbridge IP12 4ND Woodbridge 2.40ha Fenton’s Link Am. Greenspace Fenton’s Way, Kesgrave IP5 2YD Kesgrave 0.40ha Fox Lea Amenity Greenspace Fox Lea, Kesgrave IP5 2YU Kesgrave 0.53ha Friston Village Green Saxmundham Road, Friston IP17 1NN Framlingham 1.10ha Gosford Way Amenity Greenspace Gosford Way, Felixstowe IP11 9PE Felixstowe 0.95ha Grange Meadow Elmers Lane, Kesgrave IP5 2GW Kesgrave 2.00ha Hall Farm Road Am. Greenspace Hall Farm Road, Melton IP12 1PJ Woodbridge 0.59ha Heath Drive Amenity Greenspace Heath Drive, Shottisham IP12 3HD Woodbridge 0.25ha Heveningham Glebe Land Church Road, Heveningham IP19 0EB Framlingham 0.88ha Houchells Meadow Haugh Lane, Woodbridge IP12 1JZ Woodbridge 1.50ha Huntingfield Millennium Green Brick Kiln Lane, Huntingfield IP19 0QH Framlingham 0.34ha John Belstead Playing Field The Street, Little Bealings IP13 6LH Framlingham 1.85ha Kendal Green High Road East, Felixstowe Ip11 9PH Felixstowe 0.90ha Kettleburgh Village Green Mill Lane, Kettleburgh IP13 7JT Framlingham 1.85ha King George’s Recreation Ground Seaward Avenue, Leiston IP16 4JQ Leiston 1.15ha Kingston Pond Am. Greenspace Kingston Farm Road, Woodbridge IP12 4BA Woodbridge 0.65ha Kirton Village Green Back Road, Kirton IP10 0QN Kesgrave 0.25ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size Kronji’s Piece Recreation Ground The Street, Martlesham IP12 4RG Woodbridge 1.00ha Middleton Recreation Ground Back Road, Middleton IP17 3NJ Leiston 1.79ha Murrils Road Amenity Greenspace Murrils Road, Purdis Farm IP3 8TY Kesgrave 0.71ha Nacton Recreation Ground The Street, Nacton IP10 0HD Kesgrave 0.38ha New Circle Amenity Greenspace Oak Hill, Hollesley IP12 3RA Woodbridge 0.22ha Newbourne Amenity Greenspace Mill Road, Newbourne IP12 4NP Woodbridge 0.70ha North Green Main Road, Parham IP13 9NA Framlingham 0.82ha Oak Close Amenity Greenspace Oak Close, Felixstowe IP11 2LS Felixstowe 0.22ha Old Circle Amenity Greenspace Oak Hill, Hollesley IP12 3RA Woodbridge 0.22ha Orchard Close Amenity Greenspace Orchard Close, Melton IP12 1LD Woodbridge 0.10ha Pageant Field Kings Avenue, Framlingham IP13 9HB Framlingham 1.40ha Parklands Parklands, Ufford IP13 6DT Framlingham 2.45ha Peewit Hill Haven Exchange, Felixstowe IP11 2QX Felixstowe 1.23ha Philip Avenue Amenity Greenspace Philip Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 2PP Felixstowe 0.40ha Pitman’s Grove Amenity Greenspace Pitman’s Close, Bramfield IP19 9JB Framlingham 0.35ha Platters Road Amenity Greenspace Platters Road, Felixstowe IP11 2DL Felixstowe 0.49ha Quay Meadow Pocket Park Quay Meadow, Orford IP12 2NU Woodbridge 0.30ha Pergola Piece Amenity Greenspace Deben Valley Drive, Kesgrave IP5 2FL Kesgrave 0.81ha St. Andrew’s Close Am. Greenspace St. Andrew’s Close, Melton IP12 1QA Woodbridge 0.20ha St. Lawrence Green St. Lawrence Way, Kesgrave IP5 2GL Kesgrave 0.22ha St. Martin’s Green St. Martin’s, Trimley St. Martin IP11 0YD Felixstowe 0.21ha Sandlings Open Space Broadlands Way, Rushmere IP4 5TF Kesgrave 2.25ha Saxstead Village Green Several Road, Saxstead Green IP13 9QQ Framlingham 1.20ha Slaughden Slaughden Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5BU Leiston 3.55ha Sweffling Recreation Ground Great Glemham Rd., Sweffling IP17 2BY Leiston 1.35ha The Fen Station Road, Framlingham IP13 9EF Framlingham 1.95ha The Fitches Amenity Greenspace The Fitches, Knodishall IP17 1UF Leiston 0.36ha Through Jollys East Am. Greenspace Through Jollys, Kesgrave IP5 2YY Kesgrave 0.47ha Through Jollys South Am. Greenspace Through Jollys, Kesgrave IP5 2YP Kesgrave 0.29ha Tuddenham Amenity Greenspace Keightley Way, Tuddenham IP6 9BD Kesgrave 0.76ha Tunstall Recreation Ground Woodbridge Road, Tunstall IP12 2JE Woodbridge 0.55ha Tymmes Place Amenity Greenspace Tymmes Place, Hasketon IP13 6JD Framlingham 0.20ha Valley Walk Amenity Greenspace Langley Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 2LH Felixstowe 0.60ha Victory Road Recreation Ground Victory Road, Leiston IP16 4DQ Leiston 0.85ha Walpole Village Green Peasenhall Road, Walpole IP19 9AU Framlingham 0.50ha Waterloo Avenue Am. Greenspace Waterloo Avenue, Leiston IP16 4UZ Leiston 2.00ha Western Avenue Amenity Greenspace Western Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 9NR Felixstowe 1.86ha Western Corridor Am. Greenspace Dobbs Lane, Martlesham IP5 2BE Kesgrave 0.59ha Westleton Community Field Blythburgh Road, Westleton IP17 3AU Leiston 1.23ha Westleton Village Green The Street, Westleton IP17 3AN Leiston 0.72ha Witnesham Bridge Am. Greenspace The Street, Witnesham IP6 9HH Kesgrave 0.27ha TOTALS - - 75.98ha

Per capita levels of provision of amenity greenspace in each sub-area of Suffolk Coastal are listed below. There are large variations in levels of amenity greenspace provision, with the Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest:

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Sub-area Population Ha. Ha. per 1,000 people Kesgrave and district 34,357 11.17ha 0.33ha Felixstowe and district 30,612 9.20ha 0.30ha Woodbridge and district 28,112 15.91ha 0.57ha Framlingham and district 10,941 22.26ha 2.03ha Leiston and district 20,276 17.40ha 0.86ha SUFFOLK COASTAL 124,600 75.98ha 0.61ha

5.5.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of amenity greenspace in Suffolk Coastal involved visits to all sites to undertake non-technical visual inspections. The assessments for each site involved establishing the capacity of the site to accommodate leisure and physical activity on the following basis:

High quality - A size and configuration with potential to accommodate a range of formal leisure and physical activity, with supporting infrastructure, i.e. changing and car parking (scored as ‘5’).

Above average - A size and configuration with potential to accommodate a range of formal leisure and physical activity, but not supporting infrastructure (scored as ‘4’).

Average - A size and configuration with potential to accommodate a wide range of informal leisure and physical activity (scored as ‘3’).

Below average - A size and configuration with potential to accommodate a limited range of informal leisure and physical activity (scored as ‘2’).

Poor quality - Visual amenity only (scored as ‘1’).

A small amenity greenspace with limited leisure and physical activity usage potential

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The assessed scores for the leisure potential of the sites were as follows:

Site Rating Adastral Close 2 Aken Field Recreation Ground 5 Ashdale Green Amenity Greenspace 4 Ashground Close Amenity Greenspace 2 Ataka Road Amenity Greenspace 3 Badgers Bank Amenity Greenspace 1 Benhall Village Green 3 Brook Farm Amenity Greenspace 2 Bruisyard Riverside Park 3 Bury Hill Amenity Greenspace 2 Butchers Field Amenity Greenspace 2 Castle Meadow 4 Castle Street Amenity Greenspace 3 Church Field, Wickham Market 3 Church Field, Waldringfield 3 Church Road Amenity Greenspace 1 Eyke Playing Field 5 Fair Field Green 4 Faulkeners Way Amenity Greenspace 3 Fen Meadow, Woodbridge 4 Fenton’s Link Amenity Greenspace 2 Fox Lea Amenity Greenspace 2 Friston Village Green 3 Gosford Way Amenity Greenspace 3 Grange Meadow 3 Hall Farm Road Amenity Greenspace 2 Heath Drive Amenity Greenspace 1 Heveningham Glebe Land 3 Houchells Meadow 3 Huntingfield Millennium Green 3 John Belstead Playing Field 5 Kendal Green 3 Kettleburgh Village Green 4 King George’s Recreation Ground 5 Kingston Pond Amenity Greenspace 3 Kirton Village Green 2 Kronjie’s Piece Recreation Ground 4 Middleton Recreation Ground 4 Murrils Road Amenity Greenspace 3 Nacton Recreation Ground 3 New Circle Amenity Greenspace 1 Newbourne Amenity Greenspace 3 North Green 3

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Site Rating Oak Close Amenity Greenspace 1 Old Circle Amenity Greenspace 1 Orchard Close Amenity Greenspace 1 Pageant Field 2 Parklands 4 Peewit Hill 3 Philip Avenue Amenity Greenspace 2 Pitman’s Grove Amenity Greenspace 2 Platters Road Amenity Greenspace 2 Quay Meadow Pocket Park 3 Pergola Piece Amenity Greenspace 3 St. Andrew’s Close Amenity Greenspace 1 St. Lawrence Green 1 St. Martin’s Green 1 Sandlings Open Space 4 Saxstead Village Green 3 Slaughden 3 Sweffling Recreation Ground 4 The Fen, Framlingham 3 The Fitches Amenity Greenspace 2 Through Jollys East Amenity Greenspace 2 Through Jollys South Amenity Greenspace 2 Tuddenham Amenity Greenspace 3 Tunstall Community Centre 3 Tymmes Place Amenity Greenspace 1 Valley Walk Amenity Greenspace 3 Victory Road Recreation Ground 3 Walpole Village Green 3 Waterloo Avenue Amenity Greenspace 4 Western Avenue Amenity Greenspace 5 Western Corridor Amenity Greenspace 4 Westleton Community Field 4 Westleton Village Green 2 Witnesham Bridge Amenity Greenspace 3

Five sites (6.2%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (16.0%) were rated as ‘above average’, 36 (45.7%) as ‘average’, 17 (19.8%) as below average and 11 (12.3%) as ‘poor quality’.

5.5.3 Disabled provision

Disabled access is poor at many amenity greenspace sites. The position would be improved with the provision of surfaced pathways, accessible gates and stiles and dedicated parking for blue badge holders.

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5.5.4 Accessibility analysis

Amenity greenspace serves relatively local needs. For this reason, a three-mile drivetime (5- minutes travel time) catchment has been selected and 5-minute cycling and walking catchments have also been marked around each site. The accessibility analysis in the map below shows that:

Driving - About 110,000 people (88.2% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive of their nearest amenity greenspace site.

Cycling - About 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 5 minutes cycle of their nearest amenity greenspace site.

Walking - About 45,000 people (36.1% of the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest amenity greenspace site.

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5.6 Allotments and community gardens

5.6.1 Quantitative analysis

Details of the 28 publicly-accessible allotment and community garden sites in Suffolk Coastal are listed below:

Site Address Sub-area Plots Size Ashfield Drive Allotments Ashfield Drive, Leiston IP16 4EF Leiston 22 0.65ha Bakers Lane Allotments Bakers Lane, Orford IP12 2LN Woodbridge 6 0.20ha Bawdsey Allotments The Street, Bawdsey IP12 3AW Woodbridge 4 0.05ha Cemetery Field Allotments Langley Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 2ND Felixstowe 34 0.75ha Cowpasture Allotments Candlet Road, Felixstowe IP11 9AZ Felixstowe 247 4.25ha Dennington Allotments Dennington IP13 8DD Framlingham 30 0.40ha Earl Soham Allotments The Street, Earl Soham IP13 7RL Framlingham 10 0.25ha Ferry Road Allotments Ferry Road, Felixstowe IP11 9TP Felixstowe 84 1.20ha Framlingham Allotments Infirmary Lane, Framlingham IP13 9DH Framlingham 18 0.20ha Gedgrave Road Allotments Gedgrave Road, Orford IP12 2NG Woodbridge 34 0.75ha Glebe Allotments Crown Lane, Wickham Market IP13 0SA Woodbridge 65 1.35ha Hollesley Allotments The Street, Hollesley IP12 3RA Woodbridge 20 0.45ha Kings Field Allotments Victoria Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5EG Leiston 50 0.95ha Kingston Field Allotments Kingston Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AY Woodbridge 17 0.35ha Kirton Allotments Trimley Road, Kirton IP10 0NQ Kirton 26 0.30ha Lux Farm Allotments Playford Road, Kesgrave IP5 1DA Kesgrave 120 2.02ha Melton Allotments Brick Kiln Lane, Melton IP12 3DH Woodbridge 23 0.50ha Mill Common Allotments School Road, Blaxhall IP12 2DZ Woodbridge 30 0.85ha New Road Allotments New Road, Framlingham IP13 9AT Framlingham 25 0.60ha Railway Hill Allotments Coronation Drive, Felixstowe IP11 2NU Felixstowe 39 0.95ha Rushmere Allotments The Street, Rushmere St. Andrews IP5 1DF Kesgrave 40 0.37ha Simon’s Cross Allotments Thong Hall Road, Wickham Market IP13 0SU Woodbridge 40 0.90ha Stone Common Allotments Rectory Road, Blaxhall IP12 2DP Woodbridge 8 0.10ha Taunton Road Allotments Taunton Road, Felixstowe IP11 9AX Felixstowe 16 0.15ha Trimley St. Mary Allotments High Road, Trimley St. Mary IP11 0SJ Felixstowe 27 0.42ha Valley Road Allotments Valley Road, Leiston IP16 4LP Leiston 198 4.75ha Wenhaston Allotments Narrow Way, Wenhaston IP19 9EJ Framlingham 14 0.25ha Yoxford Allotments High Street, Yoxford IP17 3HW Leiston 14 0.19ha TOTALS - - 1,265 22.80ha

Per capita levels of provision of allotments in each sub-area of Suffolk Coastal are listed below. It shows large variations in levels of provision, with the Felixstowe sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and the Kesgrave sub-area the poorest:

Sub-area Population Ha. Ha. per 1,000 people Plots Plots per 1,000 people Kesgrave and district 34,357 2.39ha 0.07ha 160 4.66 Felixstowe and district 30,612 6.05ha 0.20ha 473 15.45 Woodbridge and district 28,112 5.50ha 0.20ha 247 8.79 Framlingham and district 10,941 1.70ha 0.16ha 97 8.87 Leiston and district 20,276 7.41ha 0.37ha 288 14.20 SUFFOLK COASTAL 124,600 22.80ha 0.18ha 1,265 10.15

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Kings Field Allotments, Aldeburgh

5.6.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of allotments in Suffolk Coastal involved visits to all sites to undertake non-technical visual inspections. The assessments for each site involved an analysis of:

General provision - Including paths within the site, water supply, fenced site boundaries and general security.

Parking - Dedicated provision for parking on the site or immediately adjacent to it.

Disabled access - The capacity of the site to accommodate use by people with disabilities.

The assessed criteria contributed to a single overall score for each site as follows:

Site Rating Ashfield Drive Allotments 4 Bakers Lane Allotments 3 Bawdsey Allotments 3 Cemetery Field Allotments 4 Cowpasture Allotments 5 Dennington Allotments 3 Earl Soham Allotments 3 Ferry Road Allotments 4 Framlingham Allotments 3 Gedgrave Road Allotments 4 Glebe Allotments 4 Hollesley Allotments 3 Kings Field Allotments 3 Kingston Field Allotments 4 Kirton Allotments 3

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Site Rating Lux Farm Allotments 4 Melton Allotments 3 Mill Common Allotments 3 New Road Allotments 3 Railway Hill Allotments 3 Rushmere Allotments 4 Simon’s Cross Allotments 4 Stone Common Allotments 3 Taunton Road Allotments 3 Trimley St. Mary Allotments 5 Valley Road Allotments 5 Wenhaston Allotments 4 Yoxford Allotments 4

Three sites (11.1%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (48.1%) were rated as ‘above average’ and the remaining 13 (40.7%) as ‘average’.

Infirmary Lane Allotments, Framlingham

5.6.3 Disabled provision

Disabled access is poor at many allotment sites. The position would be improved with the provision of surfaced pathways, accessible gates and dedicated parking for blue badge holders.

5.6.4 Accessibility analysis

Allotment provision is subject to high levels of demand at present and for this reason, a five-mile drivetime catchment has been selected (equivalent to 10-minutes travel time) and 10-minute cycling and walking catchments have also been marked around each site:

Driving - About 118,000 people (94.7% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive of their nearest allotment site.

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Cycling - About 100,000 people (80.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle of their nearest allotment site.

Walking - About 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest allotment site.

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5.7 Children’s play

5.7.1 Quantitative analysis

Details of the 129 publicly-accessible children’s play sites in Suffolk Coastal are listed below:

Site Address Sub-area Size Abbey Close Play Area Abbey Close, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.04ha Ablitts Meadow Play Area Stoney Road, Grundisburgh Framlingham 0.04ha Adastral Close Play Area Adastral Close, Felixstowe Felixstowe 0.61ha Aken Field Play Area Chapel Lane, Charsfield Framlingham 0.30ha Alderton Play Area Beach Lane, Alderton Woodbridge 0.28ha Allenby Park Play Area Peewit Hill, Felixstowe Felixstowe 0.80ha Anni Healey Close Play Area Anni Healey Close, Woodbridge Woodbridge 0.03ha Ashdale Walk Play Area Ashdale Walk, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.06ha Badingham Play Area Pocket Park, Mill Road, Badingham Framlingham 0.80ha Bartrum Lane Play Area Bartrum Lane, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.01ha Bawdsey Play Area Recreation Ground, The Street, Bawdsey Woodbridge 0.28ha Benhall Play Area Village Green, Aldecar Lane, Benhall Leiston 0.23ha Beresford Drive Play Area Beresford Drive, Melton IP12 1JJ Woodbridge 0.09ha Blackheath Play Area Rushmere Street, Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave 0.05ha Blaxhall Play Area Station Road, Blaxhall Woodbridge 0.15ha Boyton Play Area The Street, Boyton IP12 3LH Woodbridge 0.13ha Brandeston Play Area Low Lane, Brandeston Framlingham 0.06ha Bredfield Play Area The Street, Bredfield Framlingham 0.10ha Bridge Street Play Area Bridge Street, Kelsale Leiston 0.09ha Broke Hall Play Area Salehurst Road, Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave 0.55ha Bruisyard Parish Park Play Area Bruisyard Road, Bruisyard Street Leiston 0.42ha Bruisyard Road Play Area Bruisyard Road, Rendham Leiston 0.42ha Bucklesham Play Area Field View, Bucklesham Woodbridge 0.07ha Butley Play Area Mill Lane, Butley Woodbridge 0.11ha Calder Road Play Area Calder Road, Melton IP12 1TP Woodbridge 0.07ha Campsea Ashe Play Area Ash Road, Campsea Ashe Framlingham 0.20ha Carlton Green Play Area Carlton Green, Kelsale Leiston 0.10ha Carlton Park Adventure Playground Carlton Park, Saxmundham Leiston 0.50ha Castle Brooks Play Area Castle Brooks, Framlingham IP13 9SH Framlingham 0.10ha Castle Street Play Area Castle Street, Woodbridge Woodbridge 0.06ha Cavendish Park Play Area Cavendish Park, Felixstowe Felixstowe 0.24ha Chantry Road Play Area Chantry Road, Saxmundham Leiston 0.08ha Church Lane Play Area Church Lane, Shottisham Woodbridge 0.60ha Church Road Play Area Church Road, Theberton Leiston 0.60ha Coronation Sports Ground Mill Lane, Felixstowe IP11 2NL Felixstowe 0.30ha Cratfield Play Area Bell Green, Cratfield Framlingham 0.21ha Dallinghoo Play Area Potash Farm Road, Dallinghoo Woodbridge 0.04ha Deben Court Play Area Deben Court, Wickham Market Woodbridge 0.04ha Dennington Play Area The Street, Dennington Framlingham 0.06ha Dobbs Drift Play Area Dobbs Drift, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.21ha Easton Play Area Pound Corner, Easton Framlingham 0.30ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size Eastbridge Play Area Eastbridge Leiston 0.25ha Eastward Ho Play Area Links Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 9HD Felixstowe 0.06ha Elmhurst Park Play Area Woodbridge Woodbridge 0.30ha Eyke Play Area Church Lane, Eyke Woodbridge 0.10ha Fair Field Green Play Area Hacheston Framlingham 0.06ha Faulkeners Way East Play Area Faulkeners Way, Trimley St. Mary Felixstowe 0.26ha Faulkeners Way S. Play Area Faulkeners Way, Trimley St. Mary Felixstowe 0.09ha Fen Meadow Play Area Fen Meadow, Woodbridge Woodbridge 0.23ha Friston Play Area Saxmundham Road, Friston Leiston 0.19ha Garrod Approach Play Area Garrod Approach, Melton IP12 1TD Woodbridge 0.08ha Gosford Way Play Area Gosford Way, Felixstowe Felixstowe 0.10ha Grange Meadow Play Area Grange Meadow, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.15ha Hasketon VH Play Area Tymmes Place, Hasketon IP13 6JD Framlingham 0.03ha Highfields Play Area Highfields, Blythburgh Leiston 0.05ha Hollesley VH Play Area Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3RQ Woodbridge 0.12ha Holly Gardens Play Area Holly Gardens, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.02ha Huntingfield VH Play Area Huntingfield Framlingham 0.19ha Ipswich Avenue Play Area Ipswich Avenue, Sutton Heath Woodbridge 0.10ha Ipswich Close Play Area Ipswich Close, Sutton Heath Woodbridge 0.10ha Ipswich Road Play Area Ipswich Road, Grundisburgh Framlingham 0.30ha Jubilee Play Area Dobbs Lane, Martlesham Woodbridge 0.23ha Kelvedon Drive Play Area Kelvedon Drive, Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave 0.02ha Kelsale Park Church Lane, Saxmundham IP17 2NZ Leiston 0.24ha Kemps Field Play Area Franklin Road, Aldeburgh Leiston 0.25ha Kettleburgh Play Area Kettleburgh Village Green Framlingham 0.10ha King George’s Recn. Ground Seaward Avenue, Leiston Leiston 0.15ha Kings Avenue Play Area Kings Avenue, Framlingham Framlingham 0.13ha Kings Field Play Area Victoria Road, Aldeburgh Leiston 0.28ha Kingston Field Play Area Kingston Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AY Woodbridge 0.18ha Kirton & Falkenham Play Area Back Road, Kirton Felixstowe 0.14ha Knodishall Play Area Knodishall Leiston 0.35ha Kronji’s Piece Play Area The Street, Martlesham IP12 4RG Woodbridge 0.03ha Langer Park Play Area Langer Road, Felixstowe Felixstowe 0.28ha Little Bealings Play Area The Street, Little Bealings Framlingham 0.31ha Little Glemham Play Area Church Road, Little Glemham Leiston 0.21ha Little Street Play Area Little Street, Yoxford Leiston 0.03ha Martlesham Heath Vill. Centre Eagle Way, Martlesham Woodbridge 0.04ha Melton Recreation Ground Melton Woodbridge 0.18ha Middleton Recreation Ground Middleton Leiston 0.16ha Millennium Green Play Area Huntingfield Framlingham 0.18ha Nacton Play Area Nacton Kesgrave 0.24ha Newbourne Village Hall Mill Road, Newbourne IP12 4NP Woodbridge 0.20ha Newlands Play Area Newlands, Otley Kesgrave 0.43ha Newnham Avenue Play Area Newnham Avenue, Woodbridge Woodbridge 0.32ha Oak Hill Play Area Hollesley Woodbridge 0.14ha Oak Meadow Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.34ha Orford Play Area Recreation Ground, Orford Woodbridge 0.06ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size Otley Play Area Recreation Ground, Otley Woodbridge 0.11ha Pageant Field Play Area Kings Avenue, Framlingham Framlingham 0.18ha Parham Play Area Parham, Woodbridge IP13 9LZ Woodbridge 0.02ha Playford Play Area Recreation Ground, Playford Kesgrave 0.30ha Redwald Road Play Area Redwald Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.18ha Rendham Road Play Area Rendham Road, Bruisyard Leiston 0.01ha Rendlesham Sports Field Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.20ha Rendlesham Village Green Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.03ha Riverside Play Area Stratford St. Andrew Framlingham 0.63ha St. Gregory’s Close Play Area St. Gregory’s Close, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.10ha Saxmundham Recn. Ground Seaman Avenue, Saxmundham Leiston 0.16ha School Road Play Area School Road, Waldringfield Woodbridge 0.07ha Seaton Road Play Area Seaton Road, Felixstowe IP11 9BS Felixstowe 0.53ha Simon’s Cross Play Area Thong Hall Rd., Wickham Market IP13 0ST Woodbridge 0.04ha Snape Playing Field Play Area Guildings Lane, Snape IP17 1QA Leiston 0.45ha Spencer Road Play Area Sparrowcroft Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.09ha Stennetts Playing Fl. Play Area Spencer Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.14ha Sutton Recreation Ground Stennetts Close, Felixstowe IP11 0TY Felixstowe 0.35ha The Close Play Area The Close, Sudbourne Woodbridge 0.02ha The Gables Play Area Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave 0.50ha Thellusson Road (E) Play Area Thellusson Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.37ha Thellusson Road (W) Play Area Thellusson Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.46ha Thomas Churchyard Close Play Area Thomas Churchyard Close, Melton IP12 1TD Woodbridge 0.08ha Thurlow Close Play Area Thurlow Close, Saxmundham Leiston 0.08ha Tower Hall Play Area Tower Hall, Rushmere St. Andrew Kesgrave 0.07ha Trimley Sp. Ground Play Area High Road, Trimley St. Martin IP11 0RJ Felixstowe 0.17ha Tylers Green Play Area Tylers Green, Trimley St. Mary Felixstowe 0.04ha Ufford Play Area The Avenue, Ufford IP13 6DU Woodbridge 0.05ha Victory Road Recn. Ground Victory Road, Leiston IP16 4DQ Leiston 1.00ha Walberswick Green Play Area The Green, Walberswick Leiston 0.04ha Walberswick Sp Field Play Area Church Lane, Walberswick Leiston 0.02ha Walpole Play Area Peasenhall Road, Walpole Framlingham 0.10ha Walton Recreation Ground Recreation Road, Felixstowe IP11 9DQ Felixstowe 0.46ha Weir Place Play Area Weir Place, Kirton Felixstowe 0.01ha Welburn Close Play Area Welburn Road, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.02ha Wenhaston Play Area Hall Road, Wenhaston IP19 9EW Framlingham 0.05ha Whitmore Green Play Area Pine Close, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.11ha Wickham Market Village Hall Chapel Lane, Wickham Market IP13 0SB Woodbridge 0.25ha Witnesham Play Area High Road, Witnesham IP6 9EX Kesgrave 0.05ha Wood Close Play Area Wood Close, Rendlesham Woodbridge 0.03ha Yewtree Grove Play Area Holly Road, Kesgrave Kesgrave 0.05ha TOTALS - - 24.44ha

Per capita levels of provision of children’s play space in each sub-area of Suffolk Coastal are listed below. It shows large variations in levels of provision, with the Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Kesgrave the poorest:

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Sub-area Population Ha. Ha. per 1,000 people Kesgrave and district 34,357 2.90ha 0.08ha Felixstowe and district 30,612 3.83ha 0.13ha Woodbridge and district 28,112 7.08ha 0.25ha Framlingham and district 10,941 4.03ha 0.37ha Leiston and district 20,276 6.61ha 0.33ha SUFFOLK COASTAL 124,600 24.54ha 0.20ha

5.7.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of children’s play in Suffolk Coastal involved visits to all sites to undertake non-technical visual inspections. The assessments for each site involved establishing the capacity of the site to accommodate a range of play activity for different age groups and the accessibility of the sites and equipment for people with a disability:

Variety of equipment

Rating Definition Score High Quality Caters for all age groups and a full range of physical and movement skills. 5 Above Average Caters for most age groups and a full range of physical and movement skills. 4 Average Caters for most age groups and a good range of physical and movement skills. 3 Below Average Caters for some age groups and a limited range of physical and movement skills. 2 Poor quality Caters for one age group only and a very limited range of physical and 1 movement skills.

Quantity of equipment

Rating Definition Score High Quality More than eight items of usable equipment (qualifies as a NEAP). 5 Above Average Six or seven items of usable equipment (qualifies as a large LEAP). 4 Average Five items of usable equipment (qualifies as a LEAP). 3 Below Average Three or four items of usable equipment. 2 Poor quality One or two items of usable equipment. 1

Fencing and gates

Rating Definition Score High Quality Play area fully enclosed by a surrounding fence in good repair, with a safety gate. 5 Above Average Play area fully enclosed by a surrounding fence in reasonable repair with a safety 4 gate. Average Play area enclosed by a surrounding fence in reasonable repair, but no safety gate. 3 Below Average Play area only partly enclosed by a surrounding fence in poor repair. 2 Poor quality No perimeter fence 1

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Disabled access

Rating Definition Score High Quality Full disabled access throughout the play area, including dedicated 5 disabled equipment, wheelchair accessible gates and a hard-surfaced approach path. Above Average Disabled access through most of the play area, some dedicated 4 disabled equipment, wheelchair accessible gates and a hard-surfaced approach path. Average Disabled access to some of the play area, no dedicated disabled 3 equipment, and a hard-surfaced approach path. Below Average Disabled access a limited part the play area, no dedicated disabled 2 equipment and no hard-surfaced approach path. Poor quality No disabled access with no dedicated disabled facilities. 1

The assessed scores for all sites in Suffolk Coastal were as follows:

Site Variety Quantity Fencing Disabled Abbey Close Play Area 2 2 1 1 Ablitts Meadow Play Area 2 2 5 2 Adastral Close Play Area 4 4 5 2 Aken Field Play Area 4 4 4 2 Alderton Play Area 2 2 1 1 Allenby Park Play Area 2 2 4 2 Anni Healey Close Play Area 2 2 4 1 Ashdale Walk Play Area 5 4 2 1 Badingham Play Area 2 2 1 2 Bartrum Lane Play Area 2 2 3 1 Bawdsey Play Area 3 3 4 1 Benhall Play Area 5 4 1 1 Beresford Drive Play Area 4 4 5 4 Blackheath Play Area 2 2 1 1 Blaxhall Play Area 3 2 1 1 Boyton Play Area 2 2 2 1 Brandeston Play Area 3 3 4 1 Bredfield Play Area 3 4 1 1 Bridge Street Play Area 3 3 5 1 Broke Hall Play Area 5 5 1 1 Bruisyard Parish Park Play Area 4 3 4 2 Bruisyard Road Play Area 3 3 1 1 Bucklesham Play Area 5 5 1 3 Butley Play Area 3 3 1 1 Calder Road Play Area 2 2 5 1 Campsea Ashe Play Area 3 3 4 1 Carlton Green Play Area 2 2 2 1 Carlton Park 2 2 1 1 Castle Street Play Area 4 4 3 1

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Site Variety Quantity Fencing Disabled Cavendish Park Play Area 4 4 5 1 Chantry Road Play Area 3 3 1 1 Church Lane Play Area 1 1 1 1 Church Road Play Area 5 5 1 1 Coronation Sports Ground 4 4 5 4 Cratfield Play Area 3 3 3 1 Dallinghoo Play Area 4 4 3 1 Deben Court Play Area 2 2 1 1 Dennington Play Area 3 3 1 1 Dobbs Drift Play Area 3 2 4 1 Easton Play Area 3 3 1 1 Eastbridge Play Area 2 2 1 1 Eastward Ho Play Area 3 3 4 2 Elmhurst Park Play Area 4 4 1 3 Eyke Play Area 2 2 1 1 Fair Field Green Play Area 4 4 1 1 Faulkeners Way East Play Area 3 3 1 1 Faulkeners Way S. Play Area 3 3 1 1 Fen Meadow Play Area 3 3 3 1 Friston Play Area 3 3 3 1 Garrod Approach Play Area 2 2 5 1 Gosford Way Play Area 3 3 5 4 Grange Meadow Play Area 5 5 5 2 Hasketon VH Play Area 5 4 5 3 Highfields Play Area 2 2 1 1 Hollesley VH Play Area 3 3 5 1 Holly Gardens Play Area 1 1 1 1 Huntingfield VH Play Area 2 2 1 1 Ipswich Avenue Play Area 2 2 1 1 Ipswich Close Play Area 3 3 1 1 Ipswich Road Play Area 5 5 5 2 Jubilee Play Area 2 2 4 1 Kelvedon Drive Play Area 2 2 1 1 Kelsale Park 4 4 5 2 Kemps Field Play Area 2 2 1 1 Kettleburgh Play Area 2 2 1 1 King George’s Recn. Ground 4 4 5 2 Kings Avenue Play Area 2 2 1 1 Kings Field Play Area 5 5 3 2 Kingston Field Play Area 5 5 5 2 Kirton & Falkenham Play Area 4 4 4 1 Knodishall Play Area 5 5 5 1 Kronji’s Piece Play Area 3 3 5 2 Langer Park Play Area 5 5 3 3 Little Bealings Play Area 4 4 2 2

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Site Variety Quantity Fencing Disabled Little Glemham Play Area 2 2 1 1 Little Street Play Area 2 2 1 1 Martlesham Heath Vill. Centre 3 3 5 2 Melton Recreation Ground 3 3 4 2 Middleton Recreation Ground 4 4 1 1 Millennium Green Play Area 2 2 1 1 Nacton Play Area 4 4 5 2 Newbourne Village Hall 3 3 1 1 Newlands Play Area 2 2 1 1 Newnham Avenue Play Area 3 2 4 1 Oak Hill Play Area 3 3 5 1 Oak Meadow 4 4 1 2 Orford Play Area 3 3 1 1 Otley Play Area 3 3 1 1 Pageant Field Play Area 5 5 5 3 Parham Play Area 3 3 5 1 Playford Play Area 3 3 1 2 Redwald Road Play Area 2 2 1 1 Rendham Road Play Area 3 3 1 1 Rendlesham Sports Field 5 5 4 1 Rendlesham Village Green 2 2 1 1 Riverside Play Area 3 3 1 1 St. Gregory’s Close Play Area 2 2 1 1 Saxmundham Recn. Ground 5 5 4 1 School Road Play Area 3 3 5 1 Seaton Road Play Area 3 3 4 2 Simon’s Cross Play Area 2 2 1 1 Snape Playing Field Play Area 5 5 5 2 Spencer Road Play Area 2 2 1 1 Stennetts Playing Fl. Play Area 2 2 1 1 Sutton Recreation Ground 3 3 1 1 The Close Play Area 2 2 4 1 The Gables Play Area 2 2 1 1 Thellusson Road (E) Play Area 2 2 1 1 Thellusson Road (W) Play Area 2 2 1 1 Thomas Churchyard Close PA 2 2 5 1 Thurlow Close Play Area 4 4 5 2 Tower Hall Play Area 3 4 4 2 Trimley Sp. Ground Play Area 2 2 1 1 Tuddenham Play Area 3 3 1 1 Tylers Green Play Area 1 1 1 1 Ufford Play Area 5 5 5 4 Victory Road Recn. Ground 4 4 5 2 Walberswick Green Play Area 2 2 1 1 Walberswick Sp Field Play Area 2 2 1 1 Walpole Play Area 3 3 4 1

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Site Variety Quantity Fencing Disabled Walton Recreation Ground 2 2 1 1 Warren Heath Play Area 4 4 2 1 Weir Place Play Area 2 2 1 1 Welburn Close Play Area 2 2 1 1 Wenhaston Play Area 5 5 4 1 Whitmore Green Play Area 3 3 1 1 Wickham Market Village Hall 5 5 5 2 Witnesham Play Area 3 3 5 3 Wood Close Play Area 2 2 1 1 Yewtree Grove Play Area 2 2 5 1

Variety - The variety of equipment was rated as ‘high quality’ at 18 sites (14.1%), ‘above average’ at 20 sites (15.6%), ‘average’ at 46 sites (35.9%), ‘below average’ at 41 sites (32.0%) and ‘poor quality’ at three sites (2.3%).

Quantity - The quantity of equipment was rated as ‘high quality’ at 13 sites (10.2%), ‘above average’ at 24 sites (18.8%), ‘average’ at 35 sites (27.3%), ‘below average’ at 53 sites (41.4%) and ‘poor quality’ at three sites (2.3%).

Fencing - The quality of the fencing was rated as ‘high quality’ at 31 sites (24.2%), ‘above average’ at 20 sites (15.6%), ‘average’ at eight sites (6.3%), ‘below average’ at five sites (3.9%) and ‘poor quality’ at 66 sites (51.6%).

Disabled access - The quality of disabled access was rated as ‘high quality’ at no sites (0.0%), ‘above average’ at four sites (3.1%), ‘average’ at six sites (4.7%), ‘below average’ at 26 sites (20.3%) and ‘poor quality’ at 92 sites (71.9%).

Pageant Field Play Area, Framlingham

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5.7.3 Accessibility analysis

Children’s play by its nature tends to serve relatively local needs. For this reason, a three-mile drivetime catchment has been selected (equivalent to 5-minutes travel time) and 5-minute cycling and walking catchments have also been marked around each site.

Driving - About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive of their nearest play area.

Cycling - About 105,000 people (84.3% of the district population) are within 5 minutes cycle of their nearest play area.

Walking - About 55,000 people (44.1% of the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest play area.

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5.8 Churchyards and cemeteries

5.8.1 Quantitative analysis

Details of the 101 churchyards and cemeteries in Suffolk Coastal are listed below:

Site Address Sub-area Size Aldeburgh Cemetery Victoria Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5DY Leiston 3.00ha All Saints Church Old Maid’s Lane, Brandeston IP13 7AQ Framlingham 0.75ha All Saints Church The Street, Darsham IP17 3PU Leiston 0.40ha All Saints Church The Street, Eyke IP12 2QN Woodbridge 0.30ha All Saints Church Low Road, Great Glemham IP17 2DA Leiston 0.60ha All Saints Church The Street, Hacheston IP13 0DN Framlingham 0.30ha All Saints Church Church Lane, Hemley IP12 4QE Woodbridge 0.05ha All Saints Church School Lane, Hollesley IP12 3RG Woodbridge 0.30ha All Saints Church Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1AB Kesgrave 0.20ha All Saints Church The Street, Little Bealings IP13 6PP Framlingham 0.30ha All Saints Church Church Lane, Ramsholt IP12 3AE Woodbridge 0.25ha All Saints Church Several Road, Saxstead IP13 9QP Framlingham 0.30ha All Saints Church Church Lane, Sudbourne IP12 2BP Woodbridge 1.00ha All Saints Church Mill Road, Waldringfield IP12 4PY Woodbridge 1.00ha All Saints Church Crown Lane, Wickham Market IP13 0SA Woodbridge 0.25ha Benhall Cemetery Deadman’s Lane, Benhall St. Mary IP17 1JL Leiston 1.00ha Felixstowe Cemetery Langley Avenue, Felixstowe IP11 2LH Felixstowe 5.00ha Framlingham Cemetery Fore Street, Framlingham IP13 9DH Framlingham 3.00ha Holy Trinity Church Church Lane, Blythburgh IP19 9LL Leiston 0.40ha Leiston Cemetery Saxmundham Road, Leiston IP16 4JE Leiston 0.75ha Melton Old Church Old Church lane, Melton IP13 6DH Woodbridge 0.80ha Priory Church of St. Mary The Street, Letheringham IP13 7QY Framlingham 1.50ha Quaker Burial Ground Waterloo Avenue, Leiston IP16 4HE Leiston 0.25ha Saxmundham Cemetery Park End, Saxmundham IP17 1DW Leiston 0.60ha St Peter and St Paul’s Church Church Close, Aldeburgh IP15 5DY Leiston 1.20ha St. Andrew’s Church Woodbridge Road, Alderton IP12 3BS Woodbridge 0.50ha St. Andrew’s Church Church Lane, Aldringham IP16 4QY Leiston 1.20ha St. John the Baptist’s Church Low Street, Badingham IP13 8JX Framlingham 1.00ha St. Mary’s Church The Street, Bawdsey IP12 3AH Woodbridge 0.20ha St. Mary’s Church Deadman’s Lane, Benhall St. Mary IP17 1JL Leiston 0.10ha St. Peter’s Church Church Road, Blaxhall IP12 2DW Woodbridge 0.60ha St. Michael & All Angels Church Scotts Lane, Boulge IP13 6BW Framlingham 0.10ha St. Andrew’s Church The Street, Boyton IP12 3LQ Woodbridge 0.25ha St. Andrew’s Church The Street, Bredfield IP13 6AZ Framlingham 0.30ha St. Edmunds’s Church Church Lane, Bromeswell IP12 2XX Woodbridge 0.15ha St. Peter’s Church Church Road, Bruisyard IP17 2EG Leiston 0.25ha St. Mary’s Church Church Lane, Bucklesham IP 10 0DY Kesgrave 1.25ha St. Botolph’s Church Drabs Lane, Burgh IP13 6QA Framlingham 0.10ha St. John the Baptist’s Church Church Road, Butley IP12 3NT Woodbridge 0.20ha St. John the Baptist’s Church B1078, Campsea Ashe IP13 0JH Framlingham 0.25ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size St. Mary’s Church Wissett Road, Chediston IP19 0AU Framlingham 0.20ha St. Peter’s Church B1084, Chillesford IP12 2PS Woodbridge 0.20ha St. Mary’s Church Grundisburgh Road, Clopton IP13 6QB Framlingham 1.00ha St. Michael’s Church The Street, Cookley IP19 0LW Framlingham 0.15ha St. Mary the Virgin’s Church Church Road, Cratfield IP19 0BX Framlingham 0.20ha St. Peter’s Church The Street, Cretingham IP13 7BG Framlingham 0.60ha St. Botolph’s Church Ipswich Road, Culpho IP6 9DH Kesgrave 0.05ha St. Mary’s Church Saxstead Road, Dennington IP13 8AA Framlingham 0.50ha St. James’s Church St. James’s Street, Dunwich IP17 3DX Leiston 0.05ha St. Mary’s Church The Street, Earl Soham IP13 7SE Framlingham 0.10ha St. Andrew’s Church Ferry Road, Old Felixstowe IP11 9NF Felixstowe 0.05ha St. John the Baptist’s Church Orwell Road, Felixstowe IP11 7PW Felixstowe 0.05ha St. Michael’s Church Church Street, Framlingham IP13 9BJ Framlingham 0.05ha St. Mary the Virgin Church Church Road, Friston IP17 1PX Leiston 0.60ha St. Mary’s Church Hall Farm Road, Great Bealings IP13 6NY Framlingham 0.40ha St. Mary’s Church The Green, Grundisburgh IP13 6NF Framlingham 0.10ha St. Andrew’s Church Church Road, Hasketon IP13 6JB Framlingham 0.05ha St. Andrew & St. Eustachius’s Church The Street, Hoo IP13 7QZ Framlingham 0.25ha St. Mary the Virgin’s Church Church Road, Huntingfield IP19 0PR Framlingham 0.20ha St. Botolph’s Church Church Lane, Iken IP12 2ES Woodbridge 0.30ha St. Mary & St. Peter’s Church Church Lane, Kelsale IP17 2PA Leiston 0.25ha St. Andrew’s Church Church Road, Kettleburgh IP13 7LF Framlingham 0.15ha St. Mary & St. Martin’s Church Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PT Felixstowe 0.05ha St. Laurence’s Church Church Road, Knodishall IP17 1TP Leiston 0.10ha St. Margaret’s Church Church Lane, Leiston IP16 4HG Leiston 0.75ha St. Peter’s Church Church Lane, Levington IP10 0LQ Kesgrave 0.05ha St. Margaret of Antioch’s Church Chediston Street, Linstead Parva IP19 0AE Framlingham 0.05ha St. Andrew’s Church Church Road, Marlesford IP13 0AT Framlingham 0.10ha St. Mary the Virgin’s Church Church Lane, Martlesham IP12 4PQ Woodbridge 0.30ha St. Andrew the Apostle’s Church Station Road, Melton IP12 1PX Woodbridge 0.10ha St. Mary’s Church Church Road, Monewden IP13 7DA Framlingham 0.10ha St. Martin’s Church Church Road, Nacton IP10 0HZ Kesgrave 0.10ha St. Mary the Virgin’s Church Ipswich Road, Newbourne IP12 4NS Woodbridge 0.10ha St. Bartholomew’s Church Church Street, Orford IP12 2LW Woodbridge 2.50ha St. Mary’s Church Church Road, Otley IP6 9NP Woodbridge 0.20ha St. Michael’s Church Church Hill. Peasenhall IP17 2HL Framlingham 0.10ha St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church Walnuts Lane, Pettistree IP13 0HS Framlingham 0.60ha St. Gregory the Great’s Church Ashe Road, Rendlesham IP12 2QY Woodbridge 0.10ha St. Mary’s Church Church Lane, Playford IP6 9DS Kesgrave 1.50ha St. Michael’s Church Low Road, Rendham IP17 2AF Leiston 0.10ha St. Andrew’s Church The Street, Rushmere St. Andrew IP5 1DY Kesgrave 3.00ha St. John the Baptist’s Church Church Street, Saxmundham IP17 1ES Leiston 0.20ha St. Margaret’s Church Church Lane, Shottisham IP12 3HG Woodbridge 0.10ha St. Peter’s Church Yoxford Road, Sibton IP17 2NB Leiston 0.05ha St. John the Baptist’s Church Farnham Road, Snape IP17 1QW Leiston 0.20ha St. Mary Magdalene’s Church Church Hill, Sternfield IP17 1RS Leiston 0.10ha

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Site Address Sub-area Size St. Mary’s Church Church Lane, Swilland IP6 9NJ Kesgrave 0.25ha St. Peter’s Church Thorington IP19 9JG Framlingham 0.10ha St. Michael’s Church Orford Road, Tunstall IP12 2JN Woodbridge 0.75ha St. Mary of the Assumption’s Church Church Lane, Ufford IP13 6DS Framlingham 0.10ha St. Andrew’s Church The Street, Walberswick IP18 6UZ Leiston 1.25ha St. John the Baptist’s Church The Street, Wantisden IP12 3PG Woodbridge 0.20ha St. Peter’s Church The Street, Wenhaston IP19 9EF Framlingham 0.10ha St. Mary Magdalene’s Church Church Lane, Westerfield IP6 9BE Kesgrave 0.10ha St. Peter’s Church Darsham Road, Westleton IP17 3BU Leiston 0.15ha St. John’s Church Castle Street, Woodbridge IP12 1HS Woodbridge 0.10ha St. Mary’s Church Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP Woodbridge 0.05ha St. Peter’s Church High Street, Yoxford IP17 3HW Leiston 0.20ha Wickham Market Cemetery High Street, Wickham Market IP13 0TB Woodbridge 0.30ha Woodbridge Old and New Cemeteries Cemetery Lane, Woodbridge IP12 4DZ Woodbridge 10.00ha TOTALS - - 55.65ha

Per capita levels of provision of churchyards and cemeteries in each sub-area of Suffolk Coastal are listed below. It shows large variations in levels of provision, with the Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest:

Sub-area Population Ha. Ha. per 1,000 people Kesgrave and district 34,357 6.50ha 0.19ha Felixstowe and district 30,612 5.25ha 0.17ha Woodbridge and district 28,112 21.15ha 0.75ha Framlingham and district 10,941 10.15ha 0.92ha Leiston and district 20,276 12.60ha 0.62ha SUFFOLK COASTAL 124,600 55.65ha 0.45ha

5.8.2 Qualitative analysis

The qualitative analysis of churchyards and cemeteries in Suffolk Coastal involved visits or visual inspections of all sites. The assessments for each site involved establishing the capacity of the site to accommodate leisure and physical activity on the following basis:

High quality - Suitable for passive leisure, walking, jogging and cycling, as well as contemplative leisure (scored as ‘5’).

Above average - Suitable for passive leisure, walking, jogging and some cycling, as well as contemplative leisure (scored as ‘4’).

Average - Suitable for passive leisure and more strenuous walking and jogging, as well as contemplative leisure (scored as ‘3’).

Below average - Suitable for passive and contemplative leisure and gentle walking (scored as ‘2’).

Poor quality - Suitable for passive and contemplative leisure only (scored as ‘1’).

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The assessed scores for the leisure potential of the sites were as follows:

Site Rating Aldeburgh Cemetery 4 All Saints Church, Brandeston 2 All Saints Church, Darsham 3 All Saints Church, Eyke 3 All Saints Church, Great Glemham 2 All Saints Church, Hacheston 2 All Saints Church, Hemley 2 All Saints Church, Hollesley 3 All Saints Church, Kesgrave 1 All Saints Church, Little Bealings 2 All Saints Church, Ramsholt 1 All Saints Church, Saxstead 2 All Saints Church, Sudbourne 2 All Saints Church, Waldringfield 2 All Saints Church, Wickham Market 2 Benhall Cemetery 3 Felixstowe Cemetery 5 Framlingham Cemetery 2 Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh 2 Leiston Cemetery 4 Melton Old Church 2 Priory Church of St. Mary, Letheringham 3 Quaker Burial Ground, Leiston 2 Saxmundham Cemetery 3 St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Aldeburgh 4 St. Andrew’s Church, Alderton 2 St. Andrew’s Church, Aldringham 2 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Badingham 3 St. Mary’s Church, Bawdsey 1 St. Mary’s Church, Benhall St. Mary 1 St. Peter’s Church, Blaxhall 2 St. Michael & All Angels Church, Boulge 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Boyton 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Bredfield 2 St. Edmunds’s Church, Bromeswell 1 St. Peter’s Church, Bruisyard 1 St. Mary’s Church, Bucklesham 1 St. Botolph’s Church, Burgh 2 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Butley 1 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Campsea Ashe 1 St. Mary’s Church, Chediston 1 St. Peter’s Church, Chillesford 1 St. Mary’s Church, Clopton 2 St. Michael’s Church, Cookley 1

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Site Rating St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Cratfield 1 St. Peter’s Church, Cretingham 1 St. Botolph’s Church, Culpho 1 St. Mary’s Church, Dennington 3 St. James’s Church, Dunwich 1 St. Mary’s Church, Earl Soham 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Old Felixstowe 1 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Felixstowe 1 St. Michael’s Church, Framlingham 1 St. Mary the Virgin Church, Friston 2 St. Mary’s Church, Great Bealings 2 St. Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh 2 St. Andrew’s Church, Hasketon 1 St. Andrew & St. Eustachius’s Church, Hoo 1 St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Huntingfield 1 St. Botolph’s Church, Iken 2 St. Mary & St. Peter’s Church, Kelsale 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Kettleburgh 1 St. Mary & St. Martin’s Church, Kirton 1 St. Laurence’s Church, Knodishall 2 St. Margaret’s Church, Leiston 3 St. Peter’s Church, Levington 1 St. Margaret of Antioch’s Church, Linstead Parva 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Marlesford 2 St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Martlesham 3 St. Andrew the Apostle’s Church, Melton 1 St. Mary’s Church, Monewden 1 St. Martin’s Church, Nacton 1 St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Newbourne 1 St. Bartholomew’s Church, Orford 3 St. Mary’s Church, Otley 1 St. Michael’s Church, Peasenhall 1 St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Pettistree 2 St. Gregory the Great’s Church, Rendlesham 1 St. Mary’s Church, Playford 3 St. Michael’s Church, Rendham 1 St. Andrew’s Church, Rushmere St. Andrew 3 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Saxmundham 1 St. Margaret’s Church, Shottisham 1 St. Peter’s Church, Sibton 1 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Snape 2 St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Sternfield 1 St. Mary’s Church, Swilland 2 St. Peter’s Church, Thorington 1 St. Michael’s Church, Tunstall 1 St. Mary of the Assumption’s Church, Ufford 1

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Site Rating St. Andrew’s Church, Walberswick 3 St. Mary the Virgin Church, Walton 1 St. John the Baptist’s Church, Wantisden 1 St. Peter’s Church, Wenhaston 1 St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Westerfield 1 St. Peter’s Church, Westleton 1 St. John’s Church, Woodbridge 2 St. Mary’s Church, Woodbridge 2 St. Peter’s Church, Yoxford 2 Wickham Market Cemetery 3 Woodbridge Old and New Cemeteries 5

Two sites (2.0%) were rated as ‘high quality’, three (3.0%) were rated as ‘above average’, 13 (13.0%) as ‘average’, 31 (31.0%) were rated as ‘below’ average and 52 (52.0% as ‘poor’ quality.

Woodbridge Cemetery

5.8.3 Disabled provision

Disabled access is reasonable at many cemeteries and churchyards, with a general presumption that they need to make provision access by older and disabled people.

5.8.4 Accessibility analysis

A five-mile drivetime catchment has been selected (equivalent to 10-minutes travel time) and 10- minute cycling and walking catchments have also been marked around each site. The accessibility analysis in the map below shows that:

Driving - The whole population is within 10 minutes drive of their nearest churchyard or cemetery.

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Cycling - About 115,000 people (92.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle of their nearest churchyard or cemetery.

Walking - About 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest churchyard or cemetery.

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5.9 Public rights of way

5.9.1 Quantitative analysis

There are approximately 3,400 miles (5,400km) of public right of way in Suffolk as a whole, which represents one of the highest densities of network in the country. 1,400km of the network are in Suffolk Coastal district, which equates to 11.24km per 1,000 residents. This compares with a figure of 7.40km per 1,000 residents in the county as a whole. The local network includes the following major routes:

The Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Path - The walk runs from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.

The Stour and Orwell Walk - The walk runs from Felixstowe to Cattawade.

The Sandlings Walk - The walk runs from Ipswich to Southwold.

National Cycle Route 1 - The route includes a stretch from Ipswich to Halesworth via Woodbridge.

National Cycle Route 51 - The route runs from Oxford to Felixstowe.

5.9.2 Qualitative analysis

As part of this assessment, the quality of a sample of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths was assessed, to check the following criteria:

Route surface - The width and quality of the surface, including drainage.

Gates and stiles - The quality of gates and stile, including their impact on accessibility.

Signage - The presence of signs and waymarking posts.

In total, 20 sections of public rights of way were assessed and all rated as either ‘above average’ or ‘average’ quality. However, some issues were noted:

Surface degradation - In a limited number of cases, there was evidence of surface degradation caused by off-road cycling and horse riding on unbound surfaces.

Connectivity - Although the rights of way network is extensive in the district, some disconnection between routes is evident, including reliance on roads to complete linkages.

Signage - Signage is good on the major routes in the district, but many local paths are less well marked.

5.9.3 Disabled provision

Disabled access to much of the public rights of way network is poor. The position would be improved with the provision of surfaced pathways, accessible gates and stiles and dedicated parking at access sites for blue badge holders.

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5.9.4 Accessibility analysis

Whilst access to the public rights of way network was not formally mapped as part of the assessment, the quantitative and qualitative analysis and local consultation identified that whilst overall levels of provision are good in the district, network connectivity could be improved.

5.10 Open space as a whole

Analysis of all forms of open space by sub-area is an instructive way of determining the relative abundance of open space for residents in different parts of the district. In particular, it highlights whether relative shortfalls in some forms of open space might be compensated for by other types of open space locally. The figures are tabulated below, showing total hectares per 1,000 people:

Sub-area Parks Natural Amenity Allotments Play Churches Total Total/’000 Kesgrave 0 306.2ha 11.17ha 2.39ha 2.90ha 6.70ha 329.26ha 9.55ha Felixstowe 9.49ha 114.1ha 9.20ha 6.05ha 3.83ha 5.25ha 147.92ha 4.83ha Woodbridge 1.91ha 2,164.84ha 15.91ha 5.50ha 7.08ha 20.95ha 2,216.19ha 78.83ha Framlingham 0 46.0ha 22.26ha 1.70ha 4.03ha 10.15ha 84.14ha 7.69ha Leiston 0 3,237.12ha 17.40ha 7.41ha 6.61ha 12.60ha 3,281.40ha 161.86ha SUFFOLK 11.40ha 5,868.26ha 75.98ha 22.80ha 24.54ha 55.65ha 6,058.63ha 48.62ha COASTAL

The analysis underlines the large variations in per capita levels of open space across the district. Whilst the figures are skewed by the presence of large nature reserves in the coastal parts of the area, the figure for the principally rural Framlingham sub-area underlines the fact that even in the open countryside, public accessibility may be limited.

5.11 Summary of open space supply in Suffolk Coastal

5.11.1 Parks and gardens

There are only six parks and gardens in Suffolk Coastal, five of which are in Felixstowe with the other in Woodbridge.

The quality of most aspects of most parks is rated as at least ‘average’ and two sites have achieved the coveted ‘Green Flag’ status.

Accessibility to parks and gardens is mainly limited to the urban populations of Felixstowe and Woodbridge, although this accounts for 59,000 people in all (47.4% of the district population).

5.11.2 Natural and semi-natural greenspace

There are 63 natural/semi-natural greenspace sites in the district, totalling 5,868.26ha. Levels of provision are very much higher in the coastal sub-areas of the district than the inland areas.

Five sites (7.4%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 12 (11.8%) were rated as ‘above average’, 35 (42.6%) as ‘average’, 16 (23.6%) as below average and 10 (14.7%) as ‘poor quality’.

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About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive, about 75,000 people (60.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle and about 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest natural or semi-natural greenspace site.

5.11.3 Amenity greenspace

There are 82 amenity greenspace sites in the district, totalling 75.98ha. There are large variations in levels of provision, with the Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest:

Nine sites (14.5%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (19.4%) were rated as ‘above average’, 32 (51.7%) as ‘average’, eight (12.9%) as below average and only one (1.6%) as ‘poor quality’.

About 110,000 people (88.2% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive, about 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 5 minutes cycle and about 45,000 people (36.1% of the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest amenity greenspace site.

5.11.4 Allotments

There are 28 allotment sites in the district, comprising 1,265 plots and totalling 22.80ha. The Leiston sub-area has the highest per capita levels of provision and the Kesgrave sub-area the poorest:

Three sites (11.1%) were rated as ‘high quality’, 13 (48.1%) were rated as ‘above average’ and the remaining 11 (40.7%) as ‘average’.

About 118,000 people (94.7% of the district population) are within 10 minutes drive, 100,000 people (80.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle and 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest allotment site. Rural areas in the north of the Framlingham sub-area and south-east of the Woodbridge sub-area are outside the travel time catchments.

5.11.5 Children’s play

There are 129 children’s play sites in the district totalling 24.54ha. The Framlingham sub-area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Kesgrave the poorest

The quality of provision varies widely, with disabled access rated as ‘poor’ at more than 70% of the sites in the district

About 120,000 people (96.3% of the district population) are within 5 minutes drive, about 105,000 people (84.3% of the district population) are within 5 minutes cycle and about 55,000 people (44.1% of the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of their nearest play area.

5.11.6 Cemeteries and churchyards

There are 101 cemeteries and churchyards in the district totalling 55.65ha. The Framlingham sub- area having the highest per capita levels of provision and Felixstowe the poorest.

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In terms of their leisure and physical activity function, more than 80% of the sites were rated as ‘poor’ quality (or with limited leisure use potential).

The whole population of the district lives within ten minutes drive, about 115,000 people (92.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle and about 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk of their nearest churchyard or cemetery.

5.11.7 Public rights of way

There are 1,400km of public rights of way in Suffolk Coastal district, which equates to 11.24km per 1,000 residents. This compares with a figure of 7.40km per 1,000 residents in Suffolk as a whole and the county has one of the densest networks in the country.

The quality of all routes sampled was ‘good’ or ‘above average’. Whilst overall levels of provision are good in the district, network connectivity and disabled access could be improved.

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6 CURRENT BALANCE BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND

6.1 Introduction

To identify the current balance between supply and demand of open spaces in Suffolk Coastal, generating and applying locally-derived, evidence-based standards of provision is the most appropriate way of assessing the adequacy of current provision. The standards involve three elements:

6.1.1 Quantity

The quantity of provision is assessed by identifying a per capita standard based upon:

Establishing existing levels of provision of each type of open space per capita.

Local consultation to identify views on the extent to which the number of open space sites meets existing needs.

6.1.2 Quality

The quality of provision is assessed by identifying a quality standard based upon:

The standardised definitions of the quality of each aspect of each open space type assessed through the site audits.

The policy position of the local authority on the quality threshold to which all open space sites should conform (e.g. to seek to achieve at least an ‘average’ rating for all sites).

6.1.3 Accessibility

The accessibility standard is identified by:

Survey data on the time and or distance that at least 80% of open space users are prepared to travel to access facilities in the study area.

Survey data on the travel mode preferences of facility users to access open space in the study area (i.e. reflecting current behavioural patterns).

The policy position of the local authority on whether it wishes to influence future accessibility factors - for example, should accessibility be defined in relation to walking time catchments discourage car usage.

The standards are then applied to establish the extent to which residents are served or under- provided in relation to each type of open space by applying the respective standards at both a districtwide and sub-area level.

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6.2 Parks and gardens

6.2.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for parks and gardens was devised:

Element Standard Justification Quantitative 0.21ha of parks and Current levels of provision are 0.21ha per 1,000 urban gardens in all urban residents. - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). settlements of 10,000 There is no evidence of any unmet demand for parks and people or larger. gardens in the district at present. - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Parks and gardens are principally urban features, which provide high quality, multi-function green spaces to compensate for the absence or relative shortage of other forms of open space in towns and cities. - Suffolk Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014). Suffolk Coastal has three towns with over 10,000 people - Felixstowe (30,000), Kesgrave (14,000) and Woodbridge (11,000). - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all parks All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal and gardens should rate should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal ‘average’ or better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole urban 15 minutes travel time is the typical maximum journey for population within 15 most parks users. - Suffolk Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014). minutes travel time of the nearest park.

6.2.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - On the basis of applying the standard of provision, there is no overall shortfall in parks and gardens in Suffolk Coastal at present. However, there is no formal park provision in the Kesgrave sub-area at present, whereas based upon the standard there should be 2.94ha.

Quality of provision - The following aspects of specific parks and gardens are rated as below ‘average’ quality on the basis of the site audits:

Boundaries Paths Planted areas Parking/general access Cavendish Park Cavendish Park Allenby Park Allenby Park Cavendish Park Langer Park

Accessibility of provision - There is no significant accessibility shortfall in the district.

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6.3 Natural and semi-natural greenspace

6.3.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for natural and semi-natural greenspace was devised:

Element Standard Justification Quantitative 47.0ha of natural or Existing levels of provision equate 47.10ha per 1,000 people - semi-natural Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). greenspace per 6.6% of the land area of Suffolk Coastal is covered by natural or 1,000 people. semi-natural greenspace sites, compared with 4.1% for Suffolk as a whole. This suggests that local levels of provision are above the norm for neighbouring areas - ‘Analysis of Accessible Natural Greenspace in Suffolk’ (2011). There is no evidence of any unmet demand for natural or semi- natural greenspace in the district at present, so a standard equivalent to current levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all sites All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal should rate ‘average’ should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal or better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole 78.9% of natural/semi-natural greenspace users in Suffolk population within 10 Coastal access their chosen site by car. - ‘Suffolk Sandlings Living minutes drive of the Landscape Visitor Survey Report’ (2011). nearest natural/semi- The median distance travelled to access sites is 8.5km, natural greenspace equivalent to 10 minutes driving time. - ‘Suffolk Sandlings Living site. Landscape Visitor Survey Report’ (2011).

6.3.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is no overall shortfall in the number of natural/semi- natural greenspace in Suffolk Coastal at present. Per capita levels of provision are lower in the Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Framlingham sub-areas, but these are offset by the higher than average per capita levels of provision in the Woodbridge and Leiston sub-areas.

Quality of provision - The following sites are rated as below ‘average’ quality in terms of their potential to accommodate leisure and physical activity on the basis of the site audits:

Site Barthorps Folly Bickers Heath Church Common Darsham Marshes Deben Riverside Simpson’s Saltings Snape Common Sutton Heath Thorpeness Beach

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Accessibility of provision - There is no significant accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.4 Amenity greenspace

6.4.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for amenity greenspace was devised:

Element Standard Justification Quantitative 0.61ha of amenity Existing levels of provision equate to 0.61ha per 1,000 people greenspace per 1,000 - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). people. There is no evidence of any unmet demand for natural or semi- natural greenspace in the district at present, so a standard equivalent to current levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all sites All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal should rate ‘average’ should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal or better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole population Amenity greenspace by its nature tends to serve relatively local within 5 minutes drive needs. For this reason, a three-mile drivetime catchment has of the nearest amenity been selected (equivalent to 5-minutes travel time). - Suffolk greenspace site. Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014).

6.4.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is no overall shortfall in the number of amenity greenspace sites in Suffolk Coastal at present. Per capita levels of provision lower in the more urban sub-areas of Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Woodbridge, but these are offset by the higher than average per capita levels of provision in the Framlingham and Leiston sub-areas.

Quality of provision - The aspects of the following facilities that are rated as below ‘average’ quality on the basis of the site audits are tabulated below:

Site Site Adastral Close, Felixstowe Old Circle, Hollesley Ashground Close, Trimley St. Martin Philip Avenue, Felixstowe Badgers Bank, Kesgrave Pitman’s Grove, Bramfield Brook Farm, Saxmundham Platters Road, Felixstowe Bury Hill, Woodbridge St. Andrew’s Close, Melton Butchers Field, Great Glemham St. Lawrence Green, Kesgrave Church Road, Little Glemham St. Martin’s Green, Trimley St. Martin Fenton’s Link, Kesgrave The Fitches, Knodishall Fox Lea, Kesgrave Through Jollys East, Kesgrave Heath Drive, Shottisham Through Jollys South, Kesgrave Kirton Village Green Tymmes Place, Hasketon New Circle, Hollesley Westleton Village Green Oak Close, Felixstowe

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Accessibility of provision - There is no significant accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.5 Allotments and community gardens

6.5.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for allotments was devised:

Element Standard Justification Quantitative 0.20ha of allotments Existing levels of provision equate to 0.18ha per 1,000 people per 1,000 people. - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). There is evidence of unmet demand for allotment from several sites in the district at present, where there are currently waiting lists, so a standard equivalent in excess of existing levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all sites All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal should rate ‘average’ should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal or better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole population Allotment provision is subject to high levels of demand at within 10 minutes present and for this reason, a five-mile drivetime catchment has drive of the nearest been selected (equivalent to 10-minutes travel time). - Suffolk allotment site. Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014).

6.5.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is an overall shortfall of 3.7ha of allotments in Suffolk Coastal at present. Additional provision should be made in the Kesgrave, Woodbridge and Framlingham sub-areas, where local levels of provision fall below the districtwide standard.

Quality of provision - All aspects of all allotment sites are rated as ‘average’ quality or better on the basis of the site audits.

Accessibility of provision - There is no accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.6 Children’s play

6.6.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for children’s play was devised:

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Element Standard Justification Quantitative 0.20ha of equipped Existing levels of provision equate to 0.20ha per 1,000 people children’s play space - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). per 1,000 people. There is no evidence of any unmet demand for children’s play space in the district at present, so a standard equivalent to current levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all sites All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal should rate ‘average’ should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal or better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole population Children’s play sites by their nature tend to serve relatively local within 5 minutes drive needs. For this reason, a three-mile drivetime catchment has of the nearest been selected (equivalent to 5-minutes travel time). - Suffolk children’s play site. Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014).

6.6.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is no overall shortfall in the number and size of equipped children’s play space in Suffolk Coastal at present. Per capita levels of provision lower in the more urban sub-areas of Kesgrave and Felixstowe, but these are offset by the higher than average per capita levels of provision in the other sub-areas.

Quality of provision - The aspects of the following facilities that are rated as below ‘average’ quality on the basis of the site audits are tabulated below:

Variety Quantity Fencing Disabled The variety of equipment The quantity of The fencing is ‘below Disabled access is ‘below is ‘below average’ at 41 equipment is ‘below average’ at five sites average’ at 26 sites sites (32.0%) and ‘poor average’ at 53 sites (3.9%) and ‘poor quality’ (20.3%) and ‘poor quality’ quality’ at three sites (41.4%) and ‘poor quality’ at 66 sites (51.6%). at 92 sites (71.9%). (2.3%). at three sites (2.3%).

Accessibility of provision - There is no accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.7 Churchyards and cemeteries

6.7.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for churchyards and cemeteries for leisure purposes was devised:

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Element Standard Justification Quantitative 0.45ha of churchyards Existing levels of provision equate to 0.45ha per 1,000 and cemeteries per people - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). 1,000 people. There is no evidence of any unmet demand for churchyards and cemeteries for leisure uses in the district at present, so a standard equivalent to current levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all sites All aspects of the quality of all open spaces in Suffolk Coastal should rate ‘average’ or should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk Coastal better. Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility The whole population A five-mile drivetime catchment has been selected (equivalent within 10 minutes drive to 10-minutes travel time). - Suffolk Coastal Open Space of the nearest Assessment (2014). churchyard or cemetery.

6.7.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is no shortfall in the number of churchyards and cemeteries in relation to their leisure uses in Suffolk Coastal at present.

Quality of provision - In terms of their leisure and physical activity function, more than 80% of the sites were rated as ‘poor’ quality (or with limited leisure use potential).

Accessibility of provision - There is no accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.8 Public rights of way

6.8.1 Standard of provision

Based upon an examination of local supply and demand issues, the following standard of provision for public rights of way was devised:

Element Standard Justification Quantitative 11.24km of public Existing levels of provision equate to 11.24km per 1,000 rights of way per 1,000 people - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). people. Levels of provision in Suffolk as a whole are 7.40km per 1,000 people, so per capita levels of provision are higher locally - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). There is no evidence of any unmet demand for public rights of way in the district at present, so a standard equivalent to current levels of provision is appropriate - Suffolk Coastal Quantitative Audit (2014). Qualitative All aspects of all routes All aspects of the quality of all public rights of way in Suffolk should rate ‘average’ or Coastal should aspire to be of at least ‘average’ quality. - Suffolk better. Coastal Open Space Assessment (2014). Accessibility No standard set. The network is so widespread that all residents live close to the nearest point of access.

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6.8.2 Applying the standard

Quantity of provision - There is no shortfall in amount of public rights of way in Suffolk Coastal at present.

Quality of provision - Quality is generally rated as at least ‘average’, although some more popular routes do suffer some surface degradation. Disabled access is problematic to much of the network.

Accessibility of provision - There is no accessibility shortfall in the district.

6.9 Summary of current needs

On the basis of an analysis of the current balance between supply and demand of playing pitches and outdoor sports facilities in Suffolk Coastal, the following needs have been identified:

Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Parks and gardens No overall shortfall in Quality improvements Accessibility to parks and parks and gardens in needed to boundaries at: gardens is mainly limited Suffolk Coastal. Cavendish Park to the urban populations No formal park provision Quality improvements of Felixstowe and in the Kesgrave sub-area needed to paths at: Woodbridge, although at present, whereas based Cavendish Park this accounts for 59,000 upon the standard there Quality improvements people in all (47.4% of the should be 2.94ha. needed to planted areas at: district population). Allenby Park Cavendish Park Quality improvements needed to general access at: Allenby Park Langer Park Natural/semi-natural No overall shortfall in Quality improvements 120,000 people (96.3% of greenspace natural/semi-natural needed to sites at: the district population) greenspace in Suffolk Barthorps Folly are within 10 minutes Coastal. Bickers Heath drive. Per capita levels of Church Common 75,000 people (60.2% of provision are lower in the Darsham Marshes the district population) Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Deben Riverside are within 10 minutes Framlingham sub-areas. cycle. Simpson’s Saltings 35,000 people (28.1% of Snape Common the district population) Sutton Heath are within 10 minutes Thorpeness Beach walk.

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Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Amenity greenspace No overall shortfall in Quality improvements 110,000 people (88.2% of amenity greenspace in needed to sites at: the district population) are Suffolk Coastal. Adastral Close within 5 minutes drive. Per capita levels of Ashground Close 85,000 people (68.2% of provision are lower in the Badgers Bank the district population) are Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Brook Farm within 5 minutes cycle. Woodbridge sub-areas. Bury Hill 45,000 people (36.1% of Butchers Field the district population) are within 5 minutes walk of Church Road their nearest amenity Fenton’s Link greenspace site. Fox Lea Heath Drive Kirton Village Green New Circle Oak Close Old Circle Philip Avenue Pitman’s Grove Platters Road St. Andrew’s Close St. Lawrence Green St. Martin’s Green The Fitches Through Jollys East Through Jollys South Tymmes Place, Westleton Village Green Allotments A shortfall of 3.7ha of Disabled access 118,000 people (94.7% of allotments in Suffolk improvements needed at the district population) are Coastal. all sites. within 10 minutes drive. Additional provision 100,000 people (80.3% of required in the Kesgrave, the district population) are Framlingham and within 10 minutes cycle. Woodbridge sub-areas. 35,000 people (28.1% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk. Children’s play No overall shortfall in The variety of equipment 120,000 people (96.3% of equipped children’s play is below ‘average’ at 44 the district population) are space in Suffolk Coastal. sites within 5 minutes drive. Per capita levels of The quantity of 105,000 people (84.3% of provision are lower in the equipment is below the district population) are Kesgrave and Felixstowe ‘average’ at 56 sites. within 5 minutes cycle. sub-areas. The fencing is below 55,000 people (44.1% of ‘average’ at 71 sites. the district population) are Disabled access is ‘below within 5 minutes walk. average’ at 118 sites.

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Open space type Quantity Quality Accessibility Churchyards and No overall shortfall in The quality of 83 sites is The whole population of cemeteries churchyards and cemeteries rated as below ‘average’ in the district lives within ten in relation to their leisure relation to their leisure uses. minutes drive. uses in Suffolk Coastal. 115,000 people (92.3% of the district population) are within 10 minutes cycle. 85,000 people (68.2% of the district population) are within 10 minutes walk. Public rights of way No overall shortfall in Quality is generally rated The whole population of the public rights of way, as at least ‘average’, district lives in close although some connectivity although some more proximity to access points to issues should be addressed. popular routes do suffer the rights of way network. some surface degradation Disabled access is problematic to much of the network.

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7 FUTURE BALANCE BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND

7.1 Introduction

This section analyses the future balance between the supply of and demand for sports facilities in Suffolk Coastal, in the period to 2028.

7.2 Methodology

The application of locally-derived, evidence-based standards of provision is the most appropriate way of assessing the adequacy of future provision of sports facilities, taking account of projected population change.

7.3 Projected population change to 2021

The Office for National Statistics published ‘2012-based Sub-national Population Projections for Local Authorities in England’ (2014), which contains figures on projected population change in the district to 2027. The ONS projections for Suffolk Coastal forecast that the population of the district will be 132,000 by 2027, an increase of 7,400 people, or 5.9% growth.

7.4 Projected future needs

Projected future needs are calculated below, based upon the standards proposed above:

Open space Current Standard Extra Population Extra provision provision (ha/’000) by 2027 needed by 2027 Parks and gardens 11.40ha 0.21ha 7,400 1.55ha Nat./Semi-nat greenspace 5,872.66ha 47.0ha 7,400 347.80ha Amenity greenspace 75.88ha 0.61ha 7,400 4.51ha Allotments 22.05ha 0.20ha 7,400 1.48ha Children’s play 24.44ha 0.20ha 7,400 1.48ha Churchyards/cemeteries 55.65ha 0.45ha 7,400 3.33ha Public rights of way 1,400km 11.24km 7,400 83.18km

7.5 Summary of future needs

On the basis of an analysis of the future open space requirements in Suffolk Coastal, the following needs have been identified:

Open space Actual provision Provision Total provision in 2014 needed in 2014 needed by 2027 Parks and gardens 11.40ha 11.40ha 12.95ha Nat./Semi-nat greenspace 5,872.66ha 5,872.66ha 6,220.46ha Amenity greenspace 75.88ha 75.88ha 80.39ha Allotments 22.05ha 25.75ha 27.23ha Children’s play 24.44ha 24.44ha 25.92ha Churchyards/cemeteries 55.65ha 55.65ha 58.98ha Public rights of way 1,400km 1,400km 1,483.18km

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8 PLANNING POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

8.1 Introduction

This section examines the considerations that Suffolk Coastal Council will take into account in refining open space planning policies in the study area.

8.2 Locally-derived standards of provision

The National Planning Policy Framework states that

‘Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required’.

The standards of provision proposed in the Suffolk Coastal Open Space Assessment are accordingly based upon a detailed assessment of local needs.

8.3 Protection of existing provision

Suffolk Coastal Council will resist the loss of open space, unless one of more of the following policy exceptions applies:

A carefully quantified and documented assessment of current and future needs has demonstrated that there is an excess of all forms of open space in the catchment.

The open space which would be lost as a result of the proposed development would be replaced by a site of an equivalent or better quality, in a suitable location and subject to equivalent or better management arrangements, prior to the commencement of the development.

8.4 Multi-functionality

The methodology adopted in this assessment study has categorised open space on the basis of its primary function only. The advantage of this is that there is no ‘double counting’ of sites, but the disadvantage is that the multi-function nature of many sites is downplayed.

As an example, a site designated as amenity greenspace may be used for formal sport or informal play for some of the time, but the latter functions will not be included in the formal assessment. Even where a site might notionally be surplus to provision based upon its primary function, it may serve other subsidiary roles such as providing a link in the wider greenspace networks.

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8.5 Provision relating to new developments

The following principles should apply:

All new developments which result in an increase in the number of dwellings should contribute towards the provision of open space. For smaller developments where on-site provision is not achievable, a financial contribution will be sought from developers towards the improvement of provision elsewhere, where appropriate schemes can be identified within the defined catchment.

The precise nature, composition and size of the open space provision in new developments will be determined in relation to the overall size of the development and with reference to the minimum standards of provision.

8.6 Regular review

Because the assessment of the adequacy of sports facilities provision is based upon an aggregation of supply and demand factors which may vary over time, the strategy will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the information upon which it is based remains current.

8.7 Summary

The planning policy considerations will inform local planning policy on sports facilities, which will in turn protect existing provision and define the basis for achieving additional facilities to meet identified needs.

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9 ACTION PLAN

9.1 Introduction

This section comprises an action plan for meeting the deficiencies identified in this assessment. It examines the options for meeting the shortfalls, the delivery partners and an action plan that specifies what needs to be provided and where and proposes how best this might be achieved.

9.2 Dealing with deficiencies

9.2.1 New provision

Providing entirely open space facilities may be the only means of securing additional provision in the right location. This can be achieved by:

Identifying entirely new sites for provision in appropriate locations.

Extending existing provision where feasible.

Disposing of existing sites to reinvest the capital receipt in new provision of at least equivalent quantity, quality and accessibility.

Incorporating open space into new community provision and housing developments.

9.2.2 Upgrading and refurbishing

Upgrading and refurbishing existing open space sites would help to meet some of the qualitative deficiencies identified:

Physically expanding the area of an existing site or facility will increase its capacity for use and may enhance its wildlife and biodiversity value. Providing linkages between existing areas of greenspace can help to create green corridors and strategic routes for green travel and wildlife migration.

Providing additional play equipment in children’s play areas, to expand the range of ages and abilities catered for, will attract additional users. Habitat restoration and development improves the biodiversity value of natural and semi-natural greenspace.

9.2.3 Enhanced access

Improving access to existing open space provision can be achieved in a number of ways:

Formal agreements - Securing improved access through the development of formal agreements serves to safeguard public usage of open space and in some cases may provide sufficient security of tenure to allow external funding applications to be sought, to provide further enhancements. One example is the designation of Access Land under the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act (2000), which allows additional public access at specified sites in addition to traditional linear footpaths and bridleways. Another option is to investigate the possibility of developing community access to open space on school sites.

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Physical improvements - A number of physical improvements to greenspace sites can improve access, especially for people who are generally less mobile such as the elderly and disabled. Examples include surfaced pathways, the provision of accessible gates and stiles and in the case of sites in rural areas that are relatively distant from the urban parts of the district, dedicated car parking.

Public transport improvements - Local community consultation notes a number of instances where improvements to public transport (in particular rural buses), would reduce the need for travel by private vehicles.

Rights of way improvements - Improving the rights of way network to ensure that there are appropriate linkages between key open space sites and settlements in the district would improve access and promote more sustainable forms of transport. The designation of additional named and/or themed trails in and around the district would promote the use of key routes.

Information and awareness - The provision of interpretive panels at sites with nature conservation interest can help to educate and inform users and enhance the user experience. Similarly, good on-site signposting can improve user confidence in exploring larger sites or following marked trails. By the same token, off-site signposting creates greater awareness of sites by non-users and may therefore encourage usage. Finally, the development and distribution of publicity materials promoting open space sites will also raise awareness amongst potential users.

9.2.4 Integrated provision

There are already a number of sites in the district where several open space functions are served at the same site. A good example is the many village recreation grounds, where sports pitches are often located alongside children’s play facilities, other outdoor sports facilities and amenity greenspace. When making new provision in the future, there are a number of advantages in integrating open spaces:

Community cohesion - The combination of different uses of open space will encourage a wider range of users, including family groups and will promote community cohesion.

Maintenance - Maintenance will be simplified and rationalised if more provision is concentrated at a single site, rather than on a dispersed basis.

9.3 Delivery partners

A wide range of organisations will have a role in implementing the Suffolk Coastal Open Spaces Assessment. The type of roles are summarised below.

9.3.1 Suffolk Coastal District Council

The council may play a key role in co-ordinating the development of the larger, more strategic sites, using its statutory powers where necessary and in conjunction with other partners where appropriate.

9.3.2 Town and Parish Councils

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Town and parish councils will continue to play a valuable role in providing and maintaining more local scale open space sites, in particular amenity greenspace, allotments and provision for children and young people.

9.3.3 Voluntary and charitable organisations

Local and national conservation trusts (such as the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) also provide and manage natural and semi-natural greenspace sites, including the creation of new areas from time to time. Sustrans is responsible for promoting and maintaining the National Cycle Network and also for promoting sustainable transport.

9.3.4 Developers

The developers of new housing and commercial projects in Suffolk Coastal can be required either to provide new sports facilities as part of an individual development, or to make a financial contribution towards the costs of such provision on site or elsewhere in the vicinity. The key principle is that the provision must meet the needs of the residents of the new developments, as opposed to rectifying any pre-existing deficiencies. The expansion of Sizewell Power Station will result in some environmental mitigation projects to benefit communities in the Leiston sub-area including open space developments and enhancements.

9.3.5 Partnership arrangements

Partnership arrangements involving combinations of any of the above providers will help to share the costs of provision, management and maintenance of additional provision.

9.4 Action plan for meeting existing needs

The action plan identifies the ways in which current deficiencies might be met and the partners who will have a role in providing, funding and managing new and improved provision.

9.5 Action plan for meeting existing needs

The action plan identifies the ways in which current deficiencies might be met and the partners who will have a role in providing and funding new and improved provision.

Open space Current assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Parks and Current levels of provision are Schedule improvements to site boundary at gardens adequate to meet existing needs. Cavendish Park when resources allow. Improvements needed to Schedule improvements to paths at Cavendish boundaries at 1 site. Park when resources allow. Improvements needed to paths at Schedule improvements to planted areas when 1 site. resources allow at: Improvements needed to planted - Allenby Park areas at 2 sites. - Cavendish Park Improvements needed to general Schedule improvements to general access when access at 2 sites resources allow at: No accessibility deficiency. - Allenby Park - Langer Park

Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. 95 Suffolk Coastal District Council Open Spaces Assessment

Open space Current assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Natural/semi- Current levels of provision are Support site owners with external funding natural adequate to meet existing needs. applications for improvements to visitor access at: greenspace Improvements to facilitate visitor Barthorps Folly access needed at 9 sites. Bickers Heath No accessibility deficiency. Church Common Darsham Marshes Deben Riverside Simpson’s Saltings Snape Common Sutton Heath Thorpeness Beach Amenity Current levels of provision are Site owners to enhance leisure usage potential at: greenspace adequate to meet existing needs. Adastral Close Amenity Greenspace 25 sites have the potential to offer Ashground Close Amenity Greenspace additional leisure opportunities. Brook Farm Amenity Greenspace No accessibility deficiency. Bury Hill Amenity Greenspace Butchers Field Fenton’s Link Amenity Greenspace Fox Lea Amenity Greenspace Kirton Village Green Philip Avenue Amenity Greenspace Pitman’s Grove Amenity Greenspace Platters Road Amenity Greenspace The Fitches Amenity Greenspace Through Jollys East Amenity Greenspace Through Jollys South Amenity Greenspace Westleton Village Green Allotments A shortfall of 3.7ha of allotments. Town and parish councils to identify sites with Additional provision required in potential for conversion to allotments and the Kesgrave, Framlingham and engage with local community groups to Woodbridge sub-areas. develop new sites. Disabled access improvements All existing allotment providers to implement needed at all existing sites. disabled access improvements when resources No accessibility deficiency. allow. Children’s Current levels of provision are All play site providers to address identified play adequate to meet existing needs. quality deficiencies when resources allow. The variety of equipment is below When additional equipment is provided, ‘average’ at 44 sites. consideration should be given to adaptive The quantity of equipment is equipment suitable for disabled usage. below ‘average’ at 56 sites. The fencing is below ‘average’ at 71 sites. Disabled access is ‘below average’ at 118 sites. No accessibility deficiency.

Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. 96 Suffolk Coastal District Council Open Spaces Assessment

Open space Current assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Cemeteries Current levels of provision are Most cemeteries and churchyards have limited and adequate to meet existing leisure- potential to accommodate additional leisure uses, churchyards related needs. so no action is required. The quality of 83 sites is rated as below ‘average’ in relation to their leisure uses. No accessibility deficiency. Public rights Current levels of provision are Suffolk County Council as the Local Highways of way adequate to meet existing needs. Authority should review: Some connectivity issues should Opportunities for creating new links to be addressed. rationalise the network. Surface degradation on some Surface improvements on priority routes as popular routes. resources allow. Disabled access is difficult on Arrangements for access by people with much of the network. disabilities to the network. No accessibility deficiency.

9.6 Action plan for meeting future needs

The action plan identifies the ways in which future deficiencies might be met and the partners who will have a role in providing and funding new and improved provision. The deficiencies arising from the projected growth in population of 7,400 people are based upon the planning standards for each type of open space.

Open space Future assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Parks and Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 1.55ha of additional gardens 1.55ha of parks and gardens parks and gardens, funded by developer contributions and within 15 minutes drive of new developments. Natural/semi- Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of access to an additional natural 347.80ha of natural and semi- 347.80ha of natural and semi-natural greenspace, greenspace natural greenspace and/or improve the capacity of existing sites to accommodate additional use, funded by developer contributions and within 10 minutes drive of new developments. Amenity Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 4.51ha of additional greenspace 4.51ha of amenity greenspace amenity greenspace, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 5 minutes drive of new developments. Allotments Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 1.48ha of 1.48ha of allotments allotments, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 10 minutes drive of new developments.

Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. 97 Suffolk Coastal District Council Open Spaces Assessment

Open space Future assessed deficiency Action plan for meeting deficiency Children’s play Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 1.48ha of 1.48ha of children’s play areas children’s play areas, either on-site as part of larger new developments, or funded by developer contributions for off-site provision and within 5 minutes drive of new developments. Cemeteries and Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of 3.33ha of additional churchyards 3.33ha of cemeteries and cemeteries and churchyards, funded by developer churchyards (based upon leisure contributions and within 15 minutes drive of usage) new developments. Public rights of Additional demand equivalent to Secure the provision of an additional 83.16km of way 83.18km of public rights of way. public rights or way, both on-site to provide connectivity between larger new developments and the existing network, or funded by developer contributions to improve the capacity of the existing network to accommodate additional use.

9.7 Provision for reviews

Because sport and physical activity is a rapidly changing environment, to ensure that the proposals in the assessment continue to address local needs and strategic priorities, the situation will be reviewed regularly. Assumptions about population growth will be tested regularly and projected requirements refined accordingly. There will therefore be annual reviews of progress

Ploszajski Lynch Consulting Ltd. 98 Suffolk Coastal District Council Open Spaces Assessment