Knight Kavanagh & Page (KKP) has been appointed by a collaboration of three local authorities to undertake an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy for whole of the Peak Sub-Region. This is an area comprising High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Peak District National Park Authority .

The three authorities are preparing an evidence base to support the preparation of their Core Strategies. This joint commission will provide a regional view of future needs for use of open spaces and will be used by the authorities to inform their strategic direction on the prioritisation of improvement, provision and funding for open spaces. The study will explore opportunities for joint working and sharing of responsibilities to serve residents within the Peak Sub-Region.

Our approach to undertaking the audit of open space will provide the Peak Sub-Region with up to date, thoroughly researched and relevant information, which conforms to the requirements of PPG17 and follows the recommended staged approach:

• Stage 1: Assessment of need.
• Stage 2: Auditing local provision.
• Stage 3: Setting provision standards.
• Stage 4: Applying provision standards.
• Stage 5: Drafting policies.
• Stage 6: Strategy development.

In addition to PPG17 guidance, our work is also undertaken in accordance with "Towards a Level Playing Field", CABE Space Green Space Strategies good practice guide and the objectives of the Green Flag Award scheme.

KKP has a strong track record of successfully managing complex assignments, working with collective authorities. We employ a ‘collaborative' approach to ensure successful, effective generation of strong, justifiable recommendations and Strategy ownership among Council officers and key partners.

In 2005, we delivered a collective commission from Three Rivers District Council, Watford Borough Council and Dacorum Borough Council to develop a sub regional open space, sport and recreation study. It brought about huge benefits in terms of assessing cross boundary issues and economies of scale

In addition, we have just, following successful completion of a PPG17 built facilities study, been commissioned again by Bournemouth and Poole councils to produce their playing pitch strategies.

Our consultants also have strong, relevant experience of working in and engaging with rural and National Park communities. We have excellent contemporary experience of working in rural areas, having recently completed PPG17 sport and recreation facility assessments for South Somerset, Carrick and South Lakeland district councils.

For further details, please contact Claire Fallon, Senior Consultant, Email: claire.fallon@kkp.co.uk