Policy information sourced from Thurrock Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development

PMD5 – OPEN SPACES, OUTDOOR SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

EXISTING FACILTITES

The Council will safeguard all existing open spaces, outdoor sports and recreational facilities. Development proposals that would result in their complete or partial loss or cause or worsen a deficiency in the area served by the space or facility will not be permitted unless:

  • conveniently located and accessible alternative facilities of an equivalent or improved standard will be provided to serve current and potential new users; or improvements to remaining spaces or facilities can be provided to a level sufficient to outweigh the loss;
  • proposals would not negatively affect the character of the area and/or the Greengrid.

Any alternative and improved facilities should be available for use before an existing open space or facility is lost.

The Council may also allow:

  • a partial loss of an open space or outdoor sports pitch site, where that partial loss would be due to the development of facilities ancillary to the use of that space or site (e.g. changing rooms) and would not result in a loss in the quality or number of pitches provided and their use; or
  • the redevelopment of an existing open space, outdoor sports or recreational facility where redevelopment would incorporate a type of open space, outdoor sports, or recreational facility for which there is greater need.

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Proposed development must ensure that:

  • New open spaces, outdoor sports and recreational facilities are provided in accordance with adopted standards to meet the needs of the development and to address deficiencies.
  • New facilities are fully integrated into the design of development schemes as an element of place making.
  • Facilities are safe and easily accessible to all.

Where the Council considers that provision on-site is not feasible or appropriate, it will require developer contributions to improve existing, or provide new, spaces or facilities elsewhere.

STANDARDS

The standards for the quantity and quality of open spaces, sports and recreational facilities and accessibility to them that the Council will require to be met are set out in the Layout and Standards SPD (Appendix 5 provides current standards). Consideration should also be given to the Design and Sustainability SPD and the Developer Contributions SPD, which provide related information.

In addition, the Council has the following specific requirements:

Children’s Play Space:

  • Residential development resulting in a net increase in dwellings of two or more bedrooms will be required to contribute to the provision of Children’s Play Space.
  • Local Areas for Play (LAP’s) should be provided on-site, unless this is proven to be impracticable given site constraints.
  • LAP’s should be located in a position close to the homes of residents, where they will be safe and secure, as these play spaces are for very young children.
  • Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP’s) and Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) may be located on-site or off-site, depending on local requirements. Where provision will be off-site, developer contributions will be required.

Outdoor Sport Facilities (including playing pitches, courts and greens):

  • New developments will be required to contribute to the provision of appropriate outdoor sports facilities.
  • All sports and recreational facilities are required to incorporate appropriate ancillary facilities, such as changing rooms and parking to ensure access for the whole community.

Allotments:

  • The redevelopment of existing allotment sites for other uses will only be permitted where it can clearly be shown that the facility is no longer required or that it can be adequately and conveniently replaced elsewhere without a loss of biodiversity value.

Exemptions:

  • Sheltered dwellings, nursing and residential homes, residential extensions and annexes, and temporary dwellings will not be required to provide or contribute towards Children’s Play Space, Outdoor Sports Facilities or Allotments.
  • Redevelopment schemes where there is no net gain in the number of bed spaces will also be exempt from the provisions of 5(I), 5(II) and 5 (III) above.

Key Diagrams and Maps

Map 3: Location of Greengrid

For more information please see the Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development