SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 148
467.
Open spaces include green spaces such as parks and allotments, natural habitats,
playground and amenity space.
468.
Publically accessible open spaces are a key component of the Borough’s multifunctional
green infrastructure network. They have many roles including providing for recreation and
physical activity; encouraging social interactions; promoting physical and mental health and
wellbeing and quality of life; providing facilities for a child’s development; encouraging
walking and cycling; reducing flood risk; and safeguarding biodiversity. They are essential to
promoting and facilitating healthy lifestyles, benefitting wellbeing and a key component of the
quality and visual amenity of the local character of areas. Furthermore, open spaces, in
particular natural green spaces, are a vital part of the Borough’s natural capital and key
feature of the biodiversity and ecology of Solihull.
469. The loss of open
spaces can not only lead
to longer journeys for
sports and recreation,
potentially limiting the
health benefits of open
spaces and opportunities
for the community to
meet and participate in
local
life
but
may
adversely impact on
creating strong, vibrant
communities, and affect
inward investment into
an area.
470.
The Open Space Assessment recommends a minimum standard of 3.57ha of open space
per 1,000 population, that is accessible and of high quality. Further detail on open space
provision associated with development sites will be contained within the Council’s
forthcoming Open Space SPD.
471.
National Planning Guidance is clear that existing open spaces, sports and recreational
buildings or land should not be built on unless development proposals meet the exceptions
set out in the NPPF. Policy P20 advocates strong protection of open space, sports and
recreational facilities, and where proposed development would result in the loss of a facility
or area of open space, the policy requires appropriate compensation for the loss. Such
compensatory measures could include re-provision or the enhancement of existing open
space or facilities, and be in accordance with the priorities for action outlined in adopted
Council strategies such as the Green Spaces Strategy (reviewed 2014). Playing Pitch
Strategy (2019) and Mitigation Strategy (2020).
472.
Local Green Space (LGS) designation in the NPPF allows local communities to identify
areas of local green space which should be provided special protection. LGS can only be
designated when a Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan is prepared or reviewed. The existing
Local Plan seeks to protect open space, which has specific importance to a local community
and development will be restricted on such land unless exceptional circumstances are
provided. Where land is designated as LGS, it will need to be consistent with the wider
planning policy for the area and look to complement investment in the provision of news
homes, employment and other services.
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