Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Local Development Plan 2011 –2026 Open Space & Indoor Leisure Topic Paper August 2013
www.npt.gov.uk/ldp Contents
1 Introduction 1 2013) 2 Background 3
3 Policy Context: National & Local 5 (August 3.1 National Policy Context 5 Paper
3.2 Local Policy Context 10 opic T 4 Current Situation and Trends 17 5 Summary of Consultation Responses 33 Leisure
6 Issues to be Addressed 35 Indoor & 7 Objectives 39 Space 8 Strategic Policy Development 41 Open 9 Detailed Policy Development 45 - Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies 1 LDP
Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy 5 Deposit Appendix 3: School Facilities in Shared Use 9 Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision 11 Contents Deposit LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013) 1 . Introduction
1 Introduction 2013) 1.0.1 This topic paper is one of a range of papers prepared to offer more detailed information and to provide an explanation of the approach taken in the Local Development (August Plan (LDP) in relation to different topics and issues affecting the County Borough. Paper 1.0.2 This paper specifically considers Open Space and Indoor Leisure. opic T 1.0.3 A previous version of this paper was published at the Pre-Deposit consultation stage in September 2011. The Pre-Deposit consultation was the first statutory stage of Leisure the LDP and set out the Council's overall Preferred Strategy. Following the consultation, the comments received have been taken into account and the topic papers have been Indoor amended accordingly. &
1.0.4 The Deposit Plan consultation is the second statutory stage of the plan and Space allows a further period of formal public consultation. Comments received at this stage will Open be considered by an Independent Planning Inspector who will hold an Examination in - Public into the Plan. If the Inspector considers the Plan to be 'sound' it will be recommended for adoption and once adopted it will supersede the current Neath Port Talbot Unitary LDP Development Plan (UDP) and be the primary document for use in the determination of planning applications. Deposit
1.0.5 This topic paper can be read in isolation or in conjunction with the other topic papers and background papers that have been prepared to give a full picture of Neath Port Talbot(1).
1
1 The information contained within this Topic Paper is correct as of the date sent to print. 1 . Introduction Deposit LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
2 2 . Background
2 Background 2013) 2.0.1 Open Space is defined as "...all open space of public value, including land and water areas like rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and disused dock basins which offer (August opportunities for sport, recreation and tourism"(2). Open space includes(3): Paper Public Parks and Gardens. opic T Outdoor Sports Facilities. Leisure Amenity Green Space. Indoor
Provision for Children and Young People. &
Allotments. Space Open
Community Gardens. -
City (Urban) Farms. LDP
Cemeteries and Churchyards. Deposit
Accessible Areas of Countryside in the Urban Fringe.
Civic Spaces and Water (including beaches).
2.0.2 A wide range of organisations and bodies provide open space and recreation facilities including Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Local Planning Authorities, Community Councils, Social Housing providers, charitable organisations including the National Trust, West Wales Wildlife Trust, Celtic Leisure, sports clubs, community groups and private businesses.
2.0.3 Recreation is important for the emotional and social development and well being of all residents, encouraging social interaction, team building and physical activity. The provision of a mix of indoor and outdoor facilities for recreational use is vital to provide choice and alternatives and to cater for as wide a range of people as possible. The use of all weather facilities (both indoor and outdoor) adds to the choice available. Group or team activities (e.g. sports clubs) help to create a sense of belonging and community and sport and recreational facilities are not just for children, provision is needed for all age groups and abilities. 3
2 TAN 16 Sport, Recreation & Open Space (2009) - Welsh Government. 3 It should be noted that this paper does not specifically consider 'Greenspace'. Greenspace is defined as those open spaces which have a more natural appearance and includes natural and semi-natural green spaces, green corridors, country parks, woodland, open access land and common land. Notwithstanding this point, it should be acknowledged that some areas of open space have some additional greenspace qualities. 2 . Background
Deposit 2.0.4 Recreation is key to improving health and well being in the County Borough. Ill health is a major issue in Neath Port Talbot and the Council is committed to improving the (4)
LDP health and fitness of the resident population . - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
4
4 Further information on health related issues is contained within the Deposit - Health Topic Paper (August 2013). 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
3 Policy Context: National & Local 2013) 3.1 National Policy Context
Wales Spatial Plan (2008) (August
3.1.1 The Wales Spatial Plan recognises that our environment is fundamental to our Paper opic quality of life and that its protection and regeneration is essential for health and well being. T The Plan encourages more walking and cycling as part of daily life, providing clean open spaces with more opportunities to enjoy wildlife. Leisure
Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 5 (2012) Indoor & 3.1.2 PPW identifies that sport and recreation contribute to our quality of life and the
Welsh Government supports the development of sport, recreation and the wide range of Space leisure pursuits which encourage physical activity. These activities are important for the Open
well being of children and adults and for the social and economic life of Wales. -
3.1.3 The main planning objectives of the Welsh Government are to promote: LDP
A more sustainable pattern of development, creating and maintaining networks of Deposit facilities and open spaces in places well served by sustainable means of travel, in particular within urban areas.
Social inclusion, improved health and well being by ensuring that everyone, including children and young people, the elderly and those with disabilities, has easy access to the natural environment and to good quality, well-designed facilities and open space.
The provision of innovative, user friendly, accessible facilities to make our urban areas, particularly town centres, more attractive places, where people will chose to live, work and visit.
3.1.4 PPW and Technical Advice Note Sport, Recreation and Open Space (TAN 16) state that "Planning Authorities should provide the framework for well located, good quality tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities. The areas and facilities provided in both rural and urban areas should be sensitive to the needs of users, attractive, well maintained and protected from crime and vandalism. They should be safe and accessible, including to deprived or disadvantaged communities and to people whose mobility is restricted, by a variety of sustainable means of travel, particularly walking, cycling and public transport. Long-distance routes, rights of way, disused railways and waterways are also important tourism and recreation facilities, both in their own right and as a means of linking other 5 attractions". 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Deposit 3.1.5 PPW states that the planning system should ensure that adequate land and water resources are allocated for formal and informal sport and recreation, taking full account
LDP of the need for recreational space and current levels of provision and deficiencies, and the impact of development related to sport and recreation on the locality and local - Open communities.
Space 3.1.6 It identifies that formal and informal open green spaces, including parks with significant recreational or amenity value, should be protected from development, particularly &
Indoor in urban areas where they fulfil multiple purposes, not only enhancing the quality of life, but contributing to biodiversity, the conservation of nature and landscape, air quality and
Leisure the protection of groundwater. Such open spaces also have a role in climate protection and in enabling the adaptation of urban areas to the impacts of climate change, for example by contributing to flood management and helping to reduce urban heat island effects. T opic
Paper 3.1.7 All playing fields whether owned by public, private or voluntary organisations should be protected except where: (August Facilities can best be retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site; 2013) Alternative provision of equivalent community benefit is made available; or
There is an excess of such provision in an area.
3.1.8 Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) should seek to protect and enhance the rights of way network as a recreational and environmental resource. They are also encouraged to promote the national cycle network, long distance footpaths, bridleways, canals and the use of inland waters and disused railways as greenways for sustainable recreation.
3.1.9 Development Plans should establish a strategic framework for the provision and enhancement of well designed tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities in the areas they cover and contain clear policies for the provision, protection and enhancement of tourism, sport, recreation and leisure facilities. They should set standards of provision, so that local deficiencies can be identified and met through the planning process and set out policies to avoid or resolve conflict between different pursuits.
3.1.10 The Development Plan should protect playing fields and open space that has significant amenity or recreational value to local communities. It should indicate the ways in which previously developed or disused land and water bodies will be considered for tourism, sport and recreation uses, particularly in relation to urban regeneration.
6 3.1.11 The Development Plan should consider the scope to use disused land and routes as parks, linear parks or green ways in urban areas. It should encourage the provision of safe cycle routes and footpaths. Where recreational use of redundant railway lines or spaces alongside canals or rivers is proposed, the Plan should ensure that there is no detriment to adjoining users, wildlife or flood defences. 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
3.1.12 The Development Plan should encourage the multiple use of open space and facilities, where appropriate, to increase their effective use and reduce the need to provide 2013) additional facilities. It should ensure that open spaces and built facilities are, where possible, sited, designed and maintained as integral parts of existing and new developments so as (August to encourage their use and minimise crime and vandalism. Paper 3.1.13 Development for tourism, sport and leisure uses should, where appropriate, be opic located on previously developed land. The sensitive refurbishment and re-use of historic T buildings presenting particular opportunities for tourism and leisure facilities. Leisure Technical Advice Note (TAN) 16 Sport, Recreation and Open Space (2009) Indoor
3.1.14 TAN16 states that the objectives as set out in PPW can be best achieved by & undertaking local assessments of need and audits of all types of existing provision. The
Local Planning Authority should develop standards that reflect the local social, economic, Space demographic and geographical characteristics and that are based on robust evidence Open derived from an open space assessment. The open space assessment should include a - quantitative, qualitative and an accessibility component. LDP 3.1.15 The Local Planning Authority should also identify and protect open space with a significant amenity, nature conservation or recreational value and subsequently establish Deposit criteria against which sites should be assessed if development pressures arise. When planning new open space, sport and recreational facilities, design and noise issues need to be taken into consideration.
3.1.16 In terms of specific provision:
Policies in the LDP should address the need to provide and protect allotment / compost / wildlife sites where a shortfall has been identified and to improve the accessibility of such sites to all users.
The recreational potential for water based recreation should be considered as part of the open space assessment and be reflected in LDP preparation.
LDPs should identify suitable locations for golf courses, dependent on the Authority’s Open Space assessment. These golf courses should be promoted as a tourist attraction, as well as a sporting or recreational activity.
3.1.17 In order to improve access to open space, schools are encouraged to open their playing fields and premises for community use, particularly where there is limited provision of playing fields and open space. 7 3.1.18 TAN 16 states that it is essential that Local Authorities consider accessibility for people who have impaired mobility or impairment, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Disability Equality Duty 2006. As well as disabled people, Local Planning Authorities should also promote and provide better facilities for people from ethnic minorities and the disadvantaged. 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Deposit Environment Strategy for Wales (2006)
LDP 3.1.19 The Environment Strategy for Wales focuses on improving the built and natural environment, including encouraging the provision and retention of green spaces in urban -
Open areas. This strategy states that every community should have a high quality, well planned and maintained built environment which provides access to green spaces and areas for Space recreation, and supports biodiversity.
& Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity ‘Climbing Higher’ (2005) Indoor
3.1.20 'Climbing Higher’ sets out the Welsh Government’s long term strategy for an Leisure active, healthy and inclusive Wales where sport and physical activity are used to enhance the quality of life nationally and in local communities. T opic 3.1.21 Specific targets in the strategy include: Paper By 2025, no-one should live more than a 6 minute walk (300m) from their nearest (August natural greenspace.
2013) By 2025 all public sector employees and 75% of all other employees will have access to sport and physical activity facilities at, or within, 10 minutes walk of the workplace.
By 2025, the percentage of people in Wales using the Welsh natural environment for outdoor activities will increase from 36% to 60%.
By 2025, 95% of people in Wales will have a footpath or cycle path within a 10 minute walk.
3.1.22 The strategy states that young people’s needs (including those who are disabled) are a priority. The Welsh Government recognises the critical importance of play for the development of children’s physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills. It recognises that providing opportunities for physical health can help address wider health and well-being issues, particularly obesity and mental health, and that the closer a play area is to home, the more likely it is to be used by children.
Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales (2009-2013)
3.1.23 The Action Plan, published by the Welsh Government, summarises the key steps planned to secure a walking and cycling culture in Wales. It is evident from some of the aims of this action plan that implementation will be closely tied to LDPs. The Plan contains a range of actions grouped under the following four themes which seek to deliver these 8 objectives:
Changing Behaviour - walking and cycling to make an increasing contribution towards climate change targets and raising levels of physical activity.
Sustainable Travel encouraged via better Walking and Cycling Infrastructure - to create safe, attractive and convenient infrastructure for pedestrian and cycle travel. 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Policy Objectives - ensure that walking and cycling are included in cross-cutting
policies, guidance and funding. 2013)
Evaluation - to enable the Welsh Government and delivery partners to track progress (August in delivering the actions of this Plan and intended outcomes. Paper opic
3.1.24 Neath Port Talbot is already implementing this as the Council has a Walking and T Cycling Strategy.
The Physical Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales (2010) Leisure
3.1.25 'Creating an Active Wales' sets out the steps the Welsh Government will take, Indoor & with partners, to achieve an active, healthy and inclusive Wales. Priority actions have been
agreed under four strategic aims. Space
Active Environment - to develop and maintain a physical environment that makes Open it easier and safer for people to choose to be more physically active. - LDP
Active Children and Young People - to support children and young people to live active lives and become active adults. Deposit
Active Adults - to encourage more adults to be more active, more often, throughout life.
Sport for all - to increase participation in sport by all sectors of the population.
Children's and Families (Wales) Measure 2010
3.1.26 Chapter 2 of this measure relates to Play and Participation. It places duties on local authorities in relation to play, specifically that they must assess the sufficiency of play opportunities for children in their area. There are also duties in relation to children’s participation in decisions that affect them.
The Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 (Play Sufficiency Assessment) Regulations 2012
3.1.27 This guidance identifies the need for Authorities to produce an action plan where the play sufficiency assessment identifies an insufficiency in play opportunities for children in the Local Authority area. The action plan will be required to set out the steps needed to be taken to improve the play opportunities for children within the area. 9 Guidance to Local Authorities on Assessing for Sufficient Play Opportunities for Children
3.1.28 This guidance provides details of what the play assessment will need to cover and includes both traditional play opportunities (e.g. play areas and informal open space) and opportunities to play for example woodland, residential streets, beaches, river and 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Deposit lake sides etc. It also needs to take into account supervised play provision such as holiday play schemes, out of school childcare, leisure centre provision, clubs and youth clubs etc.
LDP The assessment will need to consider both quantity, quality and accessibility and take account of the provision available to different age groups. - Open Fields in Trust Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play (2008) Space 3.1.29 This is a nationally recognised benchmark for the standard of provision for sport
& and play facilities. Indoor
3.2 Local Policy Context Leisure Neath Port Talbot Working In Partnership 2013-2023: Single Integrated Plan (SIP) T opic 3.2.1 The Single Integrated Plan (SIP) replaces a number of current Council Plans and Paper Strategies. For information purposes only, Appendix 1 sets out the scope of the Plans and Strategies that are being replaced. (August 3.2.2 The SIP sets out the following vision for Neath Port Talbot: ‘Create a Neath Port
2013) Talbot where everyone has an equal opportunity to be healthier, happier, safer and prosperous’. The Plan outlines steps to protect and improve local services and support our communities over the period 2013-2023 and prioritises action in the following areas:
Children and Young People - working to ensure that children and young people get the best possible start in life and achieve their potential.
Anti-Poverty - supporting families on low incomes, prioritising mitigating impacts of welfare reform and make best use of available European funding.
Health Inequities - working to integrate local health and social care services for older and disabled people, with a strong focus on enabling people to retain or regain their.
Transport - identifying transport issues locally and explore how these might be addressed through local, regional and national mechanisms.
3.2.3 The Plan has five main outcomes to achieve the vision. The most relevant outcomes in regard to the open space topic include:
3.2.4 Outcome 1 - Healthier: Children and Young People in Neath Port Talbot are physically and emotionally healthy; Adults of working age in Neath Port Talbot are physically and emotionally healthy; and Older People are independent and enjoy a 10 good quality of life. 3.2.5 This outcome aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Neath Port Talbot’ residents and reduce the gap between the least and most healthy. To achieve this, a number of measures are identified, including:
Encouraging healthier lifestyles; 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Embed health improvement into policy making and service delivery arrangements;
and 2013)
Remodel and Integrate Health and Social Care Services. (August
3.2.6 Outcome 3 - Sustainable: Neath Port Talbot’s communities and environment Paper opic
are sustainable. T
3.2.7 This outcome will improve the sustainability of our communities and environment to create strong and sustainable communities to face increasing challenges. The following Leisure measures have been identified: Indoor & Develop communities that are strong and sustainable through meeting housing needs
across all tenures; Space
Ensure environmental sustainability by living within our limits and ensuring healthy Open - and clean air, land and water; LDP Protect, enhance and conserve our natural and built environment; Deposit Develop Sustainable Transport;
Reduce waste and move towards maximising recycling; and
Support opportunities for the building of safe, resilient, economically viable and sustainable communities.
3.2.8 Outcome 5 - Learning: People in Neath Port Talbot fulfil their learning potential.
3.2.9 This outcome will help and support people fulfil their learning potential to address instances of under achievement and raise standards in school and pupil performance through:
Improving education, ensuring schools are fit for purpose and are capable of delivering high quality education;
Supporting children and young people to fulfil their potential; and
Improving learning outcomes for adults. 11
Our Space Your Space (2009)
3.2.10 This Neath Port Talbot strategy identifies that there has been under investment in greenspace over the years and as a result the quality of sites and facilities has deteriorated. With increased funding and more efficient delivery techniques these sites 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Deposit can be improved. It also identifies that there has been insufficient community engagement and that there has not been a strategic approach in the past. The strategy identifies a
LDP number of aims including: -
Open To improve the provision and distribution of available facilities so everyone benefits.
Space To ensure easy accessibility to sites to encourage maximum use by as many people as possible. & Indoor 3.2.11 The following actions are identified to make the strategy happen: Leisure Greater community consultation and involvement. T opic Targeting resources more effectively. Paper
(August 3.2.12 Each of the different areas of greenspace has their own actions, these are too detailed to reproduce here, but are outlined in Appendix 2. 2013) Neath Port Talbot Walking and Cycling Action Plan (2010-2014)
3.2.13 The vision for walking and cycling within Neath Port Talbot is for the County Borough to become a place where increased numbers of residents and visitors walk and cycle as part of their daily lives.
3.2.14 The mission statement is to encourage more people to walk and cycle more safely and more often. To achieve this the Authority will:
Promote and encourage walking and cycling as an alternative to the private car (where practical), as an enjoyable, environmentally friendly and healthy activity for people of all ages and abilities.
Assist residents and visitors alike to pursue and enjoy the social, economic and leisure opportunities within the community in safety.
3.2.15 The actions are grouped around four main themes:
Active Communities: develop active communities through promotion to encourage walking and cycling for health and wellbeing, economic, and social inclusion benefits. 12 Healthy Commuting and Work Travel: encourage active commuting by walking and cycling within Neath Port Talbot for environmental and health benefits. 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Tourism: promote available activities and opportunities to tourists for economic
development. 2013)
Improving the Network: improve and maintain the walking and cycling network to (August enable safe walking and cycling. Paper opic
3.2.16 The Key Actions under each section are identified in the strategy. T
Neath Port Talbot Physical Activity and Health Action Plan (2006-2016) Leisure 3.2.17 This Action Plan is intended first and foremost to encourage and support local people in being physically active and to improve and sustain their health and well being. Indoor & The Plan specifically aims to: Space Increase the proportion of the adult population who undertake moderate intensity
physical activity for 30 minutes on at least five days every week. Open - LDP Increase the proportion of children and young people who undertake one hour of at least moderate intensity activity per day. Deposit
Reduce the percentage of the adult population who undertake no physical activity.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Unitary Development Plan (2008)
3.2.18 Existing policies are set out in the adopted UDP. The Authority's existing strategy seeks to (1) promote a sustainable pattern of provision which would enhance the facilities and opportunities available to residents and visitors, provided they would not cause unacceptable impacts, and (2) ensure that new development makes its fair contribution to the provision of necessary facilities and services, either within the site or as a contribution to provision to serve the area.
3.2.19 The policies contained within the UDP include:
RO1 - Protection of Recreation, Sports Facilities and Open Spaces;
RO2 - New Sport and Recreational Facilities;
RO3 - Provision of Open Space to serve New Residential Developments; RO4 - Access to the Countryside and Coast; and 13 RO5 - Water Based Recreation. 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
Deposit Neath Port Talbot Play Sufficiency Assessment (March 2013)
LDP 3.2.20 Conducted in response to the new duty laid out in the Children & Families (Wales) Measure 2010, the assessment considers the quantity and quality of play provision (ranging -
Open from play grounds, schools, organised activities and outdoor spaces) in communities across the County Borough to understand if provision is sufficient to meet the needs of Space children and families.
& 3.2.21 The Assessment considers a number of ‘matters’ which are identified in the Indoor Statutory Guidance:
Leisure A. Population; T
opic B. Providing for diverse needs;
Paper C. Space available for children to play;
(August D. Supervised provision;
2013) E. Charges for play provision;
F. Access to space / provision;
G. Securing and developing the play workforce;
H. Community engagement; and
I. Play within all relevant Policy and implementation agendas.
3.2.22 The outcomes of the Assessment have been developed into an Action Plan, which sets out how Neath Port Talbot will respond to the findings and move towards enhancing and improving provision for the benefit of children and young people across the County Borough.
3.2.23 The second part of the duty ‘to secure sufficient play opportunities’ is still to be introduced by the Welsh Government.
Neath Port Talbot Play Strategy (2012-2015)
3.2.24 This strategy recognises the importance of play in the lives of children and sets out a coordinated approach to the development and delivery of its play services with the aim of making the best use of all resources, financial and otherwise, to meet the play 14 needs of the children and young people of Neath Port Talbot. 3.2.25 It seeks to deliver the following objectives:
1. Encouraging more play provision;
2. Promoting the role of the school; 3 . Policy Context: National & Local
3. Ensuring communities are places where children and young people can play freely
and safely; 2013)
4. Developing a workforce that can support children and young people to play; (August
5. Providing quality in all aspects of children’s play; Paper opic
6. Managing risk and parental concern; T
7. Promoting the importance of children and young people’s involvement in decisions Leisure that affect their opportunities to play; and Indoor
8. Ensuring all children and young people are able to access a range of play opportunities & that meet their needs. Space
3.2.26 A Play Strategy Delivery Plan has been developed in order to take this forward Open - and incorporates the findings of the Play Sufficiency Assessment and the subsequent action plan. LDP Deposit
15 3 . Policy Context: National & Local Deposit LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
16 4 . Current Situation and Trends
4 Current Situation and Trends 2013) 4.0.1 Within the County Borough there are a wide range of opportunities for participating in sport and recreation. The importance of appropriate opportunities for recreation and (August leisure is vitally important in view of the significant health issues which residents within
the County Borough experience. It is important therefore, that as a means to remedying Paper some of the health issues, people can access a range of open space and recreational opic opportunities in their local communities. T
4.0.2 This section of the paper considers the current situation in relation to the following: Leisure
Open Space - including sports pitches, other outdoor sports facilities, children's play Indoor
facilities, informal open space, allotments, formal parks and gardens and civic spaces; & and Space Indoor Leisure. Open -
4.0.3 The section also briefly considers the current situation in regard to Greenspace LDP (i.e. Country Parks, green corridors, natural and semi-natural greenspace and water). Deposit Open Space
4.0.4 The data presented in this section of the paper has been informed by an Open Space Assessment(5) which provides a detailed study in regard to the provision of the range of recreational opportunities (both formal and informal) across the County Borough. The Assessment identifies by open space category, the level of existing provision by Electoral Ward and highlights where there are shortfalls and/or over-provision.
4.0.5 It should also be noted that in parallel the Education, Leisure & Lifelong Learning Directorate, through the Children & Young People’s Partnership, has conducted a 'Play Sufficiency Assessment' following statutory guidance from the Welsh Government. The assessment considered a range of play opportunities for children and young people – indoor and outdoor, supervised and unsupervised, formal and informal – and also factors such as access and charges which may impact on how easily children can use the opportunities available to them. The recommendations from the assessment have been incorporated into the delivery plan for the authority’s new Play Strategy, which identifies priorities for action. This may ultimately help address some of the shortfalls highlighted in this paper.
[1] Sports Pitches
4.0.6 There are a number of sports pitches (football, rugby, cricket) both public and 17 private across the County Borough and all have been taken into account when assessing whether the provision meets the standards as set out by the Fields in Trust (FIT)(6).
5 Neath Port Talbot Open Space Assessment (2012). 6 The Fields in Trust (FIT) Standard provides a benchmark of provision for several categories of formal open space. It equates to 2.4 hectares of open space per 1000 population subdivided into different categories. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit 4.0.7 The FIT standard for all sports is 1.6 hectares / 1000 population of which 1.15 hectares is for sports pitches. LDP 4.0.8 In regard to the provision of sports pitches in Neath Port Talbot, Table 4.1 below
- (7) Open identifies the Electoral Wards that do not meet the FIT standard .
Space Table 4.1 Electoral Wards Failing to meet the FIT Standard for Sports Pitch Provision
& Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Sports Pitch Provision (ha) Indoor Neath Aberdulais -0.01
Leisure Briton Ferry East -0.17
Cadoxton -1.62 T opic Cimla -0.65 Paper Coedffranc Central -1.03 (August Coedffranc North -2.77
Dyffryn -3.64 2013)
Neath East -1.06
Neath North -1.79
Neath South -5.72
Tonna -1.72
Port Talbot Aberavon -3.45
Baglan -4.86
Bryn & Cwmafan -1.82
Port Talbot -4.64
Sandfields East -0.26
Pontardawe Alltwen -2.00
Rhos -1.32
Afan Valley Cymmer -1.81
Gwynfi -0.77
Amman Valley Gwaun Cae Gurwen -1.64 18 Dulais Valley Crynant -0.68 Neath Valley Glynneath -1.80
Resolven -1.79
Swansea Valley Cwmllynfell -0.52
7 Full details are available in the Open Space Assessment (2012). 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Sports Pitch Provision (ha) 2013) Godre'r Graig -0.20
Ystalyfera -2.02 (August
4.0.9 The map below illustrates the geographical distribution of Electoral Wards that fail Paper
to achieve the FIT Standards for sports pitch provision. opic T
Picture 4.1 Electoral Wards Failing to meet FIT Standards for Sports Pitch Provision Leisure Indoor & Space Open - LDP Deposit
4.0.10 The data shows that some of the shortfalls identified are relatively small and others are much larger. Whilst it is evident that there are significant shortfalls in certain wards, it must be acknowledged that some wards share facilities and some schools allow dual use of their sports facilities. School sports pitches however, have not been included as part of the calculations as there are no formal written agreements in place regarding shared use. However, it is appropriate to take them into account when looking at wards with a shortfall in provision. [2] Other Outdoor Sport Facilities 19 4.0.11 Other outdoor sports facilities principally include bowling greens, tennis courts and athletics tracks(8).
8 Golf Courses / Golf Driving Ranges, whilst constituting outdoor sport facilities, have not been included in the Assessment. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit 4.0.12 The FIT standard for outdoor sport is 1.6 hectares / 1000 population of which 1.15 is for team sport. In regard to the provision of outdoor sport facilities in Neath Port (9)
LDP Talbot, Table 4.2 below identifies the Electoral Wards that do not meet the FIT standard . -
Open Table 4.2 Electoral Wards Failing to meet the FIT Standard for Total Outdoor Sport Provision
Space Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Pitch Sport Provision (ha)
Neath Aberdulais -1.09 & Indoor Briton Ferry East -1.12
Leisure Briton Ferry West -1.04
Bryncoch North -0.77 T opic Cadoxton -2.37 Paper Cimla -2.42
(August Coedffranc Central -2.25
Coedffranc North -3.86 2013) Dyffryn -5.06
Neath East -3.94
Neath North -3.02
Neath South -7.66
Tonna -2.85
Port Talbot Aberavon -5.90
Baglan -7.78
Bryn & Cwmafan -4.23
Port Talbot -6.74
Sandfields East -2.85
Pontardawe Alltwen -3.04
Rhos -2.42
Trebanos -0.02
Afan Valley Cymmer -2.34 20 Gwynfi -1.08 Amman Valley Gwaun Cae Gurwen -2.56
Lower Brynamman -0.53
Dulais Valley Crynant -1.42
9 Full details are available in the Open Space Assessment (2012). 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Pitch Sport Provision (ha) 2013) Onllwyn -0.19
Neath Valley Blaengwrach -0.68 (August
Glynneath -2.97 Paper Resolven -2.94 opic T Swansea Valley Cwmllynfell -0.80
Godre'r Graig -0.94 Leisure
Ystalyfera -3.13 Indoor & 4.0.13 The map below illustrates the geographical distribution of Electoral Wards that fail to achieve the FIT Standards for total outdoor sports provision. Space Open
Picture 4.2 Electoral Wards Failing to meet FIT Standards for Outdoor Sport Facilities - LDP Deposit
4.0.14 In similar regard to sports pitch provision, whilst it is evident that there are significant shortfalls in certain wards, it must be acknowledged that some wards share 21 facilities and some schools allow dual use of their sports facilities. School facilities however, have not been included as part of the calculations as there are no formal written agreements in place regarding shared use. However, it is appropriate to take them into account when looking at wards with a shortfall in provision. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit 4.0.15 There are four athletics tracks with facilities at Cwrt Herbert (Neath), Margam (Longlands Lane), Sandfields (Western Avenue) and Cwmtawe Comprehensive School
LDP which serve the County Borough. In addition, there are a number of golf courses and golf driving ranges both within and adjoining the County Borough. - Open Table 4.3 Golf Courses & Golf Driving Ranges in Neath Port Talbot Space Golf Courses Golf Driving Ranges &
Indoor Earlswood, Jersey Marine Aberdulais, Neath
Corus, Margam Lakeside, Margam Leisure (1) Glynneath Golf Club Seven Sisters, Dulais Valley T
opic The Gnoll, Neath
Paper Lakeside, Margam
Neath Golf Club, Cadoxton (August
Pontardawe Golf Club
2013) Swansea Bay, Jersey Marine
1. Glynneath Golf Course lies just outside the Neath Port Talbot County Boundary within Powys County Council.
4.0.16 The catchment areas for such facilities is wide and facilities in Maesteg, Clydach, Porthcawl, Morriston, Palleg and Garnant are also likely to be used by residents of the County Borough. It should be noted that there have been no planning applications or pre-application enquiries for new golf courses over the last few years in the County Borough which suggests that there is not an identified need for additional facilities.
[3] Children's Play Facilities
4.0.17 Children's play facilities includes all built play areas for children and youths and includes equipped playgrounds, Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs), teen shelters, BMX tracks, skateboard ramps and basketball courts.
4.0.18 The FIT standard for children's play is 0.25 hectares / 1000 population. In regard to the provision of children's play facilities in Neath Port Talbot, Table 4.4 below identifies the Electoral Wards that do not meet the FIT standard(10).
Table 4.4 Electoral Wards Failing to meet the FIT Standard for Children's Play Provision
Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Children's Play Provision (ha)
22 Neath Aberdulais -0.23
Briton Ferry East -0.55
Briton Ferry West -0.49
Bryncoch North -0.40
10 Full details are available in the Open Space Assessment (2012). 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Children's Play Provision (ha) 2013) Bryncoch South -1.12
Cadoxton -0.13 (August
Cimla -0.97 Paper Coedffranc North -0.43 opic T Dyffryn -0.46
Neath East -1.29 Leisure
Neath North -0.65 Indoor & Neath South -1.11
Tonna -0.25 Space
Port Talbot Aberavon -1.30 Open - Baglan -1.34 LDP Bryn & Cwmafan -0.60
Margam -0.68 Deposit
Port Talbot -1.18
Sandfields East -1.46
Sandfields West -0.63
Taibach -1.07
Pontardawe Alltwen -0.46
Pontardawe -1.00
Rhos -0.38
Trebanos -0.27
Afan Valley Cymmer -0.48
Glyncorrwg -0.19
Gwynfi -0.30
Pelenna -0.18
Amman Valley Gwaun Cae Gurwen -0.28
Lower Brynamman -0.15 23
Dulais Valley Seven Sisters -0.25
Neath Valley Blaengwrach -0.18
Glynneath -0.73
Resolven -0.21 4 . Current Situation and Trends Deposit Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Children's Play Provision (ha)
Swansea Valley Cwmllynfell -0.11 LDP
Godre'r Graig -0.13 - Open Ystalyfera -0.38 Space 4.0.19 The map below illustrates the geographical distribution of Electoral Wards that & fail to achieve the FIT Standards for children's play provision. Indoor
Picture 4.3 Electoral Wards Failing to meet FIT Standards for Children's Play Provision Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
4.0.20 Whilst it is evident that there are significant shortfalls in certain wards, it must be acknowledged that some wards share facilities. In respect of the shortfall in provision only four wards have the level of provision detailed in the FIT standards. However, it should be noted that these calculations relate to fixed equipped play areas and often children derive as much pleasure from devising their own play using everyday objects and features.
[4] Informal Open Space 24 4.0.21 Informal open space includes all areas which are generally maintained and can be used for informal purposes by the community and not just for informal children's play. Such areas may include large grassed areas and smaller areas with or without benches. There is no minimum size to be applied to this category, as a small parcel of informal open space in any given area with little provision can be beneficial. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
4.0.22 The FIT standard for informal space is 0.55 hectares / 1000 population. In regard to the provision of informal open space in Neath Port Talbot, Table 4.5 below identifies 2013) the Electoral Wards that do not meet the FIT standard(11).
Table 4.5 Electoral Wards Failing to meet the FIT Standard for Informal Open Space (August
Spatial Area Electoral Ward Shortfall in Informal Open Space (ha) Paper opic Neath Bryncoch North -1.20 T
Cimla -0.22 Leisure Coedffranc North -1.33 Indoor
Neath East -1.97 &
Neath North -0.35 Space Tonna -0.34 Open Port Talbot Margam -0.04 - LDP Port Talbot -2.19
Sandfields West -1.93 Deposit
Taibach -0.94
Pontardawe Alltwen -0.06
Pontardawe -0.12
Rhos -0.95
Trebanos -0.64
4.0.23 The map below illustrates the geographical distribution of Electoral Wards that fail to achieve the FIT Standards for informal open space provision.
25
11 Full details are available in the Open Space Assessment (2012). 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit Picture 4.4 Electoral Wards Failing to meet FIT Standards for Informal Open Space LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
4.0.24 It is evident that some wards experience a shortfall in provision, especially so in the more urban areas. In these areas the existing provision becomes even more valuable. There may be some areas with school grounds which could provide opportunities for informal recreation, but in many of the urban areas the schools have few green areas which could serve this purpose. It should also be noted that some grassed areas have also been replaced with facilities which allow greater use due to their all weather nature, which benefits the wider community.
4.0.25 Provision of informal open space within the valley areas is largely met. Generally within the valley areas there are extensive areas of accessible countryside and woodlands which are within easy reach of large parts of the community.
[5] Allotments
4.0.26 Allotments are provided across Neath Port Talbot by the Council, Community and Town Councils, Community organisations and private individuals / landowners and the size of sites vary considerably. It is apparent from the existing waiting lists within the 26 County Borough that there are not enough allotments to meet the need. Steps are however being taken to provide additional allotments in Neath and Skewen, but further allotments are needed. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
4.0.27 Whilst there is no recognised national standard for allotments, there are a number (12) of publications which suggest a standard of provision . It is considered that in order to 2013) secure allotment provision as part of any open space contributions a standard of provision be established in the order of 0.19 hectares / 1000 population. (August
4.0.28 As it would not be feasible for each individual community to have its own allotment Paper facility, it is considered that the allotment standard should be applied to the larger spatial opic area level rather than at Electoral Ward level. On this basis, Table 4.6 below highlights T the fact that all Spatial Areas have a shortfall in allotment provision. Leisure Table 4.6 Spatial Areas Experiencing a Shortfall in Allotment Provision Indoor
Spatial Area Shortfall in Allotment Provision (ha) &
Afan Valley -0.16 Space Amman Valley -0.80 Open Dulais Valley -0.99 -
Neath -6.89 LDP
Neath Valley -0.38 Deposit Pontardawe -2.19
Port Talbot -5.07
Swansea Valley -1.10
[6] Formal Parks and Gardens
4.0.29 There are a number of formal parks and gardens across the County Borough provided and maintained by the County Borough and Community / Town Councils. These have an important role to play as they are often have a range of facilities and encourage visitors from a wider area. In terms of the assessment, the individual components of the parks have been considered in the appropriate open space category. The range of facilities and size of the parks varies considerably while some are classed as historic parks and gardens (e.g. Victoria Gardens in Neath, Talbot Memorial Park in Port Talbot and Jersey Park in Briton Ferry). Whilst it is unlikely that new formal parks will be established, it is important that existing parks are protected.
[7] Civic Spaces
4.0.30 The County Borough contains a number of Civic Squares which are of benefit to the local and wider communities for recreation, social and cultural events. They vary in 27 size and can often be a focal point for residents within the community offering opportunities to meet and socialise(13).
12 More information is provided in the Neath Port Talbot Open Space Assessment (2012). 13 More information is provided in the Neath Port Talbot Open Space Assessment (2012). 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit Indoor Leisure
LDP 4.0.31 In Neath Port Talbot the Leisure Centres are located close to centres of population. There are five Leisure Centres run by Celtic Leisure(14), offering a range of services and - Open classes for residents. These are located in Neath (the Sports Centre and Leisure Centre), Glynneath, Pontardawe, Hengwrt (Briton Ferry) and Blaengwynfi (Social Welfare Centre) Space as shown on the map below. In addition the private Health Club at Llandarcy also provides a broad range of facilities. & Indoor 4.0.32 There are a range of facilities and classes available at these sports centres to
Leisure suit all ages and abilities. The facilities offered vary between sports centres and include gyms, fitness centres, weights rooms, sports halls, badminton and squash. Typical classes include yoga, body pump, tai-chi, circuits, 50+ etc. It is evident that a wide variety of T opic opportunities exist for residents to participate in recreational activities within these centres,
Paper in addition to the privately run classes which take place in halls and community centres across the County Borough. (August 4.0.33 Swimming pools in the County Borough are located at Neath, Cymmer, Glynneath and Pontardawe. Ystalyfera and Llangatwg schools allow the community use of their 2013) swimming pools out of hours. The pools offer a range of facilities including swimming lessons, lifesaving, pool parties, aqua fitness etc. The facilities vary depending on the individual pool. Their locations are also shown on the map below.
28
14 An Industrial and Provident Society to manage leisure facilities on behalf of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Map 4.1 Leisure Centres / Swimming Pools in Neath Port Talbot 2013) (August Paper opic T Leisure Indoor & Space Open - LDP Deposit
4.0.34 In 2009 a fire destroyed the Afan Lido Sports Centre and the Aquadome swimming pool in Port Talbot. Cabinet Members have recently approved plans and designs for the New Afan Lido sports complex, which will be built on the Hollywood Park site adjacent to the cinema. Work is expected to start on-site by the end of 2013 and will take 15 months to complete. The new facility will provide an eight lane 25m swimming pool, splash pool, spectator gallery, changing facilities, café, indoor soft play area, fitness suite, four court sports hall, meeting rooms and a dance studio / dojo. This will provide a significant facility for the residents of Port Talbot and the County Borough as a whole.
4.0.35 With the exception of the replacement facility in Port Talbot there are no plans to provide any additional indoor leisure facilities. It is unlikely that there will be any additional publicly funded new facilities built over the life of the Plan.
4.0.36 A range of facilities are also provided by the private sector (including health clubs and dance studios) and Community Councils (including community Halls). 29
4.0.37 These services are supplemented by the facilities provided by Schools. Some schools, by agreement, allow the public to access particular facilities out of school hours. They are a very useful resource and it makes sense to utilise buildings and facilities which the Council provides which would otherwise be lying idle after hours or in school holidays. The Community School Scheme is a way of making better use of facilities already provided 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit by the Council, it can save money by avoiding duplication of facilities and can help place the school at the centre of the community. The map below details the schools that offer
LDP sports / leisure facilities for community use. -
Open 4.0.38 The schools and the facilities they make available are detailed in the table in Appendix 3. It is evident that many communities do not have access to schools which Space share their facilities and some areas also have limited access to Council provided leisure facilities. For example, there are no formal indoor leisure facilities in the Amman or Dulais &
Indoor Valleys and whilst they have schools which share their facilities with the community, no leisure provision is offered. Leisure Map 4.2 Schools with Shared Sports / Leisure Facilities T opic Paper (August 2013)
30 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Greenspace 2013) [1] Country Parks
4.0.39 There are a number of Country Parks including The Gnoll, Margam Park, Afan (August Forest Park, Craig Gwladys and the Aberdulais Canal Basin. These areas contain a range Paper of accessible open space much of which is natural and provides a resource for residents opic of the County Borough and beyond. T
[2] Green Corridors Leisure
4.0.40 This includes rivers and canal paths, footpaths, cycle ways, bridleways and Indoor rights of way. &
4.0.41 A major contributor to footpath provision in the coastal area has been the recent Space opening of the 'All Wales Coastal Path', which has improved accessibility to the coastal Open
area for walkers. There are a number of other long distance walking routes including the - St Illtyd's Way, Coed Morgannwg Way and Sarn Helen Roman Road. LDP 4.0.42 In addition the towpaths of the Neath, Tennant and Swansea Canals provide
opportunities for recreation and the Neath Canal offers opportunities for boating and the Deposit Neath and Tennant Canals opportunities for fishing. These provide important recreational walking routes linking into the centre of Neath and Pontardawe.
4.0.43 The public rights of way network is quite extensive across the County Borough and many communities are linked to the open countryside beyond their built up area by footpaths and bridleway routes. Many of these routes offer the opportunity to experience and enjoy the landscape and views these routes afford.
4.0.44 Whilst overall there is a good network of both on-road and off-road cycle routes, some communities have limited or no access to cycle routes (e.g. the Dulais Valley). Many of the routes are recreational, but many offer opportunities to link communities and link with the National Cycle Network.
4.0.45 The Afan Forest Park contains a wealth of Mountain bike trails which are well renowned and are used not just by residents but also from visitors from further afield.
[3] Natural & Semi-Natural Greenspace
4.0.46 This includes woodland, grassland, common and open access land and the coast.
4.0.47 The Borough contains a wealth of natural and semi-natural greenspaces, many of which have good accessibility. For example, there is much land owned by Natural 31 Resources Wales (NRW) which is freely accessible and there are large expanses of Common and Open access land with good footpath links. Much of this land is located in the valley communities.
4.0.48 There are a number of woodland areas which have public access including Shelone Woods in Briton Ferry (Neath), Craig Gwladys / Cadoxton Woods (Neath), Cwm Du Glen and the Glanrhyd Plantation (Pontardawe), Dyffryn Woods (Margam), Afan Forest 4 . Current Situation and Trends
Deposit (Afan Valley), Rheola Forest (Neath Valley) and the Forestry plantations and Woodland Trust sites. The areas of woodland vary in size and many are accessible to the urban
LDP areas. They provide a useful resource for recreation and enjoyment. -
Open 4.0.49 The coast also offers opportunities for recreation and leisure, with areas of both developed and undeveloped coastline. For example, the Aberafan Seafront offers an Space extensive area of promenade readily accessible to a large population with opportunities for walking and cycling. The beach itself offers opportunities for surfing, kite boarding, &
Indoor wind surfing and swimming. Furthermore, the range of ancillary services available encourages use by the wider community. Other parts of the coastline are less developed
Leisure and offer opportunities for recreation including the beach at Jersey Marine and the All Wales Coastal Path. T opic 4.0.50 There are other areas of land within the County Borough offering recreational
Paper potential (e.g Glantawe Riverside Park, Pant y Sais Fen and Eaglesbush Valley), which have good accessibility to communities. (August 4.0.51 Whilst the towns of Neath and Port Talbot are located in close proximity to the coastal belt, the valleys are surrounded by accessible countryside resulting in the population 2013) being within a short distance of natural and semi-natural greenspace. Residents within the valley communities in particular are surrounded by open countryside with a range of public rights of way, open access land or other accessible land which offer opportunities for informal recreation, walking or play.
[4] Water
4.0.52 There are a number of recreational opportunities afforded by water in the County Borough. They include:
The Neath, Swansea and Tennant Canals are important linear recreational routes, all allow fishing and the Neath Canal allows boating also.
There are waterside recreational opportunities afforded by the coastal areas to the south of the County Borough including sailing, swimming and surfing.
The lake at Eglwys Nunydd is used for sailing and there are fishing lakes at Abernant (Cimla), Tyn y Graig (Crynant) and the Gnoll (Neath). The lakes at Rheola are also used for water sports.
32 5 . Summary of Consultation Responses
5 Summary of Consultation Responses 2013) 5.0.1 This section of the paper summarises the main issues and comments raised following: (August
The formal Pre-Deposit Consultation (September / October 2011); and Paper opic
The informal Emerging Deposit Plan Proposals Consultation (September / October T 2012). Leisure
5.0.2 The Pre-Deposit Consultation was the first of two formal consultations on the Indoor
LDP and focused on the Authority's vision, strategic options, preferred strategy and key & policies. A previous version of this Topic Paper was published alongside the Pre-Deposit
Plan. Space
5.0.3 The Emerging Deposit Plan Proposals were discussed at a series of informal Open - meetings with a variety of stakeholder organisations. These included representatives of the many interest and community groups in the County Borough. At the same time all of LDP the information presented at the stakeholder meetings was made available on the Council's website and anyone or organisation that is interested in the future development of Neath Deposit Port Talbot was invited to comment.
5.0.4 The Deposit Plan Proposals Report (Sept’12) set out the emerging picture both in terms of the overall strategy for the LDP and the various topic based policies that will be included. The report was accompanied by the emerging Proposals Map which showed the geographical location of the emerging policies and proposals.
5.0.5 It should be emphasised however that this section does not present a comprehensive and exhaustive list of all comments received, moreover the following seeks only to summarise the main issues raised. Full details of comments received and the Council's responses to those comments are set out in the Initial Consultation Report(15).
Provision for All
The needs of young people need to be given priority with a focus on the needs of deprived communities.
There is a need to ensure that leisure and recreation facilities are usable by people of all abilities.
There is insufficient emphasis and positive approval for disabled people and their need for easy ramped and dropped kerb access to indoor and outdoor facilities. 33
Need for Definitions
Definitions of open space and greenspace should be provided in the Plan.
15 LDP Initial Consultation Report (August 2013). 5 . Summary of Consultation Responses
Deposit Other
LDP In reference to the canal system further opportunities for biodiversity / ecology as well as fishing / water activities to benefit local tourism should be considered. - Open Omission of a reference to water resource and water quality management. Space There is no discernible forestry orientated policy or new proposals for the Plan area.
& These areas offer extensive potential for tourism and recreational activities. Indoor
Care needed not to let new housing developments destroy much needed open spaces. Leisure
The open space provision should be seen as something more than just the provision T
opic of facilities such as sports pitches and allotments. The provision of natural and semi-natural 'wild' areas is of great importance in this respect. Places for people to Paper sit, think, walk, bike or run in, while surrounded by natural habitats and landscape,
(August provide equally valuable healthy recreational opportunities. Accessible, wild, coastal environments, ancient woodland, canal corridors with natural vegetation, forestry tracks should be seen in this way as well as in terms of their inherent biodiversity 2013) provision.
The provision of pedestrian and cyclist networks may also be of benefit to ecology / biodiversity in creating new wildlife / green corridors.
34 6 . Issues to be Addressed
6 Issues to be Addressed 2013) 6.0.1 Having considered (1) the requirements of National policy and guidance, (2) the matters that have emerged from the evidence base and (3) the responses received to the (August consultation stages, this section of the paper considers in more detail the issues that the
LDP has to address. Paper opic Level of Open Space Provision in Neath Port Talbot T
6.0.2 The data presented in Chapter 4 identifies that there are particular areas of the Leisure County Borough with a shortfall in provision of different categories of open space. Appendix 4 collates and presents this data by Spatial Area / Electoral Ward. Indoor & 6.0.3 It is evident from the data that the provision of open space across the County
Borough varies and it is therefore difficult to establish a distinct pattern. Few wards are Space able to meet the FIT standard for all categories with shortfalls in children's play being the Open most prevalent. Most communities meet the target for informal open space especially - those in the valley communities. LDP 6.0.4 It is noted that many wards have pre-existing shortfalls. The two overarching open space categories are outdoor sport (1.6ha / 1000 population) and Children's play (0.8ha Deposit / 1000 population), which are then further subdivided.
6.0.5 The following table summarises the extent of the shortfall in provision by spatial area. The fractions indicate the number of wards which do not meet the FIT standard of provision in relation to the total number of wards in that area (e.g. 2/4 indicates that 2 out of a total of 4 wards do not meet the standard).
Table 6.1 Shortfall in Open Space Provision by Spatial Area(16)
Spatial area Total Pitch Sport Total Children's Informal Allotments Outdoor Children's Play Sport Play
Afan Valley 2/4 2/4 4/4
Amman Valley 2/2 1/2 2/2
Dulais Valley 2/3 1/3 1/3
Neath 13/15 11/15 7/15 13/15 6/15
Neath Valley 3/3 2/3 1/3 3/3 Pontardawe 3/4 2/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 35 Port Talbot 5/8 5/8 4/8 8/8 4/8
Swansea Valley 3/3 3/3 1/3 3/3
16 A blue coloured cell indicates that the standard is not met and a yellow cell indicates that all wards in the Spatial Area meet that particular standard. 6 . Issues to be Addressed Deposit Spatial area Total Pitch Sport Total Children's Informal Allotments Outdoor Children's Play Sport Play LDP
- Overall % shortfalls 79% 62% 40% 90% 33% 100% Open
Space 6.0.6 In light of the data compiled and in accordance with national planning policy and guidance, the LDP will need to address how more equitable provision of open space is
& delivered across the County Borough. The LDP strategy will therefore need to ensure that Indoor all residents have access to open space by firstly retaining and enhancing existing provision and secondly, requiring new development to make provision for open space where there Leisure is an identified need. T
opic 6.0.7 The approach to be taken in the LDP will be as follows:
Paper Through the identification of a 'Settlement Hierarchy'(17), development will be directed to the most sustainable locations and those settlements that can more appropriately (August accommodate growth in terms of their function. This will lead to greater accessibility to both existing and proposed facilities. 2013) A policy will be developed to ensure that where there is a quantitative deficiency in outdoor sport, children's play, informal open space or allotments, provision will be sought, including the requirement for maintenance, in conjunction with all new residential developments of 3 or more dwellings, based on identified standards. In the case of employment or commercial development proposals, provision will be sought for associated amenity space;
Where there is an existing shortfall in provision, there will be a need to make the required provision for that particular category and where there are multiple deficiencies, an assessment will be made as to which categories will be prioritised. Furthermore, in cases where adequate open space provision exists in the vicinity of a development but has poor accessibility, improved access links may be sought as an alternative to new provision;
A policy will be developed to protect all areas of existing open space. Any proposals to develop them will need to satisfy criteria which will seek to ensure that all possible options have been assessed before consideration is given to any alternative use of the open space.
Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will be prepared to support the policies and set out in more detail how the policies will be applied in particular circumstances or 36 areas.
6.0.8 The provision of infrastructure, including open space and recreational facilities, will be of great importance in terms of the delivery of new development proposed within the LDP. Infrastructure is seen as critical in supporting communities and ensuring that
17 Deposit - Settlement Topic Paper (August 2013). 6 . Issues to be Addressed
aspirations are met. Planning Obligations(18) are often used to ensure that the effects of developments are fully addressed in order to make the development acceptable. In this 2013) regard, the approach to be taken in the LDP will be as follows:
A policy will be developed to ensure that developments meet the infrastructure needs (August that it generates. The priorities given to the provision of the different types of Paper infrastructure and community benefits will vary according to the area concerned, the opic nature of the site and development proposed and the specific policies applicable to T the development. Leisure Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will be prepared to support the policy and
set out in more detail how the policy will be applied in particular circumstances or Indoor
areas. & Space Key Issues Open - 6.0.9 The Pre-Deposit Plan identified the following key issue in respect of open space: LDP Some communities experience a shortfall in the provision of community and
recreational facilities. Deposit
6.0.10 Whilst standards can be applied to the provision of open space, there are no standards that can be applied to the provision of community facilities and therefore provision in this respect is difficult to quantify. As such, proposals for the creation of new, or loss of existing community facilities, will be assessed against policies in the Plan.
6.0.11 In order to improve clarity for the Deposit Plan therefore, the following key issue specifically relating to open space has been developed(19):
There is a shortfall in the provision of open space in some communities.
37
18 A legally binding agreement between a developer and the Local Planning Authority to ensure a development is carried out in a certain way. 19 The Pre-Deposit Plan identified a total of 29 key issues. The Deposit Plan is now better informed by a strengthened identification of just 18 key issues. 6 . Issues to be Addressed Deposit LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
38 7 . Objectives
7 Objectives 2013) 7.0.1 The objectives are at the centre of the LDP, they emerge from the vision and key issues and form the basis for future policy development. (August
Pre-Deposit Objectives Paper opic
7.0.2 The Pre-Deposit Plan identified a number of objectives, the following are relevant T to open space and recreation (the numbering follows the numbering in the Pre-Deposit Plan): Leisure
[1] Deliver sustainable, safe and confident communities via the co location of jobs Indoor
and facilities and the development of community hubs and services in accordance & with the settlement framework. This will deliver a better and more equitable quality of
life for all residents. Space Open
[5] Provide for the required quantity and range of accessible leisure, recreational, - health, social and community facilities throughout the County Borough. LDP [6] Reduce people's exposure to the determinants of poor health and provide an
environment that encourages healthy, active and safer lifestyles. Deposit
Deposit Objectives
7.0.3 In order to better reflect the revised key issue and improve clarity for the Deposit Plan, the following specific objective is proposed:
Deliver more equitable open space provision within and around settlements.
7.0.4 In addition, the following objectives proposed for the Deposit Plan are relevant to open space and recreation:
Reduce people's exposure to the determinants of poor health and provide an environment that encourages healthy, active and safer lifestyles.
Deliver sustainable, safe and confident communities and develop vibrant settlements supporting a range and mix of facilities and services.
Maximise accessibility to a range of leisure, recreational, health, social and community facilities in line with the role and function of settlements. 39 7 . Objectives Deposit LDP - Open Space & Indoor Leisure T opic Paper (August 2013)
40 8 . Strategic Policy Development
8 Strategic Policy Development 2013) 8.0.1 At the Pre-Deposit stage, the overall Preferred Strategy was underpinned by a number of topic based and area based strategies. (August
8.0.2 Having considered the consultation responses, issues and objectives outlined in Paper previous chapters, this section of the paper sets out how the strategy has evolved since opic the Pre-Deposit stage. Where appropriate, amendments and additions to the strategies T are highlighted and explained. Leisure Pre-Deposit Strategy Indoor
8.0.3 The Pre-Deposit Plan included the following topic based strategy for open space & and recreation: Space Open
Open space and recreation provision will be key to encouraging healthier and more - active lifestyles. The strategy will integrate provision with the settlement strategy and: LDP Provide opportunities for outdoor and indoor sport and leisure based provision
by the County Borough, Community Council's, sports clubs and private Deposit enterprises. Opportunities for co-location and joint use will be promoted and the strategy will seek to ensure that new provision is well located to serve all the community.
Within each spatial area a detailed strategy will be prepared which balances the costs of provision and maintenance of facilities against the needs of the community, which will include developer contributions from new development.
Provide and protect an open space network (including playing fields, informal open space, allotments, Country Parks and Public Rights of Way) that meets the needs of people of all abilities. This will include a range of facilities from local provision for everyday use to larger more extensive provision which serves a wider area.
8.0.4 In addition, the Pre-Deposit Area Based Strategies included the following provisions:
41 8 . Strategic Policy Development Deposit Neath LDP Neath offers a number of opportunities to participate in sport and recreation in a variety -
Open of both formal and informal settings. There is a network of Public Rights of Way (as well as canal towpaths and cycle routes), Country Parks, parks, sports pitches, indoor Space leisure, allotments, golf courses, children’s play facilities and areas of informal open space. However, some areas suffer from a significant lack of provision (e.g. &
Indoor Melincryddan), which the LDP will need to address.
Port Talbot Leisure
Much of Port Talbot has areas of accessible countryside within walking distance of T
opic communities via a network of footpaths and bridleways. Margam Country Park is used by residents from all over the County Borough and tourists as a leisure and recreation Paper destination. The Aberavon seafront and beach is an important attraction for both
(August residents and visitors and there are a number of urban parks located in the area.
Whilst some parts of the urban area are well provided there are areas in which there 2013) is an under provision.
The Aberavon Seafront is an emerging tourism and leisure complex. The redevelopment of the Afan Lido sports complex, which was destroyed by fire, will provide a leisure and community hub that will strengthen the area's attractiveness. The Harbourside redevelopment will provide leisure and recreational facilities including a new sports stadium and waterfront leisure area.
The Valleys
The valleys landscape offers particular opportunities for activity and culture based tourism and leisure. They also offer potential for participation in both formal and informal recreation. Tourism provision, and developments that take advantage of these facilities will be promoted. They include mountain biking in the Afan Valley, active pursuits (e.g. triathlon and the rally in the Neath Valley), the Cefn Coed Mining Museum in the Dulais Valley and the trotting track in the Amman Valley. Although communities may be surrounded by countryside and open access land, the potential for active leisure within communities may be limited, particularly for those with mobility problems.
Reflecting their small population and isolation, it will be particularly important that where the opportunity arises, new development performs a wider community function 42 (e.g. by co-location and multi-use of facilities). This will help improve the vitality, viability and attractiveness of the centres and promote social inclusion and confident communities.
8.0.5 The Pre-Deposit Plan also contained the following Strategic Policy (the numbering follows the numbering in the Pre-Deposit Plan): 8 . Strategic Policy Development
Policy 12 - Open Space, Leisure and Recreational Facilities 2013)
The LDP will seek to ensure the provision of sufficient open space, leisure and (August recreational facilities within the County Borough by: Paper Prioritising the provision of open space, green space or community facilities, opic
within existing urban areas, in redevelopment schemes; T
Retaining and, wherever possible, enhancing existing open space and recreational Leisure facilities; Indoor
Ensuring new developments address local needs and thus allocate land for public & open space, children’s play facilities, green space and allotments; Space Improving walking and cycling routes. Open - LDP Deposit Plan Strategy Deposit 8.0.6 The single strategic policy set out below has been developed for the Deposit Plan. This incorporates all relevant elements of the Preferred Strategy.
8.0.7 Whilst the core strategy has essentially remained the same, it is now more specific to the provision of open space. For example, the reference to improving the walking and cycling network is now more appropriately linked to 'achieving sustainable accessibility' and has therefore been incorporated into the Plan's transport strategy(20). The strategic policy for open space seeks to ensure that all residents have access to adequate open space through (1) ensuring that new development addresses local needs; and (2) that existing open spaces are retained and protected.
8.0.8 The LDP also seeks to deliver more equitable open space provision through directing development to the most sustainable locations (i.e. through the identification of a Settlement Hierarchy), which ultimately would lead to greater accessibility to both existing and proposed facilities(21).
8.0.9 Strategic Policy: Open Space
43
20 Deposit - Transport Topic Paper (August 2013). 21 Further information is provided in the Deposit - Settlement Topic Paper (August 2013). 8 . Strategic Policy Development Deposit Open Space LDP Provision will be made to ensure that all residents have access to adequate Open -
Open Space through the following measures:
Space 1. Ensuring that new development addresses local needs;
& 2. Retaining and protecting existing Open Space. Indoor Leisure 8.0.10 The LDP strategy is to address inequalities in Open Space provision where T
opic possible through the planning system by retaining and enhancing existing provision and requiring new development to make provision for Open Space where there is a need. The Paper term 'Open Space' refers to publicly accessible recreational space and includes playing fields, sports pitches and courts; children's play areas, facilities for older children, informal (August open space, parks and allotments.
2013) 8.0.11 Open Space gives the opportunity for more active lifestyles and together with improving walking and cycling routes helps to create a more active environment.
44 9 . Detailed Policy Development
9 Detailed Policy Development 2013) 9.0.1 In order to implement the strategy at the local level (through the determination of planning applications), the following detailed topic-based policies have been developed (August for the Deposit Plan. Paper 9.0.2 Policy OS1: Open Space Provision opic T
Open Space Provision Leisure
Where there is a quantitative deficiency in outdoor sport, children's play, informal Indoor
space or allotments, provision will be sought, including the requirement for & maintenance, in conjunction with all new residential developments of 3 or more
dwellings, based on the following standards: Space Open
Open Space Standard -
Outdoor Sport 1.6 hectares per 1000 population LDP
Children's Play 0.25 hectares per 1000 population Deposit Informal Space 0.55 hectares per 1000 population
Allotments 0.19 hectares per 1000 population
In the case of employment or commercial development proposals of over 1000 sqm, provision will be sought for associated amenity space.
9.0.3 The application of these standards will ensure that all new residential development of 3 or more units makes a contribution towards the Open Space provision for future occupants.
9.0.4 The Open Space Assessment and Open Space and Indoor Leisure Topic Paper identify existing provision for the different categories of Open Space by ward (or by spatial areas for allotments). Where there is an existing shortfall in provision, there will be a need to make the required provision for that particular category. Where there are multiple deficiencies, an assessment will be made as to which categories will be prioritised.
9.0.5 Open Space provision will be required for employment developments as well as residential to allow employees to access outdoor amenity space close to the workplace in the interests of health and well being. As the population of the County Borough experiences a range of health problems, all opportunities to increase participation 45 in healthy recreational activities will be taken.
9.0.6 Where adequate Open Space exists in the vicinity of a development but has poor accessibility, improved access links may be sought as an alternative to Open Space provision. 9 . Detailed Policy Development
Deposit 9.0.7 Policy OS2: Protection of Existing Open Space LDP Protection of Existing Open Space - Open Any proposals which would result in the loss of an existing area of Open Space will
Space only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
& 1. The Open Space is no longer needed; and Indoor
2. There is no shortfall of provision of that category of open space in the ward, before Leisure or as a result of the development; and T
opic 3. The site would not be suitable to provide an alternative type of Open Space for which there is a shortfall. Paper
(August Or:
2013) It can be demonstrated that equivalent or enhanced facilities can be provided on a suitable and accessible replacement site which would serve the local community equally well.
9.0.8 Areas of Open Space are important to the community and can be an integral part of communities and their character. Loss of even small areas can have an impact on the local area, especially where there is an existing shortfall or where alternative facilities are not readily accessible to the community affected by the lost facility. Whilst national policy protects sports pitches this policy seeks to protect all areas of open space. Any proposals to develop them will need to satisfy the specified criteria which seek to ensure that all possible options have been assessed before consideration is given to the alternative use of the Open Space.
9.0.9 The evidence of need will vary depending on the facility under consideration, but could include details of why the open space is no longer in use, when and what it was used for, what alternative provision there is locally and what other open space options have been considered for the land. Pre-application discussion with the Planning Authority will help identify what information should be provided on a case by case basis.
9.0.10 There may be occasions where alternative provision can be made within a local area, which will provide equivalent or enhanced facilities on an alternative site, however that alternative provision must also be fully accessible and within walking distance of the 46 residents that are served by the existing facility.
9.0.11 Further details on the approach to be taken in relation to Open Space will be given in Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies
Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies 2013) The Single Integrated Plan (SIP) was recently adopted by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, replacing a number of Plans and Strategies. For information purposes (August only, the section below sets out the scope of the Plans and Strategies that are being
replaced. Paper opic The Community Plan (2010-2020) T
One of the aims of the Community Plan is that by 2020 local communities will be more Leisure aware of the opportunities for enjoying culture, physical activity, play and sport. Indoor
In terms of confident communities by 2014: &
The impact of public services upon the environment, including the physical Space infrastructure required for sustainable communities, will be reflected in the Local Open
Development Plan and planning processes. - LDP In terms of the Environment by 2014: Deposit To help improve the health and well being of all citizens, healthy and clean air, land and water are secured by robust environmental management systems. The diversity of local habitats and species is successfully managed, protected and enhanced helping citizens enjoy wildlife and a healthy environment.
All citizens have safe, litter-free, accessible green spaces within walking distance from their homes.
In terms of transport by 2014:
The awareness, acceptability and use of sustainable transport, such as public transport, walking and cycling has increased.
In terms of health social care and wellbeing by 2014:
There are stronger health improvement connections between the different strategies, plans and services. This includes information and support to encourage physical activity and healthier food choices and tackle smoking, alcohol consumption and drug taking. 1 Children and Young People’s Plan (2011-2014)
The vision is that "Children and Young People in Neath Port Talbot will be healthy, confident, active individuals who achieve their potential within a safe home and community that is free from poverty, abuse and exploitation". Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies
Deposit The document contains seven core aims, one of which is that all children should "Have access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities". LDP A number of challenges to this provision were identified in the previous plan, including: - Open The reduction in natural play spaces. Space
& The proportion of girls and boys classed as obese in Wales by the age 15 is higher Indoor than England and Scotland.
Leisure Access to a range of play, sport, leisure and cultural opportunities for children and vulnerable children and young people particularly for young people with disabilities. T opic Engagement of girls aged 11–16 in sport. Paper The proportion of young people who are sufficiently active reduces between the ages (August of 15 and 24. 2013) Since the last plan the following progress has been made:
A Play Development team is in place, delivering play schemes, after school activities and supporting communities to develop their play opportunities.
A play audit has been undertaken.
There has been no further reduction in natural play spaces.
One of the priorities (over the next 3 years) is to improve the physical health and emotional well being of children and young people. A number of actions are proposed which seek to address this including:
Support schools to maintain initiatives, both in schools and local communities, that support improved emotional well being, physical activity and healthy eating and which reduce accidents and injuries.
Further develop plans, services and activities to improve levels of physical activity, diet and address rising obesity.
Develop a strategy for play to help focus, prioritise and co-ordinate play services for 2 children. Further develop initiatives to promote the engagement of more young people in sports, leisure and cultural activities, ensuring that these activities are accessed by young people who have left school and by disadvantaged groups including ethnic minorities, disabled children, young offenders and looked after children. Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies
The Welsh Government requires the preparation of a local 'Creating an Active Wales Plan' to ensure local implementation of the targets and vision in the national physical activity 2013) plan for Wales. The specific targets for Creating an Active Wales which contribute to the long term ambition to create an active, healthy and inclusive Wales are: (August
To shift the average point of activity for adults from 30 minutes on 2.4 days per week Paper to 30 minutes on 3.4 days per week by 2020. opic T
To shift the average point of activity for 11 to 16 year olds from 60 minutes on 3.9 days per week to 60 minutes on 4.9 days per week by 2020. Leisure Indoor & In 2006, partners in Neath Port Talbot worked together in developing two key plans for Physical Activity: a Strategic Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and a Sport and Active Space Living Strategy. In 2008, these plans were used to support the development and monitoring of the Local Agreement for Physical Activity (LAPA) with the Sports Council for Wales. Open - The LAPA has been the key service delivery mechanism for the plans. LDP As a result of Welsh Government policy initiatives since this time, the work of the Physical
Activity and Healthy Eating partnership groups and the Core Aim 4 Group for Play, Sport, Deposit Leisure and Culture have been combined. The remit of this combined group will be to revise and update the physical activity and healthy eating plans so as to create one integrated plan which will include actions to:
Align the work with the priorities within Creating an Active Wales.
Implement the Obesity Pathway.
Achieve priorities relating to play, sport, leisure and culture identified in the Children and Young People’s Plan and Child Poverty Strategy, the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 and the Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy.
Support the transition of healthy lifestyle into adult life.
The ongoing challenge is to co-ordinate and target the development of play opportunities to meet agreed priorities.
Health Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy (2011–2014)
The partnership has agreed a number of priority projects for the next strategy round. Those Health Improvement priorities affecting recreation and open space primarily relates to 3 reducing obesity.
Neath Port Talbot has the third highest percentage of people in Wales reporting themselves as obese or overweight at 61%. This is higher that the national average of 57% and of neighbouring local authorities / localities with Swansea at 56% and Bridgend at 59%. Appendix 1: Council Plans & Strategies
Deposit Contributory factors to obesity and overweight are poor diet and low levels of physical activity. Overall, only 27% of the adult population of Neath Port Talbot report undertaking
LDP the nationally recommended levels of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days a week. In addition to low physical activity levels, only 34% indicated - Open eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day - the Welsh average is 36%. Space The gender differentials show a continuing health inequality between males and females &
Indoor in terms of physical activity. When broken down by gender, 35% of males reported engaging in the nationally recommended levels of physical activity. The Welsh average is 37% for
Leisure males. The rate for females in Neath Port Talbot was 20% compared to the Welsh average of 24%. Females continue to be harder to engage in physical activity and sport in adulthood. T opic Priority 1 is to reduce obesity. This will be achieved by bringing together the work of the
Paper physical activity and nutrition local strategic health improvement planning groups. Action will be taken to implement the national obesity pathway on a local authority / locality basis.
(August The group will also ensure that what is learned from the evaluation will be scoped into the Local Development Planning and Health Group to ensure that Health Impact assessment tools being developed will consider this to increase physical activity levels and improve 2013) nutrition from a spatial perspective.
4 Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy
Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy 2013) The following is an extract from the 'Our Space Your Space' Strategy and identifies a number of actions for different greenspace categories. (August
Parks & Gardens Paper opic
Achieve green flag status; T
Develop management plans for relevant sites, and pursue additional funding to develop Leisure / improve facilities. Indoor & Natural Areas & Local Nature Reserves Space All significant natural areas within Council ownership will have regularly reviewed
management plans; Open -
They should be designed and developed to accommodate recreation but with minimal LDP disturbance to wildlife or negative impact upon natural features and use the Local
Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) in conjunction with this strategy to set priorities for Deposit protection and management and manage conflicts of interest.
Green Corridors, Cycleways and Public Rights of Way
Implement the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP);
Investigate the development of a network of green corridors.
Playgrounds
All applications for new playgrounds or upgrades of existing playgrounds will take into account the number and age of children living within its catchment area and demographic trends including new development proposals;
Proximity of other greenspace sites providing opportunities for informal play will be considered;
Provision of facilities for older young people will be investigated as part of consultation / partnerships with communities;
Ensure new / refurbished facilities are suitable for disabled users and for access by 5 disabled carers. Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy
Deposit Informal Open Space
LDP Audit and map existing public open space; -
Open Consult as necessary prior to the applying for planning permission to change the use of open space. Space
& Sports fields Indoor Increase quality of facilities through a rolling programme of improvements to enhance
Leisure the existing capacity of sports fields. This will need to concentrate on affordability, quality and access; T opic Service specific management plans or individual site maintenance programmes will Paper be designed as required in order to meet the characteristics of each sports field site and the standard of play; (August When considering new sports field sites (in accordance with Unitary Development
2013) Plan policy R02) consideration will be given to site location with regard to public accessibility, land capability and not using land of significant biodiversity value;
There will be a wider dialogue on the subject of potential community use of school pitches including changing facilities and social accommodation that local clubs can use.
Cemeteries
Investigate how the biodiversity value of sites can be maximised by considerate management, and minor adaptations to working practices that can balance both built and natural elements;
Any new cemeteries will be located taking into account their potential as accessible greenspace.
Allotments
An allotment management plan will be prepared to determine methods of assessing and stimulating demand. It will assess and implement activities such as working in partnership with allotment associations to enhance facilities and investigate the 6 feasibility of devolved management schemes or group usage. Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy
Key Actions for the next 5 years 2013) Assessment of Greenspace Quality
A system to measure greenspace quality will be adopted and applied to all greenspace (August sites within the County Borough to feed into management and development plans. Paper opic T Improve the Quality of Facilities
Produce service specific or site management plans to assist in improving the quality Leisure of our facilities as part of a Development Programme. Indoor &
Green Flag Award Space Achieve a green flag award for at least one of our parks. Open -
Improve the Quality of Play Provision LDP
All existing playgrounds will be refurbished by 2010; Deposit
Work with communities to develop facilities for older young people (aged 11-19).
Improve Green Corridors
Green corridors such as those used as sustainable transport links, will be a priority for improvements to quality and connectivity.
Protection of Open Space / Greenspace and Provision of New Amenities
The Planning system through development plans and development control provides for the protection of public open space / greenspace and the provision of new amenities in association with new development. In order to inform the development of open space policy for the new LDP and to underpin the determination of planning applications and associated legal agreements, detailed audits of open space, public / stakeholder consultations and assessments of provision, quality, value and need will be undertaken in conjunction with the planning department.
Asset Management Planning 7 Facilities will be reviewed to ensure that their full potential is being utilised. Appendix 2: Our Space Your Space Strategy
Deposit Improve Greenspace Quality
LDP Greenspace sites identified as most valuable to communities through community engagement will be prioritised for improvements in quality. - Open
Space Management & Development Policies to be Prepared and Adopted
& Outdoor sports; Indoor Allotments; Leisure Outdoor play; T opic Biodiversity; Paper Countryside access; (August Council owned trees. 2013)
Community Consultation
Regular community consultation will take place in order to involve the local community in the decision making process.
Physical Activity
Develop links with partners to promote the contribution that green spaces can make to health and well being.
8 Appendix 3: School Facilities in Shared Use
Appendix 3: School Facilities in Shared Use 2013) Table .1 School Facilities in Shared Use
Spatial Area Facilities Available (August
Neath Paper opic
Llangatwg Community School Whole school for adult learners, gym, artificial turf pitch, swimming T pool, youth wing, sports pitches, movement and dance hall, childcare provision, cookery, Welsh language, diet and fitness. Leisure Cefn Saeson Comprehensive Sports hall, sports pitches, artificial turf pitch, drama hall, extended sport, music, holiday club and ICT. Indoor & Cwrt Sart Community Comprehensive Artificial turf pitch, assembly hall, gym sports development, play and summer scheme, community clubs, sports pitch. Space Dwr y Felin Comprehensive Music, orchestra, youth and wind band, extended school rugby Open
club. -
Bryncoch C in Wales Life skills, brownies, mother and toddler. LDP
Catwg Primary Martial arts, W.I., after school club, gardening group and country
store. Deposit
Tonnau Community Primary Community Room and IT floodlit multi use games area full range of community club hires- karate, old time dancing, fit for fun etc.
Ysgol Maes Y Coed Sibling group.
Port Talbot
Sandfields Comprehensive Gym and the on site STRIDES project. Future possibly theatre, library, homework club, health and fitness suite.
Dyffryn Comprehensive Artificial turf pitch and sports pitches, netball / tennis.
Glan Afan Comprehensive Library and ICT for over 50s.
Blaenbaglan Primary Out of school hours sport.
Glanymor Primary Townswomen’s guild and extended sport.
Coed Hirwaun Primary Sports pitch usage.
Tywyn Primary Field used for district and club football / rugby.
St Joseph’s Comprehensive Football/ rugby pitches and community use of a sports hall.
St Therese’s Primary Ad hoc use of grassed area. 9 Pontardawe
Cwmtawe Comprehensive Youth work, extended ICT, music club, out of hours sport.
Swansea Valley
Ysgol Gyfyn Ystalyfera Sports hall, swimming pool, sports pitches, equipped gym. Appendix 3: School Facilities in Shared Use Deposit Spatial Area Facilities Available
Ysgol y Wern Ystalyfera Childcare,sport and club links. LDP
- Neath Valley Open Blaengwrach Primary Ad hoc use by local rugby club. Space Dulais Valley &
Indoor Blaendulais Primary Community meetings, after school club, family learning project.
Afan Valley Leisure Cymmer Afan Comprehensive Local Action Centre, adult education, extended ICT, holiday club and youth work equipped gym. T opic Cymmer Afan Primary fully equipped sports hall and artificial turf pitch. Paper Pen Afan Primary Classrooms designated for Community use and a multi use games
(August area and pitches.
Amman Valley 2013) Gwaun Cae Gurwen Primary Out of school hours learning.
Schools in coloured text have sports / recreation facilities available for shared use.
10 Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision
Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision 2013) Table .1 Fields in Trust Standard for Open Space
Standard per 1000 (August
Type Explanation Paper Population (Ha) opic T All Sports 1.6 The overall standard is 1.6 ha with pitch sports comprising 1.15ha of that figure Pitch Sport 1.15 Leisure
Designated Play Space 0.25 A figure for total children's space is given Indoor
(including equipped play which is 0.8ha per 1000 population, which is & space) a combination of formal and informal provision
Informal Playing Space 0.55 Space Open Table .2 Neath Port Talbot Allotment Standard of Provision - LDP Category Standard per 1000 Explanation Population (Ha) Deposit Allotments 0.19 Based on a requirements of 15 allotments per 1000 households with an average allotment size of 250sqm and household size of 1.98
Identified Need by Spatial Area (in alphabetical order)
[1] Afan Valley
Table .3 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in the Afan Valley (by Ward)
(1) Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport
Cymmer -1.81 -2.34 -0.48 ok
Glyncorrwg ok ok -0.19 ok -0.16 Gwynfi -0.77 -1.08 -0.30 ok
Pelenna ok ok -0.18 ok
1. Spatial Area Level [2] Amman Valley 11 Table .4 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in the Amman Valley (by Ward)
(1) Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport
Gwaun Cae Gurwen -1.64 -2.56 -0.28 ok -0.80 Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision
Deposit (1) Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport LDP Lower Brynamman ok -0.53 -0.15 ok - Open 1. Spatial Area Level
Space [3] Dulais Valley
& Table .5 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in the Dulais Valley (by Ward) Indoor
(1) Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments Leisure Sport
Crynant -0.68 -1.42 ok ok T opic Onllwyn ok -0.19 ok ok -0.99 Paper
Seven Sisters ok ok -0.25 ok (August
1. Spatial Area Level
2013) [4] Neath
Table .6 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in Neath (by Ward)
(1) Ward Pitch Total Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport Outdoor Sport
Aberdulais -0.01 -1.09 -0.23 ok
Briton Ferry E -0.17 -1.12 -0.55 ok
Briton Ferry W ok -1.04 -0.49 ok
Bryncoch N ok -0.77 -0.40 -1.20
Bryncoch S ok ok -1.12 ok
Cadoxton -1.62 -2.37 -0.13 ok
Cimla -0.65 -2.42 -0.97 -0.22
Coedffranc C -1.03 -2.25 ok ok -6.89
Coedffranc N -2.77 -3.86 -0.43 -1.33
Coedffranc W ok ok ok ok
12 Dyffryn -3.64 -5.06 -0.46 ok
Neath E -1.06 -3.94 -1.29 -1.97
Neath N -1.79 -3.02 -0.65 -0.35
Neath S -5.72 -7.66 -1.11 ok
Tonna -1.72 -2.85 -0.25 -0.34 Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision
1. Spatial Area Level 2013) [5] Neath Valley (August Table .7 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in the Neath Valley (by Ward)
(1) Paper Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments opic
Sport T
Blaengwrach ok -0.68 -0.18 ok Leisure Glynneath -1.80 -2.97 -0.73 ok -0.38
Resolven -1.79 -2.94 -0.21 ok Indoor &
1. Spatial Area Level Space [6] Pontardawe Open - Table .8 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in Pontardawe (by Ward) LDP (1) Ward Pitch Sport Total Outdoor Children's Play Informal Allotments
Sport Deposit
Alltwen -2.00 -3.04 -0.46 -0.06
Pontardawe ok ok -1.00 -0.12 -2.19 Rhos -1.32 -2.42 -0.38 -0.95
Trebanos ok -0.02 -0.27 -0.64
1. Spatial Area Level
[7] Port Talbot
Table .9 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in Port Talbot (by Ward)
(1) Ward Pitch Total Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport Outdoor Sport
Aberavon -3.45 -5.90 -1.30 ok
Baglan -4.86 -7.78 -1.34 ok
Bryn & -1.82 -4.23 -0.60 ok Cwmafan -5.07 13 Margam ok ok -0.68 -0.04
Port Talbot -4.64 -6.74 -1.18 -2.19
Sandfields E -0.26 -2.85 -1.46 ok
Sandfields W ok ok -0.63 -1.93 Appendix 4: Standards of Open Space Provision
Deposit (1) Ward Pitch Total Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport Outdoor Sport LDP
- Taibach ok ok -1.07 -0.94 Open
1. Spatial Area Level Space [8] Swansea Valley & Indoor Table .10 Shortfall in Open Space Provision in the Swansea Valley (by Ward)
Leisure (1) Ward Pitch Total Children's Play Informal Allotments Sport Outdoor
T Sport opic Cwmllynfell -0.52 -0.80 -0.11 ok Paper
Godre'r Graig -0.20 -0.94 -0.13 ok -1.1 (August Ystalyfera -2.02 -3.13 -0.38 ok
2013) 1. Spatial Area Level
14 Local Development Plan Cynllun Datblygu Lleol
August 2013 ENVT1546 www.npt.gov.uk/ldp