topic - urban-design-group.org.uk

TOPIC
A commitment to, and
understanding of, the
importance of open space
to the success of the
HMRAs is essential
• Support national, regional and local policy objectives.
• Assist councils in using their powers to promote the economic,
social and environmental well-being of the area.
• Contribute to wider objectives of the council including
improvements to the economy, housing, welfare, education,
health, culture, planning, transport, regeneration, biodiversity,
the environment and the public realm.
• Be based on a robust assessment of needs and opportunities
of the existing and future local community and current design,
management and maintenance processes.
• Support preparation of the Local Development Framework by
identifying the spatial location and characteristics of existing
parks and green space, addressing any deficiencies and making
strategic linkages between networks of spaces.
• Establish an action plan and implementation programme along
with monitoring and review procedures.
• Identify agreed design, management and maintenance
principles and standards.
• Define investment priorities to ensure that adequate capital
and revenue funds are allocated to meet performance standards.
• Provide the basis for the formation of collaborative
partnerships both during the preparation of the strategy and as
part of the long term management and maintenance of the parks
and green spaces, recognising that there can be no ‘one size fits
all’ policy.
produced a good practice guide on the
preparation of Green Space Strategies 1 .
The author has been working for over 30
years on the regeneration of traditional
urban areas, and in most cases his
approach is underpinned by a robust
and strategic approach to promoting
landscape as an essential component in
the regeneration process. This experience
has been used in work as a CABE Space
Advisor helping local authorities
preparing Green Space Strategies.
A successful green space strategy
should have a number of components:
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF A GREEN SPACE STRATEGY
The broad aims and objectives of the strategy are to:
• Establish political and inter-departmental officer support for
parks and green spaces and clear lines of responsibility.
• Develop a clear and shared vision between politicians, officers,
key partners, stakeholders and communities.
• Understand the value of parks and green spaces in achieving
corporate, strategic and community objectives.
• Develop a cross-cutting policy framework for the protection,
enhancement, accessibility and use of parks and green spaces,
and their provision, design, management and maintenance.
• Ensure that existing and future green spaces enhance the
quality of life of local communities and the environment and
promote greater civic pride and social inclusion.
• Make sure that the green space network meets the needs of
local people (both existing and future communities).
• Maximise resources to support park improvements through
external funding opportunities and allocation of revenue
budgets.
• Provide a clear framework for voluntary and community
groups to contribute to ongoing management of green spaces.
ESTABLISHING A SHARED VISION
For local authorities, communities and organisations responsible
for large land holdings, there are clear political and corporate
advantages in preparing green space strategies. With the benefit
of strong leadership, strategies can significantly contribute to the
delivery of community strategies and they can enhance civic and
social pride.
To establish a shared vision that is central to any green space
strategy it is important to:
• Secure senior political support, with a political champion at
cabinet, and chief officer level.
• Form a cross departmental partnership team charged with the
responsibility to both prepare and then deliver the strategy.
• Establish wide stakeholder engagement during the
development of the strategy and ownership at the stage of its
approval.
• Integrate with other corporate strategies, including health,
education, culture, housing and social inclusion.
• Appreciate the cross cutting advantages that green spaces offer
30 | Urban Design | Autumn 2004 | Issue 92