Please Note : Policies that are highlighted by strikethrough have not been 'saved'.
More information regarding Saved Policies can be found here.
10.1. Government pressure for identification of development land in urban areas to minimise the loss of countryside can pose threats to the existing open space, habitats and landscape character of the City. However the debate over how to accommodate the projected increase in households has stressed the need to make urban areas more attractive and desirable for residential development. Crucial to this is the creation and retention of quality, accessible open space to provide for the recreational needs of residents.
10.2. In addition to opportunities for outdoor leisure and recreation, open spaces provide visual amenity, a structure for the City, a diversity of wildlife habitats and the links between these habitats extending beyond the urban area. The quality, complexity and accessibility of this green environment should not be compromised unless there are significant overriding needs and circumstances, which would result in an overall improvement to the quality of urban life.
Green Environment Aims
• To protect and improve the quality of the green environment throughout the City;
• To ensure effective protection, conservation and enhancement of the wildlife, landscape and natural features of the City; and
• To safeguard and create a variety of accessible public open spaces for active and passive leisure use.
10.3. Following the Plan Strategy, policies have a presumption against the loss of green space and environmental features to development. However they also give guidance on the exceptional circumstances, which might arise when open space could be considered for development. Central to this guidance is the need for thorough assessments of ecological and environmental quality and open space requirements for leisure use.
National and Regional Policy Context
10.4. The production of Local Nature Conservation strategies is a key action of the Government’s guidance on planning for sustainable development. PPG9 on Biodiversity and Geological Conservation builds on the framework of statutory measures to safeguard the natural environment. It views the key to the conservation of wildlife as the protection of the habitat on which it depends. It also identifies the need to consider nature conservation generally and not just with regard to designated sites. “Biodiversity, the UK Action Plan” was published in 1994 following the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the “Earth Summit” in Rio and was accepted by the Government in 1996.
10.5. Revised PPG17 published in July 2002 stresses the importance of open spaces, sport and recreation provision in underpinning people’s quality of life. Well designed and implemented policies for open space, sport and recreation are therefore fundamental to delivering the wider objectives of urban renaissance, promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion, improved health and well being and promoting more sustainable development. The PPG and its companion guide on assessing needs and opportunities emphasizes the need to establish the requirements of local communities by undertaking robust assessments of needs and opportunities. These assessments should then be used to set local standards which include quantitative, qualitative and accessibility elements.
10.6. Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS8) for the East Midlands emphasizes that development needs should be met within and adjoining urban areas but states that existing recreational open spaces should be protected from development and improved wherever possible. It sees local initiatives as the best focus for environmental protection and enhancement and these should be reflected in development plans.
Local Policy Context
10.7. Environment Policy 2 of the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan 2005 states that “important areas of open space and green linkages within built up areas will be identified, protected and enhanced”. Environment Policy 3 and 3A, set out detailed considerations relating to the promotion of natural biodiversity, protecting and conserving sites of ecological significance and protected species and their habitats and enhancing the wider ecological value of the environment. It requires Local Plans to identify the sites to be protected.
10.8. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has published a local Biodiversity Action Plan: “Biodiversity Challenge: an Action Plan for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland” (1998). This identifies the local priorities for conserving habitats and species within Leicester and the two counties and has informed the nature conservation policies within the Structure Plan and this Local Plan. It recognises the importance of typically urban habitats, such as buildings and structures, bare ground and disused or abandoned land. Further information on the biodiversity of these habitats and others in Leicester will be included in the emerging Biodiversity Action Plan for Leicester.
10.9. The River and Canal corridor has a key role in sustaining the biodiversity of Leicester and the wider area and providing a variety of accessible open space for the benefit of residents and visitors. The particular features of the riverside are the subject of policies for the Riverside Special Policy Areas (see policies SPA09 and SPA10).
10.10. Two EMAS targets directly affected by the policies of the Local Plan are the quality of the natural environment on council owned land and the quantity of open space on council owned land. There is a commitment that Council owned sites of highest ecological value will cover at least as much land in 2002 as they did in 1997 and that in 2020 there should still be as much publicly accessible green open space as there was in 1994.
NATURE CONSERVATION POLICIES
10.11. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are afforded the highest level of protection to a site of natural interest outside statutory nature reserves. Sites may be designated by English Nature for their flora, fauna or geological features, and may be of local or national importance. Local Nature Reserves are designated by local authorities, under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
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GE01. SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
Development will not be permitted if it adversely affects Sites of Special Scientific Interest unless an overriding national need for the development can be shown to outweigh the sites’ ecological interest and there are no alternative sites available for that development.
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10.12. Gipsy Lane Pit SSSI is shown on the Proposals Map. This policy also applies to development on adjacent land or off site, which could adversely affect the SSSI. Policy E13 sets out the site development requirements for the Gypsy Lane Brickworks, which includes measures to safeguard the SSSI.
Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
10.13. The criteria for the selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are set out in the document “Guidelines for the selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation” 1999 and included in the Supplementary Planning Guidance on Biodiversity. SINCs are defined as the major and most important reservoirs of rare, local and declining native species and the best examples of typical Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland habitats. They may also be areas of ecological interest that provide people with the opportunity to learn about, appreciate and experience habitats and species of the natural world. This system of site evaluation replaces the Leicester Habitat Survey method of A and A* sites used in the previous Local Plan.
10.14. The Supplementary Planning Guidance on Biodiversity identifies the sites, describes their important ecological characteristics, explains how they meet the criteria for selection as a SINC and gives guidelines for the management needed in order to sustain their value for wildlife. In addition to the sites shown on the Biodiversity Proposals Map, other sites meeting these criteria may arise during the life of the Local Plan. Where the City Council perceives a significant impact on any Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, Local Nature Reserve or Regional Important Geological Site an Environmental Impact Assessment may be required. The Council will seek to establish additional Local Nature Reserves on areas of land, which have ecological or geological value.
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GE02. SITES OF IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION, LOCAL NATURE RESERVES AND REGIONALLY IMPORTANT GEOLOGICAL SITES
Development will not be permitted where it would adversely affect Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, Local Nature Reserves and Regionally Important Geological Sites, unless an overriding national or local need of strategic importance can be shown to outweigh the ecological interest. In such exceptional cases planning conditions will be imposed to mitigate the impact of development on the ecological or geological features of the site.
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Enhancing Biodiversity
10.15. Biodiversity Enhancement Sites are essential to ensure that the biodiversity of the City is sustained, enhanced and buffered from harm. They complement the Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. Many are along wildlife corridors and form links between SINCs that would otherwise be vulnerable to ecological isolation. Biodiversity Enhancement Sites are not protected from development. Instead the City Council will seek opportunities through planning conditions to enhance the biodiversity of the sites or the adjacent green network. It is also acknowledged that there may be, in certain circumstances the potential through development proposals for appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.
10.16. Biodiversity Enhancement Sites meet one or more of the following criteria;
• sites that have nature conservation value at present but do not meet the criteria for selection as a SINC, but which have potential for improvement to that quality; or
• open land of little existing wildlife value but which has an important place in a wildlife corridor and green network; or
• built or derelict land of little existing wildlife value but occupying an important position in the wildlife corridor and green network.
10.17. The rationale for identifying each Biodiversity Enhancement Site, together with recommendations for enhancement, is given in the Supplementary Guidance on Biodiversity. The sites are shown on the Biodiversity Proposals Map.
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GE03. BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT SITES
Development on a Biodiversity Enhancement Site will be permitted if the strategic nature conservation value is maintained or enhanced. Opportunities will be sought through the planning process to enhance the biodiversity of the site, of adjacent sites or of the green network to which it relates.
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Protected Species
10.18. The presence of a protected species is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application. Whilst the nests, breeding sites, setts and roost sites of protected species are covered by legislation, their hunting, sheltering and foraging habitats may not be. This policy is intended to ensure that protected species are not left isolated within a development without any surrounding habitat to support them. A protected species is a species that is included, or meets the criteria for inclusion, in Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), in the National or Local Red Data book or a species subject to a special Species Action Plan in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan.
10.19. Where any protected species are known or suspected to be present the City Council will require developers to carry out independent surveys of the species before a decision on the development can be made. The surveys should cover consultation with English Nature and the County Wildlife Trust, the status of the species, the size of the population, the habitats used by the species, the impact of the proposed development on the species and any proposed mitigation measures.English Nature will need to be consulted on all applications affecting a protected species prior to any decision being made.
10.20. Where any species listed in Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the National or Local Red Data Book or subject to a Species Action Plan are known to be present, the developer must demonstrate that measures to mitigate the impact of the development have been incorporated into the proposals.
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GE04. PROTECTED SPECIES
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Development will only be acceptable where it would not harm or damage the habitat on which a protected species relies, unless an overriding interest can be proven and there are no alternative solutions available. Where an overriding need for the development is demonstrated the City Council will impose conditions on the planning permission or enter into planning obligations to:
a) Facilitate the survival of individual members of species;
b) Reduce disturbance to a minimum;
c) Provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain at least the current levels of population of the species.
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Wildlife Habitats
10.21. Some important wildlife habitats occur outside designated nature conservation sites, often in areas of low overall wildlife value such as arable land or close mown amenity grassland. They may be the only chance for some species to live in that area, so their protection and conservation is important for the biodiversity of the whole City. All of these habitats are identified in the local Biodiversity Action Plan as in priority need of conservation action.
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GE05. WILDLIFE HABITATS
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Planning permission will be given for development where the design and layout addresses the retention, incorporation, or promotion and management of the following habitats:
a) hedgerows of predominantly native or naturalised species, including associated features such as ditches, banks, walls and the adjacent herbaceous grass margin;
b) mature trees;
c) standing mature dead wood habitats;
d) species-rich grassland;
e) floodplain wetlands and other wetlands habitats; and
f) woodlands and spinneys, including all associated vegetation and habitats features.
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STRATEGIC GREEN NETWORK
10.22. Within the City there is a hierarchy of open spaces providing landscape features, wildlife habitat, accessible open space and areas for play, sport and informal leisure activity. These contribute to the artistic, cultural, educational, health and heritage values of the city. Together they form a network, which provides links and stepping-stones for people and wildlife from the urban area to the surrounding countryside.
Green Wedges
10.23. Green Wedges are defined by the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan Strategy Policies 6 and 7 and comprise extensive areas of a predominantly open/green character which penetrate towards the City Centre from the edge of Leicester. Their value lies as open space for leisure or recreational purposes, as agricultural land, as land of ecological significance and as land providing separation between existing settlements. The City Council will seek to protect and enhance Green Wedges and to improve non-vehicular access to them.
10.24. Green Wedges have been designated on the Proposals Map. Any development proposals within Green Wedges will be assessed within the provisions of policies GE06, GE07 and GE08.
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Planning permission will not be granted for development which would:
a) affect the predominantly open and undeveloped character of a green wedge; or
b) reduce the physical separation between existing settlements; or
c) prejudice agricultural and forestry operations; or
d) impair recreational and leisure access to and within green wedges.
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10.25. Subject to the above, any approved development within a Green Wedge will be expected to serve the open space (i.e. a pavilion, sports pitch, farm building, agricultural holding). The scale and size of any development must take into account its location in a Green Wedge. Development which cannot justify a Green Wedge location will therefore be unacceptable. When redevelopment opportunities arise on previously developed land they will be assessed in terms of this policy. Redevelopment/conversion on a limited scale could be acceptable if it reflects the existing built form and where the function and character of the Green Wedge is not adversely affected. This policy also relates to uses and activities adjacent to the Green Wedge. To minimise the visual and environmental impact of development adjacent to Green Wedges a high quality of boundary and frontage treatment should be provided.
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THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Subject to the provisions of GE06, the following uses will not be acceptable in Green Wedges:
a) housing;
b) industry;
c) warehousing;
d) retail and commercial;
e) leisure complexes; which do not at least mainly presuppose the use of a significant area of associated open land in the form of playing fields or athletics track for participatory sporting activities;
f) offices;
g) parking (other than well landscaped facilities needed for existing or proposed open space uses);
h) hospitals;
i) educational establishments;
j) any structure over 5 metres in height; and
k) open storage of any materials or items.
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10.26. Any car parking areas in or adjacent to Green Wedges will need to be carefully designed to minimise their impact. They will be expected to be screened, landscaped and appropriately surfaced.
10.27. Because of special permitted development rights for Telecommunications Development the restriction on structures over 5 metres in height does not apply to them. In such cases, development which requires a planning application will be dealt with under the provisions of PPG8 (Telecommunications) and Policy BE24.
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THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
The following uses will be considered acceptable in Green Wedges, subject to the provisions of GE06 and provided that the operational requirements of any development do not harm the character of the Green Wedge:
a) golf courses;
b) sports pitches;
c) nature and other open recreational areas including canals, rivers and other open water;
d) burial grounds;
e) agriculture;
f) horticulture;
g) allotments;
h) forestry; and
i) footpaths, cycleways and bridleways.
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10.28. Where sites in Green Wedges are also Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation then intensification of uses by, for example, floodlighting, artificial surfaces or glass houses would not be acceptable. Proposals for dedicated public transport routes across Green Wedges will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances where there is no other alternative and noise attenuation measures are incorporated. The environmental impact of such schemes would have to be assessed carefully and appropriate mitigation and replacement measures agreed with the City Council in advance. They should not be regarded as setting a precedent for associated development or for similar development in other Green Wedges.
Green Space
10.29. Green Space comprises linear open space corridors, often with strong landscape features and often linked to Green Wedges and other areas of open space in the City, including parks, playing fields and allotments. The City Council will seek to protect, and enhance these areas and to improve access to them. It is important that the viability and separate identity of these areas is retained.
10.30. The revised version of PPG 17 places great emphasis on the protection of all types of open space for sport and recreational activities. However, not all open space, sport and recreational land and buildings are of equal merit and some may be available for alternative uses. In determining whether green space can be developed it should clearly be shown to be surplus to requirements through an assessment of need. For open space, “surplus to requirements” should include consideration of all functions that open space can perform. It will also be necessary to demonstrate that proposals are widely supported by the local community.
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GE09. GREEN SPACE
Planning permission will not be granted for any development, which would endanger or encroach upon Green Space as shown on the Proposals Map unless:
a) nature conservation and landscape value is protected in accordance with Policies GE02–GE05 and UD06; and
b) such development would not in itself create an area of public open space deficiency as defined in paragraph 10.34; and
c) a local assessment of need identifies the land as surplus to requirements.
In addition planning permission for any development on Green space will only be granted where:-
d) it would service or improve the character of open space uses of the land and the green and open character of the area continues to dominate; or
e) it involves the development of playing fields in accordance with Policies GE15, GE16 and GE17; or
f) it involves the future of allotments in accordance with Policy GE19.
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10.31. Green Spaces help to meet the leisure and recreation needs of the City’s residents. They are also of importance visually and ecologically. However a situation may arise where a site is required for a development for which an area of Green Space provides the only suitable location. The community benefit of the development would have to be carefully weighed against the irretrievable loss of open space.
10.32. Some areas of public open space have suffered from a decline in use due partly to a perceived lack of security. This in turn has lead to vandalism and real threats to personal safety. In such exceptional cases partial development which retains public open space as the predominant land use and ensures that it is overlooked can reduce the opportunities for anti social behaviour and encourage greater use of the remaining space for leisure.
Open Space Deficiency
10.33. Although overall public open space provision within Leicester is reasonably satisfactory, its distribution is uneven and some parts of the City are clearly under-provided. Generally speaking the City is well served by larger parks, recreation grounds and public playing fields. However, it is deficient in local open spaces including play areas, small recreation grounds and sitting out spaces, particularly within the Inner City area. An important consideration in addressing these deficiencies is the need to ensure that all Leicester’s citizens enjoy reasonable access to open space and recreational opportunities by suitable, safe pedestrian routes and cycleways
10.34. Special care is necessary to preserve the opportunity of enjoying open green space within the City for all, especially disabled people, elderly people, children and those without access to a private car. Access to public open space can be limited not just by distance but by the dislocating effects of major transport routes. Map 06 shows those residential areas of the City which have a deficiency of public open space. In this instance an area is deficient in open space if it is more than 400 metres from an entrance to publicly accessible open space of at least 1 hectare, or if it is separated from such a facility by a major physical barrier such as a waterway, a railway line or a main road without an adequate crossing. Smaller open spaces with a particular quality or range of facilities have occasionally been included in the assessment of deficiency.
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GE10. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCY
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
In and immediately adjacent to areas of identified public open space deficiency, shown on Map 06, development (other than that needed for the maintenance or enhancement of open space) will not be permitted on areas of open space; which would increase the deficiency.
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10.35. Any open space has the potential to be made available for public use and such opportunities should not be lost. However partial development of open space can allow for the creation of accessible and overlooked public open space as part of the proposal.
LAND USES IN THE STRATEGIC GREEN NETWORK
Parks, Recreation Grounds and Public Open Space
10.36. The importance of Parks, Recreation Grounds and Public Open Spaces lie in the complex role they play in the physical, social and mental well being of City residents, thequality of theurban environment, in generating civic pride and complementing inward investment and economic regeneration initiatives.
10.37. Public open space creation should be part of the process of neighbourhood renewal and urban regeneration. A key feature of the redevelopment funded by City Challenge was the new Bede Park, which provides leisure opportunities for residential areas which were deficient in public open space as well as new residents. The City Council will endeavour to assemble additional sites for public open space, which could include, if necessary, the use of compulsory purchase powers. Within the City Centre Regeneration area the creation of a new urban park is a high priority as part of the new live-work zone linking the railway station to the space centre (see Policy PS06).
10.38. Leicester is rich in historic parks and gardens of a variety of ages, sizes and types which have great value as part of Leicester’s social history and local heritage. Most of theses spaces are also of landscape interest and are open to the public. Abbey Park, Victoria Park, New Walk and Welford Road Cemetery are recognised by English Heritage by virtue of their listing in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. There are also a number of historic parks and gardens which are not of sufficient national interest for inclusion in the Register but which nevertheless merit special protection because of their local interest. These are defined as Parks and Gardens of Historic Local Interestand will be listed in “The City of Leicester Building Conservation Directory”.
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GE11. PARKS AND GARDENS OF HISTORIC INTEREST
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Planning permission will not be granted for development that harms the special historic character or detracts from the setting of Parks and Gardens of national and local interest.
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10.39. Any development within historic parks and gardens must conserve and interpretthe structural landscape, architectural and any other principal components that contribute to the area’s special character and setting. However the Council will encourage the enhancement and/or restoration of the layout of historic parks and gardens where this is appropriate and is based on thorough historical research. An historic landscape appraisal report may be required where development affecting an historic park or garden, or its setting, is proposed.
Play Spaces
10.40. The opportunity for play is essential for children of all ages, of different social and cultural backgrounds, and different physical and intellectual abilities. The City Council recognises the National Playing Field Association’s (NPFA) “Six Acre Standard” 1992 for outdoor playing space, as a desirable minimum and will endeavour, within the constraints imposed by a densely developed urban fabric, to work towards it. The NPFA standard for the minimum provision of children’s play space is 0.6 - 0.8 hectares per 1000 population, comprising 0.2 - 0.3 hectares for equipped playgrounds and 0.4 - 0.5 hectares for other play space. Recent Government guidance in the form of the revised PPG17 and its companion guide on assessing needs and opportunities for open space, sport and recreation emphasizes the importance of setting local standards. Until a local assessment has been undertaken the City Council will continue to use the NPFA standards for new developments. Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Open Space Provision in New Residential Developments has been prepared and gives further advice on play space provision.
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GE12. PROVISION OF CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Developments which include 15 units of family housing or more should incorporate 0.8 ha. of children’s play space per 1000 population, to include at least one Local Area for Play (LAP).
Developments of 50 units or more will be required to include at least one Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP).
The location, siting and design of play spaces should:
a) encourage a variety of forms of play to cater for the needs of children of different ages (as appropriate to the site), race, sex and ability;
b) be fenced to make them secure against dogs;
c) provide facilities and access suitable for carers with prams or push chairs;
d) be overlooked by nearby properties; and
e) cause no unacceptable harm to residential amenity.
For smaller developments of family housing the City Council will seek to negotiate a commuted sum towards the provision and/or enhancement of play space in a location accessible to the new development.
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10.41. The requirement for on site provision relates to developments of 15 or more dwellings with two or more bedrooms, including flats. The provision of children’s play spaces should be an integral part of residential layout, and their location, size and functions need to be considered from the beginning of the design process. For smaller developments and even some larger developments it may be preferable for the City Council to seek to negotiate a commuted sum towards new provision and/or enhancement of existing provision in a location accessible to the development. Developers are advised to seek guidance from the City Council on the particular play requirements of the development before designs are prepared, to ensure that the scheme is appropriate to meet the needs of that development.
10.42. The variety of types of playspace will depend on the size and type of development and identified local need. This will include the consideration of the level and quality of any existing provision and any requirements for flexibility given particular local circumstances and site characteristics. The needs of teenagers should be considered as part of the design to prevent inappropriate use of children’s facilities. Account should be taken of the wider environment for children’s play and play space should not be limited to designated equipped areas only. The location and range of equipment should meet the standards set by the NPFA and designs must meet the European Safety Standards 1998 (BSEN 1176 and 1177).
10.43. If development sites adjoin, it may be desirable that the play area requirements are pooled to secure better facilities. Where developers need to hand over play areas to the City Council, conditions or planning agreements will be used to secure provision. Commuted sums will be required to meet maintenance costs for a period of ten years.
Youth and Adult Outdoor Play Provision
10.44. The City Council recognises that the National Playing Fields Association standard of a minimum of 1.6 -1.8 hectares per 1000 population for youth and adult play is a desirable provision. Again the NPFA standards will continue to be used until a thorough local assessment of needs for open space, sport and recreation has been made.For development of less than 100 dwellings, or where outdoor play provision would prevent the creation of a high density development, or where existing playing field provision is already in excess of need, the City Council will seek a commensurate commuted sum towards the improvement of existing and accessible facilities.
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GE13. PROVISION OF YOUTH AND ADULT OUTDOOR PLAYING SPACE
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Residential development must make provision for youth and adult play. Where appropriate a minimum 1.6 ha. of play space per 1000 population addedshould be included as part of the development.
Where the scale or nature of the development does not allow space for youth and adult play, the City Council will seek a commuted sum towards the provision or improvement of outdoor sporting and recreational facilities in an accessible location. Any provision will be directly related to the development proposed.
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Protecting Play Areas
10.45. Children’s play areas within residential areas which are not large enough to be designated as Green Space are usually shown within Primarily Residential Areas on the Proposals Map. This does not mean that they are available for residential development.
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GE14. PROTECTION OF PLAY AREAS
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
Planning permission will not be granted for development of land laid out or reserved as a children’s play area unless suitable alternative facilities are provided to an equal or better standard on a site which is equally accessible.
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Playing Fields
10.46. Leicester has a wide range of parks and playing fields which are reasonably accessible from all areas of the city. In addition there are school and college playing fields and those provided by private sporting clubs or the voluntary and community sectors. Additional provision can be made by the dual use of school and college playing fields and by the multi-use of existing playing fields and artificial turf pitches.
10.47. The Leicester Playing Pitch Assessment (March 2001) sets out the future demand for facilities for football, rugby, cricket and hockey in the City. It was based on the National Playing Field Association standard of a minimum of 1.6-1.8 hectares per 1000 population for youth and adult play. This has provided the basis for a subsequent County Wide Playing Pitch Assessment.
10.48. Sport England is a statutory consultee for planning applications relating to playing fields and has established a set of criteria for the consideration of any proposal for development of playing fields. This is now supported by the government, in respect of land owned by a local authority or used by an educational institution, with the publication of Circular 9/98 and by the requirements of the School Standards and Framework Act. Playing fields serve a dual purpose of providing space for leisure pursuits, not only organised sports, and as a green open space within an urban environment.
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GE15. PLAYING FIELDS
THIS POLICY IS NOT SAVED
The City Council will only consider proposals for the development of all or any part of a playing field for other uses if:
a) the proposal would not result in a deficiency of playing fields and/or public open space provision or a deficiency in high quality pitches ; or
b) the proposal is ancillary to the principal use of the site as a playing field; or
c) the proposal does not result in the loss or reduction in size of a playing pitch or the inability to make use of a playing pitch; or
d) the loss would be replaced by alternative provision of equivalent or greater community benefit, in terms of quantity or quality, and at least as accessible; or
e) sports and recreation facilities can be best retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site.
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10.49. Policies of the Local Plan seek to protect Green Space and Green Wedges, which include playing fields, from inappropriate development. The ecological and landscape quality of the playing fields will be determining factors in the consideration of leisure/community developments and development should be in accordance with Policies GE06 to GE09. The City Council must also be assured that there would remain sufficient playing pitches of a quality to meet current and future needs. Alternatively the developer must make provision for facilities of comparable size and quality in a location which is at least as accessible as the existing facilities. Where a surplus of playing fields has been identified through an assessment, the need for public open space and other recreational uses will be considered first before planning permission is granted for some other form of development. It will also be necessary to establish local support for any development on open space. It is recognised that the catchment for some playing fields can be city-wide.
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GE16. BLACKBIRD ROAD PLAYING FIELDS POLICY AREA
a) be part of a comprehensive scheme for the whole site;
b) provide for 5.9 hectares of open space of which a minimum of 3 hectares is publicly accessible and overlooked by development. The remaining open space will provide for additional sport and recreational facilities.
c) incorporate pedestrian and cycle routes across the site to the adjoining school.
d) address the demand for community uses in the area.
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10.50. The playing fields are no longer required for educational use and are not currently available for public use. Policy H01(k) allocates 8 hectares of the site for residential development and the remaining 5.9 hectares are retained as Green Space. As the area to the south of the site is deficient in public open space the City Council wishes to see the provision of at least 3 hectares of public open space as the key feature of any development. The Playing Pitch Assessment 2001 has identified the lack of good quality pitches in the area and the area of open space should include the provision of playing pitches and appropriate facilities.
10.51. Currently there is a shortage of health facilities to serve the existing local community and this site provides an opportunity for the siting of such facilities. A contribution will be sought towards the provision of facilities to meet needs arising from the development, in accordance with Policy IMP01. This will include a contribution, within a Section 106 Agreement, towards the provision of additional places at the local primary and secondary schools. Site development guidance will be produced and will provide details of the developer contributions that will be sought.
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GE17. POWERGEN LAND AT RAW DYKES ROAD AND AYLESTONE ROAD SPORTS GROUND
Residential, employment and outdoor sporting and leisure development will be acceptable within the Powergen Sports Ground Area, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals must be part of a comprehensive scheme for the whole site, in which are included:
a) an area of open space which can accommodate public open space and a range of sports and leisure facilities;
b) design measures to ensure surveillance of the open space;
c) the identification and retention of any areas of archaeological importance;
d) design measures which take account of the potential adverse impact of any existing indus,, ,, trial uses;
e) the retention and use of the pavilion; and
f) the retention of trees bordering the site alongside Aylestone Road.
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10.52. This private sports ground adjoins an area that is deficient in public open space. The planned residential development on Bede Island South and the old football ground on Filbert Street will place an even greater demand on the existing facilities. Limited development of the site would facilitate improvements to and public use of this open space resource.
10.53. The City Council will prepare site development guidance for the site, which will indicate appropriate uses, constraints and site features that need to be incorporated into any comprehensive development scheme for the site to ensure the retention of open space. Arrangements to accommodate the needs of any sports club currently using the site will be a key requirement of any proposals. Due to the historic importance and quality of the cricket ground the pavilion and pitch should be retained. It will provide changing and club facilities and other community uses.
AYLESTONE POLICY AREA
10.54. The land off Soar Valley Way/Lutterworth Road, Aylestone was allocated for housing development in the City of Leicester Local Plan 1994. In his report following the Public Inquiry into this Local Plan, the Inspector acknowledged that the housing allocation was relevant but he did not make any specific recommendation for the future use of the site. The options for the development of this land depend on further investigation into highway access arrangements following the abandonment of the Park and Ride proposal. At this stage, the Council proposes to designate the site as the Aylestone Policy Area. It will consider the detailed options for this land as part of the new Local Development Framework for the City. Previous planning decisions and conditions in respect of this site will be taken into account and any scheme will be expected to include suitable pedestrian and cycle links with the Great Central Way.
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Allotments
10.55. Allotments form a valuable part of Leicester’s strategic green network as , well as playing an important recreational, social, health and educational role. The decline in allotment use which was highlighted by a Commons Select Committee report “The Future of Allotments” in 1998. The government has since made a commitment to ensur, e that local authorities have actively promoted their allotments before giving consent for disposal under Section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925. The Local Agenda 21 Action Plan seeks to increase allotment use and the City Council is following guidance on best practice in the management of allotments to achieve this aim. Operational allotments in the City are listed in Appendix 03.
10.56. A Review of Allotments was conducted by the City Council in 1999 and consultation with allotment society representatives and users took place in 2000, prior to the preparation of an Allotment Strategy. The Review showed that Leicester has a high level of allotment provision per head of population compared with the na, tional average, although there are areas of the City with, , out adequate allotment provision. It identified non-operational allotme, nts and all, otments which have suffered from long standing vacancies and other problems a, nd which have the potential for total or partial alternative uses including public open space. As a result the following sites have been identified and are shown on the Proposals Map as areas for development. Site development guidance will be prepared for these sites showing the most suitable form of development:
Allotments totally allocated for development:
• 1.4 hectares at Barkby Road Allotments allocated for employment use (Policy E01);
• 0.3 hectares at Aikman Avenue Allotments allocated for residential development (Policy H01) Allotments allocated for partial development;
• 2.5 hectares of the former St. Mary’s Allotments allocated for housing (Policy H01), dependent on the remaining area being developed for public open space as part of a comprehensive scheme;
• 1.16 hectares of Uxbridge Road Allotments allocated for employment use (Policy E01);
• 3.0 hectares of Whittier Road Allotments allocated for residential use (Policy H01). The Proposals Map does not show a specific site for this allocation because the proposed la, yout of the development has not been finalised; and
• 2.0 hectares of Wycombe Road Allotments allocated for residential development (Policy H01).
In addition the allotments at Laburnham Road, Groby Road and Harrison Road have significant areas of underuse and may be able to accommodate some development.
Abbey Park Road Allotments are included in the Abbey Meadows Intervention Area, to support the regeneration of the area around the National Space Centre.
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GE19. ALLOTMENTS
Planning permission will not be granted for development which would result in the loss of allotments unless:
a) there has been significant and long standing under occupancy of the site despite efforts to secure tenants;
b) the nature conservation and landscape value of the site is protected or enhanced;
c) there is adequate alternative allotment provision in a nearby accessible location to cater for long term future need.
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10.57. The City Council considers that the scope for consolidation of allotments, the location of vacant plots and the environmental quality of the site are a more appropriate indication of potential for alternative use than a specific vacancy level, although the figure of 40% vacancy will be used as a guide. Allotments, particularly those disused or with low occupancy, are an important element in the bio-diversity of the City. Therefore the particular ecological features will influence plans for alternative uses on the site. Nature conservation and landscape features will be protected in accordance with policies GE02 - GE05 and UD06. Conversion of allotments to public open space allows the flexibility to cater for any future changes in demand and provides an opportunity to reduce open space deficiency. The need for public open space and other recreational uses will be considered first before planning permission is granted for some other form of development.
10.58. The future provision of allotments to serve the developments of Ashton Green and Hamilton or areas where existing provision becomes inadequate will be considered if a suitable location becomes available.
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GE20. ST. MARY’S POLICY AREA
Development of the St Mary’s Policy Area as shown on the Proposals Map should be in accordance with Policy H01. The City Council will require proposals to:
a) be part of a comprehensive scheme for the whole site;
b) include 2.5 hectares of the site for housing (H01);
c) develop the remaining area for public open space, and
d) ensure that the nature and landscape value of the site is protected.
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10.59. The St Mary’s Policy Area is the site of the former St Mary’s Allotments. The existing residential area to the south of the site is deficient in public open space. At the Local Public Inquiry into the current Local Plan the Inspector recommended that housing development on approximately a third of the land would facilitate enhancement of publicly accessible open space for enjoyment by local residents. Policy H01 allocates 2.5 hectares of the site for residential development. The remaining area of the site will be developed for public open space as part of a comprehensive scheme. Public open space that is provided needs to be accessible to existing residents. Development should facilitate and encourage pedestrian and cycle movements to and within and through the site. The whole area is identified as a Biodiversity Enhancement Site, where development can provide opportunities to enhance biodiversity. In addition it is important that security is taken into account in the provision of the public open space.
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