Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan - Submission - Local Development Framework
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A NEW VISION FOR DEVELOPING WAKEFIELD DISTRICT
Leisure, Recreation
and Open Space
Local Plan
Submission
Evidence Base Report
Local Development Framework
www.wakefield.gov.ukLeisure, Recreation
and Open Space
Local Plan
Submission
Evidence Base Report
Andrew Wallhead, Corporate Director
Regeneration and Economic Growth
Wakefield Council October 2015Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan - Evidence Base Report
Contents
Part 1: Identifying Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes
1. Introduction 5
2. Background 5
3. Policy Context 6
National Policies 6
National Planning Policy Framework 6
Creating a Sporting Habit for Life: A New Youth Sport Strategy 7
The Physical Activity Guidelines – Start Active, Stay Active 2011 7
National Governing Bodies of Sport - Whole Sport Plans/Facility Plans 8
Regional Policies 8
The Natural Environment Evidence Base for Yorkshire and Humber 2011 8
The Yorkshire & Humber Green Infrastructure Mapping Project 9
Leeds City Region Green Infrastructure Strategy, August 2010 9
Fresh Aire Programme 10
White Rose Forest - Leeds City Region Partnership Strategy 2009–2012 11
River Basin Management Plans 11
West Yorkshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment 11
Wakefield District Strategies 11
Wakefield Local Development Framework Core Strategy 2009 11
Wakefield LDF Development Policies Plan 2009 13
Wakefield LDF Central Wakefield Area Action Plan 2009 14
Wakefield LDF Site Specific Policies Local Plan 2012 14
Wakefield District Plan 2012–2016 15
Wakefield District Delivery Plans and Master Plans 15
Local Area Plans 15
Neighbourhood Planning 16
Wakefield Green Infrastructure Plan 2010 16
Cycle Strategy for Wakefield 2013 17
Wakefield District Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007 17
Wakefield District Greenspace Audit 2010 18
Draft Wakefield District Greenspace Strategy 2013-18 18
The Wakefield District Greenspace Strategy 2004–2009 19
Wakefield Metropolitan District Greenspace Audit 2004 20
Wakefield Metropolitan District Greenspace Evidence Document 2004 20
Wakefield Playing Pitch Strategy 2010-2030 21
Physical Activity and Sport Plan 2013–2017 21
WMDC PPG17 Indoor Sports Facilities Strategic Plan Final Report 2007 22
WMDC Local Assessment of Swimming Pools Facilities Planning Model 2012 24
Wakefield Council Leisure Review Final Report 2014 25
Indoor Sports Facilities Review 2014 26
Wakefield Play Strategy 2007–2017 26
Wakefield Sport and Active Lifestyle Strategy 2007 27
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Wakefield Playing Pitch Strategy 2005–2015 28
Wakefield Flood Risk Management Strategy 2012 28
Wakefield and District Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, 2011 31
Calder Valley Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2008 32
Wakefield Infrastructure Study 2010 32
Wakefield Urban Tree & Woodland Strategy 2012 32
A Tree and Woodland Strategy for Wakefield District 2009 32
Landscape Character Assessment of Wakefield District 2004 33
Wakefield Local Biodiversity Report and Habitat & Species Action Plans 2011 33
Wakefield District Biodiversity Action Plan 2011 33
Wakefield District Cultural Strategy 34
Our Wakefield State of the District Report, April 2014 34
Family Services Asset Management Plan 2011-15 34
The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Wakefield District 34
Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wakefield 2013-2016 35
Healthy Wakefield Plan 2015 35
Sport England Active People Survey 2014-15 36
Wakefield District Jobs and Growth Plan 2012–2017 36
Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Strategic Economic Plan 2014 37
Wakefield Disused Railways Strategy, November 1994 37
Part 2: Baseline Information 38
4. Greenspace, Countryside and Wildlife 38
Greenspace Strategy Catchment Distances 39
Greenspace Strategy Quality Requirements 40
Draft Greenspace Plan 2015 40
Greenspace Plan Catchment Distances 40
Greenspace Plan Revised Categories 41
Greenspace Plan Developer Contributions 42
5. Cultural and Historic Attractions 42
Hotel Futures Study 2010 43
6. Existing Sport Provision, Facilities and Playing Pitch Supply 44
Wakefield Indoor Sports Facilities Review – West Yorkshire Sport 2015 45
Wakefield District Demand for Indoor Facilities 47
Access to Indoor Facilities by Public Transport 48
Wakefield Leisure Review 2014 50
Playing Pitch Strategy 2010-2030 51
Action to Meet Identified Needs in LROS Local Plan 52
Appendix 1 Growth Delivery Plans and Masterplans 55
Appendix 2 Local Areas Plans 57
Appendix 3 Document List 60
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Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan - Evidence Base
Report
Part 1: Identifying Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes
1. Introduction
1.1. The Local Development Framework (LDF) consists of a series of documents that will
guide the use of land and new development throughout the district until 2026. The
requirement to produce the LDF was introduced under the Planning and Compulsory
Purchase Act 2004.
1.2. The Council adopted the Core Strategy and Development Policies documents in April
2009. The Core Strategy includes strategies, policies and proposals for investment,
development and use of land in the district to 2026. It is closely linked to Wakefield
District Partnership’s Community Strategy, addressing issues which relate to land
use and development, with the overall intention of making the district a more
attractive and prosperous place to live. The Development Policies document sets out
more specific policies affecting new development. The Central Wakefield Area Action
Plan sets out the specific policies and proposals for the central Wakefield area which
includes the city centre, and the Waste document sets out strategic waste policies
and waste sites for the district. The Site Specific Policies Local Plan was adopted in
September 2012. It identifies and describes the Council’s development policies for
the district and the Policies Map shows all the development sites necessary to meet
the needs identified in the Core Strategy. The document also sets out designations
that have been approved by other bodies through separate processes, such as Sites
of Scientific Interest and archaeological sites.
1.3. The spatial vision, objectives and policies in the Core Strategy provide the planning
policy framework to help achieve sustainable development tailored to the distinctive
characteristics and particular needs of the district. Ensuring that new development
conforms to the strategy and policies of the Core Strategy and the policies in in the
Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan is one of the key ways in which the
vision and objectives of the LDF and Community Strategy will be delivered.
1.4. The LDF has a key role in providing the spatial dimension to many strategies and
policies prepared by the Council and a variety of bodies and agencies, which in turn
help determine the approach taken in the LDF. As well as seeking to achieve its own
vision and objectives, the LDF will also help deliver other action plans and
programmes.
2. Background
3.1 In developing the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan it is important to
establish an evidence base, not only to provide the policy context for the Plan but
also to assess the existing provision throughout the district and identify future
requirements. It is also necessary to review strategies, policies, and programmes to
provide, manage and enhance the district’s leisure, recreation and open space
assets and facilities.
3.2 This document seeks to:
x Set out the policy context for the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local
Plan, considering national, regional and local policies;
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x Review the requirement for leisure, recreation and open space over the period of
the Plan.
3. Policy Context
National Policies
National Planning Policy Framework
3.1 Paragraph 73 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that:
“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can
make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning
policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for
open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The
assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or
surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area.
Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open
space, sports and recreational provision is required”.
3.2 NPPF makes it clear that planning policies and decisions need to plan positively for
the provision and use of shared space, community facilities, and local services to
enhance the sustainability of communities. The unnecessary loss of valued services
and facilities should be avoided, particularly where it would reduce the community’s
ability to meet its day-to-day needs. Facilities and services should be able to develop
and modernise sustainably for the benefit of the community. The location of housing,
economic uses, community facilities and services need to be integrated. Leisure,
recreation and open space are vital elements of community facilities and services.
3.3 Paragraph 74 of NPPF states that:
“Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing
fields should not be built upon unless:
x An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space,
buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or
x 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
x The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs
for which clearly outweigh the loss”.
3.4 NPPF also states that planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of
way and access. Councils should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for
users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including
National Trails. NPPF also allows for the allocation of Local Green Space within
areas which are of particular local significance to the community because of its
beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity, or ecological value. Local
Green Space must be close to the community it serves and local in character, policy
for managing development in it should be consistent with policy for Green Belts.
3.5 Sport England is the organisation which provides the strategic lead for sport in the
country. It provides facility planning models which map supply and demand of
swimming pool space and sports hall space, identifying areas of deficiency for future
investment. The organisation fulfils the function as a statutory consultee for all
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planning applications which relate to land currently allocated for sport and physical
activity, and also provides design guidance for the development of sports facilities.
3.6 Sport England invests money into 46 National Governing Bodies. To qualify for
funding, each sport develops a Whole Sport Plan which details how it will use this
public money to increase and improve participation and talent development in their
sport. Progress against each plan is monitored by Sport England and regular reports
produced. The plans include actions to increase participation through activity
schemes and reference to the development of the sports infrastructure through
capital improvements.
Government Strategy for Sport – Creating a Sporting Habit for Life: A New Youth
Sport Strategy
3.7 Developed by the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and with a major
role for Sport England in coordinating its delivery, this strategy identifies a significant
drop in participation rates in key sports in the 16-25 age range. The gender
difference is particularly stark as only 1 in 3 participate girls participate compared
with 1 in 2 in boys. The focus is therefore to increase consistently the number of
young people developing sport as a habit for life. Over the next 5 years Sport
England will invest one billion pounds working with schools, colleges, universities and
County Sport Partnerships. A key aim is to establish a sustainable network between
schools and clubs in local communities, and this will be achieved by;
x Building a legacy of competitive sport in schools: An investment of £150m from
DCMS, Sport England, Health Education and sponsorship will develop inter and
intra school competition, and local, regional and national games.
x Improving links between schools and community sport clubs: Strengthening links
between clubs, schools, colleges and universities in conjunction with the National
Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) will develop 6000 new school club links by
2017 and 150 colleges will have full time sport professionals to develop new
sporting opportunities for their students.
x Working with NGBs focussing on youth: NGBs will develop new “whole sport
plans” for the period 2012-2017 with a focus on the 14-25 age range; they will
also be charged with increasing participation in adults, people with disability and
establishing development pathways for those with talent to fulfil their potential.
x Investing in facilities: Building on the “Places People Play” programme, Sport
England will invest a further £160m of lottery funding in to building or improving
facilities and local clubs.
x Investing in local facilities and the voluntary sector: Encouragement will be given
to local authorities, clubs not associated with NGBs and other voluntary groups to
provide quality sporting experiences and Sport England will establish a dedicated
funding stream for local community clubs.
The Physical Activity Guidelines – Start Active, Stay Active - July 2011
3.8 A report from the Chief Medical Officer presents guidance on the volume, duration,
frequency and type of physical activity across the full age ranges to achieve general
health benefits. It is aimed at all authorities and organisations developing services to
promote physical activity, and it is aimed at professionals, practitioners and
policymakers concerned with planning and implementing policies and programmes
that use the promotion of physical activity, sport, exercise and active travel to achieve
health gains.
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3.9 The report covers early years, children and young people, adults and older adults;
there are specific recommendations for each sector, with a succinct factsheet setting
out recommendations for each age group.
National Governing Bodies of Sport - Whole Sport Plans/Facility Plans
3.10 National governing bodies of sport are critical in helping Sport England achieve their
goal of helping more people develop a sporting habit for life. This is why they are at
the heart of the youth and community sport strategy. Eligible NGBs submitted whole
sport plans to Sport England detailing how they plan to use National Lottery and
Exchequer money to grow the numbers of people playing their sport once a week, as
well as nurturing talent.
3.11 To be eligible for 2013-17 Whole Sport Plan funding, NGBs had to fulfil at least one
of two criteria:
x Received 2009-13 whole sport plan investment. This includes all London 2012
Olympic or Paralympic sports. This allows Sport England to build on investments
made in previous cycles.
x They are governing bodies of sports with more than 75,000 people in England
taking part once a week (as measured by Active People Survey). These sports
have the biggest impact on the aim to increase regular and sustained
participation.
3.12 Each application will be assessed against six investment principles, which are:
x Sport England investment in NGB whole sport plans for 2013-17 is a privilege,
not an entitlement;
x Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis to those NGBs putting forward
the strongest plans and which have a good track record of delivery;
x Whole sport plan investment must deliver one or more of Sport England's talent
and participation outcomes;
x Of the total investment available for participation, Sport England expects 60% to
benefit young people aged 14-25 and 40% to benefit the rest of the adult
population;
x NGBs whose sport is played in schools must deliver a robust transition
programme creating links between school sport and club and community sport;
x NGBs will need to demonstrate how they will connect, work and have an impact
on participation at a local level.
Regional Policies
The Natural Environment Evidence Base for Yorkshire and Humber 2011
3.13 This report summarises work done by regional organisations such as the
Environment Agency, Natural England and Yorkshire Futures to develop a natural
environment evidence base and associated set of environment priorities for the
Yorkshire and Humber region. The report contains a number of maps showing key
environmental themes across the region including:
x National and international environment designations such as National Parks,
Ancient Woodland, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves
and Flood Zones;
x Biodiversity Opportunity Areas
x Biodiversity Priority Landscape Project Areas
x Public access to green space
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x Index of Multiple Deprivation
x National Landscape Character Areas
x Countryside quality
x Water capacity
x Groundwater quality
x Water quality
x Air quality
x Green infrastructure corridors
The Yorkshire & Humber Green Infrastructure Mapping Project
3.14 The Yorkshire & Humber Green Infrastructure Mapping Project was carried out to
help local authorities protect and create green infrastructure through their Local
Plans. Natural England, all local authorities in the region as well as other partners,
worked to ensure a consistent approach was taken to green infrastructure mapping.
A network of strategic regional, sub-regional and district green infrastructure corridors
were identified, characterised and mapped.
3.15 Natural England is keen to see the mapping project evidence used to support
projects and policy at both strategic and local levels. It has already been used by
Leeds City Region Partnership and in Wakefield District to inform Green
Infrastructure Plans and projects, as well as being an evidence base for the LDF.
Leeds City Region Green Infrastructure Strategy, August 2010
3.16 The Leeds City Region local authorities, in partnership with Natural England and a
wide range of consultees, prepared this Strategy to set out the vision for green
infrastructure in the city region and to determine how future investment in green
infrastructure will be secured and where investment should be targeted. The Strategy
identifies four strategic objectives to address the key drivers of green infrastructure:
x To promote sustainable growth and economic development;
x To adapt to and mitigate climate change;
x To encourage healthy living and wellbeing;
x To improve biodiversity.
3.17 The Strategy sets out four strategic initiatives of Investment Programmes, Strategic
Projects, Green Infrastructure Growth Areas and Supporting Projects, and identifies
‘interventions’ to achieve them.
x IP1 Urban Green Adaption: As a result of climate change our urban areas will
face increasing summer temperatures and higher levels of rainfall. The
programme will seek to secure investment for urban tree planting, new surface
water and greening to provide shading and cooling and help reduce flood risk. In
Wakefield District this can be achieved through town centre master planning,
urban regeneration projects and new development proposals.
x IP2 Greening Our Economic Potential: Investment in green infrastructure has
been proven to lead to more inward investment. The programme focuses on the
planning of green infrastructure to support the remediation and redevelopment of
brownfield sites, improvement of business parks/ industrial estates, promotion of
strategic employment sites, and improving key transport hubs and corridors,
especially where they coincide with local communities. In Wakefield District this
can be achieved through various regeneration projects and new development
proposals.
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x IP3 Carbon Capture: The programme will seek to ensure that provision is made
for retaining and creating carbon sinks such as woodland and peatland. In
Wakefield District this can be achieved through the planting of new woodland
such as the Five Towns Forest project and new development proposals.
x IP4 Wood fuel: The wood fuel investment programme will encourage the
sustainable management of woodland assets within the city region. The
programme will build on and extend current initiatives such as the West Yorkshire
Working Woodlands Project operated by the Yorwoods Project, which aims to
achieve the sustainable management of woodlands in the White Rose Forest
area to produce wood fuel. In Wakefield District this can be achieved through the
planting of new woodland such as the Five Towns Forest and the Abel project
(see the Tree and Woodland Strategy).
x IP5 Rivers for Life: The programme will establish a coordinated approach to river
catchment management and enhancement across the city region. Its main focus
will be on the restoration of river channels to reduce flood risk but will also deliver
access, recreation and biodiversity benefits. In Wakefield District this can be
achieved through projects such as the Castleford riverside regeneration project
and various flood defence works.
x SP1 Fresh Aire: There are a number of projects along the River Aire and River
Calder which will improve green infrastructure, public access and recreation.
These include the St Aidens and Lower Aire Valley projects in Leeds, which
adjoin the Wakefield District boundary, and the River Calder project which will
provide restoration and habitat creation between Brighouse and Wakefield. There
is potential to link the Castleford riverside regeneration and other new
developments along the Aire and Calder river corridors providing a vital
ecological network, access to the countryside and outdoor recreation
opportunities.
x Green Infrastructure Growth Areas: These are intended to complement
investment programmes and strategic projects in the Growth Point areas of
Barnsley, Calderdale and Wakefield. In Wakefield urban renaissance,
regeneration and provision for increasing the capacity of green infrastructure
assets in the district is planned.
x Strategic Urban Renewal Areas: The Green Corridor is a joint initiative between
Barnsley, Doncaster and Wakefield for urban regeneration in the south east
coalfield area. New housing and environmental improvements including
investment in green infrastructure are planned.
Fresh Aire Programme
3.18 Fresh Aire is a green infrastructure led regeneration programme of the post-industrial
landscape along the Rivers Aire and Calder, at the heart of the Leeds City Region.
The objectives of the programme are:
x The programme will promote the economic development of Leeds City Region
and its status on the international stage through the creation of the Aire-Calder
Valley Park
x The programme will seek to create an international demonstrator of best practice
measures to improve water quality, mitigate the impacts of flooding and renew
watercourse infrastructure
x The programme will create a bio-diverse green corridor at the heart of the Leeds
City Region that allows flora and fauna adapt to climate change and provides
residents of the catchment with easy access to the natural environment
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x The programme will provide a highly accessible, safe, easily navigated and
attractive environment encouraging people to move along the Aire and Calder
valleys on foot or by bike.
3.19 Projects linked to the Fresh Aire programme within Wakefield district include major
regeneration projects and green infrastructure enhancements along Knottingley
waterfront and canals, Castleford waterfront, and Wakefield waterfront.
White Rose Forest Growing with the Leeds City Region Partnership Strategy 2009–
2012
3.20 The White Rose Forest was established in 2000 with the launch of a West Yorkshire
wide strategy aimed to realise the full economic, social and environmental value of a
well wooded landscape. The partnership has secured 100 hectares of community
woodland through an urban forestry programme, funding for community groups
through the Woodland Ways project, and has also invested in several regeneration
projects.
3.21 The partnership established a Green Infrastructure Programme across West
Yorkshire in 2008, which includes five projects within Wakefield District:
x The Five Towns Forest – establishment of woodland on derelict land as a setting
for homes, businesses and recreation over a 25 year period;
x Notton Wood – access and forestry management;
x Calder Drift – woodland planting around the Scout camp and recreation site;
x Roundwood – gateway to Wakefield, community wood along the M1 corridor;
x Abel Project, Caldervale – approximately 6 hectares of woodland to be planted
for short rotation forestry biomass and used for training and amenity, operated by
a social enterprise.
River Basin Management Plans
3.22 Under the Water Framework Directive, River Bain Management Plans have been
produced by the Environment Agency, setting out plans for the protection,
improvement and sustainable use of the water environment. The Humber River Basin
Management Plan was published in 2009 and Catchment Flood Management Plans
for the Don, Aire and Calder have also been produced. The Council and Environment
Agency are in the process of ratifying the catchment strategies and flood models.
West Yorkshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment
3.23 West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service is currently carrying out a Historic
Landscape Characterisation project for West Yorkshire which will be complete in
2015. It maps surviving visible features of the historic landscape. It will help guide
development both in terms of maintaining historic character and in avoiding areas of
greatest sensitivity. The area covering Wakefield District has been completed.
Wakefield District Strategies
Wakefield Local Development Framework Core Strategy 2009
3.24 Spatial Objective 8 of the Core Strategy is “To provide a range of high quality,
accessible cultural, recreational, and leisure opportunities across the district to
improve the quality of life for residents and visitors”.
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3.25 Policy CS5 Community Facilities and Services states that:
1. Good quality services and facilities will be provided which meet the needs of local
communities and are accessible by public transport, cycling or on foot. In
particular, services and facilities will be provided which will benefit the less mobile
or more deprived members of the community.
2. The provision of services and facilities will be of a scale appropriate to the type
and size of settlement with higher level services located in the urban areas
identified in the settlement hierarchy to ensure that needs are met in the most
effective and accessible way. However, there is a need to provide some facilities
and services in specific settlements including:
a. The need to increase the level of local community facilities, such as
community centres, local sport and public open space facilities in local
service centres and villages;
b. The need to provide increased higher level health care facilities where
health deprivation is highest, notably parts of the Wakefield urban area,
parts of the Five Towns area, and particularly in the south-east of the
district where accessibility to such facilities for this part of the district is
poor;
c. Improve access to secondary education facilities, particularly from local
service centres and villages.
3. Given the important role of facilities and services in all settlements, wherever
possible proposals for development will not result in the loss of an existing
service or facility unless satisfactory alternative provision is made.
3.26 Policy CS11 Leisure, Recreation and Open Space states that:
1. Good quality, well maintained leisure, recreation and open space facilities will be
secured to address identified deficiencies and meet the needs of local
communities, particularly deprived groups. Key measures will be:
a. Increased and improved facilities for health and fitness in central
Wakefield and in urban areas in the Five Towns and the South-East,
particularly at Wakefield Council facilities, (such as Thornes Park and
Lightwaves Leisure Centre in Wakefield, Knottingley Sports Centre and
pool, and Minsthorpe Pool);
b. Provision to address the needs of older people through increased indoor
facilities;
c. New stadia development particularly in Wakefield and Castleford;
d. Sports village concepts with links to new stadia development or existing
facilities, such as Thornes Park, particularly in Wakefield, Castleford and
Featherstone;
e. Development of sport and leisure facilities on former colliery sites in
Castleford, Pontefract and South Elmsall;
f. Partnership provision in the South-East of the district, including linking
future provision of sport, leisure and physical activity to other community
facilities such as play and cultural provision;
g. The implementation of a hierarchy of playing pitch provision;
h. Opening up formal pay and play community access to school facilities
across the district.
2. The provision of leisure and recreation facilities and open space will be of a scale
appropriate to the type and size of settlement. Wherever possible those that
attract large numbers of people will be located in the larger urban areas and be
accessible by walking, cycling and public transport.
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3. Development proposals will not result in the loss of an existing leisure or
recreation facility or open space unless satisfactory alternative provision is made
or there are cumulative community benefits identified as part of regeneration
schemes or it can be demonstrated that the asset is no longer needed.
4. Within designated open land areas, development will not be permitted except in
very special circumstances for purposes other than those which would be
appropriate in a rural area and which would not substantially affect the character
of the land or detract from its amenity value.
3.27 Paragraph 6.104 states that: “There is a link between social and community facilities
and the provision of leisure, recreation and open space facilities through for example,
co-location. The context for these is set out under policy CS11”.
3.28 Paragraph 9.17 states that: “... A new ‘Wildlife Habitat Network’ designation is being
created to replace ‘Green Corridors’ in the UDP. This will link ecological sites, the
landscape and areas of open space and will provide a major element if green
infrastructure throughout Wakefield District. Access to urban open space, the
countryside and links between natural, cultural, recreational and historic assets will
also be reviewed in the proposed Leisure, Recreation and Open Space document”.
3.29 Paragraph 9.33 states that: “Major leisure uses which attract large numbers of people
should, where possible, be located within city and town centres in accordance with
national planning policy set out in Planning Policy Statement 6 and the principles for
this are set out in the spatial development strategy and Policy CS2. The provision of
high quality, well maintained facilities improves health and wellbeing, promotes social
inclusion and community cohesion and is essential to the quality of life of district
residents. To be sustainable, suitable facilities must be provided locally, whilst
ensuring those which attract larger numbers of visitors are accessible by walking,
cycling and public transport. On occasion leisure or recreation facilities need to be
provided where a particular attraction or feature is located. In these cases attention
has to be paid to possible conflicts with environmental objectives. Open spaces are
often threatened by competing land uses, and it is important that they are offered
appropriate protection”.
3.30 Paragraph 9.40 states that: “New housing developments create an additional need
for both recreational facilities and open space. Where existing local facilities are
inadequate, new developments must provide new or improved facilities to meet this
need. The required amount of open space must be provided within the site boundary,
unless the Council has approved off-site provision or funding in lieu of provision.
Developers will be expected to make an appropriate contribution towards necessary
improvements or additional provision arising from their development and the Council
will negotiate to secure provision via a planning obligation. Local standards will be
defined in the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Development Plan Document or
in a Supplementary Planning Document”.
Wakefield Local Development Framework Development Policies Plan 2009
3.31 The Development Policies document contains a range of policies which relate to
protecting and enhancing the environment. The most relevant for open space and
green infrastructure assets are:
x D4 Sites Designated for Biological or Geological Conservation
x D5 Ecological Protection of Watercourses and Water Bodies
x D6 Wildlife Habitat Network
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x D7 Protection of Trees and Woodland
x D8 Landscape Character
x D9 Design of New Development
x D11 Waterfront Design
x D12 Landscape Design
x D13 Protected Areas of Open Land
x D17 Development Affecting Archaeological Sites
x D18 Development Affecting Historic Locations
x D19 Development Affecting Buildings of Local Interest
x D20 Pollution Control
x D24 Flood Risk
x D25 Drainage
3.32 Paragraph 6.50 states that: “New housing development must include sufficient open
space and recreational facilities to meet the needs of residents. Open spaces should
be integrated into schemes and be compatible with the nature of the development
and the surrounding area. Particular attention will be paid to the location of open
space to avoid loss of amenity to adjoining residents and ensure the provision of
useable areas of open space. Major new developments will place a greater load on
general recreational facilities, and developers may be required to include additional
facilities either within the development or to make a contribution to the extension of
off-site facilities, in order to meet the needs arising from the development”.
3.33 Paragraph 6.6 states that: “Within some settlements in the district there are areas of
open land which need to be safeguarded from urban encroachment to preserve the
identities of settlements and amenity of their communities. These may consist of
parks and public recreational space or open areas of green space of amenity value.
Proposals for development that would detract from the open character or amenity
value of the landscape will not be supported unless exceptional circumstances of
community benefit can be demonstrated. Proposals for recreational and amenity
uses may be acceptable providing that the open character of the land remains
substantially unaffected. Currently one Protected Area of Open Land has been
identified in Wrenthorpe in the Sites Specific Proposals document and Proposals
Maps”.
Wakefield Local Development Framework Central Wakefield Area Action Plan 2009
and Site Specific Policies Local Plan 2012
3.34 The Central Wakefield Area Action Plan and Site Specific Policies Local Plan set out
policies and allocations for new development in the city of Wakefield (including the
city centre) and the remainder of Wakefield District respectively. The site allocations
boxes set out the requirements for open space and green infrastructure resulting
from new development. Allocations and designations to protect the Wildlife Habitat
Network, ecological and geological sites, Historic Parks and Gardens, archaeology,
and Conservation Areas and Ancient Woodland give significant protection for assets
which are important elements of the district’s leisure, recreation and open space
opportunities. These are shown on the Policies Maps which accompany the
documents.
3.35 Paragraph 14.10 of the Site Specific Policies Local Plan states that: “Within some
settlements in the district there are areas of open land which need to be safeguarded
from urban encroachment, to preserve the identities of settlements and amenity of
their communities. These may consist of parks and public recreational space or open
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areas of green space of amenity value. Proposals for development that would detract
from the open character or amenity value of the landscape will not be supported,
unless exceptional circumstances of community benefit can be demonstrated.
Proposals for recreational and amenity uses may be acceptable, providing that the
open character of the land remains substantially unaffected”.
Wakefield District Plan 2012-2016
3.36 The Wakefield District Plan was formerly The Community Strategy. It is produced by
the Wakefield Together Partnership, formed by Wakefield Council, Wakefield NHS,
West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield and District Housing, Jobcentre Plus and Wakefield
College. The plan sets out 5 pledges setting out the ambitions and priorities for the
Partnership. Those which relate to leisure, recreation and open space are set out
below:
Pledge 3: To strive to reduce health inequalities between different parts of the district
x Build on the Olympic legacy to improve the physical fitness and mental health of
people of all ages and abilities through more varied sport and leisure
opportunities;
x Make the most of our leisure and countryside facilities to promote health,
wellbeing and better, more enjoyable lives for all;
Pledge 5: To strive to create a better quality environment
x Ensure high quality urban centres and open space that meets the needs of our
citizens and complements our cultural and tourism offer.
Wakefield District Delivery Plans and Master Plans
3.37 The Council has a prepared a set of Delivery Plans and Master Plans which build on
the Local Development Framework, Jobs and Growth Plan, Five Towns Strategic
Development Framework and Community Area Action Plans. The Plans provide
strategies to bring forward economic growth and development proposals to attract
investment, promote the towns, improve the environment and benefit the community.
Summaries are set out in Appendix 1. They identify opportunities to encourage
investment to support and sustain regeneration, covering issues such as new
housing developments, retail, employment and economic regeneration, improving
public transport connections and highways networks, and securing environmental
improvements such as providing green infrastructure. These Plans consist of:
x Castleford Growth Delivery Plan
x Featherstone Delivery Plan
x Knottingley Delivery Plan
x Normanton Delivery Plan
x Pontefract Central Area Master Plan
x South Elmsall Westfield Lane Improvement Area Master Plan
x Wakefield Kirkgate Master Plan
x Wakefield Civic Quarter Master Plan
Local Area Plans
3.38 Local Area Plans are detailed action plans for the seven geographical areas of the
district developed by the Council and its partners including Wakefield Together,
elected members, community groups and citizens within the district. The Area Plans
cover Castleford, Normanton and Featherstone, Pontefract and Knottingley,
Wakefield Central, Wakefield North West, Wakefield South East, and Wakefield
Rural. The Plans set out the current challenges and achievements to date and
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planned actions for partner agencies over the next three years for each local area.
Summaries are set out in Appendix 2. Actions identified by the plans relating to sport
and recreation are to:
x Provide sporting activities, particularly for young people;
x Improve health through increasing physical activity;
x Develop new sports facilities in Altofts;
x Develop new community and recreational facilities at the Prince of Wales Colliery
site;
x Enhance the districts built environment and green assets to ensure sustainable
business growth.
Neighbourhood Planning
3.39 Neighbourhood planning was introduced in the Localism Act 2011 to provide a new
tier to the local planning system. Currently the Council has designated just one
neighbourhood area – Walton Neighbourhood Area. The Walton neighbourhood plan
is in preparation and is due to go out for consultation in 2015. It contains policies and
allocations to safeguard Local Green Space, Wildlife Habitat Network and a heritage
trail.
Wakefield Green Infrastructure Plan 2010
3.40 The Green Infrastructure Plan was commissioned to complement the Leeds City
Region Green Infrastructure Strategy to deliver green infrastructure at district level. It
sets out the vision and four strategic objectives to deliver it:
“Wakefield’s green infrastructure will create places that are attractive to live, learn,
work and invest in and where our diverse towns and villages work together to
promote the wellbeing of the whole district”.
3.41 OBJ1 - To promote the renaissance of the City of Wakefield, the Five Towns and the
South east by:
x Increasing the attractiveness of new housing and employment land for
investment;
x Promoting high quality design in all new development;
x Ensuring open spaces are protected, maintained and enhanced;
x Enhancing the appearance of the public transport hubs and services to promote
walking and cycling for journeys to work.
3.42 OBJ2 – To adapt to and mitigate climate change by:
x Enabling the district to be more resilient to flooding and higher urban
temperatures;
x Reducing the district’s greenhouse gas emissions.
3.43 OBJ3 – To improve overall health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities by:
x Increasing the quality and accessibility of natural greenspaces, walkways and
cycleways in both new and existing developments;
x Increasing the use of natural greenspaces, walkways and cycleways by local
people;
x Promote sustainable transport by increasing the opportunities for and the uptake
of active travel, such as walking and cycling, in both new and existing
developments;
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x Targeting green infrastructure according to local needs and priorities so that we
deliver the right green infrastructure in the right places.
3.44 OBJ4 – To improve biodiversity by:
x Increasing the area of high biodiversity value;
x Protecting and conserving important natural environmental assets.
3.45 Three types of strategic initiatives are proposed with the aim of maximising the
impact of green infrastructure within the district:
x Investment programmes for green places, green working and growing food
locally;
x Strategic projects including Fresh Aire and Wakefield Forest (Five Towns Forest,
Nine Lakes, South West Wakefield Woodlands, Green Corridor Forest and Balne
Lane Fields);
x Opportunity areas in Wakefield East, Newmarket, Westgate – Wrenthorpe Valley
corridor, Westfield Lane South Elmsall, Castleford, Knottingley – Pontefract –
Ferrybridge, Normanton & Altofts, and Featherstone.
3.46 These initiatives include improving, creating and maintaining areas such as
greenspace, playing fields, woodland, footpaths/ cycleways/ bridleways and blue
infrastructure (watercourses, canals, lakes, ponds, wetlands and reservoirs) for
recreation, biodiversity, flood management and access.
Cycle Strategy for Wakefield 2013
3.47 The Cycling Strategy provides the basis for considering all highway, maintenance
and cycling schemes as well as the allocation of resources to ensure that the
objectives and targets set out are achieved. The key aims of the Strategy are:
x To encourage more people to cycle more often for both utility and leisure
journeys and so help reduce the dependency on private cars and improve health;
x Develop a safe, convenient, efficient and attractive transport infrastructure that
encourages and facilitates cycling;
x Reduce the casualty rate for cyclists;
x To ensure that policies to increase cycling and meet the needs of cyclists are
integrated into all appropriate policies, plans, strategies and resource bids.
3.48 The Strategy sets out the objectives, targets and actions for:
x Creating a network of cycle routes;
x Design principles and standards;
x Construction of cycle routes;
x Maintenance of cycle routes;
x Guidelines for cycle parking;
x Travel Plans implemented as part of the planning process to secure measures to
promote cycling in the workplace and in residential developments;
x Safe routes to school and school travel plan initiatives;
x Land use planning policies and planning decisions to allow for and encourage
cycling;
x Communication and promotion of cycling.
Wakefield District Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007
3.49 The Plan contains an assessment of the extent to which local rights of way meet the
needs of the public; the opportunities provided for exercise and outdoor recreation
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and the enjoyment of the district; and accessibility for blind and partially sighted
people and others with mobility problems. The plan considers links with other
strategies and plans to develop opportunities to walk, cycle and ride, particularly to
improve health and the environment, increase accessibility and reduce congestion.
3.50 The plan objectives are to:
x Protect, improve and extend the rights of way network as an important means of
access to the countryside for recreation and for health;
x Enhance opportunities for safe and sustainable travel, both for recreation and
access to work, school and services;
x Improve accessibility of rights of way for all members of our communities and
provide appropriate publicity;
x Ensure the condition of the rights of way network enhances the appearance and
amenity of the natural and built environment and our local heritage; and
x Ensure that the rights of way network contributes to the enhancement of
economic opportunities.
3.51 The Plan considers present opportunities for access provided by permissive paths,
disused railway lines, canal towpaths, cycle tracks and access to areas of
greenspace and parks in the district. How the rights of way network is used,
maintenance, and the needs of users, landowners and visitors is assessed. The
adequacy of the network, existing gaps, possible links and future opportunities are
also examined. An action plan sets out how the Council will carry out maintenance
and improvements to the district’s rights of way over the next ten years (to 2017).
The action plan contains 51 separate actions including providing additional
information in a variety of formats, providing information on wider access routes such
as those on greenspaces, providing missing links in the network including those for
specific users such as horse riders, developing access for all to increase
opportunities for people with limited mobility or do not currently use paths; improving
maintenance, signage and enhancing paths to encourage use network, reducing anti-
social behaviour and updating the network to take account of current needs and use.
Wakefield District Greenspace Audit 2010
3.52 The Greenspace Audit contains the baseline data for the Greenspace Strategy. The
2010 Greenspace Audit updates the 2004 Greenspace Audit. The Audit deals with
the use of land by Wakefield District’s residents for recreation with associated health
and social benefits. It covers allotments, church grounds & cemeteries, parks, natural
areas (woods and nature reserves), green corridors (footpaths, canal towpaths,
cycleways), sports fields, amenity areas (informal open greenspace), equipped
playgrounds and paved pedestrian areas (town squares). An updated set of
greenspace maps and their catchment distances has been produced on GIS. A draft
research report is currently being prepared.
Draft Wakefield District Greenspace Strategy 2013-18
3.53 The Greenspace Strategy is based on an audit of sites which establishes standards
for the provision of different types of greenspace. It includes a procedure for
assessing the value of open space to be used in identifying potential new sites in
areas of deficiency, including guiding decision making on planning applications.
Greenspace is defined as publicly accessible land in any ownership, such as:
x Country parks, nature reserves and other natural areas;
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x Woodlands;
x Green corridors such as disused railway lines;
x Public parks in urban settings such as Thornes Park;
x Children's equipped play areas and skateboard parks;
x Church grounds, cemeteries and crematoria;
x Allotments (though these are only accessible to plot holders);
x Sports fields and sports pitches that are not fenced off to the public;
x Recreation areas for casual ball games, walking and relaxing;
x Amenity areas such as mown grass and planted areas to enhance the landscape.
3.54 The Greenspace Strategy is being prepared. It is a development of the Greenspace
Strategy 2004 - 2009, but differs in the following ways:
x It is focussed towards delivery by the community and voluntary sector;
x It addresses greenspace quality as well as distribution;
x It includes guidelines on amounts of greenspace;
x It responds to budget reductions;
x It relates to the Street Scene approach of area working.
3.55 The following draft objectives may consequently change:
x To secure the commitment, resources and skills necessary to fund, staff and
manage the greenspace network to a good standard;
x To improve the appeal of the network to attract more visitors more frequently in
order to benefit health and wellbeing, community cohesion and the local
economy;
x To develop green infrastructure to achieve environmental benefits such as flood
protection, sustainable transport links and wildlife protection;
x To install new site management arrangements involving new organisations and
partnerships, and new arrangements with volunteer groups, residents and
business;
x To implement innovative funding solutions through measures such as
diversification, optimising incomes, and promoting business, enterprise and
commerce.
x Develop a network of good quality and attractive greenspaces that meet the
recreational and landscape needs of residents;
x Use the strategy to secure contributions from developers - and also to guide
where and how these contributions should be spent;
x Use the strategy to help assess proposals to transfer greenspace assets into
community management (and leases of pitches to sports clubs);
x Reduce costs by addressing overprovision of greenspace - and embrace lower
maintenance and lower risk designs for greenspace and features.
The Wakefield District Greenspace Strategy 2004–2009
3.56 The Strategy defines types of greenspace by function, namely accessible
greenspace, natural areas, major urban and country parks, playgrounds, kickabout
areas and allotments. It also sets out catchment distance which is how far residents
can reasonably be expected to travel to the site. The greenspace and its catchment
distance have been plotted on maps, and by using census data the Council has
calculated the numbers of residents living inside the catchment distances for each
category of greenspace. Consequently any shortfalls or over provision can be
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identified, which enables better planning, development and management of
greenspace. The Greenspace Strategy sets out the following objectives:
Improved greenspace provision
x To balance greenspace provision to meet the recreational and social
requirements of a wide cross section of the community;
x To provide a diverse range of high quality, sustainable greenspaces;
x To ensure provision is equitably distributed and located appropriately;
x To engender a sustainable approach to greenspace management.
Strengthening our communities
x To promote the value of greenspace as a major contributor to the health and
social wellbeing of local communities;
x To ensure that greenspaces are a valued and well used community asset;
x To develop civic pride and a feeling of ownership in local greenspace sites;
x To encourage community involvement in the design, management and care of
their local greenspace.
Enhancing the natural environment
x To protect and enhance the natural environment for the benefit of people and
wildlife;
x To contribute to the landscape, biodiversity and cultural value of the district;
x To promote connectivity and ensure greenspace sites complement and enhance
the surrounding environment.
Regeneration and renewal
x To provide a framework for capital and revenue investment towards the
development and management of greenspace;
x To demonstrate a strategic approach that will support funding bids and attract
investment;
x To contribute to the wider regeneration of the district.
Wakefield Metropolitan District Greenspace Audit 2004
3.57 The findings and analysis of the Greenspace Audit are a major component of the
Greenspace Strategy. Maps and tables set out the key findings of the survey which
consisted of a public consultation exercise and a physical survey of greenspace. The
consultation investigated what local people thought of greenspace and how they
used it, including resident’s recreational needs, the most highly valued types of
greenspace, the frequency and manner of use, the profiles of users and their
concerns and priorities. The physical survey included visiting over 2200 sites and
recording size, type, use and any special features or ecological value. This was then
mapped to show the distribution of sites in relation to population.
Wakefield Metropolitan District Greenspace Evidence Document 2004
3.58 The Greenspace Evidence Document takes the research analysis a step further and
develops the recommendations of the Greenspace Audit Report. The Council’s
objectives and core values are introduced and the Strategy is set within the context
of other important local and regional policies and plans. In essence the Evidence
Document is a more technical and detailed version of the Greenspace Strategy. The
aim of the Strategy is to ensure that the greenspace sites throughout the district are
distributed equitably, are well-used and are of high quality. It sets out a framework to
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balance provision with community need and aspirations, matching outdoor recreation
provision with local requirements.
Wakefield Playing Pitch Strategy 2010-2030
3.59 The Playing Pitch Strategy sets out a strategic approach to the provision of high
quality, accessible sport facilities in Wakefield District. It contains an audit,
assessment and analysis of sports facilities, and sets out policy options and
recommendations. It contains an audit, assessment and analysis of sports facilities,
and sets out policy options and recommendations. The Plan shows that the district
has 321 hectares of natural grass used for football, cricket and rugby and identifies a
need for an additional 84 hectares, which can be met from increased use of school
playing fields and existing unused or partially used playing fields. Many pitches also
need to be improved with better changing facilities. The Strategy provides a
framework for:
x Making informed planning decisions;
x Targeting financial support and investment in facilities;
x Planning the delivery of sports development programmes.
3.60 The Playing Pitch Strategy is based on a review of the previous Playing Pitch Plan ‘A
Playing Pitch Plan for the Wakefield District 2005 - 2015’, and supersedes earlier
plans and strategies. It is an assessment of supply and demand for key pitch sports
across the district, specifically football, cricket, rugby league, rugby union and
hockey. The assessment follows the methodology and framework detailed in Sport
England’s ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’ (2003). The assessment of outdoor
bowling greens and tennis courts falls outside of the scope of the Sport England
assessment methodology. However the Playing Pitch Plan included these and the
Playing Pitch Strategy also includes summary data and findings to assist in the
development and management of these resources.
3.61 The Playing Pitch Strategy is currently under review and the Council is working with
Sport England, West Yorkshire Sport, Sport Governing Bodies and local sports clubs
to develop plans for sport facilities in Wakefield District.
Physical Activity and Sport Plan 2013–2017
3.62 The Strategy sets out to address the issues that have led to relatively low physical
activity rates within Wakefield District. Using the recently published Physical Activity
guidelines it strives to steer the work of a range of agencies that will provide
opportunities for all age groups. It also looks to put in place pathways that will enable
people to reach their own personal success in sport. Setting a clear strategic
framework that provides the opportunities for individuals to participate in sport and
lead more physically active lives has never been more important. The Strategy sets
out the vision, themes and key aims of:
“A vibrant and healthy district where physical activity and sport is part of everyday life
and where sporting aspirations can be achieved”.
3.63 “This means in Wakefield:
x More people will improve and protect their health through being more physically
active in their everyday lives;
x Everyone will be aware of the opportunities available to them through effective
communication;
Wakefield Council Local Development Framework – October 2015
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