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Blackburn with DarwenOpen Space Strategy

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space Strategy

Foreword

Foreword

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council recognises that the provision of quality open spaces brings benefi ts not only to the residents and visitors to the borough but also the local economy and the environment.

Quality open spaces make neighbourhoods more desirable places to live, contribute to the physical and mental health of the community, are of benefi t to both young and old people, reduce crime and the fear of crime, encourage the development of cohesive communities, encourage and protect biodiversity and enhance people’s knowledge and understanding of the benefi ts which they bring.

This Open Space Strategy, which has been produced in partnership with the community and other organisations with a stake in using and enjoying, developing and maintaining open spaces within the borough, sets out a collective vision which meets community needs and provides a reference point for the allocation of future resources and the basis from which detailed action plans will be developed.

Councillor Mohammed KhanExecutive Member Housing and Neighbourhoods

Councillor Andy KayExecutive Member Regeneration

Councillor Kate HollernExecutive Member Leisure and Culture and Leader of the Council

March 2006

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space StrategyContents

Contents

Section 1: Introduction 3

Section 2: Benefi ts of open space 4

Section 3: Vision for open spaces in Blackburn with Darwen 5

Section 4: Why prepare an Open Space Strategy? 6

Section 5: Objectives of Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy 7

Section 6: Policies and proposalsi. Generalii. Parks and Public Gardensiii. Formal Outdoor Recreationiv. Provision for Children and Young Peoplev. Civic Spacesvi. Natural and Semi-natural Urban Green Spacesvii. Amenity Grasslandviii. Allotmentsix. Open Space Corridorsx. Cemeteriesxi. Accessible Countryside in the Urban Fringexii. Action Plan

88

1011131517182022242527

Appendix 1: Reasons for producing an Open Space Strategy 28

Appendix 2: Formal outdoor recreation: public and private provision 34

Appendix 3: Qualitative fi eld assessment of open spaces 2005/06 35

Appendix 4: Stakeholders 36

Bibliography 37

Map: Open spaces in Blackburn with Darwen 38

Page

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Section 1: Introduction

Section 1: Introduction

Open space in towns and villages is essential to health and well-being. Well-used and maintained spaces make a considerable contribution to the quality of life of residents and visitors and to sustainable communities. In recent years open spaces have suffered from lack of investment and the resultant neglect has had a negative impact on the surrounding communities. Recognising this, the Offi ce of the Deputy Prime Minister has made a commitment to reverse this decline by encouraging a holistic and strategic approach to the provision and care of open space. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has risen to the challenge of preparing a strategy for its open spaces to raise their profi le and ensure they meet the needs of local people.

This strategy will achieve this by:

Developing a clear and shared vision between the community, Council and other stakeholders

Demonstrating the value of open space in achieving corporate, strategic and community objectives

Establishing a cross-cutting framework for provision, design, management, accessibility and maintenance

Ensuring that existing and future open spaces enhance the quality of life of local communities and the environment and promote greater civic pride and social inclusion

Maximising resources to support open space improvements through external funding opportunities and allocation of revenue budgets

Providing a clear framework for voluntary and community groups to contribute to on going management and maintenance of open spaces

The Open Space Strategy will be one of a number of plans refl ecting the Community Plan and part of the suite of plans making up the Local Development Framework. The Strategy will inform planning policy and enable the Council to make a robust defence of those open spaces that it wants to protect.

The Strategy has been developed from work commissioned from consultants in 2002 to provide baseline information on the condition of the Borough’s open space assets and generate broad policy directions. This information has heavily infl uenced sections of this and accompanying strategies, notably play and formal recreation, and established the parameters for the continued collection and assessment of information. Coupled with guidance from the ODPM and its agent, CABE Space, the Council has a strong framework for the continued development of this strategy and, with its partners, including the community, its successful implementation.

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space StrategySection 2: B

enefi ts of open space

Section 2: Benefi ts of open space

Open space is an essential ingredient of successful neighbourhoods and it provides a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefi ts to local communities. There is huge national demand for better quality open spaces. Surveys repeatedly show how much the public values them, while research reveals how closely the quality of public spaces links to levels of health, crime and the quality of life in every neighbourhood.

In Blackburn with Darwen open space includes parks and public gardens, formal recreation facilities, children’s play areas, teenage shelters and games areas, civic spaces, natural and semi-natural urban green spaces, amenity grassland, allotments, open space corridors, cemeteries and accessible countryside on the urban fringe. Well designed open space provides space for recreational activities improving physical health and fi tness and mental health and well being. Open spaces like allotments are also productive, yielding the fresh fruit and vegetables that are essential to a healthy diet.

Open space affords opportunities for social interaction between people of different communities, fostering social inclusion and community development. It can often become a focus for community activity, involvement and capacity building, thereby helping to develop citizenship and local pride and reducing anti-social behaviour and crime.

Open space provides opportunities for people to get involved in creative and cultural activities by supplying a venue for cultural events and festivals or public art installations. In themselves, open spaces contribute to heritage and culture by providing reservoirs of collective memory. For example, cemeteries can operate as the biography of our communities containing important historical and cultural features that help identify our heritage.

Good quality open space contributes signifi cantly to our urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal projects by improving the image of the place and attracting investment. It improves investor and resident perception of the place by raising confi dence in the area. Quality open space is known to have a signifi cant positive impact on house prices, supporting the creation of stable housing markets. Open space corridors provide visual interest along main roads and can improve drivers’ perceptions of the Borough, encouraging tourism in the future. Open space helps create an attractive environment in which to live, work, visit and invest, thereby assisting economic growth in the Borough.

A high quality public environment makes a positive contribution to the townscape. Attractive parks, squares, gardens and other public spaces create a pleasant and varied townscape improving the setting of the built environment. In town centres, a pleasant and well-maintained environment supports a healthy economy as it attracts new businesses and workers and increases the number of people visiting retail areas.

Open space provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor play, which is known to have developmental and therapeutic benefi ts for children and young people. It is important for building social, emotional and life skills and can provide a means for children to learn about risk and develop confi dence and independence. Open space helps children and young people to stay healthy and tackle problems of obesity by providing opportunities for exercising and fresh air. It can also provide essential diversionary activities for young people, helping to reduce juvenile nuisance. Spaces that are designed with young people’s involvement also offer a safe place for young people to meet, play and hang out.

Well designed open space contributes towards ecological diversity, supports environmental sustainability and helps to counter pollution. Within urban open space, varied habitats help to relieve the monotony of the urban landscape with different colours and sounds and help to bring the delights of the countryside into our towns. As well as providing important visual amenity benefi ts in built up areas urban open space gives people the chance to experience and learn about nature and wildlife close to where they live.

Open space can function as an ‘outdoor classroom’ offering formal and informal learning opportunities for schools and communities thereby contributing to lifelong learning and helping to improve educational attainment.

This strategy provides a working document for users and managers to direct the protection, maintenance and development of open spaces and ensure that they continue to provide as many benefi ts as possible to residents and visitors to Blackburn with Darwen.

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Section 3: Vision for open spaces in Blackburn w

ith Darw

en

Section 3: Vision for open spaces in Blackburn with Darwen

Development of the vision

This vision for Blackburn with Darwen’s open spaces was developed with key stakeholders and has the support of members and the Open Space Strategy Core Offi cer Group.

Process for stakeholder engagement

Once the Core Offi cer Group was formed in 2004 and had identifi ed the tasks required to prepare the Open Space Strategy, it was decided to organise a workshop that would engage key stakeholders in important discussions about the vision for the strategy and the types of open space that would be included. This took place on 4th June 2004 at Witton Park Visitor Centre and was well attended. Those attending included Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council departments, partner organisations, community organisation and park supporter group representatives.

The event comprised presentations from CABE Space Advisors and Blackburn with Darwen offi cers. Break-out sessions were organised so people could debate the vision and the spatial extent that the strategy should cover.

Our vision is quality open space that provides what the community wants and is valued and enjoyed by everyone

Results of the stakeholder engagement

There was a consensus over calling the strategy an “open space strategy” (rather than green space strategy). This refl ected people’s desire to include public realm and civic areas as well as the parks. There was also agreement that the urban fringe areas of open space should be included as this is such a distinctive part of Blackburn with Darwen’s heritage and landscape character. Allotments (used and unused), cemeteries, towpaths, roadside landscape and moorland were all supported for inclusion.

The workshop that led towards defi ning the vision looked at three different vision statements from other authorities’ green space strategies and asked people to agree type, words and phrases. There was remarkable consistency between groups. The workshop facilitators created a couple of alternatives and the vision statement above was selected as the one that met the stakeholders’ views the best.

Further consultation

When a draft of the strategy had been produced stakeholders were invited to a workshop to discuss the document. The list of invitees is given at Appendix 4. Two workshops were held in November 2005 at which the policies and proposals for each category of open space were interrogated. Comments and suggestions made at the meetings and on Feedback Forms were, as far as possible, incorporated into the strategy.

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space StrategySection 4: W

hy prepare an Open Space Strategy?

Section 4: Why prepare an Open Space Strategy?

A strategy sets out an organisation’s vision and the goals it wants to achieve, plus the resources, methods and time needed to meet them. This strategy for open spaces:

Provides a shared vision for the future and ensures the linkages are evident

The strategy helps everyone understand the value of parks and open spaces in achieving corporate, strategic and community objectives. The strategic links that are made between this strategy and other Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council strategies are found in Appendix 1.

Open space is an important element of other Council strategies. The Open Space Strategy is therefore important in establishing a cross-cutting policy framework for provision, design, management, accessibility and maintenance and for establishing political and inter-departmental offi cer support and responsibility.

Provides a framework for community groups

Blackburn with Darwen already has a well-established mechanism for developing Parks Supporters groups, which helps ensure that those parts of the open space network meet the needs of local people, and provides a clear framework for voluntary and community groups to contribute to on going management and maintenance of open spaces.

Blackburn with Darwen has used the strategy process as a catalyst to enhance community engagement and is committed to ongoing questionnaire feedback to ensure the needs of existing and future communities are being met.

Helps in identifying improvements required and setting priorities

The strategy will ensure that existing and future open spaces enhance the quality of life of local communities and the environment and promote greater civic pride and social inclusion. It will identify what needs protecting, enhancing or creating and will help recognise open space that is not achieving objectives, which may then be considered as part of rationalisation.

Helps make the case for funding opportunities and planning obligations

Blackburn with Darwen has already had considerable success in accessing funds for regeneration. The Council will continue to make applications where appropriate and will aim to maximise resources to support open space improvements through external funding opportunities as well as allocation of revenue budgets. This Strategy sets out the

policies and aspirations for the Borough’s open space, which will aid future applications for funding and give developers a clear view on what might be required via Section 106 agreements.

Will respond to the changing planning and policy background

Since the fi nal report of the Urban Task Force in 1999 Towards an Urban Renaissance, the Government has increasingly promoted a holistic approach towards urban regeneration, which has recognised the vital role of urban open space in achieving that renaissance. The 2001 report of the Urban Parks Forum and Round Three of the Beacon Council scheme both noted that those authorities with an open space strategy were the most successful at maximising internal and external resources aimed at open space improvement.

Planning Policy Statement 17 on Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation urges the need for strategic assessments of community need for open space, sport and recreation facilities as part of the new Local Development Frameworks (LDF).

This Strategy responds to national, regional and local policies and guidance. This is set out in more detail in Appendix 1.

Increases public expectations in relation to open space issues

Blackburn with Darwen’s Community Regeneration Zone Strategies and Citizen’s Panel experience showed that open space issues are often at the forefront of communities’ aspirations for change. This experience is echoed and refl ected in changing policy background in local authorities and central government.

It was against this background that Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council launched the following initiatives to deliver these aspirations:

Additional mainstream resources for the Thrash the Trash Campaign in May 2003

A successful bid for Government Liveability Funds in February 2004

A successful Heritage Lottery scheme at Corporation Park, for completion in 2006

A successful bid to become a CABE Space Enabling Pilot during 2003/04

The advisory resources from CABE Space enabled the Council to establish a Core Offi cer Team to begin to drive forward the development of the Open Space Strategy in 2004.

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Section 5: Objectives of B

lackburn with D

arwen’s O

pen Space Strategy

Section 5: Objectives of Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy

The process of working up the vision also identifi ed some of the objectives for the strategy. These fall into four main areas. There are objectives that meet the environmental, social and economic strands of sustainable development. There is also a political angle because this Open Space Strategy is an integral part of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership’s cross-cutting approach to its Community Plan, the current Local Development Plan (LDP) and the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF).

EnvironmentalEnvironmental enhancement:

To protect and enhance urban green spaces for the benefi t of people and wildlife and to contribute to biodiversity, by knowing what exists and ensuring new development and management practices enhance biodiversity.

Long-term protection of the open spaces:

To engender sustainable approaches to green space management.

Landscape character:

To preserve the distinctive character of the countryside around the towns and ensure this asset is valued and used.

A framework for the creation of new open spaces in the Borough:

Areas of the Borough are undergoing major physical change, offering opportunities to create high quality open spaces. The Open Space Strategy has an important role to play in guiding change.

SocialTo inform and involve the people of Blackburn with Darwen:

To use the strategy preparation as a basis for ongoing community consultation and to ensure the fi nal strategy is easily accessible to all and marketed to all citizens.

Restoration of civic pride:

Some of the legacies left to the people have been eroded; new public realms should be designed and managed in a consultative way to engage the community in a feeling of civic pride.

Social cohesion and well being:

To promote the value of open space as a major contributor to health and social well-being of local people from all backgrounds.

EconomicTo help create an attractive environment for investment:

The quality of the physical environment in Blackburn with Darwen is an important factor in attracting high quality employers to invest in the Borough and in attracting and retaining higher wage earners to live here. Both of these are priorities under the Northern Way and under the Council’s new Local Development Framework.

To demonstrate a strategic approach:

This will support funding bids and attract investment.

To prioritise for funding:

Establishing the quality of existing open space, matching capital investment and revenue funding streams to the open space to be developed or reduced and to be maintained.

PoliticalTo provide continuity:

Political changes and departmental changes can have an impact that can slow the engagement process. The strategy will provide the baseline information, the vision and the processes in one document for future reference and work.

To ensure the linkages are made:

To ensure offi cers, members and the communities appreciate the signifi cance of the Open Space Strategy in delivering national and local objectives.

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space StrategySection 6: Policies &

proposals

Section 6: Policies & proposals

Our policies and proposals are set out by open space type:

Parks and Public Gardens Formal Outdoor Recreation Provision for Children and Young People Civic Spaces Natural and Semi-natural Urban Green Spaces Amenity Grassland Allotments Open Space Corridors Cemeteries Accessible Countryside in the Urban Fringe

The section is introduced by general policies on issues common to all types of open space.

i. GeneralIntroduction

The policies and actions contained in the Open Space Strategy and accompanying Action Plan will be implemented in the context of existing Council policy and practice, as follows:

Consultation

We will consult with local residents, users and supporters’ groups, on all proposals for new and existing open space and recreation facilities.The Council is committed to maintaining a dialogue with residents and users of all of its open spaces and recreation facilities and will continue to consult on all proposals for new and improved facilities through a variety of means. Park Supporters’ Groups and Sports Consultative Groups will continue to be supported and the establishment of new ones encouraged to represent the views of local people and help guide the future development of facilities. The views of the wider public towards open space and recreation provision will continue to be monitored through the Citizens’ Panel and the results used to inform the direction of the strategy.

Partnership Working

We will continue to work in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors to manage and enhance our parks and open spaces.The Council has developed strong relationships with external organisations and its residents and works closely with these bodies and individuals to provide, develop and enhance services. It will continue to work with its partners to improve the Borough’s parks and open spaces: from listening to what local users want to adopting new ideas on their use, layout and management.

Quality Assessment

All Council-owned open spaces and recreation facilities will be subject to audit using the Open Space Quality Checklist.Quality is an essential element of open space and the Council aims to improve standards for the benefi t of users and visual amenity. A baseline record of the quality and fi tness for purpose of all open spaces will be made using the Open Space Qualitative Field Assessment Checklist (see Appendix 3). The Checklist was devised by consultants and upgraded to refl ect the basic requirements of a Green Flag Award, the benchmark of quality that the Council aims to achieve for its main parks. The Quality audit will help to inform plans and proposals for individual sites, planning and disposal policy. It will be updated prior to reviews of the Open Space Strategy.

Management and Maintenance

We will review our open space management and maintenance specifi cations.The Council is currently reviewing the management and maintenance of all of its public facilities. The review will inform changes to current specifi cations, principally with a view to using resources more effi ciently. The opportunity will also be taken to consider whether the treatment is the most appropriate for the site and meets local requirements. Sites currently unmanaged will be included in the review.

Signposting, Interpretation and Marketing

We will ensure that appropriate marketing materials, signs and interpretation boards are in place for the parks and open spaces that need them.The Borough’s parks and open spaces are an asset for local people and visitors to enjoy. Some of the smaller, very local facilities are intended only to be used by residents in the immediate area and generally need no interpretation or publicity. However, others should serve a much larger catchment and should be marketed appropriately, with the relevant signposts in place to ensure they can be found. Larger sites with a variety of facilities on offer sometimes need a degree of interpretation to explain what’s available. This is especially the case with nature conservation sites to ensure the public gets maximum benefi t from visits.

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Biodiversity action plan

We will develop biodiversity targets and incorporate these into the Open Space Strategy and our management and maintenance regimes.Blackburn with Darwen Council is a member of the Lancashire Biodiversity Partnership and is currently working with the Partnership to develop biodiversity targets. These targets will inform the management and maintenance of all Council-owned areas of open space to improve the biodiversity of the Borough for the benefi t of wildlife and people.

External funding

We will maximise External Funding opportunities to invest in our open spaces and recreation facilities.Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has a track record in securing external funding to invest in our services and facilities. The Council will continue to identify appropriate sources to raise the resources required to improve our open spaces and recreation facilities.

We will continue to seek contributions, where appropriate, from developers to improve our parks and open spaces.Section 106 agreements will continue to be sought with developers of new family housing to make a contribution towards the recreational needs of the prospective residents in accordance with the Council’s standard requirement of 2.4 hectares per 1000 population. These sums may be used for the provision and maintenance of a new area or the expansion/upgrade of an existing children’s equipped play area in the nearby area.

Investment

The Council will establish baseline information about investment in parks and open spaces and monitor expenditure on an annual basis.Comparisons will be made with benchmark authorities to ensure that all expenditure leads to quality provision for the Borough.

Surplus facilities

We will identify areas of land and facilities that are surplus to requirements.The Quality Audit and Management and Maintenance Review will identify areas of land and facilities that do not meet local needs or are in excess of requirements, e.g. spare land around sports facilities. Such sites will be reviewed to establish whether they are surplus to requirement and whether they therefore merit protection under emerging planning policy on open space. Any sites declared surplus to requirement will be considered for an alternative use as open space or recreation facility before being made available for disposal. Receipts and maintenance resources released from any such disposals will be re-invested in new or existing open spaces.

Strategy review

The Open Space Strategy will be monitored and reviewed every 3 years.To ensure the strategy and its action plan are kept up to date the documents will be monitored annually and reviewed every 3 years. Targets will be reported to the responsible Executive Member and in the Council’s annual Performance Agreement report, where appropriate.

Monitoring

Indicators: General 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Carry out quality audit of all public open spaces

- ✓

2 Review management and maintenance of all public facilities

- ✓

3 Establish biodiversity targets - ✓

4 Establish baseline data about investment in parks and open spaces

- ✓

5 Identify land and facilities that are surplus to requirements

- ✓

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proposals

ii. Parks and public gardensIntroduction

Blackburn with Darwen has some excellent Parks and public gardens many of which were established in the 19th century. There are 10 main Parks covering 280 hectares, providing 2 hectares of open space per 1,000 population. The main parks are located in Blackburn and Darwen, as listed below:

Blackburn Darwen

Corporation Park* Sunnyhurst Woods*

Queens Park Whitehall Park*

Griffi n Park Bold Venture Park*

Witton Country Park Ashton Park

Roe Lee Park

Green Park

*Parks on the English Heritage Register UK Database of Historic Parks and Gardens

In addition there are Neighbourhood Greens at Harrison Recreation Ground, Olive Lane, Manxman Recreation Ground, Bank Top Community Campus and Bangor Street. Other signifi cant recreation grounds and public gardens include Burnley Road, Belmont, Edgworth/Barlow Institute and Highfi eld Park.

All parks and green spaces help to deliver wider and longer-term social, economic and environmental benefi ts through a range of public policy priorities. These include:

Improving the quality of urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal projects

Promoting healthy living and preventing illness by providing places for physical activities, fostering social inclusion and community development, citizenship and local pride

Supporting environmental sustainability by helping to counter pollution and providing habitats for wildlife

Contributing to heritage and culture by providing a reservoir for collective memory and venues for local festivals

In recent years the Borough Council has been investing in its parks, maximising external funding opportunities, but it recognises that issues of quality, maintenance and public perception of the Parks remain to be tackled.

VisionCommunities in Blackburn with Darwen are proud of their Parks and Public Gardens, use them regularly, look after them and enjoy them.

Objectives To raise the standards of all parks to meet the needs

and demands of users and of local people To protect the historic and environmental context of

the Borough’s Parks and gardens To involve local communities and partners to help

manage and promote those areas To improve access for all for communities to use,

appreciate and to enjoy

Policies1. We will maintain and manage our Parks and gardens.

As a Borough Council we aim to mange our stock of parks and green spaces in a more holistic way, putting appropriate management regimes and strategies in place to conserve and enhance parks and green space network.

2. We will review the on-site supervision of Parks. Many years ago there were Park Rangers in the

Borough. The need for a regular, visible presence in all Parks is recognised as a national issue and is the subject of a forthcoming CABE Space campaign. This Council has already appointed a Park Manager at Corporation Park and will assess the viability of site-based staff and alternative local arrangements, such as Neighbourhood Caretaking, at other parks.

3. We will seek to gain Green Flag status for all of our main Parks.

Green Flag status is an excellent way to assess the quality of a Park. It is nationally recognised and brings all managing and user stakeholders together. It ensures that Management Plans are produced for a Park and considers maintenance, care, sustainability and community activity. Witton Country Park has held a Green Flag since 2003. Sunnyhurst Woods received accreditation in 2005.

4. We will seek external and Council funds to invest in Park infrastructure.

The Heritage Lottery scheme at Corporation Park is now underway, but further investment is needed to continue to restore the park to its former glory. Feasibility studies are required for other parks to assess the level of investment required and funding opportunities available. Signifi cant funds, not available to the Local Authority, have been accessed by various Friends and Community Groups.

5. We will improve access to all Parks and Gardens. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 accessibility audits are being carried out in all parks and parkland buildings in 2005. This will help to identify and prioritise the work required to make facilities accessible to all in terms of physical access, and customer service and information.

6. We will encourage and support a Friends Group for every main Park.

Friends Groups support and promote the role of parks as places where people can come together to celebrate and enjoy community life. Strong and effective groups provide invaluable information on the local community’s view of existing provision, their expectations and vision for their park. The Borough has several well-established groups and new groups will be formed to support the new Neighbourhood Greens.

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Monitoring

Indicators: Parks & Gardens 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Number of Green Flags achieved 1 5

2 BVPI residents survey rating for Parks and Open Space (% satisfi ed)

70% 75%

3 Number of active Park Friends Groups 14 15

4 Community Event days per year 7 10

Case study: raising the standard in parksBlackburn with Darwen has been successful in 2005/6 in winning Green Flag awards for two of its major parks: Witton Country Park in Blackburn and Sunnyhurst Wood in Darwen. The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by the Civic Trust on behalf of the OPDM, is the national standard for parks and green spaces. Sites are independently judged on criteria such as the welcome to visitors, information on site safety and security, cleanliness and maintenance, sustainability and conservation and the involvement of the local community.

Case study: Corporation Park restoration projectCorporation Park is being restored to its former Victorian glory with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Original features are being restored, paths improved and planting revitalised giving the park a new lease of life, improving the quality and appearance of the local environment and encouraging people to use the park. Corporation Park has already hosted a number of popular, well-attended events including Arts in the Park, the Mela, Mayfair and the summer play scheme for kids. The restoration project is supported by the Park Supporter Group, Revidge Community Association and the Veteran Bowlers.

iii. Formal outdoor recreationIntroduction

The Borough has several key sites for formal organised outdoor recreation, supplemented by more local provision, recreation grounds, education and voluntary sector provision. Key public sites are:

Witton Outdoor Recreation Centre (synthetic pitches, athletics track and grass pitches)

Grass playing fi elds and changing pavilions at Pleasington, Everton and Blacksnape

Corporation Park tennis courts Edgworth Recreation Ground

The Borough has 52 senior and junior grass football pitches available for community use, with an additional 22 mini pitches. There are 4 public full-sized synthetic pitches and 2 more planned. There are several multi-use games areas (MUGAs) around the Borough that have organised use, 10 public tennis courts and 20 public bowls greens. Voluntary sports clubs provide tennis, rugby, football and bowls facilities. The private sector provides a range of facilities for golf, cricket, tennis and football. (See Appendix 2)

The recent audit and assessment of the Borough’s public facilities, carried out by consultants in 2003, found that a substantial number were inadequate for the amount or type of use being made of them and that there is considerable unmet demand.

Physical activity, through taking part in formal recreation, has many benefi ts. It:

Improves health, both physical and mental, and well-being

Promotes community cohesion through meeting other teams in different areas of the Borough

Encourages community capacity building through developing organisational skills and strengthening social networks

Develops learning and education skills through learning to play and improving skills

Playing fi elds and recreation grounds therefore offer more than just the enjoyment of sport or activity. Further, the grounds themselves contribute to visual amenity and an open townscape in a densely developed urban environment.

Vision

Our vision is of suffi cient good quality public access facilities in the right locations meeting the need for formal outdoor recreation and making a positive contribution to the townscape.

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proposals

Objectives

To provide all residents and schools with access to quality formal outdoor recreation provision, both playing facilities and changing accommodation, to ensure increased participation

To provide all secondary schools with access to a full sized synthetic pitch, to ensure the delivery of quality PE, thus increasing participation and activity

To have a strong voluntary sector across different sports providing facilities and working with their local communities to ensure best use of resources

Policies1. We will protect existing formal outdoor recreation

facilities. The 1998 Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields)

(England) Direction and Circular 3/99 aim to ensure that existing playing fi elds are protected unless new or improved facilities are provided. Sport England is a required consultee on any development that affects formal recreation provision.

2. We will ensure that school provision, wherever feasible, will be developed, to be available to the community.

Blackburn with Darwen is committed to encouraging community access and extended school status across the state sector. Not all schools are suitable for extensive use by the community and others will need investment before such use is feasible. The Council will continue to work with users to identify local requirements and with schools to assess their suitability for extended school status. A key task is to identify suitable funding sources and secure the necessary resources.

3. We will strive to ensure that there is continuous improvement in the maintenance of our public pitches.

This will be achieved by a review of the maintenance specifi cations, greater involvement of the contractor and the key user groups. Training and qualifi cations will be enhanced to improve pitch maintenance. The maintenance of refurbished pitches will be kept at a higher level to ensure that there is best use of capital investment. Cancelled games will also now be monitored, so that improvements can be tracked.

4. We will develop various consultation forums to ensure that local people and interest groups are involved in formal recreation development and provision.

The Council has, over the years, encouraged the development of area- and interest-based consultative groups. Currently there are groups for Athletics, Football, Cricket and Bowls. These sports-specifi c groups tie into the priority sports for the Borough and will in future refl ect those priorities.

5. We will support and encourage the voluntary sector to meet the needs of local people and to increase participation across all communities.

Voluntary sector provision is an important adjunct to formal recreation facilities provided by the public and private sectors. A wide range of sports and facilities is provided in this Borough by charitable, voluntary and community groups. The Council will continue to provide advice and support to the sector and work with it to develop facilities. It will also investigate where the voluntary sector is better placed than the public sector to manage new or existing facilities for the benefi t of users.

6. We will endeavour to source and provide capital and revenue funds to refurbish and maintain public facilities to a high standard.

Working in partnership the Council has secured considerable resources to invest in its formal recreation facilities, such as the community facilities at Harrison Recreation Ground, Manxman Road, and Queens Park (funded by a Barclays Spaces for Sport Grant, secured with the help of Groundwork Blackburn). There is also the potential investment from funds received through section 106 developments.

7. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour on playing fi elds or recreation grounds.

Dog fouling is a major problem on all unfenced playing fi elds and recreation grounds. Fencing all existing facilities is neither feasible nor desirable and therefore the emphasis is on prevention through signage and enforcement by the Council’s Dog Wardens. Vandalism and motor bikes are also occasional problems and we are working with the police to tackle this.

Monitoring

Indicators: Formal Outdoor Recreation 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Number of public users of pitches & courts

68,986 +2%

2 Number of junior visits to pitches & courts (CLS1)

35,619 +2%

3 Number of games cancelled per year (AGMA2)

New -10%

1 Culture, Leisure & Sport, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council2 Association of Greater Manchester Authorities

Case study: Blacksnape playing fi eldsA grant from the Football Foundation has secured the future of the playing pitches and changing facilities at Blacksnape. By the end of 2007 there will be 6 new pitches and a new changing block. The bid was developed over 2 years with the borough’s Football Development Group and the Lancashire Football Association, who agreed that improvements at Blacksnape were a priority: the pitches at Blacksnape are the only ones in Darwen, but both junior and senior pitches are often unplayable because of poor drainage and the changing facilities are in very poor condition. New facilities would also contribute to a proper maintenance and rest cycle across the rest of the Borough’s pitches. Work will get underway in summer 2006 and is expected to last 18 months.

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iv. Provision for children and young peopleIntroduction

The value and benefi ts of play have long being established; outdoor play has developmental and therapeutic benefi ts for children and young people, can be a tool to learning, helps develop an awareness of risk and danger and is important for building social, emotional and life skills. Access to these facilities can also help children and young people to stay healthy and tackle problems of obesity by providing opportunities for exercising and fresh air. In addition, these areas play a vital role in providing space where children and young people can meet and interact with others, to learn invaluable social skills away from their home environment and to establish a world for themselves independent of their parents.

Formal leisure facility provision for children and young people in the Borough includes play areas, multi-use games areas (MUGAs - containing facilities for basketball, football and cricket), skateboard parks, teenage shelters and informal kick-about areas. Informal play is equally important and children use all kinds of open spaces, in addition to formally equipped play areas, for their games and social interaction. Play will be the subject of a separate strategy document.

Within the Borough there are 84 of these formal leisure facilities. They are divided between 2 Portfolios - Housing & Neighbourhoods and Culture & Leisure - and Twin Valley Homes, formerly the Council’s housing department. Although they are all maintained by the Council’s Direct Services Department, within the Regeneration Portfolio, the split responsibility undermines any consistency, long term planning or achieving any overall play area strategy within the Borough. Of these facilities, there are 79 play areas, of which 3 possess MUGAs/skateboard parks, 57 have a small or informal games area and 5 are stand alone MUGAs. These play areas vary in size from a local area for play (LAP) through Local, Neighbourhood and District Equipped Area for Play (LEAP, NEAP and DEAP). These various area designations, with the exception of the DEAP, are taken from The National Playing Fields Association’s ‘Six Acre Standard’. The requirements for each category are outlined below:

Play area type Min. size equipped area

Min. no. of play units

Radial catchment distance

LAP 100m2 1-2 types play feature

60m

LEAP 400m2 5 240m

NEAP 1,000m2 8 600m

DEAP 1,600m2 11 +1,000m

It is recommended that all areas are securely fenced, possess signage, seating and a litterbin.

A qualitative and quantitative audit has been completed of the Borough’s play spaces and teenage facilities to ascertain the adequacy and accessibility of the existing provision to meet current and future demand. Qualitative may be defi ned as being inclusive, appropriate and stimulating for a range of age groups and abilities, and quantitative as the provision of localised facilities and of developing larger multi functional areas The audit has determined what should be protected and enhanced, what additional provision is required and where a review is needed to ensure long-term sustainability. Further work is required to assess the catchment of particular play areas, taking account of physical barriers such as railway lines and main roads. The audit, together with the emerging Play Area Disability Discrimination Act audit, will inform the Play Area Strategy for the Borough.

Vision

All children and young people living in Blackburn with Darwen to have access to play provision and teenage facilities that meet their needs in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility.

Objectives

To provide, where appropriate, high quality neighbourhood play spaces and teenage facilities, such as MUGAs, to encompass all needs within the local community within a planned play area strategy, initially by focusing on the major parks and Neighbourhood Greens within the Borough

To ensure that the equipment on these play spaces and facilities is inclusive, appropriate and stimulating for a range of age groups and abilities and, wherever reasonable, accessible to all

To ensure that the children and young people have a continuous involvement in the design and management of these play spaces and teenage facilities

To ensure that all play spaces and facilities are safe to use and maintained to the highest possible standard by well-trained, dedicated on-site staff operatives

Policies1. We will produce a play strategy for the Borough.

A comprehensive play strategy, covering all aspects of play including equipped play spaces, teenage facilities and the planned series of District Equipped Areas for play, will be produced. These larger multi-functional facilities will, broaden the age range catered for from toddlers to teenagers and be accessible to all. The strategy will identify underused play areas and assess the scope for rationalising provision and releasing revenue to maintain the larger sites. The scope for shared use with schools will be part of the strategy to expand coverage of larger multi-functional facilities across the district.

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proposals

2. We will identify a play champion (elected member) for the Council and a Lead Offi cer.

The Lead Offi cer will ensure that all aspects of Play are viewed strategically and that with regard to formal equipped play spaces there is co-ordination and communication between organisations and the public. The position is essential to the drawing up of a Play Area Strategy, procuring resources to implement it and ensure that maintenance is of a similar and high standard across the Borough. The named offi cer will be responsible for a Borough-wide assessment of current play provision and making recommendations for rationalisation and expansion, as appropriate.

3. We will involve children and young people in the design, siting and management of their local play area or teenage facility.

It is important that those who are to benefi t from the range of high quality, inclusive and accessible to all, dedicated play spaces, the children and young people, are involved in the consultation, design, siting and management of these areas.

4. We will prioritise the creation of a series of District Equipped Areas for Play (DEAPs), forming a network across the Borough.

The main parks will be the initial focus of attention for the creation of new DEAPs. Other sites include Little Harwood Recreation Ground and the Neighbourhood Greens at Brookhouse Bastwell Campus, Bank Top Campus, Harrison Recreation Ground, Manxman Road Recreation Ground and Olive Lane. Successful delivery of these facilities requires a co-ordinated approach between the Culture & Leisure, Housing & Neighbourhoods and Regeneration Portfolios, emphasising the importance of the role of the named Play Offi cer.

5. We will instigate a practical preventative maintenance procedure to introduce an agreed programme of play area equipment renewal and replacement and a defects procedure.

Dedicated, on-site staff operatives will be appropriately trained to undertake basic equipment repairs to a high safety level.

6. We will review existing play areas as part of the process of best practice and, as these areas are refurbished, install at least one piece of inclusive equipment.

The third part of Disability Discrimination Act 1995 became law on 1st October 2004 and requires service providers to make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome barriers to access. ‘Reasonable’ essentially means achieving a balance between the provision required and the cost to the provider in terms of time, effort and resources. Inclusive play equipment is considered reasonable provision and at least one new piece will be provided when play areas are refurbished. The Annual Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) inspection reports will be used to determine the need for refurbishment. These comprehensive reports cover the provision, type and condition of all elements of the play area, as well as environmental or other hazards, such as the proximity of adjacent roads. In addition, the play equipment and safety surfacing is assessed against European playground and surfacing standards.

7. We will continue, where appropriate, to seek Section 106 agreements for the provision of open space or play provision in relation to new residential development.

Where new residential development cannot accommodate open space or play provision the Council may seek a commuted sum towards the cost of expanding or improving nearby provision to accommodate the increased pressure that the new development will place on the existing facilities. Agreements negotiated as part of the planning permission will be subject to Council planning policy as currently set out in the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Monitoring

Indicators: Provision for Children & Young People

2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Play Strategy produced 0 1

2 Numbers of BwD DEAPs 1 14

Case Study: Blacksnape playgroundBlacksnape Play Area was in a poor and neglected condition. The equipment was old and some of it did not comply with current safety regulations. The equipment was spread over a large area and access to the play area was limited, as the ground was muddy and uneven. During the winter months the ground would become waterlogged.

In 2005 a new play area was opened with 12 new pieces of equipment, 6 of which are ‘All Inclusive’. All of the equipment now complies with BS EN 1176 ‘Standards for Safety’. The play area was designed with the intention of adding further equipment in the future, without having to disturb or re-arrange the existing layout. The play area is now accessible from both sides and also allows wheelchair access.

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v. Civic spacesIntroduction

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has demonstrated a commitment to regenerating and improving its civic spaces. Award winning schemes for Church Street and Fleming Square in Blackburn have set the standards for other areas within the Town Centres of Blackburn and Darwen. The creation of high quality in design, materials and sense of place underlie the process.

The major physical asset of Blackburn with Darwen is the fi ne landscape setting of the towns, with the backdrop of the hills and moorland and the unique identities of Blackburn, Darwen and the villages. The built character of the towns and villages refl ects the Borough’s strong Victorian and Edwardian heritage.

The Council has previously produced design guidance to supplement the Local Plan’s policies and proposals. This has been updated in the preparation of Borough-wide Design Guidance, which has been adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. Borough-wide the Council’s policies for Civic Spaces are refl ected in the concerns, aims and objectives of the Town Centre Strategies.

Vision

Our vision is of well-designed, quality civic spaces that refl ect and enhance the Borough’s built and landscape heritage and provide places that people want to use.

Objectives

To raise the quality of Blackburn with Darwen’s civic spaces

To seek funding to implement the Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan and Darwen Town Centre Strategy proposals

Policies1. We will create a series of streets and squares that

respect historically signifi cant buildings and routes and bring back the sense of place, connectivity and legibility.

The Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan was approved in 2005 and presents the Council’s policy, vision and objectives for Civic Spaces and the public realm. The ethos is a traditional approach to urban design by creating a series of streets and squares within the town centre. The Masterplan respects historically signifi cant buildings and routes and aims to build back the sense of space, connectivity and legibility into the town centre.

The distinct spaces, streets and squares indicated within the Masterplan will be designed to offer multiple, varied experiences for everyone to enjoy. Civic Spaces will variously allow all kinds of activities and uses

throughout the 24 hour cycle, for example, providing a place for people to meet friends, have lunch, teach children about nature or simply relax.

These spaces include:

Ainsworth Plaza King William Street & Town Hall Square Exchange Plaza / Museum Square Church Street & Blackburn Town Square The Boulevard Blakey Moor / College Square Market Place Northgate & Lower Northgate Darwen Street Cardwell Place & Sudell Cross Eanam Waterfront River Blakewater Walk

The Council will take forward recommendations of the Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan and Blackburn Town Centre Public Realm Phase One Proposals from May 2005 – 2008 though the Blackburn Town Centre Renaissance Programme, including funding from the North West Development Agency, Liveability and the Local Transport Plan. Phase I will involve – Cardwell Place, Sudell Cross, Northgate, Lower Northgate and Blakey Moor.

2. We will create a Blackburn central ‘Leisure Circuit’ of high quality public spaces connecting Church Street to King William Street.

Innovative sculpture, art and pedestrian signage encouraging visitors to explore the area fully will be consider as part of the improvements to the town centre public realm. Proposals will take into account the advice of specialists and results of public consultations with the prospect of including the development of new initiatives to encourage ‘play’ through the use of interactive art within civic open spaces and routes throughout the town centre, providing a leisure circuit linked by a themed approach.

16


proposals

3. We will create a new brand identity for the public realm of Blackburn.

The intention will be to upgrade the quality and ‘style’ of Blackburn’s rejuvenated physical environment to improve the spaces, materials, the textures, the signage, the lighting and the banners. A coherent, unifi ed approach will be taken to the design of new street furniture, refuse bins, road information signs and other street furniture and street clutter will be kept to a minimum in accordance with accessibility standards.

4. We will continue to implement the Blackburn Town Centre Historic Buildings Programme.

The Council proposes to extend the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) principles of the Blackburn Central Heritage Corridor scheme to include each of the fi ve Town Centre Conservation Areas. The proposals, if successful, will result in a £4.5m improvement programme, involving £2.25m of grant-aid for historic building improvements, shopfront improvement schemes, re-use of vacant buildings and vacant space, including upper fl oors, living over the shop schemes and associated public realm works.

The Blackburn Town Centre Historic Buildings Programme wil contribute, in particular, to the regeneration of the older part of Blackburn Town Centre by creating a high-quality environment. This will be achieved by encouraging private owners to repair and refurbish neglected and under-utilised properties for residential and commercial purposes. The initiative will be promoted through literature and will help broaden the aims and membership of the current THI Grants’ Panel and associated business group. The Strategy will be developed with maximum input from partners and the community.

5. A Masterplan for Darwen Town Centre will be prepared to inform development of the Town Centre. The Darwen Town Centre Strategy (April 2004) provides a broad framework for the signifi cant change and investment that will infl uence the future of the town centre. A key feature of the Strategy has been the need to investigate solutions to reduce the impact of traffi c upon the centre and ensure the safe and easy movement of pedestrians. The availability of funding for the restoration/improvement of the Market Square has provided the catalyst for an investigation into the options that might achieve this. A robust plan for the movement of traffi c, buses and pedestrians is seen as the fi rst step in the successful regeneration of the town centre and the creation of a vibrant and thriving retail and service centre.

The Masterplan will comprise a Development and Design Study and an Implementation Plan, which will:

Draw together opportunities for change and the various initiatives and proposals that have been approved

Help show how the components of change fi t together to meet local aspirations

Provide a co-ordinated approach for traffi c and movement, buildings and development, the public realm and environment

Monitoring

Indicators: Civic Spaces 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Phase One Blackburn Town Centre Public Realm -area of public open space improved

15,429m2 -

2 Phase Two Blackburn Town Centre Public Realm -area of public open space improved

- 161,972m2

3 Public realm associated with Blackburn Town Centre Historic Buildings Programme

606m2 1,484m2

Case study: Fleming SquareThe Fleming Square project was designed to complement the Exchange Arcade buildings in both style and use and has created an attractive, safe and user-friendly public space. Artist Stephen Broadbent and local award winning poet Julia Copus worked in collaboration with owners and tenants of the Arcade to design the key elements of the square. A walled garden was created and screened on one side by feature railings with a fi sh motif echoing the market that once stood on the site. A line of existing Plane trees has been retained and forms the base for the main art feature in the square. The bronze artwork entitled ‘Possibility’, which incorporates a poem, spirals around the trees and creates seats under the shade. The improvements also included new planting, paving and lighting. Parking facilities for shoppers have been improved and a new boundary wall built.

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vi. Natural and Semi-natural urban green spacesIntroduction

Within urban areas there are often natural or semi-natural green spaces such as woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, grasslands, wetlands, open and running water, wastelands and derelict open land and rock areas. In Blackburn with Darwen such areas include Sunnyhurst Wood*, River Darwen Parkway, Higher Croft Wood, Knuzden Brook/Arran Trail and the parts of the River Darwen that are open and accessible. These areas are important because they:

are accessible green spaces close to where people live providing opportunities for recreation and exercise that can benefi t health

provide areas, particularly for children, which can be used for informal play where they can learn and develop life skills

provide habitats for wildlife in urban areas provide an opportunity for people to experience and

learn about nature and wildlife close to where they live

offer visual amenity benefi ts in the built-up urban areas

*also classifi ed as a Park within this strategy

Vision

Our vision for the natural and semi-natural urban green spaces within the borough is to protect and manage these sites to provide accessible green spaces for people to enjoy for recreation, to experience and learn about nature close to where they live, and as important wildlife habitats.

Objectives

To protect the borough’s natural and semi-natural urban green spaces for the benefi ts they provide to the health and well being of residents

To improve access for all to natural/semi-natural urban green spaces for communities to use and enjoy

To protect the wildlife and biodiversity value of these areas

To involve local communities and partners in the management and promotion of these areas

To provide Local Nature Reserves at a level of 1 hectare per 1000 population

Policies1. We will seek to protect the natural and semi-natural

urban green spaces through the Planning system and by making appropriate designations of sites to protect them.

The current Local Plan seeks to prevent development of these areas by highlighting their importance. The River Darwen Parkway and Sunnyhurst Wood have both been designated as Local Nature Reserves by the Council, in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Such designations help to raise awareness and promote the importance of these sites, as well as offering some statutory protection from development. Similar designations will be sought for other important sites. The Lancashire county-wide system of Biological Heritage Sites is used to identify important non-statutory nature conservation sites of sub-regional importance. It is used within the Local Plan to highlight sites with important biodiversity features. This system will continue to be used in the new Local Development Framework that is being developed by the Council to replace the Local Plan. A similar criteria-based selection system will be used to identify sites of local importance.

2. We will seek to improve access to natural and semi-natural urban green spaces to enable all sections of the community to use and enjoy these areas.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and increasing demands for better access by many communities will require improvements to some areas of green space. The Council will undertake to audit all the green spaces it owns to identify the current state of access to these sites and then produce an action plan to highlight future improvements that are needed. Any improvements to existing footpaths and the creation of new ones will, wherever possible, need to be made to meet the DDA standards for access for all.

3. We will work with partners and local communities to manage these sites and raise awareness about them.

The Council currently works with a range of partners to manage and promote green space including Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Blackburn, the Woodland Trust, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and Elwood, the East Lancs Woodland Project. A successful partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust has existed since 2001 with the Trust undertaking the management of the River Darwen Parkway LNR with the support of the local community. This type of partnership approach to site management will be investigated for use on other sites, if appropriate. The Council will continue to support community and voluntary groups to help with the management of natural/semi-natural green spaces.

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proposals

Monitoring

Indicators: Natural & Semi-Natural Greenspace

2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Number of events held at natural / semi-natural spaces

12 16

2 Number of sites that have a management plan in place

2 5

3 Number of Local Nature Reserves designated

1 5

Case study: River Darwen parkwayDespite having been worked for sand, used for tipping and railway sidings, the River Darwen Parkway, a 24 hectare site between Blackburn and Darwen, supports a wide variety of wildlife habitats, including ponds and wetlands, grassland, woodland and lowland heath. In recognition of its nature conservation value the site was designated a Biological Heritage Site and, in 2004, a Local Nature Reserve. The Council works in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the community to manage the site for wildlife, education and recreation. The Parkway is popular with local people and schools that use it as an outdoor classroom.

vii. Amenity grasslandIntroduction

Amenity grassland is the description given to areas of short-mown grass that exist in large and small tracts in every town. It is easy to create and maintain and because it is mown regularly gives a general impression of tidiness in the urban area. It is quite high maintenance, however, and therefore can be costly to look after. Amenity grassland has its place in urban landscaping, but, if over used as a treatment, the effect is of green desert that makes the townscape rather bleak and the space itself uninviting and therefore of little use to the people living around it. Blackburn with Darwen Council maintains at least 100 hectares of amenity grassland outside its parks and gardens, of which about half would be considered useable public open spaces of 0.25 ha or larger, rather than incidental landscaping around housing estates. This is a substantial resource with considerable potential to provide residents with a more interesting and stimulating environment and generate an attractive and appealing townscape. The resources available are, however, limited, necessitating a relatively measured approach to change, but giving the Council time to research different treatments and residents leisure to scrutinise and select a preferred option.

Vision

Our Vision is of a more interesting and stimulating treatment of urban open spaces and a signifi cant reduction in the amount of amenity grassland within the borough.

Objectives

To create more stimulating and useful open spaces for local people by reducing the amount of unnecessary amenity grassland

To generate more appealing townscapes by reducing the amount of green desert in the towns and villages

To lead by example and be the authority at the forefront of innovative, yet cost-effective, treatment of urban green spaces

Policies1. We will research and compile a database of

alternative treatments currently being used around the country.

There are examples of different types of treatment all over the country, but the components, costs, pros and cons are not available in one handy manual. Some research is therefore needed to bring together as much information as possible about different approaches to be able to assess what is feasible and affordable in Blackburn with Darwen before opening discussion with local people. The research will consider examples from different local authority departments and from other organisations, such as wildlife trusts and horticultural bodies that are trying to encourage variety in open space treatment.

2. We will assess our existing amenity grasslands with a view to identifying sites where an alternative treatment would be benefi cial.

Sites have been mapped and measured, but further work is needed to assess their existing value as amenity grassland and their potential to be more productive. All sites above 0.25 ha will be assessed against the quality checklist at Appendix 3. Small spaces have as much to offer communities as larger ones, but it is expected that the larger spaces servicing bigger areas and having a greater impact on the townscape will be the initial focus of attention. The assessment will consider whether the restoration or re-establishment of species-rich grassland is appropriate.

3. We will work with people living and working around the selected sites to identify whether there is an impetus for change and what it should be.

It is the residents living immediately around a site who know what it has to offer and who will care whether the project succeeds. They must be involved from the outset to plan the change and, where appropriate, be involved in its implementation and even management. Without local ownership of the space and what it has to offer the project will fail, impacting on residents’ quality of life and detracting from the townscape.

4. New treatments will be developed and tested on appropriate sites around the Borough.

The Council will not only consider treatments tried and tested elsewhere, but will work with residents to identify new and different treatments that meet local needs and expectations and which suit sites of different sizes.

5. A named open space liaison offi cer will be identifi ed as a point of contact within the Council for comments, complaints and queries about the treatment and potential of public open space. A named offi cer raises the profi le of open spaces within the Council and with the public and facilitates communication between the two. The position will be particularly important when discussions are opened on specifi c sites and the named offi cer becomes the project co-ordinator and manager.

6. We will promote our approach to open space treatment to other local authorities.

Too many local authorities have too much amenity grassland and would welcome guidance on how their open spaces might be put to better use. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will provide a lead by promoting robust treatments, supported by details on implementation and maintenance costs, the impact on the town and reactions of residents and visitors. It will establish itself as a leader in the fi eld by example and by providing the information necessary to other organisations. The nominated open spaces offi cer will be the fi rst point of contact within the Council for enquiries.

Monitoring

Indicators: Amenity Grass 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 The Percentage of residents satisfi ed with the Local Authority Cultural Services – for Parks and spaces (collected every 3 years) BV119e

65% 75%

2 Square metres transformed from amenity grassland to more productive landscapes

- 30,000

Case study: urban meadowsUrban meadows provide a colourful alternative to amenity grass. Wild and ornamental annual and perennial plants, chosen for their colour and wildlife value can add real impact to the townscape from spring to the fi rst frosts, depending on the varieties chosen. So far urban meadows have only been created on housing clearance sites, but they have been well-received. The next step is to try them out on permanent sites, creating island meadows to provide colour and interest for as much of the year as possible.

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20


proposals

viii. AllotmentsIntroduction

Allotments, like other open spaces, provide for leisure, recreation, relaxation, healthy exercise and social contact. And like other open spaces they can be havens for wildlife and provide a visual amenity for the local area that changes with the seasons. The big difference, and a considerable bonus, is that allotments are productive, yielding seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables to rival anything that a supermarket can offer. A revival of interest in food growing has resulted in increased demand for allotment plots, particularly in densely developed areas where gardens are small or non-existent. There are over 400 plots on ten sites across Blackburn, which have water and electricity supplies. There are no statutory allotments in Darwen or the villages, although there are a large number of Garden Plots, some of which provide private garden space for specifi c households, whilst others can be rented as a garden or ‘allotment’. These plots have no facilities. The sites are, on the whole, well used and in demand but they are tired and in need of investment to ensure that they meet the expectations of the 21st century allotment holder and so remain a popular facility and attractive feature in the urban fabric.

Vision

Our Vision is well-cultivated and productive plots on secure and well-serviced sites that are in high demand in the Borough’s towns and villages.

Objectives

To improve the standard of allotment site offered to residents

To meet demand for allotment plots across the borough

To assist associations in managing and maintaining their sites

To promote the benefi ts of allotment gardening to residents of all ages and abilities

Policies1. We will nominate an Allotments Offi cer to co-ordinate the allotments improvement programme

and promote allotment gardening as a leisure pursuit.

Presently each site is managed by its own Allotment Association. The Council carries out maintenance as requested by the Associations, but has no overall programme for repairs, development or promotion of allotments. The maintenance and property management functions are split within Capita Symonds, which means there is no one point of contact for allotment matters and that allotment gardening is not given the profi le it ought to have within a Local Authority.

2. A programme of works will be implemented to improve the range and standard of facilities available on allotment sites and to upgrade security. There are no toilet facilities on any of the Borough’s allotment sites, which can discourage people from taking up a plot and certainly spending any length of time on it. It is proposed to provide self-composting toilets on as many sites as have the capacity to accommodate one and where the Association is willing to maintain the facility and keep it clean.

Provision for tool storage is poor, usually in sheds provided by allotment holders, which are easily targeted by vandals and burglars. Frequent break-ins result in loss of morale and plots being vacated and, in turn, fewer people on the site means that security is poorer still. It is proposed to erect lockable garages or site shipping containers on all sites where there is space to do so and encourage all plot holders to keep their tools in them. The improvement programme will also include promotion of advice and information produced by the Allotments Regeneration Initiative and the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners on security.

In making these and other improvements to the sites the Council will have regard to the needs of disabled people who might want to hold and work a plot. It is not proposed to create special plots with, for example, raised beds as each disabled user’s requirements will be different and need to be tackled as they arise. Consideration will, however, be given to issues such as access and facilities to ensure that these do not present obstacles to disabled plot holders.

To bring the Darwen site up to the standard of those in Blackburn, a running water supply, in addition to the above facilities, is essential and provision will be incorporated into the development programme.

To bring about these improvements the Council will seek to secure resources from external sources. It will work with the allotment associations and its partners to identify and secure suitable sources that will enable this programme to be implemented.

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3. We will clear derelict plots where the Allotment Association has a tenant ready to take occupancy of the plot.

Long abandoned plots give the site an air of dereliction but require so much work to bring them back into cultivation as to deter prospective allotment holders. Where plots are so badly overgrown as to require machinery to clear them the Council will carry out the work, providing the Association has a tenant from the waiting list ready to cultivate the plot. The aim is to ensure there are suffi cient plots to meet demand and to improve the appearance of the site for the plot holders and any residents over-looking the site. We will provide this service where resources allow.

4. The community garden site in Darwen will be designated a statutory allotment site.

There are no statutory allotment sites in Darwen. The community garden that functions as an allotment site has no security of tenure or basic facilities as enjoyed by sites in Blackburn. By ‘upgrading’ this and other appropriate sites in Darwen the Council will be able to address resident demand for allotment plots, tackle improvements through the development and investment programme and seek funds from external sources to aid the improvements. This will form part of the allotment development plan for which additional resources will be sought.

5. We will work more closely with Allotment Associations to help manage and maintain sites and promote the benefi ts of allotment gardening. The Council’s current approach is an arms-length one, concerned largely with rent collection and routine maintenance. The lack of regular communication between the Council and the allotment associations and their members means that there is a feeling of mistrust between the parties and little willingness to work together for mutual benefi t. The nomination of a named allotment liaison offi cer will help to bridge the gap and enable the Council to take a more proactive role in promoting the benefi t of allotment gardening and disseminating information of interest to the Associations and their members.

Monitoring

Indicators: Allotments 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Available plots tenanted N/A 95%

2 Sites provided with improved facilities or security

0 4

Case study: Allotments: *grow activeGrow Active is all about encouraging people, especially the over-55s, to get out and take exercise by tending an allotment. Based at Leyburn Road Allotments the project teaches people about the benefi ts of fresh fruit and vegetables and how to grow their own. Working the allotment keeps people fi t and eating the results of their labours can only contribute to healthier lifestyles. Grow Active also gets people of different ages and backgrounds together, who might not otherwise mix, which helps improve relationships within the community. Everyone involved has been enthusiastic about the project, so much so that plots are being sought at Teak Street allotments in Bastwell to spread the word and transform more people’s lives.

*Grow Active achieved Highly Commended in the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Managers Open Space Innovation Awards 2005

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proposals

ix. Open Space CorridorsIntroduction

Open Space Corridors are linear stretches of open land extending into the urban area, connecting with other open spaces and linking neighbourhoods with the countryside. Corridors are therefore important on a number of fronts:

They provide safe corridors for wildlife to extend into the urban landscape

They can provide safe, convenient pedestrian and cycle links between neighbourhoods, open spaces and the countryside beyond

They provide visual interest along main roads and can improve drivers’ perceptions of the Borough

The key Open Space Corridors within Blackburn with Darwen are:

Leeds-Liverpool Canal running east to west across Blackburn – a continuous stretch of waterway, towpath and verge that forms part of the Strategic Cycle Route connecting with the wider East Lancashire Regional Park and Chorley Borough

The River Darwen from the rural area south of Darwen and extending into south-west Blackburn – a semi-continuous stretch of waterway and riverbank, with culverted sections in Darwen Town Centre, and linking with Ashton Park and Witton Country Park

The River Blakewater running east to west across Blackburn – largely culverted or in a deep concrete channel

Knuzden Brook in East Blackburn – a semi-continuous stretch of waterway and banking interspersed with culverted and canalised sections, part of which has been upgraded for cyclists and pedestrians around Shadsworth

The Eastern Approach Corridor between Whitebirk and Blackburn Town Centre – semi-continuous tracts of amenity grassland arising from shelved highway proposals that includes a cycle route connecting the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the Town Centre

There are other corridors, such as the M65 verge, highway verges and the two main railway lines, but these have been excluded from our work due to access and size considerations. Many of the larger open spaces also work as Open Space Corridors in a secondary role, such as Sunnyhurst Woods and Bold Venture Park in Darwen connecting Darwen with the Moors.

Vision

Our Vision for our Open Space Corridors is to establish and maintain continuous, high quality connections through the towns and into the countryside and linking, where appropriate, with the rights of way network.

Objectives

To identify and maintain town-country open space corridors

To work with partners to maintain a high quality Leeds-Liverpool Canal Corridor with additional links into surrounding communities, especially Blackburn Town Centre

To develop a safe, convenient and attractive north-south connection between Darwen and Blackburn utilising the River Darwen

To develop Knuzden Brook as a safe and convenient link between East Blackburn and the business areas along the M65 Corridor

To generate more respect and appreciation of the Borough’s waterways, including the River Blakewater

Policies1. We will identify and maintain greenspace corridors

through the towns and into the countryside to connect with the access network in this and neighbouring boroughs.

Networks of open space allow people to move through the towns off-road, providing safer and pleasanter access between home and school, work and the shops. Where they link to the countryside then they also provide ready and easy access to it for informal recreation. Connections with the extensive rights of way network enable people to explore the countryside in this and neighbouring boroughs. Corridors enable wildlife to travel more easily through the urban areas and, again, if connected with the countryside will be richer in wildlife that can be enjoyed by local people.

2. We will work with British Waterways and private developers to maintain a high quality surface along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal for pedestrians, cyclists and boaters alike and strengthen links to surrounding areas.

The towpath has seen investment in surfacing and lighting. This will need to be partially renewed in the next few years if the corridor is to remain a useful one. In addition, the lack of a link between the towpath and the Town Centre is considered a major weakness and will be rectifi ed at the earliest opportunity to strengthen connections to facilities and public transport for towpath users.

3. We will continue to develop a safe, convenient connection between Blackburn and Darwen utilising the River Darwen Corridor, wherever feasible.

The cycle route connecting Infi rmary in Blackburn with Lower Darwen has now been completed. This should be extended to Darwen Town Centre and into the West Pennine Moors as part of the regeneration proposals contained within the Darwen Town Centre Strategy.

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4. We will seek to extend the existing Arran Trail, connecting Shadsworth Business Park with Whitebirk.

The existing Arran Trail offers an attractive corridor between the new Shadsworth Business Park and Shadsworth Estate. The remainder of the route along Knuzden Brook, connecting these to Whitebirk, is in mixed ownership, but offers similar benefi ts to Whitebirk Estate and links into the new employment area being developed as a Strategic Employment Site on the Blackburn/Hyndburn boundary.

5. We will investigate the potential of realising an alternative sustainable treatment for the Eastern Approach Corridor to improve this key gateway into the Town Centre from the east.

This corridor has been improved to mixed standards through the City Challenge Programme due to previous highway proposals. The Taylor Young Urban Design Study identifi ed the scope for creating a Linear Town Park to improve the use and visual appeal of this corridor between the M65 and Blackburn Town Centre. This will be given further consideration and the potential for utilising private sector support through Section 106 agreements from partial redevelopment of appropriate sections investigated.

6. We will continue to support the Action River Darwen Partnership to improve the quality and appearance of the Darwen Valley catchment.

This partnership has existed since 1995 and involves British Waterways, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Groundwork Blackburn and the Mersey Basin Campaign alongside the Council. The focus is on engendering community involvement in the improvement of the waterways.

Monitoring

Indicators: Open Space Corridors 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Number of events held at natural / semi-natural spaces

12 16

2 Number of sites that have a management plan in place

2 5

3 Number of Local Nature Reserves designated

1 5

Case study: Leeds-Liverpool CanalThe Leeds-Liverpool Canal is a major east-west corridor in Blackburn with Darwen. Linking town to countryside it offers an off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists – it is part of the National Cycleway (Route N6) and a key part of the East Lancashire Regional Park strategic access network. It is an important wildlife corridor that supports plant life, invertebrates, fi sh and, of course birds, the mute swan being the adopted emblem for the canal in Blackburn.

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proposals

x. CemeteriesIntroduction

Blackburn with Darwen has four extensive cemeteries. Each of them links with urban fringe countryside:

Pleasington cemetery and crematorium Blackburn Whalley New Road cemetery Darwen Whitehall cemetery (old/new) Darwen eastern cemetery

In addition to their primary use as burial grounds they provide:

an accessible resource for people to use for their spiritual and recreation needs

an opportunity for people to experience nature and wildlife close to where they live

visual amenity benefi ts access to open countryside and the Borough’s rights

of way infrastructure an attraction for visitors to the borough important historical and cultural features that help

identify our communities’ heritage

Each site presents its own challenges in terms of management of the monuments and headstones, a serious health and safety issue that has to be addressed to enable the cemeteries to be used by the public.

Vision

Our vision for the cemeteries within the borough is to ensure they are protected and managed as places for burial and spiritual refl ection, as places to promote recreation health and well being, for their importance for heritage, nature conservation and biodiversity.

Objectives

To protect the borough’s cemeteries from inappropriate development and safeguard those areas with important nature conservation, heritage or archaeological features

To improve accessibility to the cemeteries as places for spiritual well-being, recreation and education for both residents and visitors

To raise awareness of the important benefi ts these areas of open space have to our quality of life and well-being and encourage all communities to enjoy these areas

To work with partners and local communities to manage these areas and to maintain and enhance their value

Policies1. We will seek to protect the role our cemeteries

play in connecting the urban fringe to the wider countryside through the Planning system.

The current Local Plan seeks to protect the countryside around the borough by permitting only appropriate types of development within the countryside and green belt which surround the urban areas. This is to be replaced by a new Local Development Framework in which the Council will set out its policies relating to development within the borough.

2. We will develop new and improve existing access routes through cemeteries between communities and to the surrounding countryside.

In partnership with Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council is a partner in the Lancashire Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan which sets out how these local authorities aim to improve access to the countryside over the next ten years and the priorities for each part of Lancashire. The Council will work with local access groups and communities to identify routes for improvement or new routes that may be developed.

3. We will work with partners and local communities to manage our cemeteries appropriately and raise awareness of their community benefi ts.

The Council will continue working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Blackburn, local community groups and other voluntary sector partners to enhance management of our cemeteries and to encourage communities to use and enjoy these areas. It will continue to look for appropriate solutions to the issue of unsafe monuments and headstones to improve the appearance of the cemeteries whilst ensuring public safety.

Monitoring

Indicators: Allotments 2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 Improved rights of way from the cemeteries to urban fringe countryside

- 3

2 Production of information leafl et about the benefi t of cemeteries to the wider community

- ✓

Case Study: Value of CemeteriesCemeteries were often developed from green fi eld sites, and many now have remnant habitats and features like heaths and hedges. As pockets of countryside locked within urban areas and as inherently quiet places, cemeteries can provide a range of habitats that can support a diversity of wildlife.

The mature trees found in cemeteries screen out noise and pollution from surrounding roads, making them among the few places where silence can be enjoyed in the increasingly noisy urban environment. Because they are free of traffi c, they can provide safe, attractive routes for pedestrians, especially the elderly and those with small children.

English Heritage, Paradise Preserved, 2002

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xi. Accessible Countryside in the Urban FringeIntroduction

Blackburn with Darwen is fortunate in having some beautiful and accessible areas of countryside surrounding its towns and villages. Approximately 70% of the borough is countryside, most of which lies within the West Pennine Moors. Such a signifi cant area of land obviously contributes a great deal to the health, economic and social well being of communities. Recent countryside access legislation has greatly increased the amount of countryside that is open to public access within the borough, particularly to moorland areas. Such areas can offer people the opportunity to experience a relatively remote and “wild” open space as opposed to the more common urban and urban fringe green spaces referred to within this strategy. This strategy does not specifi cally address open countryside because this is the subject of separate policy and management documents, in particular, the West Pennine Moors Statement of Intent. The Council is committed to working towards these strategies with its partners.

The urban fringe countryside referred to here covers those areas of countryside immediately around the towns and villages in the borough. In recent years these areas have come under greater pressure due to changes and diversifi cation in the agricultural sector, pressure for development on the edge of towns and villages, greater use of these areas for recreation, in particular horse riding and mountain biking, and loss of biodiversity due to poor or inappropriate management.

These areas are important though because they:

provide easily accessible countryside for people to use for recreation, sport and education

provide opportunities for people to experience nature and wildlife close to where they live

provide visual amenity benefi ts to the built up areas provide an attraction for visitors to the borough have important archaeological, historical and cultural

assets as well as valuable wildlife habitats help to create an attractive environment in which

to live, work and invest, thereby assisting economic growth in the Borough

The key areas of accessible urban fringe countryside within Blackburn with Darwen are:

Areas of the West Pennine Moors including Darwen and Turton Moors, Cranberry and Hoddlesden Mosses, and the countryside around Edgworth, Turton, Entwistle, Belmont and Tockholes

Witton Country Park and Pleasington on the west side of Blackburn

The Arran Trail/Knuzden Brook area to the east of Blackburn

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proposals

Blackburn with Darwen countryside also extends to the north and east into South Ribble, Ribble Valley and Hyndburn local authority districts.

Vision

Our vision for the accessible urban fringe countryside within the borough is to ensure it is protected, managed and enjoyed as a place for recreation for health and well being, for its importance for nature conservation and biodiversity and for its economic value for people to earn a living.

Objectives

To protect the borough’s urban fringe countryside from inappropriate development and safeguard those areas with important nature conservation, heritage or archaeological features, whilst still allowing appropriate economic activities

To improve accessibility to the urban fringe countryside as a place for recreation and education for residents and visitors

To raise awareness of the important benefi ts these areas of countryside provide to people’s quality of life and well being and encourage all communities to enjoy these areas

To work with partners, local communities and landowners to manage and promote these areas

Policies1. We will seek to protect the urban fringe and wider

countryside from inappropriate development through the Planning system.

The current Local Plan seeks to protect the countryside around the borough by only permitting appropriate types of development within the countryside and green belt which surrounds the urban areas. This is to be replaced by a new Local Development Framework in which the Council will set out its future policies relating to development within the borough.

2. We will develop new and improve existing access routes from urban areas to the surrounding countryside.

In partnership with Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council has produced the Lancashire Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan which sets out our priorities and actions to improve access to the countryside over the next ten years. The Council is currently working with local access user groups and communities to identify routes for improvement or new routes that may be developed within a Countryside Access Strategy. The Council is also a partner in the West Pennine Moors Bridleway Strategy, which sets out a seven year programme of developing new multi-use routes within the West Pennine Moors.

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xii. Action PlanImplementation is essential to the worth and success of the Open Space Strategy and projects and proposals designed to realise current policy have been incorporated into an accompanying Action Plan. The Plan has a lifespan of 3 years and sets targets for each of the actions listed under the Policy headings, as shown in the example below. The document will be reviewed annually to assess progress against targets, to set new goals and roll the programme forward. Outcomes will inform the main strategy document, which itself will be reviewed and updated every 3 years. The Action Plan has been produced as a separate document for ease of review.

Ref Action Lead Portfolio & Offi cer

Timescale

7 Review the Strategy every 3 yearsThe strategy and action plan will be kept under review and updated every 3 years

Leisure & Culture Regeneration Open Space Offi cer

2008/09

3. We will continue to support the West Pennine Moors partnership as a mechanism to deliver conservation, recreation and heritage projects within this area of the borough.

This partnership was formed over thirty years ago and it aims to achieve an integrated approach to the management of the West Pennine Moors for recreation and economic uses, whilst conserving the wildlife and heritage assets of the area. The partnership is funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council, Lancashire County Council and Bolton Metropolitan Council with support from United Utilities, the main landowner in the area and who employ countryside rangers.

4. We will work with partners and local communities to manage urban fringe countryside sites appropriately and to seek to raise awareness of the importance of these sites.

The Council will continue working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Blackburn, the Woodland Trust local community groups and other voluntary sector partners to improve the urban fringe countryside and encourage communities to use and enjoy these areas.

Monitoring

Indicators: Accessible Countryside in the Urban Fringe

2004/05 Target 2008/09

1 % of Public Rights of Way that are easy to use (based on annual survey of 5% of the network carried out by Capita Highways PRoW section) BV178

68% 80%

2 Number of events per year to promote access to the countryside*

50 55

3 Produce Countryside Access strategy - ✓

4 Implement West Pennine Moors bridleway strategy

- ✓

*number of events includes those run by the Council and its partners such as Lancashire

Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Blackburn and other agencies

Case study: Trampers - improving access to the countryside for all.The Council has purchased six trampers, all terrain electric buggies, that enable people with limited mobility to get out in to the countryside and parks around the borough. The trampers are capable of going up steep hills and crossing rough ground, which allows people to travel to places that previously would have been inaccessible to them.

A number of tramper trails have been created at Witton Country Park and Sunnyhurst Wood to allow people to experience areas of urban fringe countryside close to the where they live. The main path from Sunnyhurst up to Darwen Tower has now been made accessible for trampers, which also provides access to the open countryside beyond. Over the next few years more routes are planned for development into the wider countryside of the West Pennine Moors to open up access to these areas for people with limited mobility.

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Blackburn with Darwen Open Space StrategyAppendix 1: Reasons for producing an O

pen Space Sttrategy

Appendix 1: Reasons for producing an Open Space Strategy

Strategic ContextNational policy and guidance

Urban green spaces task force:The Government Task Force report ‘Green Spaces Better Places’ argues that open space has the potential to make a major contribution to urban regeneration by enhancing the environment, facilitating social inclusion, contributing to healthy lifestyles and providing educational opportunities for The Task Force was concerned by the neglect and decline of urban open spaces, decline in standards of park maintenance and the declining status of park staff.

Planning policy guidance on open space, sport and recreation PPG 17:PPG 17 emphasises that open space underpins quality of life and is important in assisting urban renaissance, social inclusion and health and well-being. It recommends local authorities should undertake assessments of the need for, and quality and use of, open spaces. This Open Space Strategy follows the guidance set out in PPG 17.

Planning policy statement on biological and geological conservation PPS 9:PPS 9’s objectives are to promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological and geological diversity are conserved and enhanced and to contribute to rural renewal and urban renaissance by enhancing biodiversity in green spaces and among developments so that they are used by wildlife and valued by people, recognising that healthy functional ecosystems can contribute to a better quality of life and to people’s sense of well-being.

Living places, cleaner, safer:Published by ODPM in 2002, this report deals with the whole of the public realm. It was instrumental in recommending the need for CABE Space. It identifi ed four areas for bodies responsible for open spaces to consider: partnership with organisations working together, reverse decline of quality of open space, importance of open space for disadvantaged communities and the need to respond to changes in demography.

Creating sustainable communities:The Sustainable Communities Plan was originally published by the Offi ce of the Deputy Prime Minister in February 2003 and set out a vision and strategy for sustainable communities across the country. In the North, the focus of the Plan was on revitalising failing housing markets, and regenerating towns and cities throughout the three Northern regions. More recently, the ODPM has published a fi ve-year plan under the Sustainable Communities mantra - ‘People, Places and Prosperity’ (ODPM, January 2005). The Plan provides some defi nitions and components of sustainable communities that act as useful terms of reference. The Open Space Strategy forms an important part of Blackburn with Darwen’s response to the Sustainable Communities Plan. This is set out below.

Sustainable Communities’ Criteria Blackburn with Darwen Open Space Strategy Response

Places where people want to live and work, now and in the future

The vision for Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy recognises the importance that local people attribute to its open space.

Components Open Space Strategy Response

Active, inclusive and safe The Open Space Strategy seeks to provide a range of activities that can be pursued effectively, safely and without confl ict.

Well run Management of the open space in the Borough is an important component of the Open Space Strategy.

Environmentally sensitive The Borough is rich in environmental capital. It has strategic ecological corridors, and contains many sites of individual environmental quality. The Open Space Strategy aims to safeguard and enhance these assets.

Well designed and built Design and construction of new features are to be of the highest quality.

Well connected Open spaces provide routes across the towns into the countryside and strategic ecological corridors.

Thriving The Open Space Strategy covers areas that are home to nature and business, leisure and tourism - all contributing to the prosperity and quality of life of local people.

Well served The Open Space Strategy will respond to the needs of the local population.

Fair for everyone The Open Space Strategy seeks to create accessible landscapes, which encourage interaction and cohesion. The needs of existing businesses and residents will be taken into account by conducting surveys.

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Appendix 1: Reasons for producing an Open Space Sttrategy

The countryside in and around towns:The Countryside Agency and Groundwork have jointly published a vision for connecting town and country in the pursuit of sustainable development. ‘The Countryside in and Around Towns’ (January 2005) follows directly from work undertaken collaboratively by the two organisations in 2004 relating to the urban rural fringe and identifi es ten categories of function relating to the countryside that surrounds and penetrates urban communities. This analysis is particularly pertinent to Blackburn with Darwen as a characteristic feature of its open space is the way the moors and countryside form green wedges that come down into the towns. The Environment Development Plan Document for the Local Development Framework (LDF) will include analysis of this open space.

To summarise, the ten functions are:

1. a bridge to the country2. a gateway to the town3. a health centre4. a classroom5. a recycling and renewable energy centre6. a productive landscape7. a cultural legacy8. a place for sustainable living9. an engine for regeneration10. a nature reserve

The Open Space Strategy provides the opportunity to show how the Countryside in and Around Towns can be planned and delivered in an integrated fashion. Key obstacles to change identifi ed in the Countryside in and Around Towns vision, most notably in relation to fragmented ownership and land management, confl icting land uses, and land in semi-derelict condition awaiting possible future development are all in evidence in Blackburn with Darwen. The Open Space Strategy vision for these areas will set out the community and Council’s aspirations for the ongoing use and management of these areas of open space.

Regional policy and guidance‘The Northern Way’ and Regional Economic Strategy:The Northern Way emanated from the Sustainable Communities Plan as the vision for economic growth and regeneration across the three northern English regions. The original Northern Way publication (ODPM, 2004) placed considerable emphasis on the role of soft end uses in turning derelict, underused and neglected land back into community assets. Community and Urban Forests were highlighted as important delivery mechanisms in this process.

‘Moving Forward: The Northern Way’ vision will be driven primarily by the Regional Economic Strategies (RES) of the three regions. The RES for the Northwest region, ‘England’s Northwest – a strategy towards 2020’, provides a framework from which to accelerate and promote economic development within the Northwest region in the context of sustainable development. In particular, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is investing in two areas to which the Open Space Strategy will have relevance. These are strategic programmes of derelict land reclamation through soft end uses, including “Newlands” and “REMADE”, and the creation of Regional Parks as “strategic projects designed to create and manage a range of new regional park resources closer to main centres of population” (NWDA, 1999).

Joint Lancashire Structure Plan 2001-2016:The Joint Lancashire Structure Plan 2001-2016, prepared by Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Borough Council, was adopted in March 2005. It will be part of the development plan for three years from the date of its adoption or until superseded by the Regional Spatial Strategy. It provides a planning framework and development strategy for the sub-region. With regard to open space the objective within East Lancashire is to create more open space, green networks and woodland, particularly in inner urban communities.

Regional Spatial Strategy:The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which is currently out to consultation, aims to link the region’s economic, housing, transport and planning goals in a broad spatial strategy. It will focus on the needs of the region as a whole but highlight areas in need of more specifi c guidance or a different approach. The approach should improve the co-ordination and delivery of regional policy and sustainable development.

The RSS is statutory and will become part of the new style development plans known as Local Development Documents (LDDs). The RSS can also cover the spatial implications of other regional policies, such as health and education, as it seeks to infl uence other organisations’ activities. When adopted it will replace the existing RPG13.The North West Regional Assembly is the Regional Planning Body for the RSS. The objectives for the RSS are to:

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Build on the existing Regional Planning Guidance 13, Action for Sustainability (AfS), Northern Way and other regional strategies, such as the Regional Housing Strategy and Regional Economic Strategy;

Seek to produce a strategy that helps co-ordinate and communicate the regional agenda

Produce a user-friendly document that meets the requirements of its main users — regional and sub-regional organisations, and transport and land use planners;

Involve key stakeholders in identifying and delivering ongoing work to support the development, implementation and monitoring of the RSS; and

Contributing to the achievement of sustainable development

Policy EM3 is especially relevant to the Open Space Strategy.

Policy EM3 – Green Infrastructure:The key mechanism for delivering green infrastructure will be the Local Development Frameworks.

A Green Infrastructure Guide is currently being developed which will assist delivery agents in the implementation of this policy. The Regional Parks will also have a role in implementation of green infrastructure (see EM4, Regional Parks).

In addition to the Green Infrastructure Guide to the North West, delivery agents should also take account of:

English Nature’s ANGSt (Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards) report guidelines for the provision of Accessible Natural Greenspace and community access to areas of wildlife value

Historic Landscape Characterisation and Landscape Character Assessment as a means of identifying and describing the green space. Historical and cultural assets of the local landscape should feature within Green Infrastructure plans.

East Lancashire Partnership ‘The Strategy for East Lancashire’s Future’:East Lancashire Partnership, now part of the Lancashire Economic Partnership, produced a strategy for the future in response to the NWDA’s Regional Economic Strategy. Its vision is to give the communities of East Lancashire the opportunity to live in a healthy, rich and diverse environment with regeneration and enhanced sporting and leisure activities that help to increase the healthy years of the population. It is an ambitious programme that aims to give East Lancashire’s 500,000 residents access to the same facilities found in a city of the same size. Aspects that link with Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy include the regional park (see below), opening up outdoor leisure and recreation opportunities, linkages between town and country and profi le-raising for inward investment.The East Lancashire Partnership and the Lancashire West Partnership have merged into one body to deliver a joined-up economic strategy for Lancashire. The new organisation, Lancashire Economic Partnership, will represent the public, private and voluntary sectors across Lancashire and

will serve all 12 district councils, two unitary authorities (including Blackburn with Darwen) and Lancashire County Council with a single voice.

East Lancashire Regional Park:East Lancashire’s Regional Park is made up of many projects that when combined will add to the experience of living and working in the region, generate more business investment, attract more visitors, give everyone the chance to celebrate the area’s rich heritage, culture and natural environment. The regional park will improve the image and upgrade the environment of East Lancashire by promoting it as a place to live, work and invest.

It will provide leisure and commuter cycleways, new woodlands, reclamation of derelict sites, links between arts, culture and the natural environment and opportunities for community involvement. Projects that are relevant to Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy include: Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Blackburn to Lower Darwen Cycleways, The Cannon Battery Panopticon at Corporation Park, Health Walks Plus projects and woodland plantings.

West Pennine Moors Statement of Intent:The West Pennine Moors Statement of Intent is a strategic policy framework and implementation programme for the management of the West Pennine Moors (WPM) to 2010. Blackburn with Darwen is one of 7 local authorities areas covered and is one of the core funding partners. The aim is to have an integrated, balanced approach to managing social, economic, recreation and conservation interests in the area by working in partnership. The themes covered in the action plans are: natural and cultural environment, enjoyment of the WPM and living, working and management in the WPM.

Some of the actions cited in the statement of intent that chime with Blackburn with Darwen’s Open Space Strategy include: protect, conserve, restore and enhance characteristic landscapes, important semi-natural habitats and heritage assets; encourage local community initiatives that increase local understanding of local landscapes, habitats, nature conservation, heritage and archaeology etc, target degraded urban fringe locations for landscape enhancement; create non-vehicular greenway links to urban areas; a strategic network of bridleways and cycle-paths that link to urban “gateways” and new visitor centres; expand sport and active recreation; work with community groups to identify recreation needs; prepare strategic greenspace programmes that link urban areas to WPM; secure stable funding for management as a partnership and prepare management plans for sites where confl icts between recreation and nature conservation exist.


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Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP):Underlying the Lancashire BAP is the desire to maintain the present wildlife heritage of the County and to take appropriate opportunities to enhance degraded habitats and populations with appropriate management. Where resources will allow, new habitats that are characteristic of the County will be developed and/or existing wildlife areas extended.

The BAP has Habitat Plans and Species Plans, which are listed below. More recently the BAP is being extended to include the urban habitats, in Urban Plans, which are listed below. This work is particularly pertinent to the Open Space Strategy.

There are also People Plans that concentrate on raising awareness and encouraging implementation of the Plan amongst organisations, groups and individuals. Strong links can be made to Blackburn with Darwen’s Community Strategy and likewise the Open Space Strategy will need to ensure a joined up approach to actions that relate to the BAP and Community Plan.

Investment for Health:The plan for North West Health 2003 focuses on the inequalities between groups and areas and has set priorities for action in the North West. The plan attempts to establish a common approach and priorities between partners for improving health and inequalities – a physically active lifestyle including walking, cycling or participating in sport can reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity and coronary heart disease. People who are active have a greater chance of living longer.

Habitat and Species Plans

Habitat Arable farmland, calcareous grassland, species rich grassland, limestone pavement, moorland/fell, mossland, reedbed, rivers and streams, sand dune, broadleaved and mixed woodland

Birds Skylark, Lapwing, Song Thrush, Reed Bunting, Twite

Mammals Brown Hare, Red Squirrels, Bats, Water Vole, Otter

Amphibians Natterjack Toad, Great Crested Newt

Insects Southern Wood Ant, High Brown Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Belted Beauty Moth, Shining Guest Ant, Wall Mason Bee, Hoverfl y, Northern Brown Argus, Large Heath Butterfl y

Other Invertebrates Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Freshwater White-clawed Crayfi sh, Whorl Snails, Prostoma jenningsi (Nemertean Worm)

Plants Lancaster Whitebeam, Rock Sea Lavender, Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Purple Ramping-fumitory

Urban Plans

Managed Urban Green Space Group

Amenity grassland & sports fi elds, churchyards and cemeteries, golf courses, road verges, school grounds, urban parks

Urban Forest Group Community woodlands, orchards, street trees, shrubberies and shelterbelts

Previously Developed Land Group DUN (derelict, underused or neglected) land, quarries and gravel pits, railway sidings and disused railways

Private Gardens Group Allotments, gardens and backyards

Relict Landscape Group Encapsulated countryside

Built Structures Group New and existing built structures

Urban Species Group Common Frog, House Sparrow, Urban Bumblebees


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People Plans

Farmers and Land Managers Win support from farmers and landowners who manage the countryside

Business Engage with industrial and commercial companies whose activities can have strong effects on environmental quality

Further and Higher Education, Schools

Reach students and lecturers in our colleges and universities and get the “biodiversity message” into schools

Local Government Raise awareness of biodiversity with Members and Offi cers

Community Action Detail community-based biodiversity initiatives as they develop

Local Agenda 21 & Community Strategies

Ensure biodiversity is taken into account in Local Agenda 21 and Community Strategies being produced by local government

Ethnic minorities How best to work with ethnic minorities

Recorders Encourage more biological recording and the involvement of existing recorders and local naturalists

Local strategies and policies

Blackburn with Darwen community plan:High quality open spaces are an essential feature of successful neighbourhoods where people want to live, work, play and invest. They are vital to people’s health and the local economy. The table below shows the contribution open space makes towards the various aspects of the Community Plan.

Benefi ts of Open Space Justifi cation Community Plan Sub-group Priority Links

Improves image/attracts investment

Good quality open space can attract investment and be used to improve investor and resident perception of a place by raising confi dence in the area

Increased inward investmentCreation of new jobsRegeneration of Town CentresRestructuring housing markets and low demand neighbourhoodsImprove the environment of the Borough

Contributes towards townscape

Well designed open space creates an attractive and varied townscape and improves the setting of the built environment

Improve the environment of the Borough

Supports creation of stable housing markets

Good quality open space is known to have a signifi cant, positive impact on house prices and the lack of it is often the major reason behind low demand

Restructuring housing markets and low demand neighbourhoods

Contributes towards ecological diversity

Well designed open space supports varied habitats that help to relieve the monotony of the urban landscape and help to bring the countryside in to the towns

Designate new Local Nature ReservesImprove the environment of the Borough

Provides space for recreational activities

Well designed and equipped open space provides diverse opportunities for both formal and informal recreation

Improve physical health and fi tnessImprove mental health and well being

Provides space for diversionary activities for young people

Open spaces that have been designed with young people’s involvement can provide a safe refuge for young people to meet, play and hang out

Reduce juvenile nuisanceBelonging to Blackburn with Darwen Campaign

Provides opportunities for community involvement

Open spaces can become a focus for community activity, involvement and capacity building and as such reduce anti-social behaviour and crime

Restructuring housing markets and low demand neighbourhoodsDevelop neighbourhood skills & knowledgeIncrease proportion of local people involved in neighbourhood renewal

Provides opportunities for cultural activities

Open space can provide a focus for cultural events or public art commissions

Cultural StrategyPublic Art Strategic Plan

Provides opportunities for community interaction

Open space can provide opportunities for different social, religious and age groups to interact either formally through sports or events or informally

Belonging to Blackburn with Darwen Campaign

Provides opportunities for environmental education

Diverse areas of open space can provide “outdoor classrooms” on the doorstep of local schools and communities for learning to take place

Improve educational attainment


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Blackburn with Darwen’s Cultural Strategy – People: Blackburn with Darwen’s Cultural Strategy covers arts, sports, museums, heritage, archaeology, archives, architecture, crafts, children’s play, reading, parks, tourism, countryside recreation, entertainment and festivals. From this it can be seen that the Open Space Strategy will support actions in, and take its lead from, some of the actions in the Cultural Strategy. The Cultural Strategy is centred on three themes of community, environment and awareness. The type of actions that will have direct effect on the Open Space Strategy include, developing Parks Supporter groups across the ten borough Parks, developing an events infrastructure within the borough parks, ensure entrances to all cultural venues are well lit and prioritising tourism and visitor development.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Physical Activity Strategy:The Borough has an emerging Physical Activity Strategy, which is the local response to “Investment for Health – A plan for North West England” (Department of Health 2003), which promotes the use of urban greenspace for exercise and recreation and encourages community access to the countryside via regeneration programmes and inclusion projects. Research (“The Value of Public Space” – CABE Space 2003) shows that access to good quality, well-maintained public spaces can help to improve the physical and mental health of local communities by encouraging people to walk, play or simply enjoy the natural environment.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Local Plan:The ongoing reform of the planning system has a new emphasis on spatial planning at regional and local levels, with Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) and Local Development Frameworks (LDF) replacing the current Development Plan system. Work has commenced on the preparation of Blackburn with Darwen’s LDF. The Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) will establish the overall direction for development over the next 10 years. It distinguishes three major infl uences: economic growth, regeneration and environmental impact. Open space issues are raised in theme 4 - Protect and Enhance the Natural and Built Environment in the Borough and discussed under Open Spaces and Recreation and Environmental Protection and Enhancement. The former recognises that the provision of a high-quality environment and leisure opportunities is of key importance to the delivery of other aspects of the Core Strategy, including the retention/attraction of higher wage earners and the regeneration of poorer-performing parts of the Borough, as well as being an important contributor to wider Community Plan objectives, particularly improving health and social well-being. The Preferred Option for the latter sets out an over-arching environment strategy to address the tension between actions to secure economic growth and environmental protection objectives. The preparation of a further Development Plan Document, the Environment DPD will commence in 2006. It will refl ect the sentiments and aspirations of the Open Space Strategy whilst exploring the tensions between the need to secure sustainable growth and protection of the assets of the environment.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Regeneration Programmes:The Council is active in the regeneration of the Borough. It is currently working on a number of programmes with its partners to deliver local neighbourhood renewal, create a competitive and sustainable local economy and improve the condition of housing and the environment of the borough. Two of these programmes are Housing Market Renewal and Liveability.

Housing Market Renewal is designed to intervene and change the market to ensure long-term sustainability of neighbourhoods suffering from symptoms and signs of low demand. The ODPM requires the approach to address a wide range of services to deal with the needs of these communities in a comprehensive way. Open space, its creation and improvement to meet the needs of adjacent communities, is an important aspect of the renewal programme and will be a physical demonstration of the objectives of the Open Space Strategy.

The Liveability Programme focuses on cleanliness, neglect and untidiness and aims to tackle it through a targeted litter campaign ‘Thrash the Trash’ and education and enforcement as well as physical improvement schemes. New civic spaces are planned at town centre locations and new or improved neighbourhood greens will be provided at 8 locations around the Borough. The emphasis is on quality and raising the standard of provision to meet local requirements, as expounded by the Open Space Strategy.


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Appendix 2: Formal outdoor recreation: public & private provision

Sport Club/Facility - Public Club/Facility - Voluntary & Other

Football Blacksnape (9 + 4 mini) Roman Road (2); Green Lane; Griffi n Ground; BelmontPleckgate (10 + 4 mini)Everton (3 + 4 mini)Pleasington/Witton (12 + 4 mini)Secondary schoolsPrimary schoolsFull sized Synthetic pitches at St Bedes Sports College; Witton (2) Shadsworth LC

Darwen Town FC; Old Blackburnians FC;Lammack Juniors FC;Feniscowles FC; Turton FC; Mill Hill St Peters FC;

Cricket Pleasington (10)Blacksnape (4)

Darwen CC; East Lancashire CC;Cherry Tree CC; Edgworth CC; Blackburn Northern CC; Feniscowles CC

Hockey Sportsturf pitches at Witton (2); Shadsworth LC; Pleckgate/Blackburn Northern (proposed)

Tennis Corporation Park (8)Edgworth Recreation Ground. (2)

Blackburn Northern (7 + 2 indoor)Crosshills LTA (5); Darwen/Sunnyhurst LTA (2); Feniscowles & Pleasington LTA (3)

Athletics Witton athletics track (6 lane)

Cross-Country Running/Orienteering

Courses used for events at Witton Park; Sunnyhurst Woods; Darwen Tower; Tockholes

Rugby Blackburn RC (5)

Bowls Various parks and recreation grounds (20) Various clubs (13)

Netball Witton sportstuff (9)Holy Trinity School (3)

Blackburn Rovers Brick (indoor league)

Golf Private clubs at Darwen Heights; Blackburn; Golf driving range at Queens/Grimshaw Park

Rounders Informal games in parks

Kabadi Witton Park occasional events

Multi-use games areas (MUGAs)

Formal activities organised/booked: St Wilfrid’s; Audley School; Holy Trinity School

Note: Many other MUGAs in BwD (some fl oodlit) considered as informal use under provision for children & young people.

Appendix 2: Formal outdoor recreation: public &

private provision

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Appendix 3: Qualitative fi eld assessment of open spaces 2005/06

Criteria Guidance NotesWelcoming Place

1. Good and Safe Access What is the access into and around the site like? Is there public transport to the site? Is there parking nearby? Is there a pedestrian crossing close by?

2. Clear, informative signage What signage is there? Is it easy to follow? Is it signed from nearby roads?

3. Accessibility for All Is the site accessible for all members of the

community?

Health and Safety

4. Dog fouling measures Are there dog bins on site? Is there evidence of dog fouling on the site? Are there any warning notices about fi nes for fouling?

5. Appropriate provision of facilities for the community Are the facilities appropriate for the size and type of

site? Will the site be attractive to all ages?

6. Quality of facilities What is the overall state of maintenance?

Cleanliness and maintenance

7. Litter and waste management Is there much evidence of litter on site? Are there adequate litter bins?

Sustainability

8. Waste minimisation Is green waste recycled on site? E.g. wood chipped and reused on site Are there any recycling facilities for other waste on

site?

9. Woodland/tree/hedge management Is there evidence of recent management? Is there recent planting?

10. Biodiversity Any areas of grass left un-mown or with specifi c

mowing regimes to encourage wildfl owers?

Conservation and Heritage

11. Maintenance of grounds Is the site generally well-maintained? Is it executed to a high standard with tidy grass,

fl ower beds and other areas?

12. Maintenance of buildings and infrastructure Is maintenance to a reasonable standard? Is there a graffi ti problem?

13. Maintenance of equipment Does maintenance appear to take place? Are repairs needed?

14. Conservation of habitats and wildlife? Has the site any valuable habitats and wildlife? Has the site any designations? Any evidence of habitat creation, bat boxes, nesting

boxes etc

15. Conservation of landscape features Are there any signifi cant features, man-made or

natural? E.g. ponds, streams, lakes, crags, hills, cliffs, walls,

statues

16. Conservation of buildings and structures What buildings and structures are there? Is the site protected and are any of the buildings

listed?

Community Involvement

17. Provision of education/interpretation information Is suitable on-site information provided? Is there any interpretation of the site’s features/

history? Is there any educational information on site?

Appendix 3: Qualitative fi eld assessm

ent of open spaces 2005/06

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Appendix 4: Stakeholders

The following is a list of all stakeholders invited to discuss the Vision and comment upon the draft strategy:

Action Darwen Valley Akzo Junior Football Club Blackburn Athletics Development Group Blackburn Bowls Partnership Blackburn Cricket Development Group Blackburn Football Development Group Blackburn Naturalists’ Field Club Blackburn Rugby Union Blackburn Sunday League Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council:

Children’s Integrated Services Culture, Leisure and Sport Direct Services Regeneration, Housing & Neighbourhoods

Blackburn with Darwen Council for Voluntary Services Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust Blackburn with Darwen Sports Council British Horse Society British Waterways BTCV CABE Space Capita Symonds –

Property, Landscaping and Highways Campaign for the Protection of Rural England Community Network Darwen Rangers Junior Football Club Design East Lancashire East Lancashire Sailing Club

ELWOOD Environment Agency Environment Network Friends of Ashton Park Friends of Bold Venture Park Friends of Corporation Park Friends of Griffi n Park Friends of Queen’s Park Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood Friends of Whitehall Park Friends of Witton Park Groundwork Blackburn Lancashire County Council Lancashire Economic Partnership Lancashire Football Association Mellor Juniors Football Club NEWRAD Fisheries Club NEWRAD Conservation & Wildlife Oakdale Rovers Football Club Old Blackburnian’s Football Club Police Community Beat Manager Rambler’s Association Ribble Valley Pony Club St Bede’s Specialist Sports College South Asian Arts & Cultural Association The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and

North Merseyside The Woodland Trust Twin Valley Homes United Utilities West Pennine Moors Partnership

Appendix 4: Stakeholders

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Map: O

pen Spaces in Blackburn w

ith Darw

en

Map: O

pen Spaces in Blackburn w

ith Darw

en

‘Public space is all around us, a vital part of everyday urban life: the streets we pass through on the way to school or work, the places where children play, or where we encounter nature and wildlife; the local parks in which we enjoy sports, walk the dog and sit at lunchtime; or simply somewhere quiet to get away for a moment from the bustle of a busy daily life. In other words, public space is our open-air living room, our outdoor leisure centre.’

The Value of Public Space CABE Space, March 2004