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Better protection for open space
15/11/2007
Councils will be required to prepare an open space strategy to protect and improve open space, as part of a new planning policy issued today.
The move will protect existing valued open space and identify requirements for new and improved spaces, helping to deliver greener, healthier and safer networks of open space. Strategies will then inform decisions on proposals in each council's development plan.
Scottish Planning Policy 11: Open Space and Physical Activity, published today, will introduce:
- A requirement to consult with the local community as part of the open space strategy
- Development plans to set out specific requirements for the provision of open space in new developments
- New consultation procedures for planning applications affecting sports facilities, such as tennis courts and bowling greens
- A requirement to notify Ministers where development is proposed on land identified as open space in the development plan.
Planning Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We are determined to create a greener and healthier Scotland. Open spaces, where people can enjoy a variety of sporting and recreational activities, are vital.
"By strengthening protection for existing open spaces we will ensure that the future needs of all our communities are provided for. In devising their own strategies, councils will be better equipped to manage, protect and enhance open spaces within their areas.
"This policy will make an important contribution towards ensuring we have a modernised planning system which is efficient, inclusive and fit for purpose."
Each strategy will have to be reviewed every five years, reflecting new timescales for development planning in Scotland's modernised planning system.
Following responses to the consultation on the draft planning policy, there will not be nationally set minimum standards for the quantity of open space in new developments.
Stewart Stevenson continued: "The planning system is operated largely by councils, and decisions about protection and investment in open space are best made by councils and local communities. Locally determined open space strategies, rather than nationally imposed standards, are the best way of ensuring the provision of open space across Scotland is sensitive to local circumstances."
SPP 11 comes into force immediately. The new notification and consultation procedures come into force on 1 January 2008, to give planning authorities time to prepare for the new arrangements.
The term open space includes parks, playing fields, foot and cycle paths, woodland, allotments and civic spaces. Planning Advice Note 65: Planning and Open Space includes a full typology of open spaces for inclusion in an open space strategy. Local authorities should use this typology and consider whether any additional types of open space should be included in their strategy.
SPP11 emphasises the importance of proper management and maintenance of open space. The policy makes it clear to developers and planning authorities that proper long-term arrangements for management of open space must be put in place for all new developments.
Local authorities should use their open space strategy and local development plan to make it clear to developers what open space is required to serve new developments, and to ensure that this is appropriate for community needs. This will ensure that the types and amount of open space in new development will reflect the wide range of local circumstances and priorities which exist in Scotland's many and varied communities.