Teesdale District Council in the North East of England has appointed Knight Kavanagh & Page to conduct its PPG17 Open Space Study. Following the recommended staged approach the study will provide the Council with:

•  A comprehensive audit of existing provision of different types of open space, sport and recreation facilities detailing quantity, quality, accessibility and wider value to the community.
• Identification of local need (current and future), taking into account anticipated development levels and demographic changes.
• Recommended standards of provision (quality, quantity and accessibility) for all types of open space, sport and recreation facilities in accordance with PPG17.
• Justifiable, defensible identification of deficiencies and surpluses in provision and options for dealing with them now and in the future.
• A clear framework for practical action to protect and improve existing open spaces and to increase provision of such facilities, where it is shown that there is a potential deficit.
• A robust evidence base to enable each authority to develop planning policies as part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and other local development documents.
• Provision of information to enable and inform and justify the collection of developer contributions.
• A standard formula to calculate financial contribution required in lieu of providing open space on the site of a new residential development.

KKP recently completed a similar assignment for neighbouring Derwentside District Council. This incorporated thorough review of existing policies and strategies, in-depth qualitative consultation, site visits to inform the strategy and a practical action plan to address key issues for open spaces and outdoor sports facilities.

The Open Spaces team for this study will apply relevant experience of working in and engaging with dispersed and rural communities built around its strong local knowledge and its portfolio of work in this and neighbouring regions.

This understanding of the local and regional context will be invaluable in light of the decision to create a flagship authority combining Durham County Council and seven district councils into one Unitary Council.

For more information, contact Victoria Taylor, Consultant - victoria.taylor@kkp.co.uk