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OUTDOOR ACCESS AND RECREATION
Green Networks
18 In urban areas, networks of linked, good quality greenspace are important for their positive visual impact, as well as their role in nature conservation, biodiversity, recreation, education, physical activity and outdoor access. Regional networks of open space may form an integral part of city-regions' settlement strategies. Open spaces can be important components of habitat networks. Green networks can provide safe tranquil off-road access opportunities from the doorstep to play space, sports facilities, town centres, local amenities, path networks and the wider countryside. Planning authorities should give due weight to connectivity and consider the need to avoid fragmentation of open space, in particular areas of woodland and other important habitats identified, for example, in Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
19 Planning authorities and developers should seek to identify opportunities to create and enhance links between open space as an integral part of development, and open space should be included as part of the design proposals. For large land releases and regeneration areas, masterplanning can play a key role in the strategic provision of open space across wider areas and land ownerships.
Core Path Plans and Access Rights
20 The Land Reform Act requires access authorities 7 to guide access provision by preparing a Core Paths Plan. An access strategy is also expected to be prepared. Core Paths Plans will identify and map the 'core paths' 8 within an area, making sure these are marked and that everyone is encouraged to use them. The aim is to give reasonable public access throughout the area thus helping to deliver health, social, economic and environmental benefits.
21 Local authority departments should work together to ensure consistency and compatibility between the open space strategy, the core paths plan, the local transport strategy and the development plan. It is likely that the core paths plan will include existing routes. It may also establish new routes in order to provide new access opportunities and to make links to existing networks and open space. The local development plan should cross-refer to the core paths plan, incorporate relevant material and set out policy protection for core and other paths such as long distance routes and rights of way. It may be appropriate to include key information on the proposals map.
22 Access rights and core paths plans are material considerations in determining applications for planning permission. Access authorities have a duty to uphold access rights over most land and inland water, not just on paths. Planning authorities should consider attaching appropriate conditions to ensure continuing public access. New development should incorporate new and enhanced access opportunities where appropriate.
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