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Policy 7.18 Protecting open space and addressing deficiency
Policy
Strategic
A The Mayor supports the creation of new open space in London to ensure satisfactory levels of local provision to address areas of deficiency.
Planning decisions
B The loss of protected open spaces must be resisted unless equivalent or better quality provision is made within the local catchment area. Replacement of one type of open space with another is unacceptable unless an up to date needs assessment shows that this would be appropriate.
LDF preparation
C When assessing local open space needs LDFs should:
a include appropriate designations and policies for the protection open space to address deficiencies
b identify areas of open space deficiency, using the open space categorisation set out in Table 7.2 as a benchmark for all the different types of open space identified therein
c ensure that future publically accessible open space needs are planned for in areas with the potential for substantial change such as opportunity areas, regeneration areas, intensification areas and other local areas.
d ensure that open space needs are planned in accordance with green infrastructure strategies to deliver multiple benefits.
D Boroughs should undertake audits of all forms of open space and assessments of need[1]. These should be both qualitative and quantitative, and have regard to the cross-borough nature and use of many of these open spaces.
[1] National Planning Policy Framework DCLG March 2012 paras 73 and 74
Supporting text
7.57 As part of London’s multifunctional green infrastructure, local open spaces are key to many issues, such as health and biodiversity. Needs assessments can be part of existing borough strategies on issues such as allotments, play, trees and playing pitches and the preparation of a green infrastructure strategy will need to bring together the outputs of these borough strategies. The categorisation of open space in Table 7.2 provides a benchmark for boroughs to assess their own provision for the different categories of open space found throughout London. These standards can be used to highlight areas of open space deficiency and to facilitate cross-borough planning and management of open space. The London Parks and Green Spaces Forum can provide a useful mechanism to support this co-ordination. Cross-borough boundary planning is particularly relevant for the larger metropolitan and regional parks and for facilities such as playing pitches, where a sub-regional approach to planning is recommended.
Source: GLA 2011
7.58 The value of green infrastructure not designated as local open space is considered to be a material consideration that needs to be taken into account in the planning process. These values are set out in Policy 2.18 on green infrastructure.
7.58A Neighbourhoods may identify Local Green Spaces that are important to them, local in character and small-scale. The policy for controlling development on them is Green Belt policy[1], as such Local Green Spaces are not included in Table 7.2 above.
[1] National Planning Policy Framework DCLG March 2012 paras 76-78
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