Agenda item

*RESOLVED –

That it be recommended to Full Council that:

1.    A new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, for the period 2022 through 2030, be approved and adopted.

2.    The Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing be invited to develop a five-year costed delivery plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, to give effect to the Strategy’s aims and objectives and for this delivery plan to be presented for approval at future meetings of the Cabinet and Full Council.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The Council requires a robust needs assessment and evidence base relating to green space to meet statutory planning requirements within the Local Plan Framework, and the parks and open spaces strategy supports this.

2.    Having a modern and relevant Parks and Open Spaces Strategy will enable the Council to strategically plan and prioritise resources across the Borough, and to work appropriately with developers and other stakeholders.

3.    The effective management of our parks and open spaces will continue to support the Borough in being a great destination; and a healthy and active place to live and work.

The Service Director – Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing presented seeking approval for the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2021 – 2030.

A consultation programme for the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy took place between August and October 2021.

The previous Parks and Open Spaces Strategy was adopted in 2014. The updated strategy would become the key document guiding the Council’s protection and investment in parks and open spaces for the next ten years. A copy of the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy was attached at Appendix A, parts 1 and 2, of the officer’s report.

*RESOLVED –

That it be recommended to Full Council that:

1.    A new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, for the period 2022 through 2030, be approved and adopted.

2.    The Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing be invited to develop a five-year costed delivery plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, to give effect to the Strategy’s aims and objectives and for this delivery plan to be presented for approval at future meetings of the Cabinet and Full Council.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The Council requires a robust needs assessment and evidence base relating to green space to meet statutory planning requirements within the Local Plan Framework, and the parks and open spaces strategy supports this.

2.    Having a modern and relevant Parks and Open Spaces Strategy will enable the Council to strategically plan and prioritise resources across the Borough, and to work appropriately with developers and other stakeholders.

3.    The effective management of our parks and open spaces will continue to support the Borough in being a great destination; and a healthy and active place to live and work.