Local Green Space Policy

ENV1: Local Green Space Designation
The following areas as identified on the proposals map are designated as Local Green Spaces:
The green in Attlee Crescent (LGS1);
The Green (LGS2);
Ravenhill Park (LGS3);
The green in St Michael’s Road (LGS4);
The green in Springfield Avenue (LGS5);
The green surrounded by Lea Hall Lane and The Meadows (LGS6);
The green to the southeast of the junction of Thompson Road and Armitage Road, formerly a canal basin (LGS7); and
The green between Armitage Lane and Hobbs View (LSG8).

The Local Plan Part 1 envisages that the people of Rugeley and Brereton will have the opportunity to lead longer and healthier lives, via the new leisure centre, access to the Cannock Chase AONB and a network of well-maintained and appreciated open spaces including the canal network. It identifies a ‘Green Space Network’ on its Policies Map. Policies within the Local Plan Part 1, particularly Policies CP5 and CP13, supplement national policy in affording protection for important green spaces.
This Plan seeks to support this policy by identifying important green spaces that the community of the parish value and wish to see protected. All are open spaces to which the public has access and which the public uses.
Neighbourhood Plans can designate areas as local green spaces for special protection. The NPPF (paras 76-79) provides advice in respect of local green spaces, which are identified as green areas of particular importance to local communities. It states that designation as ‘Local Green Space’ will not be appropriate for most green areas or open space. The designation should only be used:

• where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves
• where the green area is 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), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife and
• where the green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land
  It goes on to advise that local policy for managing development within a Local Green Space should be consistent with policy for Green Belts.
  The designation of these green spaces is intended to keep the residential areas of Brereton and Ravenhill attractive and healthy places for local residents. Ravenhill Park is an exceptionally attractive public park that has Green Flag status, is used for local events such as Brereton Carnival and includes a football pitch and a tennis court. The other green spaces are smaller areas that serve their vicinities and are particularly appreciated by those living close to them.

 

 

• ENV2: Local Green Spaces and Development
  Unless very special circumstances are clearly established:
  no new buildings or structures shall be erected on any local green space shown on the Proposals Map other than (i) the provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, (ii) the extension or alteration of Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall and (iii) memorials, information boards and play equipment that are appropriate to the space concerned.
• no engineering work shall be carried out other than drainage work and, in the case of the green in Attlee Crescent and Ravenhill Park only, limited increase in the number of car-parking spaces and limited roadway improvements.
• development immediately adjacent to local green space shown on the Proposals Map that would result in any harm to its character, setting, accessibility, appearance, general quality or amenity value will not be permitted.

The NPPF (para 76) advises that by designating land as Local Green Space, local communities will be able to rule out new development other than in very special circumstances. This policy seeks to restrict development to that which would not harm the open character of the parish’s important green spaces, unless it would involve essential drainage works, or would otherwise contribute to the use, enjoyment or other community value of these green spaces. Development adjacent to these green spaces which would adversely impact on the green spaces and the reasons for their designation as such, will not be permitted.