PPG17: Open space, sport and recreation

Relevant guidance

This policy guidance was published in July 2002.

The key advice states:

‘…Local authorities should ensure that provision is made for local sports and recreation facilities (either through an increase in the number of facilities or through improvements to existing facilities) where planning provision is granted for new developments (especially housing). Planning obligations should be used where appropriate to seek increased provision of open spaces and local sports and recreational facilities, and the enhancement of existing facilities’ [para 23]

‘…Planning obligations should be used as a means to remedy local deficiencies in the quantity or quality of open space, sports and recreational provision. Local authorities will be justified in seeking planning obligations where the quantity and quality of provision is inadequate or under threat, or where new development increases local needs. It is essential that local authorities have undertaken detailed assessments of needs and audits of existing facilities, and set appropriate local standards in order to justify planning obligations’ [para 33]

In addition, where maintaining an adequate supply of facilities is an issue, obligations may be used as follows;

‘…Development of open space, sports and recreational facilities may provide an opportunity for local authorities to remedy deficiencies of provision. For example, where a local authority has identified a surplus in one type of provision or sports and recreation facility but a deficit in another type, planning conditions or obligations may be used to secure part of the development site for the type of open space or sports and recreation facility that is in deficit’ [para 12]

‘…Equally, development may provide the opportunity to exchange the use of one site for another to substitute for any loss of open space, or sport and recreation facility. The new land and facility should be at least as accessible to current and potential new users, and at least equivalent in terms of size, usefulness, attractiveness and quality. Wherever possible, the aim should be to achieve qualitative improvements to open spaces, sports and recreation facilities. Local authorities should use planning obligations or conditions to secure the exchange land, ensure any necessary works are undertaken and that the new facilities are capable of being maintained adequately through management and maintenance agreements’ [para 13]