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Chapter 3: Development Plan Policies Comment
This methodology provides a baseline for assessing and planning open spaces, with regular updates to ensure relevance and responsiveness to community needs.
Provision and enhancement of open space, sport and recreation
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In accordance with Policy DM1 the council has approved sites for the provision of two new leisure centres, eight new parks, 5 new gyms and 3 new sport pitches. Additionally, there is a confirmed 400 acres of open space.
Why we need the policy
Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health, wellbeing and social cohesion of our communities. A strategy of provision, enhancement and protection is therefore needed for the existing facilities and the opportunities that the Area can provide in terms of its wealth of beautiful countryside.
These spaces also have wider environmental benefits. They support biodiversity, providing valuable habitat and links within the existing green network, which allow wildlife to migrate and better adapt to our changing climate. Open spaces also play a key role in flood risk management and are key elements to developing successful Sustainable Urban Drainage systems. As a predominately rural area, the Area's open spaces can also contribute to the perception of an attractive place to live, work and visit and provide opportunities to broaden the Area's tourism offer.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure provision is made for open space, sport and recreational facilities commensurate with assessed need.
Policy DM1: Provision and enhancement of open space, sport and recreation Comment
DM1.1 New residential development will be required to provide new or enhanced provision of useable public open space, sports and recreation facilities in accordance with the standards set out in Appendix 4 and in compliance with the latest Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs and Opportunities Assessment.
DM1.2 Open space, sports and recreation provision requirements should:
- be provided on-site in a suitable location.
- be multifunctional, fit for purpose and support health and outdoor recreation;
- secure satisfactory maintenance and management of the open space, sports and recreational facility in the long term.
DM1.3 A holistic approach to the design of new open space should be taken including considering the contribution to place making, the green network and protecting and enhancing nature conservation and the water environment.
