Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.
NE9.6: Protecting Open Space
Open space and ancillary facilities used for leisure and recreation will be protected, unless an up to date assessment of needs demonstrates the space is surplus to need. For an open space or an ancillary facility to be considered surplus to requirements, the following must be demonstrated:
- An assessment of needs has been undertaken that has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements, having regard to the Council’s most recent evidence base; and
- The open space is not needed for alternative open space uses; or
- An equivalent or better facility in terms of quality and quantity is to be provided in a more suitable location that meets the needs of the local community.
Development proposals for alternative open space uses will be supported where an upto-date assessment of needs clearly shows the benefits outweigh any adverse impacts on the community and the environment.
Open space and ancillary facilities used for leisure and recreation, as defined on the Policies Map, will be protected.
For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.