Open Space Strategies

Working either as  solo consultants or in partnership with companies such as Nortoft and the Landscape Partnership, we have produced a wide range of open space strategies, covering outdoor leisure provision such parks and gardens, amenity greenspace, allotments and children’s play.  These were originally produced using the government’s PPG17 methodology. Since this was abolished we have continued to use this general approach but fine-tuned to local circumstances in line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  Some examples include:

•  We carried out a review of open space provision for Brentwood Borough Council as part of a wide ranging study of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure provision. This was linked directly to their emerging Local Plan and used to set standards of provision across the whole range of green infrastructure typologies.  Following our report the council has invested significant sums in playgrounds and play equipment.
• We were appointed by Gravesham Borough Council to carry out a comprehensive assessment of all open space provision in the borough.  The result was a strong, evidence-based assessment fully compliant with PPG17 and related guidance.
• Our client with the longest title, is the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.  On their behalf we carried out a comprehensive review of open space and sports provision across the tow neighbouring boroughs of South Holland and Boston.  This covered all open space types including and was used to set strategic planning policy in these rural areas.
• We have worked with Harlow Council in Essex on a number of occasions.  First of all with our friends at Nortoft on a comprehensive assessment of sport and greenspace provision subsequently to advise on a rationalisation of playground provision.  Following a detailed consultation process we found that local residents wanted fewer but better play areas which offered a better range of play opportunities for their children.  We were then invited back to assess progress against the recommendations of the original assessment and to update it in the light of new developments.
•  A Green Spaces Strategy for the Cherwell District Council that involved a review of their PPG17 study in the district and required the analysis, amendment and application of proposed standards, the recalculation of current and projected future deficiencies and devising the basis for inviting developer contributions.
•  An Open Spaces Study for Tendring District Council in Essex. The project involved an analysis of the local, regional and national strategic context, an audit of all sites in the district, the development and application of planning standards and identification of deficiencies in provision.