Professional Documents
Culture Documents
strategies
a good practice guide
Contents
Foreword 3
Introduction 4
Acknowledgements
Foreword
I am very pleased that, at last, there seems to be This cannot be done without a plan. There is
a real interest in improving England's impressively growing evidence that those local authorities that
large stock of urban parks and green spaces. have published a comprehensive strategy are
Politicians, both national and local, are beginning better able to make progress towards improving
to appreciate the value of these public places to their green assets than those that have not.
the well-being of people living in our towns and Not all strategies do all that they should, however,
cities. They can see that their aim of encouraging and getting them right, along with attracting political
inward investment, sustainable communities and and popular support, is a major piece of work.
healthy lifestyles depends on high quality green
I am delighted that CABE Space has attracted
spaces, near to where most people live.
some of the most knowledgeable and experienced
No part of the public realm is so important to specialists in this field to help develop strategic
such a wide range of people; the park that provides approaches that incorporate the best current
a toddler's first taste of freedom should also be practice, not least in involving planners and
a welcoming place for the elderly to socialise. landscape managers in developing the local
It is claimed that around 2.5 billion visits are made standards for quality, quantity and accessibility
to public parks annually. Yet these precious places now advocated in official planning guidance.
are only a part of the tapestry of green spaces
Making the case for better parks and green
woven into our urban fabric. Recreation grounds,
spaces has never been easy. It needs joined-up
riverside walks, play areas, cemeteries and
thinking to provide a platform for new partnerships
allotments are part of this rich matrix.
and initiatives and to gain political support.
But many of our parks and green spaces today are In setting up CABE Space, the Commission for
not very welcoming. We have seen a significant Architecture and the Built Environment is carrying
reduction in the resources dedicated to maintaining out its brief to champion parks and green spaces.
such places, and a decline in their quality. I hope this guidance will help all those who
share our vision for making diverse, attractive
The challenge for politicians, planners and
and well-managed networks of green spaces an
managers is not simply to reverse the trend of
integral part of our urban environment and the
the last thirty years but to reinvigorate parks and
way we choose to live.
green spaces with features and facilities and
with activity and community support that will put
them at the centre of an urban renaissance, as
well as at the centre of the life of communities.
Introduction
A green space strategy sets out an authority’s A successful green space strategy should:
vision for using its green space and the goals it
n support national, regional and local policy
wants to achieve, plus the resources, methods
objectives;
and time needed to meet these goals.
n contribute to the wider objectives of the council
A green space strategy forms part of a suite of including improvements to the economy,
key council documents. It is a comprehensive, housing, education, health, culture, planning,
council-wide document, which should directly transport, regeneration, biodiversity, the
contribute to delivering the council’s corporate environment and the public realm;
aims and objectives set out in the community n be based on a clear assessment of the local
strategy. Other more detailed strategies, such as community’s current and future needs and
tree strategies and sports strategies, will feed opportunities, and of design, management
into the green space strategy. Strategies should and maintenance processes;
be succinct and easily digested but detailed n support preparation of the local development
enough to enable decision making, assessment framework by recording the location and
of plans, resource allocation and the setting of characteristics of existing parks and green
priorities. Useful principles for producing space, remedying any deficiencies and making
strategies are set out by the Improvement and strategic links between networks of spaces;
Development Agency (IDeA) established by n establish an action plan that sets out design,
and for local government in 1999, see management and maintenance principles, and
www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk an implementation programme that includes
monitoring and review procedures;
6 6 6
Figure 1. Steps to
1 Process Agree a common language Stage 1: Preliminary activities developing a great
strategy
6 6 6
2 Purpose Agree what the strategy is for Stage 1: Preliminary activities
3 Current Reality Analyse the way things are now Stage 2: Information gathering
and analysis (assessing supply
6 6 6
and demand)
4 Future possibility Declare the way you would Stage 3: Drafting the strategy
6 6 6
like things to be (vision, objectives and policies)
5 Drivers of change Identify the areas of activity that Stage 3: Drafting the stategy
will deliver the future possibility (action plan) 2
1
6
Scope
It is vital to agree the scope of the strategy at the A comprehensive green space strategy should
outset. The focus of this document is green space. therefore include, as appropriate, the following
The Government’s planning policy guidance sets categories of green spaces:
definitions for open space and clarifies the distinction
n parks and public gardens
between green spaces and civic, or hard, spaces.
n natural and semi-natural spaces (including
Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for wastelands and derelict open land)
Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17)2 n green corridors
states that, n outdoor sports facilities
n amenity green spaces
Open space should be taken to mean all open
n provision for children and young people
space of public value, including not just land, but
n allotments, community gardens and city farms
also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes
n cemeteries, churchyards and other burial
and reservoirs which offer important
grounds
opportunities for sport and recreation and can
n accessible countryside in urban fringe areas.
3
also act as a visual amenity.
Although some of these green spaces are
It is important to define clearly what the green
commonly covered by sub-strategies, such as
space strategy will cover and to understand the
allotment, play and sports strategies, it is good
distinction between a green space strategy and an
practice to reduce the number of strategies and
open space strategy. There are many examples of
draw them together under one over-arching
strategies with subtle yet significant differences in
green space strategy.
their terms of reference. Some strategies focus
on core elements of green space, including parks, The geographical extent of the strategy should
sports grounds and play areas. Others are more also be agreed at the outset. Ideally, the strategy
4 comprehensive in their inclusion of other amenity should be developed in collaboration with
areas, allotments, cemeteries and churchyards, adjoining authorities and its remit should extend
3 Rugby players at Riverside woodlands and nature conservation areas. Open beyond the local authority boundary to ensure it
Park, Chester-le-Street
(Green Flag Award winner)
space strategies will also include civic spaces and takes in significant adjacent parks, green spaces
Photography by other public spaces in the urban realm. This is the and communities. This is particularly important
Kevin Gibson
approach taken by the Greater London Authority in more rural areas, where people may have to
4 Cemeteries and other (GLA) in their Guide to Preparing Open Space travel further to facilities. Consultation is important
burial grounds should
be included in a Strategies – Best practice guidance. to identify which spaces people use outside the
comprehensive green study area.
space strategy PPG17 and the final report of the Urban Green
Photography by Peter Neal
Spaces Taskforce3 define the different types of 2 Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
Figure 2. Relationship ODPM, July 2002 (www.odpm.gov.uk).
green space and civic space that are common in 3 Green Spaces, Better Places. The final report of the Urban Green
between open space and
green space strategies. urban environments. The typology used in Spaces Taskforce. DTLR, 2002 (www.odpm.gov.uk).
PPG17 is recommended to provide consistency.
Figure 2. Relationship
between open space and Open Space
5
green space strategies
Strategy
Green Space
Civic Space
Strategy
Potential sub-strategies
5 Allotments encourage
healthy lifestyles, they
contribute to the green
fabric of urban areas and
are managed by local people
Photography by Peter Neal
6 Westerpark, Amsterdam
Both the passive and active
recreation needs of local
people should be met
Photography by Peter Neal
6
8
The high standard of the parks and open In preparing the Parks Strategy the Council
spaces in Bexley has been achieved by consistent undertook a wide-ranging public consultation
strategic planning, commitment by council exercise between July and October 1998. As a
members, and prudent financial management. consequence the strategy emphasised
In addition, joined-up working, responsiveness community priorities:
to the community and a corporate belief in the
n keeping heritage landscapes;
sustainable development of the local natural
n protecting wildlife;
environment, contribute to the success.
n consultation and community involvement;
Bexley Council has a clear and simple strategy n tackling basic problems (litter, dog mess,
that demonstrates leadership support and a clear and vandalism);
vision of the role and benefits of green spaces, n improving visitor attractions, information
and how they could be improved. The vision is and events.
supported and shared by green space users, and
To keep in touch with users' concerns and
is backed up with well thought out programmes
interests, the authority repeated the main survey
and initiatives. The Parks Strategy has been in place
with the residents panel in Spring 2001, expanding
for three years and is linked to other strategies
on the original by including questions to assist in
including Local Agenda 21.
identifying linkages that impact on quality of life
The strategic context for Bexley Council’s issues and the use of outdoor sports facilities.
approach to urban green spaces can also be
For many years Bexley Council has actively
found in its community strategy action plan,
encouraged and fostered ‘friends’ and conservation
which outlines its corporate commitment under
groups to help develop parks and open spaces
the theme ‘Caring for our environment.’
and care for the local environment. It has also
It has strong consultation mechanisms, regularly developed strong links with many public, private
seeking and taking on board the public’s views and voluntary sector organisations.
(users and non-users of parks).
9
10
Good quality green spaces are an essential n providing a wide variety of cultural, social and
element of urban neighbourhoods and make a community facilities, including seasonal
profound contribution to the quality of life of activities such as fairs, festivals and concerts
communities. They offer many economic, social n protecting the historical, cultural and
and environmental benefits. Approaching their archaeological heritage
planning and management strategically will n illustrating the contribution to health agendas
2 maximise the value of capital investment and eg. Reducing stress levels, by providing formal
revenue expenditure. and informal recreational facilities
n providing popular outdoor educational facilities
A green space strategy offers an opportunity to
for schools and academic institutions
improve parks and green spaces. Its benefits
n improving physical and social inclusion
include:
including accessibility, particularly for young,
n reinforcing local identity and enhancing the disabled and older people
physical character of an area, so shaping n offering alternative routes for circulation,
existing and future development including networks for walking and cycling and
n maintaining the visual amenity and increasing safer routes to school
3
the attractiveness of a locality to create a n raising air quality and moderating extremes of
sense of civic pride temperature
n raising property values and aiding urban n protecting and enhancing levels of biodiversity
regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal and ecological habitats
n boosting the economic potential of tourism, n providing environmental infrastructure to
leisure and cultural activities improve water quality and flood control.
n securing external funding and focusing capital
and revenue expenditure cost-effectively
CASE STUDY DONCASTER METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL 11
Doncaster Council’s Green Space Strategy has As a deprived area, Doncaster has had access to
helped attract millions of pounds of funding for extensive external funding. Before the strategy,
the town’s green areas. however, the Council sought designated funding,
such as City Challenge and SRB, in a reactive way.
Before 2000 the town’s various green space
Although substantial improvements were delivered
service areas had suffered from heavy budget cuts,
in these areas, many parts of the Borough’s
leading to a decline in the quality of provision and
green space remained deficient and neglected
a reluctance to adopt and develop new green
and often improvements were not sustained in the
space, even in areas of deficiency. Doncaster was
long term. A planned approach to green space
not unique in this respect; the Urban Parks Forum’s
allowed the authority to identify and fund priority
Public Parks Assessment 2001 identified this as
areas in need of new or improved green space.
national problem.
To date, all priority projects have secured the
In 2001, Doncaster Council’s Best Value review of
funding they need. Linking this with Section 106
active recreation services, which included all green
planning obligations, it is estimated that more
space services, found that cuts in excess of £1
than £65 million will have been invested in green
million, which represents more than 30 per cent,
space provision and improvements by the Council
had been made to the budgets for the grounds
or its partners in the area during the five-year
maintenance, countryside and landscape teams.
improvement plan period.
The audit results showed the service was below
an acceptable standard. Using the audit and
public consultation results, the Best Value review
recommended extensive changes.
The new approach to green space planning
resulted in better local service delivery, the creation
of Community First (matching the Government’s
agenda for Neighbourhood Renewal) and a
budget increase of £850,000 thanks to the
Fundamental Expenditure Review.
12
4 Hands on planning
sessions with key
stakeholders contribute
to creating a shared vision
Photography by
Nicole Collomb
6
14
8
15
National planning guidance sets out clear n The Companion Guide to PPG17 12 sets out 7 Green space should be
integrated within housing
expectations for local authorities to take a ways that local authorities can undertake local areas to provide important
strategic approach to green space: assessments and audits of green space. contact with nature for
residents
Included in its guiding principles for assessment
n
Photography by Peter Neal
PPG1: General Policies and Principles 9 seeks
is the need to define the ‘extent to which open
an integrated approach to the provision of 8 PPG17 assessments
spaces meet clearly identified local needs and should include flexible
green space within the planning system. sports facilities such as
the wider benefits they generate for people,
‘In preparing their development plans,’ it states, multi-use games areas.
wildlife, biodiversity and the wider environment’ East Wickham Open Space.
‘local planning authorities should consider the (Green Flag Award winner)
(paragraph 2.1). Photography by Alison
land-use requirements of various types of
Leyshon
social provision,’ which includes the ‘effective n Regional Planning Guidance, outlined in
9 Linking green spaces
use of land within urban areas … whilst PPG11,13 sets out policies that affect the work into a network promotes
protecting open space, playing fields and of a number of local authorities by coordinating biodiversity providing
movement corridors for
green spaces in cities and towns.’ (paragraph development across a specific region. both people and wildlife.
24) PPG1 will be superseded by Planning Authorities should establish ‘regional targets, Trafford Ecology Park.
(Green Flag Award winner)
Policy Statement 1: Creating Sustainable where appropriate, for … strategic green open Courtesy of Groundwork
Communities in 2004. spaces in the urban areas’ (paragraph 10.2). and Lindsey Howard
The Thames Gateway Green Space Strategy, environmental infrastructure to contribute to the
published by the Office of the Deputy Prime anticipated growth in the Gateway region. It sets
Minister in 2004, is a statement of intent outlining the functional attributes including: shelter, a setting
a high-level approach to the environment in for development, landscape character, heritage,
which the more detailed sub-regional and local improved air quality, water resource management,
strategies and action plans for the Thames waste management, accessible wildlife, increased
Gateway should fit. It provides a clear indication biodiversity, recreation, health and fitness, social
of the way in which greening the Gateway can inclusion, education, training, employment and
help in delivering sustainable communities. It sets green routes.
out the Government’s vision for the landscape
It also establishes core principles for future
of the Thames Gateway and the positive
development of advanced planning, knowledge
contribution that the network of green open
and understanding, inclusiveness and integration,
spaces should make to the quality of life for all
local character and distinctiveness, protection of
those who live and work there.
designated sites, habitat creation, dynamic
The document promotes the role of an landscape change and community involvement.
10 Local landscape
character as found
in the Thames Gateway,
should contribute to a
functional and cohesive
green infrastructure within
which new development
can be located
Photography Peter Neal
10
17
There are three broad stages in drawing up Stage 3: Strategy production – This involves
a strategy: preparing a consultation draft and a
final strategy drawing on consultation
Stage 1: Preliminary activities – These provide
responses, and gaining adoption by
a foundation for the preparation of a
the council.
successful strategy and investment in
these will pay dividends later.
Stage 2: Information gathering and analysis
This work is essential to provide the
objective and subjective data necessary
to make informed judgments and
agree priorities.
n Review national, regional and local policy n Area profile 6-8 Months
n Analyse demographic characteristics of the area n Site audits
n Establish landscape/townscape /visual and n Demand analysis
ecological characteristics of the strategy area n Local standards
n Establish the spatial planning context of parks n Priority projects
and green space
n Assessment of supply including site audits and
assessments
n Assessment of needs and demand including
consultation
n Identify local standards
n Definition of priorities
n Identify skills Review and Sign-Off
Figure 4.
Relationship with
Housing and Regeneration Strategy corporate strategies
Health Strategy
Cultural Strategy
Education Strategy
Community Development
5
LA21 Strategy
Biodiversity Strategy
2
20
This second stage of preparing the strategy This data will help to set local standards for the
involves information gathering and analysis, in type, location, quantity, quality and accessibility
line with the requirements of PPG17. The most of parks and green spaces, to identify gaps in
effective way to collate this information is via a provision and to define priorities for investment.
geographic information system (GIS), which is
Information should be gathered and compiled in
a particularly useful tool for recording information
line with emerging national objectives for data
and analysing data having layers of common
compatibility as well as matching any in-house
reference. Data sets should include:
adopted formats. Further advice on the
n national, regional and local policy context; application of GIS is provided in section 10.3 of
n demographic profile of the population and its the PPG17 Companion Guide.
distribution;
The information gathering stage of the work
n landscape/townscape/visual characteristics of
should draw together the following elements.
the area;
n ecological resources including designations;
n National, regional and local policy
n heritage resources including designations;
Do a review of national, regional and local
n spatial planning context including major
planning objectives in order to demonstrate
development and regeneration initiatives and
potential links between these and other
public transport/cycle/pedestrian networks;
corporate strategies and initiatives addressing,
n supply of parks and green space, including
for example, the economy, health, education
accessibility, quantity and quality;
and the environment.
n demand for parks and green space;
n existing levels of capital and revenue expenditure
allocated to specific green spaces.
4
22
n Demographic profile
Key Produce a demographic profile of the
communities in the strategy area, ward by
ward, based on the 2001 Census. The profile
Ha of public open space should include the following information:
per 1000 people
0 - 0.4 o population and age structure
o percentage of children, retired, people with
0.4 - 0.8
disabilities
0.8 - 1.2 o ethnicity
o percentage of people (or households)
1.2 - 1.6
without cars
1.6 - 2 o percentage of people without gardens
o deprivation indices
2 - 2.4
W16
Key
T27
W15
Existing Parks and
B3 Green Spaces
T28
Existing Woodland
W14
Proposed Woodland
P16 W13
P17
Existing Tree Lined
T26 Streets
W12 Proposed Tree
W11 Lined Streets
W1
T25
Existing Cycle Routes
T23 T20
P14
P15
T23
T24 Proposed Cycle Routes
C5 P13
T19
T22 B2
Additional
T21 Recommended
W10 W9
C4 W1
P6 T26 Cycle Routes
B1 P12
P10
P8
W4
Existing Wildlife Corridor
T18
T11 W8
P5 W2 P9
P1 P10
T10 T12 T17 Proposed Wildlife
P7 W5 T13 W6 Corridor
Proposed Riverside
T9 T8 T16
W7 Walk
T7
W3
P2
T14 London Borough of
T1 T3 P11 Barking and Degenham
T15
T2 T6
Boundary
P4
0 1km
The Borough began the Strategy by preparing a n a review of the national, regional and local Map 2. London Borough of
Barking and Dagenham Parks
scoping study that drew together existing data in policy context, and of management and and Green Spaces Strategy
the Borough and identified users’ needs and funding options;
n
Proposed outline landscape
aspirations. This document was used to justify a landscape framework plan with a parks and framework and parks and green
funding for the preparation of the Strategy and green space development plan; spaces development strategy
n
Courtesy of Landscape
for employing consultants. a quality audit of parks and green space; Design Associates
n a vision statement; (Based upon the Ordnance
The Strategy is one of the first of a new breed
n
Survey map with the permission
strategic goals; of the controller of H.M.S.O.
of parks and green space strategies in scope,
n an implementation and delivery strategy; and © Crown Copyright. Reproduced
process, content and approach. It re-established
n
under Licence No. 189189)
monitoring and review procedures.
the links between borough-wide spatial planning
for green spaces and the delivery of physical The landscape framework plan enables park and
improvements, thanks to a broad, cross- green space issues to be handled strategically at
departmental approach combining planning, the planning level through to the detailed level of
design, development, delivery, management, green space management. It is intended to
maintenance and funding of parks and green encourage a transformation of the overall
spaces. It includes: environmental quality - the 'greening' - of the
Borough, by connecting the network of parks
and green spaces, river corridors, woodland and
tree lined streets, closely associated with a
comprehensive footpath and cycle network.
24
n Demand for parks and green space Individual site management plans are essential 5 Wildlife and formal parks
need not be mutually
Public consultation to assess demand for parks for major parks and green spaces and the exclusive; water features
and green space should be planned carefully. strategy should identify which sites have in particular, will attract a
variety of wildlife, even in
It should provide an overview of public attitudes dedicated plans and which will need them in more formal settings
to inform the strategy and give a baseline for the future. The procurement process for grounds Photography by Peter Neal
performance measurement. The consultation maintenance contracts should also be reviewed 6 Green Pennant Award
process should also be seen as part of a wider alongside specific management activities. winner Old Bakehouse
Millennium Green,
process of community involvement in green The CABE Space publication Green space Morpeth: Community
involvement at an early
space regeneration. management plans – a good practice guide stage in strategy planning
will assist the process. will help ensure policies
The consultation plan should start with a review meet the users’ needs
Photography by Jim
of any previous consultation and existing When the information-gathering stage is complete, Soames, Brian Harle and
consultative mechanisms, such as residents the next step is to analyse the data. The analysis Bridget Gubbins
panels, user groups and Local Strategic stage should include the following elements. 7 Consultation should be
Partnerships. This will aid decisions on effective inclusive and engage a
14. Towards a Level Playing Field: A guide to the production of diverse range of users
consultation techniques and timing, and help playing field strategies. Sport England, 2002 (www.sportengland.org). Courtesy of The Countryside
focus consultation on key issues or areas. Agency/Doorstep Greens
Key
Population per 200m square
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
28
1. enhance the quality of the green 1. enhance the quality of the green
space provided it is possible space and seek to protect it
also to enhance the value through the planning system
2. consider the space 'surplus
to requirements' in terms of its
current use if value cannot be
improved. Consider alternative
uses
6
Low High
29
n Identifying skills
The strategy’s aims can be met only with good
management and sufficient staffing with the right
mix of skills. The strategy process provides an
opportunity to assess human resources and
identify any skills gaps. The skills needed to
implement the strategy action plan may include:
o parks management (including general
management skills such as staff
management, strategic thinking and an
understanding of the political and policy
context);
o grounds maintenance and horticulture;
o landscape architecture and planning;
o landscape management;
o contract and project management;
o financial administration and accounting;
o countryside management;
o asset and facilities management;
o public relations, marketing and events
management;
o community liaison and support;
o nature conservation;
o tree and woodland management;
o play, sport and recreation management;
o
9
IT skills including website development.
9 Improvements in green
space management will
require a mix of skills.
Environmental education,
event planning and public
relations may be needed
to fully realise the potential
of these assets. Ogden
Water, Calderdale.
(Green Flag Award winner)
Courtesy of Calderdale
Council
10
30
11
31
Sheffield Council's long-term Parks Regeneration In summary, the Sheffield Parks Regeneration
Strategy was first published in 1993. It was jointly Strategy policy priorities are:
commissioned by the City Council and Sheffield
n working in partnership with others to raise
Wildlife Trust.
the profile of public parks and green spaces;
The strategy proposed major changes in the way n improving management for people, wildlife
parks and green spaces are managed. It and heritage;
heralded a shift in the thinking behind the delivery n working with communities to review and
of a parks and green space service. determine service standards;
n enabling groups and individuals to contribute
The key policy recommendations of the Sheffield
actively to the service;
Parks Regeneration Strategy were updated in
n developing the ranger service to support
1999 following city-wide consultation.
activities;
n making the best use of existing resources;
n securing additional resources to improve the
service.
14
33
Accessible Natural Green Space Standards in Planning Policy Guidance 17: Planning for Open
Towns and Cities: A review and toolkit for their Space, Sport and Recreation, Office of the
implementation. English Nature Research Report Deputy Prime Minister, 2002
526, English Nature, 2003
The Public Parks Assessment
Assessing Demand for Open Space in London, Urban Parks Forum, 2001
London Planning Advisory Committee, 2000
Quality of Life Capital: Managing environmental,
Assessing Needs and Opportunities: social and economic benefits, Countryside Agency,
A Companion Guide to PPG 17, Office of the English Heritage, Environment Agency, 2001
Deputy Prime Minister, 2003
Raising the Standard, The Manual of the Green
Benchmarking and Performance Indicators for Flag Award (updated), Liz Greenhalgh and
Best Value. A customer focused means of Andrew Parsons, The Civic Trust, 2004
assessing the value of parks and open spaces,
Recognising Innovation and Imagination in Open
KMC Consultancy and ILAM, 1999
Space Management, Ian Baggott, Lucy Roper, 2001
Better Services for Local People: A guide for
The Register of Parks and Gardens:
councillors, IDeA Publications, July 2002
An introduction, English Heritage, 1998
The Community Planning Handbook,
The Six Acre Standard, National Playing Fields
Nick Wates, Earthscan Publications, 2000
Association, 1993
Green Spaces, Better Places. The final report
Sustainable Communities: Building for the future,
of the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce,
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2003
Department of Transport, Local Government
and the Regions, 2002 Towards a Level Playing Field: A guide to the
production of playing field strategies,
Guide to Preparing Open Space Strategies:
Sport England, 2002
Best practice guidance,
Greater London Authority, 2004 Trees and Woods in Towns and Cities:
How to develop local strategies for urban
ILAM Model Customer Survey Questionnaires
forestry, National Urban Forestry Unit,
for Managers of Public Parks,
Wolverhampton, 1999
Nick Reeves, ILAM, 2002
Trees or Turf: Best Value in Managing Urban
Living Places: Cleaner, safer, greener
Green Space, National Urban Forestry Unit,
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2002
Wolverhampton, 1998
More than Swings and Roundabouts:
The Use of Conditions in Planning Permission,
Planning for children’s play,
ODPM circular 11/95
Children’s Play Council, 2002
Value of Parks and Open Spaces: Social
Natural Communities, English Nature, RSPB,
inclusion and community regeneration,
The Wildlife Trusts, 2002
Local Government Association, 2001
No Particular Place to Go?
Working with the Grain of Nature:
Children, young people and public space,
A biodiversity strategy for England, Department
Ken Worpole, Groundwork UK, 2003
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2002
Our Towns and Cities:
The future – delivering an urban renaissance, Current CABE Space guidance and research
Department of the Environment, Transport and documents can be found at
the Regions, 2000 www.cabespace.org.uk
Parks and Green Space: Engaging the
Community, Urban Parks Forum, 2002
Planning obligation, ODPM circular 01/97
35
be recorded, along with the date of survey. n Are grass areas well maintained?
Annex D of PPG17 provides a potential checklist n Are areas managed for wildlife habitat
of criteria. There are various existing audit forms value appropriately maintained?
to assess green space that can provide some
guidance, though many of these are designed 5. Management
for detailed site assessments. They include the n Is the level of management appropriate to
Green Flag Award score sheet and the Institute the size and nature of the space?
of Leisure and Amenity Management’s (ILAM) n Are staff based on site?
management practices?
36
8. Cultural heritage
n Is the historic landscape structure well
conserved?
n Are historic buildings and features
appropriately conserved?
n Is there evidence of cultural activities such
as art or theatre?
9. Education
n Is there interpretation of elements in
the space?
n Are educational activities carried out
10. Health
n Is there an appropriate level of
sports/exercise facilities?
o Park-specific consultation
3.0 Delivery
o Park user surveys
In developing a consultation plan, several
o Regeneration partnerships and
key questions must be asked:
programmes
n Why is the council drawing up the strategy? o Best Value reviews
1 Brunswick Square, CABE Space was established in 2003, as part n Establishing leadership, clear lines of
Brighton of the Commission for Architecture and the Built responsibility and management structures
Photography by
Environment (CABE), which champions the quality n Brief preparation and selection of consultants
Mathew Frith
of our buildings and spaces. It was set up by n Defining and assessing the types and
parks and public spaces in our towns and cities n Using performance indicators and
and the aims of CABE Space are set out in detail measurement techniques
in the Government’s report Living Places: n Allocation of resources and prioritisation of