We are regularly commissioned to deliver PPG17 open space, facility and playing pitch assessments and strategies. As a result, we are very familiar with the requirements of the local development framework (LDF) process and the need for robust, reliable data to underpin recommendations and provision standards.

(Image: SLDC logo)In 2008, we completed a PPG17 assessment for South Lakeland District Council (SLDC). SLDC commissioned the study to gather information and inform the preparation of policies and proposals for it's LDF. We also developed local standards to increase the scope for negotiation with developers and investment of contributions, in both new and enhanced provision. South Lakeland's LDF will, when adopted, replace the current Local Plan and Alteration.

Based on PPG17 and Towards a Level Playing Field (Sport England) guidance, the study involved extensive face to face consultation with parish councils as major owners/managers of open space in the area. Consultation findings were amplified by 260 site audits and a resident survey. This produced a range of findings specific to the area, one of which was concern about inappropriate use of quad bikes/off-road motorbikes across open spaces; an issue identified via both consultation and site visits.

The final report highlighted a need to increase the quality and value of open spaces across South Lakeland, particularly playing pitches and play areas. It provided clear strategic practical recommendations for, amongst others:

• Improvement - to reduce the number of ‘LAP' play areas that are deemed to be of low value to residents and prioritise improvement in larger more valuable sites.
• Investment - to invest in pitch surface quality at Jubilee Playing Fields. 
• Protection - to provide better protection for privately owned open spaces, for example, in Arnside where residents fear that a number of open spaces in private ownership are under threat from development due to a lack of public access.

KKP has excellent, contemporary experience of working in rural areas and national parks, having recently also completed PPG17 assessments for other rural areas including South Somerset, Derwentside, East Staffordshire and Carrick.

A key theme of all these studies is the need to challenge the common misconception that people living in rural locations do not face challenges accessing formal types of open space. Our findings suggests that rural communities often have less access to provision such as parks, allotments and play areas than those living in more urban areas.

This was certainly the case in South Lakeland where, for example, allotment provision is operating at 100% capacity with high waiting lists and where the high level demand is not being met by current provision.

PPG17 and the Companion Guide ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities' note that rural areas can contain villages with small populations and significant distances between settlements. It is rarely possible for each one to offer the full range of facilities; some forms of provision tend to be concentrated in larger villages or towns. To recognise this, we use a robust methodology to determine a settlement hierarchy. This takes account of community consultation findings and associated needs assessments. We estimate how many sites (of a minimum size) are needed to provide comprehensive access to this type of provision. We then map this to identify and visually represent deficiencies.

(Image: Play area in Grange over Sands)For South Lakeland, the development of a settlement hierarchy helped to identify shortfalls in provision in Ulverston and a lack of provision for young people in Grange-over-Sands.

Following KKP's assessment and recommendations, the Council has given the go-ahead for major repairs to the four football pitches at Jubilee Playing Fields in Kendal, at a cost of £100,000. This initial project also signals its wider commitment to increasing the number of people taking part in physical activity across the district.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Wellbeing, said:

"It was vitally important that the Council give proper consideration to what was needed to get these pitches open again so people can enjoy them safely. I am delighted some of our local teams will be back at home for the new season which I'm sure everyone will agree is the right result for all concerned."

KKP is currently also completing a comparable open space study for the Lake District National Park Authority. Both studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the entire geographical area, its issues and opportunities as well as recommendations that will be beneficial to both parties.