SOU THEND-ON-SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL

DRAFT

Green Spaces

Strategy

2005 - 2015

Leisure, Culture and Am enity Services Departm ent

Draft Green Spaces Strategy

1. Introduction – forwarding comments by the Leader and Chief Executive

2. What is a Green Space Strategy and why do we need it?

3. How does it link to existing local, regional and national policies? Flowchart

4. Scope of strategy

5. Where are we now? Brief description of current facilities Description of audit methodology Results of audit

6. The community Demographic information Consultation info

7. Key Issues Accessibility Health Anti-Social Behaviour Education Sustainability Urban Renaissance and Economic Regeneration Social Inclusion Play Marketing Sustainability and Sustainable Management Wildlife and Biodiversity Sport and Recreation Horticulture and Horticultural Features Council Housing Land Nature Conservation Areas Highways Land

8. Standards of provision Level of distribution Quality Quantity Accessibility Size Development contribution to provision

(district parks neighbourhood parks local parks playgrounds/youth provision allotments sport and recreation amenity green space civic realm

Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 council housing land nature conservation areas)

9. Development plan key projects plan format

10. Reference list

11. Apendices

Appendix 1 Map of Southend Parks and Open Spaces Appendix 2 List of Southend Parks and Open Spaces Appendix 3 Young People Consultation Results Appendix 4 Southend-on-Sea Allotment Sites Appendix 5 Example Calculation of Developers Contribution for provision Appendix 6 Marketing Plan Appendix 7 List of Sites of Importance to Wildlife in Southend

Tables

Table 1 Southend-on-Sea Age Structure Table 2 Use of Parks and Open Spaces Table 3 The main reason for visiting parks Table 4 What encourages people to use Parks Table 5 Survey Results of Southend’s Parks & Open Spaces Audit

Diagrams

Diagram 1 Local Policy Context Diagram 2 Scope of making use of school playing pitches

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

1. Introduction

Good quality green spaces are important to the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Southend on Sea. This has been recorded in local consultation work and by studies carried out by CABE Space. The benefits of parks and open spaces effect our physical and mental health, help to mitigate the more dramatic effects of our climate such as flooding, promote and sustain wildlife, provide a focus for the community and a venue for social, sporting and recreational activities.

Southend is a dense urban area and as a result has limited green or open space. Such spaces are under increasing pressure as the need for development grows. These pressures along with a growing population mean existing facilities are less able to satisfy the increasing demands placed upon them. This underlines the need to safeguard current spaces and to incorporate new spaces and facilities in new development schemes.

The purpose of this document is to provide a measure of the quality and quantity of those facilities currently available, identify areas of deficiency and opportunity, and to set out a template for the future of green space within the borough. The strategy will also consider the wider civic realm in relation to the development of the town as a whole.

This strategy recognises and encompasses the council’s vision for the town as…

“A vibrant coastal town and a prosperous regional centre where people enjoy living, working and visiting” Community Plan, Southend Together Local Service Plan 2003

In order to realise this vision the council has five key ambitions:-

Regeneration, Education, Social care, citizen focused and effective.

This strategy directly links to each of these key local ambitions. However, the strategy also recognises the national and regional context within which the council operates. It recognises the need to inform and influence both national and regional agencies and to develop new and innovative partnerships to deliver these ambitions for the benefit of residents, visitors and business.

2. What is a Green Space Strategy and why do we need it?

It’s a document that enables Southend on Sea Borough Council to formulate a holistic vision for all green spaces, their use and how future demands and pressures can be met. It sets out how to improve and develop green spaces in an action plan over a period of time against identified resources.

Although Southend has an existing but time-elapsed Parks Strategy it lacks an overarching vision pulling together all green open spaces on the wider objectives and aims of the Council’s Community Plan. These are improvements to health, environment, quality of life, regeneration, economy, culture, planning, transport, bio-diversity and the public realm.

Nationally, funding for parks and open spaces has been in decline for more than twenty years. In some areas parks are seen as ‘no go areas’ where the fear of crime discourages people from visiting. Facilities have been closed down where the lack of maintenance has left them in an unsafe condition. Park keepers are no longer employed. The numbers of gardeners and maintenance staff have been dramatically reduced. The provision of parks is not a statutory service and as such has made it an easy target for savings. The government has now recognised the growing problem and lent support to schemes such as the Green Flag Award and

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 the establishment of CABE Space where the intention is to improve the condition of these important spaces.

Budgetary constraints embodied by cuts in maintenance and landscape budgets have meant that Southend Parks and Open Spaces are suffering. Whilst existing demands can only be barely future demands may not be able to be met.

Parks and green spaces are at the heart of Southend on Sea and they will need to be constantly improved to withstand demands and pressures and will need protection against neglect or loss.

Together with the above and on the basis of an audit of all green spaces the strategy therefore will be used to attract funding from all sources available: external, internal, Government grants, private, other.

Further the strategy will identify possible partnerships with other Council’s Departments and outside groups and agencies yet again to tap into alternative funding streams.

The Government has indicated it would announce a Local Public Service Agreement (PSA) target that will be linked to Green Spaces. This will allow for funding opportunities when the target is met.

3. How does this strategy link to national, regional and local policies?

National policy

Planning policy guideline 17 (PPG17) provides guidance and advice to local authorities regarding the provision, enhancement and protection of parks and open spaces. It also promotes the use of S106 agreements to ensure developer contributions to enhance existing or establish new open spaces. In addition, the guidance note presumes against the disposal of existing sports and recreational facilities unless significant improvements to amenities can be achieved for residents by releasing part of a site for development.

In 2002 the then Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions (now Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – ODPM) published the report of the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce. The report recognised the significant beneficial contribution made by green space to the quality of life. It made extensive recommendations on the improvement and enhancement of parks.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment diversified in 2002 to establish CABE Space. This branch of the organisation was established to promote the benefits of parks and open spaces, to encourage best practise and the involvement of the local community and the need for more strategic planning in the context of green spaces.

Regional policy

The East of England Plan (draft revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England, December 2004) recommends that local authorities identify and implement proposals to create a ‘green grid’ of high quality, linked and accessible open spaces, which enhances biodiversity.

The Thames Gateway Project published its implementation plan ‘Greening the Gateway’ in 2005. The report described the aim of the project of establishing sustainable communities in which homes, jobs, schools and public services are provided together. It recognises that cleaner, safer and greener spaces are vitally important to quality of life and builds on the earlier report ‘Sustainable Communities: building for the future’ (ODPM February 2003) which aims to improve the quality of our parks and green spaces.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Thames Gateway Green Grid

This project focuses on the regeneration and economic development of the Thames Corridor. The project recognises the need to ensure a functional green infrastructure to provide a sense of place, environmental protection and to enhance the quality of life for communities within the Gateway. This policy is detailed within the document “Creating sustainable communities: Greening the Gateway a green space strategy for Thames Gateway” published by The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Southend is part of the ‘Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership’, and is working with its neighbouring authorities towards an integrated strategic approach linking Parks and Green Spaces outside and inside the borough and promoting greenways.

Development pressures

The green space strategy seeks to set down local standards to meet the needs of local residents both now and in the future. The emerging Southend-on-Sea Local Development Framework incorporates the Regional Spatial Strategy allocating an additional 6000 dwellings to the Borough. It is clear that this will have major implications for the town.

• Additional residents will place greater demands on existing green space facilities. • Increased pressure on the council to sacrifice open space for development

The additional dwellings in Southend will be built between 2001 and 2021 which if the average household size remains at 2.2 occupants will entail a population increase of 13,200 people.

Local Policy

Southend on Sea Borough Council has a variety of policies and strategies in place. These include the Cultural Strategy ‘Making Culture Count’; Community Plan, Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Local Transport Plan, Crime and Disorder Strategy, the Borough Council owned Tree Policy, The Southend-on-Sea Borough Local Plan and the emerging Southend-on-Sea Local Development Framework, including a Core Strategy Development Planning Document. The following flow chart on page six sets out the relationship between each of these and positions the Green Space Strategy at the heart of this hierarchy.

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Diagram 1 Local Policy Context

Local Development Framework

Core Strategy

Development Plan Thames Gateway South Essex Green

Making Culture Count Grid Strategy (Draft) Cultural Strategy

Green Space Strategy

Local Transport Plan Community Plan

Southend Together

Crime and Disorder Sports and Borough council Local Biodiversity Strategy Leisure

owned Tree Action Plan Development Policy

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

4. Scope of the Strategy

The Green Spaces Strategy considers all green and open spaces within the town and areas of accessible countryside on the urban fringe. It is necessary to audit these spaces and analyse the quality and quantity of provision. For the purposes of this audit the spaces have been categorised in line with PPG17 guidelines under the following headings:-

Parks and Public gardens

Parks and open spaces – district parks Parks and open spaces – Neighbourhood parks Parks and Open Spaces – Local Parks

Natural and semi-natural Spaces

Nature conservation areas Green corridors Cemeteries and churchyards / closed churchyards and other burial grounds Woodlands Outdoor sports facilities – sports grounds Amenity green spaces Allotments, community gardens Provision for young people – playgrounds etc Accessible countryside in urban fringe areas

The audit considers each space in terms of its access, the quality of the landscape, quality of general facilities, maintenance, management, security and safety, natural heritage, cultural heritage, health and education and the response to people.

Further consideration is given to council housing land, highways land and the wider civic realm.

5. Where are we now?

For such a compact and urbanised environment Southend often surprises visitors with the quality and range of its green spaces.

Southend covers an area of 4,163 hectares and 568 hectares of that space is considered to be open space.

The audit of parks and open spaces focuses on the quantity and quality of our open spaces. The Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services has striven to provide a range of good quality open spaces. In 2005 five of our flagship parks were awarded Green Flag Awards and the town has achieved success with the ‘In Bloom’ scheme. Repeated success over the last eleven years at the Chelsea Flower Show has helped to put the town on the map

The council has adopted the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Borough Council owned tree policy, Hadleigh Great Wood Management Plan and the Cultural Strategy. Management plans are in place for the main Flagship Parks (Chalkwell, Belfairs, Shoebury, Southchurch and Priory Parks) and some of the nature reserves such as Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve.

Parks are seen to be important to residents and high satisfaction ratings have been consistently recorded. However, the service is under constant pressure to reduce costs and has seen budget reductions every year for the last twenty years. Residents are concerned about poor infrastructure in some of our parks and problems with anti-social behaviour are high on the agenda.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Most of the towns’ main parks were laid out in the early part of the 20th century when life and peoples expectations were very different. New parks have been developed since that time and have often been associated with the construction of new housing or industrial sites. Southend has been set a target in the RSS14 “East of England Plan” to provide for six thousand net additional dwellings and 13000 net additional jobs by 2021. With such development demand in the town the need to incorporate new open space to cater for this increased demand should not be overlooked.

There are many parts of the borough poorly served by District or Local parks. There are also several wards in the town with a very limited number of green spaces for instance St Lukes, Prittlewell, St Laurence and Blenheim wards. Westborough ward does not feature a single park within its boundaries.

6. The Local Community

One of the principle objectives of this strategy is to ensure good community involvement in the future development of open spaces within the town. Part of that involvement will be to comment on this strategy and to help to ‘’fine tune’’ the document. This will be achieved by including a questionnaire in the Civic News and on the council web-site, asking Council housing tenants for their views, holding open surgeries, and through the establishment of a corporate citizens’ panel.

This strategy will set out the standards and distribution of open spaces. Residents will have the opportunity to say what they want to see within these spaces and how they want to be involved for example by volunteer work, fund raising, input into the management processes. This involvement will become more important as the town continues to grow and more pressure is placed on existing services and the need for new open spaces becomes greater.

There are a number of existing groups whose views need to be considered:

♦ Residents Associations ♦ Tenants Associations ♦ Parks Watch Groups ♦ Sports clubs ♦ Friends of Belfairs Park ♦ Southend Access Group ♦ Traders Associations ♦ Police ♦ Council departments e.g. Youth Offending Team, Connexions etc

One of the key requirements in drawing up a Green Spaces Strategy is to assess the supply of and demand on open spaces – now and in the future. One method is to examine the demographic make-up of the local population.

According to the Office of National Statistics the population of Southend reported in the Census 2001 is 160,257, with 76,749 males (48%) and 83,508 females (52%). There are 70,978 households in Southend and the majority are owner occupied (73%), which is higher than England & Wales (69%). There is a lower proportion of households renting from the council in Southend (8%) than England & Wales (13%), and a higher percentage renting from a private landlord or letting agency in Southend (13%) compared with England & Wales (9%). The Council considers that the Census of 2001 significantly under estimates the actual population of the borough.

The average household size in Southend is 2.22 and over a third of households are one person

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 households (35%).

9% of residents in Southend described their health as 'not good' which is the same as England & Wales and 19% have a limiting long-term illness (18% in England & Wales).

There are 111,789 people aged 16 to 74 in Southend of which 30% have no qualifications which is the same as England & Wales. A lower percentage of people in Southend (14%) have a degree (or equivalent qualification) than England & Wales (20%). (Area Profiles Southend & Wards - Southend on Sea Borough Council, Technical & Environmental Services Department Strategic Planning, March 2005)

The below table sets out that 18.9% of the population are between the ages 0-14 years, 3.6% are aged 15-17 years, 35.2% are between the ages of 18 – 44 years and 18.4% are in the age group of 45-59 years, lastly 23.9% are 60+ years old. This helps to inform the strategy of the likely demand for different types of facility.

Table 1 Southend-on-Sea Age Structure

Southend-on-Sea Age Structure

n 25.0% o i t

a 20.0% l

u 15.0% p % o 10.0% P

f

o 5.0%

% 0.0% 4 7 9 4 7 9 4 9 4 9 4 4 4 9 - - - 5 + 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 5 6 7 8 8 0 5 8 ------0 0 6 8 0 5 0 5 0 5 5 5 9 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 Age Group

What do local people want? General Views of local people on open space and recreation opportunities can be inferred from national studies of relevance, but perhaps more importantly from direct local consultation. In preparing the Green Spaces Strategy, the Borough Council reviewed the results of national surveys of relevance. The Council also commissioned its own local surveys, and regularly conducts user satisfaction surveys of parks and open spaces under its management. Additional consultation has been undertaken to help prepare this report. The key findings and issues highlighted by all these studies will now be reviewed.

National Parks Survey A seminal piece of work, the "Park Life, Urban Parks and Social Renewal" report published in 1995, contained the following key findings (amongst others): • Most people tend to visit a park as part of a group.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

• Most users (about 70% of those interviewed) tend to walk to the park, with majority of trips taking less than 5 minutes. • Up to 40% of users interviewed claimed to visit every day. • Bringing children into parks is the main reason given for visits, with general strolling and dog walking being other prominent reasons. • It is clear that parks are important for people who cannot visit the countryside.

MORI household research in Southend

In 2001 and 2003 the Borough Council commissioned MORI to conduct sample household surveys to amongst other things identify ways of improving residents overall quality of life. Although the questions varied between the two surveys, it is possible to compare some of the findings. For example, both surveys clearly suggest a view that parks and open spaces are important to the quality of local life. The 2001 survey suggested that most users are satisfied with the quality of environmental services in parks, open spaces and other leisure facilities (although, there was less satisfaction with the quality of children's playgrounds). It is also worth noting that the 2001 survey indicated a lower level of satisfaction amongst the 16-24 age group in the quality and nature of provision. The 2001 survey revealed some interesting findings on the reasons for using parks. For example: • 43% use parks/open space for peace and tranquillity, and 42% for exercise. 33% use parks 'to pass through', (perhaps on the way to work or the shops.) • 25% play sport in parks (a point that is addressed in the accompanying volume to this study dealing with 'pitch sports.') • 22% look at wildlife. • 21 go to an event held in a park. • 18% walk a dog.

Table 2 Use of Parks and Open Spaces every day 35

30 at least once per week 25 about once a month 20 within last six 15 months within last year 10

5 longer ago

0 never used

Source, MORI survey 2003 – use of parks and open spaces

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

The results of these two household surveys clearly indicate that Southend's parks and open spaces are frequently used and highly valued for a variety of reasons. This has been confirmed by the findings of visitor surveys for individual parks in recent years. The Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services (DLCAS) has carried out a number of consultation exercises over the last few years. A range of questions have been asked to discover the views of the community in relation to the provision of public parks in the town. This information has informed the development of the proposals based in this document.

Apart from confirming the variety of ways in which parks are both used and valued, the surveys also identified a specific set of priorities for the improvement of facilities in the parks concerned, including improvements to car parks, toilets, catering facilities, landscaping, playgrounds etc. The results have therefore helped to inform capital and improvement programmes for the Borough's parks.

Residents’ state that they visit parks regularly and are highly satisfied with the parks service. The most recent independent MORI poll in 2003 recorded a satisfaction rating of 84%. This compares favourably with the national of 66% with residents also considering that good quality open space is one of the most important factors in making the town a good place to live.

Consultation also asks why residents visit parks and the following table sets out the aggregated answer combining previous results. Further results of consultation with young people can be found in Appendix 3 Young People Consultation Results.

Table 3 The main reason for visiting parks

45 peace/tranquility 40 play sports 35 pass through 30 exercise 25 public event 20 walk dog 15 café 10 wildlife 5 none 0 never visit

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Table 4 What encourages people to use Parks

30

20

10

0

better upkeep cleaner/ less dog fouling improved toilet facilites better childrens play facilities better / more play areas better/more sports and leisure facilities less drunks / down and outs make safer more police / patrols/wardens better lighting better car parking if I lived nearer nothing - already use as much as would like to none of these don't know other

7. Key Issues

Accessibility

Green Spaces need to be accessible, safe and secure in order to be used by all sections of the community. Their distribution needs to be within easy reach of residential areas and well linked in with the town’s infrastructure, i.e. served by roads, public transport- bus, trains, and the cycle and footway network. Entrances areas need to be well located, and sign-posted with safe access, crossing points, and depending on the size of the space with separate vehicle and pedestrian access points.

Equal access is important, i.e. level entrances, through-routes that offer railed ramps and stairs, bicycle parking facilities, disabled parking, and all-inclusive items of play as well as good interpretation of the space and its facilities.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

New structural improvements to Park structures and buildings will need to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2004.

The Green Spaces Audit highlights areas that our Green Spaces will require physical improvements to access routes, improvement of facilities, and features to improve access. Further access improvements are apparent from the recently carried out and still ongoing audits (2004 - 2005) by Southend Access Forum.

An Asset Management Plan is under development and will further highlight works to such requirements.

The Local Transport Plan has developed a proposed cycle net-route within Southend and linking the routes to neighbouring authorities. (see Appendix 1 Southend-on-Sea Map of Parks and Open Spaces) Funding has become available to deliver the construction of the Prittlebrook Greenway, a combined footpath and cycletrack.

Health

Green spaces play a key role in promoting healthy living. Regular walking is recognised as highly beneficial in maintaining and improving physical health. It is free, requires no specialist equipment and can be done at any time of day. Walking through parks and green spaces has the added advantages of being away from the traffic and more open to the tranquillity and peace of the natural world. It is often recognised that the presence of trees and wildlife helps to relieve the stress built up from our increasingly busy and demanding lives.

Parks also provide the arena for organised sport. Without public open space there would be very little opportunity to take part in sports such as football, cricket, rugby, basketball, bowls, or tennis. Involvement in sport not only encourages good health but also helps to instil a sense of personal discipline and success and encourages good community spirit.

To promote these benefits our open spaces need to be attractive, accessible and available to all.

Anti-social behaviour

Parks can be seriously affected by problem behaviour even to the extent of becoming ‘no go areas’. The presence of graffiti and vandalism can make these spaces appear threatening which leads people to stay away. This can, in turn, lead to more damage and into a downward spiral.

Southend‘s approach to this problem is multi-faceted.

♦ Ensure high standards of maintenance. ♦ Remove graffiti and signs of vandalism quickly – Graffiti Busters Team. ♦ Close co-operation with the Police, Youth Offending Team and the Probation Service. ♦ Establish Parks Watch groups to ensure good communication between council officers and the public. ♦ Provide opportunities for positive recreation such as good play facilities for a wide age range. ♦ Involve young people in the design and build of new green spaces/playgrounds. ♦ To ‘design out’ potential problems in new schemes. ♦ Promote parks as a good venue for community events.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Education

Parks and open spaces provide many opportunities for learning about the natural world. Young people should have the opportunity to get involved in nature conservation projects or studying wildlife through pond dipping or woodland walks. Studying the insects inhabiting a single square metre of grassland can prove quite an eye opener for youngsters or even their parents for that matter.

The education values of our open spaces can be improved through sympathetic labelling of trees and plants and installing good quality interpretation boards in areas of particular interest.

Involvement in team sports helps young people to learn about themselves and their relationship to others. Victory and defeat are the inevitable outcomes of any competition and how we learn from both of these impostors aids our development as rounded members of the community.

Urban Renaissance and Economic Regeneration

Good quality, attractive green spaces make towns more desirable places to live, work and visit. These natural assets help to encourage inward investment by building business and community confidence. Green Spaces help to create a sense of place and encourage a sense of pride and ownership. Good quality well maintained parks and civic spaces make the town more attractive to tourism which in turn helps to create employment and wealth in the town. These points are often overlooked but play an important part in the regeneration of our town.

Recent studies carried out by CABE Space published in ‘Does Money Grows on Trees’ CABE Space 2005, indicates that property values can increase by up to 35% when properties are close to re-designed, improved parks; typically though property prices were seen to be enhanced by 5- 7% due to the influence of a good local park. There is also evidence to suggest that attractive tree lined avenues increase the value of properties in those roads.

Social Inclusion

It is not only important to provide facilities within Parks and Open Spaces but to have features that enhance, strengthen and foster social inclusion through good design and location.

Green Spaces help to promote social inclusion and community development by providing opportunities for voluntary and community activities and a welcoming environment for all aspects of society but particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and wheelchair users. Further they provide a venue for events, festivals, concerts and entertainments and offer free access to all regardless of income, social statue, gender, or race.

Green Spaces are free to use for all.

Play

This Strategy concentrates on the adequate provision of facilities for children aged from 4 to 14, and young people aged 14+ years. The aim is to provide challenging play facilities that help to foster personal, social and physical development. It is important that such facilities are within easy travelling distance from home. However locations for these facilities have to be carefully sited and take into account the needs of neighbouring residents.

Play forms an integral and important part of everyone’s life as noted in ‘Developing Accessible Play Space, A Good Practise Guide, ODPM. This is regardless of gender, age, nationality, social

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 background or disability. It is important to provide appropriate play space and facilities for everyone - from young to old especially within such a built-up urban environment in Southend.

Marketing

Southend on Sea Council manages 568 hectares of parks and open spaces made up of thirty three parks, eleven sports grounds, forty playgrounds and six nature conservation areas together with areas of amenity open space, woodland and closed churchyards. Each of these important spaces provides different types of features and attractions for residents and visitors alike. The Marketing Plan is set out in Appendix 6.

Sustainability

The council aims to work using the most sustainable methods possible. This includes keeping herbicide use to a minimum, choosing recycled materials as a preference and using locally sourced products and materials where appropriate. The parks nursery is reducing the amount of peat used in the production of plants together with recycled bio-degradable pots.

One recent example of sustainable working is the construction of a pond dipping platform in Chalkwell Park. Locally grown oak from the annual coppicing operations at Belfairs Park was milled and used ' in the green' for this project.

Sustainable Management

The Council aims to maintain all green spaces in the most sustainable way possible such as • recycling of all green waste • reduction of herbicide • reduction of peat use • use of locally grown timber • use of materials from sustainable sources. • Use of recycled materials such as granite kerb edgings, road planings, railway sleepers and wood mulch

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises the importance of sustainability and this is carried through into individual parks management plans.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Southend contains a number of important and protected wildlife areas. Some of these areas are designated as nature reserves or have been flagged up as having nature conservation value (see Appendix 7 List of Sites of Importance to Wildlife in Southend).

In 2003 a Local Biodiversity Action Plan was published for Southend-on-Sea. The plan was produced through a process that included public consultation and partnership with local wildlife groups and interested individuals.

Successful protection of local wildlife habitats and species, in line with national and regional targets, is an important indicator of how we are living our lives. We cannot claim to be living sustainably if we continue to lose key species and habitats.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 The Local Biodiversity Action Plan consists of individual action plans for 18 habitats and 14 species. There is also one habitat 'statement'. Within each individual action plan there are a number of major objectives and attached to these are a large number of 'actions'. Southend Borough Council cannot deliver all of these actions by itself. For any Action Plan to be successful those communities living side by side with the biodiversity must support it.

An annual report is produced which is aimed to monitor and review achievements with the input from the local community, local wildlife groups and individuals and is presented to the Biodiversity and Environmental Awareness Working Party.

Sport and Recreation

The Council is the main provider of sports pitches and caters for football, rugby, cricket, bowls, athletics, basketball, golf and hockey. There are many advantages to participation in sports, the biggest one is the improvement of health, promoting both physical and mental well-being. However taking part also promotes social inclusion, team-building, discipline, creativity and a sense of self-reliance.

Council owned sports pitches offer grass-roots opportunities to get involved which may even lead to a professional status. There can be little doubt that success in sporting competition promotes local and national pride.

The importance of providing opportunities to partake in sport was recognised in the report ‘A Sporting Future for All’, published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, April 2000. This report also recommended auditing local sports provision which the Council completed in 2004. Chapter 9 Development Plan of this strategy sets out the needs for developing and improving sports facilities.

Green spaces also provide the venue for casual exercise such as walking, jogging, or to play football with the kids.

Horticulture and Horticultural Features

It is an aspiration of Southend Borough Council to provide the highest quality of shrubs, bedding plants and floral designs within parks and open spaces. This aims to continue to provide, and to renew existing, planted areas with stimulating, educational and seasonally interesting designs.

The increasingly dry weather means that, each year, improved varieties of plants are used that are more adapt to thriving in these drier conditions, so providing a consistently high quality of displays. In addition to selecting new varieties of plants, some of the more striking planting that are predecessors used nearly 85 years ago are also intended to be recaptured. By reintroduction plants such as Banana - Musa, Castor oil plant - Ricinus, standard fuchsia, Love-lies-bleeding - Amaranthus, Abutilon - Abutilon as well as newer varieties including Ornamental Millet - Pennisetum ‘Purple Majesty’ we aim to increase the horticultural interest and standard of the displays.

The bedding displays within the parks and open spaces has been a historically important feature and remains as such as an integral feature, that is appreciated by visitors and residents alike. The high quality of these displays has been (partially) reflected in a number of prestigious awards including Green Flag and ‘In Bloom’ awards. Central to this high standard is the ability to grow bedding plants and shrubs within the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s our own nursery, thus monitoring quality. Dedicated grounds maintenance teams ensure that this standard is continued throughout the season.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Council Housing land

The council is in the process of establishing an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to manage council housing stock and land. The Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services will endeavour to advocate and champion best practise with regard to the maintenance, management and development of green spaces managed by the ALMO.

Nature Conservation Areas

The Council has existing policies and management plans in place which specifically consider the long term management of Hadleigh Great Woods and the promotion of Biodiversity within the borough.

It is important that new open space and recreation provision within the Borough should, wherever appropriate, help to improve the natural environment, as all contributions no matter how small can help sustain overall ecological richness and biodiversity. Such measures will also contribute to the general quality of the recreation experience for all. The most obvious potential for achieving is through ensuring that natural environments and habitats form an integral component of planning to develop new parks or improve existing ones. Clearly, the larger the park/or open space, the greater is the scope for such measures.

Further, any planning application received by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council should include mitigation proposals for the loss of any wildlife habitat and wherever possible habitat should be accommodated within the development area as part of these proposals. Any application should be accompanied with an appropriate landscape design that demonstrates improvement to biodiversity or its protection on site.

Highways Land

The council has an existing policy, The Borough Council owned tree policy, which considers the ongoing management of trees within the town. The policy recognises the many benefits gained from trees within an urban environment while also accepting that there are some minor inconveniences. The policy supports maintaining and extending the tree cover within the town.

Grass and shrub verges line many of the highways in Southend on Sea. These bring a number of benefits from improving the appearance of neighbourhoods to assisting with storm water drainage reducing the pressure on flood defences. Grass verges are regularly mown to maintain a pleasing appearance but are not intended to be used as pavements. Shrub verges are maintained to

provide the maximum aesthetic benefits while ensuring that road safety is not compromised by sightlines blocked by overgrown planting.

The benefits of good quality, well maintained planting schemes are recognised and supported within the Supplementary Planning Document, Southend on Sea Design and Townscape Guide.

8. Standards of provision

An extensive assessment of open spaces and sports facilities was carried out in 2003/2004 in consultation with community and sports groups by consultants Leisure and the Environment. This audit concluded that parks and open spaces are popular and well used by residents. These findings were mirrored by the results of the 2001 and 2003 Mori Polls. Whilst there is no significant quantitative deficiency of provision (despite the fact that Southend-on-Sea compares unfavourably with many other local authorities in the amount of open space provided per head of

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 population) there are some significant deficiencies in terms of their distribution, accessibility and quality. This coupled with the increase of dwellings between 2001 and 2021 in Southend will put significant additional demands on the Borough’s sport, recreation and green space facilities, and will create demands: • for the creation of new Parks, Open Spaces and sports pitches adjacent or near to new development areas and/ or • for the enhancement/ extension of existing Parks, Open Spaces and sports pitches • for the improvement of the quality of existing facilities within Parks, Open Spaces and sports pitches • for the improvement of access to Parks, Open Spaces and sports pitches • for the provision of young people’s facilities • to tackle under provision of Parks, Open Spaces and Sports pitches in specific areas and • within deprived areas (areas that are recorded to be in the top 10% of national deprivation levels)

The basis for these standards takes into account the needs of the community as recorded through consultation as well as the following key points:

• Level of distribution • Quality • Quantity • Accessibility • Size • Development contribution to provision

Level of distribution

Parks and Open Spaces Whilst the distribution of Parks and Open Spaces seems to be spread evenly across the borough a number of wards (see Appendix 1 Map of Southend-on-Sea Parks and Open Spaces) however such as Leigh, Milton, Victoria, Westborough and Kursaal are deprived of facilities within their Ward area - having either little or next to no facilities at all. Any open space within these heavily built-up residential environments is extremely valuable and vulnerable and must be safeguarded. Further it is vitally important that communities have access to adjacent available facilities.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Sports Pitches

There is a range of sports pitches within the town as detailed below.

Sport Number of pitches Football senior 30 Junior 14 Mini 9 All weather 1 Rugby 6 Bowling greens 13 Cricket tables 14 Tennis courts 27 Athletics track / field sports 1 Basketball hoops 21 MUGA (Multi-Use-Games-Area) 7

‘A study of playing pitches’ in Southend-on-Sea Borough, Final Report, August 2004 has carried out a survey of existing pitches and gives recommendations for existing/ future pitches which form the basis of standards of provision as set out below.

There are estimated to be 122 pitches in total in the Borough, including 119 in community use, of which 83 are in secured community use, i.e. within School sites. This estimates to 0.66 ha per 1000 people.

In general terms this level of provision is considered to be sufficient to meet existing demand. However, the increase in the number of dwellings will put pressure on existing sports pitches. The following standards of provision are suggested for football, cricket, and rugby the Borough. (Because Hockey relies on artificial surfaces it must be considered separately.)

• Grass pitches should be provided on the basis of 0.66 ha per 1000 people. This area includes the pitch space, and run-off margins but excludes space required for ancillary facilities such as pavilions, parking etc. • New provision should be related in geographical terms to the population it is intended to serve • All new formal provision resulting from residential development should be subject of a ‘Community Use’ agreement/covenant. • New provision should be designed and laid out to have at least 2 full size football pitches so it can be shared by both football and cricket • All new provision should be serviced with appropriate changing accommodation and parking space in accordance with Sport England standards • Provision should be well related to public transport routes, footpaths and cycleways.

Further • new sports pitches cannot always be located within or immediately adjacent to the development they are intended to serve; and, • Most housing (even on the smallest sites) will generate some demand for new sports facilities, and their developers should be expected to make an appropriate contribution.

ROLE OF SCHOOL PITCHES Schools play a significant role in supplying community pitch provision particularly for junior football and mini soccer. With the governments’ emphasis on developing sporting and other development pathways between schools and communities, this situation is likely to continue.

An aspiration is to work in partnership with schools to make pitches available to the community. From the above report it is apparent that there is some significant spare capacity of pitches in the western part of the town.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Diagram 2 Scope of making use of school playing pitches

Source: ‘A STUDY OF PLAYING PITCHES’ in Southend-on-Sea Borough, Final Report, August 2004

Play

Playgrounds

The Council's aim is to provide for play facilities distributed within easy reach for young people and that offer a range of enjoyable, high quality, accessible play equipment within a safe environment.

The Planning Policy Guideline (PPG) 17 study report on 'Open Space and Recreation Assessment in Southend-on-Sea’ and the report on 'Assessment of Southend's Sport Playing Pitches' indicate clearly that there is generally a lack of good accessibility to equipped play areas throughout the Borough, including North Thorpe Bay and North Shoebury.

There are 35 playgrounds in the ownership of the Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services. Recently, the Department has started to offer maintenance services to private Housing Associations and the Department of Housing & Social Care and are now maintaining 5 further playgrounds on their behalves.

The playgrounds are classified according to the categories suggested by the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) as: • Neighbourhood Equipped Areas of Play (NEAP) • Local Equipped Areas of Play (LEAP) • Local Areas of Play (LAP)

Each category caters for different needs. NEAP’s serve a bigger catchment area with a wide range of equipments for older children, aged 8 to 14 years, LEAP's provide play for children aged 4 - 8 years and LAP's should provide a few items of equipment suitable for very young children, aged 4 - 6 years.

Recommendation of provision: In line with the NPFA recommendation Southend requires that • NEAPs should be provided no more than 600 metres 'Straight-line' distance from any house, • LEAPs should be provided no more than 240 metres and • LAPs to be provided no more than 100 metres 'Straight-line' from any house.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Whilst it is appreciated that the standards for the LAPs are impossible to achieve in the built-up environment of Southend as there is simply not the land available standards for NEAPs and LEAPs although difficult will form the basis of future provision in Southend. Both NEAPs and LEAPs will contain elements of LAPs with special attention given to careful design and zoning for the activities of different age groups for these not to come in conflict with each other. An example of successful zoning can be seen in Cluny Square playground.

In those parts of the Borough where it proves difficult to secure provision within a recommended catchment distance, compensation may be in the form of better quality provision, zoning of different age group activities, and improved access via safe paths, greenways, cycleways and road crossings and contribution for future maintenance. Safe and improved access will form another substantial aspect to bridge the distances to the playgrounds (also refer Appendix 1 Southend-on-Sea Map of Parks and Open Spaces which makes reference to the Southen-on-Sea Borough Council's Greenways and Cycle Strategy).

Young people's facilities

Facilities for older teenagers should be provided separately from those ones for the younger age groups as needs of this age group will often not be compatible. However, where possible these should be provided relatively close by. Often play areas are (ab)used by teenagers as a meeting place because of lack of facilities nearby. Recent experiences in St. Laurence Park and Bournes Green Park have proven that the provision of teenage facilities near the playground reduced damage and vandalism.

Teenage facilities include: • Skateboarding • BMX • Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) • Basketball sites • Games (rebound) walls • Kick-about areas • Youth shelters and meeting areas • Street basketball • Graffiti walls • Climbing walls (outdoor) • Teenage play facilities (e.g. adventure type trim trails) • Adventure playgrounds

Areas for siting of these facilities are: - main Parks and Open Spaces, add to and enhance existing facilities or new construction,

The study report 'Open Space and Recreation Assessment in Southend-on-Sea Borough, proposes a standard for Junior Equipped Play Areas to be applied, particularly in relation to the additional 6,000 net dwellings required to be provided between 2001 and 2021, of one Area per 3000 people. This would generate a requirement of at least 4 additional play areas in the Borough.

Allotments

There are a number of allotment sites of varying sizes located in Southend-on-Sea, 16 are within the ownership of Southend Borough Council 5 of which are society run, and 3 are in the

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 ownership by Leigh Town Council. A full list of allotment sites is in Appendix 2 List of Parks and Open Spaces and further detailed in Appendix 4 Southend-on-Sea Allotment Sites Southend on Sea Allotment Sites.

The uptake has been on the increase over the last years, generally assumed to be linked to the nationwide promotion of healthier lifestyles - mental, physical and nutritional.

In general the up-take on the larger sites, 50+ plots is currently around 65%, on the smaller sites it is nearing capacity with 95% of the plots taken up.

The existing provision is adequate to cover existing demand but it is anticipated that there will be an increase due to the prognosis of more dwellings within Southend.

Therefore a contribution to the improvement of provision should address: • Safety • Car parking • Accessibility to and within the site • Enhancement of maintenance standards - plot clearance • Provision of facilities, watering systems • Setting up of societies • Promotion of service

Quality of parks, open spaces, sports pitches

One measure of a parks quality can be considered to be the features of the park. The following sets out the anticipated infrastructure of each classification of park.

District Parks : at least 20 hectares in size, landscaped with a range of natural and semi-natural features, natural habitats, sports pitches, children’s play areas, car parking, footpaths, cycleway, catering / café facility, buildings ( e.g. pavilions, museum, gallery etc ) seating, sufficient space for outdoor events, litter and dog waste disposal points, public art.

Local Parks: bigger than 2 ha and less than 10 hectares in size, Landscaped with a range of natural or semi-natural features, natural habitats, sports pitches, children’s play facilities, car parking, footpaths, seating, litter and dog waste disposal points .

Neighbourhood parks: up to 2 hectares in size, small scale planting, natural habitat, low key play facilities for young accompanied children, seating, litter disposal points.

Another measure is the Southend’s Parks Assessment Audit which assesses level and quality of a range of assets covering its design and physical structure, management and maintenance and its value to people.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council holds five Green Flag Parks – Belfairs, Chalkwell, Priory, Southchurch and Shoebury Park which have been used as a benchmark against which all the other sites have been assessed in the Parks Assessment Audit. The results of this audit show that there are some very significant deficiencies in terms of access, landscape quality, management, and maintenance, quality of general facilities, security and safety.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Table 5 Survey Results of Southend’s Parks & Open Spaces Audit

5 4 3 2 1 0 n s s s n o o k k d e o i r r t n p h a a e r s a k u e r O r u P P v a

o c u

r a r l o t t y e a t e r g a b c a i P i p s

s c A h r n N t t n d S r o g e i s o i o L e m C p D N A S

Quantity of Parks and Open Spaces

Consultation results have shown that Southend parks are highly valued and regularly visited. The existing local plan has adopted the NPFA six acre standard for identifying ‘space per capita’ requirements for open space. However, it is recognised that this is not universally accepted and doesn’t address the important issues of quality and accessibility. Nor does it recognise the heavily urbanised nature of Southend which in some circumstances could justify that developer contributions should be directed at improving existing open spaces even though these may be at some distance from the development.

It is recommended that parks should be provided on the following basis:

District Parks ; 1 per 22,900 people and ideally within 8 km of its catchment area.

Local parks ; 1 per 8,900 people and ideally within 2 km of its catchment area.

Neighbourhood parks; 1 per 3,800 people and ideally within 0.5 km of its catchment area.

Based on the anticipated increase in population of 13,200 new residents then the borough would require the following increases to meet the needs of residents by 2021

• 33.29 ha of new Parks and Open Space until 2021 or 20.8 ha over the period of this strategy

Accessibility

It is vitally important that all Parks and Open Spaces and Sports Playing Pitches are accessible to all members of the public of regardless of gender, age, nationality, social background or disability for

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 the enjoyment everyone’s quality of life. The Parks and Open Spaces Audit 2005 shows that there is scope for improvement of access in terms of: • Safe linkages to Parks and their promotion • Safe, attractive, well designed / located, and well signposted Parks entrances to surrounding routes – footpaths, bus stops, cycle routes, car parking • Accessible path/ramp/step links within Parks to facilities and features in compliance with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) 1995 regulations • Accessible facilities within Parks such as toilets/disabled toilets, café/bar/restaurants, playgrounds, informal and formal leisure and recreation areas

The Council has outlined potential links/corridors within Southend Local Transport Plan, Southend Borough Cycle network, some of which are already in existence and some are imminently to be implemented in phases, such as the Prittlebrook Greenway which will follow the Prittlebrook Path and link five parks from Priory to Belfairs Park. Therefore accessibility improvements to individual Parks and Open Spaces should be undertaken in context with the Map of Southend-on-Sea Parks and Open Spaces (see Appendix 1 – Map of Southend-on- Sea Parks and Open Spaces) and in line with the proposals of the Thames Gateway South Essex ‘Green Grid Strategy’ (April 2005) which state: • “In urban areas ‘park and ride’ facilities should be promoted to encourage public transport links and reduce the number of car journeys. The potential added benefits of ‘green’ bridges over Parkways should be promoted. Commuter cycle and footpath routes should also be promoted. Provision for bridleways should be made where there is an existing or projected need. The routes should link into the Thames Path City to Sea.” • “Achieve the accessible green space standards promoted by English Nature (ANGst) and the accessible woodland standards promoted by The Woodland Trust (www.woodland- trust.org.uk).

Size

Based on existing provision the Council would expect that Parks and Open Spaces be provided of no less than 2.5 hectares in size per 1,000 head of population. Incidentally this reflects on the 6 acres or 2.5 hectares/ 1,000 head of population standard set by the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA).

Presently, in the heavily built-up environment of Southend District and Local Parks fulfil the above criterion. However, only one out of twelve Neighbourhood Parks and one out of thirty-eight Amenity Open Spaces are bigger than 2.5 hectares. The majority tends to of a size of approximately 0.5 hectares.

However, when new Parks and Open Spaces are created the above standard should be considered in tandem with the needs of the community. Further, within development areas creation of new parks and open spaces should take up at least 10% of the overall development area. These should be not be single, stand-alone areas but well thought-out and designed, well sited and developed and landscaped as one big area. For example any playground should be sited at least 50m away from residential areas but should be well seen over this distance. Incidental spaces – generally considered as ‘left-over areas’ will not be acceptable as they are short of fulfilling any role and function of Parks and Open Spaces and in essence lower the profile and tone of an area.

Development contribution to provision

The Council is currently in the process of preparing a Development Plan Document “Planning Obligations – Guide to Developers” (DPD2) as part of its Local Development Framework. It will provide developers, the community and the Council with advice and assistance in relation to potential “Planning Obligations” or contributions which a planning proposal may generate. The

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 need to seek a planning obligation and its requirements will depend and reflect upon the nature, type, location and impact of each individual planning proposals.

Within these contributions, open space, sport and recreation (OSSR) provision will be expected in order to conform with and meet objectives in the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD1) and this Green Space Strategy.

The document is due to commence a first stage consultation with targeted stakeholders in 2005 as part of an ongoing consultation process to take the document forward. The early format and current stage of this document means that at such times no set calculations or contributions are set. However the Council will be proposing “Preferred Options”, contributions that meet specific standards identified in this strategy and as a result of public consultation. An example of how these standards and developer contributions might operate can be seen in Appendix 5 Example Caluclation of Developers Contributions for provision for illustrative purposes.

9. Development Plan

The development plan sets out specific actions that will improve the parks and green spaces of Southend on Sea. These actions are intended to ensure that these important places fulfil their role in promoting and supporting the wider corporate aims of the Council and to maximise the benefits they produce for residents and visitors alike.

The plan is informed by four key underlying factors:

• The current provision of parks and open spaces is adequate for current demand but a growing population will need additional green space to satisfy increased demand.

• The quality of sports facilities, changing accommodation, parks toilets and the infrastructure of some parks and open spaces must be improved.

• Developing effective partnerships with other organisations, agencies, schools and working with residents will help to drive improvements.

• To seek developer contributions to provide new open spaces or where this is not possible to contribute to improving existing green spaces.

25 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

9. Development Plan

A number of projects have already been identified through previous work including the South Essex Green Grid Project and have also been listed below

Project name Description Priority Timetable Cost/ Resources required

Strengthening links with the community

Create a post of a Parks Creation of “Friends’ Groups and encouraging voluntary groups to participate, 1 2006 - Achieved Community and Education Promotion of public events within Parks ongoing through re- Officer structure Education Maximise educational benefits of green space through working with local schools and 1 2006 - Dto. partner organisations ongoing Consultation Carry out annual consultation exercise to involve local residents in local projects and 1 Annually Existing feed back results resources

Improvement / enhancement / and creation of Parks and Open Spaces Create a post of a Grant and Maximise income to the Department by exploring all avenues of funding and to 1 2006- £150,000 Funding Officer advise of mechanisms and methods how to tap into funding streams available and 2010 most efficiently in order to deliver the projects highlighted in the development plan. Belfairs Woodland Resource New build project to demonstrate sustainable woodland management, visitors centre/ 1 2006- £2 million Centre, Belfairs Park. educational facility 2010 approx Creation of Fossetts Farm Fossetts Camp is an Iron Age Hilltop Fort of national importance and is recorded as 1 2006 - £200,000 Park on Prittlewell Camp Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). The Camp dates from the later prehistoric 2011 ages and comprises of an almost circular single bank and ditch of 200 m in diameter and is situated on the highest point in the landscape with extensive views particularly to the north and north east over the valley of the River Roach. The area surrounding the site has been opened up for development.

26 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

The creation of 11 acres of new public open space will protect the SAM and the adjacent Green Lane, enable heritage to become accessible, be of high educational value and link to existing and proposed footpaths/ bridleways across the borough boundaries and enhance nature conservation.

Southchurch Hall Gardens Medieval moated house now museum within 1.9ha of public gardens. The project 1 2006 - £2 Million restoration project will deliver successful Heritage Lottery Fund bids for both the capital improvements 2011 to the historic gardens and for involving local people, particularly young people in the heritage project. Other local needs will be identified and investment made in Southchurch Park as funds can be raised in later stages of the project. Shoebury Park extension 1 - Increase hectarage of park by extending into derelict ground lying to the north- 2 2006 - Delivered by west between ASDA Supermarket as part of development of this site 2011 the developer 2 - Improve existing parks facilities in Shoebury Park – infrastructure: toilets, £550,000 - signage, footpaths, pond perimeter walk, additional young people’s facilities, S106 funding improved sportspitch and changing facilities Edwards Hall Park Improvement of the park’s layout, infrastructure and links to neighbouring Cherry 2 2007 - Kick-start Orchard Country Park - in partnership with Rochford District Council, Green Grid 2010 funding and Groundwork Trust £100,000 Friars Park – Extension of a Friars Park is located in Shoeburyness on the borough boundary bordering onto 3 2009- £200k strategic urban fringe park. farmland under the Rochford District Council jurisdiction. Anticipated increase in 2015 dwellings of 6,000 between 2001 and 2021 will create pressure and demand on parks and open facilities within the Shoeburyness areas.

This project could be a joint project with the neighbouring Authority of Rochford District Council. Creation of public open Any new development on the farmland will need to consider the creation and layout 3 2009- £550,000 space north of Maplin Way of a public open space and its linkages to existing parks, public footways and 2015 North adjacent Bournes bridleways. Funding to be secured via external sources, S106 agreement Green Chase Warrior Square Garden Re-develop the square as part of the overall development of the site into a pleasant 3 2007- £1,000,000 green space for quiet relaxation and recreation for city dwellers, shoppers and office 2010 workers by opening up views, integration of the park into the adjacent environment,

27 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

provision of a café/restaurant, water feature, re-landscaping boundary and shrub borders, replanting trees, installation of heritage style fencing, lighting and seating Blenheim and Eastwood Both parks suffer from anti-social behaviour problems. Review parks structures and 1 2005- £100,000 Park re-design to withstand anti-social behaviour 2010 All parks To develop management plans for all thirty three parks by 2015. 2 By 2015 Within existing budget

Improvement of parks infrastructure / fabric, facilities/ linkages to and within Parks and Open Spaces Prittle Brook Greenway Cycle Construction of 7.5km of cycle path / green corridor linking Rochford through 1 1st £1 million route Southend to Castle Point. In Southend would link existing open spaces including phase approx Belfairs Park and Priory Park. March attraction for 2006 further funding Improve Horticultural Introduce a rolling programme of shrub borders and shrub beds in Parks and on 3 Ongoing £80,000 per Diversity and maintain high roadside verges, create educational themed shrub borders/ beds with appropriate year profile of the town interpretation via external Continue the Southend-in-Bloom, Anglia-in-Bloom Competition funding Children’s playgrounds Manage, maintain and improve children’s playprovision and improve accessibility at 3 2005- £60,000/year all playgrounds, continue the rolling improvement programme; continue tapping into ongoing external sources of funding 1 Blenheim Park* Add facilities 2 Belfairs Park* Reasonable range 3 Bonchurch* Add See-Saw, Hang-tough 4 Bournes Green Remove multi-activity ‘bus’-climbing frame and replace with DDA compliant equipment 5 Caulfield Road* Add new and improve existing; improve fencing 6 Chalkwell Park Add facilities; improve drainage (Toddlers) 7 Chalkwell Park Add soft landscaping; Resurface; Improve drainage;

28 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

(Older)* 8 Christchurch Replace fence and gate on north boundary; replace Road multi-activity climbing frame 9 Cluny Square* Add one bay of flat swings in junior playground 10 Cockethurst Improve entrances to park; re-paint equipment; install Hang-tough spinner 11 Colne Drive Reasonable range 12 Danescroft Replace two items of equipment 13 Dandies Farm Replace ‘igloo’ multi-activity DDA compliant equipment 14 Delaware Install one large multi-activity climbing frame 15 Eastwood Park Re-paint equipment 16 Fairfax Drive Reasonable range 17 Friars Park Install 2 items of adventure play; and perimeter fencing 18 Gainsborough Replace Helter-Skelter slide 19 Gunners Park Improvements pending - under S106 agreement 20 Jena Close Replace perimeter fence 21 Jones Memorial Replace roundabout, gym-bars, and Helter Skelter, introduce DDA compliant equipment 22 Nightingale Close Adequate 23 Leigh Library Replace ‘Fireman’s Pole’ Gardens 24 Lifstan Way Install new roundabout and multi-activity frame - DDA compliant 25 Milton Gardens* Install one goal on tennis court 26 Manners Way Land not owned by SBC; playground will need to be relocated in future 27 Oakwood Park Introduce young-people’s facilities 28 Priory Park* Replace round-about; install Hang-tough and spinners;

29 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

replace rockers; introduce young-people’s facilities 29 Scott Park Install ‘Hang-tough’ spinner; replace wooden multi- activity climbing frame 30 Shoebury Park* Reasonable range 31 Sidmouth Carry out consultation; reduce playground to toddler and re-landscape due to opening of St. Laurence Park playground for junior children 32 St. Laurence Reasonable range Park 33 Millennium Open Adequate Space 34 Southchurch Segregate toddler and junior play equipment Park

35 Three Shells Replace multi-activity equipment

Sports Provision:

Facilities; 1. Upgrade existing pavilions to suit demand for sports use all in compliance with 1 2006 – £1.5M Improvement of sports DDA at: 2010 pavilions - Blenheim Park - Oakwood Park - Bournes Green Park All-weather sports pitches 1. Restore and upgrade existing artificial pitch at Warners’ Bridge sports ground 2 2007 £150,000 2. Introduce lighting on existing Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Chalkwell Park 2 2007 £50,000 3. Increase provision of MUGA’s within the borough also in partnership with Schools 2 2006 - £500,000 per MUGA Sports pitches 1. Improvement of existing pitches : Drainage, Soil improvements 1 From £600,000 2. Investment in new pitches 2006

30 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Action Priority West sub area Football:

Blenheim Park Improvements to pitch drainage Medium

Oakwood Park Improvements to pitch drainage High

Oakwood Park Renovation of pavilion High

Pilot project Improvements to pitch drainage with school and changing (in association with Medium Thomas More negotiated access arrangements). School.

Youth/casual play: ‘West Southend’ Pilot youth facility/MUGA High

Hockey: Thomas More Improvement of ATP and School (or else at ancillary facilities through a Medium Warners Bridge facility, programme to be devised in in Central sub area) partnership with the clubs.

31 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Central sub area Football: Jones Memorial Ground Provide changing pavilion High

Youth Grounds Review pitch markings in association with local leagues High and provide junior goals as appropriate.

Youth/casual play: Jones Memorial Pilot youth facility/MUGA High

Cricket/football: Southchurch Park Consider relocating some football activity from Southchurch Park to Medium Southchurch Park (East)

Rugby: existing local Improvement of pitches and rugby clubs ancillary facilities through a Medium programme to be devised in partnership with the clubs.

East sub area Youth/casual play: Bournes Green Park Pilot youth facility/MUGA High

Shoeburyness Garrison On-going upgrading of facilities, Medium including pavilion.

32 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Belfairs Golf course 1. Irrigation 2 From £100,000 2. structural improvement works 2006

Nature & Environmental Provision

Local Biodiversity 1. Enhancement of habitats in line with the Southend-on-Sea Local Biodiversity 1 ongoing £50,000 per Action Plan; year 2. Areas in Parks and Open Spaces to be naturalised, with wildflower meadow 1 ongoing areas and planting of native shrubs and trees funded by 3. Developers to consider mitigation on site by introducing wildlife aspects when development submitting planning applications; Gunners Park 1. Development the site for wildlife and informal recreation 2 2006 – Funding via S 2. Attract partner in running a Visitor centre on site and maintain wetland and 2 2006 - 106, external wildlife area funding and partners £150,000 Tree Management Plan Preparation of individual tree management plans for individual parks with individual 2 2006 - Partnership action plans to restore, rejuvenate, and diversify existing tree coverage and valuable 2009 funding ; habitats. Implement tree trails with interpretation matchfunding Survey on database, £30,000

Tackling anti-social behaviour; Offering diversionary activities, and provision of young people’s facilities

Construction of a Skatepark Priory Park is a Flagship park and one of the five Green Flag Parks within Southend- 3 2008- £150k and carrying out of on-Sea. 2010 consultation with young people Teenage and young People’s The Park contains little or no facilities for young people and previous contacts made facilities in Priory Park by the local young people have reinforced that there is a need for appropriate facilities for skating, bmx- and in-line/ rollerblading.

33 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

The proposal intend to: • Improve health through physical activity • Tackle anti-social behavior and offer diversionary activities • Enable young people to inter-act, foster social bonding, improve performance, ability, skills and physical attainment which will benefit overall inclusion, enrichment, tackling anti-social behavior, reduction in youth offending behaviorism, improving social behavior patterns, self-confidence/ esteem and because of the physical nature of the sport will improve overall health. • Improve access, • Promote equal play opportunities for all. • Generate ownership and pride

Groundwork Trust to engage with youth consultation and capacity building. Also to raise funds to deliver the construction.

Diversification of anti-social - Install teenage facilities for the age ranges from 12-20 years in various parks of the 1 2006 – £250,000 / 5 behaviour borough; the facilities to contain sports activities such as street-skate courses, street 2011 parks basketball, volleyball, table tennis and youth-shelters - - Arrange for organised sport sessions especially for after school hours and out-of 2 2005 - £30,000 per hours times, during weekends and during school holidays; creation of a youth – year sport support officer - Diversify sport pavilions as drop-in centres for young people in partnership with the 2 2007 £500,000 Youth Service and Connexions and in consultation with young people and carry out maintenance for their upkeep and to support feeling of responsibility and pride.

- Eastwood Park - changing rooms to be earmarked as a pilot project for its reconstruction as a Teenage Drop-in Centre Improvements to Introduction of lighting on main thoroughfares in Parks and Open Spaces; installation 2 2010 - £2 Million Accessibility and security in of mobile CCTV units in trouble spots and security lighting where required; rolling 2015 Parks & Open Spaces programme of footpath, steps, ramps and handrail improvement.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

10. REFERENCE LIST

Assessing needs and opportunities PPG17 companion guide. ODPM

Planning ‘Creating Local Development Frameworks’ A companion guide to PPS12. ODPM

Thames Gateway South Essex Green Grid Strategy (Draft)

Seeing the Wood for the Trees, A Forestry and woodlands framework for the south east

CABE Space ‘Green Space Strategies’ A practise guide

CABE Space ‘A Guide to producing green space management plans’

Is the Grass Greener? CABE Space

Community Plan 2003, SBC

Environmental Charter SBC

MORI Survey Report 2004

Crime and Disorder Strategy, SBC

Core Strategy Development Plan 2004, SBC

Cultural Strategy ‘Making Culture Count’, SBC

Borough Council - Owned Tree Policy, SBC

Green Spaces Better Places Report, Urban Taskforce 2002

Parks and Open Spaces, Best Value Improvement Report 2001, SBC

Open Space and Recreation Assessment in Southend on Sea Report 2004

Sports Pitch Assessment Report, 2004

Local Transport Plan, 2003 SBC

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 1 Map of Southend Parks and Open Spaces

36 Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 2 List of Southend Parks and Open Spaces

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Area Classification No. Name (Squ. M) (Ha) Category Parks and Open Spaces 1 Belfairs Park 854000 85.40 D District Parks 2 Gunners Park 340000 34.00 D Local Parks 3 Blenheim Park 95000 9.50 L 4 Bournes Green Park 48000 4.80 L 5 Chalkwell Park 108000 10.80 L 6 Eastwood Park 63000 6.30 L 7 Friars Park 79000 7.90 L 8 Garon Park 170117 17.01 L 9 Leigh Cliffs 31000 3.10 L 10 Marine Parade Gardens/ Belton Hills 255000 25.50 L 11 North Shoebury Open Space 71000 7.10 L 12 Oakwood Park 76000 7.60 L 13 Priory Park 180000 18.00 L 14 Shoebury Common 46000 4.60 L 15 Shoebury Park 79000 7.90 L 16 Southchurch Park 125000 12.50 L 17 Southchurch Park East 72000 7.20 L 18 Southend Cliffs 91000 9.10 L 19 St. Laurence Park 100000 10.00 L 20 Thorpe Bay Gardens 25000 2.50 L Neighbourhood Parks 21 Bonchurch Recreation Ground 12000 1.20 N 22 Cavendish Sports Ground 11000 1.10 N 23 Churchill Gardens 10000 1.00 N 24 Cockethurst Park 14000 1.40 N 25 Leigh Library Gardens 9000 0.90 N 26 Milton Road Gardens 3000 0.30 N 27 Prittlewell Square 4000 0.40 N 28 Scott Park 17000 1.70 N 29 Southchurch Hall Gardens 20000 2.00 N 30 Millennium Open Space-Prince Ave 20000 2.00 N 31 The Shrubbery 11000 1.10 N 32 Warrior Square 5000 0.50 N 33 Leigh Marshes 115460 11.55 N SUB TOTAL 3039117 303.91

Area Classification No. Name (Squ. M) (Ha) Location Amenity Open 1 Arterial/ Fairway open space 12000 1.20 Belfairs Space 2 Aylesbeare Open Space 1712 0.17 Shoebury 3 Belgrave Road Open Space 950 0.10 Belfairs 4 Branscome Square 5000 0.50 Shoebury 5 Brookfields Open Space 1605 0.16 Eastwood 6 Burleigh Square 3000 0.30 Shoebury 7 Shoebury War Memorial 4235 0.42 Shoebury

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 8 Cheldon Barton Open Space 3495 0.35 Shoebury 9 East Beach 46000 4.60 Shoebury 10 Fairview Gardens 2456 0.25 Belfairs 11 Wildlife Garden o/s Centre Museum 1673 0.17 Priory 12 Collingwood Open Space 2120 0.21 Shoebury 13 Four Sisters Way/ Close 1800 0.18 Eastwood 14 Green Lane Open Space 675 0.07 Eastwood 15 Hoblythick Lane Open Space 1090 0.11 Priory 16 Hogarth Drive Courtyard 630 0.06 Shoebury 17 Hurst Way 1930 0.19 Leigh 18 Maplin Way North 15000 1.50 Shoebury 19 Neil Armstrong Way area 3683 0.37 Eastwood 20 Oak Walk 874 0.09 Belfairs 21 Rembrandt Close 84 0.01 Shoebury 22 Repton Green open space 1615 0.16 Eastwood 23 Ridgeway Gardens 5000 0.50 Leigh 24 Sedgemore Open Space 18997 1.90 Shoebury 25 Thorpe Hall Avenue 17813 1.78 Thorpe 26 The Gardens - at lower end of Leigh Hill 575 0.06 Leigh 27 The Leas Open Space 8586 0.86 Southend 28 Thorpe Bay Station Gardens 1370 0.14 Shoebury 29 Turner Close Courtyard 410 0.04 Shoebury 30 Undercliff Gardens 6000 0.60 Leigh 31 Underwood Square 1531 0.15 Belfairs 32 Windermere Road Courtyards 694 0.07 Southchurch 33 Whistler Rise Courtyard 435 0.04 Shoebury 34 Vermeer Crescent 630 0.06 Shoebury 35 Goya Rise 630 0.06 Shoebury 36 Dandies Open Space 2500 0.25 Eastwood 37 Danescroft 9120 0.91 Eastwood 38 Gainsborough Open Space 10,100 10.10 Southend 39 Jena Open Space 2,900 0.29 Shoebury 40 Cluny Square 22196 0.21 Southend SUB TOTAL 221114 17.36

Sports Grounds 1 Alexandra Bowls Centre 2995 0.30 2 Belfairs Golf Course 498150 49.82 3 Belfairs Sports Ground 51000 5.10 4 Chalkwell Esplanade 13000 1.30 5 Elm Road Sports Ground 40000 4.00 6 Victory Sports Ground 57000 5.70 7 Jones Memorial Ground 63000 6.30 8 Warners Park 130200 13.02 9 West Barrow Hall Park 73000 7.30 10 New youth Ground 95527 9.55 11 Garrison Cricket Square 6220 0.62 SUBTOTAL 1030092 103.01

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Area Classification Name (Squ. M) (Ha) Category Playgrounds 1 Blenheim Park* 2000 0.20 LEAP 2 Belfairs Park* 2000 0.20 NEAP 3 Bonchurch* 900 0.09 - 4 Bournes Green 800 0.08 LEAP 5 Caulfield Road* 1585 0.16 - 6 Chalkwell Park (Toddlers) 1480 0.15 LEAP 7 Chalkwell Park (Older)* 2055 0.21 NEAP 8 Christchurch Road 2335 0.23 NEAP 9 Cluny Square* 6010 0.60 LEAP 10 Cockethurst 990 0.10 LEAP 11 Colne Drive 300 0.03 LAP 12 Danescroft 395 0.04 LEAP 13 Dandies Farm 1610 0.16 LEAP 14 Delaware 3000 0.30 LEAP 15 Eastwood Park 430 0.04 LEAP 16 Fairfax Drive 745 0.07 LEAP 17 Friars Park 1140 0.11 - 18 Gainsborough 1900 0.19 LEAP 19 Gunners Park 4320 0.43 LEAP 20 Jena Close 100 0.01 LEAP 21 Jones Memorial 1650 0.17 LEAP 22 Nightingale Close 365 0.04 LAP 23 Leigh Library Gardens* 300 0.03 LEAP 24 Lifstan Way 1656 0.17 LEAP 25 Milton Gardens* 100 0.01 LEAP 26 Manners Way 1310 0.13 LEAP 27 Oakwood Park* 1290 0.13 LEAP 28 Priory Park* 5160 0.52 LEAP 29 Scott Park 1995 0.20 LEAP 30 Shoebury Park* 2000 0.20 LEAP 31 Sidmouth 1560 0.16 LEAP 32 St. Laurence Park* 1200 0.12 NEAP 33 St. Laurence Millenium Open Space 10000 1.00 LAP 34 Southchurch Park* 340 0.03 LEAP 35 Three Shells 80 0.01 - Estuary Housing 36 Kursaal Estate 1000 0.10 LEAP Dpt Social Care 37 Saxon Gardens 1 285 0.03 LEAP Dpt Social Care 38 Saxon Gardens 2 285 0.03 LEAP Dpt Social Care 39 Saxon Gardens 3 285 0.03 LEAP Dpt Social Care 40 Coleman Street Flats (Housing) 500 0.05 LEAP SUBTOTAL 65456 6.55

Closed Churchyards 1 Holy Trinity Church 8195 0.82 2 St. Clements Churchyard 2533 0.25 3 St. John's Churchyard 3470 0.35 4 St. Mary's Church 3617 0.36

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 SUBTOTAL 17815 1.78

Nature conservation 1 Belfairs Nature Reserve 374000 37.40 areas 2 Belton Hills 144552 14.46 3 Leigh Marches 211000 21.10 4 Two Tree Island 221260 22.13 5 Edwards Hall Park 121000 12.10 6 Waitrose Natural Habitat 18340 1.83 SUBTOTAL 1090152 109.02

Area Classification No. Name (Squ. M) (Ha) Category Allotments 1 Bridgewater Drive 4050 0.41 2 Delaware 2835 0.28 3 Eastern Avenue 48560 4.86 4 Edwards Hall 8090 0.81 5 Elm Road 3645 0.36 6 Hamstel Road 32370 3.24 7 Herbert Road 4860 0.49 8 Lifstans Way 4050 0.41 9 Manners Way 22275 2.23 10 Norwich Avenue 17415 1.74 11 Rochford Road 12960 1.30 12 Sandringham Road 2025 0.20 13 St. Andrews Road 7290 0.73 14 Vincent Crescent 5265 0.53 15 Westcliff 44550 4.46 Community Garden 16 Growing Together Trust - Fairfax Drive 12000 1.20 17 Marshall Close 2000 2.00 Leigh TC 18 Leigh 14000 1.40 Leigh TC 19 Manchester Drive 30000 3.00 Leigh TC SUBTOTAL 278240 27.82

Woodland 1 Owlshall wood 4000 0.40 2 Oakwood 24700 2.47 SUBTOTAL 28700 2.87

TOTAL 5770686 577.07

KEY TO CATEGORIES (PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND PLAYGROUNDS ONLY)

D - District Park > 20 ha L - Local Park > 2 ha N - Neighborhood Park < 2 ha

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

LAP - Local unequipped Area for Play LEAP - Local equipped Area for Play NEAP - Neighborhood Equipped Area for Play no category status - Play areas are unfenced * Playground contains all-inclusive items of play

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 3 Young People Consultation Results

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Young people consultation results

'Voices' The results of the previously mentioned MORI survey indicated amongst younger people (16-24 years) as well as those without access to a car a comparatively low satisfaction with parks and open spaces. It is clearly therefore important to ensure that local spaces are not only within easy reach, but also have good quality facilities/environment, and satisfy the needs of those who may be very dependent on local availability. This is especially the case for the elderly, but also for young people. The (then) Essex County Council Youth Services undertook the 'Voices Peer Research Project' which aimed to research the needs of young people in Shoeburyness. The recommendations arising from this study included a request for better parks, as well as lighting within parks (the latter indicating a concern about safety and security). A subsequent study was prepared in mid 2001 by an after school co-ordinator which highlighted that Shoebury is lacking facilities for teenagers, such as skateboard parks, BMX tracks and meeting places. This survey was instrumental in bringing forward proposals for new facilities within the Shoebury area. It has also helped to highlight a wider concern about the needs of a particular age group that have often been overlooked. The desire for open space and accompanying facilities to meet the needs of teenagers has also figured prominently in the results of consultation exercises aimed at young people, and undertaken as part of this study.

'One Voice' survey Southend Youth and Connexions Service regularly conducts surveys of young people. In the summer of 2003 free bowling was offered in return for co-operation in filling in a questionnaire. Although this survey also covered issues beyond the immediate scope of this report, some questions were included to specifically inform this study. 122 young people took part in the survey, 63 females and 59 males, with ages ranging from 10 to 19 years old.

A question was asked about the quality of local playgrounds. Of the 122 young people surveyed: • 15 considered theirs to be Very Good • 24 thought theirs is Good • 42 considered their local playground to be Average • 17 thought their local playground is Poor • 23 thought theirs is Very Poor • 1 said they did not have a local playground

Quality of playgrounds

When asked what sort of facilities they felt were most needed by their age group: • 51 considered that a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) is most needed in their area • 50 wanted a Youth Café / Drop-In Centre • 46 wanted a local Youth Club • 43 wanted a Park or Sports Pitches • 39 wanted a Bus to get to better facilities • 36 wanted a Skateboard or BMX facilities • 34 wanted a Kickabout Area • 33 wanted a Playground • 31 wanted a Youth Shelter • 27 wanted Outdoor Basketball Hoops • 22 wanted a local Community Centre

Demand for youth facilities What is perhaps most noteworthy about these findings is: • A strong feeling that there is a need for facilities aimed specifically at teenagers.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 • A desire to have places simply to meet (hangout areas, drop in centres, community centres etc) • It is also interesting that many of the respondents stressed the importance of improving the means to get to facilities (in this case availability of a good bus service). The issue of access and 'links' to facilities is considered further later in this strategy.

Residents also note that there are a number of areas for improvement such as the need for better public toilets. Problems with litter, graffiti, dog fouling and the perception of personal safety are all highlighted in the responses. The following table sets out the results of previous consultation asking, which, if any, of the following factors would encourage use of parks and open spaces.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 4 Southend-on-Sea Allotment Sites

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Appendix 4: Southend-on-Sea Allotment sites

Statutory Allotment sites

Sites managed by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Statistics from April 2005) Sites Acres Hectares Available rods 1 Norwich 1. 4.3 1 . 7 4 3 1 Ten rod plots available, 28 Ten rod plots let (90%) Avenue 33 Ten rod plots now nature reserve

2 Vincent 5.4 2 0 . 5 3 2 0 Ten rod plots available, 17 Ten rods plot let (85%) Crescent 3 Herbert road 3 1 . 2 0 . 4 9 14.5 Ten rod plots available, 14.5 Ten rod plots let (100%) 4 Bridgewater 1.0 4 0 . 4 1 1 4 Ten rod plots available, 10 Ten rod plots let (71%) Drive 5 St. Andrews 1.8 0 . 7 3 2 7 Ten rod plots available, 27 Ten rod plots let (100%) Road 6 Edwards Hall 6 2 . 0 0 . 8 1 24 Ten rod plots available, 22.5 Ten rod plots let (94%)

Sites managed by an Allotment Society (Statistics from 2004/2005 financial year) Sites Acres Hectares Available rods 7 Eastern 12.0 4 . 8 6 100 Ten rod plots available, 58 Ten rod plots let (58%) Avenue 93 Ten rod plots now nature reserve 8 Hamstel 8.0 3 . 2 4 125 Ten rod plots available, 60 Ten rod plots let (48%) Road 9 Springfield 11.0 4 . 4 6 192 Ten rod plots available, 144 Ten rod plots let (75%) Drive 10 Rochford 3.2 1 . 3 0 for combined statistics of Rochford rd & Manners way road see below (managed by same society)

11 Manners way 5 . 5 2 . 2 3 113 Ten rod plots available, 63 Ten rod plots let (56%) (combined)

Non statutory Allotment sites

Sites managed by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Statistics from April 2005) Acres Hectares Available rods 12 Delaware Road 0 . 7 0.28 6 Ten rod plots available, 6 Ten rod plots let (100%)

13 Lifstan way 0 . 41 16 Ten rod plots available, 12.5 Ten 1.0 rodplots let (78%)

14 Sandringham 0.5 5 Ten rod plots available, 5 Ten rod Road 0.20 plots let (100%)

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Allotment Sites managed by Leigh Town Council (Statistics from August 2005)

Acres Hectares Available rods 15 Marshall Close 0.20 17 Five rod plots available, and 17 Five rod plots let 16 Leigh 1.40 104 Ten rod plots available, and 48 Ten rod plot let 17 Manchester 3.00 179 Ten Rod plots available, and 107 Drive

Acres Hectares Available rods 18 Growing 1.20 Not applicable; the site is a community garden and is Together managed by a mental health charity, Trust Links, in partnership with Southend Borough Council.

Note: 10 rods equals and area of 252.92 m2

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 5 Example Calculation of Developers Contribution for provision

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Appendix 5 Calculation of Developers Contributions for Off-Site provision

• Cost dependant on whether a new facility is to be provided or if an existing one is to be enhanced. If the provision is to enhance an existing open space the assumed cost will be based on 75% of the cost of a new provision. • If a new facility is to be created, contributions toward initial preparation works (i.e. drainage / ground modelling / basic infrastructure) will also be required where; • Land preparation works are assumed to be £10 per sq.m (based on advice from the Councils’s Property Section and with costings taken from a recent project in Southend. This cost is made up of £5.sq.m for drainage and £5sq.m for cut and fill) • An additional charge of 10% of the total cost will also be made as a capitalised revenue payment to enable the Council to project manage the works.

Children’s Equipped Play Areas These are generally provided to serve the under 14 age group and should be constructed to meet the minimum standards set out by the NPFA for Local Play of Play (LAP), Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAP) and Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAP).

Each type of play area has different functions and requirements. These are set out below. However all play areas should comply with the relevant European and British Safety Standards including EN 1176 (Children’s Play Equipment), EN 1177 and BS 7188 (Impact Attenuating Surfacing), PAS 30 (Multi-Use Games Areas) PAS 35 (Specification for wheeled sports equipment). Furthermore all equipped play areas should be designed to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and follow the guidance given in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s good practice guide entitled Developing Accessible Play Space (ODPM 2003).

Youth & Adult Play Areas These are areas intended for formal recreational use and include pitches, courts and greens. This type of open space embraces public and educational facilities and also those in private use. Wherever possible, such areas should be made available for informal use by children. The minimum size for a youth and adult play area is dependent upon the type of facility. Sport pitches should measure at least 0.81ha (based on minimum dimensions of a football pitch of 120mx67m) plus clearance zones (9m on length and 6m on width). Any provision should also include changing facilities.

It is important to note that verges, footpath links and other associated landscaping and planting do not count towards the open space requirement which will only include usable areas of open space.

HOW MUCH OPEN SPACE SHOULD BE PROVIDED? The Borough Council will require the provision of open space to the following standards:

Leisure Area 0.4ha/1000 population 4sqm/person Children’s Equipped Play Area 1.2ha/1000 population LAP 0.0002ha or 2sqm/person LEAP 0.0004ha or 4sqm/person NEAP 0.0006ha or 6sqm/person Youth & Adult Play Area 1.2ha/1000 population 12sqm/person Total 2.8ha/1000 population 28sqm/person

These standards will be applied to the estimated number of residents resulting from the proposed development. The estimated number of residents will be calculated by reference to the following assumed occupancy rates for different sizes of dwellings which have been calculated using available data:

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

No of bedrooms 1 2 3+ Assumed no of residents 2 3 4

When an application is received in “outline” and the number and type of dwellings are not known, then the open space requirements can be estimated based on the application of a minimum density of 30 dwellings/hectare of gross housing development and an average household size of 2.22 persons (2001 census). This is intended to provide an initial guide to the likely open space requirement. The initial figure will in all circumstances be updated by a detailed calculation based on the number of bedrooms once a Reserved Matters application is submitted.

The provision of open space will be secured at an outline stage via a Section 106 Planning Obligation.

Example (1) Full application for 10x2 bed dwelling and 25x3 bed dwellings. Assume population of (10x3 persons)+(25x4 persons) = 130

Now apply standards ie:

Leisure Area 4sqm/person

Children’s Equipped Play Area LAP 2sqm/person LEAP 4sqm/person NEAP 6sqm/person Youth & Adult Play Area 12sqm/person

130x4 = 520sqm Leisure Area 130x2 = 260sqm LAP 130x4 = 520sqm LEAP Children’s Equipped Play Area 130x6 = 780sqm NEAP 130x12 = 1560sqm Youth & Adult Play Area

TOTAL OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT = 3,640sq.m (0.36ha)

Example (2) Outline application for residential development on 2.0ha.

Assume 60 dwellings are proposed based on 30 dwellings/hectare with an average household size of 2.22. Population of development is therefore assumed at 133.

Now apply standards ie: Leisure Area 4sqm/person Children’s Equipped Play Area LAP 2sqm/person LEAP 4sqm/person NEAP 6sqm/person Youth & Adult Play Area 12sqm/person

133x4sqm = 532sqm Leisure Area 133x2sqm = 266sqm LAP 133x4sqm = 532sqm LEAP Children’s Equipped Play Area 133x6sqm = 798sqm NEAP

133x12sqm = 1,596sqm Youth & Adult Play Area

TOTAL OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT = 3,724sq.m (0.37ha)

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WHERE IS THE OPEN SPACE TO BE PROVIDED?

Wherever possible, the open space requirement should be provided on site. This is normally the best and most practicable way to serve the recreational needs of a new housing development. When providing open space on site, there is usually a priority for a LAP and/or leisure area before any other type of provision. Youth and Adult play areas are only likely to be provided on the largest application sites. It may also be possible to combine types of open space without adversely affecting the functions of the spaces. Dual use in this way will be acceptable so long as the quality of the open space function is not harmed.

For example, it may be feasible to accommodate leisure areas within the clearance zones of children’s equipped play areas. Similarly, leisure areas and casual play areas can be accommodated within the clearance zones around youth and adult play areas.

In many circumstances it will not be possible to provide open space on site. In assessing how to provide open space it is necessary to have regard to the guidelines on minimum sizes for different types of open space. To ensure the provision of usable areas of open space which can be easily and economically maintained, open space should not normally be provided on site if the levels required fall below the following minimum sizes:

Leisure Area 0.5ha (5000sqm)

Children’s Equipped Play Area LAP 0.04ha (400sqm) LEAP 0.04ha (400sqm) NEAP 0.1ha (1000sqm)

Youth & Adult Play Areas 0.81ha (8100sqm)

HOW ARE COMMUTED SUMS FOR THE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE CALCULATED?

The level of commuted payment for off site open space provision will always be dependent upon whether a new open space is to be provided or an existing open space upgraded. The former usually includes the cost of land acquisition. The cost of off site open space provision, which are shown in below Fig xy, are based on commuted sums per residential unit. These figures are based on 2004 costs and are revised bi-annually. They have been rounded up or down to the nearest whole number and the actual commuted sum required may vary slightly from those published here.

Notwithstanding whether land has to be acquired contributions for each type of open space has been calculated to include the following.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Fig xy COMMUTED SUM PER RESIDENTIAL UNIT Number of Provision Leisure Children’s Equipped Youth and Total Rooms Required Area Play Areas Adult Play (£) (£) (£) Areas (£) LAP LEAP NEAP 1 Bedroom New 1,066 1,001 3,122 2,884 1,659 9,732 (2 people) Enhanced 799 751 2,342 2,163 1,244 7,299

2 Bedrooms New 1,598 1,502 4,684 4,325 2,489 14,598 (3 people) Enhanced 1,199 1,126 3,513 3,244 1,866 10,948

3 + Bedrooms New 2,131 2,002 5,767 4,325 3,318 17,544 (4 people) Enhanced 1,598 1,502 4,684 4,325 2,488 14,597

Example Full application for 15x4 bed dwellings and 10x2 bed dwellings. Assume population of (15x4 persons)+ (10x3 persons) = 90.

Now apply standards to give the following open space requirements:

Leisure Area 4sqm/person =360 sq.m

Children’s Equipped Play Area LAP 2sqm/person =180 sq.m LEAP 4sqm/person =360 sq.m NEAP 6sqm/person =540 q.m

Youth & Adult Play Area 12sqm/person =1080 sq.m

Given that each of these requirements fall below the minimum sizes for on site provision, they should be met by way of a commuted payment covering off site open space provision. It should be noted that the Council will retain 10% of all commuted sums as capitalised revenue since it is a significant drain on the Council’s resources to convert cash contributions into physical public open space of quality. For the development referred to above the following payment will be required:

15x £2,131= £31,965 (cost of provision for 15 no 4 bed dwellings) Leisure Area +15x£2,002= £30,030 LAP x£5,767= £86,505 LEAP x£4,325= £64,875 NEAP sub-total £213,375

+15x £3,318= £49,770 (cost of Youth provision for 15 no 4 bed dwellings)

+10x £2,131 £21,131 (cost of Leisure Area for 10 no 3 bed dwellings) +10x £2,002= £20,020 (cost of Childrens' play provision 15 no 4 bed dwellings) LAP x£5,767 £57,670 LEAP x£4,325= £43,250 NEAP sub-total £142,071

+10x £3,318= £33,180 (cost of YAPA for 10 no 3 bed dwellings) Youth facility TOTAL = £175,251

In this example the sum of £ 17,525.10 (10%) would be retained by the Council as capitalised revenue to cover the project management costs for establishing suitable facilities.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

HOW ARE COMMUTED SUMS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE CALCULATED?

Where the developer wishes to pass on the duty to maintain an open space the developer will normally be required to pay a commuted sum to cover the cost of future maintenance for a period of at least 20 years (10 years where open space provision is in itself in the form of a commuted sum). This is intended to avoid situations where open spaces become neglected and deteriorate to an extent that their functions are harmed and to avoid undue burden being placed on the public purse.

Provision of open space on site will always involve the payment of a commuted sum to cover maintenance costs unless the open space is not to be adopted by the Council. Where such open space is provided it should be maintained by the developer to the satisfaction of the Open Spaces Manager for a period of 12 months after it is laid out. Upon the expiry of this period, the open space shall be transferred to the Council and a commuted sum paid to cover its future maintenance. The commuted sum will be calculated having regard to the following figures (Grounds maintenance contract figures 2004 based) which represent the cost of maintaining the different types of open space per annum (and are revised bi-annually).

Cost of maintenance per Type of facility Sub-type Min. annum (£) per sqm Size (ha) Leisure Area (0.5) £6

LAP (0.01) £3.01 Children’s Equipped Play Area LEAP (0.04) £3.01 NEAP (0.10) £3.01

Youth & Adult Play Areas (0.81) £0.25

HOW IS THE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE TO BE SECURED? In providing open space by way of a commuted payment, applicants have two options:

(a) entering into a planning obligation in the form of a Section 106 Agreement with the Council which will control the development, maintenance and transfer of ownership of the land to the Council. You will need to appoint a solicitor to act for you and you will also have to make a contribution to the Council’s legal and administrative costs. The legal costs cover the preparation of the agreement and vary considerably but should normally be between £1000 and £5000. The administrative cost is a flat rate fee of £750 to ensure that the terms of the Section 106 Agreement are implemented.

(b) completing a standard form Unilateral Planning Undertaking supplied by the Council. This is the usual method of payment for small developments where the open space is not being provided on site. It is simple quick and avoids the additional cost of drafting a Section 106 Agreement. A fee as set out in (a) above is charged for this method to contribute towards the administration costs incurred. A contribution to the Council’s legal fees would not normally be sought provided the unilateral undertaking does not require significant input from the Council’s Legal Section.

The District Council has a separate account set up especially for the provision and maintenance of open space facilities. These monies cannot be used for the funding of projects or schemes other than for public open space at specified locations, and will be safeguarded until such a time that there are sufficient funds to undertake the necessary works. If the funds remain unspent seven years after completion of the development, they will normally be repaid to the applicant.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

A number of assumption have been made in arriving at the calculation used above.

Construction of sportsplaying pitches and ancillary facilities, indicative costings:

New football pitches (drained) adult £40000 junior pitch £30000 mini pitch £14000

Pitch drainage £20-30000

Re-marking/new posts junior/ £2000 mini £1000

Changing rooms/pavilion 2 team, 100m2 £120000 4 team, 150m2 £180000 Floodlit full-size ATP £450,000

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 6 Southend-on-Sea Marketing Plan

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Appendix 6 Marketing Plan

Southend on Sea Council manages 568 hectares of parks and open spaces made up of thirty three parks, eleven sports grounds, forty playgrounds and six nature conservation areas together with areas of amenity open space, woodland and closed churchyards. Each of these important spaces provides different types of features and attractions for residents and visitors alike.

Key objectives

Provide play space and facilities in Parks and Green Spaces in Southend-on-Sea for residents and visitors of all ages, abilities and wide range of interests and positively encourage maximum use of these areas.

Promote Parks and Green Spaces’ contribution towards achieving Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s vision to be “a vibrant coastal town and prosperous regional centre where people enjoy living, working & visiting”

To achieve recognition of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s parks and horticultural expertise.

Publicise the Parks & Green Spaces’ role in: ° improving the quality of life for communities within the Borough. ° protecting the environment, conservation, ecology & bio-diversity ° education & learning ° preserving Southend-on-Sea’s heritage & culture

Promote Parks & Green Spaces: ° for healthy living through the provision of places for walking, exercise and physical activity. ° as places for relaxation. ° as venues for community development ° as venues for special events

Marketing activities

1) Press / Media coverage 2) Brochures and leaflets 3) Websites 4) Exhibitions 5) Newsletters and articles 6) Talks / demonstrations / guided tours / open days 7) Special Events 8) Sponsorship 9) Advertising 10) Competitions/Shows

1) Press/Media coverage ° The Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services keeps local media informed and up-to-date about Parks’ issues, awards, events taking place, etc. through the issue of regular Media Releases.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 ° Twenty four Media Releases have been issued in 2005 to date and the aim is to achieve thirty over the year and to maintain this level for 2006.

2) Brochures/Leaflets The following Parks Department publications are produced and distributed: ° 2,500 Parks and Green Spaces booklets are being reprinted in 2005 and are distributed at events, visitor information centres, trade shows, and are available at visitor centres.

Other brochures/leaflets: ° The annual Southend Tourism Guide is an A4 brochure produced by Southend-on- Sea Borough Council’s Cultural Development Department to provide information for visitors to the town about the resort as a day/short-break/holiday destination. It contains a double page spread promoting the Borough’s Parks and Gardens. 50,000 are produced annually and distributed via Tourist Information Centres around the country, handed out at exhibitions in the UK and overseas and mailed out to enquirers in response to advertising campaigns.

3) Websites: Information about the Borough’s Parks and Green Spaces is posted to the following sites: ° www.southend.gov.uk ° www.visitsouthend.co.uk

4) Exhibitions, Trade Shows & Events: Southend-on-Sea has a stand at the following exhibitions at which the town’s Parks and Gardens are heavily promoted as visitor attractions. The stand itself is decorated by the Central Nursery with plants and flowers which visually demonstrates the horticultural expertise of Southend’s Parks Department and promotes the beauty of the town’s Parks and Gardens.

International Group Leisure & Travel Show – London, Wembley – September Excursions – London, Alexandra Palace – January Tourism & Leisure Show – Essex – February

5) Newsletters and articles: Information and news about Parks and Gardens awards, events, issues, etc. is publicised in: ° Civic News that is mailed to all residents in the Borough. ° Southend Staffer , distributed to all council staff ° “Now Read On”, the Department of Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services newsletter ° etc.

11) Talks / demonstrations / guided tours / open days Southend-on-Sea Borough Council regularly organises talks, demonstrations and guided tours of its Parks and Gardens to schools, groups, residents, etc. On average there are approximately 20 guided tours per year. These are promoted through the local press.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 On average each year there are about 20 talks and slideshows delivered to local residents groups covering various topics such as the Chelsea Flower Show, trees, and horticulture in general.

The Central Nursery has Open Days twice per year. These are well attended by residents who have the opportunity to “Ask the expert”, purchase plants, etc. and see demonstrations, e.g. how to make a hanging basket?

12) Special Events Southend-on-Sea’s Parks Department provides a year round calendar of special events at many of its sites. Hosting events in Parks raises awareness of their locations, facilities and attractions and draw in visitors from both within and outside the Borough. Events can take the form of concerts, sporting competitions, plays and arts performances, shows, etc.

Some of the regular events that take place include: Concert in the Park Priory Park June Bus & Transport Show Southchurch Park June London to Southend Bike Ride Priory Park July Carnival Fair Chalkwell Park August Cricket Festival Garon Park August Garden Show Garon Park May and August

13) Sponsorship Thirty of the Borough’s high visibility roundabouts are sponsored by local businesses. This arrangement generates an income for the Council that is offset against the cost of providing an attractive floral display that enhances the Parks and Gardens Department’s profile. In addition, there are a further fifteen sponsored planters across the town.

14) Competitions / Shows ° Chelsea Flower Show Southend-on-Sea has entered this high profile event for the last eleven years and has achieved eleven Medals - including four Gold. Press and media coverage is maximised and a huge amount of publicity is generated pre and post-event. This goes a long way to achieving our aim of the resort being known for its horticultural expertise, imaginative and colourful floral displays.

° In Bloom ° Green Flag Awards ° Gardener of the Year Award ° Nations in Bloom ° Etc.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

Appendix 7 List of Sites of Importance to Wildlife in Southend

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015

List of Sites of Importance to Wildlife in Southend

Leigh, Belfairs and Eastwood

• Two Tree Island, Eastern section (TQ 820850 - 840840) Former rubbish tip now rough grassland. Most important areas are extensive saltmarsh and mudflats to the east and south. The mudflats are part of Leigh National Nature Reserve (NNR) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.) The island itself is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) only.

• Benfleet and Southend Marshes (including Southend-on-Sea Foreshore) (TQ 820840 - 930840) A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) [for birds] and a Ramsar (Internationally important wetland) site. Part of the SSSI is also designated as Southend- on-Sea Foreshore Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

• Belton Hills (TQ 820850 - 830850) Unimproved grassland managed for wildflowers and invertebrates. A Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

• Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) (TQ 810870/820870) Ancient semi-natural Woodland. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

• Belfairs Woods and Golf Course (TQ 820870/830870) Remnant ancient semi-natural woodland with some areas of grassland. A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

• Oakwood (TQ 835885/832886) Remnant ancient semi-natural woodland divided by A127. A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

• Edward’s Hall Park (TQ 836896) Former farmland, now semi-natural grassland with possible example of remnant “ridge and furrow” in the area. Well established hedgerows and mature (formerly pollarded) trees. Potentially a good educational site. A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

Southchurch and Shoebury

• Southchurch Park - East (TQ 890850/900850) Southchurch Park East has a valuable lake, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The lake has one of the most extensive reed beds in the borough with breeding Reed Warblers, Moorhens, Mallards and Dabchicks. The stream that feeds into it has an excellent aquatic flora and possibly rich fauna as well. Regular mowing of the slopes of the ditch could be detrimental to wildlife.

• Thorpe Hall Golf Course (TQ 900850/910850) A natural water catchment area, now providing a mosaic of semi-natural habitats. A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

• St. Mary’s Churchyard, Nrt. Shoebury (TQ 928862)

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 Pond and ditch important features. No formal designation but Great Crested Newts discovered during survey in 2005.

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Southend-on-Sea Green Spaces Strategy 2005 - 2015 • Foulness and Maplin Sands (TQ 900800 - 950870) A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Most of it lies outside the borough boundary but abuts Benfleet and Southend Marshes SSSI boundary.

• Shoebury Common , North and South (TQ 925841/926842) A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and adjacent a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Remnant coastal grassland containing a rare grass species and other interesting flora. Shoebury Common North is herb rich grassland, especially on raised knolls with rare Clovers and Fiddle Dock. Shoebury Common South contains elements of relic flora of sandy common land including the nationally scarce Bulbous Meadow Grass, a mainly Mediterranean species which dies down completely by May. The South Western corner appears to be of most interest, however many interesting species could be found protected by the low fence near the road. A nationally scarce liverwort also occurs on this site.

• Shoebury Coastguard Station (TQ 927841) A remnant of ancient coastal grassland with a rich and varied flora. Could be considered as one of the most important botanical sites in the county. A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and adjacent a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

• Old Ranges , Shoeburyness (TQ 920840/930840) Ancient coastal grassland with a rich flora. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

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