SD55 - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

LEISURE BACKGROUND PAPER
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Aim of this Paper
1.1 To set out the background and evidence for how objectives, allocations and policies
have been identified and developed.
Overview of how this Paper fits into Plan preparation
1.2 This paper will provide information for Officers and Members of the Authority,
stakeholders, members of the public and the Inspector to help explain the approach
taken on Leisure.
Context
1.3 The provision of a range of leisure facilities accessible to as many people as
possible is essential to improve our quality of life. By encouraging healthier
lifestyles, Blaenau Gwent Council hopes to improve the health and well being of
people in the authority, including the elderly, disabled people, and children and
young people. It aims to address health inequalities by encouraging people to adopt
healthier lifestyles and by ensuring good access to local services. The natural and
built environment of Wales is a valuable resource for sport and recreational
activities and needs to be managed in an effective way to ensure that
it can be used sustainably.
1.4 This Background Paper is a supporting document of the Local Development Plan.
Its sets out:
2. National Policy Context for leisure;
3. Regional Policy Context for leisure;
4. Local Policy Context for leisure;
5. Current and Future Provision of leisure;
6. Key Issues in Blaenau Gwent, which relate specifically to leisure;
7. Preferred Strategy, policy in respect of leisure, representations to the Strategy
and proposed policy responses; and
8. Draft LDP Policy, which provides the proposed planning policy context for
leisure in Blaenau Gwent.
2.0 NATIONAL POLICY CONTEXT
Wales Spatial Plan – People, Places, Futures (July 2008 Update)
2.1 The Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) provides a framework for the future spatial
development of Wales and integrates the spatial aspects of national strategies,
including social cohesion, economic health, transport and environment policy. The
purpose of the update was to reflect new drivers for change, including One Wales
and to give status to Area work undertaken by each region. The core themes are:
Building Sustainable Communities; Promoting a Sustainable Economy; Valuing our
Environment; Achieving Sustainable Accessibility; Respecting Distinctiveness and
Working with our Neighbours.
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