Birchington Parish Council - Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment January 2021
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Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation
Assessment
January 2021
Birchington Parish Council Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment Strategic Leisure Limited (SLL) is an independent, specialist sport, leisure and physical activity consultancy. Established in 1988, SLL is one of the foremost leisure consultancies in the UK, undertaking regular work with, and on behalf of, Sport England, local authorities, National Governing Bodies, leisure operators, education, clubs and the wider third sector. All work undertaken for Birchington Parish Council in this report has been fully researched and analysed by SLL as an independent specialist based on the information available at the time of writing.
Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary 1
Ensuring the quality of existing open space and green infrastructure. 2
2. Introduction 4
Demographics 4
Birchington Life Expectancy 5
Birchington Childhood Obesity 5
Consultation – Open Space 5
3. Strategic Context 7
National Strategy and Policy 7
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF. 2019) 7
Regional Strategy and Policy 12
District Strategy and Policy 13
Thanet District Council Open Space Strategy 2018 14
Thanet District Council Playing Pitch Strategy 2017 14
Thanet District Council Sports Strategy 2018 – 2031 14
Active Thanet Strategic Framework 2018 – 2022 15
Thanet District Council Local Football Facilities Plan (July 2020) 15
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Assessment of Local Green Spaces Including Views and Vistas
(2021). 15
Summary of National, Local and Regional Strategic Context 15
4. Current and Future Provision 17
Current Provision 17
Open Space and Green Infrastructure 17
Community gardens including allotments, orchards and wildflower meadows. 20
Trees and Hedgerows 23
Play Areas 23
Quality of Open space and Green Infrastructure. 24
Leisure and Recreation Assets 25
Sports Pitches 28
Memorial Recreation Ground 28
Memorial Recreation Ground Catchment Walk and Drive Times 29
Future Provision and Housing Development 30
Local Plan Policy GI06 - Landscaping and Green Infrastructure 31
Local Plan Policy GI04 - Amenity Green Space and Equipped Play Areas 31
Local Plan Policy SP26 Landscape Character Areas 32
Policy SP27 Green Infrastructure 33
SP30 Biodiversity and Geodiversity Assets: 33
Open Space, Sports Pitches and Indoor Community, Leisure and Recreation Quantity Requirements
– New Housing Development 33
5. Recommendations, Actions and Next Steps 37
Ensuring the quality of existing open space and green infrastructure. 37
Appendix 1: Birchington Life Expectancy 40
Appendix 2: Birchington Childhood Obesity 41
Appendix 3: National Strategic Context 42
Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Appendix 4: Football Association Recommended Football Pitch & Goal sizes (Metric
Measurements). 50
Appendix 5: Regional and Local Strategic Context 51
Appendix 6: Sport England Sports Facility Calculator Workings for 64
Appendix 7: Football and Cricket National Governing Body Typology and Age Groups and Team
Generation Rates for Birchington. 65
Appendix 8: Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator estimating demand for 1600 new dwellings
with an estimated population of 3,792 66
Appendix 9: Current (2019) and Future (New Development) Football and Cricket Teams and
Playing Pitch Needs 72
Appendix 10: Sport England Sports Facility Calculator Workings for additional facility need in
Thanet District Council based on a new development population of 3.792 residents
(Birchington New Development) 73
Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
LFFP Local Football Facilities Plan
LAP Local Areas for Play, normally small, landscaped areas of open space designed
for young children (under 6’s).
LEAP Local Equipped Area for Play normally designed for unsupervised play of age
ranges 4-12 but considerate of other age range and users.
NEAP Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play; these play areas must cater for the
whole spectrum of the users of the play area but targeted at ages 4-14.
Teenage provision is highly regarded so the provision of kick about areas skate
and gathering areas are also to be considered.
NPPF The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government's
economic, environmental and social planning policies for England.
FA Football Association
ECB England and Wales Cricket Board
ONS Office of National Statistics
PPS Playing Pitch Strategy
S106 Section 106
TGR Team Generation Rate
Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
1. Executive Summary
1.1. This assessment is just one part of Birchington’s Neighbourhood Plan evidence base. This is an
assessment of the current open space, leisure and recreation assets within Birchington and it includes
recommendations about policies and actions for the protection and improvement of these assets.
1.2. The Thanet Local Plan includes proposals to build up to 1600 new homes to the west of the village by
2031. This assessment addresses the additional needs for open space. leisure and recreation that may
arise and how they may be met.
1.3. Section 2 of this report sets out an introduction to Birchington and provides information on population,
life expectancy, obesity and previous consultation with residents on open space in Birchington. Section
3 summarises the key elements of national, regional and local strategic policy, and guidance, in relation
to open space, green space infrastructure and leisure and recreation. Section 4 sets out the current
and future needs and Section 5 provides a summary of recommendations, actions and next steps for
current and future provision.
1.4. There are opportunities for the facilities and services within Birchington Parish Council area to meet
national and local strategic outcomes and objectives by:
• Protecting and Improving the active infrastructure and by changing the use of underutilised
spaces e.g., Memorial Recreation Ground, play areas and open space across Birchington.
• Developing physical confidence and competence from the earliest age by providing
opportunities for children of all ages to be active through play.
• Encourage and enable the inactive to be more active, by introducing new activities aimed
at fun and recreation rather than just traditional sport; and,
• Supporting wellbeing and resilience in communities through the provision of open space,
green infrastructure, recreation and sport – increasing participation in physical activity will
contribute to improved health and wellbeing.
1.5. The summary recommendations, actions and next steps are provided in the table below.
Recommendations, Actions and Next Steps -
Current Provision Assessment
Current Provision
The National, Regional and Local strategic context Provide detailed policies for the Neighbourhood Plan
provides the basis for the reasoned justification of that are specific to Birchington but support the
policies within the Birchington Neighbourhood Plan. strategic planning policies within the Thanet District
Local Plan.
The Neighbourhood Plan will support the strategic
planning policies in the Local Plan but provides more At the same time ensure that the National, Regional
detailed policies that are specific to Birchington. and Local Strategic Context is applied as the basis
for the reasoned justification of Birchington’s policies
within the Neighbourhood Plan.
Open Space and Green Infrastructure
There is a deficit in Hectares of open space and green Provide a Policy that protects and works to improve
infrastructure per 1000 population across Birchington the quality of open space and green infrastructure
in each open space typology. and protects the open space green infrastructure
sites identified in Table 4 and within the Birchington
Table 4 provides the open space sites identified Neighbourhood Plan Assessment of Local Green
through consultation and are required to be protected Spaces including Views and Vistas document.
through the Neighbourhood Plan.
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Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Recommendations, Actions and Next Steps -
Current Provision Assessment
Current Provision
The table also identifies the Thanet District Council Need to provide other specific Birchington
Local Plan Policies that support the sites to be Neighbourhood Plan Policies that cover the
protected. protection, provision and enhancement of:
National planning policy gives local communities • Community gardens including allotments,
powers to protect areas of local green space which • orchards and wildflower meadows.
have a special significance through paragraphs 99 to • Trees and Hedgerows
101 of NPPF: “99. The designation of land as Local • Play areas.
Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans
allows communities to identify and protect green Consider putting in place site specific management
areas of particular importance to them. plans that reflect the criteria within the ‘Green Flag’
Award Raising the Standard. Guidance on the
Ensuring the quality of existing open space and green ‘Green Flag’ criteria can be found at green-flag-
infrastructure. award-guidelines.pdf
Recreation and Leisure Assets
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) There should be a policy or policies that protects the
requires local planning authorities to set out policies leisure and recreation assets identified in Paragraph
to help enable communities to access high quality 4.29 to Paragraph 4.39 and the policy or policies
open spaces and opportunities for recreation. should be consistent with Thanet District Council
Local Plan Policies CM01, CM02, SP32 and G105.
National planning policy also states that existing sport
and recreation land and buildings, including playing
fields should not be built on unless they are surplus to
requirements; the loss resulting from the proposed
development would be replaced by equivalent or
better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a
suitable location; or development is for alternative
sport and recreation facilities the need for which
clearly outweighs the loss of the existing facility.
Thanet District Council Local Plan Policies CM01,
CMO2, SP32, G105 are entirely consistent with this
approach.
Memorial Recreation Ground
There has been a consensus that the facilities and The Memorial Recreation Ground development and
infrastructure of the recreation ground needs to be improvements should be identified as a separate
improved and developed for the benefit of the initiative/project within the Birchington
community. Neighbourhood Plan.
A sperate Assessment Report has been undertaken
for the Memorial Recreation Ground and this should
be utilised as the basis for taking any future
developments forward at the Memorial Recreation
Ground.
There is a need to set up a specific advisory group
that can lead on the resident consultation to identify
need and infrastructure and then following the
consultation take forward the findings.
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Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Future Provision and Housing Development Recommendations, Actions and Next Steps -
Assessment. Future Provision.
Thanet District Council Local Plan Policies support Ensure that Birchington Neighbourhood Plan has
provision of green space, within in new developments policies in place that reflect those policies within the
whether open space, hedges, shrubs, trees, plants or Thanet District Council Local Plan that support the
green banks, that help to break up and screen the provision of green space, in new developments. The
mass of buildings, improve carbon absorption and Thanet District Council Local Plan Policies to reflect
enhance the natural environment. are:
• Local Plan Policy GI06 - Landscaping and
Green Infrastructure.
• Local Plan Policy GI04 - Amenity Green Space
and Equipped Play Areas.
• Local Plan Policy SP26 Landscape Character
Areas.
• Policy SP27 Green Infrastructure
• SP30 Biodiversity and Geodiversity Assets:
The Birchington Neighbourhood Plan will need to Birchington Neighbourhood Plan must provide
assess the need for additional open space typology, quantities of space and facilities for new housing
community, sports and recreational facilities and developments by using the following tools and
playing pitches from new developments. standards:
• Playing Pitches – Sport England New Housing
Development Playing Pitch Calculator Tool. See
Appendix 8 Part 4.
• Indoor Sport, sports halls, swimming pools and
indoor bowls facilities – Sport England Sports
Facility Calculator. See Appendix 10.
• Open Space Typologies – Thanet District
Council Local Plan standard requirements for
new developments. See 4.89 and subsequent
tables.
Provision of new facilities for open space, leisure
and recreation, on-going maintenance and off-site
contributions should be considered as part of the
whole development, at the very beginning and form
an agreement. This should not be undertaken as a
phased approach. This ensures that new
infrastructure and contributions encompass the
whole development.
Off-site contributions for hockey, rugby and
swimming pool provision should be Thanet wide,
However, football cricket and provision of a 1 court
badminton hall (community hall provision) should be
considered within Birchington.
Any new school provided with halls or sports
facilities that could be used by the community
should have a formal Community Use Agreement in
place as part of Planning Conditions. See
Community Use Agreements | Sport England
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Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
2. Introduction
2.1. Birchington is a village situated on the Isle of Thanet, in northeast Kent, England, with a population of
around 10,000. Located on the coast of the Thames Estuary. The village is 14 kilometres (9 mi) to the
east of Herne Bay and 6 kilometres (4 mi) to the west of Margate. The small town of Westgate-on-
Sea lies between Birchington and Margate.
2.2. Thanet was a separate island from mainland Kent until around two hundred years ago, when the 600m
(2000 ft) Wensum Channel in between became silted up. The Parish of Birchington covers 7 sq. km
and is administered by the Parish Council as part of the administrative district of Thanet, which also
includes Westgate on Sea, Margate, Broadstairs, the historic port of Ramsgate and rural villages.
2.3. Birchington was first recorded in 1240 as Birchenton, a name derived from the Old English words 'bircen
tun', meaning a farm where birch trees grow. Archaeological evidence has shown the area was
inhabited before the existence of the village: Roman and prehistoric artefacts have been discovered in
the area, and Minnis Bay was once the site of an Iron Age settlement.
2.4. Archives show that the Parish Church dates to around 1350. In the early 15th century, Quex Park
Manor House - named after the park's second owner, John Quek - was built just south of the village.
The ownership of the manor passed to various families until 1770 when it was acquired by the present
owners, the Powell family.
2.5. The village is built beside four partly sandy bays: Minnis Bay to the west, Grenham Bay and Beresford
Gap towards the centre and Epple Bay to the east. The area to the west of the village, between
Birchington and Herne Bay, was once part of the Wantsum Channel and is now low-lying marshland.
In the east of the village the land rises, forming chalk cliffs around the beaches at Grenham Bay,
Beresford Gap and Epple Bay. A sea wall stretches along the foot of the cliffs to prevent further erosion.
2.6. Birchington was a farming community until the late 19th century, when it began to develop into a coastal
resort. The 1801 census recorded the village's population as 537. Today the parish has a population
of just over 10,000 and is still regarded by local people as a village, retaining its sense of community
and character although included in the “urban area” by Thanet District Council in the Local Plan.
2.7. Birchington-on-Sea railway station is on the Chatham Main Line which runs between Ramsgate in East
Kent and London Victoria. Birchington is around 1 hour and 40 minutes from London by Mainline train.
2.8. The Thanet Local Plan includes proposals to build up to 1600 new homes to the west of the village by
2031. Assuming the average dwelling has 2.37 occupants the population of Birchington could increase
by 3,792.
Demographics
2.9. The Mid-2019 Population Estimates for 2019 Wards in England and Wales by Single Year of Age and
Sex, Persons - Experimental Statistics are provided in table 1 below. It shows that Birchington’s
estimated population is currently 10,257. There is a higher proportion of females (6,488) compared to
men (3,769).
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Birchington Parish Council
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
Table 1: Mid-2019 Population Estimates for 2019 Wards in England and Wales by Single Year of Age and Sex,
Persons - Experimental Statistics (Office National Statistics)
Population Age Birchington Wards North & South England
Population aged 0 to 15 years 1,311 (12.8%) 10,816,679 (19.2%)
Population aged 16 to 24 years 608 (5.9%) 5,953,505 (10.6%)
Population aged 25 to 64 years 4,246 (41.4%) 29,163,061(51.8%)
Population aged 65 years and over 4,092 (39.9%) 10,353,716 (18.4%)
Total population 10,257 (100%) 56,286,961 (100%)
2.10. The Birchington population has 1,311 person aged 15 years and under 12.8% of the population
compared to England’s population percentage 19.2%, there are 608 16 years – 24-year olds 5.9% of
the Birchington population compared to England 10.6%, 4,246 aged 25 – 64-year olds 41.4% of the
Birchington population compared to England 51.8% and 4,092 person aged 65 years plus 39.9% of the
Birchington population compared to England 18.4%. Birchington has a higher ageing population 65
years and over than England.
Birchington Life Expectancy
2.11. Birchington has 2 Wards, Birchington North and Birchington South. These wards are part of the Quex
Locality in the West of Thanet Clinical Commissioning Group. The Thanet Clinical Commissioning
Group Locality Profile for Quex (West Thanet) 2017 identified the life expectancy for males and females
for both wards. The information is provided in Appendix 1 Table 1 Life expectancy, years, 2013- 2017
– Birchington South and Appendix 1 Table 2 Life expectancy, years 2013 – 2017 Birchington North.
2.12. Birchington South Ward has a lower life expectancy for males 79.6 years and females 82.4 years than
those residents in Birchington North. Birchington North life expectancy for males is 80.2 years and
females 85 years.
2.13. Birchington South has a higher life expectancy rate for males 79.6 years than Thanet District Council
77.8 year, slightly lower than Kent County Council 79.9 years, but slightly higher than the England
average 79.5 years. For female life expectancy, Birchington South 82.4 years is the same as Thanet
District Council and slightly lower than Kent County Council 83.4 years and England 83.1 years.
2.14. Birchington North has a higher life expectancy rate for males 80.2 years than Thanet District Council
77.8 years, Kent County Council 79.9 years and England 79.5 years. Female life expectancy in
Birchington North 85 years is higher than Thanet District Council 82.4 years, Kent 83.4 years and
England 83.1 years.
Birchington Childhood Obesity
2.15. The National Child Measurement Programme measures the height and weight of each child in reception
year and year 6. Birchington, reception year obesity rates shown in Appendix 2 table 1 Birchington
South and Table 2 Birchington North range from 6.9% in Birchington North to 7.7% in Birchington
South. Both Wards are lower than Thanet District Council 10%, Kent County Council 9.3% and England
9.5%. The rates rise in year 6 to 18% in Birchington South and 17% in Birchington North again both
are lower than Thanet District Council 21.2%, Kent 18.7% and England 20%.
Consultation – Open Space
2.16. Open space community consultation in Birchington was carried out over 2 days in October 2019. Many
of the people spoken to were retired but keen in keeping up their fitness through trim trails, walking
through the fields towards Minnis Bay with views towards Reculver and along the coast. Most people
enjoyed being close to nature and living in what feels like a village.
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Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
2.17. The consultation suggested a walking track lined with trees from Quex to Minnis Bay, as well as some
form of cycle track that linked to the cycle route along the coast. Some residents are keen to see better
links between Acol and Birchington.
2.18. Many consultees thought the current play provision was lacking in quality, maintenance and diversity.
Although there are some playground facilities, there were requests for more facilities with more natural
materials and play opportunities for older children (11+). Teenagers are not considered to be sufficiently
catered for, with some suggestions for a skate park to be located somewhere in Birchington (some
suggested the Dip).
2.19. In addition, the consultation identified outdoor space for community activities such as community
gardens, a space for scout activities and general use picnic facilities were requested as there are not
currently a lot of public general use spaces in Birchington beyond the coast (space for BBQs was also
raised). There were requests for Dog parks so that general use spaces will be free of dogs as well as
provide open space for dogs year-round. Some mentioned there is a long waiting list for allotments.
2.20. There were requests for more green spaces with trees creating natural habitats, for bird watching,
relaxing, seats to appreciate views to Reculver and in general quiet spaces removed from the urban
environment.
2.21. A range of programmed exercise spaces were suggested including running tracks, cricket green (some
members said that Birchington has lost its cricket team), tennis court (consultation said teens must
travel to Herne Bay - there are 2 courts at Birchington Tennis Club), basketball courts (there is a hoop
at Crispe Park and at Birchington Memorial Recreation Ground), indoor sports (a few residents made
the point that there is nothing to do in winter and said a gym/ indoor pool would be welcomed).
2.22. There were also discussions about s106 contributions towards the restoration of the pavilion at the
bequeathed Recreation Ground.
2.23. There is a recommendation to carry out further public consultation.
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Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
3. Strategic Context
National Strategy and Policy
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF. 2019)
3.1. National planning policy is set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2019)
and associated planning policy guidance.
3.2. The NPPF states that open space, which includes all open space of public value, can take many forms
and can provide health and recreation benefits to people living and working nearby; have an ecological
value and contribute to green infrastructure, as well as being an important part of the landscape and
setting of built development, and an important component in the achievement of sustainable
development. The NPPF recommends that local authorities robustly assess the need for open space,
sport and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision in their area. Assessments should
identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses in the local area, taking into
consideration local circumstances where necessary. The NPPF includes the ability for local
communities to further protect the most important community spaces with a Local Green Space
designation via local and neighbourhood plans. Local Green Space designation is a way to provide
special protection against development for green areas of particular importance to local communities.
3.3. The NPPF has a key focus in achieving sustainable development and states that the overarching social
objective of the planning system is:
Figure 1: Social Objective
“to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities….by fostering a well-designed and safe
built environment, with accessible services and open spaces that reflect current and future
needs and support community’s health, social and cultural wellbeing.”
3.4. Paragraphs 96 and 97 of the NPPF outline the planning policies for the provision and protection of sport
and recreation facilities:
Figure 2: NPPF Outline paragraphs 96 and 97
Paragraph 96: “Access to a network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and
physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should
be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation
facilities (including quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new
provision. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space,
sport and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.”
Paragraph 97: “Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing
fields, should not be built on unless:
• an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land
to be surplus to requirements; or
• the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better
provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or
• the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly
outweigh the loss of the current or former use.”
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3.5. The National Planning Policy Framework Paragraph 99 states:
‘The designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans allows
communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Designating
land as Local Green Space should be consistent with the local planning of sustainable
development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs and other essential
services. Local Green Spaces should only be designated when a plan is prepared or updated
and be capable of enduring beyond the end of the plan period’.
3.6. Paragraph 100 states:
‘The Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green space is:
a) in reasonably close proximity to the community, it serves.
b) demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for
example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a
playing field), tranquility or richness of its wildlife; and
c) local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.
3.7. In addition to national planning policy, there is an ever-increasing awareness of the importance of the
population being healthy and active, to maintain and improve both physical and mental wellbeing, and
providing well-kept, accessible open spaces can play a major role in this.
3.8. Other national organisations have produced strategies that support these aims, for example:
• Sport England: Towards an Active Nation (2016-2021)
• Public Health England: health Matters: Getting Every Adult Active Every Day (2016)
3.9. A summary of the key strategies and their respective outcomes are detailed in the infographic in figure
3 overleaf.
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Figure 3: National Priorities
Public Health
England - Health
Matters: getting
every adult active
every day
July 2016
DCMS -
Sporting
Future: A
New
Strategy for
an Active
Nation
Dec 2015
Framework
National Outcomes
Strategies
Sport
England -
Towards an
Active
Nation
Strategy
2016-2021
British Medical
Association - Get
Moving Report
October 2019 -
Steps to Increase
Physical Activity in
the UK
Department of Transport – Gear Change ‘A bold vision for cycling and walking’ (2020)
3.10. Recently and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Department of Transport has published –
Gear Change ‘A bold vision for cycling and walking’ (2020) vision is.
“England will be a great walking and cycling nation. Places will be truly walkable. A travel revolution
in our streets, towns and communities will have made cycling a mass form of transit. Cycling and
walking will be the natural first choice for many journeys with half of all journeys in towns and cities
being cycled or walked by 2030”.
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3.11. A detailed summary of the National Strategic context is provided in Appendix 3.
3.12. In addition to the above national strategies there are specific sport’s National Governing Body
Strategies that may impact on the Memorial Recreation Ground.
National Football Association Facilities Strategy 2018 – 2028
3.13. The National Football Association Facilities Strategy 2018 – 2028 aims to ensure that by 2028:
• Every FA-affiliated club has access to a 3G artificial pitch for training and potentially
matches.
• Accelerated improvements are made to the key grass pitch sites across England to reduce
fixture cancellations. The FA states that approximately 1 in 6 grass roots matches are called
off nationally due to poor pitch quality.
The FA National Games Strategy 2018 to 2021
3.14. In terms of participation there is a focus of strengthening the player pathway for males, females, futsal
and disability. Regarding facilities, the focus to 2021 will be on continuing to build capacity through
developing sustainable football facilities. This will be achieved through a programme of standardised
and scaled pitch development.
3.15. The Kent County Football Associations priority as part of the National Games Strategy is to support
existing clubs to grow and encourage more clubs to develop playing opportunities for females. The
local girl’s league is the Kent Girl’s and Ladies Football League in which matches are played on a home
and away basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female leagues are
the Kent Girl’s and Ladies Football League and South East Counties Women’s League, both of which
play matches home and away. They are also expected to grow provision in future years.
Football Association Minimum Football Pitch and Goal Sizes
3.16. The Football Association recommendations for minimum football pitch and goal sizes are provided in
Appendix 4. The minimum Run off areas surrounding the pitch should be free from obstacles (including
fixed grounds equipment such as floodlights and football dugouts/team shelters) to prevent injury to
players and officials who may run into them.
3.17. Run-offs surfaces should be the same as that used on the playing area. Tarmac and concrete surfaces
are not allowed; however 3G football turf surfaces are allowed for match official run-offs.
3.18. Where multiple pitches exist alongside each other, a minimum of six yards (5.5 metres) run-off area
should exist. An additional four yards (3.7 metres) may also be required to accommodate spectator
areas.
3.19. Whilst it is recognised that individual County Football Associations and Leagues may have already
defined rules for their own competitions (within the minimum and maximum pitch/goal sizes as specified
in the Laws of the Game), it is recommended that the pitch sizes in Appendix 4 be adopted whenever
possible.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Inspiring Generations 2020 - 2024
3.20. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Inspiring Generations’ is the document that lays out
the strategy to grow cricket in England and Wales 2020 – 24.
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3.21. The strategy purpose is:
‘We connect communities and improve lives by inspiring people to discover and share their
passion for cricket’.
3.22. The Strategy identifies several strategic programmes to increase participation:
• All Stars Cricket - All Stars Cricket provides a first experience for all children aged 5-8 years old
where they are guaranteed 8 weeks of jam-packed fun, activity and skills development. The
programme is designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them
make new friends and have a great time doing so.
• Dynamos Cricket – Provides the next step for those graduating from All Stars Cricket and is an
introduction for all 8 – 11-year-olds new to the sport. Complementing junior cricket, Dynamos
provides children with a social offer focussed on developing fundamental movement skills and
applying them in an exciting game of countdown cricket.
• Women and Girl’s Cricket – In 2019 a Women and Girl’s Cricket action plan was adopted by the
ECB. The comprehensive ten-point action plan aims to transform all elements of women’s and
girls’ cricket in England and Wales to increase engagement, grow representation and improve
opportunities across the game. The plan focuses on five key objectives:
➢ Participation: To increase the number of women and girls playing cricket recreationally
➢ Pathway: To develop aspiring female cricketers (U11-17) as players and people
➢ Performance: To drive the performance of England women’s cricket through a new semi-
professional, eight region structure
➢ Profile: To elevate the profile of women’s cricket through The Hundred, the England Women’s
team and the elite game
➢ People: To increase the representation of women across the cricket workforce
Sport England’s Active Design Guidance
3.23. Sport England’s Active Design Guidance soon to be superseded by Active Environments, developed
in partnership with Public Health England, https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/facilities-
and-planning/design-and-cost-guidance/active-design provides ten principles to inspire and inform the
design and layout of cities, towns, villages, neighbourhoods, buildings, streets and open spaces to
promote participation in sport, physical activity and active lifestyles. There is also a need to follow the
design guidance of the National governing bodies when providing playing pitches (natural turf and non
turf) and changing rooms/pavilions.
Sport England Sports Facility Calculator (SFC)
3.24. The Sport England Sports Facility Calculator (SFC) was created to help local planning authorities
quantify how much additional demand for the key community sports facilities (swimming pools, sports
halls and indoor bowls facilities), is generated by populations of new growth, development and
regeneration areas. The Sports Facility Calculator can be accessed via the Active Place Places Power
web site https://www.activeplacespower.com/ and then access reports.
Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator Tool for New Developments
3.25. The Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator Tool for New Developments quantifies how much additional
demand for the key playing pitch facilities is generated by populations of new growth, development and
regeneration areas.
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Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young Peoples Survey released December 2019
3.26. Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young Peoples Survey, released December 2019, covers
the academic year 2018/19. The survey nationally showed an increase of 3.6% in the number of
children in England doing an average of 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day. The
survey also shows that active children are happier, more resilient and more trusting of others and it
also shows a positive association between being active and higher levels of mental wellbeing, individual
development and community development.
3.27. Unfortunately, the 2019 Children and young Peoples survey data does not go down below county level.
For Kent County Council. 46.5% of children and young people are active for 60 minutes or more a day.
22.45 are fairly active an average of 39 – 59 minutes a day and 31% less active, less than an average
of 30 minutes a day.
Sport England Active Lives Adults Survey released October 2020
3.28. The Sport England Active Lives Survey for Adults was released in October 2020 and covers May 2019
– May 2020. The survey covers Thanet District Council. It does not go down to ward or parish level.
The results for Thanet show that 63.6% of adults are fairly active (150 minutes of activity a week), 9.6%
of adults are fairly active (30 – 149 minutes of activity a week) and 26.8% are in active (less than 30
minutes of activity a week).
3.29. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had a profound effect on the world, with social distancing and restrictions
on movement resulting in a complete overhaul of the way many people get active.
3.30. With the implementation of guidance in England limiting people to one outdoor activity a day and only
with members of their own household, the majority of sports and exercise activities became impossible
overnight. However, use of green space has been highly valued during lock down and walking and
cycling participation has risen.
Regional Strategy and Policy
3.31. There are several documents, plans and strategies that cover Kent County Council that impact on green
spaces, play, sport and physical activity.
3.32. A summary of the key strategies and their respective outcomes are summarised below. A more detailed
summary is provided in Appendix 5. Regional and Local Strategic Context.
Draft Kent Joint and Wellbeing Board Strategy 2018 – 2023
3.33. The vision is that everyone in Kent will have improved health and wellbeing and that inequalities in
levels of health and wellbeing across the county will be reduced. Our strategic aims for this strategy
are to improve life expectancy and extend the number of years lived in good health.
Kent Sports Partnership – Towards an Active County 2017
3.34. The vision is:
More people, More, Active, More often.
3.35. The priorities towards an Active County are:
• Increasing participation.
• Supporting inactive people to become active.
• Link to social agendas – health, education etc.
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• Opportunities for children and young people to become active.
• Addressing inequalities in engagement with sport by targeting certain groups (women,
lower socio-economic populations, black and ethnic minorities, disabled and older people).
• Improving facilities.
• Supporting the voluntary sector and volunteers.
• Maximising the benefit of major events.
District Strategy and Policy
3.36. Green spaces, play, sport, physical activity and active recreation contribute to a range of Thanet District
Council Policies and strategies. It is widely acknowledged that the wider value of participation in parks
and recreation grounds, sport and physical activity is recognised across a range of policy areas,
including health and wellbeing, crime, education, employment and regeneration. By ensuring strategic
alignment with these appropriate strategies will assist to further engage partners and secure support
for any development options that come forward from the Birchington Neighbourhood Plan. By
identifying the direct and indirect references to open space, sport, physical activity and recreation it will
enable a whole systems approach.
Thanet District Council Core Business Objectives (2019 – 2023)
3.37. Thanet District Council’s Core Business Objectives set out the direction of travel for the Council over
the next four years laying the strong foundations that will benefit, shape and grow the district.
Thanet District Local Plan (Adopted 2020)
3.38. Thanet District Local Plan (Adopted 2020) - covers Birchington and sets out all strategic planning
policies for the whole of the Isle of Thanet for the period to 2031. It includes proposals to build up to
1600 new homes to the west of Birchington by 2031. The national average of persons per household
is 2.37 persons in 2019. The population of Birchington could increase by 3,792.
3.39. Neighbourhood plans should support the delivery of strategic policies contained in local plans and
should shape and direct development that is outside of these strategic policies.
3.40. The Thanet District Council Local Plan Policies below all impact on the open space, community and
recreation polices within the Neighbourhood Plan:
Policy SP24 - Development in the Countryside
Policy SP25 - Safeguarding the Identity of Thanet's Settlements
Policy SP26 - Landscape Character Areas
Policy SP27 - Green Infrastructure
Policy SP28 - Protection of the International and European Designated Sites
Policy SP29 - Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Plan (SAMM)
Policy SP30 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity Assets
Policy SP31 - Biodiversity Opportunity Areas
Policy SP32 - Protection of Open Space and Allotments
Policy SP33 - Local Green Space
Policy SP34 - Provision of Accessible Natural and Semi Natural Green Space, Parks, Gardens
and Recreation Grounds
Policy SP35 - Quality Development
Policy E12 - Quex Park
Policy CM01 - Provision of New Community Facilities
Policy CM02 - Protection of Existing Community Facilities
Policy HE02 - Development in Conservation Areas
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3.41. When considering new open space and provision the Thanet District Local Plan will expect all new
developments to make provision for new open space in line with Fields in Trust guidelines for provision,
accessibility and equipped play space. Table 12 in the Local Plan sets out the provision guidelines,
table 10 sets out the accessibility criteria and table 11 sets out the quantity benchmark guidelines for
equipped/designated play space.
3.42. When considering new open space and provision the Thanet District Council Local Plan provides the
following policies:
Policy GI04 - Amenity Green Space and Equipped Play Areas
Policy GI05 - Protection of Playing Fields and Outdoor Sports Facilities
Policy GI06 - Landscaping and Green Infrastructure
Thanet District Council Open Space Strategy 2018
3.43. Thanet District Council Open Space Strategy 2018 – Sets out guidance for quality standards required
for open space. The Strategy identifies that all open space types throughout the district should have
improvements made to entrances in line with Green Flag criteria in order to make them more
welcoming, and to attract more visitors.
3.44. The Strategy identifies the variability in the quality of play provision for young children and that upgrades
are required in several communities. Iplay should be considered in urban areas and green play should
be considered in urban and rural areas. Intelligent play or “iplay.” includes several physical challenges
like those provided by conventional play equipment and combines interactive electronics with
conventional playground equipment, it has been created to break the vicious cycle of sedentary
behaviour resulting in rising childhood obesity. Iplay has been designed to intelligently adjust according
to children’s performance. So, anyone 8+ can play. Green play provides play opportunities in a play
area using natural materials, and in particular timber. Green play areas often include “soft” elements
such as the use of willow tunnels, soft landscaping using wild species, and tree planting. Thus, green
play has several advantages: It is sustainable, using natural and renewable materials and it is in
keeping with natural landscapes in small settlements, or in the countryside. Biodiversity can be
enhanced with careful landscaping and children can engage with the natural environment.
Thanet District Council Playing Pitch Strategy 2017
3.45. Thanet District Council Playing Pitch Strategy 2017 - Provides an assessment of the sports pitches and
facilities across the District. Paragraph 1.29 under the Playing Pitch Strategy headline findings identifies
that Birchington Recreation Ground (Memorial Recreation Ground) should be configured to provide 2
junior 11 v 11 football pitches. This is to assist in meeting the need for junior 11 v 11 football pitches
across the district by 2031. The above is also recorded in the Playing Pitch Strategy individual site
action plan for Birchington Recreation Ground. The individual site action plan also protects the
Memorial Recreation Ground as a playing field site in the Local Plan. The Playing Pitch Strategy
recommendation is to use the Sport England New Development Calculator in the planning process
when considering new housing. The calculator should be used to identify future playing pitch
requirements. This means that when planning applications come forward for the new Local Plan such
as large residential development that the Sport England Development Calculator Tool can be used to
identify the cost of contributions required from each development or planning application. This is to
ensure that sporting provision is planned at the start of the development and not as it grows.
Thanet District Council Sports Strategy 2018 – 2031
3.46. Thanet District Council Sports Strategy 2018 – 2031 – A Strategy that identifies a range of high quality,
strategically-located, accessible and sustainable sport and leisure facilities to facilitate increased
regular participation in sport and physical activity, to contribute to a reduction in health inequalities in
the District’.
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Active Thanet Strategic Framework 2018 – 2022
3.47. Active Thanet Strategic Framework 2018 – 2022 - This framework highlights the local authorities’ vision
in reducing the economic impact and burden inactivity has for the NHS and other health care providers.
This Framework supports Sport England’s - Towards an Active Nation and will also support Public
Health England (PHE) strategic framework, ‘Everybody active, every day’ and wider Public Health
policies in addressing health inequalities across Thanet.
Thanet District Council Local Football Facilities Plan (July 2020)
3.48. Thanet District Council Local Football Facilities Plan (July 2020) will, in effect, be the go-to document
for football facility investment in Thanet. There are no identified projects within the LFFP in Birchington
However, it is recognised that the Thanet Playing Pitch Strategy is the relevant Planning document for
playing pitch provision.
Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Assessment of Local Green Spaces Including Views
and Vistas (2021).
3.49. The Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Assessment of Local Green Spaces including Views and Vistas
has been produced as part of the development of the Birchington Neighbourhood Plan. It provides
supporting evidence about the views and vistas around the village and lists many of the green open
spaces that exist and should be protected for future generations.
3.50. The document is informed by contributions made by local residents during participation at meetings,
open days and workshops. Information is also drawn from the Thanet District Council Local Plan
development process and the adopted 2020 adopted Plan.
3.51. Appendix A includes a list of open spaces in Birchington produced by Thanet District Council during
development of the Thanet Local Plan. This is included for reference and in acknowledgement that
work conducted by Thanet District Council has been used to underpin this document.
Summary of National, Local and Regional Strategic Context
3.52. Neighbourhood Local Plans must meet certain basic conditions, conform to the National Planning
Policy Framework and not conflict with the Local Plan. The Thanet District Local Plan covers
Birchington and sets out all strategic planning policies for the whole of the Isle of Thanet. Once the
Neighbourhood Plan has been approved it will carry the same legal weight, in planning terms, as any
other Plan. It can include other issues, but these will not influence planning decisions.
3.53. The National, Regional and Local strategic context provides the basis for the reasoned justification of
policies within the Birchington neighbourhood plan.
3.54. There are opportunities for the facilities and services within Birchington Parish Council area to meet
national and local strategic outcomes and objectives by:
• Protecting and Improving the active infrastructure and by changing the use of underutilised
spaces e.g., Memorial Recreation Ground, play areas and open space across Birchington.
• Developing physical confidence and competence from the earliest age by providing
opportunities for children of all ages to be active through play.
• Encourage and enable the inactive to be more active, by introducing new activities aimed
at fun and recreation rather than just traditional sport; and,
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Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Leisure & Recreation Assessment
• Supporting wellbeing and resilience in communities through the provision of open space,
green infrastructure, recreation and sport – increasing participation in physical activity will
contribute to improved health and wellbeing.
3.55. Strategic alignment with the national and local strategies will help to further engage partners and
funders to secure support for facility improvements and developments such as the development of the
Memorial Recreation Ground.
3.56. The overall improvement to green/open space, community and recreation facilities and programmes
for Birchington has the potential to assist directly in bringing about a sustained increase in physical
activity participation leading in the long term to improved health and well-being of Birchington residents.
3.57. The Neighbourhood Plan will support the strategic planning policies in the Local Plan but provides more
detailed policies that are specific to Birchington.
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4. Current and Future Provision
Current Provision
Open Space and Green Infrastructure
4.1. Green spaces including parks, allotments, front gardens and private and publicly accessible spaces
contribute towards the character of Birchington providing resources of nature conservation, recreation
and community value. The community appreciate these spaces and are seeking to ensure that they
are protected and enhanced.
4.2. The Thanet District Council Open Space Strategy did not go down to Parish level when identifying over
and under supply of green space typology across Thanet.
4.3. Table 2 below, shows the deficit of the different green space typologies across Thanet District.
Table 2: Deficit of the different green space typologies across Thanet District
Existing Projected
Current Fields in
Open Space provision Requirement Deficit /
Ha provision Trust
Typology Total no. by 2031 oversupply
ha/1000 guidelines
of sites 2031
0.6ha per
Amenity 1,000 per
137 67.11 0.52 96.9 -29.79
Greenspace population
Provision for 0.25ha per
children and young 31 3.61 0.03 1,000 40.38 -76.77
people population
0.2ha per
1,000
Allotments 16 24.46 0.17 32.3 -7.84
population
1.8ha per
Natural and semi-
14 100.51 0.71 1,000 290.7 -190.19
natural greenspace
population
0.8ha per
Public parks and
26 74.54 0.53 1,000 129.2 -54.66
gardens
population
4.4. As can be seen from table 2 above there is a deficit in each open space typology. This highlights even
more the importance of protecting and improving the quality of existing green space typologies in
Birchington.
4.5. Table 3 below considers the current sites being considered for protection within the Birchington
Neighbourhood Plan. These sites are fully depicted in Birchington Neighbourhood Plan Assessment of
Local Green Spaces Including Views and Vistas document. Table 3 below considers the following sites
under the following typologies:
• Public Parks and Gardens - are usually multi-purpose in function, generally larger than
Amenity Greenspace, and contain several facilities (may include Facilities for Children and
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Young People, outdoor sports, horticultural features, etc.). Sites – Crispe Park 1.72Ha and
Birchington Memorial Recreation Ground 3.1Ha.
• Natural and Semi Natural Greenspace - They may consist of woodland, common land, or
other informal landscapes. Sites – Neame Woods 0.72Ha.
• Provision for children and Young People – equipped/designated play areas. Sites Minnis
Bay 0.28Ha, Birchington Memorial Recreation Ground 0.1Ha, Crispe Park 0.3Ha
• Allotments – Sites Park Lane /Brunswick Road 0.55Ha and St James Terrace Epple Bay
0.69Ha.
• Amenity Green Space – Sites Minnis Cliff Tops & The Butts 3.84Ha, The Parade, Minnis Bay
0.89Ha, The Dip Minnis Bay 0.97Ha, Grenham Bay Cliff Tops 6.63Ha, Epple Bay Avenue 1.61
Ha, Queen Berthas Avenue 0.14Ha, Canterbury Road/Charlesbury Road 0.45Ha, Sherwood
Road 0.16Ha, Norrie Road / Canterbury Road 0.20Ha, Dog Acre/ Alpha Road / Station Road
0.16Ha, Duncan Drive/ Cunningham Crescent 0.06Ha, Grenville Gardens 0.1Ha and The
Green, Minnis Bay 0.93Ha.
• There are 4 sites providing open space that are closed to the public that the Neighbourhood
Plan wishes to protect and have not been allocated to one of the typologies above. These
sites are: King Ethelbert School Open Space & Playing Field 7.69Ha, Farmland Rear of King
Ethelbert School 33.59Ha, Quex Park 106.03Ha and Farmland to South of Manston Road
15.62Ha.
4.6. Thanet District Council Open Space Strategy states that there is no quantitative standard for sport and
recreation facilities or cemeteries. However, sport and recreation facilities and cemeteries need to be
protected. The sites include Birchington Primary School Playing Fields, Birchington Bowls and Tennis
Club, Birchington and Westgate Golf Club, All Saints Church of England Cemetery and St Thomas
Church of England Cemetery.
Table 3: Current Estimated Deficit (-) / Oversupply (+) per 1000 population against Fields in Trust guideline
standards of the different green space typologies across Birchington.
Existing Current Estimated Deficit (-) /
Open Current Fields in Trust
provision oversupply (+) per 1000
Space Ha provision guideline
Total no. population against Fields in
Typology ha/1000 standards
of sites Trust guideline standards
Public 0.8ha per
Parks and 2 4.82 0.47 1,000 - 0.33
Gardens population
Natural and
1.8ha per
semi-
1 0.72 0.07 1,000 -1.73
natural
population
greenspace
Provision
0.25ha per
for children
3 0.68 0.07 1,000 -0.18
and young
population
people
0.2ha per
1,000
Allotments 2 1.24 0.1 -0.08
population
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Existing Current Estimated Deficit (-) /
Open Current Fields in Trust
provision oversupply (+) per 1000
Space Ha provision guideline
Total no. population against Fields in
Typology ha/1000 standards
of sites Trust guideline standards
0.6ha per
Amenity 1,000 per
13 16.14 1.57 +0.97
Greenspace population
4.7. Amenity Greenspace is the only open space typology with a current oversupply in Birchington +0.97
hectares per 1000 population.
4.8. Table 4 overleaf provides the open space sites identified through consultation and are required to be
protected through the Neighbourhood Plan. The table also identifies the Thanet District Council Local
Plan Policies that support the sites to be protected.
4.9. There are multiple green spaces within the Parish Boundary. By large we mean of a size suitable for
children and families to have enough room for recreational pursuits such as ball games etc. without
disturbing residents. The exception to this is Dog Acre due to its location near main roads and tree
density. The Quex Estate is excluded as it is private but still may be considered as it forms an important
amenity and green “lung” for the village.
4.10. The Primary School in Park Lane and King Ethelbert’s School in Canterbury Road also contain playing
fields, but these are not generally open to the public outside school hours. Another important green
space is the Westgate and Birchington Golf Club which acts as a break between the built-up areas of
the two settlements. The All-Saints Churchyard in the commercial centre also contributes to green
space, as a place of quiet contemplation and retreat, not for recreational or leisure use. The allotments
in Park Lane and in Epple Hill also form valuable community resources and green space on the edge
of the village settlement.
4.11. There are also many small green spaces that are “oases” within developments, and these are equally
important to protect.
4.12. As stated in national planning policy (para. 96) access to a network of high-quality open spaces and
opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to a community’s health and
wellbeing. The open space and sport and recreation facilities identified in Table 4 fulfil this role.
4.13. Proposals to improve and enhance these facilities must be supported. National planning policy and
Thanet District Council Local Plan Policy also states that existing open space, sport and recreation land
and buildings, including playing fields should not be built on unless they are surplus to requirements.
The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision
in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location or development is for alternative sport and
recreation facilities the need for which clearly outweighs the loss of the existing facility.
4.14. Open space is protected in Thanet District Council’s Local Plan Policy SP32 - Protection of Open Space
and Allotments. Most of the open spaces listed in Table 4 are protected in Thanet District Council’s
Local Plan apart from:
• Birchington Bowls Club and Tennis Courts
• Queen Berthas Avenue
• Canterbury Road/ Charlsbury Road
• Birchington Primary School Open Space and Playing Field
• Norrie Road/Canterbury Road
• Duncan Drive/Cunningham Crescent
• Open land St Thomas C of E Church.
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