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Chapter 7
RECREATION AND LEISURE
   
  Introduction
7.1 Over the last 20 years, increasing affluence and leisure time have created a steady rise in recreational activity and spending. At the same time there has been a heightened awareness of the benefits of participation in sport and recreation pursuits of various kinds. With longer holidays, flexible working hours, better education and rising aspirations, people are demanding, needing and expecting a good range of recreation and leisure facilities, both in towns and the countryside. This is recognised in the Structure Plan, which includes a policy (Leisure and Tourism Policy 2) for increasing the provision of leisure facilities throughout the Borough. Furthermore, Planning Policy Guidance Note 17, 'Sport and Recreation' emphasises the importance of sport and recreation and advises that the local plans should include proposals on these topics.
  Recreational Trails
7.2 Walking is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities, enjoyed by a broad section of the community and all age groups. Cycling is also a popular form of recreation and it is estimated that 30% of households own a bicycle. Horse-riding, although not as popular as walking or cycling, is a major activity in the urban fringe areas of the Borough, even though there are few bridleways for riders to enjoy.
7.3 Disused railways and canals may offer opportunities for creating new recreational trails for walking and possibly riding and cycling. However, it is important to protect wildlife habitats on these valuable wildlife corridors, which link wide areas of the Borough and form refuges for many plant and animal species. Therefore, it will not always be possible to reconcile the wildlife/recreation conflict and it follows that sections of disused railway and canal may not be appropriate for conversion to recreational use, particularly riding and cycling, if such a use would harm an important wildlife habitat.
  POLICY R1 - RECREATIONAL TRAILS
  RECREATIONAL TRAILS, FOR WALKING, RIDING OR CYCLING, WILL BE DEVELOPED ALONG DISUSED RAILWAY LINES AND CANALS, WHERE PRACTICABLE, SUBJECT TO THE COUNCIL BEING SATISFIED WITH REGARD TO DETAILS OF ACCESS, CAR PARKING, LANDSCAPING AND IMPACT ON WILDLIFE HABITATS. IN PARTICULAR, THE FOLLOWING ROUTES ARE PROPOSED, AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, AND WILL BE PROTECTED FROM PREJUDICIAL DEVELOPMENT:
  1. THE ILKESTON - DERBY RAILWAY
  2. THE DERBY AND SANDIACRE CANAL
  3. THE NUTBROOK CANAL
   
  Rights of Way
7.4 The rights of way network in the Borough is a major recreational resource and it is the policy of the Borough Council to maintain and enhance footpaths and bridleways for public enjoyment, in conjunction with the County Council as highway authority. It is important to ensure that the development does not have an adverse impact upon the integrity of these routes. In view of the poor provision of bridleways, it is a priority to maintain and improve the bridleway network wherever opportunities arise. This is particularly important in the urban fringe areas of the Borough. Where opportunities arise, circular walks and rides will be promoted and maintained.
  POLICY R2 - RIGHTS OF WAY
  THE RIGHTS OF WAY NETWORK WILL BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED WHEREVER OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE URBAN FRINGE.
  PLANNING PERMISSION WILL BE GRANTED FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH AFFECTS A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ONLY WHERE THE PROPOSALS INCLUDE FOR EITHER THE RETENTION OF THE ROUTE ON ITS EXISTING ALIGNMENT, OR FOR THE PROVISION OF AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WHICH IS EQUALLY ATTRACTIVE, SAFE AND CONVENIENT.
   
  Cyclepaths/Cycle Parking
7.5 The creation of cyclepaths provides safe, traffic-free routes for leisure use and as a means of transportation. Cyclepaths at Little Eaton, from Long Eaton to Ilkeston and between Derby and Long Eaton have received financial support from the Borough Council and similar schemes in the future are likely to be supported, particularly if a cyclepath forms part of a strategic route. Private developers should also consider cyclepaths and cycle parking as an integral part of their development.
  POLICY R3 - CYCLEPATHS/CYCLE PARKING
  CYCLEPATHS WILL BE DEVELOPED WHEREVER OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO SCHEMES WHICH FORM PART OF A STRATEGIC NETWORK OR BYPASS A DANGEROUS SECTION OF HIGHWAY. PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE CYCLEPATHS AND CYCLE PARKING IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, WHERE APPROPRIATE.
       
  The Former Derby and Sandiacre Canal
7.6 The Borough Council is supportive in principle, of plans to reinstate the former canal, as proposed by the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust. It is proposed therefore that the canal route, as defined on the proposals map, be protected against development that would prejudice canal restoration.
  POLICY R4 - THE FORMER DERBY AND SANDIACRE CANAL
  PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD PREJUDICE THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE FORMER DERBY AND SANDIACRE CANAL, AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP.
   
  Sports Facilities, Allotments and Public Open Space
7.7 Sports facilities, allotments and public open space play important roles in meeting the recreational needs of local communities. The Borough Council would not wish to see these amenities lost unless there was a strong overriding reason for doing so. However, in this event, a suitable alternative provision would normally be sought within close proximity to the existing facility. In specific situations it may be possible to retain or enhance a public open space, sports facility or allotments by permitting a small part of a site to be developed for an appropriate use. The requirements of criteria 1 and 3 of Policy R5 should be met by reference to an up to date and robust assessment of the community's current and future needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities, which should include consideration of all amenity and recreational functions that open space can perform.
  POLICY R5 - PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, SPORTS FACILITIES AND ALLOTMENTS
  APPLICATIONS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF USE OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, SPORTS FACILITIES OR ALLOTMENTS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE:
  1. IT IS DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE IS NO LONGER A CONTINUING NEED FOR THE SPACE OR FACILITIES ON RECREATION OR AMENITY GROUNDS;
  2. A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE IS MADE AVAILABLE OF EQUIVALENT OR GREATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY AND AT LEAST AS WELL LOCATED IN TERMS OF MEETING LOCAL NEEDS; OR
  3. IT IS FOR A RECREATION OR AMENITY PURPOSE THAT CLEARLY OUTWEIGHS THE LOSS OF THE FACILITY OR SPACE CONCERNED.
  THE REQUIREMENTS OF CRITERIA 1 AND 3 SHOULD BE MET BY REFERENCE TO AN UP TO DATE AND ROBUST ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMUNITY'S CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS FOR OPEN SPACE, SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES, WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF ALL AMENITY AND RECREATIONAL FUNCTIONS THAT OPEN SPACE CAN PERFORM.
   
  Golf
7.8 Golf is growing in popularity and demand for the facilities at Pewit golf course (Ilkeston) is high. Accordingly, it is proposed to extend the course into a full size 18 hole course. This will help to meet the future demand for golf in the area and take pressure off areas in the green belt which have been subject to applications for golfing facilities.
  POLICY R6 - PEWIT GOLF COURSE
  PEWIT GOLF COURSE WILL BE EXTENDED INTO A FULL SIZE 18 HOLE COURSE.
   
7.9 The demand for golf, combined with declining agricultural incomes, has led to a surge of activity in the green belt, extending golf courses, providing new courses and driving ranges. The golf course requirement for the Borough, as specified by Sport England, has now been met. This is however a minimum target of provision and an "excess" provision may be acceptable, to help meet demand. Golf courses need to be in suitable locations as they can have a significant effect on the landscape. They should be located and designed to be in harmony with the surrounding countryside and to have minimal detrimental effect on wildlife, rights of way or nearby settlements. In particular, golf driving ranges, if floodlit, need to be carefully located to have a minimal impact on the landscape or nearby residential amenities. The finest quality agricultural land in the Borough should not be developed for golf.
  POLICY R7 - GOLF COURSES AND DRIVING RANGES
  APPLICATIONS FOR GOLF COURSES OR GOLF DRIVING RANGES WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN LOCATIONS WHERE:
  1. THERE IS MINIMAL HARM TO THE LANDSCAPE;
  2. RIGHTS OF WAY ARE EITHER PROTECTED OR APPROPRIATELY DIVERTED;
  3. CAR PARKING AND CLUBHOUSE PROVISION DOES NOT LEAD TO AN URBANISING EFFECT ON THE COUNTRYSIDE;
  4. IMPACT ON RESIDENTIAL AREAS IS MINIMAL;
  5. THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT RESULT IN THE PERMANENT LOSS OR DAMAGE TO THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND;
  6. ACCESS IS SATISFACTORY;
  7. THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT HARM AN IMPORTANT WILDLIFE SITE.
  IN PERMITTING GOLF DEVELOPMENT, A GOOD STANDARD OF COURSE AND BUILDING DESIGN WILL BE REQUIRED. CREATIVE CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE FOLLOWED TO CREATE NEW WILDLIFE HABITATS AND RETAIN OR ENHANCE EXISTING WILDLIFE SITES.
   
  Trent Meadows Gravel Pit
7.10 Sand and gravel working is taking place on the southeast side of Long Eaton, at Trent Meadows, and the worked out gravel pits are being restored to water recreation after-use, as stipulated in the planning consent for working the site. This is a long term scheme, spanning the next 10 years, depending on the demand for sand and gravel and the output of the quarry. The water areas created will be sufficiently large to accommodate a variety of recreation activities all of which are in short supply in the area. In particular, water skiing (using water ski boats which are noise suppressed) could take place on the largest lake being formed, north of Pasture Lane. Tests have proved that water skiing on this lake would not affect the amenities of properties off Meadow Lane, as the noise level generated dissipates to less than the ambient residential noise levels. The lake could also be used for sailing and windsurfing, subject to a management agreement on the use of the water space.
7.11 Other water areas formed south of Pasture Lane are considered to be appropriate for quiet recreation activities, such as fishing, boating and nature conservation. Picnicking, walking and riding could take place around the margins, which should be landscaped to benefit wildlife.
7.12 For flood defence reasons it is strongly recommended that developers contact the Environment Agency prior to formulating any detailed plans.
  POLICY R8 - WATER RECREATION
  APPLICATIONS FOR WATER RECREATION DEVELOPMENT AT TRENT MEADOWS GRAVEL PITS, AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, WILL BE GRANTED PROVIDED ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:
  1. ACCESS IS SATISFACTORY;
  2. CAR PARKING PROVISION IS SATISFACTORY;
  3. THE SCALE AND DESIGN OF ANY ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES IS IN KEEPING WITH THE SURROUNDING AREA AND DOES NOT LEAD TO AN URBANISING EFFECT ON THE COUNTRYSIDE;
  4. THE DEVELOPMENT MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY DC7 - DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK.
  POLICY R9 - WATER SKIING
  THE WATER-FILLED GRAVEL PIT TO THE NORTH OF PASTURE LANE, AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, IS PROPOSED FOR WATER SKIING.
       
  Recreation and Tourism
7.13 Within the Borough there are areas of attractive countryside, particularly in the river valleys, and canalside locations, that may provide opportunity for recreation or tourist related development. However, whilst such activities can play an important role in the development and diversification of the economy, development needs to be reconciled with concern for the environment and other planning proposals such as green belt. Development in river floodplains will need to consider issues of flood risk in consultation with the Environment Agency. In applying criterion 1, particular account will be taken of Policy R11 as set out below, of the features that contribute to the distinctive character of an area. Guidance on this is provided in the Landscape Character Assessment produced by Derbyshire County Council. Where proposals relate to tourist accommodation policies R11 and R12a will be taken into consideration.
  POLICY R10 - RECREATION / TOURISM
  APPLICATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL OR TOURIST RELATED DEVELOPMENT WILL BE GRANTED IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET:
  1. THERE WOULD BE NO HARM TO THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF THE AREA;
  2. IT WOULD NOT CAUSE THE LOSS OF THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND;
  3. THE MEANS OF ACCESS IS SATISFACTORY;
  4. THE LOCAL ROAD NETWORK CAN SATISFACTORILY ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC;
  5. DEVELOPMENT, OTHER THAN SMALL SCALE FARM DIVERSIFICATION SCHEMES NOT INVOLVING SIGNIFICANT LOCAL INCREASES IN MOTOR VEHICLE MOVEMENTS, WILL BE READILY ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, BICYCLE, OR ON FOOT;
  6. THERE IS NO CONFLICT WITH GREEN BELT POLICY OR OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES IN THIS PLAN.
   
  Recreational Caravan Sites, Camp Sites and Chalets
7.14 Caravan sites, holiday chalets or camp sites may be visually intrusive, especially in areas of open countryside with little natural cover. In considering applications of this nature the Borough Council will need to be satisfied that the impact on the countryside is minimised and the amenity of local residents is not harmed. For clarification, amenity issues such as noise, pollution, disturbance, additional traffic and visual intrusion will be taken into account when considering Policy R11.
  POLICY R11 - RECREATIONAL CARAVAN, CHALET AND CAMP SITES
  APPLICATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL CARAVAN SITES, CAMP SITES AND CHALETS WILL BE APPROVED PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE SATISFIED:-
  1. THE DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HARM THE AMENITIES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES;
  2. THE SITE IS WELL SCREENED OR CAPABLE OF BEING WELL SCREENED AND HAS A LAYOUT AND DESIGN SYMPATHETIC TO ITS LANDSCAPE SETTING;
  3. THE SITE IS ACCESSIBLE TO A ROAD NETWORK OF ADEQUATE STANDARD TO SAFELY ACCOMMODATE THE ANTICIPATED TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO THE LOCAL ROAD NETWORK AND THE CHARACTER OF THE SURROUNDING AREA.
 
 
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