Areas of open space are increasingly under pressure from development and can form the setting of designated heritage assets. Where an area of open space serves a valuable recreational or amenity function, the expectation will be to protect it from development. Appropriate enhancements can result in heritage benefits that can better reveal heritage significance in addition. Therefore, sites included in the audit as part of the evidence from the Open Space Assessment and Playing Pitch Strategy are shown on the Policies Map. Some sites may not have been assessed as part of the studies as they are below the 0.2 hectare threshold applied or because of changing land uses. Therefore, throughout the Local Plan period, there will be sites that function as open space but are not formally designated. If development comes forward on such sites, the following factors are of importance in determining the value of particular areas of open space and whether they should also be subject to this policy;

the offer of facilities for recreation

visual or amenity value of the land

the contribution made to linked areas of designated open space

informal public access, and

the contribution to urban form or general well-being of a community.

Decisions concerning loss or provision of open space will take account of green infrastructure provision, our Ecological Network and policy aims regarding its connectivity and functionality. Green Infrastructure is defined in the NPPF. Decisions will also have regard to the role that open space can play in the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.

Development on open space may be acceptable where replacement open space is provided. Replacement open space should:

be of the same or better-quality than that which is proposed to be lost;

be in the same catchment area as that which is proposed to be lost; and

be no less accessible than that which is proposed to be lost.

Sites designated as Local Green Space are identified on the Policies Map. These sites are protected from any development that causes harm to their beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of wildlife. Enhancement of Local Green Space, and greater access to it will be encouraged.

Development on land designated as Local Green Space should be consistent with national policy for Green Belts.