Policy information sourced from the Mole Valley Local Plan

EN10: OPEN SPACE AND PLAY SPACE

New Non-Designated Open Space
1. The provision of new or improved open space will be supported where an identified need can be demonstrated.

Protection of Non-Designated Open Space
2. The existing provision of non-designated open space will be safeguarded from development, unless it can be demonstrated, through a robust assessment, that:

  • The open space is no longer required;
  • Appropriate alternative provision of a higher standard is made; or
  • A partial reduction in the open space land on a site is justified by the need to provide essential educational infrastructure on a temporary basis.
  • In all the three cases above, an assessment will be required setting out as to whether the land in question:
    1. Makes a significant contribution to the character, environmental quality and amenity of the surrounding area;
    2. Provides essential social, community or recreational use;
    3. Has a value as part of a network of wildlife corridors;
    4. Provides public use of the land and forms part of a network of access routes;
    5. Could fulfil an alternative open space or recreational use; and,
    6. Would have an adverse impact on the capacity of the remaining land to fulfil its open space and recreational functions.

Open Space in New Housing Development
3. To address needs arising from development, the provision of publicly accessible open space and equipped play space will be required on site as part of any development scheme delivering 50 net dwellings or more.

  • Publicly Accessible Open Space
    1. The space should be usable, well designed and capable of fulfilling the various requirements of the future residents of the development and the wider community forexercise and relaxation in a natural setting; and,
    2. Spaces should provide easy access for residents of the development and be accessible and welcoming to the wider local community. This should be achieved through design, the appropriate siting of spaces within the new development and legal agreements and management arrangements.
  • Play SpaceOn-site play space provision on development sites likely to house children should be as follows:
    1. For developments of 50 or more net dwellings, a Locally Equipped Area for Play is required.
    2. In addition, for developments of 200 or more net dwellings, a publicly accessible Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play is required.
    3. In addition, for developments of 500 or more net dwellings, a publicly accessible Multi-Use Games Area is required.

Where there is existing public open space or play facilities adjacent to the site, or where the Council agrees that it would be impractical to provide public open space or play facilities on site, an equivalent contribution towards the improvement of existing spaces or facilities may be agreed by the Council as an alternative to on-site provision.

Community Infrastructure Levy funds may be used to contribute towards the upgrading of suitably located existing public open space or play areas, where there is an identified need.

Protection and Enhancement of Public Rights of Way
4. Public Rights of Way and National Trails will be protected from the adverse impacts of development and, where possible, new development should enhance the existing network and create new links to it.

For more information please see the Mole Valley Local Plan