Back in 2004, KKP delivered one of the earliest PPG17 compliant assessments of open space, sport and recreation provision for Three Rivers District Council to support its local development framework.

KKP undertook a comprehensive audit of all provision in the District and the site visits identified the generally high quality of open spaces in the area. Detailed consultation with local stakeholders and GIS mapping of all sites revealed a number of deficiencies in provision. Shortfalls were incorporated into new standards of provision, which formed the basis of revised supplementary planning documents, prepared by KKP and left the District with a robust basis upon which to secure contributions from developers.

Since the original assessment, progress is reported in relation to the development of play areas in particular. This includes new provision in locations identified in the 2004 study as deficient; a good example of this is Eastbury Playing Fields. We also recommended upgrading existing sites to increase accessibility; this has been implemented at Barton Way Play Area which has been upgraded and increased in size.

Local authorities are advised to keep PPG17 assessments up to date; renewed every 3-4 years. Aware that its assessment was due to be updated, KKP and Three Rivers Council officers discussed the best way to approach this and to enable the Council to benefit from KKP's improved processes and technological advances such as the use of handheld PDAs and the incorporation of Green Flag criteria in its site assessments.

This latest commission will incorporate a contemporary audit and will focus specifically on key areas of demand for playing pitches via targeted consultation with key clubs and governing bodies of sport. Most importantly it will provide updated identification of surpluses and deficiencies in provision.

KKP's expert PPG17 team is about to embark on the work and lead consultant, Claire Fallon is delighted to be working with the client team from the original study. She said,

"It is encouraging to see Three Rivers take such a pragmatic approach. Because of the quality of collaboration and the thoroughness of the initial assessment, the Council has the confidence to focus on diagnosed gaps. Delivery of the update will provide additional ammunition to enable the Council to negotiate higher developer contributions to improve provision."

Find out more about the original study.