Explanation OS3

10.12

Policy OS3 sets minimum quantitative standards for the provision of public open space (“POS”) for use for general amenity or children’s play. It does not cover playing pitches and other formal sporting facilities, which are the subject of policy OS4. New development within or affecting general amenity public open space must satisfy the quantitative standards set by policy OS3 as well as the qualitative criteria provided by policy OS2.

Distribution of public open spaces within Knowsley

10.13

Compared to many other Metropolitan areas, Knowsley has a good supply of public open space. Its distribution is, however, uneven within the Borough, with the post-war overspill estates generally having a good provision. At the other end of the scale, in the older parts of the Borough which include many inter-war estates, residential development is denser and open space can be in short supply.

10.14

To operate the standards set by policy OS3, the Council has split the residential parts of the Borough into areas known as “Substantial Residential Areas” (“SRAs”). These are residential neighbourhoods that should be self-sufficient in accessible local public open space, the boundaries of which have been drawn along barriers to pedestrian access, such as main roads and railway lines.

10.15

The standards aim to ensure that a more equitable and adequate distribution of POS across the Borough may be achieved over time - no SRA should fall below an acceptable level of provision. In calculating whether an SRA complies with the standard, all forms of public open space except formal sports facilities, e.g. playing fields, tennis courts, bowling greens, etc. are taken into account. The Council will adopt Supplementary Planning Document which will describe the boundaries of the SRAs and other detailed matters concerning the operation of this policy.

Proximity to children’s play spaces

10.16

In addition to meeting the area-based standards set by the first part of the policy, policy OS3 requires that housing development (either existing or new) should have access to amenity greenspace, allotments and children’s play space within a catchment distance that is appropriate for the users.  Accessibility standards in the form of travel distance by different forms of transport will be set out in a Supplementary Planning Document.  In operating the standard  for children’s play space the Council will ensure that the walking route itself is safe and convenient.

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