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CHAPTER NINE: THE PROPOSED OPEN SPACE STANDARDS

Introduction

9.1 Previous research, set out in "Rethinking Open Space", identified that although NPPG11 contains sensible planning guidelines relating to many open space issues, parts of it have been ignored by planning authorities. This research has confirmed that local authorities and other stakeholder organisations recognise the increasing need for high quality open spaces in Scotland's town and cities. Many local authorities have begun the process of developing open space strategies to review their existing open space resource, develop a strategy and prepare policies for ensuring that open space is protected and enhanced. Progress is slow and the scope and level of detail contained in the open space strategies varies from authority to authority. Some local authorities have developed local open space standards for new residential development. However, there are only a few authorities that have developed standards in conjunction with the open space strategy, following an audit and assessment of existing levels of open space and future requirements.

9.2 NPPG11 and PAN65 provide policy and advice to local authorities in the planning of open space. However, Scottish Ministers have committed to a review of planning guidance and are seeking to set strong minimum standards for public open space in new developments.

9.3 This research recognises that the setting of open space standards should be developed in conjunction with open space strategies and action plans. Also, the setting of open space standards for existing settlements should be developed at the local level, whereas open space standards for new developments should be led from a national level. Therefore, the focus of this research has been to seek to build a framework to set minimum open space standards through an open space standards policy framework. Chapter 8 sets out the proposed open space standards policy framework, within which the national minimum open space should be set. The following sections set out the proposed open space standards.

Recommendations

9.4 Chapter 8 contains a number of key recommendations which are summarised below.

• The existing national planning policy ( NPPG11) should be updated and a new Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) prepared for open space planning, building on the advice of PAN65 and should include recommendations on the preparation of Open Space Strategies and closer links with both the Community Planning and the Development Plan process;

It is recommended that a new SPP should:

• Set a national vision for open space in Scotland which seeks to raise aspiration, quality and the more inclusive participation of communities in open space planning;
• Place a requirement on all local authorities in Scotland to prepare open space strategies and to provide, manage and conserve open space assets within the context of these strategies;
• Set national new-build standards for new residential and commercial development where the scale of development exceeds defined thresholds
• Extend the presumption against disposal and redevelopment of publicly owned open space by limiting any disposal unless fully compliant with the adopted Open Space Strategy;

Local Authority Open Space Strategies should:

• define locally relevant open space standards for both new and existing developments, in accordance with the national framework defined within the SPP and which meet or exceed the national minimum standard;
• be prepared in consultation with local communities, as part of the Development Plan and Community Plan process;

Further guidance is needed on:

• the setting of qualitative open space standards and the long term monitoring of open space provision and its condition; and
• the use and application of planning gain mechanisms to secure open space provision.
• detailed action plans and issues of environmental management. This should be progressed by Greenspace Scotland and other relevant organisations.

In addition, it is suggested that:

• delivery of open space in new development should be flexible and subject to a sequential test.
• an Open Spaces Challenge Fund could offer the Scottish Executive a powerful incentive to drive forward delivery and substantially advance and secure improvements to open space planning.

The Proposed Minimum Open Space Standard

9.5 The national minimum standard would apply to new developments and is intended to be simply a starting point from which local authorities can develop their own more stringent standards. The minimum standard addresses only the quantity of open space provision and quality and accessibility standards must be addressed at the more appropriate local level. The following table sets out the recommended national minimum open space standard for new development:

* Note: Indicative thresholds have been outlined for information only. The information illustrates a potential model that will require wider consultation. Areas refer to gross floor areas (gfa).

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