Guidelines for the Provision of Recreational Space in New Residential Development

Policy R4 requires the provision of recreational open space in new development at a standard of 2.43 hectares (6 acres) per 1,000 population as adopted by the NPFA.  The standard is made up of:

Youth and Adult Use - 1.6-1.8 hectares (4.0-4.5 acres) per 1,000 population

Children’s Use - 0.2-0.3 hectares (0.5-0.75 acres) per 1,000 population for equipped children’s playgrounds and 0.4-0.5 hectares (1.0-1.25 acres) per 1,000 population for casual or informal play space within housing areas.

Youth and adult facilities include pitches, greens, courts and other miscellaneous items in public and private sectors, which as a matter of policy and practice are available for public use.

The minimum standard for children’s use should be met at all times and in all circumstances.  This provision should be within easy walking distance of new homes, well integrated within the development.

The precise provision of outdoor playing space within the stated categories and ranges will be dependent upon the nature of the development and the demographic profile of the resident population.  In circumstances where provision cannot be made to the required standard, contributions towards the provision or improvement of facilities nearby will normally be secured (see Note 6).

Provision within sheltered housing development will not be required to provide formal facilities for youth and adult uses, but should provide appropriate amenity space consistent with the character of the area.

It may be appropriate for developers to enter into planning obligations under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the provision of public open space and sporting, recreation, social, educational or other community facilities as part of larger mixed developments.

Such agreements might cover:

the provision of on-site and off-site recreational facilities related to the development;

in the case of small developments, a contribution to nearby sport and recreational or open space provision;