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OPEN SPACE AUDIT AND STRATEGY
23 In order to deal strategically with open space provision, local authorities must have an accurate understanding of the current open space resource in settlements within their area. Local authorities should assess how well the needs of communities are being met and identify any changes needed to improve access to quality open spaces. To assist in this process, local authorities must undertake a comprehensive open space audit.
24 PAN 65 stresses the need for audits and strategies. It provides guidance, including a typology of open spaces which has been successfully applied in a number of local authority areas. Local authorities should continue to make use of the PAN 65 typology as a starting point for auditing open space but may also consider whether some categories require further classification.
25 The audit should cover all types of open space, public and privately-owned, including spaces owned by schools and voluntary clubs. Informal open space should be assessed as well as parks and formal facilities. The audit should take account of the quality, community value and use of existing open space and should not merely assess the quantity of provision. It is particularly important to ensure that disadvantaged communities have accessible open space of good quality. SNH have prepared guidance on open space audits. 9 Local authorities will also wish to take account of any relevant methodologies and standards for open space provision which may be available.
26 Using the information from the audit, each local authority must prepare an open space strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to set out a vision for new and improved open space which is appropriate to local circumstances. Where the audit has identified deficiencies in different types of open space provision, this must be clearly addressed through the strategy. The completed strategy should safeguard valued open space and guide the allocation of resources for investment. It may also provide the justification for seeking contributions from developers.
27 Before declaring in the strategy that any area of open space is surplus, local authorities should consider whether it has the potential to address any deficiencies in other types of open space which may be identified in the strategy. The open space strategy should include consideration of access and path networks, which may not all lie within designated open spaces. Local authorities should provide, manage and conserve open space assets within the context of the strategy.
28 In preparing their open space strategy, local authorities should have regard to the provisions of the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006 10, regarding "quiet areas". They should also have regard to guidance and Action Plans relating to quiet areas prepared under these regulations.
29 The community's needs and aspirations are at the heart of any open space strategy and they should have an opportunity to contribute to both the audit and strategy. All parts of the community, including voluntary groups and sports clubs, should be involved, as should the community planning partnership and other relevant local and national bodies.
30 Critically, local authorities must work corporately to prepare the strategy and ensure an agreed approach to open space provision across the Council. This will involve contributions from a range of council departments, particularly leisure, education and housing.
31 Local authorities prepare strategies for a number of related subjects such as playing field provision 11, sports facilities, parks and housing, and also have duties in relation to outdoor access and core paths planning. The open space strategy should not duplicate work already covered, but should be prepared in a flexible way, drawing together and adding value to other relevant strategies and plans within the community planning framework.
32 Open space strategies may require a Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA) under the provisions of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. It is for each local authority, as a Responsible Authority, to consider whether their strategy falls within the scope of the 2005 Act. Further information on SEA can be found in the SEA Tool Kit 12.
33 The land use elements of the open space strategy (and related strategies) should be fed into the statutory development plan and the strategy itself may be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The strategy should be updated to inform future reviews of the development plan. All local authorities must now take action to ensure that an audit and strategy is prepared for their area and, once in place, that they are reviewed on a regular 5 year cycle to link in with development plan preparation. To assist in accurate monitoring, local authorities should advise The Scottish Government Planning Directorate when the audit has been completed and when the open space strategy has been finalised or revised. 13
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