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POLICY CONTEXT
10 The Scottish Government's strategy for physical activity 3 aims to significantly increase the amount of physical activity in most people's lives. The creation of environments conducive to physical activity is one of the four key objectives of the strategy. The national strategy for sport 4 aims to increase participation and improved performances in sport. It sets out the priorities which must be addressed and defines the roles and responsibilities of The Scottish Government, sportscotland, local authorities and sports governing bodies. It requires local authorities to take a strategic approach to the provision of sports facilities and to include playing fields within relevant plans and strategies. Local authorities should also recognise the rights of the child 5 to engage in play and recreational activities by providing opportunities to access outdoor play areas, facilities and equipment, and by considering play opportunities in the design of other types of open space.
11 Key developments in the wider policy and legislative context include the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. This introduces a statutory right of responsible access to most land and inland water, and creates a climate for better management of recreation opportunities in the outdoors. This new legislation enables greater access to most land and requires local authorities to prepare core paths plans (see paragraphs 20-22).
12 The Scottish Government's principal objective for regeneration policy is to promote the successful and sustainable transformation of communities across Scotland. Well-designed public spaces can make communities better places to live and work.
13 Open space can contribute to the objectives set out in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 6 and towards public bodies' duties to further the interests of biodiversity.
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