Introduction
Planning authorities should take a strategic and long term approach to managing the open space in their area, assessing both current and future needs and protecting all spaces which can help to meet them.
Authorities should undertake an audit of the open space resource in their area and how well it meets the needs of the community. The audit should cover all types of open space, (details of different types of open space is set out in PAN 65) and should also identify community views on the value of open spaces and aspirations for their future role.
The open space audit informs the open space strategy and the development plan.
Policy Aims
Scottish Planning Policy sets out the current policy on open space and physical activity.
The policy aims to:
- Encourage local authorities to undertake an open space audit, and use this information to prepare an open space strategy setting out the vision for new and improved open space; and
- advise that the audit and strategy should feed into the development plan
Publications
PAN 65 Planning and Open Space (Revised 2008) - provides information on the role of the planning system in protecting and enhancing open spaces and on open space audits and strategies.
Also worth seeing
News
Scotland's greenspace map
Scotland's Greenspace Map is a world first; no other country has mapped its greenspace in this way. It is an innovative Geographical Information System (GIS)based map which provides comprehensive information on the location, extent and type of greenspace across all of Scotland's urban settlements.
The map can be used to help in planning decision making, developing green networks, policy development, prioritisation work, and research purposes.
Explore the map
SNH recently ran an event on greenspace standards, with presentations on various case studies.
Contact
For further information on Open Space Audits and Strategies, please contact
Kristen Anderson
0131 244 7091