APPENDIX A

Open Space

Interim Planning Guidance

For adoption by Cabinet 11th January 2012

Shropshire CouncilPolicy & Strategy Group

ShirehallAbbey Foregate

ShrewsburySY2 6ND

www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning.nsf

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Contents

Page

1 Introduction 2

2 Policy Context 3

3 Local Quantity Standard 6

4 Accessibility and Design Requirements 7

5 Maintenance 11

Page

Table A Shropshire PPG17 Study Local Quantity Standards 7Table B Shropshire PPG17 Study Local Accessibility Standards 9

Appendix 1: Core Strategy Policies CS6 and CS17 14Appendix 2: Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17) Study Standards 20

Important note

This Interim Planning Guidance (IPG) replacesthe Open Space, Sport & Recreation IPG (September 2010) for the

consideration of new planning applications.

The previous Open Space, Sport & Recreation IPG (September 2010)remains active for planning obligations (section 106 agreements and

unilateral undertakings) that contain cross-references to it.

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1. Introduction

1.1 This Interim Planning Guidance (IPG) provides additional guidance concerningthe provision of open space as part of new housing development, to assist inimplementing the Shropshire Core Strategy. In particular, it addresses thequestions of:

1. How much open space should be provided on a new development(section 3);

2. The design of the open space in terms of its type and its arrangementand location within the development (section 4);

3. The maintenance of open space (section 5).

1.2 This IPG elaborates upon the Core Strategy Objectives and Policies CS6 andCS17, which are reproduced in full in Appendix 1. The Core Strategy refers to aSustainable Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will furtherelaborate and help deliver the Core Strategy. The Sustainable Design SPD isbeing prepared in two parts: Part One was adopted in July 2011 and coverswater and drainage; energy efficiency and generation; and waste managementand resource efficiency. Part Two will cover design requirements such astransport, ecology and recreation. This Interim Planning Guidance (IPG)provides an interim policy in relation to open space requirements, until Part Twoof the Sustainable Design SPD is prepared.

1.3 For new planning applications, this IPG replaces the previous Open Space,Sport and Recreation IPG (September 2010), reflecting the changes introducedby the adoption of the Core Strategy in February 2011 and the CommunityInfrastructure Levy Charging Schedule in November 2011. Planning obligations(section 106 agreements) that were signed prior to the Community InfrastructureLevy (CIL) coming into effect on 1st January 2012, and which cross-refer to theprevious IPG, will continue to apply the tariffs referred to in the previous OpenSpace, Sport and Recreation IPG (September 2010). This transitionalarrangement is necessary to ensure that planning obligations that pre-date theintroduction of CIL are honoured.

1.4 Open space provision takes two forms: (a) provision of open spaces on-site and(b) contributions to cumulative provision off-site. The former, namely theprovision of open space as part of the design requirements of a development, isaddressed in this IPG. For the latter, the previous Open Space, Sport &Recreation IPG (September 2010) applied tariff-style calculations forcontributions to off-site provision. Off-site contributions are entirely replaced bythe Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). CIL receipts may also be spent on-site, on equipment for play and/or formal sports and recreation facilities,provided this has been identified as a suitable use of CIL receipts in accordancewith the CIL Governance arrangements, set out in sections 1 and 3 of theDeveloper Contributions SPD.

1.5 The provision of on-site and off-site infrastructure (including green infrastructure)through a combination of on-site design requirements and CIL is elaborated inthe Developer Contributions SPD (July 2011), available at

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www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning.nsf. The Developer Contributions SPD cross-refers to on-site design requirements for open space provision that will becontained in due course in the Sustainable Design SPD Part Two. As an interimmeasure until the Sustainable Design SPD is completed, these open spacedesign requirements are contained in this Interim Planning Guidance.

1.6 The importance of well designed and implemented open space is welldocumented and delivers a number of social benefits, including improved healthand wellbeing, as well as providing environmental benefits. The creation andimprovement of open spaces serves a number of purposes, for example, openspace may simultaneously provide links for wildlife and pedestrians, sustainabledrainage, landscaping, and shade. The location of open space within newdevelopments should maximise connectivity, accessibility and multifunctionality.Such design issues will form a fundamental element in the determination of theplanning application.

1.7 This guidance should be read as an indication of what will be expected, but itcannot take into account the individual circumstance of every development siteand therefore developers are advised to contact Officers early when preparingplanning applications in order to discuss the required provision. Formal preapplication advice may be obtained from Officers in Development Managementfor which a charge is applied (further guidance is available at Shropshire.gov.uk).Officers from Outdoor Recreation Services and the Natural Environment Teamwill be able to provide more specific advice where needed on individualapplications, taking into account local circumstances and existing open spaceprovision as identified in the PPG17 Study and the Place Plans.

2. Policy Context

2.1 The Core Strategy’s strategic objectives include:

Relevant Core Strategy Strategic Objectives

“ensuring that people in all areas of Shropshire have accessto..….multifunctional open space” (Strategic Objective 1)

“Promote high quality sustainable design and construction in all newdevelopment, ensuring that developments respond to their local context andcreate safe, accessible and attractive places which contribute to localdistinctiveness.” (Strategic Objective 10)

“Ensure that the character, quality and diversity of Shropshire’s built, naturaland historic environment is protected, enhanced and, where possible, restored, ina way that respects landscape character, biodiversity, heritage values, and localdistinctiveness, and contributes to wider environmental networks.” (StrategicObjective 11)

“Improve the quantity, quality and accessibility of multifunctional open space,rights of way, and sport, recreation and cultural facilities to provide variedopportunities for people of all ages to enjoy physical activity, cultural activities

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and lifetime learning, helping to improve health and well-being.” (StrategicObjective 12)

2.2 Core Strategy Policy CS6 Sustainable Design and Development Principles(reproduced in full in Appendix 1) requires that all development, amongst otherrequirements:

Core Strategy Policy CS6

“Protects, restores, conserves and enhances the natural, built and historicenvironment and is appropriate in scale, density, pattern and design taking intoaccount the local context and character, and those features which contribute tolocal character, having regard to national and local design guidance, landscapecharacter assessments and ecological strategies where appropriate;

Contributes to the health and wellbeing of communities, includingsafeguarding residential and local amenity and the achievement of localstandards for the provision and quality of open space, sport and recreationalfacilities.

Is designed to a high quality, consistent with national good practice standards,including appropriate landscaping…”

2.3 Core Strategy Policy CS17 Environmental Networks requires that:

Core Strategy Policy CS17

“Development will identify, protect, enhance, expand and connect Shropshire’senvironmental assets, to create a multifunctional network of natural and historicresources. This will be achieved by ensuring that all development:

Protects and enhances the diversity, high quality and local character ofShropshire’s natural, built and historic environment, and does not adversely affectthe visual, ecological, heritage or recreational values and functions of theseassets, their immediate surroundings or their connecting corridors…;

Contributes to local distinctiveness, having regard to the quality of Shropshire’senvironment, including landscape, biodiversity and heritage assets….;

Does not have a significant adverse impact on Shropshire’s environmentalassets and does not create barriers or sever links between dependant sites….”

The Natural Environment SPD

2.4 The IPG should be considered alongside the emerging Natural EnvironmentSupplementary Planning Document (SPD) and associated guidance notes for

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developers, together with draft Policy MD14 “Protecting and EnhancingShropshire’s Natural Environment” in the draft Site Allocations and Managementof Development (SAMDev) Plan Document. The SPD and emerging SAMDevPlan Document expand on Core Strategy Policy CS17 Environmental Networksand biodiversity elements of other Core Strategy policies together withinternational and national wildlife legislation and national planning policy. ThisIPG should also be considered alongside Shropshire Council’s CountrysideAccess Strategy.

2.5 The natural Environment SPD covers landscape, biodiversity, trees andenvironmental networks, and how these need to be taken into account throughthe planning process. Whilst multifunctional natural or semi natural open spacewith public access will be encouraged through this IPG, additional natural habitatmay be required for protection, mitigation or compensation for protected orpriority species, habitats or designated sites.

The Community Infrastructure Levy

2.6 The equipping of open spaces with formal play equipment and facilities for sportwill in future be through use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts.The use of CIL monies is agreed annually with the local community, to reflectlocal priorities. Where local priorities include the provision of play equipment orother forms of open space these may be installed on suitable open spaces. Insuch cases, CIL funding will also be used for the on-going maintenance of suchequipment.

2.7 Regardless of local priorities for the use of CIL receipts, it is essential that newdevelopment is designed to local standards in accordance with the CoreStrategy. New developments will therefore be expected to provide sufficientland, suitably located within the development and of acceptable layout and ofhigh quality design, to meet the standards below.

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3. Local Quantity Standard

3.1 The draft National Planning Policy Framework (dNPPF) continues the approachin the long-established National Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17):Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (2002) requiring local authoritiesto ensure access to open spaces and to apply locally derived standards for itsprovision1.

3.2 A comprehensive local assessment of all types of open space provision wasconducted by consultants PMP between 2008 and 2010 on behalf of the formerdistrict and borough councils in Shropshire (excluding Telford and Wrekin). Thiswas consolidated in 2010 providing a single up to date and robust evidence basefor determining local needs for open space. The production of this PPG17 Studyincluded an extensive programme of consultation and developed locally derivedstandards which apply to Shrewsbury, the market towns and smaller settlements.For each typology standards have been set for quantity, quality and accessibility.The resulting open space quantity and accessibility standards are summarised inAppendix 2.

3.3 For the purpose of this IPG, the quantity standards of six of the PPG17 Studytypologies have been combined and rounded in order to provide a single quantitystandard which is considered to be more practical to apply for all developmentsand more reflective of the multi-functional nature of many open spaces.

3.4 Shropshire’s open space quantity standard is based on the PPG17 Studyevidence-based standards for the following typologies:

local parks amenity open space2

provision for children provision for young people natural and semi natural open space allotments

3.5 In accordance with Core Strategy Policy CS6, development will be expected tobe designed with adequate open space on site to meet the local quantitystandard shown in Table A below. Occupancy of a development will be assumedto be on the basis of one person per bedroom.

1 PPG17 paragraphs 23 & 33 and dNPPF paragraphs 124 & 1282 Termed amenity greenspace in PPG17

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Table A: Shropshire’s Open Space Quantity Standard

Typology Quantity Standard

Open Space3 3.00ha per 1000 population

(equivalent to 30 square metres per person)

3.6 The quantity standard of 3 hectares per 1000 population is the startingpoint for negotiations between the Council and developers and is theminimum requirement for the provision of open space. In certaincircumstances increased provision may be required in order to meet Policy CS6and Policy CS17, as elaborated in section 4 below.

3.7 Negotiations must consider the degree to which open spaces can bemultifunctional. For example, natural and semi-natural open space may or maynot be publicly accessible and this influences whether it is able to serve a numberof purposes. Land used for SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) may or maynot also be used for open space provision; where it cannot, additional openspace will be required to ensure the correct amount of functional open space isdelivered. Detailed guidance on the use of SUDS may be found in the document:Surface Water Management: Interim Guidance for Developers(www.shropshire.gov.uk).

4. Accessibility and Design Requirements

4.1 Shropshire Council Officers will use a combination of studies to determinewhether a development’s open space meets Policy CS17 and Policy CS6’srequirement to contribute to the health and wellbeing of communities, includingsafeguarding residential and local amenity and the achievement of localstandards for the provision and quality of open space, sport and recreationalfacilities. These are:

the outcomes from the Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17)Study

the Natural Environment SPD the Shropshire Place Plans where one has been produced, the Neighbourhood Plan.

4.2 A design and access statement is a requirement of most planning applicationsand these must demonstrate how applicants have considered the design andlayout of their site. This must include an explanation of the choice and location of

3Includes the following typologies referred to in the PPG17 study as local parks, amenity open space,

provision for children, provision for young people, natural and semi natural open space and allotments.Source: Shropshire Council, Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17) Study 2010, produced byspecialist consultants PMP (Appendix 2). The Shrewsbury total (3.20ha per 1,000), Market Towns total(3.06ha per 1,000) and the rural total (2.96ha per 1,000) have been rounded to provide a singlestandard for ease of application across Shropshire (3ha per 1,000).

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landscaping and also give details as to how the developer expects thelandscaping to be maintained.

Amenity Open Space

4.3 Residential sites require high quality amenity open space of some kind as anintegral part of their design. For some developments, particularly largerdevelopments and those with apartment buildings or significant natural features,there is a need for this to be provided separately and to be maintainedcollectively via an adoption agreement.

4.4 Amenity open space, termed “amenity greenspace4” in the PPG17 study, canprovide landscaping, trees, buffer zones and opportunities for environmentalenhancement. The format and quality of amenity open spaces will be consideredwhen assessing whether a development is sufficiently well designed to beacceptable in planning terms.

4.5 Where possible, the design of amenity open space in new developments shouldadhere to the following general guidelines:

Design should avoid creating opportunities for crime and vandalism The space should be over looked and in areas which would be well used Any inclusion of street furniture should follow Shropshire Council

specifications or the adopting organisation or authority’s specifications Tree planting should be designed to create a satisfactory juxtaposition

between trees and development, taking into account the final size,(height, canopy spread and requisite soil rooting volume) of the maturetrees

Shrubs and herbaceous planting should generally be of low maintenanceand low height (maximum height of 1.5m) to reduce excessive futuremaintenance and allow for natural surveillance

Planting across existing or likely future desire lines should be avoided

For individual sites, more specific guidance on the application of Policy CS6 mayalso be provided in the Site Allocations and Management of Development Plan.Larger developments will be led by a masterplan approach integratingrecreational land provision and green infrastructure.

Recreational Open Space

4.6 “Recreational open space” in the IPG includes the following different types ofopen space from the Planning Policy Guidance 17: Open Space, Sport andRecreation (PPG17) study5; provision for children; provision for young people;and local parks.

4 amenity greenspace (most commonly, but not exclusively in housing areas) – including informalrecreation spaces, greenspaces in and around housing, domestic gardens and village greens; (Source:PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, 2002)5

Shropshire Council, Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17) Study 2010, produced by specialistconsultants PMP.

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4.7 Generally recreational spaces need to be a minimum of 2,000m2 in order to befunctional and therefore sites of less than 20 dwellings will generally not berequired to provide land for recreational open space, though other forms of openspace will be expected on site. Contributions for off-site recreational provisionare made through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

4.8 Land for play areas and recreational uses will be required on medium and largedevelopments, to ensure that the development is well designed for its futureoccupiers. While CIL funds will be used to provide equipment, any landrequirement will be provided as an integral part of a development’s design6.

4.9 It is considered unacceptable to see small pockets of recreational open space aspart of new housing developments especially where the contribution they makeas places for play and other recreational uses is limited. Recreational openspace should therefore be provided as one usable site. By taking this approachthe Council aims to improve the overall quality and usability of provision. On verylarge sites, it may be appropriate to split the open space into more than one areain order to ensure good accessibility to open spaces for the community; howeverit is important to ensure that the areas are large enough to be functional.

4.10 The Place Plans detail the sport and recreational facilities that are needed toensure adequate provision of quality, accessible open spaces in the local area.They will be used as a material planning consideration when assessing whethera development meets local quantity and accessibility standards (Table B).

Table B: Shropshire’s Open Space Accessibility Standards

Typology Accessibility Standard

Amenity Open Space 10 minute walk time

Recreational OpenSpace

10 minute walk time

Natural and SemiNatural Open Space

Shrewsbury – 5 minutes walk time (240m)

Market Towns and Smaller Settlements – 10 minutes walktime (480m)

4.11 The design of recreational open space in new developments should adhere tothe following general guidelines:

Space should be accessible to all and well connected to existingdevelopments, access routes or open spaces

Recreational open spaces should be sited in open, welcoming andoverlooked locations

Opportunities for crime and vandalism should be avoided

6 The division between on-site design requirements and CIL is also elaborated in the Developer

Contributions SPD (July 2011), available at www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning.nsf .

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Any inclusion of street furniture should follow Shropshire Councilspecifications or the adopting organisation or authority’s specifications

The natural environment should be protected and enhanced using theareas natural topographical features.

Tree planting should be designed to create a satisfactory juxtapositionbetween trees and development, taking into account the final size, (height,canopy spread and requisite soil rooting volume) of the mature trees

Shrubs and herbaceous planting should generally be of low maintenanceand low height (maximum height of 1.5m) to reduce excessive futuremaintenance and allow for natural surveillance

Planting across existing or likely future desire lines should be avoided Appropriate use should be made of native species of local provenance in

landscaping

For individual sites, more specific guidance on the application of Policy CS6 mayalso be provided in the Site Allocations and Management of Development Plan.Larger developments will be led by a masterplan approach integratingrecreational land provision and green infrastructure.

Natural and Semi Natural Open Space

4.12 The retention, improvement or creation of natural and semi natural open spacesurrounding or within, residential and commercial developments should provideaccess to, enhance, or link with existing ‘green corridors’ wherever possible. TheNatural Environment Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will providefurther details about avoidance, mitigation, compensation and enhancementmeasures to protect, restore, create and enhance features of biodiversity andgeological value. It will describe Shropshire’s important natural heritage andprovide indicative maps of Shropshire’s Environmental Network. It will outlinewhat needs to be considered if a development is within, adjacent to or outside theNetwork.

4.13 Natural and semi-natural open spaces can play an important role as landscapedareas, buffer zones, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, pollutionattenuation and as part of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) as well asattractive and inspiring places for people. Further guidance about habitat creationand estimated costings can be found in the Natural Environment SPD.

4.14 Significant ecological features or landscape areas that are integral to the site willbe expected to be protected and incorporated into the site layout and maintainedaccordingly.

4.15 The design of natural or semi-natural open space in new developments shouldadhere to the following guidelines:

Existing valuable habitat features such as trees, woodlands, hedges,ponds, species-rich grasslands, geological features etc. should beretained and will add maturity to the design.

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Lighting design and equipment should minimise the impact of lightpollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapesand nature conservation.

Sufficient space to be allowed for retaining or replanting large trees(providing shade, screening, noise and dust abatement, landscape valueand other landscape benefits etc.) taking into account their ultimatemature size (height, canopy spread and requisite rooting volume).

Plant species used in landscaping should be native, of local provenance,reflect the on-site soil and environmental conditions and be appropriate tothe surrounding landscape character.

Creation of high quality habitat types which should aim to contribute toShropshire Biodiversity Action Plan habitat targets.

Land surrounding the development site should be assessed for green linksor ‘corridors’ and site design should aim to retain, reconnect andstrengthen them.

For individual sites, more specific guidance on the application of Policy CS6 mayalso be provided in the Site Allocations and Management of Development Plan.Larger developments will be led by a masterplan approach integratingrecreational land provision and green infrastructure.

5. Maintenance

5.1 In all instances the developer will be required to satisfy the Council thatappropriate arrangements have been made whereby the open space within thedevelopment will be maintained in perpetuity. Examples of conditions that will beattached to planning consents are provided in the box below. For someapplications it may be necessary for a management plan for the open space tobe submitted and approved by the local planning authority before thedevelopment may be commenced. The open space must be managed accordingto the agreed management plan, for the lifetime of the development

5.2 The developer may choose to retain ownership of the open space and as suchwill be responsible for its ongoing management and maintenance. Alternativelydevelopers may choose to employ a private management company or a landtrust to maintain the open space on their behalf. Developers may also wish toexplore the potential for a Town or Parish Council to adopt the open space.

5.3 Developers who wish Shropshire Council to maintain the open spaces areadvised to contact the Council’s green space officers, as the Council will onlyadopt open spaces where they meet specified standards, and where the adoptionagreement includes suitable payment for future management and maintenanceby the adopting body.

5.4 Maintenance of areas of natural and semi natural open space will be through aprivate management company or adoption agreement with the Local Authority orParish/Town Council with associated commuted payment for future managementand maintenance. If a Management Plan has been approved for natural and semi

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natural open space, it will be required to be reviewed every 5 years to ensure thatnatural changes to the habitat are accounted for. Areas of natural and seminatural open space should be maintained with benefits to biodiversity beingincorporated.

5.5 Where an open space is identified by the local community as a priority for the useof Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies, and CIL is subsequently used toprovide equipment on the site, for example formal play equipment and sportpitches, the provision of equipment using CIL funds will be accompanied by theuse of CIL funds to ensure its on-going maintenance. In such circumstances thedelivery agreement for the use of CIL funds will include the use of CIL funds formaintenance of the equipped area. This will not normally extend to maintainingopen space beyond the equipped area.

Where appropriate:

Example Conditions relating to the design of the open space

No development shall take place until full details of both hard and soft landscapeworks have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planningauthority and these works shall be carried out as approved. These details shallinclude [proposed finished levels or contours; means of enclosure; car parkinglayouts; other vehicle and pedestrian access and circulation areas; hardsurfacing materials; minor artefacts and structures (eg. furniture, play equipment,refuse or other storage units, signs, lighting etc.); proposed and existingfunctional services above and below ground (eg. drainage power,communications cables, pipelines etc. indicating lines, manholes, supports etc.);retained historic landscape features and proposals for restoration, whererelevant.]7 (a dischargeable condition)

Soft landscape works shall include [planting plans; written specifications(including cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grassestablishment); schedules of plants, noting species, plant sizes and proposednumbers/densities where appropriate; implementation programme].8 (adischargeable condition)

Example Conditions relating to implementation

The [open space] must be managed according to the agreed management planfor the lifetime of the development, including the submission of a review of themanagement plan for the [natural and semi-natural open space elements] to thelocal planning authority every 5 years. (an in-perpetuity condition)

The building shall not be occupied until the area shown on the plan attachedhereto has been laid out in accordance with [specify relevant plan or drawing],

7 Model Condition 25 from Circular 11/958 Model Condition 26 from Circular 11/95

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and that area shall not thereafter be used for any purpose other than as [specifyopen space purpose].9 (an in-perpetuity condition)

All hard and soft landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with theapproved details. The works shall be carried out prior to the occupation of anypart of the development or in accordance with the programme agreed with thelocal planning authority.10 (a dischargeable condition)

A landscape management plan, including long term design objectives,management responsibilities and maintenance schedules for all landscape areas,other than small, privately owned, domestic gardens, shall be submitted to andapproved by the local planning authority prior to the occupation of thedevelopment or any phase of the development, whichever is the sooner, for itspermitted use. The landscape management plan shall be carried out asapproved.11

No development shall take place until a schedule of landscape maintenance for aminimum period of [ ] years has been submitted to and approved in writing by thelocal planning authority. The schedule shall include details of the arrangementsfor its implementation. Development shall be carried out in accordance with theapproved schedule.12

9 Model Condition 24 (adapted) from Circular 11/9510 Model Condition 27 from Circular 11/9511 Model Condition 31 from Circular 11/9512 Model Condition 32 from Circular 11/95

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Appendix 1: Core Strategy Policies CS6 & CS17

CS6: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

To create sustainable places, development will be designed to a high quality usingsustainable design principles, to achieve an inclusive and accessible environmentwhich respects and enhances local distinctiveness and which mitigates and adapts toclimate change. This will be achieved by:

Requiring all development proposals, including changes to existing buildings,to achieve criteria set out in the sustainability checklist. This will ensure thatsustainable design and construction principles are incorporated within newdevelopment, and that resource and energy efficiency and renewable energygeneration are adequately addressed and improved where possible. Thechecklist will be developed as part of a Sustainable Design SPD;

Requiring proposals likely to generate significant levels of traffic to be locatedin accessible locations where opportunities for walking, cycling and use ofpublic transport can be maximised and the need for car based travel to bereduced;

And ensuring that all development:

Is designed to be adaptable, safe and accessible to all, to respond to thechallenge of climate change and, in relation to housing, adapt to changinglifestyle needs over the lifetime of the development in accordance with theobjectives of Policy CS11

Protects, restores, conserves and enhances the natural, built and historicenvironment and is appropriate in scale, density, pattern and design takinginto account the local context and character, and those features whichcontribute to local character, having regard to national and local designguidance, landscape character assessments and ecological strategies whereappropriate;

Contributes to the health and wellbeing of communities, including safeguardingresidential and local amenity and the achievement of local standards for theprovision and quality of open space, sport and recreational facilities.

Is designed to a high quality, consistent with national good practice standards,including appropriate landscaping and car parking provision and taking accountof site characteristics such as land stability and ground contamination;

Makes the most effective use of land and safeguards natural resourcesincluding high quality agricultural land, geology, minerals, air, soil and water;

Ensures that there is capacity and availability of infrastructure to serve any newdevelopment in accordance with the objectives of Policy CS8.

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Proposals resulting in the loss of existing facilities, services or amenities will beresisted unless provision is made for equivalent or improved provision, or it can beclearly demonstrated that the existing facility, service or amenity is not viable over thelong term.

EXPLANATION

To mitigate climate change through sustainable construction, all proposals, including changesto the existing building stock, will be required to complete a sustainability checklist toaccompany planning applications. Developed as part of a Sustainable Design SPD this willrequire proposals to demonstrate that appropriate sustainable design measures have beenincorporated to minimise natural resource consumption such as renewable energy and lowcarbon technology, grey water harvesting and the provision of storage facilities for wasterecycling. Sustainability standards will comply with those set out in national and regional policyand be tailored according to the scale and nature of the proposed development. Innovativedesign of new developments will be encouraged. Any application failing to contain a checklistwill not be validated.

It is crucial that all new developments are designed in order to adapt to the effects of climatechange, so that they remain safe throughout their lifetime despite changing conditions.Consideration should therefore be given to appropriate siting, orientation, landscaping anddesign of development, to account for flood levels, surface water run off, dispersal or migrationroutes for wildlife, passive heating, natural shade and cooling and maximising energyefficiency. All proposals are expected to be designed to reduce opportunities for criminalactivity and anti social behaviour, and pay regard to Secured by Design.

Sustainable design also reflects peoples changing needs over time and requires theconsideration of different needs within the local community. Development should take intoaccount changing needs over the lifetime of the development, incorporating specificaccessibility and design features, such as Homes for Life and Lifetime Home Standards toensure the needs of Shropshire’s ageing and disabled population are addressed, as outlinedin Policy CS11.

The quality and local distinctiveness of Shropshire’s townscapes and landscapes areimportant assets. They have a direct impact on quality of life and are an important influence onthe local economy in terms of attracting investment and boosting Shropshire’s image as atourist destination. The Council will ensure new development complements and relates to itssurroundings, not only in terms of how it looks, but the way it functions, to maintain andenhance the quality of Shropshire’s environment as an attractive, safe, accessible andsustainable place in which to live and work.

There are a substantial number of designated heritage assets in Shropshire. This reflects thespecial architectural and historical interest of the county and means that such assets requirecareful consideration and management where change is proposed.

Trees and woodlands are important landscape, wildlife and cultural assets and there areapproximately 900 Tree Preservation Orders covering all sizes of woodlands and manyindividual trees in Shropshire. In addition, designated or important wildlife sites or species areoften found within or around urban areas as well as in the wider countryside. Developmentshould be sensitive to these valued features and make a positive contribution to the overallappearance and environmental quality of the area through the use of appropriate good qualitylocally sourced materials; the support and encouragement of traditional skills; the protection ofheritage assets and the protection of important buildings, trees and environmental networks.

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Particular regard should be paid to Village and Town Design Statements and ConservationArea Appraisals.

Open spaces can provide a number of functions such as formal and informal recreation oramenity space, they can also have a number of benefits; for example allotments which canimprove health and well being, combat obesity and increase opportunities for social inclusion.They also provide a function for food security, reducing air miles, helping to combat climatechange and providing habitats for wildlife.

New developments can make a positive contribution to the level of open spaces in our townsand villages and the connecting links between open spaces. Standards for the provision ofopen space are set out in the Shropshire Open Space, Sport and Recreation study and newdevelopment will be expected to achieve at least a minimum level of this standard, butexploring opportunities for additional provision where appropriate and making provision forfuture maintenance. Where it can be shown that on-site provision is not appropriate thedeveloper will be expected to make a contribution to provision off-site. Further details of thecontributions required are set out under Policy CS9. All new developments will be required tomake provision for footpaths and cyclepaths which should be, where possible linked to theexisting network of cyclepaths and footpaths.

High quality design will be expected in all new developments to ensure that the development isappropriate to its setting and surroundings and to ensure that local character is reflected.Appropriate landscaping and tree planting will form an integral part of any proposal to ensurethat development is better assimilated into its surroundings. Developments should also includeroom for appropriate vehicular access (including for waste and emergency vehicles), suitableprovision of car and cycle parking as well as footpaths and cyclepaths (where appropriate) andlinked where possible, to the existing network.

The Spatial Strategy of concentrating development in Shrewsbury, the market towns and keysettlements and the allocation of sites for development in the Site Allocations andManagement of Development DPD will have regard to the quality of soil, water and air quality,including particularly the designated Air Quality Management Areas within the County.

Key Evidence1. PPG17, Open Space Sport and Recreation Study - PMP (November 2009)

2. Shropshire Historic Environment Record

3. Shropshire Landscape Character Assessment (SCC 2006 and as updated)

4. Shropshire Historic Landscape Character assessment (SCC 2004)

5. Shropshire Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Studies (BDC 2008, SABC2006, OBC 2008, NSDC 2008, SSDC 2008)

6. Shropshire Historic Farmsteads Characterisation Project – SC, March 2010Shrewsbury Green Infrastructure Strategy – TEP (November 2008)

7. Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan 2009 – 2014 - Shropshire HillsAONB Partnership (May 2009)

Delivery and Monitoring of Policy:This policy will be delivered by:

Preparation of a Sustainable Design Supplementary Planning Document Preparation of a Natural Environment Supplementary Planning Document Preparation of an Historic Environment Supplementary Planning Document Design and Access Statements to support planning applications

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Preparation of the Site Allocations and Management of Development DPD The development management process; Promote and encourage communities to undertake Town and Village Design

Statements. The Implementation Plan

The following indicators will be used to monitor the effectiveness of the policy: Number of new village and town design statements completed Number of developments meeting minimum, good and best performance ratins in the

Sustainability Checklist, by category Amount of recreational/open space in new developments Renewable energy capacity installed by type (AMR Core Output Indicator E3) Number of applications refused on Policy CS6 grounds.

POLICY CS17: ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORKS

Development will identify, protect, enhance, expand and connect Shropshire’senvironmental assets, to create a multifunctional network of natural and historicresources. This will be achieved by ensuring that all development:

Protects and enhances the diversity, high quality and local character ofShropshire’s natural, built and historic environment, and does not adversely affectthe visual, ecological, heritage or recreational values and functions of theseassets, their immediate surroundings or their connecting corridors. Furtherguidance will be provided in SPDs concerning the natural and built environment;

Contributes to local distinctiveness, having regard to the quality of Shropshire’senvironment, including landscape, biodiversity and heritage assets, such as theShropshire Hills AONB, the Meres and Mosses and the World Heritage Sites atPontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal and Ironbridge Gorge

Does not have a significant adverse impact on Shropshire’s environmental assetsand does not create barriers or sever links between dependant sites;

Secures financial contributions, in accordance with Policy CS8, towards thecreation of new, and improvement to existing, environmental sites and corridors,the removal of barriers between sites, and provision for long term managementand maintenance. Sites and corridors are identified in the LDF evidence base andwill be regularly monitored and updated.

Environmental networks consist of environmental assets and their connections which canprovide multifunctional benefits. This includes providing opportunities for informal recreationfor local communities and tourists; improving health and community well being, sense of placeand identity and social cohesion and increasing biodiversity value and maintaining air quality.Such networks can also help us to mitigate against and adapt to the effects of climate change,providing natural methods to manage flood risk and routes for the dispersal and migration ofspecies.

Shropshire has a wealth of environmental assets which make it locally distinct. The localgeology is diverse, with a wide range of mineral resources and rocks representing most of themajor divisions of geological time. The area includes large, more natural areas such as theShropshire Hills AONB, and the Meres and Mosses in North Shropshire, as well as areas ofopen space throughout the range of urban settlements from larger towns such as Shrewsburyand Oswestry to local centres and rural villages. Shropshire also contains many important

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heritage assets including parts of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage and theIronbridge Gorge World Heritage Sites. The Council will seek protection of not only the WorldHeritage sites but also their setting, including any buffer zones.

International and national sites designated for their wildlife value and some threatened specieshave significant protection provided by national and regional legislation and guidance. Locallydesignated Wildlife Sites, habitats and species of principal importance (NERC Act 2006,section 41 list) are also key environmental assets. The management of change to heritageassets is covered by a raft of international, national and regional legislation which must beconsidered in development proposals. However, the value and resilience of all these sites canbe reinforced by linking them together to form a network of natural and historicalenvironmental assets across Shropshire and across administrative boundaries.

All new development should take account of the features which generate local distinctiveness,both within Shropshire and its surrounds. Evidence from the Landscape CharacterAssessment, Historic Landscape Characterisation and Urban Characterisation Assessmentshould be used to ensure proposals contribute towards retaining and enhancing these assetsand thereby making a positive contribution to the environment. For development affecting theShropshire Hills AONB, particular regard should be paid to the Shropshire Hills AONBManagement Plan.

New development of one or more dwellings, or any development for employment use, shouldcontribute to extending and improving linkages, between these individual sites and provideconnections between urban areas and the adjoining countryside. Linkages can be providedthrough footpaths, cyclepaths, rail lines, watercourses and their margins, canal corridors, fieldboundaries, hedgerows or woodlands and can cross administrative boundaries. Agri-environment schemes are important mechanisms for an agricultural area such as Shropshire,providing opportunities for creating and linking wildlife corridors.

Shropshire Council has produced an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study which providesan audit of public and private open space areas and identifies local needs and aspirationsthrough consultation with the public. A series of standards of provision have been establishedand will be monitored and regularly updated. To be of importance, an area of open space neednot have a formal use or be accessible to the general public, as long as it contributes to thecharacter and appearance of its locality. Contributions from developers will be directedtowards identified infrastructure needs that help achieve Policy CS8.

Appropriate Assessment (as required by the European Habitats Directive) will be necessaryfor any development proposals that may have a negative impact on the integrity of SPA, SACand Ramsar designations within and adjoining Shropshire (such as the meres and mosses ofnorthern Shropshire and Stiperstones in southern Shropshire).

Key Evidence

1. PPG17, Open Space Sport and Recreation Study (PMP 2009);2. Shrewsbury Green Infrastructure Strategy (TEP 2008);3. Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan (AONB Partnership 2009-2014);4. Shropshire Biodiversity Action Plan (Shropshire Biodiversity Partnership 2006,

under continuous review);5. Shropshire Ecological Data Network – database updated annually;6. Shropshire Landscape Character Assessment (Shropshire County Council

2006 and as updated);7. Historic Landscape Character Assessment (Shropshire County Council 2004);8. Shropshire Historic Environment Record;

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9. Shropshire Countryside Access Strategy - (2008-2018) (Shropshire CountyCouncil 2008);

10. Shropshire Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Studies (Bridgnorth DistrictCouncil 2008, Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council 2006, OswestryBorough Council 2008, North Shropshire District Council 2008, SouthShropshire District Council 2008);

11. Shropshire Geo-diversity Action Plan. (Shropshire County Council 2007).

Delivery and Monitoring of Policy:

This policy will be delivered by:

the Development Management Process;

Preparation of the SAMDev DPD;

Continuing to build relationships with businesses through the Local StrategicPartnership;

Preparation of a Natural Environment Supplementary Planning Document;

Preparation of an Historic Environment Supplementary Planning Document;

Development of a methodology to monitor landscape change based onLandscape Character Assessment and the European Landscape Conventionguidelines;

Regularly updating the Environmental Assets/LDF evidence base.

Recording biodiversity gains and losses on the national BARS database;

LDF Implementation Plan.

The following indicators will be used to monitor the effectiveness of the policy:

Areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value including sites ofinternational, national, regional and sub-regional significance. (AMR CoreOutput Indicator E2);

Area of priority habitats lost or potentially gained through development (asand when information is available);

Number of lost or conserved historic features through development (as andwhen information is available and through working with English Heritage);

Achievement of Open Space Standards;

Progress against programmes and projects identified in the ImplementationPlan, including developer contributions.

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Appendix 2: Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17) StudyStandards

Typology Quantity Standard Accessibility Standard

Local Parks 0.23 ha per 1000 population – abovethe existing level of provision

10 minute walk time insettlements large enough torequire a park (determined bythe application of the quantitystandard). 20 minute drivetime in all other settlements.

Country Parks No standard set 20 minute drive time

Natural and SemiNatural Open Space

2.00 ha per 1000 population, to beapplied to new provision only

Shrewsbury – 5 minutes walktime (240m)

Market Towns and SmallerSettlements – 10 minuteswalk time (480m)

Amenity Green Space 0.66 ha per 1000 population(Shrewsbury) 0.45 hectares per1000 population (Market Towns) and0.35hectares (Smaller Settlements–an increase on the existing level ofprovision in all areas

10 minute walk time

Provision for Children 0.035 ha per 1000 population(Shrewsbury) 0.105 hectares per1000 population (Market Towns) and0.105 hectares (SmallerSettlements– an increase on theexisting level of provision in all areas

10 minute walk time

Provision for youngpeople

0.055ha per 1000 population – thisrepresents an increase on existinglevels of provision

10 minute walk time

Outdoor SportsFacilities

Shrewsbury - Four strategicallylocated multi-pitch sites, providingfor competition and training, withgood quality on-site changing andtoilet provision, appropriate for, andaccessible to, all user types. Aminimum of1 multi pitch site perMarket Town providing forcompetition and training

At least one playing pitch site perlarge village / village cluster

20 minute drive time to eachfacility type

Allotments 0.22 ha per 1000 population

Above existing level of provision

10 minute drive time

Cemeteries andChurchyards

N/A. Indicative standard of 0.16 haper annum required for burials.

No standard set

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A comprehensive local assessment of all types of open space provision wasconducted by consultants PMP in 2008 and 2009, on behalf of the former District andBorough Councils in Shropshire. This was consolidated in 2010 providing a single up-to-date and robust evidence base for determining local needs. The production of thisPPG17 Study included an extensive programme of consultation, and developed locallyderived standards which apply to Shrewsbury, the market towns and other key centresand smaller settlements respectively to be reflective of local community needs andaspirations. For each typology, standards were set for quantity, quality andaccessibility.