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Recreation and Leisure

INTRODUCTION

9.1 The availability of a good rangeand quality of recreation and leisurefacilities is being increasinglyrecognised as an important influencein investment and relocation decisionsthereby aiding economic regeneration.Sport and Recreation is a major sectionof the UK economy accounting forover £10 billion of consumer spendingand just under half a million jobs.Unlike many other sectors it has shownsizable and steady growth in recentyears. The development of recreationfacilities can also help reduce socialinequalities and contribute toenvironmental improvement and washighlighted in the Public AttitudeSurvey as one of the most importantthings the Borough Council couldfacilitate.

9.2 The Borough Council is a majorprovider of a wide range of recreationand leisure facilities including parks,sports pitches, children’s playgrounds,allotments, sports halls, swimmingpools, cultural/educational facilities,country parks, woodlands, and theDome/Leisure Park and is variouslyinvolved in their promotion, financing,management and enhancement.

9.3 The UDP is largely concerned withland use issues and in particular withurban open space and countrysiderecreation; it is also primarilyconcerned with land as a recreationresource rather than its particular useat any one time; it assesses playingfield provision generally for examplerather than football or cricket pitchesspecifically and apart from children’splayspace/local public open space itdoes not assess individualrequirements of different sporting orleisure activities.

9.4 There is likely to be a continuing

increase in demand for recreationfacilities throughout the UDP periodas the result of increasing leisure time,affluence and expectations. Theamenity and environmental value offormal and informal open spaceswithin urban areas is widelyrecognised although such areas aresubject to considerable developmentpressure. At the same time there isgrowing recognition of the desirabilityof encouraging increased participationin sport and active recreation, ofimproving access to the countrysideand of ensuring that full opportunitiesare available for these activitiesthrough the provision, wherenecessary, of new and improvedfacilities.

9.5 In accordance with StrategicGuidance the UDP has had regard tothe national and regional strategies ofthe Sports Council and CountrysideCommission. Planning PolicyGuidance Note PPG17 on sport andrecreation indicates the importance ofsport and recreational opportunitiesand facilities, including playing fields

and other urban green spaces, to localcommunities and the need forDevelopment Plans such as the UDPto consider and provide for them.

9.6 Recent legislative changesparticularly those relating to themanagement of Local Authorityfacilities and educationestablishments, bus deregulation andagricultural policy are likely to affectrecreation provision and access tofacilities during the plan period. Inparticular the Borough Council’sscope for influencing the nature, scaleand management of formal recreationprovision may well decline whilstthere is likely to be an increase inprovision by the commercial sector forexample through proposals in thecountryside as the result of farmdiversification. The Borough Councilremains committed however to theprinciple of access for all and will seekto maintain and improve the level offacilities on offer as far as it is ableand to increase participation in a widevariety of sporting and other recreationactivities.

178 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

OPEN SPACE

SRL 1

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROTECT AND WHERE NECESSARY

ENHANCE EXISTING OUTDOOR PLAYSPACE AND AMENITY OPEN

SPACE. EXISTING DEFICIENCIES WILL BE IDENTIFIED AND, WHERE

POSSIBLE, LAND ALLOCATED FOR THESE PURPOSES. WHERE

APPROPRIATE, NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WILL BE REQUIRED AS

PART OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS.

9.7 Open space is an essential part ofthe urban heritage. It providesimportant opportunities for formal and

OPEN SPACE POLICY AREAS

RL 1WITHIN OPEN SPACE POLICY AREAS, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALSMAP, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED, EXCEPT INEXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR PURPOSES OTHER THANOUTDOOR RECREATION AND ANCILLARY INDOOR FACILITIES;ALLOTMENTS; NATURE CONSERVATION OR CEMETERY USES. SUCHDEVELOPMENT AS IS PERMITTED, INCLUDING ANCILLARY BUILTFACILITIES, WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTABLE WHERE:

a) THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF OUTDOOR PLAYSPACE, AND

b) THE VISUAL AMENITY OF THE SPACE IS RETAINED AND WHEREPOSSIBLE ENHANCED THROUGH THE PROTECTION OF IMPORTANTAREAS, VISTAS AND FRONTAGES AND CAREFUL ATTENTION TODETAILED DESIGN AND LAYOUT, AND

c) THE ENVIRONMENTAL/ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF THE OPEN SPACEIS RETAINED AND WHERE POSSIBLE ENHANCED THROUGH THERETENTION OF EXISTING TREES AND OTHER IMPORTANT HABITATSAND THROUGH APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPING.

DEVELOPMENT FOR OTHER PURPOSES WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED INEXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR WHERE SPORTS ANDRECREATION FACILITIES CAN BEST BE RETAINED AND ENHANCEDTHROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF A SMALL PART OF THE SITE ANDPROVIDED THAT AN ALTERNATIVE PROVISION IS MADE WHICH IS OFAT LEAST THE EQUIVALENT COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND WHICH MEETSTHE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IN TERMS OFQUANTITY, QUALITY, NATURE, LOCATION AND IMPLEMENTATIONMECHANISM/TIMESCALE.

9.8 The importance of urban openspace is perhaps greater than evergiven increasing expectations andawareness of “green issues”; greateravailable leisure time; and growingrecognition of the need to promote andprovide for “sport for all”.

9.9 There is now widespread concernabout the availability and quality ofurban open space, its generalcondition, and related issues such aschildren’s safety, lack of security,vandalism, litter, dog fouling etc. andparticularly the continuing loss of

urban open space throughdevelopment. Whilst some of theseproblems are largely beyond the remitof the UDP, the protection andprovision of open space are major landuse issues.

9.10 Open Space Policy Areas cover awide range of existing recreation,amenity and other open space usesincluding playgrounds, kick-aboutareas, playing fields, parks,allotments,cemeteries and woodlands.Urban open space is primarilyimportant however as a resource, often

informal recreation, fulfills importantsocial, cultural and ecological rolesand enhances the quality and image of

the urban environment and therebyassists regeneration.

with potential for a range of openspace uses and usually with a value tothe community over and above that ofits existing or primary use. Not allurban open spaces are designated asOpen Space Policy Areas; Schoolplaying fields and sites of importancefor nature conservation are covered byPolicies CF3 and ENV39/40/41respectively whilst Policy RL2 coversthose urban open spaces too small toidentify individually. Some openspaces (Sandall Beat for example) arecovered by both Open Space andNature Conservation policies

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reflecting the diversity of their value;in such cases proposals will need tosatisfy the relevant nature conservationpolicy (ENV39, ENV40 or ENV41).The protection of the countryside andits informal recreation opportunities isdealt with through Green Belt orCountryside Policy Area designation.Open Space Policy Areas located onthe edge of urban areas have also beenwashed over by Green Belt orCountryside Policy Area designations.

9.11 Open Spaces can fulfill a varietyof important functions. In addition torecreational, amenity, social, culturaland ecological functions, open spacescan make an important contribution tothe image of an area; they can helpenhance the built environment, screenunattractive uses, separateincompatible uses, act as buffersbetween the urban edge and thecountryside and so on. Open spaceswhich connect with other open spaceswithin the urban area forming openspace networks or which link, or formpart of a “green wedge” from the urbanarea into the countryside have aparticularly important value to theurban fabric and the community.Where such networks includeoperational railway land it is not theintention that the Policy infers a rightof access to such land.

9.12 Open Space Policies apply to bothpublic and private land. The Boroughcontains numerous private clubs andalso sports grounds provided by firmsfor the benefit of their employees.They make a considerable contributionto meeting overall demand in the

Borough and any loss would lead toincreased pressure on public facilities.Consequently the UDP gives equalimportance to the retention of privateas well as public facilities. In thecalculation of existing provision (seePolicy RL3) private facilities and thoseowned by CISWO (Coal IndustrySocial Welfare Organisation) areincluded.

9.14 The Borough Council does notpropose that all the existingundeveloped land within urban areasshould be protected and has sought tobalance open space objectives withdevelopment requirements. The UDPmakes ample provision within theurban areas and elsewhere for housing,industry and other built development.Only in exceptional circumstancestherefore will the development ofOpen Space Policy Areas, other thanfor the open space uses listed in thePolicy, be acceptable. It is importantthat the development of these listeduses retains and where possibleenhances the character of the openspace. The development of ancillaryfacilities such as a sports pavilion orchanging rooms is acceptable providedthe facilities are ancillary (i.e. theydo not exceed those which arereasonable and sufficient for the usersof the main facilities) and meet theconditions set out under Policy RL1.

9.15 Where, in exceptionalcircumstances, the overall benefits tothe community of development of partor all of an Open Space Policy Areafor some other use outweigh thebenefits of its retention for open space,the Borough Council may make anexception to the Policy provided analternative acceptable provision ismade elsewhere. Urban open space ishowever a finite resource andopportunities for creating new openspace within the urban areas arelimited. Proposals for replacementopen space outside urban areas will notnormally be accepted

PROTECTION OF NON DESIGNATED OPEN SPACE

RL 2THE DEVELOPMENT, OR CHANGE OF USE, OF OPEN SPACE NOTDESIGNATED AS AN OPEN SPACE POLICY AREA WILL NOT BEPERMITTED IF IT WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE USE OFTHE OPEN SPACE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

a) AS A FACILITY FOR CASUAL PLAY

b) AS A BUFFER AREA BETWEEN INCOMPATIBLE USES

c) AS A VISUAL/ENVIRONMENTAL AMENITY

d) AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE SETTING OF INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGSOR GROUPS OF BUILDINGS

e) AS AN AREA OF EXISTING OR POTENTIAL NATURE CONSERVATIONINTEREST

f) AS A LINK BETWEEN OTHER OPEN SPACES.

9.13 There is no widely recognisedquantitative standard for the provisionof open space and the BoroughCouncil has not adopted one. TheNational Playing Fields Association(NPFA)’s Six Acre Standard relates toplayspace only - see Policy RL3.Policy RL1 recognises the widerenvironmental, social and recreationalvalue that urban open space (includingplay space) has to the Community, avalue that cannot easily be quantified.

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9.16 Urban Areas contain numerousopen space uses which are too smallor which it would be inappropriate toidentify individually but which makea vital contribution to the urban fabric.These areas usually take the form ofsmall or irregular shaped areas of grassand/or landscaping and may becategorised as informal amenity areasor casual play areas.

9.17 Informal amenity areas includegrass verges, the space aroundbuildings, incidental areas of openspace within residential areas andother areas of landscaping. Becauseof their size, physical characteristicsor location (adjoining busy roads forexample) such spaces have littlepotential for recreation. They dohowever make a considerablecontribution to the environmentalquality of the area. Casual or informalchildren’s playspace within residentialareas (or “Doorstep Play”) fulfills avital playspace requirement

particularly for children in the 4-6+age groups. The importance of casualplayspace is dealt with more fullyunder Policy RL4.

9.18 The Policy is not intended toapply to areas of undeveloped landallocated for development in the UDPeven though they may have an existingamenity or casual playspace value. Inthe case of spaces around buildings(particularly industrial/business

premises) the benefits of allowingappropriate expansion and extensionwill need to be balanced against theloss of open space and any value it mayhave under one or more of the fivecategories listed in the Policy. On theother hand the presumption againstdevelopment will apply to new areasof open space which may comeforward in the plan period (as part ofnew developments for example) andwhich cannot be identified now.

OUTDOOR PLAYSPACE PROVISION

RL3THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE A MINIMUMPROVISION OF OUTDOOR PLAYSPACE OF SIX ACRES PER 1,000PERSONS, OF WHICH FOUR ACRES WILL COMPRISE PLAYING FIELDSAND OTHER OUTDOOR YOUTH/ADULT USE FACILITIES, BROADLYLOCATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEMAND.

Over a third of those asked thought promoting leisure facilitieswas one of the three most important things the Borought Councilshould do.

Public AttitudeSurvey

9.19 Existing outdoor playspace willbe protected by Policies RL1 and RL2,as a sub element of open space.Protection is by itself not enoughhowever. Outdoor playspace is anessential element of a healthy life andit is vitally important that furtherprovision is made in accordance withthe needs of the population.

9.20 The National Playing FieldsAssociation’s (NPFA) 6 Acres (2.43ha) per 1000 population standard forminimum provision of “outdoorplaying space” has gained wideacceptance as a national standard sinceit was first put forward in the 1920’s.The NPFA reconfirmed its six acrestandard in its 1989 Review whichincluded a detailed breakdownbetween youth/adult facilities such aspitches, greens and courts (includingthose in private ownership) andchildren’s facilities. The children’s useelement is dealt with under PolicyRL4. The Youth and Adult use

element comprises a minimum of 4acres (1.6 ha) per 1000 population. TheNPFA defines outdoor playing spaceas “space which is available for sport,active recreation and/or children’splay, which is of suitable size andnature for its intended purpose, andsafely accessible and available to thegeneral public. Outdoor playing spaceis not open space, land specificallyintended for passive or informalrecreation for adults (or) concernedwith water based sport and recreation”.Appendix 9.1 provides furtherinformation on the NPFA standard.

9.21 Existing provision of outdoorplayspace for youths/adults has beencalculated using the NPFAmethodology as 945 acres (382 ha)The estimated 1991 population of theBorough is 290,400 which would givea 4 acre (1.6 ha) per 1000 requirementof 1162 acres (470 ha). There istherefore a current shortfall of 217acres (88 ha) which is reflected in the

full use made of existing facilities.

9.22 Many of the Borough’s schoolplaying fields are often available forpublic use but not always or as “amatter of practice and policy” (NPFAStandard refers). Their availability isa matter for individual schoolgoverning bodies and cannot beguaranteed. This element therefore,whilst very valuable, is not regardedas contributing towards the minimumstandard.

9.23 Given the magnitude of theshortfall and financial constraints onpublic expenditure it is unlikely thatthe shortfall will be made good by theend of the plan period. The allocationof 30.32 acres (12.27 ha) of land forplaying fields (see Policy RL5) willreduce the current shortfall. TheBorough Council will work towardsachieving the minimum standardwithin the plan period and beyond bymaximising use of existing facilities

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and the provision of new facilities andin particular by:-

* extending the community use ofeducational and private leisure offacilities - see Policy RL25

* requiring provision as part of majornew residential developments

* reclaiming derelict land for thispurpose where appropriate

* promoting greater use of floodlitand all weather facilities,upgrading existing surfaces andproviding associated facilities

* allowing provision of new facilitieswithin the Green Belt andCountryside Policy Area inaccordance with Policies ENV3 /ENV4 and ENV7.

* making full use of European andGovernment programme moniesand grants from outside bodiesconcerned with sport and generallycapitalising on opportunities as andwhen they arise.

9.24 Youth/adult playspace facilitiesare not evenly distributed across theBorough for a number of reasons bothphysical and historical. Some localareas have a provision which is greaterthan the minimum standard but somefall well below the Borough average.However participants in team gamesare usually able to travel by bus or carand it is often more practical andeconomic to group facilities together.Areas which are particularly deficientwill be treated as priorities whenopportunities for further provisionarise. The Armthorpe, Bessacarr,South East and Mexborough wardseach have deficiencies of more than15 ha. The Southern Parks, Centraland Bentley North wards havedeficiencies of between 10 and 15 ha;the Thorne, Rossington, Conisbroughand Edlington/Warmsworth wardshave deficiencies of between 5 and 10ha. Of the remaining 10 wards, 5 havedeficiencies of up to 5 ha.

Only 30% of those asked agreed there were ‘safe places forchildren to play’ in the Borough.

When asked what new leisure facilities they would like provided(a choice of 3 out of 10) most chose countryside facilities, althoughno one facility comes out overwhelmingly in front.

Public AttitudeSurvey

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RL 4THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO REMEDY LOCAL PUBLIC OPENSPACE DEFICIENCIES WITHIN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND WILLREQUIRE THE PROVISION OF LOCAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, PRINCIPALLYOF BENEFIT TO THE DEVELOPMENT ITSELF, WITHIN NEW RESIDENTIALDEVELOPMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS:

a) 10-15% OF THE TOTAL SITE AREA OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITHOVER 20 FAMILY DWELLINGS TO BE LAID OUT AS PUBLIC OPENSPACE EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE THE BOROUGH COUNCILREQUIRES A COMMUTED SUM - SEE C) BELOW.

b) 15% OF THE TOTAL SITE AREA OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITH OVER20 FAMILY DWELLINGS TO BE LAID OUT AS PUBLIC OPEN SPACEWHERE THE SITE FALLS WITHIN OR ADJOINS AN AREA OF EXISTINGLOCAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCY (DEFINED IN APPENDIX9.2) EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE THE BOROUGH COUNCIL REQUIRESA COMMUTED SUM - SEE C) BELOW.

c) WHERE THE SIZE OF THE DEVELOPMENT SITE IS SUCH THAT 10 -15% OF THE SITE AREA WOULD RESULT IN AN AREA OF LOCALPUBLIC OPEN SPACE OF LESS THAN 0.4 HA (1 ACRE) THE BOROUGHCOUNCIL MAY REQUIRE THE APPLICANT TO PROVIDE A COMMUTEDSUM, IN LIEU OF AN AREA OF OPEN SPACE, TO BE USED FOR THECREATION OF A SUITABLE AREA OF OPEN SPACE ELSEWHERE ORFOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF AN AREA OF EXISTING PUBLIC OPENSPACE IN THE VICINITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT SITE.

d) DEVELOPERS OF SCHEMES COMPRISING 10-20 FAMILY DWELLINGSWILL NORMALLY BE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A COMMUTED SUM TOTHE BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF EXISTINGLOCAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE.

e) THE PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO BE DESIGNED AS AN INTEGRAL PARTOF THE DEVELOPMENT AND TO INCLUDE LANDSCAPING, AMENITYAREAS, NATURE CONSERVATION AREAS AND PLAYSPACE WHICHMEET THE BOROUGH COUNCIL’S REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OFDETAILED SITING, SIZE, SHAPE AND DESIGN.

f) PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE OPEN SPACE THE DEVELOPERWILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A COMMUTED SUM FOR FIVE TIMESTHE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COST OF THE OPEN SPACE ANDASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING AREAS.

LOCAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION

9.25 Local Public Open Space withinor adjoining residential areas is themost regularly and intensively usedtype of open space particularly byyoung children and old people andincludes amenity areas; casual/informal playspace or “doorstep play”areas; equipped playgrounds and kick-about areas.

9.26 With the exception of amenityareas the above elements comprise thechildren’s playspace element of theNPFA’s standard, i.e. two acres perthousand. Whilst the Borough Council

endorses this as a standard forminimum provision within existingresidential areas as part of the overallSix Acre Standard (See Policy RL3)the accessibility and quality ofchildren’s playspace is more importantthan the exact amount (althoughcertain standards for the size andquality of each local open space areof course important - see below). Adistance of 400 metres can representa 5-10 minute walk for a child orelderly person and has become widelyaccepted as a catchment for theprovision of local public open space.

Other groups apart from the young andold also benefit from open space whichis truly local and provides anopportunity to meet and relax.

9.27 The assessment of existingprovision has therefore been based on400m catchments (amended asnecessary to take into account barriersto safe and convenient access such asbusy roads) drawn around existinglocal public open spaces (where thesecomprise at least a reasonably level,regularly maintained grassed area of1 acre (0.4 ha), or more i.e. suitable

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for children’s kick-about games. Thespace may or may not contain playequipment and may form part of alarger park or recreation ground butmust be available to the general publicat all times. It is not accepted thatsuburban areas or areas in closeproximity to the countryside have lessneed of local Public Open Space.Gardens are not usually large enoughfor many children’s games and do notfulfill the wider social andenvironmental functions whilst accessto the countryside is often restricted.

9.28 Many of the deficiencies in localpublic open space identified as a resultof this assessment will be removed bythe development for public open spaceof a large number of sites proposed inthe UDP - see Policy RL 5. Thereremains however, a number ofdeficiencies. These are shown inAppendix 9.2. The Borough Councilwill seek to make good thesedeficiencies for example by usingunderused land and will give priorityto these areas of deficiency whereveropportunities arise.

9.29 With regard to new residentialdevelopments it is essential that theseinclude sufficient well planned anddesigned local public open space tomeet the requirements of the newresidents in terms of the provision ofgardens, landscaping, amenity areas,doorstep play areas, playgrounds andkick-about areas as appropriate. TheBorough Council will produce revisedsupplementary planning guidancesetting down the detailed requirementsfor each, together with the procedurefor securing provision and adoption ofareas of public open space andprovision of commuted sums.

9.30 The basic open space requirementfor new developments of over 20family dwellings is to be within arange of 10-15%, the exact amount tobe determined according to particularcircumstances. However newdevelopments within or adjoiningareas of local public open spacedeficiency as defined in Appendix 9.2will be required to provide the full15% and the nature and location of the

open space(s) should also reflect theexisting deficiency.

9.31 Where a housing site is ofinsufficient size to generate an area ofpublic open space of 0.4 ha (1 acre)the Borough Council may require acommuted sum in lieu of an area ofopen space. Areas of open spacewhich are significantly smaller than0.4 ha (1 acre) are often unsuitable forkick-about games and other functionsand create maintenance problems. Onthe other hand there are advantages ofaccessibility in requiring alldevelopments, of 20+ dwellings toprovide some open space. TheBorough Council will weigh therelative merits of accessibility and

usability in each case. Where acommuted sum is required this will beused to enhance existing or to create(or contribute to the creation of) a newarea of public open space in thevicinity of the development site.Where adjoining small developmentsites afford the opportunity to providefor the open space requirements of thearea as a whole, for example throughthe central location of an area of openspace, the Borough Council will planfor this.

9.32 In the case of developmentsof 10 - 20 family dwellings thecommuted sum will normally be usedto enhance an area of existing localpublic open space in the vicinity.

MINERS WELFARE GROUNDS

ARMTHORPE, Church Street, Armthorpe - Putting, Soccer,

Rugby, Cricket, Tennis.

ASKERN, Askern Road - Bowls, Soccer, Cricket, Running Track.

BENTLEY, The Avenue, Bentley - Bowls, Soccer, Cricket.

BRODSWORTH, Welfare Road, Woodlands - Bowls, Soccer, Rugby,

Cricket.

DENABY, Tickhill Square, Denaby Main - Cricket, Bowls, Soccer.

MOORENDS, Grange Road, Moorends - Bowls, Tennis, Football,

Rugby, Cricket.

DUNSCROFT, Broadway, Dunscroft - Soccer, Rugby.

EDLINGTON, Edlington Lane, Edlington - Soccer, Cricket, Bowls,

Rugby Running Track, Indoor Practice Net.

HATFIELD / STAINFORTH, Church Road, Stainforth - Soccer,

Bowls, Cricket, Running Track.

MEXBOROUGH, Adwick Road, Mexborough - Soccer, Cricket,

Bowls,Tennis.

ROSSINGTON, West End Lane, Rossington - Bowls, Cricket,

Soccer, Rugby.

THORNE COULMAN RECREATION GROUND, Coulman Road,

Thorne - Football, Cricket.

KeyFact

184 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

MAJOR PARKS AND PLAYING FIELDS IN DONCASTER

ADWICK PARK, Windmill Balk Lane, Adwick Le Street: Tennis, Bowls, Cricket, Playground.

ASKERN LAKESIDE PARK, Station Road, Askern: Boating, Course Fishing, Cafe.

BENTLEY PARK, Askern Road, Bentley: Bowls, Tennis, Soccer, Playground.

CANTLEY PARK, Ascot Avenue, Cantley: Approach Golf, Soccer, Rugby, Hockey, Rounders, Cricket,

Playground.

CARCROFT PARK, Chestnut Avenue, Carcroft: Bowls, Soccer, Rugby, Playground.

CARR VIEW PLAYING FIELDS, Western Road, Balby: Soccer.

ELMFIELD PARK, Bennetthorpe: Tennis, Bowls, Crazy Golf, Playground.

GROVE GARDENS, Armthorpe Road, Wheatley Hills: Bowls, Tennis.

HASLAM PARK, Boswell Road, Bessacarr: Bowls, Tennis.

HEXTHORPE FLATTS, Greenfield Lane, Balby: Tennis, Bowls, Soccer, Playground.

HILLS LANE PLAYING FIELDS, Armthorpe Road, Wheatley Hills: Soccer, Cricket.

SANDALL BEAT PLAYING FIELDS, Leger Way: Soccer, Cricket.

SANDALL PARK, Thorne Road, Wheatley Hills: Approach Golf, Putting, Boating, Soccer, Cricket,

Playground.

TICKHILL PLAYING FIELDS, Sunderland Street, Tickhill: Soccer, Tennis, Bowls, All Weather Area.

WARMSWORTH PARK, Edlington Lane, Warmsworth: Tennis.

WESTFIELD PARK, Balby Road, Balby: Bowls, Tennis, Playground.

CUSWORTH COUNTRY PARK AND MUSEUM, Cusworth Lane, Cusworth: Course Fishing. (2 Lakes) 1

Cafe, Shop and Playground.

KeyFact

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RL 5THE FOLLOWING SITES WILL BE DEVELOPED AS OPEN SPACE FORRECREATION PURPOSES:

UDP AREA 1

(-) WATERDALE Town Square See Town CentreChapter-Policy TC33

(1) BEECHFIELD ROAD Playground Equipped Play Area tobe Provided on ExistingGrassed Area.

UDP AREA 2

(2) TOWNFIELDS Playground Equipped Play Area tobe Provided on ExistingGrassed Area.

(3) WOODFIELD ROAD, Playground Former Sand Quarry,BALBY suitable for adventure

playground.

(4) CHURCH LANE/OSWIN, Playground Equipped Play Area toAVENUE, BALBY be provided on Existing

Grassed Area.

(5) SPRINGWELL LANE, Public Open Space Former Landfill Site.BALBY Recreation Uses

to be determined anddependent uponmanagement ofmethane gas problem.

(6) R/O WEST END LANE, Public Open Space Replacement site forROSSINGTON existing Bankwood

Lane Open Space.

(7) OFF GRANTHAM Public Open Space Surplus school playingSTREET, ROSSINGTON field to be opened up

for public use to servearea of local publicopen space deficiency.

UDP AREA 3

(8) CUCKOO PLANTATION, Public Open Space To be retained as it isCRABGATE LANE, but its use formalised.SKELLOW

(9) BRODSWORTH Public Open Space Part of former collieryCOLLIERY site to be developed as

extension of HighfieldsLake Park adjacent.

(10) OFF OWSTON ROAD, Public Open Space/ Part of Proposed CARCROFT Playground housing site to be laid

out as public openspace.

OPEN SPACE ALLOCATIONS

186 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

(11) LUTTERWORTH DRIVE, Public Open Space/ Long standing proposalWOODLANDS Playground for open space to serve

development north ofTenter Balk Lane.

(12) LAND ADJACENT TO Playing Field Proposed extensionARKSEY RECREATION to playing field.GROUND

(13) VICTORIA ROAD, Public Open Space/ Enhancement of existingBENTLEY Playground/Playing public open space.

Fields

(14) BENTLEY Public Open Space/ Part of Proposed housingROSTHOLME Playground site should form an

extension to Bentley Parklinking through to thedisused railway line whichis to be developed as acycle track, footpath,open space. A furthersite of up to 4 ha(10 acres)should be included withinthe development toaccommodate any futureindoor or outdoor sportsprovision in Bentley.

(15) LAND AT SUNNYFIELDS, Public Open Space/ To be developed as aBENTLEY Playground majoropen space in an

area of deficiency.

(16) NEWLANDS DRIVE, Public Open Space/ To be provided as partBENTLEY Playground of new housing

development.

(17) RAIL INTERSECTION, Public Open Space To complement existingBENTLEY informal use of this site

which is well related tolocal footpaths and to theproposed cycle route.

(18) ADJACENT BENTLEY Playground To remedy area of localTIPRECLAMATION public open spaceSITE deficiency.

(19) FORMER Public OpenSpace/ Long standing commitmentALLOTMENT SITE, Playground to develop the formerTOLL BAR allotments for public open

space.

(20) HALL VILLA LANE, Public Open Space/ To remedy an area of localTOLL BAR Kick-about Area public open space

deficiency.

(21) CUSWORTH PARK Countryside Extension to Cusworthrecreation Country Park to absorb

site growing demand.

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UDP AREA 4

(22) MINNEY MOOR Playground To remedy localRECREATIONGROUND, deficiency in theCONISBROUGH provisions of

playgrounds.

UDP AREA 5

(23) HERBERT STREET/ Playground To remedy localHARLINGTON ROAD, deficiency in playgrounds.MEXBOROUGH

(24) MAPLE GROVE, Playground To remedy localCONISBROUGH deficiency in

playgrounds.

(25) SOUTH OF DENABY MAIN Playground Equipped Play Areato be provided withinnew residential areasouth of Denaby Main.

(26) LAND AT BRICK QUARRY, Public To be restored toMEXBOROUGH Open Space recreational use

after tipping.

(27) MILL PIECE, KEARSLEY Adventure Long standing proposalBROOK, CONISBROUGH Playground in this village centre

location.

UDP AREA 6

(28) ADJACENT CADEBY ROAD Public Open Extension of recreationRECREATION GROUND, Space/Playing ground proposed.SPROTBROUGH Field Football pitch required.

(29) DISUSED QUARRY, Public Open To be reclaimed andINGLEBOROUGH DRIVE, Space/ laid out for open space.SPROTBROUGH Playground

(30) RIVERSIDE DRIVE, Public Open To be provided as partSPROTBROUGH Space of new housing

development.

(31) OFF WINCANTON CLOSE, Public Open To remedy area ofMEXBOROUGH Space including local public open space

Kick-about Area deficiency.

(32) CHURCH LANE/ Public OpenHOLLOWGATE Space Enhancement to area ofBARNBURGH open space in area of

general deficiency.

UDP AREA 8

(33) REAR OF LOCKING DRIVE, Playground To meet existingARMTHORPE deficiency.

(34) HOLLY BUSH LANE, Playground/ To meet needs ofEDENTHORPE Public Open Informal existing and

Space proposed residentialareas.

188 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

(35) BROSLEY AVENUE Playground To meet existingPLAYING FIELDS deficiency.

(36) REAR OF EDEN GROVE Informal Public Improvements toROAD, EDENTHORPE Open Space untidy site to provide

local amenity.

(37) DONCASTER ROAD/ Informal Public Will provide a landscapeHUNGERHILL LANE, Open Space buffer between existingEDENTHORPE housing and the proposed

Business Park. A footpath/cycleway to be provided.

(38) THORNE ROAD, Informal Public Will provide a landscapedEDENTHORPE Open Space buffer between existing

housing and the proposedBusiness Park.

(39) FAR SANDALL FIELD, Formal Sports To meet an identifiedEDENTHORPE Ground deficiency in public playing

fields in the Edenthorpe/KirkSandall Area.

(40) NEAR SANDALL FIELD, Public To meet an identifiedEDENTHORPE Allotment deficiency in allotment

Gardens provision in Edenthorpe.

UDP AREA 9

(41) KING EDWARD ROAD, Public Open To remedy an area of localTHORNE Space public open space deficiency.

(42) ALEXANDRA STREET, Playground To be laid out as part ofTHORNE proposed housing site.

(43) BALNE CROFT COMMON, Playground To be laid out as part ofTHORNE proposed housing site.

(44) LAND R/O THORNE Playground To meet local deficiency inMINERS WELFARE CLUB, playground provision.MOORENDS

(45) DARLINGTON GARDENS, Public Open To remedy area of localMOORENDS Space public open space deficiency.

(46) LAND TO NORTH OF Playground To be provided as part ofNEW PARK ESTATE, proposed housingSTAINFORTH development.

(47) WITHIN THE Playground/ Major upgrading ofPUBLIC OPEN SPACE, Woodland/ existing site.ST MARY’S ROAD, Informal PublicDUNSVILLE Open Space

(48) OFF ST MARY’S ROAD, Countryside Extension to St. Mary’s RoadDUNSVILLE Recreation Public open space as part of

Site the upgrading of the site.

(49) FORMER SCHOOL Public Open To remedy area of publicPLAYING FIELDS, Space Including open space deficiency.FISHLAKE play Equipment

(50) LAND AT R/O CHAPEL Playground To remedy area of localLANE, SYKEHOUSE public open space

deficiency.

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9.33 Most of these sites are existingcommitments which will be developedas and when resources allow or asintegral elements of otherdevelopments such as housingdevelopments. Development of thesesites will help achieve progresstowards the minimum playspace

standard (see Policy RL3); help reduceidentified deficiencies in local openspace provision; meet requirements onnew developments and/or capitalise onspecific opportunities for the creationof new recreation open space.

9.34 All the above sites will be

safeguarded for these purposes; mostare designated as Open Space PolicyAreas. Within the life of the UDPadditional areas of open space will beidentified, designated and safeguardedas part of new developments or asopportunities arise.

PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE AS PART OF NON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

RL 6THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, REQUIRE THEPROVISION OF AREAS OF AMENITY LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACEAS PART OF PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR USES OTHERTHAN HOUSING, CONSISTENT WITH THE SCALE AND NATURE OF THEDEVELOPMENT AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE.

9.35 Most new developments willrequire some level of amenitylandscaping in order to enhance thequality of the development and in theinterests of local amenity. Policy ENV60 applies. Certain developments mayhowever also offer opportunities forcreating areas of open space, possiblywith public access, as part of theirlandscape plans depending upon thesize and nature of the development.Particular attention should be paid toopportunities for retaining open landwith existing or potential landscape ornature conservation value or whichcan, for example, provide a setting forbuildings or a visual enclosure aroundcar parking, storage and plant areas.A requirement for the provision ofpublic open space as part of non-housing schemes will generally beconfined to the larger developments,town centre schemes (see PolicyTC32) and/or sites with landscape orconservation value. The BoroughCouncil will however need to be

satisfied that the developers have takenfull account of opportunities to provideopen space.

9.36 Where the Borough Councilconsiders it necessary to provide openspace as an integral part of a non

residential development, the developerwill be required to submit a schemefor approval and may be required toenter into a legal agreement to helpsecure the future maintenance of suchareas.

After ‘going to a restaurant or pub’, ‘going swimming’, takingcountryside trips’ and going to local parks’ were the three mostpopular leisure activities.

Desired participation in leisure activities exceeded actualparticipation in only two activities - theatre and night classes.

Almost 7 out of 10 thought leisure facilities were accessible andeasy to get to. Although of the 24% of those who thoughtaccessibility was a problem, 7% believed it was very difficult.

Public AttitudeSurvey

(51) IVY CLOSE, Public Open Extension to Jubilee Park to HATFIELD Space provide an additional

recreational area, to better relatethe park to the town centreand to improve pedestrianaccess to the park from highStreet.

(52) DISUSED COLLIERY Informal public To provide link betweenRAILWAY LINE open space Stainforth and the Stainforth-STAINFORTH Keadby Canal and complement

environmental improvementsthat have been made to the land.The Borough Council willexplore ways with thelandowners of formalisingthe use of the open space.

190 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

RL 7THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ACTIVELY IMPROVE CHILDREN’SPLAYGROUNDS AND OTHER AREAS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE.

9.37 The majority of the Borough’s140 (approx) playgrounds are based ontraditional items of equipment (aswing, a slide and a climbing frame)much of which is old and was erectedprior to the introduction of BritishStandard Recommendations.

9.38 In January 1990 the BoroughCouncil completed a survey of all sitesin terms of equipment, surfaces,layout, and amenity value. A

programme of improvement works hasbeen approved which will bringexisting sites up to current BritishStandards. Only new equipmentwhich meets these or succeedingstandards will be provided and/ormaintained by the Borough Council.The provision of a range of moreimaginative play equipment in alandscaped setting is the BoroughCouncil’s objective.

DEVELOPMENT ADJOINING OPEN SPACE

RL 8DEVELOPMENT ON SITES ADJACENT TO OR VISIBLE FROM OPEN SPACEPOLICY AREAS WILL BE LOCATED AND DESIGNED TO AVOID ADVERSEIMPACT ON THE VISUAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, RECREATION OR AMENITYVALUE OF THE OPEN SPACE AND SHOULD WHEREVER POSSIBLEENHANCE IT.

9.39 It is important that goodtownscape design and layout areemployed to take advantage of theopportunities provided by open spacesettings. The use of sympatheticboundary treatments will be expected

and the scale, layout and form of thedevelopment, particularly along theopen space frontage, should make apositive contribution to the localtownscape. Opportunities for openingup views and sunny aspects; reducing

adjacent traffic; improving footpathaccess and entrances and for extendingand improving the open space shouldbe realised wherever possible.

SURPLUS SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS

RL 9SURPLUS SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS WILL NORMALLY BE RETAINEDFOR OPEN SPACE PURPOSES. WHEN CONSIDERING THE FUTURE OFSCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS WHICH ARE SURPLUS TO EDUCATIONALREQUIREMENTS, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THEBENEFITS OF DISPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AGAINST THE LOSS OFTHAT OPEN SPACE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ITS EXISTING ANDPOTENTIAL VALUE AS OPEN SPACE INCLUDING ITS VALUE AS:

a) A FACILITY FOR CASUAL PLAY

b) A FORMAL OUTDOOR SPORT OR RECREATIONAL FACILITY

c) A VISUAL/ENVIRONMENTAL AMENITY

d) AN AREA OF NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST

e) A LINK BETWEEN OTHER OPEN SPACES

9.40 School playing fields are asignificant and very importantcomponent of the Borough’sopen space resource in visual,

environmental, ecological and amenityterms. Whilst the public use of schoolfields is normally restricted toorganised games rather than casual

games or informal use by localresidents, school playing fields (andtheir associated changing and showerfacilities) do make a significant

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OTHER POLICIES FOR OPEN SPACE

9.42 Policies contained elsewhere inthe UDP have implications for theBorough’s open space. Each of themixed use Regeneration Projects andHousing/Community Benefit Sites forexample will include significant newareas of open space and recreation

facilities - see MURP and Housingchapters. The reclamation of derelictland and the environmentalimprovement of other waste anduntidy sites can create importantopportunities for the creation of newareas of open space - see Environment

Chapter. The policy context for schoolplaying fields and sites of importancefor nature conservation is alsocontained - in the “CommunityFacilities” and “Environment”chapters respectively.

COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION

SRL 2

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFORMAL COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION WILL,

WHEREVER POSSIBLE, BE INCREASED THROUGH THE PROTECTION,

ENHANCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF EXISTING COUNTRYSIDE

RESOURCES; DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

SYSTEM; AND THE PROVISION OF A RANGE OF SUITABLE SITES. THE

PROVISION OF FACILITIES OF A MORE FORMAL/INTENSIVE NATURE

WILL BE ENCOURAGED PROVIDED THERE IS NO CONFLICT WITH

POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

contribution to current playing fieldsprovision and are often used by localteams. Consequently, their loss wouldresult in increased pressure for the useof other Borough Council sportspitches.

9.41 Falling school rolls and related

issues are likely to result in someschool playing fields being declaredsurplus to requirements. The BoroughCouncil will consider such facilities’existing and potential value in thecontext of this policy and Policy CF4. In particular it will have regard tothe level of existing public use, the

9.43 Going out into the countryside isone of Britain’s most popularrecreational activities. TheCountryside Commission’s NationalCountryside Recreation Survey 1985revealed that the nation’s most popularrecreational activity is walking in thecountryside and that over one third ofpeople travel less than 5 miles to getto a suitable site. In fact all the mostpopular countryside recreationactivities are felt most keenly in closeproximity to urban areas. Furthermoreonly 30% of people visit managedrecreation sites whilst 70% use thewider countryside where recreation isjust one of many interests beingpursued.

9.44 Recreation in the countryside isbased largely, although not entirely, onthe natural resources of the landscapeand watercourses and can thereforelead to potential conflict withcompeting recreational uses, and withthe interests of agriculture, and natureconservation and with the interests ofpeople who live and work in ruralareas. Achieving an acceptable balanceis therefore of paramount importance.

9.45 The wealth of countryside in theBorough, the dispersed nature of muchof the population and the relatively lowlevel of car ownership means thataccess to the countryside and theprovision of facilities in the urbanfringes and the countryside generallyis very important. If the growingdemand for countryside recreation isnot effectively catered for there willbe two main effects:-* Some of the pressure will be directedoutside the Borough with a resultingloss of opportunities for greater accessto and enjoyment of the countrysideby those people who live and/or work

in the Borough together with a loss ofpotential benefits to the local economyfrom tourism, recreation and leisure.* The remaining pressure will resultin increasing conflict with otherinterests in the countryside because ofits lack of focus on proper facilities.

9.46 The Borough Council willtherefore seek to accommodate theincreasing demand for a wide range offormal and informal countrysideleisure and recreation activities in sucha way that other countryside interests(agriculture, wildlife, amenity and soon) are not adversely affected.

availability of public playing fieldsand other open space in the vicinityand the proximity to areas of localpublic open space deficiency asdefined in Appendix 9.2.

192 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION RESOURCE

RL 10FEATURES WHICH OFFER THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFORMALCOUNTRYSIDE RECREATION SUCH AS WOODLANDS, CANALS ANDOTHER WATER AREAS, COUNTRY ESTATES, DISUSED RAILWAY LINESAND OTHER IMPORTANT NATURAL OR MAN MADE ELEMENTS OF THELANDSCAPE, WILL BE SAFEGUARDED WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

WOODLANDS WITH PUBLIC ACCESS

SANDALL BEAT WOOD , Sandall Beat Road, Leger Way.SHAW WOOD/HAG WOOD, Mansfield Cresent, Armthorpe.HATCHELL WOOD, Plumton Park Road, Bawtry.KING’S WOOD, Doncaster Road, Bawtry.BRECKS PLANTATION, Barnby Dun.INSLEY PLANTATION, Auckley.CLIFFWOOD, Cadeby.KIRKMOOR PLANTATION, Bessacarr.LONG PLANTATION, Edenthorpe.HOLMESCARR GREATWOOD, Rossington.MELTON WOOD, High Melton.

Key Fact

9.47 Policies for the protection of thecountryside and the conservation ofthe landscape provide these featureswith protection from developmentwhich would adversely affect them.This Policy indicates the BoroughCouncil’s commitment to, wherenecessary, pursue action on otherfronts to safeguard the countrysiderecreation resource (and ensure itsdevelopment is compatible with otherUDP Policies including those fornature conservation) for example bypurchasing woodlands, reachingagreements with landowners, andworking with statutory undertakersand other organisations responsible forthe management and development ofthe land and water. - See alsoEnvironment chapter - “Conservingthe Landscape” section.

RECREATION ON THE URBAN FRINGE

RL 11THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE, AND PLANNINGPERMISSION WILL NORMALLY BE FORTHCOMING FOR, RECREATIONAND LEISURE DEVELOPMENT ON THE URBAN FRINGE PROVIDED ITCOMPLIES WITH POLICIES ENV7 AND ENV16.

9.48 The pressure for informalcountryside recreation is felt mostkeenly in the urban fringes. Theenvironmental benefits of utilisingmarginal agricultural land, derelict andother waste sites on the urban fringefor outdoor recreation and leisure usesis dealt with under Policy ENV7.There are also social benefits. Theprovision of informal countrysiderecreation opportunities close to urbanareas will particularly help the poor,the elderly, the immobile and otherrelatively disadvantaged groups toenjoy the countryside.

9.49 Although public access is oftenunfairly associated with vandalism,nuisance and trespass, unless the needsof both agriculture and informalrecreation are considered together theproductivity and amenity of those

extensive areas of agricultural landadjacent to the urban areas willcontinue to be seriously compromised.

9.50 The Borough Council will workwith farmers, landowners, statutoryundertakers and all those responsible

for the management and developmentof land and water, as well as with localcommunities themselves, to ensurethat the local countryside isproductive, attractive and accessible tolocal populations.

Over a third of those asked thought Doncaster Borough shouldhave more ‘countryside facilities.’

Of all trips to the countryside, 65%, were taken within theBorough. Cusworth Hall was the single favourite location.

Public AttitudeSurvey

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PUBLIC ACCESS

RL 12THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ALLOW AND ENCOURAGE PUBLICACCESS TO ALL OF ITS COUNTRYSIDE SITES CONSISTENT WITH THEENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY OF THE SITE.

RL 13WHEREVER POSSIBLE AN AREA OF PUBLICLY OWNED LAND, SUITABLEFOR LOCAL INFORMAL COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION, WILL BEPROVIDED ADJACENT TO ALL MAIN CENTRES OF POPULATION IN THEBOROUGH. THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ALSO SEEK THE PROVISIONOF ACCESSIBLE NATURE CONSERVATION SITES THROUGHOUT THEBOROUGH THROUGH THE CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT AND THROUGHSUPPORT FOR HABITAT CREATION.

9.51 The Borough Council alreadyholds land suitable for informalcountryside recreation in many areas.Where suitable land is not available,acquisition of such land will bepursued. The sites owned by theBorough Council and designated ascountryside sites, form a hierarchy,with Country parks providing thewidest range of opportunities forvisitors, picnic sites offering morelimited resources and other smallerareas providing simply an area ofsemi-natural land across which accessis free - see Policy RL 15. Some sites,such as Council owned naturereserves, will be more sensitive topublic access than other areas butpublic access can be managed on allsites and will form part of themanagement of all publicly ownedcountryside sites. Through

development control and through itsproposed Nature ConservationStrategy the Borough council will seekto improve the accessibility of natureconservation sites throughout the

Borough through management fornature conservation value of its owncountryside and urban open space sitesand through encouragement for habitatcreation and enhancement elsewhere.

Nearly a third of all people used countryside paths within afour week period.

When asked how they travelled to the countryside nearly 70%of visitors arrived by car but a significantly high proportion (15%)of visitors arrived on foot.

Public AttitudeSurvey

RL 14AGREEMENTS ALLOWING PUBLIC ACCESS ONTO PRIVATE LAND WILLBE ENTERED INTO WHERE APPROPRIATE TO COMPLEMENT ACCESSLAND MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH PUBLIC PROVISION.

9.52 In some instances, it might beinappropriate or impossible for theBorough Council to purchase land inthe necessary locations to allow easypublic access. In these cases, and to

supplement the provision of publicsites, use will be made of privatelyowned sites. This can be arranged withland owners through formal orinformal access and management

agreements under the relevant sectionsof the National Parks and Access tothe Countryside Act 1949 or theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION SITES

RL 15THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WHERE NECESSARY, UPGRADE ITSEXISTING COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION SITES TO PROVIDE A RANGEOF FACILITIES SUITABLE FOR LOCAL AND BOROUGH WIDE NEEDS.

9.53 The Borough Council is alreadycommitted to, or is in the process ofcarrying out, a number ofimprovement works designed to

upgrade its existing sites includinglandscape works and improvements tovisitor facilities at Cusworth Park andthe provision of a visitor centre, car

parking, play equipment andinterpreted walks and nature trails atSandall Beat nature Reserve togetherwith the development of a detailed

194 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

management plan for the reserve.

9.54 The Borough Council would liketo provide a range of sites catering fordifferent levels of need. Whilst thiswill involve the development of somenew sites and access arrangements asalready referred to, the basis of theprovision will be existing sites withupgrading as necessary. At present,only Cusworth Park can be regardedas a prime site i.e. one with a highstandard of visitor facilities and asuitable venue for major events. Theupgrading works to Sandall Beat willcreate a second prime site and thereare other existing sites such as Hatfield

Marina which could also be upgraded,with better and/or more diversifiedfacilities, to prime sites. Thedevelopment of the Trans PennineTrail will also provide an extremelyimportant countryside recreationfacility - see Transport Chapter.

9.55 There are a number of sites whichcan be regarded as major sites i.e.suitable for half day visits, wellinterpreted with a programme ofcountryside events and a goodstandard of visitor facilities. HowellWood and Campsall Country Parksand Sandall Beat, as it presently is, areexamples. A number of local sites such

as Highfields, Conisbrough Craggsand St. Mary’s Road, Dunsville couldbe upgraded to major site status.

9.56 Local sites are approximately 10acres plus and capable of meetingeveryday informal recreational needswith some visitor facilities, suitable forlocal events. Examples include ShawWood (Armthorpe); Kings Wood(Bawtry); Cliff Wood (Cadeby); KirkMoor Plantation (Bessacarr) and WestDoncaster Linear Park. In accordancewith Policy RL13 the BoroughCouncil will endeavor to makeavailable suitable local sites adjacentto all main centres of population.

RECREATION ROUTES

RL 16COUNTRYSIDE SITES AND INFORMAL ACCESS AREAS WILL WHEREVERPOSSIBLE BE LINKED TOGETHER BY A NETWORK OF RECREATIONALROUTES USING PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY COMPLEMENTED WHEREOPPORTUNITIES ALLOW BY SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED LINEAR PARKSAND PATHS.

9.57 The countryside sites, providedthrough public provision and accessagreements will form a network ofsemi-natural sites open to the publicfor their enjoyment. In order thatvisitors to these sites might enjoy thewider countryside and that theseindividual sites might be linkedtogether, linear routes will bedeveloped which connect thecountryside sites. The public right-of-

way system will be invaluable inachieving this but further access canbe encouraged by providing a systemof linear routes such as the WestDoncaster Linear Park, which wasestablished along a former railway lineand the Trans Pennine Trail (seeTransport Chapter).

9.58 The Hatfield, Thorne, Fishlakeand Sykehouse area is one such area

with many protected sites and rightsof way e.g. Moorends Drop Ponds andBell’s Ponds, Ashfield Bank,Historical Enclosure Landscape,Hatfield Marina, canals and greenlanes. The development and linkingtogether of such facilities can create amajor countryside recreationalresource for the benefits of theborough.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

RL 17AS WIDE A RANGE OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AS POSSIBLEWILL BE PROVIDED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, SUBJECT TO ECOLOGICAL,AMENITY AND AGRICULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.

RL 18ACCESS INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE ENCOURAGED FOR ALLSECTORS OF THE PUBLIC, BUT SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WILL BEGIVEN TO DISADVANTAGED GROUPS FOUND TO BE LESS ABLE TO VISITCOUNTRYSIDE SITES.

9.60 Access involves more thanproviding footpaths or bridlewaysupon which the public can walk orride. There is a need to activelyencourage people to use thecountryside. Certain groups such as

the unemployed or disabled are lesslikely to visit the countryside thanothers, because their circumstancesmake it more difficult for them to doso. In order to positively promoteaccess to the countryside for these and

other groups special efforts need to bemade to make access easier. Thesewill include events programmes,transport arrangements, interpretationor specialised path surfaces.

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RL 19THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL UNDERTAKE A PROGRAMME OFEDUCATION AND PUBLICITY TO INCREASE THE APPRECIATION,ENJOYMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

9.61 The Borough Council’s PolicyStatement on the future of thecountryside in the Borough - “A Breath

of Fresh Air” contains a commitmentto the preparation of educational andinterpretive material, for the general

public and the development of yearround programmes of events andactivities.

RL 20THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OFESTABLISHING A NEW COUNTRY PARK IN THE EAST OF THE BOROUGH.

9.62 The Borough’s existing CountryParks (Campsall, Cusworth andHowell Wood) and the proposed EarthCentre are all in the west of theBorough. The eastern half of theBorough, with its generally loweragricultural values its opportunities forlandscape enhancement and inparticular for creating new woodlandsand for water recreation areas basedon former sand and gravel workings,has great potential for a major

countryside recreation facility whichis more locally accessible to peopleliving in the eastern half of theBorough and, with excellent access viathe M18 and M180, attractive topeople living outside the Borough.Consideration of a suitable proposalfor the parkland in the vicinity ofRossington Hall will be given.

9.63 A local community group-TheKirk Sandall Community Wildlife

Group have produced a draftfeasibility study which sets downmany interesting and exciting ideas forthe establishment of a country park onland at Old Kirk Sandall village.Whilst there are many issues whichwould need to be resolved, not leastthat of land ownership, before such ascheme could be a practicablepossibility, the Borough Councilsupports in principle the developmentof this concept.

RL 21THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OFF -THE - ROAD MOTORCYCLE FACILITIES AT APPROPRIATE LOCAIONS INTHE BOROUGH AND SEEK TO REDUCE UNAUTHORISED MOTOR CYCLEUSE.

9.64 The problem of unauthorised useof land by motorcycles is prevalentthroughout the Borough, particularlyin the countryside near to urban areason open spaces and woodland sites andhas resulted in numerous accidentsincluding serious injuries to innocentmembers of the public. There is astrong association between thisactivity and motorcycle theft, andnoise nuisance and intimidation havea serious effect on the amenity valueof many otherwise attractive areas.Some public footpaths and bridlewayshave become almost impassable orunusable by other legitimate users andvandalism costing thousands ofpounds has been caused bymotorcyclists seeking to gain accessto amenity areas such as the LinearPark, Cantley Park and Cusworth Hall.

9.65 Numerous efforts have been madeby Council Officers to control theproblem, including the creation of theCouncil’s Bye-laws with Respect toMotorcycles, and the Council’srangers are working regularly withlocal Police Officers in certain areas.

Motorcycle barriers are routinelyinstalled when informal Public OpenSpaces are upgraded and on PublicRights of Way when circumstancespermit. The Borough Council iscurrently exploring the possibleestablishment of a programme ofaction in co-operation with PolicyOfficers from the Motorcycle Unit ofthe Road Traffic Section, SouthYorkshire Police and CommunityPolice Officers. It is considered thatunauthorised motorcycle use will bereduced considerably by concertedfirm and long term action.

9.66 The Borough Council is alsohowever actively investigating thepotential of a number of Council-owned sites to accommodate a plannedauthorised off road motorcyclingfacility. Where appropriate theBorough Council will take upopportunities to provide such facilitiesas part of development proposals.

9.67 To be appropriate for such afacility a site must- have good vehicular access and

preferably be close to a bus route.- be close to the urban core so as to

be accessible to users.- be sufficiently secure to prevent

unauthorised motorcycle use- not give rise to loss of residential

amenity for local residents- not significantly detract from the

enjoyment of the area by other users- be screened by existing trees

vegetation/topography- comply with the policies of the UDP

particularly Policy ENV7

196 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

OTHER POLICIES FOR COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION

9.68 A new Country Park will beprovided at Woodfield Plantation,Balby. The other Mixed UseRegeneration Projects will alsoprovide significant areas of attractive,useable countryside. - see Chapter 16.

9.69 The Borough Council intends todevelop its policies into specificproposals and programmes for actionin more detail as part of its RecreationStrategy (see Policy RL24). Thestrategy will examine demands for,and opportunities for, countryside

recreation in the Borough, assesssources of available finance anddetermine priorities for action. It willexamine the public rights of waysystem and ways of enhancing andpromoting it and assess the range,quality and distribution of countrysiderecreation sites, Council owned andprivate, existing and potential. It willlook at specific recreation demandsincluding those which can cause noiseand disturbance and at ways ofresolving potential or existing conflictsbetween recreation and other interests

in the countryside. Finally it will lookat ways of promoting the recreationaluse of the countryside and encouragingpublic access.

9.70 The consideration of planningapplications for recreation and leisuredevelopments in the countryside isdealt with under Policy ENV6. TheTransport Chapter deals with publicrights of way and the recreational useof the waterways.

BUILT FACILITIES

SRL 3

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT THE PROVISION OF NEW,

AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING, INDOOR RECREATION,

LEISURE AND CULTURAL FACILITIES AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS.

9.71 The UDP does not contain acomprehensive set of recreation andleisure proposals particularly inrespect of indoor facilities and otherfacilities aimed at specific types ofrecreation activity. In general termshowever the Borough Council willcontinue to facilitate the provision ofa wide range of recreation and leisureopportunities in accessible locations inrecognition of the growing demandfor, and importance attached to, suchfacilities and the contribution they canmake to the regeneration of theBorough.

PROVISION OF FACILITIES

RL 22THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE AND PLANNINGPERMISSION WILL NORMALLY BE FORTHCOMING FOR, INDOORRECREATION, LEISURE AND CULTURAL FACILITIES PROVIDED:

a) DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE GREENBELT OR COUNTRYSIDEPOLICY AREA COMPLIES WITH POLICIES ENV3, ENV4 ANDENV7 AND

b) THERE IS NO UNACCEPTABLE LOSS OF RESIDENTIAL AMENITYAND

c) THE PROPOSAL SATISFIES THE BOROUGH COUNCIL’S CARPARKING STANDARDS AND

d) THERE IS NO CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER POLICIES OF THEUDP.

9.72 Built facility provision embracesa wide range of active and passiverecreation and leisure, entertainment

and cultural uses including traditionalmulti-purpose sports halls, one usesporting facilities such as swimming

pools and bowling centres, cinemasand theatres, restaurants and publichouses. Improvement to the level of

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facilities will be a major issue for theRecreation Strategy; the UDP as a‘land use’ based plan can only play asupporting role to such a strategy.

9.73 “National research shows that inan urban environment, the furtheraway from a swimming pool peoplereside, the lower will be their level ofusage, i.e. participation in swimmingfalls dramatically as the distance froma facility increases. This fall off indemand is particularly pronouncedbeyond one and a half miles. It alsoapplies most significantly to thosepeople without access to a car, e.g.children, many women and less well-off families.

9.74 As a long-term strategic goal theBorough Council will aim to maximisethe number of people living within amile and a half of a swimming pool.This would:* maximise public access to swimming- thereby contributing towards healthobjectives* discriminate in favour of those withlow personal mobility - therebycontributing towards social/anti-poverty objectives* reduce people’s need to travel -thereby contributing towardsenvironmental objectivesHowever, this has to be balancedagainst the potential viability of aplanned new pool. Given thecontinuing pressures on public sectorspending and therefore the need tominimise subsidy levels, it isreasonable to argue that a new pool isunlikely to be built unless it will servea potential catchment population of atleast 20,000 people. This could beexpected to produce a healthy level ofdemand and therefore income.

9.75 Participation in sports hallactivities also falls as the distance from

a facility increases. In the case ofsports halls, the fall-off is particularlysignificant beyond two miles. Despitethe fact that levels of participation forsports hall activities (e.g. badminton)are much lower than for swimming,such facilities are considerablycheaper than pools to operate.Consequently, a catchment populationof 20,000 people is regarded as theminimum required to viably support anew sports hall development. Giventhe location of Doncaster’s existingsports halls (including those on schoolsites) and the population of those areasbeyond two miles from a facility thereis only one proposal for a new SportsHall - see Policy RL24.

9.76 Doncaster is the only town/cityin South Yorkshire without a synthetic-surface athletics track. (It does havetwo existing cinder tracks at EdenGrove and Stainforth WelfareGround). Given that the town’spopulation is second only to Sheffield,there is little doubt about there beinga viable population base to support asynthetic track.

9.77 The Regional Sports CouncilStrategy highlights the followinghierarchy of facilities;

* Regional Stadium-Don Valley(Sheffield)

* Sub-Regional Stadia e.g.Woodbourn (Sheffield) andQuibell Park (Scunthorpe)

* District Facilities e.g.Herringthorpe (Rotherham)Thornes Park (Wakefield) DorothyHyman (Barnsley)

It is clear that a synthetic track inDoncaster would fit into the strategyat the ‘district’ level. Althoughdesirable, however, it is recognisedthat an athletics facility would requireconsiderable financial support and this

would have to be resolved before anycommitment to such a project wasforthcoming.

9.78 Not withstanding the BoroughCouncil’s commitment to the LeisurePark, the maintenance andimprovement of local indoor provisionwithin or accessible to each of themain settlements remains a priority.

9.79 Private sector provision is likelyto increase but is dependent upon thecommercial viability of the particularfacility. There are a number of existingand planned private indoor facilitiesin the Borough notably at the LeisurePark (See Policy RL 23); proposalswill be viewed positively subject tothem meeting the usual requirementsof the Borough Council.

9.80 Apart from the Leisure Park, theBorough Council has few currentproposals for indoor facilities; thesituation may change within thetimescale of the UDP but is dependentupon future local governmentfinancing and other factors which aredifficult to foresee at present. Apartfrom new provision which is likely tobe largely confined to relatively lowcost extensions to existing swimmingpools/centres the Borough Councilwill seek to:

* extend dual use of educationalfacilities.

* encourage greater public use ofprivate facilities.

* encourage and support new privatesector provision.

* improve public awareness of andaccess to existing facilities.

* encourage the re-use of ruralbuildings for sport and recreationuse subject to compliance withPolicy ENV 10.

THE LEISURE PARK

RL 23THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRIVATESECTOR, CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE DONCASTER LEISURE PARKWITH THE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY FACILITIESFOR FORMAL AND INFORMAL RECREATION IN AN ATTRACTIVELANDSCAPED SETTING.

9.81 Phase 1 of the Doncaster LeisurePark is largely complete or committedconsisting of the Dome, Hotel, IndoorBowls, Indoor Cricket, multi screen

cinema and restaurant/nightclub/dancehalls. Phase 2 is currently beingdeveloped and will consist of a mixeduse development (See also Chapter 16)

within which recreation will form amajor element developed around alarge central lake which will offeropportunities for formal and informal

198 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

recreation activities, lakeside walks,water sports and so on. A number ofother built recreation facilities are alsoenvisaged.

9.82 The Leisure Park represents amajor facility of Borough and regionalimportance. It is close to largeresidential areas and readily accessibleby car and public transport. It willcontinue to be developed andpromoted as a high quality multi usefacility serving the whole Borough andas one able to attract significantnumbers of visitors from outside theBorough.

GOLF COURSES IN DONCASTER

CROOKHILL PARK MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSEAUSTERFIELD, Common Lane Austerfield.DONCASTER, Bawtry Road, Doncaster.HICKLETON, Hickleton.THORNE, KIRTON LANE, Thorne.TOWN MOOR, Town Moor (Centre of Racecourse)WHEATLEY, Armthorpe Road, Wheatley.OWSTON PARK, Owston.

Key Fact

RL 24THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO IDENTIFY AND BRINGFORWARD FOR DEVELOPMENT A SITE FOR A NEW SPORTS CENTRETO SERVE THE MEXBOROUGH/ CONISBROUGH AREA.

9.83 The Mexborough/ConisbroughDistrict Plan (1982) identified the needfor a Sports Centre to serve the Planarea, the nearest sports centres beingat Adwick and Swinton, Rotherham.

The lack of a suitable site at the timehowever prevented a formal proposalbeing included in the Plan. The needfor a Sports Centre remains. A site hasbeen identified at the Denaby railway

DUAL USE

RL 25THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY USE OFEDUCATIONAL AND PRIVATE LEISURE FACILITIES WHERE THIS CAN BEACHIEVED WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OFTHE PRINCIPAL USERS OF THE FACILITIES.

9.84 The dual use of existing facilitiesand the joint provision and sharing ofnew facilities makes sound economicsense and provides an opportunity toexpand the facilities available to thepublic in accessible locations.Educational facilities, such as sportshalls, playing pitches and changingrooms, are particularly well located toserve the community and are oftenunder-utilised outside school hours.There is scope for extending andpromoting the dual use of these andother school facilities. The BoroughCouncil will also look to opportunitiesfor dual use of indoor sports facilitiesin the design of new, or theimprovement of existing schoolbuildings. The new school atWoodfield Plantation for example will

be designed for dual use. The LocalManagement of Schools and attitudeof school governors and head teacherswill, however, influence opportunitiesfor community use of educationalbuildings and facilities.

9.85 Agreement with the private sectorfor a degree of community access toprivate facilities may provide amutually beneficial way to broadenopportunities for recreation andleisure, where buildings or facilitiesare under-utilised during particulartimes of the day or week, Anarrangement exists between theBorough Council and British RailwaysStaff Association Plant WorksAthletics Club at Eden Grove,Hexthorpe for the maintenance of the

Athletics Track. Many similararrangements exist with the CoalIndustry Social Welfare Organisation(CISWO) Trust which has opened upits sports facilities to the general publicin return for the Borough Council’sagreement to maintain the grounds.The Borough Council will pursueother similar arrangements whereopportunities arise.

9.86 With the increasing emphasis onprovision of facilities by the privatesector joint use schemes whereby twoor more agencies combine resourcesto provide a facility may increase inimportance. Partnership in leisureprovision could be a significant meansof implementing U.D.P. policies.

crossing between Mexborough andDenaby Main.

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RECREATION STRATEGY

RL 26THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP A RECREATION STRATEGYWHICH WILL IDENTIFY PRIORITIES AND PROGRAMMES OF ACTIONFOR INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN SPORT AND IMPROVING EXISTING,AND PROVIDING NEW, FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATION,LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

9.87 The strategy will be produced inconjunction with the Sports Counciland other interested bodies includinglocal clubs, local councils and so onand will need to:I) assess existing provision in terms oftype,quality and distribution offacilities. In particular it will need toexamine the relationship between theDome/Leisure Park and local indoorprovision.

COUNTRY PARKS IN DONCASTER

CUSWORTH COUNTRY PARK AND MUSEUM, Cusworth Lane, Cusworth,

HOWELL WOOD COUNTRY PARK, Burnwood Lane, Brierley.

CAMPSALL COUNTRY PARK, Churchfield Road, Campsall.

OTHER DMBC COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION SITES

HIGHFIELDS LAKE, Great North Road, Woodlands.

THORNE MEMORIAL PARK, SOUTH PARADE, THORNE (Operated by the Thorne Town Council)

CONISBROUGH CASTLE, CONISBROUGH (Woodland / Grassland)

WEST BESSACARR PARK, BESSACARR (Grassland / Woodland / Hedgerows) Bessacarr.

ST MARY’S ROAD, DUNSVILLE (Parkland) Dunsfield.

HATFIELD WATER PARK.

Key Fact

II) assess existing demand and likelyfuture demand with reference to localpopulation characteristics and trendsin different activities. Particularattention will be paid to the needs ofidentified priority groups.

III) identify deficiencies withreference to local demand and nationalstandards, particularly the new sportscouncil playing pitch strategy for

assessing provision of football, rugby,cricket and hockey pitches.

IV) determine priorities andprogrammes for action with particularreference to specific opportunities forimproving provision for examplethrough extended dual use.

200 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

DMBC LEISURE CENTRES AND SWIMMING POOLS

ADWICK LEISURE CENTRE, Welfare Road, Woodlands: Swimming Pools, Sports Hall, Sauna, SquashCourts, Fitness Studio, Solarium, Floodlit All Weather Area.

ARMTHORPE SPORTS CENTRE, Mere, Lane, Armthorpe: Swimming Pools, Squash Courts, Keep Fit,Table Tennis, Community Room.

EDLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE, Tait Avenue, Edlington: Swimming, Fitness Studio, Floodlit All WeatherArea, Solarium, Community Room.

ASKERN AND CAMPSALL SPROTS CENTRE, Churchfield Road, Campsall: Swimming, Fitness Studio,Sauna, Solarium, Community Room.

DENABY SWIMMING POOL, Tickhill Square, Denaby: Swimming, Sauna Suite, Solarium.

ROSSINGTON SPORTS CENTRE, West End, Rossington: Swimming, Sauna Suite, Solarium, FitnessStudio.

ST JAMES SWIMMING POOL AND HEALTH CLUB, Waterdale, Doncaster: Swimming, Turkish Baths,Solarium, Fitness Studio.

THORNE SPORTS CENTRE, Haynes Road, Thorne Swimming, Sports Hall, Fitness Studio, Solarium.

HATFIELD WATER PARK, Old Thorne Road, Hatfield: Caravan and Camping, Boating, Sailing, Sailboarding,Fishing, Sub-Aqua, Canoeing, Rowing, Picnic Area, Cafe.

*DONCASTER LEISURE PARK, Bawtry Road Doncaster: Leisure Pools, Flume, Leisure Ice, SportsHall, Squash Courts, Fitness Studios, Snooker Hall, Restaurants / Bars, Entertainment Suites* Operated by the Doncaster Leisure Trust.

KeyFact

9.88 New developments such asresidential developments and largescale non residential developmentscreate demands for increased andenhanced recreation and leisureprovision and put pressure on existingfacilities. They can also result in theloss of provision for example throughthe removal of urban open space orcountryside. A number of UDP

PLANNING OBLIGATIONS

policies make reference to variouselements which often need to beincluded as a matter of course in manydevelopments in order to make thedevelopment acceptable in itself (e.g.open space provision andlandscaping). It is increasingly beingrecognised however that there aremany circumstances in whichdevelopment can contribute in a more

positive way to public benefits (forexample through the provision of builtfacilities for sport and recreation) andthat a wider view needs to be taken ofthe true impact of a development uponthe locality and its community.Policies IMR1 and IMR2 in theImplementation, Monitoring andReview Chapter refer.