Open Space Strategy and Standards

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Defining open space
Open Space Provision Standards
Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns

What we mean by open space

Open space is:

Land that is regularly available for recreational or sporting use by the community. This includes beaches, woodland & wetlands, school playing fields, private sports clubs, allotments and graveyards, as well as parks & gardens and amenity land.

Open spaces are valued community assets. They help to improve public health, well-being and quality of life. They also bring regeneration benefits to an area. In 2012, Cornwall’s residents recorded that 95% rated having good quality open spaces as important or very important. (Cornwall Community Attitudes Survey).

Open Space Provision Standards

Open Space Provision Standards are necessary to inform local planning. Planning decisions should be informed by a robust and up to date local open space assessment in line with the National Planning Policy Framework 2021 (para.s 98/99)

Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns

In 2014, Cornwall Council adopted the Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns in Cornwall as interim planning guidance. The work has been refreshed following the adoption of the Cornwall Local Plan, for which it now forms an evidence base. The adopted strategy identifies open space local provision standards for the following urban settlements:

Assessments have been completed for a further 27 smaller settlements in consultation with local stakeholders. This information is available on request, but several have already been incorporated into Neighbourhood Development Plans.

Provision, housing targets and local consultation evaluations provide evidence for new quantity, accessibility and quality standards. These replace all those used before, including national guidance e.g., that of the Fields in Trust. In the case of quantity requirements (area in m2 per person or dwelling), these vary for each of the study areas. This is due to natural, cultural and historic differences. Taking into account local stakeholders feedback, it is important to distinguish the different types or categories of open space. To ensure the right balance in provision for the community as a whole, standards have been set for the following types:

Parks and gardens; Amenity green space; Civic spaces
Natural and semi-natural green spaces. Beaches, green corridors, accessible non-productive countryside in urban fringe areas
Public access sports facilities (outdoor): available for community games
Children’s play area – equipped
Provision for teenagers– equipped facilities
Allotments, community gardens, and city (urban) farms
Cemeteries (Penzance and Falmouth/Penryn only)