Good quality green space plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of urban life, and is also important (usually as multi-functional space) in a rural context. We undertake comprehensive local assessments of parks and other green spaces (natural green space, cemeteries, allotments, amenity green space for example) to support the development of an effective strategy with clear and achievable objectives and ownership of deliverables.

Our approach can include a review of existing national, regional and local plans and strategies, to set your requirements into their strategic context and ensure consistency of approach. We can also assess the effectiveness of existing planning policies and provision standards.

We frequently are asked to undertake an audit of existing provision including all existing open spaces and sport and recreation facilities within a local authority’s area. This includes an assessment of the quality and value of each type of provision, and will also often result in more comprehensive mapping of sites together with associated data.

Typically, we would also establish the views of local communities through structured consultation, to identify attitudes to existing provision and establish local expectations and needs. We have a range of tried and tested approaches that can be deployed to ensure rigour and inclusiveness in this area.

From this work we will seek to develop a vision for the type of open spaces, sport and recreation facilities which communities want to see in their areas, and also an understanding of how this translates into reality at the local level.

Work for clients in this area has included:

Erewash Borough Council -
PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment and Green Space Strategy

London Borough of Harrow -
PPG17 Open Space, Sports, Play and Recreation Study, Parks and Green Space Strategy, and Tree Strategy

Medway Council -
PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment

Mid Bedfordshire District Council -
PPG17 Open Space, Sports, Play and Recreation Study

Halcrow –
Critical appraisal of draft Green Space Strategy for Luton and South Beds

Monmouthshire County Council -
TAN16 Audit of Open Space

Hartlepool Borough Council -
PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment

Thurrock Council -
PPG17 Community Needs and Open Space Assessment

Waveney District Council -
PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment