Issue - meetings

The Open Space Assessment, as attached at Appendix A of the report, was agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report and highlighted that the updated Open Space Assessment, replaced the 2017 study and provided an up?to?date evidence base to support the emerging Local Plan.

It was noted that national policy required robust assessments of open space provision. The importance of such spaces in delivering social, environmental and community benefits was highlighted, alongside the need to understand current provision and future demand.

Members were advised that changes since the previous study included population growth and new provision arising from recent development. The assessment, undertaken by Knight, Kavanagh and Page, audited over 570 publicly accessible sites and found that, whilst some gaps existed, overall provision was of good quality and widely accessible.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Wellbeing seconded the proposal.

Executive Members highlighted that green and open spaces were a key concern for residents and welcomed the document as useful and informative, noting it was positive to have this information included and accessible.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOVLED – that a) the Open Space Assessment, attached as Appendix A, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.