West Lancashire Borough Council Draft Play Area Assessment

WEST LANCASHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT PLAY AREA ASSESSMENT

Appendix 3

WEST LANCASHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL

DRAFT PLAY AREA ASSESSMENT

DECEMBER 2014 WEST LANCASHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT PLAY AREA ASSESSMENT

Contents

PART 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1 Methodology...... 4

PART 2: CONTEXT ...... 7 2.1 National guidance...... 7 2.2 Local context ...... 9

PART 3: VISION AND ROLE OF PLAY FACILITIES ...... 11 3.1 Vision ...... 11

PART 4: SETTING STANDARDS ...... 12 4.1 Introduction ...... 12 4.2 Quantity standards ...... 12 4.3 Quality standards ...... 17 4.4 Value standards ...... 19 4.3 Accessibility standards ...... 20

PART 5: APPLICATION OF STANDARDS & STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS ...... 22 5.1 Quality and value matrix ...... 22 5.2 Accessibility...... 25 5.3 Quantity...... 28

PART 6: RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS ...... 32 6.1 Recommendations ...... 32 6.2 Developer contribution requirement ...... 33

APPENDIX ONE ...... 35 Quality and value matrix ...... 35

APPENDIX TWO ...... 38 Site criteria and scoring ...... 38 WEST LANCASHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT PLAY AREA ASSESSMENT

Glossary

DCLG Department for Communities and Local Government DPD Development Plan Document FIT Fields in Trust GIS Geographical Information Systems LDF Local Development Framework MUGA Multi-use Games Area (an enclosed area using a synthetic grass or hard surface for playing sports) NPPF National Planning Policy Framework ONS Office of National Statistics PPG Planning Policy Guidance SPD Supplementary Planning Document WLBC West Lancashire Borough Council WEST LANCASHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT PLAY AREA STRATEGY

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

This is the Play Area Assessment for West Lancashire Borough Council (WLBC). This document replaces a previous Strategy, referred to as the Play Strategy for West Lancashire, published in 2004.

The purpose of the Play Area Assessment is to clearly determine our (the Council’s) rationale for involvement in forms of play provision and to ensure that investment and input is based upon a robust needs assessment.

1.1 Methodology

The Assessment provides detail with regard to what play provision exists in West Lancashire, its condition, distribution and overall quality. The updating of provision in relation to quantity, quality and accessibility has been undertaken as part of this. It also considers the demand for provision based on population distribution, planned growth and consultation findings. The Strategy provides direction on the future provision of accessible, high quality, sustainable provision for play in West Lancashire.

It conforms to the stages recommended within Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A Companion Guide to PPG17 (as a available form of national best practice guidance). This suggests the following steps should be followed;

Identifying local needs Auditing local provision Setting local standards Applying provision standards Providing recommendations

Identifying local needs

The identification of local needs for play provision helps to establish whether current provision is viewed as sufficiently meeting the needs of communities. It also assists in highlighting local aspirations and possible demands in the future.

Consultation to identify local needs has been undertaken through meetings with WLBC Leisure Managers, which are responsible for play, and with parish councils. The latter provides a useful method in capturing the broad views of local communities. In addition, parish councils are responsible for the management of a number of play sites.

Auditing local provision

To ensure a comprehensive audit all play sites are visited and assessed against quality and value criteria (as recommended by guidance). Quality and value scores are used to help set local standards which in turn can be used to determine the level of protection given to sites together with identification of potential surplus provision.

Qualitative site data is measured against the criteria outlined within the Green Flag Award. A five point scale site assessment has been used based on this criteria including elements such as access, landscape quality, facilities, maintenance, management, security, heritage, education and meeting the needs of the local community.

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The criteria, built around Green Flag, are non technical visual assessments of the whole site, including general equipment and surface quality/appearance but also including an assessment of, for example, bench and bin provision. This differs, for example, from an independent RosPA review, which is a more technical assessment of equipment in terms of play and risk assessment grade.

In order to take account of specific play area criteria we used an assessment pro-forma to assess, for example, equipment type and quality.

Using data calculated from the site visits and desk based research a value score for each site is identified. Value is defined in the Companion Guide to PPG17 in relation to the following three issues:

Context of the site i.e. its accessibility, scarcity value and historic value. Level and type of use. The wider benefits it generates for people, biodiversity and the wider environment.

Play provision is scored for value as part of the audit assessment. In particular value is recognised in terms of size of sites and the range of equipment they host. For instance, a small site with only a single piece of equipment is likely to be of a lower value than a site with several different forms of equipment designed to cater for wider age ranges.

Setting and applying local standards

Once the assessment of local needs and audit of provision is completed, locally determined provision standards are developed in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility. These elements are informed by the consultation and, particularly, the development of a vision for provision. This follows the guidance set out in the companion guide to PPG17 and draws upon our previous experience of developing standards.

Quantity standards

Having reviewed the effectiveness of the current standards, we are in a good position to recommend new/updated standards to adopt. Importantly, these will take account of population growth (and changing demographics) to ensure that sufficient provision is made to cater for future residents.

Quality standards

In developing qualitative standards, we recommend threshold scores for facilities from the site assessment that will become the benchmark for provision across the Borough. For open spaces this generally starts by looking at the Green Flag Award site assessment pass mark of 66%. This is then informed by consultation and based on aspirations about quality across the Borough in order to provide a locally realistic standard.

Accessibility standards

Accessibility standards are based on distance thresholds; the maximum distance a typical user can reasonably be expected to travel to provision. Although not necessarily the same as effective catchments, they are used to inform development of standards. We utilise catchments established by national agencies such Sport England, FIT and Greater London Authority as a starting point.

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Providing recommendations

Recommendations are drafted to address identified surpluses and deficiencies. Within this, we identify opportunities for play facilities to contribute to, and integrate with, other aims, policies and programmes. The study will therefore, include recommendations on:

Future approaches to provide an efficient and effective service. Existing provision to be protected. Existing provision to be enhanced. Existing provision which is surplus to requirements. Proposals and opportunities for new provision. Recommendations for Section 106 contributions. Identification of potential external funding sources to be used in conjunction with Section 106 contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

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PART 2: CONTEXT

2.1 National guidance

National Planning Policy Framework

Although Planning Policy Guidance 17 (PPG17) has now been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework, (NPPF), this assessment of play area facilities is carried out in accordance with the PPG17 Companion Guide entitled ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities’ published in September 2002 as it remains the only national guidance on carrying out an open space needs assessment.

Under paragraph 73 of the NPPF, it is set out that planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. Specific needs and quantitative and qualitative deficiencies and surpluses in local areas should also be identified. This information should be used to inform what provision is required in an area.

As a prerequisite paragraph 74 of the NPPF states existing open space, sports and recreation sites, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

An assessment has been undertaken, which has clearly shown the site to be surplus to requirements. The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location. The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

In order for planning policies to be ‘sound’ local authorities are required to carry out a robust assessment of need for open space, sport and recreation facilities (including play provision). We advocate that the methodology to undertake such assessments should be informed by best practice including the PPG17 Companion Guidance.

‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A Companion Guide to PPG17’ still reflects the Government policy objectives for open space, sport and recreation, as set out previously in PPG17. The long-term outcomes aim to deliver:

Networks of accessible, high quality open spaces and sport and recreation facilities, in both urban and rural areas, which meet the needs of residents and visitors that are fit for purpose and economically and environmentally sustainable. An appropriate balance between new provision and the enhancement of existing provision. Clarity and reasonable certainty for developers and landowners in relation to the requirements and expectations of local planning authorities in respect of open space and sport and recreation provision.

The aim therefore is to provide a framework for play facilities in West Lancashire which can help us and partners ensure the long-term provision of play areas and facilities that sufficiently meet the needs of local communities. The key to achieving this is through efficient and effective service delivery; particularly as the Strategy comes at a time of shrinking public finance and economic challenges facing the whole country.

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Fields in Trust – Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play

The document sets out guidance on outdoor sport and play from the Fields in Trust (FIT), previously known as the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA).

FIT is a national charitable organisation founded in 1925. It operates throughout the UK to safeguard recreational spaces and campaigns for better statutory protection of outdoor sites. Since its existence its mission has been: to ensure that everyone – young or old, able or disabled and wherever they live – should have access to free, local outdoor space for sport, play and recreation.

It provides a summary on the planning policy and legal framework for provision whilst also setting out an approach to the development and use of national standards based on quantity, quality and accessibility.

Greater London Authority (GLA): ‘Guide to preparing open space strategies’

The document recognises the valuable contribution open spaces provide to a good quality environment; particularly in making places attractive to live, work and visit. To fully understand the provision of open space, the guide assists Boroughs on the processes and common frameworks for benchmarking open space provision in London.

It provides advice on assessing the quantity and quality of open spaces and on identifying the needs of local communities and users of provision. In particular, it provides a useful starting point on the setting of catchment and accessibility standards.

Play England’s Charter for Children’s Play

The right to play and informal recreation for all children and young people up to 18 years of age is enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, ratified by the UK Government in 1991. The Government has a duty under this convention to protect and promote play opportunities for all children and young people.

Play is not only a right for all children but is also an essential aspect of their development, culture and quality of life. It is an accessible initiation into their wider cultural and leisure experiences.

Providing services for children should therefore recognise that play is an essential aspect of any child’s culture and quality of life. The role and value it has in a child’s life is important.

Play England’s Charter for Children’s Play recognises that play is fundamental to the way children enjoy their childhood and is essential to their quality of life. It highlights that through playing children are developing their abilities, exploring creativity and learning about themselves and the world around them. Some of the key roles of play include:

Promoting children’s development, learning, imagination, creativity and independence Helps to keep children healthy and active. Allows children to experience and encounter boundaries, learning to assess and manage risk; both physical and social. Helps children to understand the people and places in their lives, learn about their environment and develop their sense of community.

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Allows children to discover themselves, their abilities, interests and the contribution they can make. Being therapeutic; helping children to deal with difficult or painful circumstances A way of building and maintaining important relationships with friends, carers and family members.

Children are entitled to special consideration in strategic planning because they rely on the advocacy of adults in the social, economic and political spheres. It is the responsibility of adults to ensure that children are taken into account. This strategy is designed to ensure that children's play needs and aspirations are met. It aims to ensure that children and adults are given opportunities, independently and together, to enjoy play and leisure activities and to benefit from the physical, emotional, cultural and social benefits these can bring.

2.2 Local context

The local context of the play area strategy focuses on the following documents:

West Lancashire Business Plan 2011 - 2015

The document sets out the Council’s vision as:

To be a Council to be proud of – delivering services that are lean, local and fair

In order to achieve this, the Council’s aims and values are to be an innovative organisation which:

Prioritises customers and the services that are most important to quality of life Works as ‘one council’ to provide a joined up approach Is open and accountable in the way that it makes decisions Develops and values employees Promotes equality and diversity Works in partnership to benefit the borough

These values are the foundation for our corporate priorities of:

Balancing the budget and providing the best possible services within the resources available Focusing upon sustainable regeneration and growth within the borough Caring for our borough by delivering the small improvements that make a big difference

A Sustainable Community Strategy for West Lancashire 2007 - 2017

The Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the shared vision of the West Lancashire Local Strategic Partnership for improving the wellbeing of local communities. The vision in the document is improving quality of life for all.

To achieve the vision and based on the key issues identified by the Council the following key objectives have been developed: a. To improve safety and ensure that people feel safe.

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b. To build on the solid foundations of a strong voluntary and community sector and to develop community participation and pride in our neighbourhoods. c. To improve health outcomes, promote social wellbeing for communities and reduce health inequalities for everyone. d. To provide more appropriate and affordable housing to meet the needs of local people. e. To provide good quality services that are easily accessible to all. f. To contribute to sustainable development through the wise use of natural resources. g. To provide opportunities for young and older people to thrive. h. To create more and better quality training and job opportunities to more people into work. i. To protect and improve West Lancashire’s environment including safeguarding our biodiversity.

A good quality network of play provision across West Lancashire can help in meeting the aims set out particularly under objectives a, b, c, e and g.

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PART 3: VISION AND ROLE OF PLAY FACILITIES

3.1 Vision

Encapsulating a number of the corporate priorities, values and objectives as outlined above, the vision for play facilities in West Lancashire is:

‘To provide a network of play facilities across the area which are easily accessible to all and offer opportunities for diverse forms of play which can be seen to positively contribute to local communities and neighbourhoods’

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PART 4: SETTING STANDARDS

4.1 Introduction

An assessment of the current level and type of play provision is required in order to determine the current and future need and demand for provision in West Lancashire. This section sets out current standards in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility.

This setting of current provision standards can then be utilised and applied against future population projections (as set out in Part 5) in order to provide direction on future actions.

The typology of play provision is defined as formal equipped play facilities typically associated with play areas, including equipment such as swings, roundabouts and climbing frames and is usually perceived to be for children under 12 years of age. Provision for older children/young people can also include sites that provide more robust equipment catering to older age ranges such as skate parks, BMX, basketball courts, youth shelters, MUGAs and informal kick-about areas.

4.2 Quantity standards

A total of 91 play facility sites are identified. This equates to a total of more than four hectares. The table below shows the distribution of provision in West Lancashire by analysis area. No threshold has been applied and as such all provision (regardless of ownership) is identified and included within the audit.

Table 4.1: Distribution of play provision by analysis area

Analysis area Play provision Number Size (ha) Current standard (ha per 1,000 population) Northern parishes 27 1.49 0.04 Ormskirk, Aughton & 25 1.17 0.03 Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up Holland 39 1.76 0.04 WEST LANCS 91 4.42 0.04

The number of play facility sites is fairly evenly distributed across the three analysis areas. However, slightly more sites are located in Skelmersdale/Up Holland compared to the other areas. Despite this, all three analysis areas have a similar current standard per 1,000 population.

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Play areas can be classified in the following ways to identify their effective target audience utilising Fields In Trust (FIT) guidance. FIT provides widely endorsed guidance on the minimum standards for play space.

LAP - Local Area of Play. Usually small landscaped areas designed for young children. Equipment on such sites is specific to age group in order to reduce unintended users. LEAP - Local Equipped Area of Play. Designed for unsupervised play and a wider age range of users; often containing a wider range of equipment types. Youth provision - These include areas providing only forms of provision for young people such as youth shelters, skateparks/basketball courts/games walls. Fitness provision – may include fitness and outdoor gym equipment.

Play provision in West Lancashire is summarised using the (FIT) classifications below.

Table 4.2: Classification of play provision by FIT category

Analysis area Play provision LAP LEAP Youth Fitness TOTAL Northern parishes 8 16 2 1 27 Ormskirk, Aughton & 13 9 1 2 25 Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 15 9 12 3 39 Holland WEST LANCS 36 34 15 6 91

Most play provision is identified as being of either LAP (40%) or LEAP (37%) classification. LAP sites are often viewed as having a limited range and type of equipment; designed to predominantly cater for supervised play. An equal number of sites are classified as LEAP which tends to offer more unsupervised forms of play.

Other forms of provision such as youth/casual facilities, catering for young people, are less frequent. Although some LEAP sites do also provide supplementary forms of play equipment that cater for older age ranges.

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Figure 4.1: Play provision mapped by classification against analysis areas

Table 4.3: Key to sites mapped

Site Site name Analysis area Ownership ID 1 Abbeystead Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 2 Abbeystead - Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 3 Abrams Fold Northern parishes WLBC 4 Alderley Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 5 Appley Bridge Northern parishes WLBC 6 Ashurst Kickabout - MUGA Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 7 Ashurst Kickabout - Play Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Area

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Site Site name Analysis area Ownership ID 8 Banksbarn- MUGA and Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Skate Area 9 Banksbarn- Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 10 Bracknall Way Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 11 Cascades Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 12 Cherry Croft Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 13 Colinton Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 14 Convent Close Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 15 Coronation Park - Play Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC Area 1 16 Coronation Park - Play Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC Area 2 17 Coronation Park - Fitness Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC zone 18 Coronation Park - skate Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC park/MUGA 19 Eavesdale Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 20 Ennerdale - Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 21 Ennerdale - Skate Park Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 22 Ennerdale - Youth Shelter Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 23 Ennerdale - MUGA Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 24 Eskbank Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 25 Evington Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 26 Fairfield Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 27 Fairhaven- Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 28 Fairhaven- Skate and Teen Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Area 29 Firbeck Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 30 Greaves Hall Avenue Northern parishes WLBC 31 Green Lane Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 32 Halsall Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 33 Hawthorne- MUGA Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 34 Greenhill Playing Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 35 Helmsdale Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 36 Highsands Northern parishes WLBC 37 Hillside School Field Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 38 Holland Moor School Fields Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 39 Inglewhite- Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 40 Inglewhite- MUGA & Skate Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Area 41 Manor Road Northern parishes WLBC 42 Mawdsley Terrace Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 43 Mossey Lea Northern parishes Wrightington PC 44 Paddocks Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 45 Pickles Drive Northern parishes WLBC 46 Pine Avenue Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC

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Site Site name Analysis area Ownership ID 47 Pinewood Close Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 48 Priory Close Northern parishes WLBC 49 Rees Park- Ball Wall Northern parishes Private 50 Rees Park- Play Area Northern parishes WLBC 51 Richmond Park- Fitness Northern parishes WLBC Zone 52 Richmond Park- Play Area Northern parishes WLBC 53 Richmond Park- Skate Park Northern parishes WLBC & MUGA 54 School Lane - Play Area Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 55 School Lane - Play Area 2 Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 56 Skelmersdale Town Centre Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 57 Stanley Coronation Park- Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Play Area 58 Stanley Coronation Park- Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC MUGA 59 Summer Street- Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 60 Summer Street- Natural Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Play 61 Tanfields - Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 62 Tanfields - MUGA & Skate Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC Park 63 Tennyson Drive Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 64 The Beacon Centre Northern parishes WLBC 65 The Fold, Little Digmoor Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC School 66 Thompson Avenue Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 67 Trinity Walks Northern parishes WLBC 68 Westhead Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 69 Whitemoss - Play Area Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 70 Whitemoss - MUGA Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 71 Willows Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 72 Woodcroft Skelmersdale/Up Holland WLBC 73 William Arnold PF Play Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Aughton PC Area 74 Rachel Taylor Memorial PF Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Aughton PC Play Area 75 Redsands Park Play Area Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Aughton PC 76 Beech Gardens Play Area Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Aughton PC 77 Belvedere Park Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes WLBC 78 Mere Avenue Play Area Northern parishes Burscough PC 79 Bickerstaffe Play Area Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Bickerstaffe PC 80 Jubilee Field Play Area Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Downholland PC 81 Shore Road Recreation Northern parishes Hesketh PC Play Area 82 Glen Park Drive Play Area Northern parishes Hesketh PC 83 Station Road Play Area Northern parishes Hesketh PC

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Site Site name Analysis area Ownership ID 84 Back Lane Play Area Northern parishes Newburgh PC 85 Banks Park Northern parishes North Meols PC 86 Village Hall Play Area Northern parishes Parbold PC 87 Burnside Play Area Northern parishes Parbold PC 88 Rufford Play Area Northern parishes Rufford PC 89 Tarleton Play Area Northern parishes Tarleton PC 90 Mill Lane Play Area Northern parishes Up Holland PC 91 Mere Brow Play Area Northern parishes Tarleton PC

Management

In total we are responsible for the management of 73 play provision sites across the area. There are a further 18 sites that are provided by parish councils (Table 4.4 provides a site specific breakdown).

Our play sites are visited on a weekly basis by the street scene team. This includes cleaning and general maintenance of provision. Furthermore, for insurance purposes an inspection is undertaken every six months by the Council’s insurance company.

It is highlighted that developer contributions are currently the major source available for any potential new forms of provision in the Borough. Subsequently there have not been any new play sites provided. However, some investment has occurred through expanding and supplementing existing play provision at sites. The following sites are identified as having recent investment or new equipment:

Richmond Park Coronation Park Mossey Lea Westhead Belvedere Park

4.3 Quality standards

In order to determine whether sites are high or low quality (as recommended by guidance); each site has been visited and assessed against a set of criteria as explained in the methodology earlier. The table below summarises the results of the quality assessment for play provision.

Quality assessments of play sites do not include a detailed technical risk assessment of equipment. For an informed report on the condition of play equipment the Council’s own inspection reports should be sought.

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Table 4.4: Quality ratings for play provision by analysis area

Analysis area Scores Maximum Lowest Average Highest Spread score score score score Northern parishes 97 41% 69% 86% 45% Ormskirk, Aughton & 97 34% 68% 89% 55% Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 97 22% 63% 91% 69% Holland WEST LANCS 97 22% 66% 91% 69%

Sites tend to score highly when assessed against the site visit criteria. However, there is a significant spread between the highest and lowest scoring sites, particularly in Skelmersdale/Up Holland.

For instance, the Ashurst Kickabout Play Area site scores 22% compared to the Greenhill Playing Area which scores 91%. The low score for the Ashurst Kickabout Play Area site is a reflection of its isolated position which is contributed to by a limited range of play equipment; as the site it noted as having had most equipment removed.

In contrast, Greenhill Playing Area receives the highest score in the area due to its excellent general appearance and condition of play equipment. The site also benefits from additional features such as seating, bins and fencing that are all maintained to a high standard. Furthermore, the sites position and role adjacent to a community centre means it is a popular and well used facility.

Other sites to receive particularly high scores for quality include:

Coronation Park Play Areas (89%) Westhead (87%) Pickles Drive (86%) Ennerdale Play Area (86%) Trinity Walks (86%)

These sites are all noted as having an excellent range and imaginative forms of equipment catering for different ages. In addition, the equipment is in great condition as are the other features on site such as benches and bins.

Proportionally the larger play sites tend to score higher for quality. This is often due to a wider variety of equipment being present which caters towards a greater range of age groups.

Sites classified as Youth provision also have a high percentage of sites that score lower. Comments from the site assessments suggest this is due to broken glass and graffiti being observed. In most instances this is noted at sites that contain a MUGA.

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Sites highlighted from the assessments include:

Abbeystead Abrams Fold Ennerdale MUGA Rees Park MUGA (private developer) and Play Area (WLBC) Whitemoss MUGA

Broken glass can also be an issue at certain sites; particularly during the summer months. Any sites where such an issue is identified have maintenance visits increased in order to try and reduce the problem. Sites where broken glass is sometimes an issue are:

Fairhaven Inglewhite Tanfields

A handful of other sites to score below the threshold are identified from the site visit assessments as having some minor but specific quality issues. Observations often relate to surface quality. For example, the Eskbank, Woodcroft and The Fold are observed as having some wear and tear or damage to their surfaces.

4.4 Value standards

The table below summarises the results of the value assessment for play provision.

Table 4.5: Value ratings for play provision by analysis area

Analysis area Scores Maximum Lowest Average Highest Spread score score score score Northern parishes 55 33% 44% 55% 22% Ormskirk, Aughton & 55 29% 43% 55% 26% Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 55 13% 42% 55% 42% Holland WEST LANCS 55 13% 43% 55% 42%

There are three sites to score particularly low for value; Ashurst Play Area, Cherry Croft and Skelmersdale Town Centre. All three are highlighted as having a lack of appeal and use due to limited amounts of equipment. In addition, the quality of provision is also assessed as poor.

Eight sites score the highest for value; receiving a score of 54% each. Seven of these sites are council owned:

Coronation Park Ennerdale Play Area Firbeck Mossey Lea School Lane Play Area The Beacon Centre Westhead

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Tartleton Play Area (Tarleton PC site)

High valued sites tend to reflect the size and amount as well as range of provision present. This often means sites are more popular and well used. Diversity of equipment caters to range of ages. Furthermore, such sites provide added value in terms of healthy, active lifestyles, social inclusion and interaction between individuals whilst also adding to developmental and educational benefits.

Sites recognised through consultation as being well used and therefore highly valued include sites containing provision for older age ranges (i.e. skate parks, MUGAs) such as Coronation Park and Richmond Park. Despite some of this provision receiving a quality score below the threshold they are still recognised as being highly valued; a reflection that they provide an important role in giving young people somewhere to go.

4.3 Accessibility standards

There is generally a good spread of provision across the Borough. Mapping demonstrates that council provision is concentrated on the urban areas of Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and Burscough. Parish Council owned provision is, as to be expected, predominantly found in the more rural areas and settlements.

In general, the distribution of the different classification types for play provision appears adequate. There is a good spread across the Borough of LAP and LEAP sites. In addition, the three larger settlements of Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and Burscough have other forms of play types.

Local demand

The parish councils of Aughton, Burscough and Downholland all cite a need for additional equipment. For Aughton and Downholland there may be some justification for further play provision. However, for Burscough there is less likely to be a need for provision catering to older age ranges based on mapping; as the area already appears to be served by equipment at sites such as Richmond Park which is designed for older ages. Catchment mapping on pages 25-26 explores further the gaps in provision highlighted.

There is in places a perceived lack of provision across the Borough; in some instances this relates to a particular shortage of equipment catering for older age groups. Consultation with parish councils highlights areas perceived to be lacking in provision:

Table 4.6: Parish council comments

Parish Council Comment Aughton Suggest additional play provision to north of parish off Swanpool Lane. Would depend upon local community as opposed idea when estate was originally being built. Bickerstaffe Local equipment old and will need repairs in future Burscough Demand from local young people for a MUGA or skate park facility Downholland Suggest not enough play provision Wrightington State play could be improved in Appley Bridge area

Mapping of play classifications is used to show if it is apparent that an area is lacking in a certain type of provision.

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Catchment mapping

Accessibility mapping for types of provision is a tool to identify communities currently not served by existing facilities. Factors that underpin catchment areas vary from person to person, day to day and hour to hour. This problem is overcome by accepting the concept of ‘effective catchments’, defined as the distance that would be travelled by the majority of users.

Guidance is offered by national organisations such as Fields In Trust (FIT) and the Greater London Authority (GLA): ‘Guide to preparing open space strategies’ with regard to appropriate catchment areas for local authorities to adopt.

A sites sub-type has been used to determine the size of its catchment applied. This is in order to take account of the different levels of pull a site has according to its size and range of facilities. The following catchments have been applied:

Table 4.7: Catchment standards

Play provision sub-type Catchment LAP 5 minute walk time (400m) LEAP Youth 12 minute walk time (1,000m) Fitness

Figure 5.3 shows the catchment standards applied to help inform where deficiencies in provision may be located.

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PART 5: APPLICATION OF STANDARDS & STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

The aim of applying the standards is to identify sites where investment and/or improvements may be required. It can also help coordinate a strategic approach of fewer but bigger and better forms of provision. It can be used to determine areas where future play provision may or may not be required; either in order to meet gaps in current provision or due to changes in future population.

The standards (as set out in Part 4) are applied across three elements based on quality and value, accessibility and quantity. After application of the standards for each element a summary of the actions required are presented under the heading strategic implications.

5.1 Quality and value matrix

In order to determine whether sites are high or low quality (as recommended by guidance); each site has been visited and assessed against a set of criteria. The scores from the site assessments have been colour-coded against a baseline standard (high being green and low being red). The table below summarises the results of the quality assessment for play provision.

A quality standard of 60% is applied in order to identify high and low quality. This is initially based on the Green Flag Award site assessment pass mark of 66%. However, the threshold has been lowered to 60% in order to reflect local provision. The threshold is considered to be an appropriate balance between identifying those sites generally deemed as good quality and those viewed as poor.

Table 5.1: Quality ratings for play provision by analysis area

Analysis area Maximum Scores Spread No. of sites score Lowest Average Highest Low High score score score <60% >60%

Northern parishes 97 41% 69% 86% 45% 2 25 Ormskirk, Aughton & 97 34% 68% 89% 55% 2 24 Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 97 22% 63% 91% 69% 15 23 Holland WEST LANCS 97 22% 66% 91% 69% 19 72

The majority of sites are assessed as high quality (79%) against the site visit criteria. Only 21% of sites score below the threshold. The majority of these are located in the Skelmersdale/ Up Holland area.

Most sites score above the threshold in the Northern Parishes analysis area and the Ormskirk, Aughton & Western Parishes analysis; with 93% and 92% respectively. The proportion of sites in the Skelmersdale/ Up Holland analysis area is slightly less (61%).

Similar to quality, in order to determine whether sites are high or low value (as recommended by guidance); the scores from the site assessments have been colour- coded against a baseline threshold (high being green and low being red). The table below summarises the results of the value assessment for play provision.

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A threshold of 20% is applied in order to identify high and low value. For value there is no national guidance on the setting of thresholds. Whilst 20% may initially seem low it is a relative score - designed to reflect those sites that meet more than one aspect of the criteria used for assessing value (as detailed earlier).

Table 5.2: Value ratings for play provision by analysis area

Analysis area Maximum Scores Spread No. of sites score Lowest Average Highest Low High score score score <20% >20%

Northern parishes 55 33% 44% 55% 22% - 27 Ormskirk, Aughton & 55 29% 43% 55% 26% - 26 Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 55 13% 42% 55% 42% 3 33 Holland WEST LANCS 55 13% 43% 55% 42% 3 88

Nearly all play provision is rated as being of high value. This demonstrates the role such provision provides in allowing children to play but also the contribution sites can offer in terms of creating aesthetically pleasing local environments, giving children and young people safe places to learn and to socialise with others.

Table 5.3: Proportion of high and low quality sites by sub-type

Quality Play provision LAP LEAP Youth Fitness TOTAL Above threshold 78% 97% 47% 67% 79% sites Below threshold 22% 3% 53% 33% 21% sites

A higher proportion of sites designated as LAP (22%) score below the quality standard compared to other types of provision. This reflects a number of sites where equipment has either been removed or is observed as being in a poor condition such as at Ashurst Play Area, Cherry Croft and Greaves Hall Avenue. A third of the standalone fitness sites also score below the threshold. This is due to specific observations during the site visit assessment (details can be found in the associated electronic databases).

Assessing the quality and value of open spaces is used to identify those sites which should be given the highest level of protection by the planning system, those which require enhancement in some way and those which may no longer be needed for their present purpose.

When analysing the quality/value of a site it should be done in conjunction with regard to the quantity of provision in the area (whether there is a deficiency). In the current economic climate it is also worthwhile recognises that as a service a more cost effective and efficient form of provision may be through providing fewer but bigger and better sites.

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Table 5.4: Quality and value matrix

Quality Value Approach High Low The preferred policy approach to a site in this category should be to enhance its value in terms of its current purpose. If this is not possible, the next best policy approach is to consider whether it might be of higher value if converted to some other form of provision. Only if this is also impossible will it be acceptable to consider removal. High High All sites should have an aspiration to come into this category and we should then seek to protect them. Sites of this category should be viewed as being key forms of provision. Low Low Policy approach to these sites in areas of identified shortfall should be to enhance their quality provided it is possible to also enhance their value. For sites in areas of surplus a change of primary use should be first considered. If no shortfall of other form of provision is noted than the site may be redundant or surplus to requirements. Low High The approach to these sites should be to enhance their quality to the applied standards. Therefore we should initially seek to protect them if they are not already so.

Please refer to Appendix One for tables showing the application of the quality and value matrix presented for each analysis area. A summary of the main issues are presented below.

Strategic implications

Following application of the quality and value matrix a summary of the actions for any relevant sites in each analysis area are shown below.

Northern parishes

Play provision summary Action Low quality ratings for Greaves Hall Look to enhance quality of sites; misuse Avenue (equipment removed) and Rees and range of equipment may need Park – Ball Wall (broken glass noted). addressing respectively.

Ormskirk, Aughton and Western parishes

Play provision summary Action Low quality ratings for Paddocks and Enhance quality; range of equipment on School Lane – Play Area 2 sites may need expanding. Priority should be Paddocks site given its remote location.

Skelmersdale/ Up Holland

Play provision summary Action Low quality ratings for 12 sites. Enhance quality of sites; priority should be for Banksbarn – MUGA/Skate Area, Ennerdale – MUGA, Hawthorne – MUGA, Stanley Coronation Park – MUGA, Summer street – Natural Play, Whitemoss – MUGA and Woodcroft

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Play provision summary Action Low quality and value rating for Ashurst Enhance quality of sites provided it is Kickabout – Play Area, Cherry Croft and possible to also enhance value. Skelmersdale Town Centre. If value cannot be increased – consider for future removal.

5.2 Accessibility

Accessibility mapping for types of provision are a tool to identify communities currently not served by existing facilities. Factors that underpin catchment areas vary from person to person, day to day and hour to hour. This problem is overcome by accepting the concept of ‘effective catchments’, defined as the distance that would be travelled by the majority of users (as set out on page 21).

Figure 5.3: Play provision catchments mapped by classification

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An enlarged map of the Skelmersdale/Up Holland area is provided given the larger number of sites identified within close proximity.

Figure 5.4: Play provision catchments mapped by classification

If a settlement or area does not have access to the required level of provision it is deemed deficient. KKP has estimated how many sites, of a minimum size (0.04 hectares) are needed to provide comprehensive access to this type of provision. The minimum site size of 0.04 hectares is based on the average size for play provision recorded in West Lancashire.

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Strategic implications

The table below summaries the deficiencies identified from the application of the accessibility standards (shown in the maps above), together with the recommended actions.

Northern parishes

Identified need (catchment gap) Action Small catchment gap is identified between The need for new provision to address this Becconsall and Tarleton area deficiency is not recommended. Priority should be ensuring that sites within close proximity are maintained to an acceptable standard. New provision should be sought to a Small catchment gap identified to north of minimum size of 0.04 hectares. Appley Bridge area. Parish council consultation supports need for improved play provision.

Ormskirk, Aughton and Western parishes

Identified need (catchment gap) Action Small catchment gap in provision for older New play provision or expansion of age ranges is identified between Aughton existing equipment catering to older ages Park and Ormskirk area. Parish council should be sought to a minimum size of consultation supports need for additional 0.04 hectares. provision of this type.

Skelmersdale/ Up Holland

Identified need (catchment gap) Action No gaps in provision identified -

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5.3 Quantity

Application of the quantity standards, set out on p31, is used to calculate how much provision per 1,000 people is needed to strategically serve West Lancashire now and in the future.

The calculation and paragraphs on the following pages explain how this is undertaken.

Analysis Current Current Current Identified Total Standard Future Provision area provisionpopulationstandarddeficiencies† future based population required (ha)* provision on for 2037 (ha) current (ha) demand (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) F*G/ A/B*1000 A+D E/B*1000 1000-A

Current level of provision (column A)

The starting point for calculating quantative standards is total current provision within a given analysis area. Current provision usually has a high impact on aspirational future standards. Residents often base their judgement of need on or around current provision.

Current population (column B)

The current population for West Lancashire is 110,925 from ONS 2012.

Current standard (column C)

A current standard (on a ‘per 1,000 population of head’) is calculated for each analysis area by dividing the current level of provision by the population identified in that area.

Deficiencies (column D)

The accessibility catchment mapping (outlined above) is primarily used to demonstrate which areas are deficient in provision. Deficiency against the catchment mapping is calculated by identifying gaps/areas not covered by the minimum level of provision required (as illustrated in the maps contained within the strategy). This is based on achieving comprehensive access, whereby people across the area can access types of provision within specific distances and/or walking times (see accessibility standards earlier). Consultation findings have also been used to identify any further deficiencies of a certain typology.

If a settlement does not have access to the required level of open space provision (as identified in by mapping) it is deemed deficient. It is estimated how many sites, of a minimum size, are needed to provide comprehensive access to this type of provision.

* Taken from the project/audit database, supplied as an electronic file † Provision to meet catchment gaps

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Total future provision (column E)

The total amount of provision required in the future for an analysis area is calculated by adding any identified deficiencies to the current level of existing provision. This ensures that provision needed to meet existing gaps is incorporated into the standards and calculations for the future.

Standard based on current demand (column F)

Once a new total provision is gained by adding in any deficiencies to the current provision, a current minimum provision standard can be calculated. This takes into account current demand for provision and should be specific to each particular area.

Future population (column G)

Housing growth is significant in West Lancashire and a key driver is to establish the need for facilities to meet demand created from this growth. The Local Plan allows for the delivery of 4,860 net new dwellings with 2,000 of the homes being in Skelmersdale. The targets will be divided spatially between the following Areas:

Table 5.5: Distribution of housing growth

Area Housing growth Analysis area Skelmersdale with Up Holland 2,100 dwellings Skelmersdale/ Up Holland Ormskirk with Aughton 750 dwellings Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes Burscough 850 dwellings Northern parishes Northern Parishes 800 dwellings Northern parishes Eastern Parishes 100 dwellings Northern parishes Western Parishes 260 dwellings Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes

This equates to the following estimated population growth for each area based on the distribution of housing growth identified and the national occupancy rate of 2.3 individuals.

Table 5.6: Estimated population growth

Analysis area Housing growth Estimated population Northern parishes 1,750 4,025 Ormskirk, Aughton & Western parishes 1,010 2,323 Skelmersdale/ Up Holland 2,100 4,830 WEST LANCS 4,860 11,178

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There is in total an increase of 11,178. The estimated populations have been added to the current population figures in order to provide an estimated future population for each analysis area.

Table 5.7: Estimated population projections

Analysis area Current population Estimated Estimated 2037 population population Northern parishes 34,560 4,025 38,585 Ormskirk, Aughton & 35,784 2,323 38,107 Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 40,581 4,830 45,411 Holland WEST LANCS 110,925 11,178 122,103

Provision required for 2037 (column H)

This column substantiates the actual deficiency in terms of the difference in hectares between current provision and future need for each analysis area, based on future growth having taken into account any identified deficiencies.

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Table 5.8: Application of quantity standards

Analysis area Current Current Current Identified Total future Standards Future Provision provision (ha) population standard deficiencies provision (ha) based on population required for current 2037 (ha) demand (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) Northern parishes 1.49 34,560 0.04 0.04 1.53 0.04 38,585 0.05 Ormskirk, Aughton & 1.17 35,784 0.03 0.04 1.21 0.03 38,107 n/a Western parishes Skelmersdale/ Up 1.76 40,581 0.04 - 1.76 0.04 45,411 0.06 Holland WEST LANCS 4.42 110,925 0.04 0.08 4.50 0.04 122,103 0.11

Strategic implications

Application of the standards based on current demand (column F) against the future population for each analysis area demonstrates that additional provision is required in order to meet future populations (column H). The exception is for the Ormskirk, Aughton and Western Parishes analysis area where current provision is identified as also being able to meet future demand in 2037.

However, across West Lancashire as a whole there is a need to meet the identified deficiencies highlighted from the catchment mapping/ consultation as a priority. This is with particular reference to provision catering for older age ranges. Creation of completely new sites may not be necessary if upgrading and expansion of existing sites can be made. It is highly recommended that these shortfalls are met.

It is likely that long-term some sites can be removed or phased out if deemed appropriate (i.e. they are identified as being of low quality and value). This could be useful in helping to meet budget restraints particularly as the rate of maintenance and repair at certain sites may not be cost effective. Any phasing out of sites should be used to ensure the ongoing maintenance and quality standard of existing provision. Catchment mapping should also be utilised to guarantee that any removal of sites will not result in noticeable gaps of provision.

Once quantity deficiencies have been met, it is important we ensure quality and accessibility standards are maintained.

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PART 6: RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS

The following section sets out the key recommendations for play provision based on the findings of the application of the quantity, quality and accessibility standards. It incorporates the actions we should be seeking to achieve in order to address the issues highlighted. This should also help us to meet the vision and objectives set out earlier.

6.1 Recommendations

Recommendation 1

Continue move towards fewer but bigger and better play sites

A presumption in favour of us looking to provide fewer but bigger and better play sites instead of a greater number of small sized play sites should be made. This can help to ensure an efficient and effective framework of play facilities across West Lancashire; particularly during the economic challenges facing local authorities and the whole country.

Larger play sites offering a greater range and diversity of equipment have a stronger appeal to a variety of users. It is acknowledged that individuals are willing to travel further in order to access such sites. Subsequently diverse equipment on key sites to cater for a range of ages is also essential.

Unique provision such as fitness equipment and skate parks at sites are often cited as highly valued forms of play. Opportunities to further expand these types of provision catering towards older age ranges should be explored and encouraged where opportunities are possible subject to local support.

Recommendation 2

Ensure all sites assessed as high for quality and value are protected

Sites within this category should be viewed as being key forms of provision. The quality and value matrix identifies those sites rating high for quality and value. It is important that we look to retain sites of this classification.

Recommendation 3

Ensure low quality sites are prioritised for enhancement

The policy approach to these sites should be to enhance their quality to the applied standards (i.e. high quality). This is especially the case if the site is deemed to be of high value to the local community. Therefore they should initially be protected, if they are not already so, in order for their quality to be improved.

The strategic implications summary of the quality and value matrix identifies those sites that should be given priority for enhancement if possible.

It is also important for other low quality sites (that may also score low for value) to be addressed in terms of their quality deficiency if possible. Where such sites cannot be improved consideration to their removal should be given.

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Recommendation 4

Sites helping to serve analysis areas identified as having gaps in catchment mapping should be recognised through protection and enhancement

The strategic implications summary for the accessibility catchment mapping highlights sites that help to serve other areas identified as lacking provision.

These sites currently help to meet the identified catchment gaps for other areas. We should seek to adapt these sites through expansion and improvement of equipment where possible. This is in order to provide a stronger local role as well as greater opportunities for a wider variety of users. This will also help to minimise the need for new provision as well as helping to identify potential areas to provide fewer sites; as bigger and better forms of provision may be located nearby instead.

Working closely with other play site providers such as parish councils is crucial. A good working relationship already exists in most instances and should be actively encouraged. This will help to ensure areas lacking in certain types of provision are identified and targeted. Parish councils are particularly useful in helping to communicate the thoughts towards provision of local communities.

Recommendation 5

Recognise areas with surpluses in provision and how they may be able to meet other areas of need

For sites identified as low value and/or low quality and value in areas, an attempt to enhance their quality should be first considered; provided it is possible to also enhance their value. For sites in areas of surplus, if no shortfall is noted, or it is not feasible to improve the site, then the site may be redundant/ 'surplus to requirements'.

The rationalisation of these sites should be used to ensure the ongoing maintenance and quality standards of existing provision/sites. This will also help us in our approach to fewer but bigger and better forms of provision.

6.2 Developer contribution requirement

The following paragraphs set out the policy implications in terms of the planning process in West Lancashire. This is intended to help steer us in seeking contributions to the improvement and/or provision of any new forms of play.

Developer contributions are likely to be the main source of providing any new forms of play sites or equipment in West Lancashire, as highlighted earlier. Therefore it is important that the role developer contributions have to offer is highlighted.

The guidance should form the basis for negotiation with developers to secure contributions for the provision of appropriate facilities and their long term maintenance.

A development should make appropriate provision of services, facilities and infrastructure to meet its own needs. Where sufficient capacity does not exist the development should contribute what is necessary, either on-site or by making a financial contribution towards provision elsewhere. This should also apply to play provision.

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In instances where it is not realistic for new provision to be provided on site it may be more appropriate to seek to enhance the existing quality of provision and/or improve access to existing sites.

Residential developments should normally be required to meet the need for children’s play generated by the development on site, either as an integral part of the design, or through payment of a development contribution which will be used to install or upgrade play facilities in the vicinity of a proposed development.

Whilst the norm should be to expect provision to be made on site, consideration needs to be given to the feasibility of such provision.

The Councils Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on the Provision of Public Open Space in New Residential Developments sets out the requirements for developer contributions in relation to play provision.

For a significant number of developments play provision should take the form of offsite developer contributions in order to up-grade and supplement existing play facilities in the vicinity of the development. However, provision may still need to be made on site in locations where the nearest existing play provision is deemed too far away.

Such a process should assist in preventing the creation of too many LAP classification sites and help to promote fewer but bigger and better forms of play provision such as Local Equipped Areas of Play (LEAP) and equipment aimed at older age ranges across West Lancashire.

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APPENDIX ONE

Quality and value matrix

Northern parishes

Figure 2: Northern parishes Quality and Value matrix

Play provision Quality High Low Abrams Fold Greaves Hall Avenue Appley Bridge Rees Park – Ball Wall Highsands Manor Road Mossey Lea Pickles Drive Priory Close Rees Park – Play Area Richmond Park – Fitness Zone Richmond Park – Play Area Richmond Park – Skate park The Beacon Centre

e High Trinity Walks u l Mere Avenue Play Area a V Shore Road Recreation Play Area Glen Park Drive Play Area Station Road Play Area Back Lane Play Area Banks Park Village Hall Play Area Burnside Play Area Rufford Play Area Tarleton Play Area Mill Lane Play Area Mere Brow Play Area

Low

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Ormskirk, Aughton and Western parishes

Figure 3: Ormskirk, Aughton and Western parishes Quality and Value Matrix

Play provision Quality High Low Bracknall Way Paddocks School Lane – Play Area 2 Convent Close Coronation Park – Play Area 1 Coronation Park – Play Area 2 Coronation Park – Fitness zone Coronation Park – skate park Fairfield Green Lane Halsall Mawdsley Terrace Pine Avenue

e High Pinewood Close u l

a School Lane – Play Area V Tennyson Drive Thompson Avenue Westhead William Arnold PF Play Area Rachel Taylor Memorial PF Redsands Park Play Area Beech Gardens Play Area Belvedere Park Bickerstaffe Play Area Jubilee Field Play Area

Low

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Skelmersdale/ Up Holland

Figure 4: Skelmersdale/ Up Holland Quality and Value Matrix

Play provision for children and young people Quality High Low Abbeystead – Play Area Abbeystead Alderley Ashurst Kickabout – MUGA Banksbarn – Ply Area Banksbarn – MUGA & Skate area Cascades Play Area Ennerdale – MUGA Colinton Play Area Eskbank Eavesdale Hawthorne – MUGA Ennderdale – Play Area Hillside School Field Ennerdale – Skate Park Stanley Coronation Park – MUGA Ennerdale – Youth shelter Summer Street – Natural Play Evington The Fold, Little Digmoor School Fairhaven – Play Area Whitemoss – MUGA

High Fairhaven – Skate/Teen area Woodcroft e Firbeck u l a

V Greenhill Playing Area Helmsdale Inglewhite – Play Area Inglewhite – MUGA/skate Area Stanley Coronation Park – Play Area Summer Street – Play Area Tanfields – Play Area Tanfields – MUGA/Skate Park Whitemoss – Play Area Willows Ashurst Kickabout – Play Area Low Cherry Croft Skelmersdale Town Centre

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APPENDIX TWO

Site criteria and scoring

In total, 91 sites are identified, mapped and assessed to evaluate site value and quality.

In accordance with best practice recommendations no size threshold (usually 0.2 hectares) has been applied to the inclusion of sites within the study. As all play sites, regardless of size, should be recognised as being of importance to communities.

Database development

All information relating to sites across the Borough is collated in a project database (provided as an Excel electronic file). All sites included within the audit, as identified and assessed, are included within it. The database details for each site are as follows:

Data held on open spaces database (summary) Reference number (used for mapping) Site name Ownership Management Typology Size (hectares) Site visit data

Sites are primarily identified in the audit using official site names, where possible, and/or secondly using road names and locations.

Quality and value

Quality and value are fundamentally different and can be unrelated. For example, a high quality space may be in an inaccessible location and, thus, be of little value; while, if a rundown (poor quality) space may be the only one in an area and thus be immensely valuable. As a result, quality and value are also treated separately in terms of scoring. Each site receives separate quality and value score. This allows for application of a high and low quality/value matrix to further help determine prioritisation of investment and to identify sites that may be surplus.

Analysis of quality

Data collated from site visits is initially based upon those derived from the Green Flag Award scheme (a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales, operated by Keep Britain Tidy) and is a non technical visual assessment of the whole site, including general equipment and surface quality/appearance but also including an assessment of, for example, bench and bin provision. This is utilised to calculate a quality score for each site visited.

This differs, for example, from an independent RosPA review, which is a more technical assessment of equipment in terms of play and risk assessment grade.

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Scores in the database are presented as percentage figures. The quality criteria used for the site assessments carried out are summarised in the following table.

Quality criteria for open space site visit (score) Physical access, e.g., public transport links, directional signposts, Personal security, e.g. , site is overlooked, natural surveillance Access-social, e.g., appropriate minimum entrance widths Parking, e.g., availability, specific, disabled parking Information signage, e.g., presence of up to date site information, notice boards Equipment and facilities, e.g., assessment of both adequacy and maintenance of provision such as seats, benches, bins, toilets Location value, e.g., proximity of housing, other greenspace Site problems, e.g., presence of vandalism, graffiti Healthy, safe and secure, e.g., fencing, gates, staff on site Maintenance and cleanliness, e.g., condition of general landscape & features Groups that the site meets the needs of, e.g., elderly, young people Site potential

Play provision for children and young people is scored for value as part of the audit assessment. In particular value is recognised in terms of size of sites and the range of equipment they host. For instance, a small site with only a single piece of equipment is likely to be of a lower value than a site with several different forms of equipment designed to cater for wider age ranges.

Analysis of value

Using data calculated from the site visits and desk based research a value score for each site is identified. Value is defined in a Companion Guide to PPG17 in relation to the following three issues:

Context of the site i.e. its accessibility, scarcity value and historic value. Level and type of use. The wider benefits it generates for people, biodiversity and the wider environment.

The value criteria set for audit assessment is derived as:

Value criteria for open space site visits (score) Level of use (observations only), e.g., evidence of different user types (e.g. dog walkers, joggers, children) throughout day, located near school and/or community facility Context of site in relation to other open spaces Structural and landscape benefits, e.g., well located, high quality defining the identity and character of the area Ecological benefits, e.g., supports/promotes biodiversity and wildlife habitats Educational benefits, e.g., provides learning opportunities on nature/historic landscapes, people and features Social inclusion and health benefits, e.g., promotes civic pride, community ownership and a sense of belonging; helping to promote well-being Cultural and heritage benefits, e.g., historic elements/links (e.g. listed building, statues) and high profile symbols of local area Amenity benefits and a sense of place, e.g., attractive places that are safe and well maintained; helping to create specific neighbourhoods and landmarks Economic benefits, e.g., enhances property values, promotes economic activity and attracts people from near and far

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Value - non site visit criteria (score) Designated as part of wider site such as LNR or SSSI Educational programme in place Historic interest related to site Listed building or historical monument on/close proximity of site Registered 'friends of’ group to the site

Quality and value thresholds

In order to determine whether sites are high or low quality (as recommended by guidance); the results of the site assessments have been colour-coded against a baseline threshold (high being green and low being red).

The base line threshold for assessing quality can often be set around 66%; based on the pass rate for Green Flag criteria (site visit criteria also being based on Green Flag). This is the only national benchmark available for quality of parks and open spaces. However, the site visit criteria used for Green Flag is not always appropriate for every open space typology (such as play) as it is designed to represent a sufficiently high standard of site. A quality threshold of 60% has therefore been based to reflect local levels of provision.

For value there is no national guidance on the setting of thresholds. Whilst 20% may initially seem low it is relative score - designed to reflect those sites that meet more than one aspect of the criteria used for assessing value (as detailed earlier).

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