1 Sefton Green space strategy Steve Matthews Local Planning Manager Sefton Council

2 Sefton UDP Policy framework to require public greenspace NPFA standards no longer acceptable! But … Open space study not complete

3 Policy approach Residential development – requirement for provision on site or enhancement nearby Also …. Commercial, industrial and leisure development … but only ‘where clear shortage of greenspace has been identified in a Council-approved greenspace strategy’

4 Open space study 734 urban greenspace sites benefits – recreation, trees, visual, wildlife However … narrow approach

5 The green space approach Change of direction … Rise in profile of green space CABE Space Other authorities’ experience – strategic approach > extra funding Green infrastructure

6 Role of green space strategy Link to other strategies Umbrella for recreation studies Objectives of Sefton Borough Partnership Corporate approach

7 Green Space Strategy Community Strategy North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan Playing pitches Strategy Community Safety Strategy Public Health Partnership Strategies e.g. physical activity, mental health Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy Footpaths, Cycling & Accessibility Strategies Nature Conservation Strategy for the Coast Play Strategy Regional Spatial Strategy Parks & Open Spaces Management Plan Mersey Forest Plan Coast Management Plan Parks Strategy

8 Steering group Wide representation – within and outside Council ‘Green spaces’ v ‘urban greenspace’ Different types of benefits – health, climate change, involving communities, regeneration

9 Developing standards 1 PPG 17 typology Assess … Quantity Quality Accessibility + variety

10 Developing standards 2 Quantity Is there enough …? (too much? too little?) … of each of the different types in PPG17? Quality Does it have the right kind of facilities? Is it well maintained?

11 Developing standards 3 Accessibility – 2 key aspects Parks and gardens 400 metres, 1km, 3km Accessible natural green spaces – variation of Natural England model 400m - site of 20ha 2km - site of ha

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13 Practical issues Straight line v. actual distance Distance to boundary or to entrance Effect of barriers What is ‘natural’ green space? Impact on extent of deficiency

14 Consultation Parish councils Community empowerment network Network South Focus groups Area committees Pitches - leagues and clubs Youth advisors After school clubs

15 Next steps Green space issues report 2 main documents: - g’space & dev’t SPD – standards/ procedures - corporate g’space strategy – action plan & priorities Supporting both documents - strategies for … play, open space, playing pitches, allotments

16 Green space strategy - opportunities clear priorities link trees money to wider green space projects widen scope of what is possible - different partners & pots of funding, one-off funding respond better to local needs – involving the community