Policy information sourced from the Guildford Local Plan: Develpment Managment Policies
ID6: Open Space in New Developments
Residential developments
Development proposals that would result in a net increase in number of residential units are required to provide or fund open space based on the expected occupancy of the new development and the quantity standards set out in Table ID6a. New open space is expected to meet the access standards in Table ID6a.
| Typology | Quantity standards (ha/1,000 people) | Access standard (expected maximum distance from new homes) |
|---|---|---|
| Allotments | 0.25 | 720 metres or 15 minutes’ walk time |
| Amenity Green Space | 1 (total) | 720 metres or 15 minutes’ walk time |
| Natural Green Space | 1 (total) | ANGSt standard |
| Parks & Recreation Grounds, including playing pitches | 1.35 of which a minimum of 0.8 is public space | 720 metres or 15 minutes’ walk time (except playing pitches) |
| Play Space (Children) | 0.05 | 480 metres or 10 minutes’ walk time |
| Play Space (Youth) | 0.03 | 720 metres or 15 minutes’ walk time |
| Total for all typologies | 2.68 | Left blank |
Development proposals that meet the thresholds in Table ID6b are expected to provide open space on-site unless it can be clearly shown not to be feasible. Where the size of a scheme falls below any of the onsite thresholds, an equivalent financial contribution in lieu will be sought for offsite provision and/or enhancement of existing open space of that typology.
Where required onsite open space provision is unable to meet the quantity standards in Table ID6a, an equivalent financial contribution based on the amount and type of open space omitted will be sought as above.
| Open space typology | 11-49 dwellings | 50-249 dwellings | 250+ dwellings | Strategic sites (In LPSS 2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity/Nat. Green Space | X | X | X | X |
| Parks & Rec. Grounds | X | X | ||
| Play Space (children) | X | X | X | |
| Play Space (Youth) | X | X | ||
| Allotments | X |
Key
X = On-site provision
The standard for parks and recreation grounds in Table ID6a includes an allowance for playing pitches. Where artificial grass pitches (AGP) are proposed in place of natural grass pitches, this is required to be justified by evidence of local need for this type of pitch.
Both artificial and grass pitches are required to be designed to a high standard and applicants are required to demonstrate by means of a community use agreement that any privately owned pitch will be accessible to the public and that any charges for their use will be affordable. Contributions towards private sport provision will be acceptable where there is clear public benefit.
New residential development proposals are expected to consider provision of community growing space in addition to other types of open space.
Deviations from the mix of open space typologies set out in this policy may be permitted where deficiencies in provision in the local area of the site are corrected and the required provision of open space in terms of total quantity is still provided.
Non-residential developments
Non-residential development proposals are encouraged to provide areas of amenity open space of a proportionate size, scale and character within or adjacent to the development.
Quality and design of new open space
New open space is required to meet the Council’s minimum standards for site size, design and quality as set out in its most recently published strategies.
New open space is expected to:
- be multi-functional space that delivers a range of benefits including biodiversity gains, flood risk management and climate change measures;
- be safe and secure for all members of the community and their design and management should promote social inclusivity;
- support and enhance the existing rights of way network, providing new footpaths and cycle links where possible; and
- be designed to link up open spaces as much as possible.
For more information please see the Local Plan