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Sefton Green space strategy

Steve MatthewsLocal Planning Manager

Sefton Council

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Sefton UDP

• Policy framework to require public greenspace

• NPFA standards no longer acceptable!

But …

• Open space study not complete

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Policy approach

• Residential development – requirement for provision on site or enhancement nearby

Also ….• Commercial, industrial and leisure

development … but only ‘where clear shortage of greenspace has been

identified in a Council-approved greenspace strategy’

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Open space study

• 734 urban greenspace sites

• benefits – recreation, trees, visual, wildlife

However …• narrow approach

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The green space approach

Change of direction …

• Rise in profile of green space• CABE Space• Other authorities’ experience – strategic

approach > extra funding• Green infrastructure

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Role of green space strategy

• Link to other strategies

• Umbrella for recreation studies

• Objectives of Sefton Borough Partnership

• Corporate approach

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Green Space Strategy

Community Strategy

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action

Plan

Playing pitches Strategy

Community Safety Strategy

Public Health Partnership

Strategies e.g. physical activity, mental health

Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy

Footpaths, Cycling & Accessibility Strategies

Nature Conservation

Strategy for the Coast

Play Strategy

Regional Spatial Strategy

Parks & Open Spaces Management

Plan

Mersey Forest Plan

Coast Management

Plan

Parks Strategy

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Steering group

• Wide representation – within and outside Council

• ‘Green spaces’ v ‘urban greenspace’

• Different types of benefits – health, climate change, involving communities, regeneration

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Developing standards 1

PPG 17 typology

Assess …• Quantity• Quality• Accessibility+ variety

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Developing standards 2

Quantity• Is there enough …? (too much? too little?) • … of each of the different types in PPG17?

Quality• Does it have the right kind of facilities?• Is it well maintained?

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Developing standards 3

Accessibility – 2 key aspects

• Parks and gardens 400 metres, 1km, 3km

• Accessible natural green spaces – variation of Natural England model

400m - site of 20ha 2km - site of 20-100ha

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Practical issues

• Straight line v. actual distance

• Distance to boundary or to entrance

• Effect of barriers • What is ‘natural’ green

space?• Impact on extent of

deficiency

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Consultation

• Parish councils• Community

empowerment network• Network South• Focus groups• Area committees• Pitches - leagues and

clubs• Youth advisors• After school clubs

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Next steps

• Green space issues report

• 2 main documents: - g’space & dev’t SPD – standards/ procedures - corporate g’space strategy – action plan & priorities

• Supporting both documents - strategies for … play, open space, playing pitches,

allotments

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Green space strategy - opportunities

• clear priorities

• link trees money to wider green space projects

• widen scope of what is possible

- different partners & pots of funding, one-off funding

• respond better to local needs – involving the community