Policy information sourced from Camden Local Plan

A2 Open Space

The Council will protect, enhance and improve access to Camden’s parks, open spaces and other green infrastructure.

Protection of open spaces

In order to protect the Council’s open spaces, we will:

  • protect all designated public and private open spaces as shown on the Policies Map and in the accompanying schedule unless equivalent or better provision of open space in terms of quality and quantity is provided within the local catchment area;
  • safeguard open space on housing estates while allowing flexibility for the re-configuration of land uses. When assessing development proposals we will take the following into account:
    • the effect of the proposed scheme on the size, siting and form of existing open space and the functions it performs;
    • whether the open space is replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality; and
    • whether the public value of retaining the open space is outweighed by the benefits of the development for existing estate residents and the wider community, such as improvements to the quality and access of the open space.
  • resist development which would be detrimental to the setting of designated open spaces;
  • exceptionally, and where it meets a demonstrable need, support smallscale development which is associated with the use of the land as open space and contributes to its use and enjoyment by the public;
  • protect non-designated spaces with nature conservation, townscape and amenity value, including gardens, where possible;
  • conserve and enhance the heritage value of designated open spaces and other elements of open space which make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of conservation areas or to the setting of heritage assets;
  • give strong protection to maintaining the openness and character of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL);
  • promote and encourage greater community participation in the management of open space and support communities seeking the designation of Local Green Spaces through the neighbourhood planning process;
  • consider development for alternative sports and recreation provision, where the needs outweigh the loss and where this is supported by an up-to-date needs assessment;
  • preserve and enhance Hampstead Heath through working with partners and by taking into account the impact on the Heath when considering relevant planning applications, including any impacts on views to and from the Heath; and
  • work with partners to preserve and enhance the Regent’s Canal, including its setting, and balance the differing demands on the Canal and its towpath

New and enhanced open space

To secure new and enhanced open space and ensure that development does not put unacceptable pressure on the Borough’s network of open spaces, the Council will:

  • seek developer contributions for open space enhancements using Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Council will secure planning obligations to address the additional impact of proposed schemes on public open space taking into account the scale of the proposal, the number of future occupants and the land uses involved;
  • apply a standard of 9 sqm per occupant for residential schemes and 0.74 sqm for commercial and higher education developments while taking into account any funding for open spaces through the Community Infrastructure Levy;
  • give priority to securing new public open space on-site, with provision off-site near to the development only considered acceptable where provision on-site is not achievable. If there is no realistic means of direct provision, the Council may accept a financial contribution in lieu of provision;
  • ensure developments seek opportunities for providing private amenity space;
  • give priority to play facilities and the provision of amenity space which meet residents’ needs where a development creates a need for different types of open space;
  • seek opportunities to enhance links between open spaces recognising the multiple benefits this may bring;
  • tackle deficiencies to open space through enhancement measures; and
  • seek temporary provision of open space where opportunities arise.

For more information please see the Local Plan