This week Prime
Minister Theresa May announced a major overhaul to the National Planning
Policy Framework, "to provide a comprehensive approach for planners,
developers and councils".
The focus is on the
government's intentions to build more homes, make more use of local authority
owned land for housing and in some places increase population density.
Fields in Trust
Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said the Prime Minister's pledges to protect
ancient woodland and the green belt are to be welcomed but we remain concerned
that the pressure for housing will result in the unintended consequence of loss
of green spaces in both urban and rural areas.
"The review of
the NPPF provides an opportunity to reframe the current Section 106 proposals
and commit to supporting the health, social and cultural wellbeing of
communities," she said.
"Given the role
that parks and green spaces play in creating healthy communities it is crucial
that they are prioritised in these commitments.
"We believe
that this review provides an opportunity for more joined-up thinking across
government in relation to parks and green spaces. The importance of protecting
and enhancing the natural environment that is so strongly advocated in DEFRA's
25-year Environment Plan is a key factor in ensuring the successful
delivery of the DCMS
sports strategy to build a more active nation. Parks and green spaces are
the foundation stone of an active, healthy nation and any revision to the NPPF
should reflect this.
"That said
parks and green spaces are facing an uncertain future. A recent
LGUI report indicates that, financial difficulties will force local
councils to cut many core community services for their 2018/19 budgets. Over
half say they will be reducing parks and leisure activities this year (53% of
councils). Added to this the change in the regulations from the 2015 Autumn
Statement which mean local councils can retain 100% of the sale of assets to
invest in public services and the prospect of a local council selling off a
green space for much needed housing may well be attractive to cash-strapped
council leaders - even though not a long-term solution.
"Recreation
spaces in residential areas should therefore remain a priority for protection
from development, especially at a time when there is pressure on land for new
housing; this means hard choices must be made. It is clearly the case that
brownfield sites should be first for development, but these are not always
available. Fields in Trust's position is therefore that if no brownfield site
is available for necessary development, then other sites on the urban fringe
should be considered before planning authorities contemplate sanctioning the
loss of existing playing fields or other recreational sites.
"This may not
be a universally shared opinion; it is important that consultation and
consideration of environmental and amenity issues takes place at a local level.
But the importance of, and pressure on, land for sport and play in urban areas
is such that they must be protected from development in the most robust manner.
"However, by
exploring creative partnerships solutions can be found. Last year, in partnership
with HAB Housing, Fields in Trust developed an innovative collaboration
which will secure recreational land in perpetuity as part of a new housing
development at Kings Worthy near Winchester, Hampshire. As well as a new small
housing development, the site was improved with allotments, wildflower meadows,
play areas, a running circuit and a community orchard. Ownership of the site
will be transferred to the local Parish Council, and the new community space
will complement the existing facilities in the adjoining Eversley Park, with
its football pitches, playground and basketball and tennis courts.
"Whilst there
is this pressure on land across the UK, both Scotland and Wales have devolved
housing policy arrangements with their own planning regulations. However,
anywhere in the UK, local communities could take a pre-emptive approach to
safeguard their green spaces with Fields in Trust. Existing planning
legislation alone is not sufficient to prevent the loss of parks and playing
fields. Land owners and local authorities working with us can secure their
greenspaces through a Deed of Dedication and ensure that
accessible public recreational land is protected forever."
