Open Space and Physical Activity
Open space and other opportunities for sport and recreation are a vital part of Scotland's urban and rural communities. Access to good quality open spaces and facilities which encourage people to play sport and to walk, run and cycle can help create a healthier Scotland. Open space can also provide a rich and accessible resource for education and children's play. It can also help create a greener Scotland, providing habitats for wildlife, helping to counteract climate change and encouraging more sustainable forms of transport.
Outdoor recreation offers rich experiences which greatly enhance quality of life, and are often of considerable importance to the rural economy. In urban areas, gardens and allotments can encourage physical activity and healthy eating; civic open spaces can enhance the street scene and help establish cultural identity.
Policy Summary
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 11: Open Space and Physical Activity
- Local authorities must prepare an open space audit and strategy for their area and regularly review this in line with the development planning process
- There is a presumption against development on open spaces which are valued and functional, or which are capable of being brought back into functional use to meet a need identified in the open space strategy. The development plan should identify areas of existing open space, taking account of the open space audit and strategy
- Planning authorities should use the findings of their open space audit and strategy to set out in development plans specific requirements for the provision of open space in new developments
- Open space must be properly managed and maintained, and this should be considered when developing the open space strategy. Effective arrangements should be put in place to ensure proper management and maintenance of open space associated with new developments
- Planning authorities should plan positively for sport and recreation facilities, allocating sites to meet any identified need for new facilities and ensuring there are sufficient playing fields to meet current and likely future demand