Policy information sourced from the Tower Hamlets Local Plan
D.OWS3 Open space and green grid networks
Development on areas of open space (excluding Metropolitan Open Land) will only be supported in exceptional circumstances where:
- it provides essential facilities that enhance the function, use and enjoyment of the open space (e.g. ancillary sport facilities to the playing field use), or
- as part of a wider development proposal, both an increase of open space and a higher quality of open space can be achieved, and
- in any of the circumstances described in Parts 1(a) and (b), it is demonstrated that it will not result in any adverse impacts on the existing ecological, heritage or recreational value of the open space and the flood risk levels within and beyond the boundaries of the site, and
- it is an outdoor sport and recreational space or facility, the sporting and recreational benefits of which would outweigh the harm resulting from its loss
Strategic development should contribute to the delivery of new publicly accessible open space on-site which should:
- be visible and accessible from the public realm surrounding the site
- be of a high quality and inclusive design and provide facilities to promote active recreation and healthy lifestyles
- be well-connected and way-marked to other open spaces, in accordance with the Green Grid Strategy and Open Space Strategy
- contribute towards meeting the demand that they generate through the provision of on-site sport facilities and/or providing additional capacity off-site
- incorporate soft landscaping and sustainable urban drainage systems, and
- enhance biodiversity, contributing to the objectives identified in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Development should not solely rely upon existing publicly accessible open space to contribute towards on-site communal amenity space and child play space.
Development should not adversely impact on the public enjoyment, openness, ecological and heritage value of the borough’s publicly accessible open spaces.
Development adjacent or in close proximity to the green grid network (i.e. 200 metres) is required to demonstrate that it will not have adverse impacts on the access, design, usability, biodiversity and recreational value of the green grid network. It should also contribute to the expansion and the enhancement of green grid links to connect communities to publicly accessible open spaces and water spaces as well as other main destination points, such as town centres, schools, health facilities and transport hubs.
Development of community allotments, gardens and pocket parks will be encouraged, particularly where they bring into use vacant developable land on a temporary basis.
For more information please see the Local Plan