Open Space and Physical Activity
Open space and other opportunities for sport and recreation are a vital part of Scotland's urban and rural communities. Existing open space resources should be protected and the future needs of all communities planned for within new development. The planning system should help to safeguard and create new open spaces and places where people can take part in sport and recreation
Policy Summary
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 11: Open Space and Physical Activity
- Ensure a strategic approach to open space and other opportunities for sport and recreation by requiring local authorities to undertake an open space audit and prepare an open space strategy for their area
- Protect and support opportunities for sport and recreation
- Provide guidance on the quality and accessibility of open space in new developments and on providing for its long-term maintenance and management
- Provide guidance on planning for development of new indoor and outdoor facilities for sport and recreation.
Open space audits and strategies will be tools integral to achieving these objectives and will inform development planning and development management.
SPP Update
As part of the commitment to proportionate and practical planning polices, the Scottish Government is rationalising the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) series into a single, shorter statement of national planning policy. The initial sections of the consolidated SPP were published in October 2008 as Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) covering the core principles, aspirations and expectations of the planning system. The remaining sections of the consolidated SPP, covering community engagement, sustainable development, outcomes and the subject policies, were published for consultation in April 2009. The consultation closed in June 2009. A further consultation on changes to the sustainable development, climate change, flooding and coastal planning sections and to policy on onshore oil and gas operations and high amenity business locations is running from September 30, 2009 until November 12, 2009. The final consolidated SPP will at published by the end of 2009. More information on the consolidation is available on the SPP home page.