Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and Audit

HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND AUDIT A FINAL REPORT BY PMP AUGUST 2006 CONTENTS Page Section 1 Introduction and background 1 Section 2 Undertaking the study 6 Section 3 Strategic context 12 Section 4 Consultation 25 Section 5 Informal open space 36 Section 6 Provision for children and young people 71 Section 7 Outdoor sports facilities 95 Section 8 Playing pitch strategy 111 Section 9 Allotment and community gardens 149 Section 10 Green corridors 159 Section 11 Resourcing open space 162 Section 12 Planning overview 169 APPENDICES Appendix A Benefits of open space Appendix B Open space typology – definitions Appendix C Household survey and Sports Club Survey Appendix D Quality assessment sheets Appendix E Setting and applying standards Appendix F National strategic context Appendix G External agencies Appendix H Quantity standards Appendix I Quality standards Appendix J Accessibility standards Appendix K Analysis area maps SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND Introduction and background The study 1.1 In January 2006, Huntingdonshire District Council (the Council) appointed PMP to undertake an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and playing pitch strategy across the district. The study provides the Council with a clear vision, priorities for the future (based on local need) and a direction for the allocation of resources. 1.2 The study is underpinned by the three key objectives: x assess the availability of open space across the district x establish local standards of provision for planning purposes as required by PPG17 x through the application of the standards, identify any deficiencies in quantity, quality and accessibility and surpluses in quantity, along with identifying the spatial distribution of unmet demand x identify priorities for action. 1.3 The open space study is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the latest Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17) Planning for Open Space Sport and Recreation, July 2002, and its Companion Guide published in September 2002. Further details of these documents are set out later in this section. 1.4 The Playing Pitch Strategy is undertaken in accordance with the methodology endorsed by Sport England and set out in the guidance document “Towards a Level Playing Field 2002”. Why open space, sport and recreation? 1.5 PPG17 states that well designed and implemented planning policies for open space, sport and recreation are fundamental to delivering broader Government objectives, which include: x supporting an urban renaissance x supporting a rural renewal x promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion x health and well being x promoting more sustainable development. 1.6 Open space and recreation provision in Huntingdonshire, therefore, has an important role to play in supporting the implementation of these objectives. Key benefits of an understanding of the open spaces across the district include: x contributing to key corporate priorities including safe and active communities, healthy population, clean, green attractive environment and accessible services and transport choices Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment & Audit 1 SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND x the identification of the opportunities to further improve the provision of open spaces x improved knowledge of user requirements to assist in the planning and management of facilities x provision of a robust basis for resisting the loss of open space where appropriate and securing resources to enhance the availability and quality of open space x provision of detailed information on the usage and demand for playing pitches across the district. Functions of open space 1.7 Open spaces can provide a number of functions within the urban fabric of cities, towns and villages. For example, the provision for play and informal recreation, a landscaping buffer within and between the built environment and a habitat for the promotion of biodiversity. 1.8 Each type of open space has various benefits, which depend on the type of open space. For example, allotments for the growing of one’s own produce, play areas for children’s play and pitches for formal sports events. Open space can additionally perform a secondary function. For example outdoor sports facilities have an amenity value in addition to providing for sport and recreation. 1.9 There is a need to provide a balance between different types of open space to meet local needs. For example, not all areas’ needs will show a demand for playing pitches or allotments. Some areas will have specific local demand for green corridors such as nature walks or bridleways. 1.10 Changing social and economic circumstances, changed work and leisure practices, more sophisticated consumer tastes and higher public expectations have placed new demands on open spaces. They have to serve more diverse communities and face competition from various developers including sport and leisure. Open spaces can also promote community cohesion, encourage community development and stimulate partnerships between the public and private sector. Benefits of open space 1.11 Open spaces, including parks, playgrounds, amenity green space, nature reserves and the countryside, are diverse locations that provide opportunities for a range of formal and informal leisure, passive and active sport, recreation and play. 1.12 Parks and open spaces are more accessible to a wider range of people than some sport and leisure facilities and are better able to realise the aims of social inclusion and equality of opportunity. The provision of open spaces and recreation provision is also key to an ideal, sustainable and thriving community. 1.13 It is widely recognised that the provision of high quality ‘public realm’ facilities such as parks and open spaces can assist in the promotion of an area as an attractive place to live, and can result in a number of wider benefits. These are highlighted in Appendix A. Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment & Audit 2 SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND National context – Open Space “Assessing Needs & Opportunities”- National Planning Policy Background 1.14 PPG17 states “the government expects all local authorities to carry out assessments of needs and audits of open space and sports and recreational facilities.” 1.15 The major change in the policy guidance from the previous version is the requirement for local authority decisions regarding open space, to be informed by local needs assessments and an audit of existing provision. Such audits should incorporate qualitative, quantitative and accessibility considerations as well as the overall non-monetary value of the land including the level of use. National standards are no longer considered to meet local needs, although they may be used as benchmarks. 1.16 Other changes in this planning policy document are: x a greater emphasis is placed on qualitative considerations – this is particularly important as it will allow local authorities to identify potential for increased use through better design, management and/or maintenance of open space x it advocates the setting of local standards appropriate to the local area rather than assessment by national standards although these can be used as benchmarks. The Government believes that national standards are inappropriate, as they do not take into account the demographics of an area, the specific needs of residents and the extent of built development. x it provides further guidance on the constituent elements of open space typologies x it clearly acknowledges the multiple functions that open spaces can perform. 1.17 The policy guidance sets out priorities for local authorities in terms of: x assessing needs and opportunities – undertaking audits of open space, sport and recreational facilities x setting local standards x maintaining an adequate supply of open space x planning for new open space. 1.18 The companion guide sets out the process for undertaking local assessments of needs and audits of provision. It also: x indicates how councils can establish the needs of local communities and apply provision standards x promotes a consistent approach across varying types of open space. Pitch Provision – The Context 1.19 By virtue of statutory instrument made in 1996, Sport England is a statutory consultee on proposals for development that affect playing fields, land used as playing fields at any time in the last five years which remains undeveloped, or land Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment & Audit 3 SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND which is identified for use as a playing field in a development plan. All applications that local planning authorities are minded to approve, but have attracted an objection from Sport England, will be referred to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for consideration. 1.20 The local planning authority must notify Sport England when a relevant planning application is received. Data stored by Sport England on statutory consultations since 1999 reveals the increasing pressure that is being placed upon pitches throughout the country. Sport England therefore advocates the preparation of detailed playing pitch strategies investigating supply and demand. 1.21 The loss of playing pitches also remains a real political issue for the government. Sport England, the NPFA and the CCPR demonstrated their commitment to enhancing playing pitch provision by commissioning a review and updating of the 1991 Playing Pitch Strategy. The new document

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