The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has recently commissioned Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP) to undertake its PPG17 open space study.

We will draw upon good practice identified via previous PPG17 studies and utilise extensive face-to-face consultation with the local residents to identify community needs and the sites and facilities currently available. The resulting strategy and action plan will support the emerging local development framework (LDF).

KKP has recently completed a similar study for neighbouring South Lakeland District Council. Here, we highlighted a need to increase the quality and value of open spaces across South Lakeland, particularly allotments and play areas. The development of a settlement hierarchy of open space provision helped to identify shortfalls in provision in Ulverston and a lack of provision for young people in Grange-over-Sands.

These findings will influence the Council's LDF and the local standards we developed will increase the scope for negotiation with developers and investment of contributions, both in new and enhanced provision.

The Council and the National Park Authority will benefit from both studies being undertaken by KKP as we have the most contemporary and comprehensive understanding of the geographical area, issues and opportunities and are well placed to make recommendations that will be beneficial to both parties.

KKP's open spaces team has an unrivalled appreciation of the challenges that living and working in rural environments bring. They are aware of the common misconception that people living in rural locations do not have challenges in accessing formal types of open space - it is often the case that rural communities have less access to formal provision such as parks, allotments and play areas.

Claire Fallon, Senior Consultant will lead the team that will deliver this study.  She said

"The team has strong, relevant experience of working in and engaging with rural and National Park communities and we are looking forward to revisiting the Lake District National Park. Many rural settlements in the National Park do not have easily accessible services, particularly in the more remote areas. Vibrant communities are key to the long-term sustainability of the National Park with open spaces being a key contributor. "

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

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