Open Space SPD

Ended on the 9 February 2009

Appendix B - Open Space Standards

Open Space Types with Unrestricted Access - (Minimum Standards - figures are in hectares per 1000 of population)
Amenity Green Space Parks + Gardens Natural Areas Green Corridors Allotments Burial Grounds Outdoor Sports Children / Youth Areas Overall Green Space
WDC ACTUAL

0. 74

1.99

1.92

0.16

0.42***

0.38

0.25

0.02

5.46****

WDC PROPOSED

1.0

(10m 2 per person)

2.0

(20m 2 per person)

2.0 *

(20m 2 per person)

N/A**

0.42***

(see note overleaf regarding allotment provision)

N/A

0.3 (3m 2 per person)

0.3

(3m 2 per person)

5.6****

(5.6m 2 per person)


* This standard should be applied having regard to Natural England's Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGST) The ANGST model requires that for people living in towns and cities:

  • That no person shall live more than 300m from their nearest area of natural greenspace of at least 2Ha in size
  • Provision of at least 1 Ha of Local Nature Reserve per 1000 population
  • That there should be at least one accessible 20Ha site within 2km from home
  • That there should be one accessible 100Ha site within 5km
  • That there should be one accessible 500Ha site within 10km

** This type of open space (green corridors) forms part of the requirement for amenity green space and / or natural areas

*** Allotment Gardens

The Council acknowledges the valuable contribution that allotment gardens make to the well - being of local communities and they are currently afforded by protection under Policy SC5 of the Local Plan. The audit has identified that there are 27 allotment gardens across the District (comprising of some 55.55 Ha or 0.42 Ha of allotments per 1000 population).

The provision of allotments for small sites is problematic given their particular requirements and the fact that the Council do not own or manage allotments unlike other types of open space. The Council will therefore only expect developers of larger sites (i.e. over 100 dwellings) to make provision in line with the above standard either on site or within reasonable walking distance of the new residences.

**** These totals exclude the allotment provision as allotments do not have unrestricted public access.

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