Policy information sourced from the Hertsmere Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Plan

SADM37 - New and Improved Open Spaces

Developments in excess of 50 residential units or 2,500 sq.m gross external floorspace, or where a specific need has been identified by the Council, are required to provide open space on site. This shall be provided in addition to private amenity space and landscaping; it shall be fully accessible without any restrictions and maintained in perpetuity unless otherwise agreed with the Council. If open space cannot be provided on site or the required amount cannot be provided on site in full, and where the proposal has over-riding planning benefits, a financial contribution may be sought towards the provision of new open space or enhancements to existing spaces as an alternative.

Open space provision must maximise biodiversity benefits. New or improved open space shall incorporate areas of biodiversity habitat complementing surrounding habitats and supporting the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Species chosen for planting across the space must maximise the biodiversity benefit. Open space must also provide local land drainage benefits and may include a Sustainable Drainage System.

Open space should normally be an area of green open space, such as a public park. Areas of new and/or improved hard landscaped open space, such as civic space, may be considered appropriate instead of green open space, particularly in town centres. In such cases it must be demonstrated that the provision of green open space is not possible or appropriate. Biodiversity benefits should be maximised where appropriate for civic spaces and other hard landscaped open space.

For more information please see the Hertsmere Policies Plan