Part of the planning process related to protecting spaces.
Minutes:
Barbara Ann Overwater, Senior Planning Policy Officer, explained the background to Southwark’s draft Open Space Strategy currently out for consultation.
- Sets out a framework for open space provision in the borough
- The open space strategy replaces work previously undertaken in 2003 and updates the work carried out in 2010
- The document was an important part of the evidence base needed in the preparation of planning policy documents
- Public consultation on the draft strategy would run until 24 April 2012 with the final strategy adopted in September 2012
The residents’ survey produced the following information:
- 750 telephone surveys undertaken stratified by age, gender and location
- Study identifies that levels of satisfaction in open spaces were high – Over 80% and highest amongst older age groups
- Almost 90% rated the quality of open space as good or very good
- Smaller open spaces, cemeteries and amenity spaces were considered to be of poorest quality
- Just 10% of residents stated that they do not visit open spaces. Majority of these due to time constraints/health reasons
- Value of smaller open spaces was reinforced, although larger parks also very popular
Open Space needs were analysed and a site audit carried out.
The following local sites were considered to have particular potential for improvement:
- Improve the quality of landscaping and security at Deal Porters Walk
- Bring Surrey Docks Sports Ground back into use
- Improve the quality of open space at St Pauls Sports Ground
- Introduce new open space uses at the Former Nursery
- Provide improvements to the athletics track and ancillary buildings at
Southwark Park
- Investigate the potential to introduce new habitat creation at Kings Stairs Gardens
Contact: Barbara-Ann.Overwater@southwark.gov.uk or Tel. 020 7525 5451