Open Space Assessment
An Open Space Assessment evaluates the provision of parks, green spaces, playing fields, allotments, and other amenity areas in relation to a proposed development. The National Planning Policy Framework places considerable importance on access to high-quality open spaces, recognising their contribution to health, wellbeing, recreation, and biodiversity. Developments that result in the loss of open space or generate demand for new provision must demonstrate how open space needs will be met.
Typical Cost
£300 – £5,000+
Turnaround
1 – 6 weeks
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What is a Open Space Assessment?
An Open Space Assessment is a planning document that quantifies existing open space provision in the locality, assesses the demand generated by a proposed development, and identifies how that demand will be met through on-site provision, off-site contributions, or improvements to existing spaces. It draws on the local authority's open space strategy and applicable quantity, quality, and accessibility standards to determine whether the existing provision is adequate or whether additional open space is needed to serve the development.
When is a Open Space Assessment required?
Open Space Assessments are typically required for residential developments that generate new demand for recreational and amenity space, particularly schemes of 10 or more dwellings. They are also needed for any development that involves the loss of existing open space, playing fields, or allotments, as paragraph 103 of the NPPF states that existing open space should not be built on unless clearly shown to be surplus to requirements. Sport England is a statutory consultee on applications affecting playing fields, and its Playing Fields Policy opposes development that results in their loss without adequate replacement.
What does a Open Space Assessment include?
A thorough Open Space Assessment includes an audit of existing open space within an appropriate catchment area of the site, typically using the council's own open space audit data, an assessment of the quantity and quality of that provision against adopted standards, calculation of the additional demand generated by the proposed development based on projected population, identification of any quantitative or qualitative deficits, proposals for on-site open space provision showing types, areas, and design, details of any off-site contributions proposed through Section 106 agreements, and a management and maintenance strategy for any new open spaces to be created.
How much does a Open Space Assessment cost?
An Open Space Assessment for a mid-sized residential development typically costs between £1,500 and £4,000. Larger schemes requiring detailed audits of existing provision, bespoke quantity and accessibility modelling, and engagement with Sport England or the council's parks and leisure team may cost £5,000 to £10,000. Assessments supporting the loss of playing fields or allotments, which require particularly robust justification, can also fall at the higher end of this range.
Who can prepare a Open Space Assessment?
Open Space Assessments are prepared by planning consultants, landscape architects, or leisure and recreation specialists. The author should be familiar with the council's adopted open space standards and supplementary planning guidance, as well as the Fields in Trust guidance for outdoor sport and play and Sport England's playing fields policy. Chartered membership of the RTPI or the Landscape Institute indicates appropriate professional qualifications.
How long does a Open Space Assessment take?
A standard Open Space Assessment can be completed within 2 to 4 weeks. Where Sport England consultation is required for proposals affecting playing fields, the statutory response period adds 21 days. Assessments involving detailed quality audits of existing open spaces, including site visits and condition surveys, may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of open space are covered in the assessment?
The assessment typically covers all categories of open space identified in the council's open space strategy. These usually include parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural greenspace, outdoor sports facilities, amenity greenspace, allotments, children's play areas, and accessible countryside in urban fringe areas. Each type serves a different recreational function and has its own quantity and accessibility standards.
How much open space should a new development provide?
This varies by local authority. Most councils set open space standards in their local plan, expressed as hectares per thousand population or square metres per dwelling. Fields in Trust recommends benchmark standards including 1.2 hectares per thousand population for outdoor sport and 0.8 hectares per thousand population for children's play. Your assessment should apply the specific standards adopted in the local plan.
Can I make an off-site contribution instead of providing open space on site?
Many councils accept financial contributions in lieu of on-site provision, particularly for smaller developments where on-site open space would be impractical or too small to be useful. The contribution is typically secured through a Section 106 agreement and is used to improve or expand existing open spaces in the locality. However, larger developments are generally expected to provide open space on site.
What happens if my development involves building on open space?
Paragraph 103 of the NPPF states that existing open space should not be built on unless an assessment shows it is surplus to requirements, the loss would be replaced by equivalent or better provision, or the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision whose benefits clearly outweigh the loss. You will need robust evidence to justify the loss, and Sport England must be consulted if the space includes playing fields.
What is Sport England's role in open space assessments?
Sport England is a statutory consultee on any planning application affecting playing fields. Its Playing Fields Policy opposes the loss of playing fields unless one of five specific exceptions applies. If your development affects a playing field, even one that appears disused, you should engage with Sport England early in the process. Their objection carries significant weight and can lead to call-in by the Secretary of State.
Who maintains open spaces created as part of a development?
Your assessment should include a management and maintenance strategy that explains who will be responsible for the long-term upkeep of any new open spaces. Common arrangements include transfer to the local authority with a commuted maintenance sum, management by a private management company funded through a service charge, or management by a community trust. The council will want to see a robust and properly funded maintenance arrangement.
How is open space quality assessed?
Quality is typically assessed through site visits using a scoring methodology that evaluates factors such as landscape condition, planting and vegetation quality, cleanliness, infrastructure condition (paths, seating, fencing), accessibility, safety and security, and overall attractiveness. The council's open space study may provide quality scores for existing spaces, which can be used as a baseline in the assessment.
What are Fields in Trust standards?
Fields in Trust is a national charity that publishes benchmark standards for outdoor space provision. Their Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play recommends minimum quantity standards, walking distance accessibility thresholds, and quality expectations for different types of open space. While not statutory, these standards are widely referenced by local planning authorities and are used where councils have not adopted their own bespoke standards.
Does the assessment need to cover biodiversity?
While a dedicated ecological assessment covers biodiversity in detail, the Open Space Assessment should acknowledge the biodiversity value of existing and proposed open spaces. Multifunctional open spaces that combine recreation with ecological benefits, such as wildlife meadows, rain gardens, and native woodland planting, are increasingly valued in planning policy. The assessment can highlight how open space provision contributes to biodiversity net gain targets.
Can allotments be included in open space calculations?
Allotments are a recognised category of open space and can contribute to overall open space provision figures. However, they serve a specific function and cannot substitute for other types such as children's play or outdoor sport. Local authorities under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 have a duty to provide allotment gardens where there is demonstrated demand, and their loss is strongly resisted.