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RAISING STANDARDS
Quality
34 This SPP encourages good design and networks of high quality open spaces. These should be safe, welcoming, appealing, distinctive, well connected environments, in line with the qualities for successful places set out in Designing Places14. It is important that open spaces should be viewed in their context, as their quality often directly relates to the quality of the buildings and spaces surrounding them. The design of open spaces can be as important to the townscape of a settlement as the design of buildings and should be treated with as much care. Factors to be taken into account when considering the quality of open space may include whether it is:
- fit for purpose
- well located and connected
- easily accessible
- inclusive
- distinctive
- of high quality design
- pleasant and welcoming
- safe
- adaptable
- well maintained and actively managed
35 The quality of existing and new open space should be addressed in the open space audit and strategy. Guidance on the quality sought for new open space should be incorporated into the local development plan. Planning can have a key role in helping to create attractive, well-managed environments which help to discourage antisocial behaviour. PAN 77 Designing Safer Places provides further guidance on the design and location of play areas.
Accessibility
36 Within settlements there should be spaces that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability. Statutory equal opportunities obligations should be taken into account in planning for open space and physical activity, including the duties under the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005 to promote disability equality. Further details are contained in the glossary.
37 There are two main constraints on accessibility: physical constraints such as distance, the individual's degree of personal mobility, or severance by roads, railways or other barriers; and also social and cultural constraints such as fear of crime or other concerns over personal safety. These issues should be considered in the siting and design of open space.
38 The maximum distance that people are prepared to travel to different types of open space will vary depending on the nature and quality of the facility and their own physical capabilities. Local authorities may wish to set distance thresholds to open space appropriate to the particular circumstances in their area and for different types of open space. These should be informed by the open space audit and included in the local development plan. Rural and urban areas may require different levels of 'acceptable' accessibility.
39 Consideration should also be given to improving the accessibility of existing areas of open space via green networks and paths. New open space and other facilities should be located where they will be accessible on foot and bicycle and can be served by public transport.
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