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| Back
to Contents - Back to Introduction |
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| Chapter 8 |
| OPEN SPACE |
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Geese at Tottenham Lock |
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OPEN SPACE |
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Providing open space recreation
for all |
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Introduction |
| 8.1 |
The quality and quantity of open space
(both green and non-green) plays an important role in defining the
character of an area and the sort of experience people get from using
it. Open space is not limited to its visual impact. Its benefits are
linked to sport, recreation, regeneration, the economy, health, culture,
social inclusion, biodiversity, children's recreation and the environment.
It provides a valuable resource and focus for local communities. However,
the pressure on open land increases as London becomes more compact
and more intensively used, and so its protection becomes even more
paramount. Existing open spaces should not be built on unless an assessment
shows the open space is surplus to requirements. As part of the Local
Development Framework, an SPD will include local open space standards.
Where open space is built upon, that open space is lost forever. A
Haringey Open Space and Sports Assessment was conducted in 2003 and
is available from the Council. When considering policies in this Chapter,
regard should be had to SPG9 Sustainability Statement - Including
Checklist, SPG10a The Negotiation, Management and Monitoring of Planning
Obligations and SPG8d Biodiversity, Landscaping and Trees. |
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| 8.2 |
Guiding Principles |
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- Everybody in the borough should have good access to well-maintained,
good quality, and sustainable open space.
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| 8.3 |
Key Objectives |
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- To protect and promote a network of open space
- To maintain a satisfactory level of easily accessed open space
in the borough with a variety of uses.
- Ensure that the flora and fauna with nature conservation value,
environmental value or amenity value in the borough is protected
and encouraged, and that the provision helps to meet the aims
of the Haringey Biodiversity Action Plan (draft 2002).
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CORE POLICIES |
| 8.4 |
The Council has designated some of its
open land into particular categories in order to ensure that it is
protected from unsuitable development and that the character of the
open land remains essentially open. The three strongest categories
of protection in the borough are Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land
and Significant Local Open Land. |
| 8.5 |
A "Haringey Open Space and Sports Assessment"
was carried out in 2003 which provides a comprehensive and robust
assessment of all open space over 0.25 hectares and all public and
private sporting facilities in the borough. It is linked to a study
by the GLA on all the ecologically important sites in the borough
(Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Haringey GLA, 2003).
The recommendations from both studies in terms of land designation
(both additions and deletions from the previous plan) have been implemented
and are now reflected in this plan. |
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| POLICY OS1 |
| GREEN BELT |
| The openness of the
Green Belt as shown on the Proposals Map will be preserved.
The character and quality of Green Belt will be safeguarded.
There is a general presumption against inappropriate development;
such development will only be approved in very special circumstances.
Within the Green Belt planning permission will not be granted
for development other than: |
| a) |
the construction
of a new building for one of the following purposes: |
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(i) |
agriculture
or forestry; |
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(ii) |
essential
facilities for outdoor sport or recreation, for cemeteries or
for other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green
Belt and do not conflict with its purposes; |
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(iii) |
limited infilling
or redevelopment of major existing developed sites; |
| b) |
the re-use
of existing buildings within the Green Belt provided that the
proposal: |
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(i) |
does not
have a materially greater impact than the present use on the
openness of the Green Belt, or on the fulfilment of its purposes; |
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(ii) |
is for a
building of permanent and substantial construction which is
capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction; |
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(iii) |
is for a building with
a form, bulk and general design which is in keeping with its
surroundings; |
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(iv) |
does not include a building
extension or associated uses of land around the building which
might conflict with the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes
of including land in it. |
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| 8.6 |
In order to maintain the open nature of
Green Belt, the only uses for which buildings will be permitted are
those that are outlined above. These uses are considered to be appropriate
in regard to the function of Green Belt and in terms of their effect
on the landscape and environment. The fact that land has been allowed
to become derelict is not in itself to be regarded as sufficient reason
for permitting development. When assessing development proposals on
Green Belt, the operational needs of utility companies should be taken
into account. In particular cases, the essential need for new infrastructure
may override the need to protect the open character of the Green Belt.
Such development may be treated as very special circumstances in accordance
with paragraphs 3.2 and 3.12 of PPG2. Green Belt in the borough is
identified on the Proposals Map and in Schedule 9. |
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| POLICY OS2 |
| METROPOLITAN OPEN
LAND (MOL) |
| The openness of MOL
as shown on the Proposals Map will be preserved. The character
and quality of MOL will be safeguarded. Development which is
inappropriate will not be given planning permission except in
very special circumstances. Limited development serving the
needs of the visiting public may be permitted, if clearly ancillary
to the identified purposes of MOL. Within MOL planning permission
will not be granted for development other than: |
| a) |
the construction
of a new building for one of the following purposes: |
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(i) |
agriculture
or forestry; |
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(ii) |
essential
facilities for outdoor sport or recreation, for cemeteries or
for other uses of land which preserve the openness of the MOL
and do not conflict with its purposes; |
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(iii) |
limited infilling
or redevelopment of major existing developed sites. |
| b) |
the re-use of existing
buildings within MOL provided that the proposal: |
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(i) |
does not
have a materially greater impact than the present use on the
openness of the MOL, or on the fulfilment of its purposes; |
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(ii) |
is for a
building of permanent and substantial construction which is
capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction; |
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(iii) |
is for a building with
a form, bulk and general design which is in keeping with its
surroundings; |
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(iv) |
does not include a building
extension or associated uses of land around the building which
might conflict with the openness of the MOL and the purposes
of including land in it. |
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| 8.7 |
MOL is any strategic open land within the urban area which is significant
to London as a whole, or to part of London stretching across several
boroughs. The MOL designation is unique to London. The main criteria
for MOL designation is: |
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- Land which contributes to the physical structure of London by
being clearly distinguishable from the built-up area.
- Land which includes open-air facilities, especially for leisure,
recreation, sport, arts and cultural activities and tourism which
serve the whole or significant parts of London.
- Land which contains features or landscape of historic, recreational,
nature conservation or habitat interest, of value at a metropolitan
or national level
- Land that forms part of a green chain and meets one of the above
criteria.
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| 8.8 |
The London Plan recognises that MOL encompasses
a wide range of sites and locations, and that limited development
to serve the needs of the visiting public may not be considered inappropriate
if clearly ancillary to the identified purpose of the MOL. Such appropriate
development will only be acceptable where it does not have an adverse
impact the open character of the land. The effects of such development
on the MOL and its environment should be assessed, including the arrangements
made for access by sustainable means of transport. |
| 8.9 |
Areas of MOL significantly contribute to
defining and separating the urban areas of the borough, protecting
open space for Londoners and open space that contains features of
landscape of national or regional significance. Metropolitan Open
Land is identified on the Proposals Map and in Schedule 9. |
| 8.10 |
When assessing development proposals on
MOL, the operational needs of utility companies should be taken into
account. In particular cases, the essential need for new infrastructure
may override the need to protect the open character of the MOL. Such
development may be treated as very special circumstances in accordance
with paragraphs 3.2 and 3.12 of PPG2. |
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| POLICY OS3 |
| SIGNIFICANT LOCAL
OPEN LAND (SLOL) |
| The Council will not
permit development on SLOL unless it meets all of the following
criteria: |
| a) |
It is
ancillary to the use of the open space; |
| b) |
It is small in scale; |
| c) |
It does not detract
from the site's open nature and character |
| d) |
It is required to
enhance activities associated with the particular open nature
and character; and |
| e) |
It positively contributes
to the setting and quality of the open space. |
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| 8.11 |
The London Plan acknowledges that there
are open spaces within the built environment which although not of
strategic importance are nevertheless important at a local level.
The SLOL designation reflects this local importance. SLOL designation
means that designated sites have one or more of the following values:
recreational, biodiversity, amenity and landscape. |
| 8.12 |
When assessing development proposals on
SLOL land, the operational needs of utility companies should be taken
into account. In particular cases, the essential need for new infrastructure
may override the need to protect the open character of the SLOL land. |
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| POLICY OS4 |
| ALEXANDRA PARK AND
PALACE |
| Alexandra Park and
Palace represents MOL of a unique character, which will be safeguarded
in accordance with the above policy on MOL. In addition Alexandra
Palace was designated as a listed building in 1996. Proposals
for Alexandra Park and Palace should: |
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conserve
and enhance the habitat and ecological value of the Park. |
| b) |
preserve and enhance
the special architectural and historic interest and setting
of the Palace and the historic form and layout of the park land. |
| c) |
facilitate the restoration
of the fabric of the building. |
| d) |
enhance the outdoor
recreational, leisure and sports opportunities within the Park,
having regard to the needs of a wide range of users including
the need for passive recreation. |
| e) |
provide a range of
uses for the Palace, which complement the outdoor activities
in the Park and complement as far as possible the function of
Wood Green Metropolitan Town Centre. It is considered that the
Palace should be used primarily for a mixture of arts, cultural
and entertainment, educational, sport and recreation and other
uses within the D1 (non-residential institutions) and D2 (assembly
and leisure) Use Classes. Within the existing curtilage of the
Palace some ancillary use for food and drink (use class A3),
Business (Use Class B1), residential, hotel and conference purposes
may be acceptable as part of a mixed-use scheme. |
| f) |
not involve unacceptable
levels of traffic that cannot be accommodated on site. |
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involving limited infilling of or extensions to, the palace
should: |
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not result in any
greater impact on the purposes of including Alexandra Park and
Palace within MOL; |
| i) |
not result in the
height of the existing main ridge line of the roof of the Palace
being exceeded; |
| j) |
not result in a significant
increase in the developed extent of Alexandra Palace; |
| k) |
ensure the special
architectural and historic setting of the Palace is preserved; |
| l) |
ensure the effects
on the setting of Alexandra Palace are acceptable; |
| m) |
be necessary to secure
the restoration and future viable use of the Palace; and |
| n) |
not adversely impact
on the strategic views to St Paul's Cathedral and the City.
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| 8.13 |
Alexandra Palace and Park is a strategically
important site and it requires protection from inappropriate development
which would cause harm to either the essentially open nature of the
MOL park, the setting of the palace as a listed building or to the
strategic views. |
| 8.14 |
The Palace's proximity to Wood Green Metropolitan
Centre makes it appropriate for mixed-use schemes, primarily for arts,
cultural and entertainment uses. These schemes should have no adverse
impact on the Town Centre. |
| 8.15 |
For the avoidance of doubt criterion i)
applies to the height of the main ridge line of the roof of the Palace
and not the gable, at the front of the Palace, or the tower and mast.
The outline of the palace is an important feature from various viewpoints
both within and beyond the borough boundary. It is important that
the silhouette of this listed building is preserved. |
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| POLICY OS5 |
| DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT
TO OPEN SPACES |
| Development close
to the edge of Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land, Significant
Local Open Land or any other valuable open land will only be
permitted if it protects or enhances the value and visual character
of the open land. |
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| 8.16 |
Development close to any valuable open
land boundary must be carefully designed in order that the open character
of the land itself is not diminished. Land adjacent to open land forms
part of the character and may affect the natural habitat of the open
land. The boundary and any sense of enclosure created by adjacent
development is a key component in defining the character of the open
land and is important in defining views from and to the open land. |
| 8.17 |
When assessing development proposals on
land adjacent to Green Belt, MOL or SLOL, the operational needs of
utility companies should be taken into account. In particular cases,
the essential need for new infrastructure may be found to override
the need to protect the visual character of the land. |
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Other land designations |
| 8.18 |
Haringey has other land designations including
ecologically valuable sites, historic parks and gardens and heritage
land. |
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| POLICY OS6 |
| ECOLOGICALLY VALUABLE
SITES AND THEIR CORRIDORS |
| The Council will not
permit development on or adjacent to Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSIs), statutory Local Nature Reserves, or other
sites of importance for nature conservation value or ecological
importance: |
| a) |
unless there will
be no adverse effect on the nature conservation value of the
site; and |
| b) |
unless the importance
of the development outweighs the nature conservation value of
the site. |
| Green Corridors form
important links between the nature conservation sites identified
on the Proposals Map. Wherever possible the continuity of these
corridors should be protected and their green nature enhanced
in order that they do not become fragmented and thereby diminish
their ecological value. Development for operational transport
needs in the Green Corridors may be acceptable, if it can be
shown that there are no alternative locations and there is an
essential need for the development. |
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| 8.19 |
The ecologically designated areas of the
borough make an important and a positive contribution to the diversity
and richness of Haringey's flora and fauna. It is important that this
diversity is protected and, where appropriate, enhanced in order to
provide a rich and varied landscape and ecological foundation to Haringey. |
| 8.20 |
Developments affecting sites of existing
or potential nature conservation value should be accompanied by an
appropriate ecological statement. SPG8g 'Ecological Impact Assessments'
contains a list of instances where a development may have an impact
on ecology and where the Council might request an ecological impact
assessment. |
| 8.21 |
Most of the Green Corridors are operational
railway land. When transport development is being considered within
a Green Corridor the operational requirements of transport companies
will be taken into account. |
| 8.22 |
An ecologically valuable site is one that
supports a range of flora and fauna considered to be of ecological
value and nature conservation importance to the borough. These sites
are identified on the proposals map and listed in Schedule 11: Ecologically
Valuable Sites. |
| 8.23 |
Utility development which would be likely
to harm the nature conservation value of an ecologically valuable
site would only be permitted if the importance of the development
outweighs the value of the ecological site. |
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| POLICY OS7 |
| HISTORIC PARKS, GARDENS
AND LANDSCAPES |
| Proposals for development
or landscape changes affecting the character or setting of registered
or borough designated historic parks or landscapes must conserve
and enhance the historic character of the garden, park or landscape
and any buildings within its setting. |
| Applications for development
within registered or borough historic parks, gardens or landscapes
which would be likely to have significant environmental effects,
should be accompanied by an environmental statement which would
include a survey of the historic interest, to allow the appropriate
balance of modernisation, preservation and restoration to be
judged on the merits of the case. |
| The Council will encourage
the identification, protection and sensitive restoration of
gardens of special historic or garden interest within the borough
and will not permit their subdivision against the advice of
English Heritage and the Garden History Society. |
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| 8.24 |
Finsbury Park and Alexandra Park are identified
by English Heritage in a Register of Parks and Gardens of Special
Historic Interest in England as historic parks and gardens. Following
collaborative research with the London Historic Parks and Garden Trust,
the Council has identified a number of parks, gardens, cemeteries
and churchyards of local historic interest, which are listed in Schedule
13. The purpose of these designations is to ensure that development
and change affecting the historic or landscaped character or setting
of these parks and gardens should be carried out in a planned way
taking account of the local historic and landscape importance of the
park or garden. Although the designation of an historic park in itself
brings no additional statutory protection, the Council is required
to make provision for the protection of the historic environment in
planning policies and in the allocation of resources. Registration
is a material consideration in planning terms (see paragraph 2.24
of Planning Policy Guidance Note 15). Therefore, the Council will
take into account the historic interest of a site when determining
an application for development affecting a registered park or garden.
Other development or landscape proposals which do not directly damage
the character of registered or boroughs parks or gardens may be acceptable
provided they pay appropriate regard to the historic character. Historic
parks and gardens are identified on the Proposals Map. |
| 8.25 |
However, because of the importance of Alexandra
Palace and Park to the borough, a section on it appears in the MOL
section of the Plan as well as further detailed information in SPG2
Conservation and Archaeology. |
| 8.26 |
Detail on environmental statements is set
out in SPG8h Environmental Impact Assessments. |
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| POLICY OS8 |
| HERITAGE LAND |
| Development will not
be permitted on areas identified as heritage land. The Council
will protect and enhance the open character, visual attractiveness
and nature conservation value of areas identified as heritage
land. |
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| 8.27 |
Heritage Land is open land of strategic
significance for its landscape, open character, historical and nature
conservation interest. |
| 8.28 |
In Haringey, Highgate Golf Course has been
identified as heritage land. It forms part of a wider area, encompassing
Hampstead Heath, which has a high inherent value to London due to
its visual, historic and nature conservation qualities. Highgate Golf
Course is also Metropolitan Open Land, is an Ecologically Valuable
Site of Borough Importance Grade II and forms part of Highgate Conservation
Area. In determining planning applications to develop on or in proximity
to the land, the Council will have regard to its strategic importance
in addition to its local landscape, historical and nature conservation
value. |
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| POLICY OS9 |
| LEE VALLEY REGIONAL
PARK |
| The Council supports
the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority's proposals to increase
the range and quality of leisure and amenity provision available
to Haringey residents, subject to their general compliance with
the policies of this plan. Specifically proposals which; |
| a) |
create a cohesive,
sustainable and valued regional green lung; |
| b) |
create an area of
enhanced and protected natural biodiversity for the enjoyment
of all; |
| c) |
achieve the full utilisation
of the Regional Park's land and water assets for the specialist
leisure and recreation facilities, developed in accordance with
the principles of sustainability and design excellence; and |
| d) |
create an accessible
and permeable integrated visitor attraction to serve the region,
which includes local communities. |
| In considering any
planning application adjacent to or within the Regional Park
regard will be had to the provisions of the Lee Valley Regional
Park Plan and care will be taken to ensure that the proposal
does not impact upon the park or its immediate environments
in a detrimental way. |
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| 8.29 |
The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
(LVRPA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1966 with a remit
to develop, manage and protect the Lee Valley as a place for the occupation
of leisure, recreation, sports, games, amusements, or any similar
activity, for the provision of nature reserves and for the enjoyment
of entertainment of any kind. The LVRPA is required to prepare a plan
of proposals for the future use and development of the Park. The Lee
Valley Regional Plan (2000) contains policies and proposals that promote
the future sustainable management and development of the Park and
its resources. Under the 1966 Act, the Council is required to include
relevant parts of the Park Plan within its development plan. These
are set out in Schedule 8: Lee Valley Park Proposals. Regard will
also be had to the provisions of the Lee Valley Biodiversity Action
Plan (2000). |
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| POLICY OS10 |
| OTHER OPEN SPACE |
| Development will not
be permitted on open spaces that are not MOL or SLOL except
in exceptional circumstances including: |
| a) |
improving the appearance
of the open space; |
| b) |
activities associated
with the open space use; |
| c) |
if replacement
open space of equivalent size and quality has been secured within
the immediate locality for similar use; |
| d) |
if the development
would not result in the loss of play space or any other facilities
for children unless replacement is possible in a nearby and
appropriate location; |
| e) |
if the development
will not result in a deterioration of the open space, or where
the quality of the open space can be safeguarded by the use
of conditions; and |
| f) |
improving
the ecological quality of the site for the benefit of wildlife
and biodiversity. |
| Informal open space,
which may or may not be accessible also plays an important role
in defining the character of an area. Regard will be had to
the present, past and potential use of the space, as well as
its contribution to the townscape, its contribution to visual
relief and its possible role as a focal point in the townscape. |
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| 8.30 |
Open space in the borough
makes a valuable contribution to the enjoyment and well being of the
residents who use it. It is important that open space is not lost
unless there are very special circumstances, and that any loss is
offset by the replacement of the open space, where appropriate, on
an alternative site. The Haringey Open Space and Sports Assessment
2003 confirms that current and projected population figures demonstrate
that there will continue to be increased pressure on the existing
open spaces in the future. It also confirms that Haringey's open space
falls below the National Playing Field Association's 2.43 hectares
per 1000 of the population standing at only 1.7 hectares. |
| 8.31 |
Play spaces and open spaces predominantly
for the benefit of children are often undervalued, and as such have
been seen as a disposable resource. However, there continues to be
a shortage of both supervised and unsupervised play spaces throughout
the borough. It is important that adequate, suitable and safe play
spaces for children are not unduly lost from the borough, and that
new areas are provided where additional development creates a demand
for them. |
| 8.32 |
Other open space can include civic space
which is open space consisting of urban squares, market places and
other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function. It can
also include areas around housing estates which are in public use
and which make a contribution to the general character of the area.
Factors which can undermine such open space include traffic, business
activity, anti-social behaviour and crime, poor design conflicting
roles and privatisation of the public realm. |
| 8.33 |
Civic space provides an important
contribution to the townscape of our centres, and should be protected
where appropriate in order to support the vitality and/or viability
of that town centre in visual and user terms. |
| 8.34 |
Informal open spaces often play a key role
in landscape terms and may be of great value to those with impaired
mobility. |
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| POLICY OS11 |
| BIODIVERSITY |
| All applications and
development should respect the biodiversity of the borough,
and ensure that the biodiversity is not diminished in any form,
and that every opportunity is taken to enhance it. Such enhancements
are particularly important in areas deficient in accessible
natural green space. |
| The Council will resist
development which would have a significant adverse impact on
the population or conservation status of a protected species
or species which have been identified as a priority in the UK,
London or Draft Haringey Biodiversity Action Plan. |
| Where development
is permitted which may cause significant harm to biodiversity,
the Council will first seek to avoid or minimise the impact,
then seek mitigation and finally invoke compensatory measures
for any residual impacts. |
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| 8.35 |
The Mayor's Biodiversity Strategy has defined
biodiversity as the whole variety of life on earth. It includes the
myriad species of plants and animals on earth and the range of habitats
where they live. It also includes the genetic variation within the
species. Protecting biodiversity means that we are provided with a
number of different habitats to enjoy in a recreational and educational
sense; it enables the survival of a diverse flora and fauna in the
borough, which are dependent on each other for survival. Provision
should also be made for refuges for wildlife where there is no disturbance
by humans. |
| 8.36 |
In terms of new building works, the Council
encourages applicants to consider the potential for biodiversity within
and close to buildings. Bats, for example, are as much a part of the
built, as well as the natural environment and may have roosting sites
within existing buildings. Maintenance of new or existing ecological
features may be subject to conditions or planning agreements. |
| 8.37 |
Further guidance and detail
is set out in SPG8d: Biodiversity and Haringey's draft Biodiversity
Action Plan. |
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| POLICY OS12 |
| ALLOTMENTS |
| The Council will seek
to protect allotment space. The value of the allotment space
visually and in ecological, biodiversity and historical terms
will also be taken into account where there is development pressure
on the land. |
| Where allotments become
surplus to demand, other open space uses will be considered
first before surplus allotment sites are developed, particularly
where there is a deficiency in open space provision in the area. |
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| 8.38 |
Allotments are open areas of
land, which are often small in size and are usually but not always
in local authority ownership. They provide valuable cultivation space
for residents who have no access to a private back garden, or to residents
who require space additional to their back garden space in which to
cultivate fruit, vegetables or flowers. Following a decline in the
demand for allotments, their popularity has enjoyed a recent increase.
They provide a valuable open space experience for local residents
acting as a "lung" in a similar way to parkland. Both cultivated and
untended plots contribute to maintaining biodiversity. They also provide
an opportunity for exercise in the form of cultivating, and they play
a very important role in sustainability terms by allowing residents
to grow their own produce. Finally, allotments also have a historical
and cultural role. |
| 8.39 |
Local authorities are duty
bound to provide allotments for their residents if they consider there
is a demand under Section 23 of the 1908 Allotments Act (as amended).
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| 8.40 |
The Haringey Open Space and
Sports Assessment carried out in 2003 looked at the current allotment
provision in the borough. There is currently provision for an additional
179 allotment holders within the borough from vacant plots. It is
estimated that there will be a demand for a further 444 plots arising
from demographic change between 2003 and 2016, and 712 plots from
areas underserved by existing provision. In addition, between 75 and
150 plots could be taken up though improvements to site management
and initiatives to promote demand. Therefore, there is an estimated
requirement for up to 1552 additional plots or 31ha of allotment land
depending upon the success of marketing initiatives and the extent
to which additional households are able to take up/access existing
supply. The Allotment Strategy, to be undertaken by the Council's
Recreation Department, will explore opportunities for meeting this
demand especially in areas of deficiency. |
| 8.41 |
It is important that other
open space uses are considered on any surplus sites, as open space,
once lost, is lost forever. |
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| POLICY OS13 |
| PLAYING FIELDS |
| Planning permission
will only be granted for the development of playing fields where: |
| a) |
it has been shown
that the playing field is surplus to requirements and no other
alternative open space use can be found for it; |
| b) |
the site is not in
an open space deficiency area as shown on Map 8.1; |
| c) |
if access
to existing open space nearby can be improved; or |
| d) |
there has been a robust
assessment of existing and future needs of the community as
outlined in PPG17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation
under Assessments of Needs and Opportunities, and under Chapter
3 of the Companion Guide, Diagram 1, Redevelopment of an Existing
Open Space or Sports/Recreation Facility. |
| The Council will prevent
the loss of facilities or access to resources which are important
in terms of sports development in accordance with current Town
Planning legislation, PPG17 and other relevant guidance. |
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| 8.42 |
The only statutory consultation
role aimed at playing fields is the statutory role for consultation
that Sport England have where there is an application affecting a
playing field. This statutory consultation will help local communities
who are at risk of losing these facilities in areas where they are
in demand and utilised, or are capable of being utilised. |
| 8.43 |
The provision of open space
can be increased by improving access to previously inaccessible areas
of open space. This can be achieved, for example, by the provision
of, or improvements to pedestrian crossings to access open space.
Therefore when assessing applications for development on playing fields
the accessibility of other open space in the vicinity should be taken
into account. |
| 8.44 |
This policy should be applied
in conjunction with Policy OS14 which deals with open space deficiency
and new developments. Map 8.1 identifies areas of the borough deficient
in public open space. |
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MAP 8.1: OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCY |
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| POLICY OS14 |
| BURIAL SPACE |
| In determining any
application for the provision of burial space regard will be
had to the following: |
| a) |
transport
links; |
| b) |
the affect on the
water table and the possibility of flooding or water logging
caused by the provision of a new burial ground; |
| c) |
any encroachment
on existing sport or open air recreation facilities, areas of
nature conservation importance or buildings or features of architectural
or historic interest; and |
| d) |
the requirements of
the various ethnic and religious groups within the borough. |
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| 8.45 |
While the Council has no legal
obligation to provide burial space, strategic advice encourages provision
to meet the demands for burial space and cremation. Burial space is
in particular shortage in London as opposed to the rest of England
and Wales. The increase in cremation in the last fifty years has eased
this pressure considerably, but at the same time, the demand for space
for crematoria has increased. At the present time approximately 28%
of deaths are followed by a full body burial. A significant number
of cremations are followed by the formal burial of the cremated remains
at a crematorium. There is no statutory duty to provide burial space
and therefore provision has often been on an ad hoc basis across London
as a whole. |
| 8.46 |
Any proposals which propose
the provision of green burials are likely to be given favourable consideration
where possible. Encouragement will also be given to other new concepts
for burials, for example enveloping burial areas within shrub planting.
This concept would create a more flexible and environmentally valuable
environment. This would also enable London to meet all of its future
burial needs within existing burial grounds. |
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| POLICY OS15 |
| OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCY
AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS |
| In areas of identified
open space deficiency proposals for major new developments will
be expected to: |
| a) |
provide
an appropriate area of open space; or |
| b) |
improve the accessibility
or quality of nearby open space. |
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| 8.47 |
The Haringey Open Space and
Sports Assessment of the borough conducted in 2003 shows that overall
there is a deficiency of open space within the borough. New development
should not exacerbate this open space deficiency, and should ensure
that there is adequate open space provided on site for the type of
development proposed. |
| 8.48 |
The Open Space and Sports Assessment
included a map at Figure 4.4 entitled "Areas Deficient in Public Open
Space". This map has been reproduced in the Plan as Map 8.1. Only
land greater than 0.25ha (0.7 acres) in size was surveyed, in accordance
with the threshold recommended in the Mayor of London's "Best Practice
Guide to Preparing Open Space Strategies. Open space deficiency areas
have been derived by considering pedestrian access to any form of
public open spaces (regional parks, metropolitan parks, district parks,
local parks and small local parks and linear open spaces). Open spaces
where access is restricted such as private sports grounds and playing
fields were excluded from the survey. It also excluded green amenity
space which form part of housing areas, or which represent 'incidental'
open space, allotments, cemeteries and nature reserves. However, allotments,
cemeteries, nature reserves and green corridors have been mapped along
with the open spaces to provide a comprehensive map of green spaces
in the borough (see paragraph 4.7 of the Assessment). |
| 8.49 |
Those areas of the borough
which are deficient in public open space are defined as those which
are further than 280m and 400m from any form of public open space.
It will be important for the assessment to relate deficiencies to
the character, density and other needs of areas within the Borough.
Deficiency areas within wards with a more suburban character, for
example, are likely to be less significant than other deficiency areas
as residents tend to have back gardens. |
| 8.50 |
It is important that open space
is accessible to all those in the immediate locality and, in the cases
of strategic open space, from a wider catchment area, to utilise it.
Where development would further increase demand for open space then
improved access should be secured before development is allowed. Minor
extensions and improved access points to existing small local parks
and open spaces can also help alleviate deficiency, particularly in
areas of deprivation. SPG10d Open Space provides more detail on planning
obligations and open space. |
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| POLICY OS16 |
| GREEN CHAINS |
| Development will only
be allowed where it will not result in a break up of existing
green chains for the public or inhibit their provision or extensions.
All opportunities will be taken to consolidate and strengthen
chains, and where appropriate, to add to chains, or to link
them to existing open space in order to improve accessibility
to that open space. |
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| 8.51 |
The value of green chains includes
nature conservation, public access, recreation, including linear footpath
walks, breaks in the urban area, and delineation of separate communities.
They have structural significance to the borough as a whole and may
have significance to the whole or part of London. Green chains provide
a valuable connection between open spaces, and their protection will
enable breaks in the built-up environment to be maintained securing
a positive visual contribution and variety to the borough. The Haringey
Open Space and Sports Assessment 2003 has identified potential to
increase the green chains and also to use them to provide increased
accessibility to existing open space. Recommendations of the study
include improved cycle and walking links, greening of existing links,
and working with adjoining boroughs to realise the fruition of the
North London Green Network. |
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| POLICY OS17 |
| TREE PROTECTION, TREE
MASSES AND SPINES |
| The Council will seek
to protect and improve the contribution of trees, tree masses
and spines to local landscape character by: |
| a) |
making
tree preservation orders as appropriate; |
| b) |
encouraging tree planting
wherever possible and appropriate; |
| c) |
ensuring that road
proposals and traffic management schemes are adequately landscaped
where appropriate with new trees; |
| d) |
ensuring that, when
unprotected trees are affected by development, a programme of
tree replanting and replacement of at least equal amenity and
ecological value and extent is approved by the Council; and |
| e) |
giving stronger protection
to and recognising the value of ancient woodland areas in terms
of their historical, cultural and biodiversity contribution
to the borough; and |
| f) |
ensuring that tree
planting does not damage underground utilities infrastructure
with encroaching root systems. |
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| 8.52 |
Tree cover is of structural
importance and major significance to the borough as a whole and not
just residential areas. |
| 8.53 |
Section 197 of the 1990 Town
and Country Planning Act places a specific duty on Local Planning
Authorities to ensure that adequate provision is made for the preservation
and planting of trees. The Council has powers to make Tree Preservation
Orders (TPOs) which require consent to felling, lopping and topping
of trees. All trees in conservation areas are similarly protected.
In addition, the Council's Recreation Department, in conjunction with
Planning will prepare a Tree Strategy for Haringey. Information on
managing and recording trees, for example, will be included in the
Strategy. |
| 8.54 |
Tree cover in the form of masses
and spines/copse is of major significance for the borough's character
as a whole and contributes to Haringey's Urban Open Space. Large parts
of the area of special character, Green Belt and Metropolitan Open
Land derives special character from the quality and extent of tree
cover. Groups of trees are particularly important within green chains.
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| 8.55 |
Trees provide major benefits
to biodiversity. They provide nest sites to birds and mammals as well
as essential cover and food. Trees have high value in the urban landscape,
including general visual amenity, visual separation of locations,
visual screening, supporting biodiversity, reducing air pollution,
improving micro climate, muffling noise, among other benefits. |
| 8.56 |
Ancient woodlands are woodlands
which have been in continuous woodland cover since at least the year
1600. Before this date, planting was uncommon, so a wood present in
this time was likely to have developed naturally. The Woodland Trust
identify ancient woodland as being important for historical, cultural
and biodiversity reasons. |
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