A new UK Government took
office on 11 May and is in the process of deciding its position on
a number of policies and government strategies . As a result the
content of this page may not reflect current Government
policy. All statutory guidance and legislation referred to
continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated
otherwise.
Spatial planning has a key role in the creation of
a safe and attractive built environment that meets the needs of all
the community, including children’s need for a range of play
experiences.
The town and country planning system is designed to regulate the
development and use of land in the public interest. National
planning guidance explicitly recognises the need for dedicated
outdoor space for play and recreation. Planning and Policy Guidance
Note 17 (PPG17) requires local authorities to assess the needs and
opportunities for different types of outdoor space and recreation
facilities.
When developing family housing planning authorities are required
to consider the needs of children under Planning Policy Statement
3: Housing (PPS3). PPS3 requires a good provision of recreational
areas including: private gardens, play areas and informal play
space. These should be well designed, safe, secure and stimulating
with safe pedestrian access.
Several other documents support local authorities in meeting the
need for playable spaces including the Department for Transport
guidance documents Manual for Streets and Making Residential Travel
Plans Work.
Designing localities that promote children’s play is most
successful when local planning authorities seek cross-agency
dialogue and cooperation. To achieve these aims, planning
authorities should engage, early in the planning process, with
local communities, stakeholders and service providers.
The Children’s Trust can assist planning departments to ensure
that children’s environmental well-being is represented within
spatial and housing planning policies.
Policies on access, quality and quantity of playable space
should be included within Local Development Framework documents
including the core strategy and supplementary planning
policies.
Planning departments should ensure their work links up with
other strategies such as:
- Sustainable Community Strategies
- Local Area Agreements
- Local Transport Plans
- Children and Young People’s Plans
- Open Space Strategies
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