Item 7 Appendix 5
West Dunbartonshire Council · 16 November 2022
Back to Planning Committee — 16 November 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Local Development Plan 2 Green Network and Green Infrastructure Supplementary Guidance November 2022 ITEM 7 - APPENDIX 5
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Status of this document This document has been prepared as Supplementary Guidance to the Local Development Plan (LDP2). It is a material consideration in planning decisions, and will be adopted as part of the development plan following the adoption of LDP2. This document is also available in other languages, large print and audio format on request. Please contact Corporate Communications at: Address: West Dunbartonshire Council, Council Offices, 16 Church Street Dumbarton, G82 1QL Phone: 01389 737527 Email: Communications@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Arabic Hindi Punjabi Urdu Chinese (Cantonese) Polish British Sign Language BSL users can contact us via contactSCOTLAND-BSL, the on-line British Sign Language interpreting service. Find out more on the contactSCOTLAND website .
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Contents Part 1 - West Dunbartonshire’s green network and green infrastructure .................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3 What is open space ............................................................................................. 3 What is greenspace? ........................................................................................... 3 What is green infrastructure? ............................................................................... 4 What is a green network? .................................................................................... 4 What are the benefits of green networks and green infrastructure? .................... 4 Planning and the green network and green infrastructure ...................................... 5 Safeguarding the green network and green infrastructure ...................................... 6 Enhancing and expanding the green network ......................................................... 7 Part 2 – Green infrastructure delivery in new development ........................................ 8 Embedding the green network and green infrastructure ......................................... 8 Green infrastructure functions ................................................................................. 8 Green infrastructure function: water management ............................................... 9 Green infrastructure function: habitat enhancement ............................................ 9 Green infrastructure function: access networks ................................................... 9 Green infrastructure function: open space ........................................................... 9 The requirement for green infrastructure in different types of development .......... 10 Part 3 – Open space in new residential development .............................................. 12 Open space standards for residential development .............................................. 12 Accessibility standard ........................................................................................ 12 Quality standard ................................................................................................. 12 Quantity standard .............................................................................................. 13 How will these standards be used? ....................................................................... 14 On‐site provision for residential developments ..................................................... 15 Green infrastructure stewardship .......................................................................... 15 Part 4 – Developer contributions and green infrastructure projects .......................... 16 Legal and policy framework .................................................................................. 16 Developer contribution framework ........................................................................ 16 When will contributions be sought? ................................................................... 16 What will the contribution be? ............................................................................ 16
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2 How is the contribution calculated? ................................................................... 17 When will developer contributions be required to be paid? ................................ 18 Financial mechanisms ....................................................................................... 18 What projects will developer contributions be spent on? ................................... 18 Are there any circumstances when developer contributions will be reduced? ... 18 Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 19 Appendix 1: Developer’s flowchart ........................................................................... 20 Appendix 2: Green infrastructure checklist ............................................................... 21 Appendix 3: Developer contributions examples ....................................................... 22 Example 1 - using the quantity standard ............................................................... 22 Example 2 - using the quantity standard for small sites ........................................ 24 Example 3 - accessibility standard: on‐site provision or financial contribution ...... 26 Example 4 - using the quantity standard for large sites ........................................ 28 Example 5 - not all of the site is accessible........................................................... 31 Example 6 - looking at quality standards .............................................................. 33 Appendix 4: Information required to be provided in development appraisals ........... 35 Appendix 5: Open Space Audit information note ...................................................... 37
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Part 1 - West Dunbartonshire’s green network and green infrastructure Introduction West Dunbartonshire has an outstanding natural environment, which has been shaped by the area’s history, and defines West Dunbartonshire as a place today. This environment is vital to future prosperity and the health and wellbeing of West Dunbartonshire. The area boasts a wide variety of parks and gardens; play spaces and sports areas; woodland; natural and semi‐natural green spaces; riverside and canalside spaces; as well as the designed landscape at Overtoun House and outstanding countryside such as the Kilpatrick Hills and the Muirs, which together form a valuable and important green network. The strategy of Local Development Plan 2 seeks to safeguard the existing green network, and to ensure new development enhances and expands it by improving existing green infrastructure assets, the connections between them and by creating new multifunctional green infrastructure. As a result, the Local Development Plan has been awarded the Building with Nature Award, which means that: 1. the policies within the Plan ensure that green infrastructure is considered from the outset of the development process, throughout its construction, and is sustainably managed after the development has been completed; and 2. it demonstrates a whole lifecycle approach to green infrastructure which will ensure development that comes forward delivers healthy, liveable and sustainable communities within West Dunbartonshire. The purpose of this Supplementary Guidance is to: 1. define the green network in West Dunbartonshire and identify its existing assets and opportunities (Part 1); 2. outline the principles for embedding green infrastructure at the heart of new development using a green infrastructure first approach (Part 2); 3. define the open space standards that will be required of new development and how these standards will be achieved (Part 3); and 4. describe how developer contributions for green infrastructure associated with new developments will be calculated (Part 4). What is open space Open space is space within and on the edge of settlements comprising green space and civic areas such as squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function. What is greenspace? Greenspace is space which provides a recreational function, an amenity function, or aesthetic value to the public such as areas of: grass, trees, other vegetation, water, but not including agricultural or horticultural land.
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What is green infrastructure? Green infrastructure is features or spaces within the natural and built environments that provide a range of ecosystem services. What is a green network? The green network is connected areas of green infrastructure and open space that together form an integrated and multi-functional network. GREEN NETWORKS are connected areas of green infrastructure that together form an integrated and multi- functional network. GREENSPACE is space which provides a recreational function, an amenity function, or aesthetic value to the public such as areas of: grass, trees, other vegetation, water, but not including agricultural or horticultural land. + CONNECTION + INTEGRATION + MULTI- FUNCTIONALITY GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Features or spaces within the natural and built environments that provide a range of ecosystem services. + DESIGN + MANAGEMENT + FUNCTIONALITY Figure 1 The relationship between greenspace, green infrastructure and the green network What are the benefits of green networks and green infrastructure? Green networks and green infrastructure can provide a range of beneficial outcomes, including economic; environmental; climatic; mental and physical health; and social improvements. Greenspace, green infrastructure and the green network have a number of benefits: GREENSPACE is any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements. +DESIGN +MANAGEMENT +FUNCTIONALITY GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE is greenspace which is designed and/or managed to provide identified functions. +CONNECTION +INTEGRATION +MULTI- FUNCTIONALITY GREEN NETWORKS are connected areas of green infrastructure that together form an integrated and multi- functional network.
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• habitats for biodiversity; • off-road active travel and recreation routes; • locations for sport and recreation; • areas for the management of water; and • defining distinctive, healthy, sustainable and attractive places in which to live, work, visit and enjoy. The Scottish Government’s Green Infrastructure: Design and Placemaking (2011) provides more detail on the benefits that green networks and green infrastructure can have as well as how green infrastructure can deliver the six qualities of successful places; welcoming, distinctive, safe and pleasant, easy to move around, resource efficient and adaptable.1 These assets become more valuable when they are designed and managed to be: • multi‐‐‐‐functional, thereby delivering more than one benefit; • integrated into where people live and other urban infrastructure; and • connected to other areas of green infrastructure, thereby providing off-road routes for people and habitat corridors for wildlife to move around. Planning and the green network and green infrastructure The planning system is a key mechanism for delivering the green network, and the green network can help deliver the outcomes, particularly with regard to improving health and wellbeing, meeting climate change targets, placemaking and securing positive effects for biodiversity. Local Development Plan 2 establishes a strategy and policies for the protection, enhancement and expansion of the green network and green infrastructure. The strategy of the Plan seeks to safeguard and where possible ensure that development enhances and expands both of these important resources. Local Development Plan 2 identifies the Strategic Green Network as a Key Asset that the Council wants to see protected and enhanced. The key corridors and assets which make up the Strategic Green Network are highlighted in the Local Development Plan 2 Strategic Green Network Map. Strategic Green Network Projects that are considered necessary in order to strengthen West Dunbartonshire’s contribution to the Central Scotland Green Network are identified on the Strategic Green Network Projects map, Figure 2. This illustrates how West Dunbartonshire’s green network will: be integrated through the urban areas of the Vale of Leven corridor and the Clyde Waterfront; provide connections for people to the Kilpatrick and Carman Hills; span the Vale of Leven to provide wildlife corridors. 1 http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2011/11/04140525/5
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Figure 2. A spatial strategy for West Dunbartonshire’s green network The Local Development Plan 2 strategy for the green network is to (1) safeguard the existing green network; and (2) ensure new development enhances and expands the green network by creating new multifunctional green and open spaces, and improving existing green network assets and the connections between them. Safeguarding the green network and green infrastructure Local Development Plan 2 seeks to safeguard the green network through a series of Policies, as detailed below: 1. Policy KH 1 seeks to protect and enhance the Kilpatrick Hills Local Landscape Area; 2. Policy GI1 seeks to ensure that safeguarded open space and outdoor sports facilities are protected; 3. Policy ENV 1 seeks to conserve, protect and where appropriate, enhance, European and National designated sites; 4. Policy ENV 2 seeks to protect the landscape character of West Dunbartonshire; 5. Policy ENV 3 protecting carbon rich soils through the area; 6. Policy ENV 4 protects Forestry, Trees and Woodlands; 7. Policy ENV 5 seeks to protect and, where appropriate, enhance the water environment; 8. Policy ENV 6 seeks to avoid development on floodplains and to ensure that flood risk is avoided elsewhere; and 9. Policy CON 3 protects Core Paths and Natural Routes.
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Enhancing and expanding the green network Local Development Plan 2 seeks to enhance and expand the green network through the following policies: 1. Policy CP1 seeks to ensure new development creates successful, sustainable places 2. Policy CP2 requires developments to deliver green infrastructure that contributes to the development and enhancement of a multi-functional green network 3. Policy GI2 which requires new developments to meet open space standards. 4. Policy GI3 which encourages the provision of allotments and community gardens 5. Policy GI4 which establishes a framework for the provision of developer contributions towards green infrastructure.
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Part 2 – Green infrastructure delivery in new development Embedding the green network and green infrastructure In order to safeguard, enhance and expand the green network and green infrastructure, development proposals are required to: 1. Protect the existing green network: Green infrastructure and open spaces which currently exist on a site should be protected unless there is adequate mitigation which enhances the quality of the network elsewhere providing an overall net gain in quantitative or qualitative provision. 2. Understand the wider green network: It is vital that development proposals look beyond the boundaries of individual sites, however large or small, to consider the broader spatial context and create a more coordinated and joined-up network. 3. Integrate green infrastructure into the design process for all development proposals: The greatest green network benefits can be achieved if green infrastructure is considered integral to the development design process and considered early, rather than an afterthought once other elements have become ‘fixed’. 4. Create new green infrastructure as part of the development: Where development increases the number of people who would use and derive benefit from the green network, proposals should seek to extend the network through the creation of new green and open spaces which have designed functions for a range of users. 5. Enhance the functionality and biodiversity value of existing assets: The site appraisal and design process should identify opportunities to enhance the value of existing assets. 6. Link to the existing network: Green infrastructure and path connections on new sites should link up with the existing green network where possible. 7. Contribute financially towards off‐ff‐ff‐ff‐site projects: In some instances the best way of achieving green network enhancement will be by making a financial contribution to projects beyond a site’s boundary, for example upgrading a local play park or path network. Part 4 outlines the circumstance and level of contribution that may be required. 8. Look long-term towards future management and maintenance. How green infrastructure and open spaces will be sustained should be considered from the outset. Without careful consideration being given to future management and maintenance of assets the range of benefits will reduce quickly over time. Green infrastructure functions Policy CP 2 of Local Development Plan 2 sets out how the different functions of green infrastructure should be integrated within developments. These functions are water management, habitat enhancement, access and open space. The integration of these functions within the design and layout of the development is necessary in order to ensure that the development ensures a whole life approach to green
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infrastructure provision and links into and contributes to the wider green network. Taking a green infrastructure first approach to integrating these functions within the development, will help to create a sustainable, well managed and healthy, biodiversity rich, green place, which helps to contribute to fit and active communities. Green infrastructure function: water management The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 requires all surface water from new development to be treated by a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) before it is discharged into the water environment, except for single houses or where the discharge will be into coastal water. SuDS help to protect water quality and reduce potential for flood risk by facilitating natural drainage of surface water run‐off (including roof water). They encourage infiltration and attenuation to prevent and reduce pollution from diffuse urban sources and release capacity in water management infrastructure. However, not all SuDS systems deliver a range of multiple benefits as envisaged by the Integrated Green Infrastructure (IGI) approach. SuDS should be designed and constructed to be multi‐functional green infrastructure elements, providing visual interest, recreational amenity and biodiversity value. Green infrastructure function: habitat enhancement Many sites will have opportunities to create/enhance habitats and habitat nature networks, create connections between those habitats and networks or enhance the biodiversity of the site through specific planting and design. Proposals for new development should must consider whether the site can protect or enhance habitats to safeguard existing networks or deliver new habitat to connect fragmented networks. This work should be informed by appropriate surveys and assessment. guided by tThe Green Network Blueprint developed by the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership can provide strategic guidance on, which details existing habitats critical to the wider network and where connections should be made to improve habitat connectivity. Green infrastructure function: access networks A successful green network needs to have good multi-user connections between the different open spaces and facilities, such as shops and schools, which exist in and around our settlements. New development has a role to play in this by ensuring that sites connect to the existing green network. When appraising the access potential for a site, consideration should be given to what opportunities exist within the site, including how houses will link with open space and facilities using safe, off-road Green Active Travel routes, and what opportunities exist to provide multi-use connections with existing access networks outwith the site. Proposals for new development should consider whether the site can protect or enhance existing assets or deliver new Green Active Travel infrastructure to address identified gaps. Green infrastructure function: open space This is covered in greater detail in Part 3.
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The requirement for green infrastructure in different types of development Not all forms of development will have to contribute directly or indirectly to open space provision. The level of contribution expected will be proportionate to the scale and impact of that development on the green network. Developments with the greatest impact are those that increase user demands on the green network i.e. residential uses. Table 1 sets out these requirements and there is a flow chart in Appendix 1 which provides a quick guide to the expectations for provision of open space. Residential development (units) New commercial or industrial development TYPES OF PROVISION 1-9 10-49 50+ Layout to include landscaping and setting Green and Open Spaces incl. play spaces and equipped areas Access Networks e.g. walkable link to green network Water Management e.g. SUDS Habitat NetworksProvision/ Enhancement e.g. biodiversity Off-site contribution/delivery not required required where need/opportunity identified required Table 1 Matrix of types of development and indicative green infrastructure requirements New build commercial and industrial developments should comply with the principles of good design set out in Policies CP1 and CP 2 of Local Development Plan 2 and the Creating Places Supplementary Guidance, and look for opportunities to provide amenity space, access links, SUDS and enhance biodiversity through planting.
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All residential development is expected to enhance the green network and applicants should fully explore all opportunities for doing so at the outset of masterplanning and site design. The requirements for green infrastructure associated with residential development are based on an assessment of need and opportunity using the estimated population size of the development and the standards of accessibility, quality and quantity. The green network requirements for each individual site will be discussed and agreed at pre‐ application stage. Design guidance for integrating green infrastructure into new development is set out in the Creating Places Supplementary Guidance. Appendix 2 provides a checklist for ensuring the principles and functions set out above have been considered within development proposals.
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Part 3 – Open space in new residential development Open space standards for residential development In order to create a valued green network within West Dunbartonshire each component of the green network has to be “fit for purpose”, in other words, it is in a condition that can support its intended purpose and function. Three key standards are used to determine whether a component is “fit for purpose”. These are 1. Accessibility 2. Quality; and 3. Quantity These standards will be used to: 1. inform developers what the minimum requirements are for their sites; 2. prioritise works to provide/enhance facilities; 3. identify areas where open spaces are not fit for purpose; and 4. identify where there is a deficit in provision Accessibility standard This is the principle standard and sets a threshold for how close people should live to their nearest publicly usable open space. The Council is keen to ensure that the distance to open spaces takes into account the walking abilities of children and older people. It is assumed that a child would be able to walk 250m in approximately 5 minutes and this distance defines the standard. The priority is to ensure that people have easy access to multi‐purpose and good quality spaces that meet their needs. The accessibility standard is: When carrying out a site appraisal, developers should assess the distance of usable, good quality open space, including the type, relative to the site being considered, and this assessment should be provided in plan form. The distances should not be “as the crow flies” but based on a network analysis using streets, paths and access points to open spaces and highlighting barriers to those spaces. This assessment will inform what type of space, if any, is required within the development, and its preferred location, or if a financial contribution to an existing space is more appropriate. Small, single use spaces such as stand-alone play areas should not be considered as part of this assessment. Quality standard The quality of an open space is an assessment‐derived score based on work undertaken as part of the Open Space Audit carried out in 2016 and updated in 2018 Everyone will live within a 250m walk of a 0.2ha usable and good quality greenspace which meets the quality standard
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to reflect changes to some spaces (see Appendix 5). It measures the quality of spaces against a set of criteria relating to the site’s management, usability, biodiversity, accessibility and infrastructure. The quality measure has two main uses: 1. to identify where investment is needed in existing spaces 2. to ensure that new spaces meet/exceed the quality standard. The quality standard is: Where a space is identified as being below the Threshold Score, this indicates the quality of that space is below standard and requires investment, and cannot in its current condition count towards open space provision for the development site. All new provision should exceed the threshold scores in Table 2 and should have management and maintenance mechanisms and funding in place to ensure that the quality is maintained into the future. The quality assessment for existing spaces will be used to inform what enhancements are required if it falls below the threshold. Open space typology Quality standard threshold score Parks and gardens 69% Residential amenity greenspace 60% Natural/semi-natural greenspaces 55% Play space 50% Table 2 - Quality standards for greenspace types Quantity standard The quantity standard is the amount of open space required per person. For West Dunbartonshire the standard for new developments is as follows: Development sites should provide this quantity of open space as a minimum where the accessibility standard and quality standard identifies a need based on an analysis of open space provision for the wider area. The range and mix of open space within a development should reflect the findings of the site and wider context appraisal, but would normally include formal open space such as a park, multi- All publicly usable open spaces should meet or exceed the threshold score set out in Table 2 Following reference to the accessibility and quality standard, where provision is required,All new housing developments should provide access to 30m2 of publicly useable open space per person.
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functional amenity greenspace, formal and informal play space, natural/semi‐natural greenspace and green corridors. Incidental greenspace and landscaping will not count to towards the quantity standard. Developers should provide a site plan indicating which spaces comprise provision of open space. Play areas must include accessible play equipment so that they may be enjoyed by users of all abilities. The projected population of any development is calculated using the number of bedrooms. Developers should use Table 3 to work out the average occupancy for their site. Appendix 3 provides worked examples of how this is done. Dwelling Size Household size Quantity of Open Space 1 bed 1.3 39m2 (30 x 1.3) 2 bed 1.9 57m2 (30 x 1.9) 3 bed 2.5 75m2 (30 x 2.5) 4 bed 3.0 90m2 (30 x 3.0) 5 bed 3.3 99m2 (30 x 3.3) Table 3 Average household occupancy based on Scottish Household Survey (2013) The provision of public open space does not preclude or replace the need for private garden/amenity areas that are commensurate with the needs of the type and size of properties. How will these standards be used? Accessibility, quality and quantity standards will be used to inform provision of open space for new development in West Dunbartonshire. Developers will need to demonstrate that the open space they propose in relation to a development site is based on an assessment of these measures. Accessibility is a key objective for the Council so even if a development site is in an area which has a good general provision of open space, if these are not readily accessible from the site i.e. within 250m, then provision on-site will have to be made or works carried out to improve accessibility e.g. new footpath connection.
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On‐‐‐‐site provision for residential developments Green infrastructure should be designed into the proposal at an early stage in the process and the open space standards of accessibility, quality and quantity used to determine what level of on‐site provision there should be. Design Statements should record the appraisal carried out of the existing green network and set out justification for the level of provision. There is an expectation that major residential developments provide an equipped play area if there is not adequate provision within 250m. Equipped play areas, must include accessible play equipment so that they can be enjoyed by users of all abilities. For some residential sites it will not be appropriate to form play spaces or equipped play areas and instead a financial contribution is expected. Policy GI4 and Part 4 of this Guidance sets out the circumstances under which off- site provision or a financial contribution to enhance the green network may be appropriate. In these cases, where off-site provision is acceptable, a hybrid approach may be appropriate if part of the open space requirement can be met on-site with a contribution towards meeting the rest of the requirement off-site, may be appropriate. Green infrastructure stewardship Well‐designed green infrastructure should continue to deliver multiple benefits into the future. Consideration as to how the various features of the green network will be maintained will ensure that it remains ‘fit for purpose'. Just as ‘grey infrastructure’ elements, such as roads and drains, require ongoing maintenance, so does green infrastructure. Many of the problems associated with the quality of existing open spaces reflect the lack of initial consideration given to funding and management mechanisms for effective long term management of green infrastructure. Good stewardship ensuring the long-term quality of green infrastructure is vital to a well‐ functioning green network. Partnership working and agreements between public agencies and other organisations may be necessary to recognise the multi‐functional nature of the green infrastructure and ensure that resources that would otherwise be spent on ‘grey' infrastructure are allocated to the effective management of the green infrastructure. Applicants should demonstrate how their design proposals will be sustainably managed over the long‐ term including financial models for future funding of appropriate management and maintenance. Planning conditions and legal agreements may be used to ensure that new developments provide details of the ongoing maintenance of sites. There are different options for management and maintenance depending on the tenure and nature of the site. For private housing, the preferred method is a requirement for maintenance and management of all common areas through a factor to form part of the land title for all owners of a site. Registered Social Landlords will have to provide evidence of a regular maintenance contract.
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Part 4 – Developer contributions and green infrastructure projects This section provides further information and guidance on Policy GI4 of Local Development Plan 2 and the Council’s requirements for development contributions for green infrastructure. Legal and policy framework This Supplementary Guidance has been prepared within the context of the following: 1. Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended); 2. Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 3. Town and Country Planning (Development Planning) (Scotland) Regulations 2008; 4. Circular 3/2012: Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements; and; 5. West Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan 2. Developer contribution framework The requirement for a developer to make an appropriate development contribution, where the circumstances set out in Policy GI4 arise, is mandatory and will be treated as a material consideration in the assessment and determination of planning applications for residential development. As a result, the Council has established a framework of how developer contributions are collected and how they will be monitored annually, which is described in the monitoring section below. In addition to any contributions made under Policy GI4 and this Supplementary Guidance, developers will require to meet the costs of providing the service infrastructure necessary for their development. When will contributions be sought? Contributions will be sought in line with the circumstances set out in Policy GI4 of Local Development Plan 2. These are: 1. Smaller sites of less than 10 units where provision of on-site recreational green infrastructure is not possible. 2. Developments where meeting the green infrastructure standards for on-site provision is not appropriate, e.g. high density urban areas 3. Where a development site is accessible to open spaces but those spaces are of a poor quality; and 4. Where development sites are accessible to good quality open spaces but a contribution to the green network is required to enhance its provision to the Central Scotland Green Network. What will the contribution be? The West Dunbartonshire standard for the required quantity of greenspace is 30m2 per person. The contribution for financial year 2022/23 is £30 for every m² of open space required for the site. This figure is based on what it would cost to provide a facility
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2,000 m² (0.2ha) in size which includes a small play park, kick‐about area, biodiversity area and path connection. Excluding land costs, this would be in the region of £60,000. As the costs of developing and implementing green infrastructure projects will increase over time, it is considered prudent and necessary that project costs are kept in line with the rate of inflation. Therefore, this guidance stipulates that project costs are index linked and that costs are revised on 1st April each year using the General Building Cost Index (GBCI) to reflect the increased project costs as they arise. If the GBCI falls then developer contributions will remain at the same rate as in the previous year How is the contribution calculated? To calculate the contribution the first step is to work out how much open space would be required for the site using the quantity standard and estimated site population. The projected population of any development is calculated using the number of bedrooms, which is based on data from 2013 extrapolated from the 2010 Census. Developers should use Table 4 to work out the occupancy for their site. Appendix 3 provides worked examples of how this is done. Table 4 – Open space standards for residential development The contribution is calculated by totalling the amount of greenspace required across the site based on number and dwelling size of units. That is then multiplied by £30 per sq. metre (2022/23). For example, if there are 25 x 2 bed dwellings and 30 x 3 bed dwellings then the calculation would be: Total open space provision = 25 x 57m2 = 1,425 + 30 x 75m2 = 2,250 = 3,675 sq. metres Developer contribution calculation = 3,675 x £30 = £110,250 Dwelling size Household size Quantity of greenspace to be provided per house 1 bed 1.3 39 m² (30 x 1.3) 2 bed 1.9 57 m² (30 x 1.9) 3 bed 2.5 75 m² (30 x 2.5) 4 bed 3.0 90 m² (30 x 3.0) 5 bed 3.3 99 m² (30 x 3.3)
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When will developer contributions be required to be paid? The Council will require developers to make their developer contributions to the Council prior to planning consent being issued, unless the payment of the contributions is determined through a Section 75 or other agreement agreed between the Council and the developer, which specifies a different payment schedule or date for the contributions to be made. Financial mechanisms In most cases, developer contributions will be delivered through either a Section 75 or Section 69 agreement. In some cases it may be deemed that these mechanisms are not required or appropriate, and payment may be made up front, prior to planning consent being issued. Where it has been agreed that payment will not be made at the time of concluding the legal agreement, i.e. where phased payments have been agreed, the sums involved will be index linked to the General Building Cost Index (GBCI). However, if the GBCI falls then developer contributions will continue at the same rate as in the previous period. In certain instances, the party to the agreement may also be required to guarantee the availability of funds, for example through a bond with a bank or insurance company in order to prevent any default in payment through bankruptcy, liquidation or refusal to pay. Late payments may also incur interest charges, which will be calculated at 5% per annum above the base rate of the Bank of England. What projects will developer contributions be spent on? The Council will publish a schedule of general and specific projects that developer contributions will be used towards. This will be updated annually. Are there any circumstances when developer contributions will be reduced? Policy GI4 states that contributions sought under this policy will be waived or reduced only in exceptional circumstances – for example, where a developer demonstrates that their development would have exceptional development costs and/or overriding economic, social or other benefits. Where it can be demonstrated that paying the full contribution would make a development unviable, developers may be permitted to negotiate a reduced contribution. In such cases, developers will be required to submit a full development appraisal, including costs, on an open book basis, to the Council for consideration. For verification purposes, the Council may seek an assessment of the submitted appraisal from the District Valuer or other mutually agreed independent valuation surveyor at cost of the developer/applicant. Appendix 4 of this Supplementary Guidance provides further advice on the level of information that will be required in the development appraisal and how this will be assessed by the Council. In addition to developers being able to negotiate reduced contributions, the Council also provides flexible methods of developer contribution payments. Consequently,
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developers may be able to enter into an agreement with the Council in order to arrange for the payment of developer contributions at a later stage in the development process. This allows flexibility to meet changes in the wider economy. Monitoring The Council has an agreed system for collecting, distributing and monitoring developer contributions which was approved by Planning Committee on 6th September 2017. The Development Planning and Place Team, in conjunction with the Council’s Finance Service, monitor the Developer Contributions fund for auditing and project management purposes. A monitoring report will be presented to Planning Committee on an annual basis which updates the committee on: 1. the amount of developer contributions received; 2. which projects have been undertaken and the total cost for each project; 3. the remaining developer contributions held by the Council; and 4. the general and specific projects that the contributions will be used towards. The time period in which developer contributions must be spent within is 10 years from the grant of planning consent and/or when the development contribution has been paid to the Council, whichever is later. This length of time is considered appropriate because of the length of time some developments take to complete and because, in some instances, contributions will be towards larger green infrastructure projects which will be funded from a variety of sources. Should the contribution not be spent in this timeframe, unless there has been exceptional circumstances, the money will be returned to the applicant including the interest that has been accrued on the contribution.
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Appendix 1: Developer’s flowchart Major residential developments (50 units or more) will be required to provide on-site play equipment if there is not an equipped play area with 250m of the site. ** If a residential development site meets the quantity standard through on-site provision, no financial contribution to the green network is required.
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Appendix 2: Green infrastructure checklist Green Infrastructure Planning Policy Compliance
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Appendix 3: Developer contributions examples Example 1 - using the quantity standard A residential site proposes a mixed development of 80 units comprising flats, terraced, semi‐detached and detached properties. There are two blocks of 12 flats consisting of 6 1‐bed and 18 2‐bed flats. There are 56 houses comprising a mix of eight 2‐bed terraced houses, thirty 3‐bed semi‐detached houses and eighteen 4‐bed detached properties. What is the expected occupancy and what should the minimum open space provision be? STEP 1 – Work out the number of bedrooms Unit Type Number of Units 1 Bed 6 2 Bed 26 3 Bed 30 4 Bed 18 TOTAL 80 STEP 2 – Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 6 234 2 1.9 57 26 1482 3 2.5 75 30 2250 4 3 90 28 2520
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Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 5 3.3 99 0 0 Total 80 6486 STEP 3 – Add the open space provisions together to get the total open space required which would be in this case 6,486 sq.m This is the amount of open space to be provided for a development proposal of this size. The form of this needs to be determined using the site appraisal method. For example, in a situation whereby the site is not within 250 metres walk of a 0.2ha usable greenspace, then 6,486 sq.m Developer flowchart analysis Is the proposal for 10 or more units? – Yes Is the site accessible to existing open spaces i.e. does it meet the accessibility standard? No On-site provision should be based on the quantity and quality standards for residential development. Financial contributions for all/part will be considered in some cases
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Example 2 - using the quantity standard for small sites A small housing opportunity site proposes a block of four one‐bed flats. What is the expected occupancy rate and the minimum open space provision? STEP 1 – Work out the number of bedrooms Unit Type Number of Units 1 Bed 4 2 Bed 0 3 Bed 0 4 Bed 0 TOTAL 4 STEP 2 - Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 4 156 Total 4 156 STEP 3 – 156 sq.m is the amount of open space to be provided. However, as per the Developer’s Flowchart (Appendix 1), as it is a small site of less than ten units and therefore requires a financial contribution to be provided instead of providing on‐site. STEP 4 – Multiply the open space provision by financial contribution rate of £30 per sq.m 156 sq.m x £30 = £4,680 Developer flowchart analysis Is the proposal for 10 or more units? – No
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A financial contribution, based on the quantity standard, for the wider Green network will be required.
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Example 3 - accessibility standard: on‐‐‐‐site provision or financial contribution The development site is a gap site within a built up area. It is 0.41ha in size and the proposal is to build a single block of flats. There is a mix of 15 one‐bed and 30 two‐bed flats. What would the developer be required to provide? STEP 1 – Using the flow chart in Appendix 1, the proposal is for more than ten units so the first step is to see if it meets the accessibility standard i.e. is it within 250m of a 0.2ha space? The site is in an urban area where a high density development is supported. The applicant has made a case for making a financial contribution to upgrade play equipment in a large park less than 250m walking distance from the development site. It is agreed that off‐site provision is more appropriate in this instance so the contribution needs to be calculated. STEP 2 - Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 15 585 2 1.9 57 30 1710 Total 45 2,295 STEP 3 – To get the total amount of open space required, add together the open space provision 585 +1710 = 2,295 sq.m. This is the amount of open space to be provided. The site is in an urban area where a high density development is supported. The applicant has made a case for making a financial contribution to upgrade play equipment in a large park less than 400m walking distance. It is agreed that off‐site provision is more appropriate in this instance so the contribution needs to be calculated.
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STEP 4 – Multiply the open space provision by financial contribution rate of £30 per sq.m, i.e. 2,295 sq.m x £30 = £68,850. Therefore for this site a financial contribution of £68,850 required to upgrade play equipment in the park. Developer flowchart analysis Is the proposal for 10 or more units? – Yes Is the site accessible to existing open spaces i.e. does it meet the accessibility standard? Yes Does the quality of those spaces meet the quality standard? No, the play equipment is sub-standard A financial contribution, based on quantity standard, to enhance off-site provision will be required.
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Example 4 - using the quantity standard for large sites A large housing development is proposed for a greenfield site (5.15ha). It is close to an existing woodland and a path network which leads into the wider countryside. There are 115 dwellings proposed for the site, a mixed of detached, semi‐detached and terraced properties. What would the developer be required to provide? House size Number of units 1-bed terraced 12 2-bed semi-detached 18 3-bed semi-detached 30 3-bed detached 25 4-bed detached 30 STEP 1 ‐ Using the flow chart in Appendix 1, the proposal is for more than ten units so the first step is to see if it meets the accessibility standard i.e. is the site within 250m of a 0.2ha amenity greenspace, play space or natural/ semi‐natural greenspace? The site is within 250m of a large natural/semi‐natural greenspace provided path links are made to connect into these areas from the site. In addition, there is an expectation that major residential developments provide an equipped play area if they are not within 250m of one. The site appraisal identifies that there are no equipped play areas nearby. To meet the standards the site could combine provision i.e. have on‐site provision and make an off‐site contribution to make the woodland accessible. STEP 2 – Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 12 468 2 1.9 57 18 1026
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Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 3 2.5 75 55 4125 4 3 90 30 2700 Total 115 8319 STEP 3 – To get the total amount of open space required, add together the open space provision 468+1026+4125+2700 = 8319 sq.m. This is the amount of open space to be provided. This is the total amount of open space required based on the estimated population of the development. To provide on‐site and make an off‐site contribution this figure is split: a 0.2ha (2000sq.m) equipped play space will be provided within the site and the remainder will be a financial contribution to enhance access to and within the woodlands. STEP 4 – The off‐site financial contribution to enhance access to and within the woodlands will be less the area of the equipped play space i.e. 8,319 sq.m – 2,000sq.m = 6,319sq.m £30 x 6,319 sq.m = £189,570 The provision responds to the site context. Developer flowchart analysis Is the proposal for 10 or more units? – Yes Is the site accessible to existing open spaces i.e. does it meet the accessibility standard? Yes, but only if access improvements are implemented
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In this instance, the on-site provision of play equipment is required as it is a major development. This provision is subtracted from the overall quantity provision required, with the balance of provision met through a financial contribution to enhance access to and within the nearby woodlands.
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Example 5 - not all of the site is accessible A large housing development is proposed on a long, narrow site with the railway adjacent to the southern boundary. There are 104 dwellings proposed on the 2.8ha site: a mix of detached, semi‐detached, terraced and flatted properties. What would the developer be required to provide? STEP 1 ‐ The proposal is for more than ten units so the first step is to see if it meets the accessibility standard i.e. is it within 250m of a 0.2ha of a useable park, amenity greenspace, play space or natural/semi‐natural greenspace? The site is within 250m of a large park and recreation ground which is in need of an upgrade. However the railway separates the site from the park so that the walking distance is greater than 250m for most of the site except the flatted properties to the west. Improving connections by building a bridge is too expensive so some on‐site provision is required. There is an expectation that major residential developments provide an equipped play area. STEP 2 – Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 24 936 2 1.9 57 26 1482 3 2.5 75 38 2850 4 3 90 16 1440 Total 104 6708 STEP 3 – All the 1 bed flats (24) are within 250m of the play area so need to be excluded from the calculation of amount of on‐site provision required i.e. subtract 936 sq.m from the total:
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6708 – 936 = 5,772 sq.m meters STEP 4 – The site would therefore still have to provide 5,772 sq.m of open space (including an equipped play area) and make a financial contribution of 936 x £30 = £28,080. Developer’s flowchart analysis Is the proposal for 10 or more units? – Yes Is the site accessible to existing open spaces i.e. does it meet the accessibility standard? Some parts of the site are Does the quality of those spaces meet the quality standard? No A financial contribution, based on quantity standard, to enhance off-site provision will be required. However, as some of the site is further than 250m from the open space to be improved, on-site provision is required also, so a mix of on-site provision and financial contribution will be sought.
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Example 6 - looking at quality standards A residential development of 45 flats is proposed, a mix of 30 two‐bed and 15 one–bed flats. Applying the accessibility standard, it is located close to an existing park and the canal. What would the developer be required to provide? STEP 1 ‐ The proposal is for more than ten units so the first step is to see if it meets the accessibility standard i.e. is it within 250m of a 0.2ha amenity greenspace, play space or natural/semi‐natural greenspace? The site is within 250m of a park. The site has less than 50 units so an equipped play park is not necessarily required on the site. The quality of that park needs to be assessed using the quality standard. STEP 2 – the most recent Audit carried out for this site shows that there are a number of concerns about the play equipment, surfacing and path connections within the park. Using the scoring the play area is assessed as being below the 50% threshold and requires investment. This means that the play area offers a valid opportunity for developer contribution funding asscociated with the site. STEP 3 – Determine the open space provision per number of units as per Table 6 of Local Development Plan 2 Bedrooms Household Size Open Space Per Unit (household size x 30 sq.m) Units Open Space Total (sq.m) (Open space x units) 1 1.3 39 15 585 2 1.9 57 30 1710 Total 45 2295 STEP 4 – To get the total amount of open space required, add together the open space provision 585 + 1710 = 2295. This is the amount of open space to be provided. STEP 5– Multiply the open space provision by the financial contribution rate of £30 per sq.m i.e.2,295 sq.m x £30 = £68,850.
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For this site a financial contribution of £68,850 is required to help upgrade the play equipment within the park.
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Appendix 4: Information required to be provided in development appraisals This appendix expands on what applicants are required to include in their development appraisals when asking for consideration of a reduced or waived fee. The Development Appraisal The basic calculation to assess whether a contribution should be waived is as follows:- (X) Estimated Sale Value of Completed Development. (Y) Total costs of development including any land purchase. The required developer contribution is also a development cost and should be included here. (X) minus (Y) gives the expected profit level from the development. Developers will usually expect a profit between 10-20% of development costs (Y) before proceeding with a development. Therefore, if the submitted appraisal shows that profit levels fall to an unacceptable level when the developer contribution is included as a cost, the Council will give consideration to reducing the fee. A greater level of detail than the top line numbers set out in the above basic calculation is however required to be provided within the development appraisal. The estimated sale value of the development (X) should be broken down into house types to allow the figures to be easily verified. For example:- 12 no. 4 bed detached houses @ £200k = £2.4m 4 no. 2 bed semi-detached houses @ £120k each = £0.48m Total estimated value of completed development - £2.88million Total development costs (Y) should be broken down into the following general headings: (i) Land purchase costs; (ii) Professional Fees including legal, project management, architect and estate agents; (iii) Finance Costs i.e. Bank Interest charges;
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(iv) Build Costs including all site infrastructure costs; and (v) Developer Contribution Fee All of the above information should be provided by the developer on an “open book” basis, with no confidentiality restrictions, to allow the Council to verify the costs shown by developers if considered necessary. Wherever possible, costs should be confirmed and certified by consultants employed by the developer. Once all of the above information has been submitted, the Council may seek internal or external expertise to verify it and then a decision about whether the contribution should be reduced will be made.
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Appendix 5: Open Space Audit information note In 2016 officers from the Planning Service, supported by officers from Greenspace, undertook an audit of open spaces in the West Dunbartonshire Planning Authority area, with some sites revisited/reassessed in 2018. The audit involved visiting a range of sites across the area falling into the following categories: • Amenity greenspace • MUGAs (multi-use game areas) • Natural spaces • Parks • Play areas An assessment sheet for each category of open space was used to score each site (attached). The scoring sheet was created by the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership. Sites were scored against the factors and criteria set out in the assessment sheet, based on the subjective judgement of the visiting officer. A percentage score for each site can be calculated by dividing the site’s actual score by the total possible score available and multiplying by 100. Given the subjective manner of initial scoring and the passage of time, it would be prudent for sites to be revisited and scoring updated as part of any practical use of the audit e.g. in relation to use of the Green Network and Green Infrastructure Supplementary Guidance. An updated audit is likely to be undertaken in association with the preparation of the next Local Development Plan (LDP3). Mapping of the sites assessed and a summary of the information collected and associated information, including scoring is available at: https://westdunbarton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fe102759 a63e4dfbb5251b21400f058a
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PAN 65 code 6.31 (residential) SLUs Date: Surveyor Site Name: Site No: Excellent - 5 Good - 4 Acceptable - 3 Poor - 2 Very poor - 1 Score 1 Site composition a Site topography, drainage and configuration. i.e. extent of site usuable. Most (80% or more) of the site is flat and dry, grassed or similar and usable for recreational activities About half of the site (35 - 75%) is flat and dry, grassed or similar and usable for recreational activities Little (20% or less) of the site is flat and dry, grassed or similar and usable for recreational activities b Visual diversity of site Site has a strong a mix of planting, colour, and visual interest. Site has some visual interest and diversity. Site has little interst and is largely mown grass. c Range of functions available to users 3 or more functions available e.g. formal play, MUGA, kickabout potential, wild areas, seating and relaxation areas 1 or 2 functions available to user Site is effectively mown grass with little functional value subtotal 2 Access appropriate to Amenity Open Space a Core route running through or adjacent to the site, linking destinations outwith the site DDA compliant and in excellent condition, path is well lit and has seats and bins and there are no physical barriers between the route and the site itself. DDA compliant, in acceptable condition and path is lit with some seats or bins. Barriers may exist but are negotiable. Not DDA compliant (too steep etc) and/or no lights, seats or bins. b Internal access - either in addition to a through route or only serving the site DDA compliant good condition with path access to significant areas of space, seats and bins DDA compliant, acceptable condition with path access to some areas of space Not DDA compliant (too steep etc) and in poor condition c No internal paths. Access is directly from pavement or road adjacent to site Can only score 1 subtotal 3 Visitor experience a Perception of safety No areas with poor sight lines, entrapment points, obvious signs of anti-social behaviour Some areas with poor sight lines etc but these can readily be addressed Lots of remote areas of poor visibility and remote entrapment points with no escape options b Open and welcoming/inviting Space has an obvious sense of place and is ledgible as a publically accessible and usable resource Space can and is used but some sections of the community by the overall feel could be improved encouraging more use Space feels unwelcoming and deters use c Usability highly usable moderately usable Effectively unuseable subtotal 4 Management and maintenance a Planned enhancement through council resources, community involvement, grant aid or planning gain (if already enhanced - n/a) Detailed plans/designs in place and resources allocated or actively being sought Some aspectes of the site being considered for enhancement but further work required No plans b Quality of Maintenance Evidence of regular and appropriate maintenance to a high standard in all areas Evidence of appropriate maintenance to a reasonable standard in key areas Evidence of minimal or poor quality maintenance in most areas c Control of vandalism, litter, dog fouling No or very limited vandalism/fouling/litter which doesn't affect the user experience with good provision of dog and litter bins Some limited evidence of vandalism/ fouling/ litter, but doesn't detract from the overall usage of the open space. Occasional bins. Lots of vandalsim/fouling/litter seriously deterring the usage of the site. No bins. subtotal 5 Biodiversity contribution to green network a Diversity of planting which supports wildlife by providing food and shelter A wide range of plants and trees of differing species, height and age structure. High proportion of native species. A moderate range of plant and tree diversity with moderate proportion of native species A poor range of plant and tree diversity b Range and quality of habitat types present A mosaic of different habitats types e.g. broadleaved woodland, species rich grassland, open water and wetland Some habitat diversity but limited Monoculture with very limited biodiversity value c Habitats present are linked or near a wider network Obviously within reach of other adjacent habitat patches allowing species movement Possibility of species movement via the routes above but not as well connected. Fragmented space sitting in isolation and is unlikely to be part of a habitat network subtotal Total score Notes: continue on back if required Scoring of 5 (c) should be verified by use of aerial photography or other sources e.g. habitat maps, if required Amenity Open Space Quality Assessment Criteria Note - Score 2a and 2b below if they are both present on site. If either are absent enter n/a in the appropriate box Based on your assessment of the site's performance in relation to all of the previous criteria in sections 1, 2 and 3 above, do you feel the site is:
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Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) tick for each 1 3 2 1 Score a Good Satisfactory Poor b Good Satisfactory Poor c Good Satisfactory Poor 2 3 2 1 a Good Satisfactory Poor b Good Satisfactory Poor 3 Good Satisfactory Poor a Good Satisfactory Poor b Good Satisfactory Poor c Total 6.4 Access and security Enclosed/fenced with gate/dog grill Overlooked by nearby housing Good all-ability footpath links to surrounding streets Within park? Within amenity greenspace? Stand-alone? Date: Surveyor: Site No: Site Name: Notes: Condition Fence - maintenance and vandalism Condition of supporting infrastructure Equipment - maintenance and vandalism Safety surface - maintenance and vandalism Supporting infrastructure Presence of seating, bins, lighting
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Woodland Open semi natural Date Surveyor Location Urban Peri urban Rural Excellent - 5 Good - 4 Acceptable - 2 Poor - 2 Very poor - 1 Score 1 Access a Access points obvious, in good repair and Disability Discrimination Act compliant Entrance points clearly defined, signed, inviting, clean, welcoming, well maintained and accessible to all. Apparent as an entrance and in average condition e.g. some signage, entrance features Entrance points not accessible to all, poorly maintained and/or inappropriately located b Paths which give access to the main features of the site in good repair and Disability Discrimination Act compliant Paths in excellent condition and are level with good bound surfaces, edges well defined, debris and weed free and well maintained Path generally in good condition and the right place, some maintenance/expansion required Paths generally in poor condition, maintenance needed, desire lines indicate route issues c Path network appropriate to the scale and layout of the site Extensive path network servicing all parts of the site Reasonable path network servicing some of the site No, or very limited path network sub total 2 Supporting infrastructure a Provision of orientation and directional signage and interpretation Signage and interpretation well designed and delivered, legible and well maintaned with no signs of vandalism Some signage provided, is in reasonable condition and maintained to an acceptable standard Lacking in signage or inadequate and poorly maintained b Provision of seats, bins, lighting, viewing areas etc Good provision of supporting infrastructure which is well located, in good condition and well well maintained Some provision of supporting infrastructure but could be expanded upon and be of better quality and better maintained Lacking in infrastructure or inadequate and poorly maintained c Range of buildings and other infrastructure e.g. car park, café, visitor centre (criteria only applicable to sites of sufficient scale) Good provision of infrastructure which is in good condition and well maintained Some provision of supporting infrastructure but could be expanded upon and be of better quality and better maintained Lacking in infrastructure or inadequate and poorly maintained sub total 3 Visitor experience a Perception of safety No areas with poor sight lines, entrapment points, obvious signs of anti-social behaviour Some areas with poor sight lines etc but these can readily be addressed Lots of remote areas of poor visibility and remote entrapment points with no escape options b Variety of experience e.g. open glades, wooded areas, ponds viewpoints etc Good range of habitat types, visual interest and a a varied user experience Reasonable range of habitat types, visual interest and user experiences Lack of interest and poor user experience. c Open and welcoming/inviting Space has an obvious sense of place and is ledgible as a publically accessible and usable resource Space can and is used but some sections of the community by the overall feel could be improved encouraging more use Space feels unwelcoming and deters use sub total 4 Management and maintenance a Comprehensive Management Plan in place which guides action (only applicable to sites of a sufficient scale) Recent and comprehensive Management Plan in place and being delivered Historic Management Plan exists but out of date but still some adhoc management No Management Plan b Quality and appropriatenes of maintenance All areas are well maintained in line with the habitat requirements and time of year Some maintenance on ad hoc basis No evidence of habitat management c Control of litter, dog fouling and vandalism No evidence of fouling/litter/vandalism/fly tipping/drinking Some limited evidence of fouling/litter/vandalism etc but doesn't detract from the overall usage of the space Extensive fouling/litter/vandalism etc seriously deterring use of the space sub total 5 Biodiversity and contribution to habitat network a Diversity of species and age structure at field, shrub and canopy layers A wide range of plants and trees of differing species, height and age structure. High proportion of native species. A moderate range of plant and tree diversity with moderate proportion of native species A poor range of plant and tree diversity b Range and quality of habitat types present other than woodland A mosaic of different habitats types e.g. broadleaved woodland, species rich grassland, open water and wetland Some habitat diversity but limited Monoculture with very limited biodiversity value c Woodland is part of a wider woodland network Obviously within reach of other adjacent habitat patches allowing species movement Possibility of species movement via the routes above but not as well connected. Fragmented space sitting in isolation and is unlikely to be part of a habitat network sub total Total Notes: continue on back if required Natural Spaces Site name Quality Assessment Category &
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PAN 65 code 6.1 SLUs Date Surveyor City, District or Local Park Excellent -5 Good - 4 Acceptable - 3 Poor - 2 Very poor - 1 Score 1 Access relative to function a Access points obvious, in good repair and Disability Discrimination Act compliant Entrance points clearly defined, signed, inviting, clean, welcoming, well maintained and accessible to all. Apparent as an entrance and in average condition e.g. some signage, entrance features Entrance points not accessible to all, poorly maintained and/or inappropriately located b Paths which give access to the main features of the site in good repair and Disability Discrimination Act compliant Paths in excellent condition and are level with good bound surfaces, edges well defined, debris and weed free and well maintained Path generally in good condition and the right place, some maintenance/expansion required Paths generally in poor condition, maintenance needed, desire lines indicate route issues c Path network appropriate to the scale and layout of the site Extensive path network servicing all parts of the site Reasonable path network servicing some of the site No, or very limited path network sub total 2 Design and layout a Visual interest and balance between elements present Good balance between aesthetic, amenity and recreational elements creating an attractive space Adequate design and balance between the elements Poor design and layout with little interest b Configuration of elements is logical, legible and creates useable space Design and location of elements takes account of topography and aspect supporting use. Some aspects of the site function well but are let down by less well designed elements Elements disconnected and illegible. Poor design and layout. c Landscaping and vegetation appropriate to space Planting & vegetation well laid out, successfully reflecting and enhancing slopes, views, vistas etc Planting & vegetation reasonably well laid out to reflect and enhance slopes, views, vistas etc Planting & vegetation fail to reflect and enhance slopes, views, vistas creating a bland space sub total 3 Supporting infrastructure a Provision of orientation and directional signage and interpretation Signage and interpretation well designed and delivered, legible and well maintaned with no signs of vandalism Some signage provided, is in reasonable condition and maintained to an acceptable standard Lacking in signage or inadequate and poorly maintained b Provision of seats, bins, lighting, viewing areas etc Good provision of supporting infrastructure which is well located, in good condition and well well maintained Some provision of supporting infrastructure but could be expanded upon and be of better quality and better maintained Lacking in infrastructure or inadequate and poorly maintained c Range of buildings and other infrastructure e.g. car park, café, visitor centre (criteria only applicable to sites of sufficient scale) Good provision of infrastructure which is in good condition and well maintained Some provision of supporting infrastructure but could be expanded upon and be of better quality and better maintained Lacking in infrastructure or inadequate and poorly maintained sub total 4 Visitor experience a Range of user functions 3 or more functions e.g. formal play, MUGA, kickabout area, wild areas, seating and relaxation areas, bandstand, etc 1 or 2 functions available to user Site is effectively mown grass with little functional value b Perception of safety No areas with poor sight lines, entrapment points, obvious signs of anti-social behaviour Some areas with poor sight lines etc but these can readily be addressed Lots of remote areas of poor visibility and remote entrapment points with no escape options c Open and welcoming/inviting Space has an obvious sense of place and is ledgible as a publically accessible and usable resource Space can and is used but some sections of the community by the overall feel could be improved encouraging more use Space feels unwelcoming and deters use sub total 5 Management and maintenance a Comprehensive Management Plan in place which guides action (only applicable to sites of a sufficient scale) Recent and comprehensive Management Plan in place and being delivered Historic Management Plan exists but out of date but still some adhoc management No Management Plan b Quality of Maintenance Evidence of regular and appropriate maintenance to a high standard in all areas Evidence of appropriate maintenance to a reasonable standard in key areas Evidence of minimal or poor quality maintenance in most areas c Control of vandalism, litter, dog fouling No or very limited vandalism/fouling/litter which doesn't affect the user experience with good provision of dog and litter bins Some limited evidence of vandalism/fouling/litter, but doesn't detract from the overall usage of the open space. Occasional bins. Lots of vandalsim/fouling/litter seriously deterring the usage of the site. No bins. sub total 6 Biodiversity contribution to habitat network a Diversity of planting which supports wildlife by providing food and shelter A wide range of plants and trees of differing species, height and age structure. High proportion of native species. A moderate range of plant and tree diversity with moderate proportion of native species A poor range of plant and tree diversity b Range and quality of habitat types present A mosaic of different habitats types e.g. broadleaved woodland, species rich grassland, open water and wetland Some habitat diversity but limited Monoculture with very limited biodiversity value c Habitats present are likely to be part of a wider network Obviously within reach of other adjacent habitat patches allowing species movement Possibility of species movement via the routes above but not as well connected. Fragmented space sitting in isolation and is unlikely to be part of a habitat network sub total Total Notes: Continue on back if required Parks and Gardens Site Name : Quality Assessment Criteria
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6.4 tick for each 1 Age Range a Up to 7yrs b 7 to 14 yrs c 14 yrs plus 2 Range of equipment 3 2 1 Score a number of play pieces 10+ 10<5 5<0 b diversity of play experience offered Good Satisfactory Poor c opportunities for natural play Good Satisfactory Poor 3 Condition of equipment and safety surface 3 2 1 a Maintenance and vandalism Good Satisfactory Poor b Old and outdated equipment New Satisfactory Old c Evidence of removed pieces Many Some None 3 Supporting infrastructure 3 2 1 a Presence of seating, bins, lighting Good Some No b Condition of supporting infrastructure Good Satisfactory Poor 4 Access and security 3 2 1 a Enclosed/fenced with gate/dog grill Yes Partly No c Overlooked by nearby housing Yes Partly No d Good all-ability footpath links to surrounding streets Yes Yes No Total Notes: Within amenity greenspace? Stand-alone? Children's Play Site No: Site Name: Surveyor Date: Within park?