RP1

Recreation Policy 1

Recreation Policy 1: Area Plans should incorporate an assessment of the indoor and outdoor sport and recreation needs of the plan area, and the wider context and include proposals to:

• retain existing sporting facilities and open space provision unless alternative provision of equivalent community benefit and of equivalent or better accessibility is made available;
• identify suitable sites to make good any deficiency in provision both for existing and future residents of the area; and
• ensure appropriate provision is made as part of any proposed residential development, in accordance with the Open Space Standards set out in Appendix 6 to the Plan, related to the needs generated by the development, unless the specific housing provision within the development justifies a reduced provision in relation to specific types of open space requirement.

10.3.5 In certain circumstances it may be beneficial to allow the redevelopment of areas of underused, poorly maintained or inappropriately located open space. Development on such areas will only be permitted where alternative provision can be made. However, the new open space must be easily accessible to the local community and be at least equivalent in terms of type, quantity and quality to that which is being replaced.