Appendix 1 Parks and Open Space Strategy for

May 2013

PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY FINAL DRAFT

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy - Contents Page

Pages

Foreword: By Portfolio Holders for Environment, Planning and Regeneration 2 Mission Statement 3

Part A Introducing the Strategy Introduction 4 Scope and Objectives of the strategy 4-5 Open Space Categories and Typology Location map 7-8 Issues facing Parks and Open Spaces 9 Conservation area influence on parks and open spaces 9 Summary of Section 10

Part B Setting the Standards Identification of standards for quantity, quality and accessibility in all open space typologies 11-14 Categorisation of Parks and Open Spaces 16-18

Part C – Open space improvement and Policies Parks and Open Space Typology improvement and policies 19-23 Strategic Green Infrastructure 24 Sustainability of our Parks and Open Spaces and Priorities for Action 25-28

Appendix A – Summary Review of the Legislative and policy context at a national, regional and local level 29-30

Bibliography 31-32

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Foreword

We are extremely fortunate in Northampton to have a wealth of parks and open space throughout the town. It is now accepted that parks and open spaces contribute to the quality of life of residents within their neighbourhoods, they provide a link to history of the area, contribute towards the culture, and attract visitors and overall the local environment affects the well-being of residents.

Whether it is formal gardens or woodland areas, parks, sports facilities, recreational open space or play areas; open spaces provide the venue and opportunities for a great range of activities for all ages.

Open space stimulates community spirit, boosts the local economy and promotes biodiversity. In other words they make important contributions to the Social, Economic and Environmental well-being of the Borough and its people. Their role as the „green lungs‟ of the Town is of increasing importance as the need to tackle the effects of climate change intensify. There is a need to make our open spaces attractive for everybody and make sure that in any new developments residents has access to high quality open space.

Since January 2013 – Northampton Borough Council has been working to refresh and update this Strategy document. The Strategy sets out the framework of how we will manage and develop our open spaces.

It is anticipated that this strategy will act as a catalyst for significant improvements to our parks and open spaces through better design, development and management. We recognise that working in partnership will be vital to the success of this Strategy and we must build upon the good relationships that we have already forged.

Cllr Mike Hallam Cllr Tim Hadland

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Our Mission Statement:

‘Northampton Parks and Open spaces are alive with heritage and culture. Our aim for our priority parks is to attain green flag status. At the same time providing other attractive, enjoyable, safe and accessible open spaces, contributing to everyone’s quality of life, the natural environment and social and sustainable economic prosperity.’

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3 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY FINAL DRAFT PART A – SETTING THE SCENE contribute to a sense of place, ever other partner engagement in the important in a changing town. future of our open spaces. Introduction 3. Enable the Council and partners to Parks and open spaces are integral to Northampton’s open spaces include: respond strategically and invest the cultural life of Northampton – they 20 identified Parks, 496 Amenity Green resources in parks and open spaces. provide breathing space and are crucial spaces, of which over 50 are larger than 4. Enable three parks to gain green to the successful functioning of our 1 hectare, 111 Natural or Semi Natural flag status (Delapre Park, Abington communities. People pass by open areas, over 100 children or young Park and The Racecourse). space; walk through it on the way to peoples equipped play spaces, 178 work or the shops, or stop to enjoy it. Outdoor Sports Facilities, 23 Allotment Parks offer places to relax and enjoy the Sites and 45 cemeteries and Scope natural environment away from the churchyards. The Parks and Open Spaces Strategy stresses of everyday life, for children to for Northampton provides a framework play, and for sport and recreation. In These make up over 1,670 hectares of that will help Northampton Borough addition they play host to a range of green space. There is significant Council and its partners protect, events, festivals and educational variation in distribution, quality and improve and sustain open space. It activities on both a small and large accessibility of green spaces, which this considers all land used formally or scale, which attract local and regional Strategy begins to address. informally by the public. audiences. Improvements are required to provide The strategy does not consider open The unique geography and historic residents across Northampton with space that is not freely accessible to the development of Northampton has good access to good quality parks and public e.g. privately owned land and created a legacy of parks, open spaces open spaces. There are limited finite school grounds. and green areas. The natural and man- resources to manage and maintain our made corridors following the Nene open spaces to a high standard. The Strategy builds upon the baseline Valley its tributaries and the Grand data from the Open Space, Sport and Union Canal are a valuable asset (ref: Objectives of the Strategy Recreation Needs Assessment (2009), Fig. 6) These corridors together with the The 4 objectives of the Strategy are: which sets the standards and policies legacy of its historical landscapes of 1. Prioritise the improvement, for our open space provision. Abington Park, Delapre Park, Beckets management, maintenance and Park, Country Park and retention of open spaces. The geographical scope conforms to the the Racecourse provide a diverse 2. Establish a framework for administrative boundaries of collection of superb green assets, which community, voluntary sector and

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4 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY FINAL DRAFT Northampton, i.e. the Strategy deals • Promoting or marketing a site; and with the whole Borough. • A coherent and accessible management plan, statement or Our Approach to Sustainable Open strategy. Space Each site we target to achieve Green In order to raise the standards of Flag must have a site specific Northampton‟s Parks to become management plan. This means that sustainable and meet the expectations everybody involved with the green of green flag status we need to space should be able to see from a encourage the provision of good quality clear and well-written plan what should public parks and green spaces that are be happening at different times of year managed in environmentally sustainable and what the priorities are for further ways. The Green Flag Award will help investment and future development. the public recognise our good quality green spaces and in doing so rebuild Management plans will provide a clear people‟s confidence in them. framework for making decisions. They will describe the current position of Our approach follows the 8 key criteria sites, how they might develop and a to achieve Green Flag Status these are: planned programme of how to do it. • Creating a sense that people are Plans will contain a statement of positively welcomed into the green purpose (what the plan is for), a set of space; aims and ideals for the site and an • Ensuring that the site is a safe and explanation of the site‟s primary healthy environment; purpose and use. Most plans will • Good standards of cleanliness, contain or make reference to a range of facilities and maintenance; site survey information. Importantly • That the green space is managed in plans will contain some analysis and sustainable and in environmentally assertion of how and why the space is sensitive ways; to be developed in the way proposed in • Valuing the conservation and care of the plan. historic heritage; • Encouraging community involvement;

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National/regional influencers  West Joint Core Strategy  Central Area Action Plan (2013)  Northampton Landscape Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure Study Living Landscapes Consultancy, (2009)

Supporting Documents

 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and Audit (2009)  Playing Pitch Strategy (to be updated) (PMP consultancy, 2005)  Allotments Strategy (NBC 2007)

 A Strategy for Culture and Sport in Northamptonshire 2009 –

2012 (2009)

 Northampton Borough Play Strategy (2008)

 Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2009)

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy Action Plan

Individual Site and Park Management Plans

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Open Space Categories The strategy considers all open spaces for which there is legitimate public access and which provide recreational benefit. It considers 9 different types of space. The Borough owns almost all of these but there are areas where the land might be managed or owned by others. As well as setting out plans and policies for these types of space, the strategy proposes provision of standards.

Types of Space Description Parks and Gardens Urban parks, country parks and formal gardens, open to the general public that provide opportunities for various informal recreation and community events. These have been put into four further sub groups as listed under “Categorisation of Parks and Open Space” on page 24. Natural and Semi-Natural Space includes woodlands, scrubland, orchards, grasslands (e.g. meadows and non-amenity grassland), Open Space wetlands and river corridors, nature reserves and brown field land with a primary purpose of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. These have been categorised into three further sub groups (Strategic, Premier and Neighbourhood). Amenity Greenspace Commonly found in housing areas, they include informal recreation spaces and green spaces in and around housing, with a primary purpose of providing opportunities for informal activities close to home or work. These have been categorised into a further two sub groups (Premier and Neighbourhood). Play Provision for Includes equipped play areas, ball courts, skateboard areas and teenage shelters with the primary purpose of Children and Young providing opportunities for play, physical activity and social interaction involving both children and young People people. Outdoor Sports Facilities Is a wide ranging category of open space, which includes both natural and artificial surfaces for sport and recreation that are either publicly or privately owned, they include playing pitches, athletics tracks, bowling greens and golf courses with the primary purpose of participation in outdoor sports. Allotments and Includes all forms of allotments including urban farms and gardens that provide opportunities for people to Community Gardens grow their own produce as part of the long-term promotion of sustainable health and social inclusion. Cemeteries and These include private burial grounds, local authority burial grounds and disused churchyards. The primary Churchyards purpose of this type of open space is for burial and quiet contemplation but allows for the promotion of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Green Infrastructure (GI) This includes towpaths along canals and riverbanks, cycleways, rights of way and disused railway lines with the primary purpose to provide opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding, whether for leisure purposes or travel and opportunities for wildlife migration Civic Space Includes civic and market squares and other hard surfaced community areas designed for pedestrians with the primary purpose of providing a setting for civic buildings, public gatherings and community events.

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7 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY REFRESH 2013 DRAFT Fig 3: All Open Space Types in Northampton

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Countrywide issues facing Parks & to parks and open spaces. Some of these across the country contributing to breaking Open Spaces were not sufficiently planned or resourced up the wildlife movement corridors. Many issues Northampton faces, in and so were often unsustainable. relation to Parks and Open Spaces are not The Northampton Landscape and Green unusual. There are nationwide problems Heritage Conservation Areas influence Infrastructure Study identified: 1 proposed associated with parks and open space, parks and open spaces Special Protection Areas (pSPA) 2 Sites of including the decline in the quality of green There are currently 19 Heritage Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); 6 Local spaces. Key issues include: Conservation Areas in the Borough of Nature Reserves (LNRs); approx. 50 Local Northampton, three of which cover Wildlife Sites (LWS) and approx. 100 Quality deficiencies in green space Northampton‟s main parks, namely Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS). Lack of investment, site management and Abington, Delapre and The Racecourse. maintenance are significant issues for Each has been designated, following pSPA‟s and SSSIs are protected by Local Authorities. consultation with local residents and European legislation, which places a duty property owners, because of the on all public bodies to take reasonable Problematic site distribution distinctive conservation value, character steps, to conserve. Levels of provision differ across urban and appearance of the areas. areas. As provision is often historically LNRs are nationally designated sites based, it may be poorly located and not The designation of conservation areas within the Borough chosen for special serve the present day concentrations of aims to preserve or enhance the quality of protection, from development or population. the area. However, conservation areas inappropriate change. are not open-air museums but living Active community involvement communities, which must allow some LWS‟s have no statutory protection but This is essential to ensure provision change appropriately over time in order to have been identified as being of locally reflects community need, and historically reflect their historic significance to significant nature conservation value. this has not been managed well. communities. PWS are sites that could be locally Consistency in strategic approach Nature conservation areas significant for nature conservation but this There is often a history of ad hoc Poor management of biodiversity in public hasn‟t been confirmed yet by detailed site interventions and improvements in relation open spaces has led to isolation of sites surveys.

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Summary

 Green spaces are a key feature of Northampton with over 1,670 hectares of green space. There is significant variation in distribution, quality and accessibility of green spaces.  Housing development driven by national planning policies and employment land allocations will have a direct impact on open space, sport and recreation provision. The expected population will place increasing demands on existing open spaces as well as generating higher needs for recreational open space provision.  Northampton has a significant number of sites of geological or wildlife interest including two sites of special scientific interest.  Northampton Borough Council is not exceptional in having limited financial resources that have led to problems associated with park and open space management.

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PART B – SETTING THE STANDARDS

What are the Northampton Standards for? The standards are designed to ensure that everyone in Northampton has access to a range of good quality spaces and associated facilities. The standards will be used for planning new developments and prioritising future work for the council and partners in meeting this aim. It is intended that the key standards will be incorporated into the Local Development Framework and provide developers and the council with clarity over the future provision of green space in planning decisions.

Our Research Local authorities are required to set standards for parks and open spaces that recognise both the present level of provision and local people‟s views and aspirations regarding the present and future provision.

Open Space, Sport and Recreation, needs assessment and audit – (PMP consultancy 2006 and 2009), (OSSR) The Open Space, Sport and Recreation needs assessment and audit was carried out in 2006 and updated in 2009.

The OSSR reviews national, local and regional policy and recommends standards. It provides a comprehensive audit of existing provision of all types of open space, sporting and recreational facilities and examines current provision by:

Quality – a level of quality, which all spaces should attain

Accessibility – how far should people travel to reach a particular type of space and are there communities that are not well served by existing space?

Quantity – how much green space of different types there should be?

The Standards (S) When applying the standards they need to be considered together. However, it is clear from previous consultation that quality is the overriding factor that affects people‟s satisfaction with a place. Therefore priority will be given to meeting the quality standards. Accessibility and Quantity are of next significance so these should also be taken into account in decision-making.

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Quality People use parks and green spaces in different ways, seek different experiences from them and look for different facilities and features. All of these factors affect whether an individual feels that he/she is visiting a good quality green space. As a result, defining and creating good quality open space, is challenging.

Quality Standards for Northampton have been devised which take into account safety and security, vegetation maintenance and facilities.

Quality is on a percentage scale  Poor, below 50%,  Average, 50-69%,  Good to excellent, 70% - 100%

The Quality vision sets a standard for each open space typology to meet as a minimum. Open space type Quality Vision Current Average Percentage

Parks and Gardens 80% 74%

Natural and semi-natural green space 75% 68%

Amenity Green space 65% 61%

Provision for Children 80% 66%

Provision for young people 74% 59%

Outdoor Sports Facilities 80% 73%

Allotments 75% 76%

Cemeteries and Churchyards 70% 70%

Civic Space 70% 70%

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Value community significance Accessibility Standards for Planning Policy recommends that „value‟ involvement Northampton are shown in the table is taken into account in planning and land below: management. The open space value of a Quality and value assessments will be Open space Distance Estimated site is a measure of its potential to best used to: type (metres) Time (mins) fulfil an open space function.  Identify high value sites as a priority for Parks and 480 10 mins quality improvements. Drawing up a Gardens walking The value of an open space site can be short-list of important open space sites Natural and 720 15 mins assessed using the following criteria: that are of low quality as a priority for Semi-natural walking  Context. Such as nearby population improvement. open space concentrations and nearby similar  Produce detailed management plans Amenity green 240 5 mins provision. for appropriate sites that outline space walking  Level of use. Valuable sites are highly improvement targets, against the Play provision 240 5 mins young children walking used. agreed criteria. Play provision 480 10 mins  Wider benefits. Such as biodiversity  NBC will pursue accreditation through young people walking and historical value. Green Flag for open space quality for Outdoor Sports 720 15 mins a selection of parks and open space Facilities walking NBC will use a „value assessment‟ of each sites. Allotments and 720 15 mins site to establish priorities for investment Community walking as shown in the table below. Accessibility Gardens Is about how far people travelled to Cemeteries and Not set Not set Community Strategic different types of open space. This will Churchyards Values Values help derive catchment distances for the Level of Use Deficits in the areas categories of open space. The catchment Quantity Standards Levels of Anti- Contribution towards distance is how far residents can Historically Northampton has significantly social behaviour the local economy reasonably be expected to travel to each more open space than other towns, with Community views Importance to the type of open space by foot. some very large open spaces; currently of the space Green Infrastructure the Borough has 8.19 hectares of open Heritage values Quality standard space per 1000 population, although the Overarching Legal Status amount of open space per resident varies Levels of hugely across different areas. deprivation

Level of Sustainability

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Quantity Standards guarantee adequate Minimum Quantity Standards provision for use and are not a method for Open space Type Hectares per protecting open space. 1,000 population Calculations of the Quantity Standards for Parks and Gardens 1.05 Northampton take into consideration the Natural and Semi- 1.57 current amounts of green space as well as natural open space satisfaction with the quantity and quality of Amenity green space 1.37 current provision. In order to calculate Play provision young 0.04 Quantity Standards in Northampton some children of the larger open space areas have been Play provision young 0.03 excluded due to their tendency to skew people figures. This ensures that Northampton is Outdoor Sports 1.62 able to achieve realistic and achievable Facilities quantity levels. Sites excluded from the Allotments and 0.42 Community Gardens calculations include: Churchyards and 0.013

cemeteries  Brackmills Natural Semi Natural Total 6.133 open space (NSN)  Delapre Park New Development  Mill reservoir If new provision is not possible on site or  Flood Plain NSN within close proximity, financial  NSN contributions would be expected towards  Upton Country Park investment in other open space either in the local vicinity or within the wider Although these sites are excluded from Borough of Northampton. the development of the quantity standards, they remain important parks and open spaces for the town.

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Categorisation of Parks and Open people from across Northampton. They to open space. However consultation Space have an importance on Northampton‟s indicates that residents are willing to walk Many of our open spaces serve a variety green infrastructure network. They are up to 30 minutes to strategic and 20 of functions and is useful to consider the easily accessible by public and private minutes to premier open space as they sites by function in order understand their transport. have more facilities to offer than a differing roles. neighbourhood open space. 3. Neighbourhood Open Spaces - Our Parks and Open Spaces have been These are areas of open space that can categorised into the following types: be variable in scale. They generally do not attract large numbers of people from 1. Strategic Open Space(s) – These across the town, but are significant in attract, or have the potential to attract, ensuring open space is accessible to significant numbers of people from Northampton‟s communities. Northampton and its surrounding area. Neighbourhood open spaces will generally They are key to the Green Infrastructure include features offering play, and form important green linkages both recreational, ecological, landscape, and for the Region and Northampton. They cultural benefits to local people. are an important part of the town and have significant potential for economic 4. Town/ Country Parks - A town and and developmental impact on country open space (or park) typically Northampton. They offer features such as over 15ha is an area serving a significant play, recreational, ecological, landscape, part of the borough. They are places that and cultural benefits for local people and have a natural, rural atmosphere where residents from across Northampton. visitors can enjoy a public open space with parking and other facilities in an 2. Premier Spaces – These are of a informal atmosphere. significant scale usually 15ha or more. A Premier space provides a broad range of Categorisation and Accessibility opportunities that include play, recreation, A significant number of residents live ecological, landscape, cultural and attract further than the recommended walk times

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Categorisation (of Parks)

Northampton Park Typology Categories Function of Space Parks Parks that: Have a strategic role in town centre development Have a historical and or heritage value Are used as a venues for events that attract people from across Northampton and the wider region Have a strategic importance on the green infrastructure and movement Beckets Park and Delapre Parks and Garde and Parks Strategic Park network Park. Fit with emergent Joint Core Strategy Have a strong importance for other public bodies Offer a range of leisure, recreational and play opportunities Contribute to the Local Economy Have a high potential for increased numbers using space

ns Parks that:

Have a strategic role in town centre development Have a historical and or heritage value Are used as a venue for events that attract people from across Northampton Abington Park and the Premier Park Act as key strategic green infrastructure. Racecourse. Offer a range of leisure, recreational and play opportunities Contribute to the Local Economy Have a high potential for increased numbers using space

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Dallington Park, Eastfield Parks that: Park, Errington Park, Vary in Size Grangewood Park, Great Generally do not attract large numbers of people from across the town, but Billing Park, Kingsthorpe are significant in ensuring parks are accessible to Northampton‟s Park (Thornton Park), communities. Kingsthorpe Recreation Neighbourhood Generally include features offering play, recreational, ecological, landscape, Ground, Lodge Farm Park, Parks and cultural or green infrastructure benefits to local people. Thorplands Park, Millers Gardens Are well placed to serve smaller local communities around the town. Meadow, Southfields Park Can have the potential to become Premier Parks. and Victoria Park. Parks that: Upton Country Park, Serve a significant part of the borough and are typically over 15ha. Brackmills Country Park, Town / Country Are places that have a natural, rural atmosphere for visitors who do not Bradlaugh Fields, Parks necessarily want to or cannot go out into the wider countryside. Hunsbury Hill Country Park Are public open spaces with parking and other facilities set in an informal and Penn Valley Country parkland atmosphere. Park.

Note: This table currently categorises Parks only and is therefore not inclusive of all open space in the Borough.

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PART C – Open space improvement affecting quality of parks. The highest vary from 0.06 hectares to 116 and Policies rated aspirations for parks and hectares. gardens are to be clean and litter free, This section outlines key policies for well-kept grass, flowers and trees. NSN includes woodlands, scrub, delivering improved open space for the Improvement Policies grasslands, wetland, open and running following categories: P1 - Ensure that there is a good quality water, pocket parks, orchards, park with a range of facilities within wastelands and derelict land. Parks and Gardens - P reach of homes. Natural and Semi-Natural open space - P2 - Restore, enhance and protect the Northampton Borough contains many NSN historic and environmental context sites with particular designations in Amenity green space - AGS of Northampton‟s Parks and recognition of the wildlife present Play provision for Children and young Gardens. including 50 Local Wildlife Sites, a Site people - CYP P3 – Where appropriate development of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 6 Outdoor Sports Facilities - OSF should improve access links by Local Nature Reserves (LNR). Allotments and community gardens - foot, cycle and public transport and ALL enhance entry points into our Parks There are a number of strategically Cemeteries and Churchyards - CC and Gardens. important sites that are highly valued Green Corridors/Green Infrastructure - P4 - Maintain and manage a number of and well used, examples include: GI our Parks and Gardens to Green Civic Spaces - CS Flag standard. Bradlaugh Fields, Lings Wood and P5 - Park area can only be lost to Kingsthorpe Local Nature Reserve. Parks and Gardens - P development where it is inappropriately sited and poor Nearly all residents are within the Northampton has some outstanding quality. recommended 15 minute walking Parks and public gardens. distance of natural / semi natural open Natural and Semi-Natural open space. There are 319 hectares of parks and space - NSN gardens in Northampton spread across However the main concern for Natural 21 parks. The size of sites ranges Natural and semi natural open spaces / Semi Natural open space is that the from 0.56 hectares to 77.26 hectares. are one of the most frequently used quality is very varied. open space types in the Borough. Vandalism and graffiti have been There is a total of 660 hectares of NSN identified as the main problems across the Borough. The sizes of sites

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Improvement Policies greenspace is generally informal with NSN1 - Protect and enhance the few or no facilities, but provides flexible The majority of residents have access natural and semi-natural urban space for recreation, play and events to amenity green space within the green spaces through the Planning close to home. recommended 5 minute walk time. system and by making appropriate designations of sites to protect Northampton has a significant amount Improvement Policies them. of poor quality amenity green space AGS1 – Prioritise investment and NSN2 - Where appropriate perceived as unsafe and inaccessible. agree a rolling programme to development should improve Consequently these have low levels of improve grounds maintenance access links by foot, cycle and use, and detract from the local area. including the basics of grass public transport between natural Spaces of this type can attract anti- cutting, litter and dog fouling. and semi-natural urban green social behaviour, particularly fly tipping AGS2 - Where there is excess amenity spaces to enable all sections of the and motorbikes. green space, which is community to use and enjoy these inappropriately sited, consider areas. The level of the existing grounds using it for alternative purposes, NSN3 - Work with partners and local maintenance, limits the quality of such as changing its use to another communities to manage these sites Northampton‟s amenity open space. type of open space or for and raise awareness about them. Focussing on improvements to basic development. NSN4 – Manage all public spaces in grounds maintenance will make our ownership, to protect and significant improvements. However, Play Provision for children and enhance their value for wildlife and there are many cases where more young people - CYP habitats. fundamental changes are needed to make informal spaces work to their This typology encompasses a vast Amenity Green space - AGS potential. range of provision, from small areas of green space with a single piece of Northampton has a large amount of Considering the information on equipment, to large multi-purpose play amenity green space with 495 amenity green space the priority focus areas. designated sites. These range from should be improvement to the quality the smaller amenity green spaces of existing sites. Creating diversity and stimulating within housing estates, which are often imaginative play are essential for less than a hectare in size, to large Quantity levels of amenity green space children to grow and learn. sites such as Ladybridge playing fields are high throughout the Borough with Northampton has a number of exciting which is over 20 hectares. Amenity only a few areas with deficiencies. and challenging play spaces such as

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Victoria Park, Beckets Park and Abington, Billing, , which provides the key proposals for Abington Park. However, Northampton Headlands and Nene Valley wards. formally organised sport across the also suffers from small, poor quality, town. The Strategy shows that the poorly located and poorly equipped Improvement Policies Borough has several key sites for playgrounds, often developed through CYP1 - Provide a diverse range of formal organised outdoor recreation. localised funding or as a requirement children‟s play spaces from fixed There are 178 outdoor sports facilities of housing development. equipment to natural play spaces, of various types including football, which are designed to be, exciting, rugby, cricket, tennis, bowls and golf. Children‟s play has traditionally been with elements of risk and The total provision equates to 509 based on the provision of equipment in challenging using both the natural hectares, of which 203 hectares is designated play space. However, landscape and the introduction of taken up by golf courses. national play policy for children has natural play materials into the wider altered substantially „requiring more open space environment. There are 83 senior and junior grass focus on delivering innovative and CYP2 - Increase the area of play football pitches available for stimulating equipment and space, providing larger, better community use, with an additional 5 landscaping, providing areas for quality play opportunities, well mini pitches, there are several Multi- natural play or free play in the distributed across the town. Use Games Areas around the Borough landscape not just play equipped CYP3 - Ensure that the equipment in that have organised use. Voluntary areas‟. Well–designed spaces using play spaces and facilities is and private sports clubs provide tennis, natural materials or a mix of natural inclusive, appropriate and rugby, football and bowls facilities. and traditional equipment will stimulating for a range of age These are supplemented by more local transform children‟s play opportunities. groups and abilities and wherever provision, recreation grounds, reasonable accessible to all. education and voluntary sector It has been indicated that the quantity CYP4 - Ensure that children and young provision. These are provided within of children‟s and young people‟s play people have a continuous some key public sites such as: areas is insufficient. It is also involvement in the design and - Parklands Park, recognised from the baseline audit that management of play spaces and - The Racecourse there is a shortfall of play areas young people‟s facilities. - Lings Park particularly when accessibilities - Abington Park standards (5 minutes for Children and Outdoor Sports Facilities - OSF - Kingsthorpe Recreation Ground 10 minutes for young people) are applied. The highest shortfalls are in The Council adopted a Playing Field The Playing Pitch Strategy is used as Strategy (PMP consultancy, 2011), a tool for determining requirement of

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21 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT sports pitches. This includes where gardens are small or non- Improvement Policies standards of quantity and accessibility. existent. There are over 1,700 plots on ALL1 - Work in partnership with local 17 sites (owned by NBC) across organisations to regularly review The Playing Pitch Strategy found that a Northampton. the distribution, protection and substantial number of sports pitches potential disposal issues. were inadequate for the amount and The sites are, on the whole well used ALL2 – Implement a prioritised type of use made of them and that and in demand but some are tired and programme of works to; improve there is considerable unmet demand. in need of investment to ensure that security and the range and they meet the expectations of the 21st standard of facilities available on NBC aims to improve parks to provide century allotment holder. NBC owned allotment sites. simple ways to aid sports activities such as fitness trails and goal posts as Allotments where community groups Cemeteries and Churchyards - CC well as sport and exercise related are integral to the management of the activities. site have been particularly successful There are 45 cemetery and churchyard and NBC encourages self- sites in the Borough. The size of these Improvement Policies management of sites. varies enormously from a churchyard, OSF1 - Enhance parks and open to a cemetery. Kingsthorpe Cemetery spaces to increase informal sport Allotments are unevenly distributed is the largest site covering an area of opportunities. across the Borough with the majority of 7.7 hectares. Cemeteries and OSF2 - To regularly review the Playing sites being located in North and the churchyards are an important asset Pitch Strategy and comply with its West of Northampton. they offer a range of benefits, for Policies to ensure that there is example they provide sanctuary for adequate provision for Outdoor Some allotment sites have large areas wildlife and places for people to reflect Sports in Northampton. that are currently unusable for undisturbed. cultivation and either need investment Allotments and Gardens - ALL to be brought back into use, or if they It has also been highlighted that there are surplus to requirements of the local is a shortage of burial grounds within Allotments provide for leisure, community, used for other purposes. the Borough. recreation, relaxation, healthy exercise There are some areas that have and social contact. A revival of interest deficits in provision and new allotment Improvement Policies in food growing has resulted in sites are required. CC1 - Protect the Borough‟s increased demand for allotment plots, cemeteries from inappropriate particularly in densely developed areas development, safeguard the nature

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conservation value of cemeteries Appropriate green infrastructure Northampton Borough Council and and churchyards and begin to networks are set out in the Making the partner organisations are develop more awareness of Connection - A Strategic Green demonstrating increasing commitment ecological management of Infrastructure Framework (2006) as to regenerating and improving civic cemeteries and churchyards. well as the Northampton Landscape space as can be demonstrated by CC2 - Work with partners and local Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure recent developments in the Market communities to manage these study (2009) as shown in Figure 5. Square and along Gold Street. areas, to maintain and enhance their value and ensure they are Improvement Policies Improvement Policies secure. GI1 – New development will be CS1 - To raise the quality of civic required to improve linkages, open spaces in Northampton by creating Green Infrastructure - GI space corridors, riverside routes well designed, quality civic spaces Green infrastructure‟ (GI) is a network and cycle/walkways, bridleways that reflect and enhance the of multi-functional green space, through the town for recreation, borough‟s built and landscape provided across the sub-region. It is biodiversity and safe commuting. heritage. set within, and contributes to, a high GI2 – Use opportunities to promote CS2 - The design and planning of new quality natural and built environment. links such as dismantled railway neighbourhoods in Northampton lines and cross country nature trails should follow national and local GI consists of public and private that already exist. guidance. assets, with and without public access and can be situated in urban and rural Civic Space - CS locations. Civic spaces are an important asset for all, in particular in the denser urban High quality and easily accessible areas where provision of open space is green corridors provide free passage limited. from one place to another for people and wildlife. Northampton has a People in Northampton value civic number of strategically important green spaces as meeting places and suggest links, providing important traffic free they provide “a sense of belonging”. cycling and walking routes, as well as acting as significant wildlife corridors. Increasing access to and enhancement of, the quality of these sites should be a priority.

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FIG: 5. Strategic Green Infrastructure Framework

(Map produced by Fiona Fyfe, Living Landscapes Consultancy Ltd, 2009) http://www.westnorthamptonshirejpu.org/Portals/0/maps/2652_Fig21_GI_Corridors.pdf

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Sustainability of our Parks and Community Cohesion and Localism Safer Parks - SP Open Spaces - Cco Anti-social behaviour in our open Community cohesion and the concept spaces includes: Developing and Supporting of Localism is central to what makes a  Misuse and vandalism Community Groups - WP safe and strong community and  Litter and rubbish and fly tipping encourages equality, inclusion and  Dog fouling Community groups contribute diversity. Open spaces comprise a  Motorbikes used illegally in specific significantly to improving our Open major part of the public realm. By areas Spaces. being such prominent local features they help define a community's sense Despite there being relatively low Many successful groups exist across of place. The opportunities for reported crime levels, there is Northampton working to improve their community management and decision sometimes a perceived risk involved in local parks and open space, through making, for instance, undertaking visiting open space, with an escalating fundraising for equipment, holding parks improvements, can demonstrate fear of crime amongst certain user events such as fun days and days to civic pride and shared values. groups. make environmental improvements such as tree planting and litter picking. Localism promotes greater knowledge, Park Rangers are a reassuring respect and contact between various presence and carry out regular patrols Improvement Polices groups within the community, building both on foot and in dedicated vehicles, WP1 – NBC will continue to support a greater sense of citizenship. undertaking enforcement in respect to work with community groups to littering and dog fouling. encourage a greater range of Improvement Policies people to contribute to their local Cco1 - Northampton Borough Council Open spaces must be safe to use and spaces and develop more in partnership will maximise the people should „feel safe‟ when using opportunities for volunteering. potential of parks and open spaces them. WP2 – NBC and partner organisations to hold events that encourage will establish a „Friends of Parks‟ social interaction between people Improvement Policies Forum to make better use of staff of different cultures and SP1 - Design all aspects of open resources, share best practice and backgrounds. space (including its relationship pool fund raising experience to with surrounding development) to ensure objectives are shared and minimise the opportunity for crime better understood. and anti-social behaviour.

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SP2 - Provide promotion and  Voluntary and community community groups rather than Local enforcement with appropriate organisations Authorities. Many community groups facilities such as litter and dog foul  Other statutory bodies have been successful in securing bins – and empty them as required. funding to support developments in SP3 - Inappropriately sited open space Funding for Parks and Open Spaces their local areas. will be considered for alternative - FPO purposes such as other open space Grant aid and sponsorship will be functions or for built development Funding and Maintenance sought in a prioritised way according to following a period of public An important issue is the ability to not need. consultation. only fund improvement projects, but to ensure that funds maintain the quality Assets and Redundant Buildings Working in Partnership - WP of these improvements over time. The Council has some assets within Northampton Borough Council owns, parks that are redundant or underused. and has the responsibility for, The traditional model for developing Some of these could be potentially maintaining the majority of the open and maintaining open space is reliant developed or transferred for spaces in the Borough. However it on local authority budgets. As the community purposes, sold or leased will, wherever possible, seek to work in provision of parks and open spaces is for business purposes. partnership. non-statutory, budgets are prone to be squeezed and reduced. In a changing Revenue Costs There are considerable benefits to financial climate other funding models As landowner, the Council is partnership working, both to the need to be explored. responsible for the maintenance of a partners and the wider community. The large proportion of the Boroughs open Local Authority gains a greater Capital projects space. Works in parks and open understanding and connection with An array of grants are available for space is limited by the availability of local people, and partners can be capital projects which could, in some the appropriate budgets for helped to achieve their objectives. circumstances, pay for refurbishments. maintenance. Partners include: Capital funding can be sought through  „Friends of‟ groups planning obligations, or from external The Council recognises that grounds  Environmental organisations grants, and sponsorship. maintenance is a critical issue.  Local businesses and schools Effective and efficient grounds  Parish councils Many of these grants are only maintenance is vital to deliver the available to the voluntary sector or objectives of this strategy.

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Improvement Policies advocacy and community capturing and storing water after heavy FPO1 - Partnership and third party engagement, to encourage the public, rainfall reducing localised flooding. applications will be supported by to use and enjoy parks and open NBC if they are in accordance with spaces, and have the motivation and Sustainability practices in the the strategic priorities highlighted confidence to influence local authority management of spaces – SM by the Parks and Open Spaces decision-making. The Borough Council and partners are Strategy. obliged to include policies and FPO2 - Northampton Borough Council Improvement Policies proposals in their development plans, will promote the option of ST1 - Ensure that annual training strategies and investment programmes community management of some objectives include specialist training to help reduce the Northampton‟s individual spaces in addition to in green space skills. greenhouse gas emissions. conventional ways of providing the ST2 - Work with training providers to service. provide skills for workforce and Green space can also reduce the FPO3 – NBC and partner organisation volunteers (community groups). carbon footprint through carbon will work with community groups to ST3 - Work with partners to improve capture and increasing opportunities to establish a mechanism for co- joined up working to ensure that cycle or walk. ordinated sharing of information there are cross-professional and fund raising. training opportunities. Trees FPO4 - Ensuring developer Trees, in particular, are important contributions and or NBC capital Climate Change because they assist in the programme secured for parks and Climate change is already occurring management of „urban heat islands‟ by open spaces are used to greater and further changes appear inevitable. remove pollutants from the air, casting effect in delivering improvement. Parks and open spaces will be directly shade and creating cooler affected by the changing climate and microclimates. Trees also reduce Skills and Training – ST also have a vital role to play in noise, and provide shelter for wildlife. The successful planning, design and reducing the effects of climate change To improve our environment we need management of parks and the wider on Northampton‟s people and its to conserve and plant more trees network of green spaces draws upon wildlife. where space allows. the skills of people working in a broad range of specialist occupations from Green spaces have a central role to Improvement Policies horticulture to play. The green space play in reducing the effects of climate These will all exploit opportunities to sector also requires management change, which includes their role in both mitigate and adapt to the worst expertise including skills such as reducing the „heat island‟ effect, impacts of climate change:

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SM1 - Reduce the amount of SM4 - Ensure that there is more biodegradable waste going to proactive use of alternative and landfill from the management new technologies in the practices in parks and open development, management and spaces. maintenance of parks and open SM2 - Support the development of spaces. green infrastructure to act as SM5 – Promote education and carbon sinks. understanding about how parks SM3 - Require all new development to and open spaces can help us minimise resource demand and manage climate change. encourage the efficient use of resources, especially water, energy and materials.

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL 28 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT Appendix A - Summary Review of the  Healthy weight, healthy lives – a cross-  It also identifies key landscape sites, Legislative and policy context at a government strategy for England which impact on overall level of national, regional and local level (Department of Health, 2008) sensitivity.  Fair Play – a consultation on the play  Highlights the Biodiversity Network, National Context strategy (Department for Children, focusing on identified areas of habitat Schools and Families, 2008). reservoirs and the opportunities to At a national level government has  National Play Strategy (Department for connect these core areas, for example encouraged improvements to parks and Children, Schools and Families 2008) along river corridors for all species. green spaces four reports have  Building Schools for the Future (BSF)  Highlights the Sustainable Movement specifically focused on the need for a and the Primary Capital Strategy Network, including provision for strategic approach to be taken: (Department for Children, Schools and sustainable patterns of walking cycling, Families, 2008) and horse riding. Linking the 1. Sustainable Communities Plan  Lifetime Homes – Lifetime environmental and wherever possible, (ODPM, 2004) Neighbourhoods (Communities and cultural and leisure assets for people. 2. Green Spaces Taskforce ‘Green Local Government, 2008) Spaces, Better Places’. Department  Skills to Grow: Seven Priorities to The local planning context of Transport, Leisure and the improve green space skills (CABE, Regions (DTLR, 2003). 2009) The West Northamptonshire Joint 3. Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Planning Unit established between Greener, (Office of the Deputy Prime Regional Context Northampton Borough Council, Daventry Minister, 2003). District Council and South Northants, is 4. National Planning Policy Framework Northampton Landscape Sensitivity preparing a Local Development (Department of Communities and and Green Infrastructure Study (Living Framework. This includes a Joint Core Local Government, 2012). Landscapes Consultancy, 2009) Strategy and other development plans.  Identifies areas that would be These will replace the current Local Plans Other national initiatives that impact challenging for new development and for the three Local Authorities. The Joint and influence the open space agenda identifies that development needs site- Core Strategy is currently programmed to are: specific consideration, justification and be complete by October 2013. It will set  Planning Act 2008 potential mitigation. policy on all aspects of planning in  Communities in control: real people,  The majority of Northampton Borough Northampton. real power (Communities and Local is classified as high or high – medium Government, 2008) sensitivity.

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL 29 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT Emergent Joint Core Strategy (West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit, 2009) states that new development will be expected to contribute towards enhancing, restoring and creating new elements of the green network. The network will form part of the new growth areas, contributing to meeting West Northamptonshire‟s requirements for open space, sport and recreation, as well as biodiversity and accessibility. Development will not be permitted to compromise the integrity of the green infrastructure network.

Local Policy Context related to open space:  The Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and Audit (PMP consultancy, 2009)

Produced by: Northampton Borough Council, principal authors: James Ogle – Senior Regeneration Officer Steve Elsey – Environmental Health Manager Ruth Austen - Environmental Health Manager Environmental Protection

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL 30 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT Bibliography: Department of Transport Local Living Landscapes Consultancy Ltd, Government and Regions (2003), (2009) Northampton Landscape Children’s Play Council, Big Lottery Green Spaces Taskforce „Green Spaces, Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure Study Fund (2006) Planning for Play – Better Places‟ Guidance on the development and Northamptonshire Biodiversity implementation of a local play strategy. English Heritage (2008) Conservation Partnership 2nd Edition (2008) – Principles, Policies and Guidance: For the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Communities and Local Government sustainable management of the historic Plan (2007) Local Environmental Quality: a environment. New View of Measurement, Urban Northampton Borough Council (2005) Research Summary. Forestry Commission (2007) Nature – Playing Pitch Strategy Play Communities and Local Government Northampton Borough Council (2006) (2007) How to Create Quality Parks and Government Disability Discrimination Act Tree Policy. Open Spaces. (2005) Northampton Borough Council (2007) - Department for Culture Media and Government Natural Environment and Allotments Strategy Sport (2008) Fair Play. A consultation on Rural Communities Act (2006) the Play Strategy. Northampton Borough Council (2008) - Green Space (2008) Community Toolkit: Northampton Borough Play Strategy Department for Children, Schools and How to involve young people in parks and 2008-2011 Families (2008) The Play Strategy greenspace community groups, accessed at www.green-space.org.uk Northampton Borough Council (2008) Department of Transport Local Economic Regeneration Strategy - 2008- Government and Regions (2001) Better PMP consultancy, (2006 and updated 2026 – Northampton – “The Market City” Places to Live by Design. 2009) The Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and Audit Northampton Borough Council (2012) Department of Transport Local Central Area Action Plan Government and Regions (2002) Green Land Use Consultants (2008) Spaces Better Places - Final Report of Understanding the Relevance and Northamptonshire County Council the Urban Green Spaces Task Force. Application of the Access to Natural (2007) Public Rights of Way Improvement Green Space Standard Plan.

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL 31 PARKS & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT NHF, Living Streets, CABE (Ed. N. River Nene Regional Park, RNRP Cavill) (2007) Building Health. (2006) Green Infrastructure – Making the Connection – Strategic Framework Study NICE (2008) Promoting and creating built or natural environments that encourage RNRP and Northamptonshire County and support physical activity. Council (2006) Green Infrastructure – Making the Connection – The Sustainable National Heart Forum, Living Streets, Movement Network. Natural England Education, accessed at http://www.countryside.gov.uk Sustrans (1994) Making Ways for the Bicycle. Natural England Health & Recreation data and emerging policy, accessed at Sustrans (1996) Local Agenda 21 and http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campai the National Cycle Network – Route to gns/health/default.htm Sustainability.

Office for the Dept. Prime Minister West Northamptonshire Joint Planning (2003) Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Unit (2013) Emergent Joint Core Strategy Greener West Northamptonshire Development Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Corporation (2009) Manual for Design National Audit Office (2006) Enhancing Codes Urban Green Space.

Play England (2008) Policy Summary - Fair Play

River Nene Regional Park, RNRP (2006) investing in the Environment – Northamptonshire‟s Environmental Character and Green Infrastructure Suite, accessed at www.rnrp.org

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