Solihull Council - Unitary Development Plan

9.0.1 It is widely recognised that involvement in sport, recreation, leisure and the arts can be beneficial for people's health and well being. These benefits can accrue from active sports, more informal recreation, leisure pursuits and cultural activities. The demand for increased and enhanced opportunities and facilities is growing.

9.0.2 Solihull offers a variety of facilities, ranging from sports centres and golf courses to footpaths and parks, from cinemas and clubs to libraries and the Arts Complex. Some of these facilities are provided by the Council, but a large range of facilities are provided by the private sector, with the Council's role increasingly one of enabling the provision of opportunities.

9.0.3 Not all parts of the Borough are equally well-served by the opportunities which exist. Some sport and leisure facilities are aimed primarily at people who are able to spend more on such activities. Many new facilities have been located outside town centres, where public transport provision is poor. Providing more accessible opportunities for all is important if the benefits of sport, recreation, leisure and the arts are to be maximised.

9.0.4 The provision of adequate, high quality, accessible open space and recreation facilities in urban areas is vital to offset the impact of higher densities and the greater percentage of new housing being developed there. Provision of facilities may help to reduce the unsustainable migration of people from the major urban areas to the countryside.

9.0.5 There are two main rivers, the Blythe and the Cole, and two canals which bisect the Borough. Together with the rural rights of way network, these offer opportunities for informal recreation for people in Solihull and surrounding urban areas. The Arts Complex in Solihull Town Centre has been improved and supplemented recently by the multi-screen cinema and other leisure and entertainment facilities in Touchwood. The Council intends to expand opportunities for involvement in the arts and to ensure that provision is accessible to all.

9.0.6 In the adopted Plan, the Council made provision for improvements to the sports facilities in the north of the Borough, and secured a major new countryside park in the Blythe Valley. Amongst the challenges for the future will be the enhancement of older facilities, such as those at the Tudor Grange complex and some parks and open spaces, and encouraging greater involvement by everyone in Solihull.

9.0.7 The Council has published a Sports and Recreation Plan, a Strategy for Parks and Open Spaces in the Borough, a Public Art Policy, and a Strategy for the Arts which will be incorporated into a Cultural Strategy for Solihull. These, and other strategic documents, have influenced the development of this Plan.

9.1 Provision of Facilities

POLICY R1 PROVISION OF FACILITIES

The Council will support the provision of a range of new and improved sport and recreation facilities, and the consolidation and improvement of existing facilities, providing that:
(i) Any major facilities are located in or on the edge of town centres, or at education centres, or where this is not possible, in other locations highly accessible by public transport;
(ii) Other facilities are accessible to their potential users, and where appropriate capable of being served by public transport and integrated with existing facilities; and
(iii) Any development accords with Environment and Countryside policies of this Plan.

9.1.1 PPG17

sets out the factors that need to be taken into account in planning for sport and recreation facilities, encompassing guidance on the sequential approach for selecting sites for leisure and other key town centre uses, on promoting accessibility, and on maximising the re-use of previously developed land.

9.1.2 Policy R1 sets out the circumstances in which the Council will support the provision of new and improved sport and recreation facilities. Major facilities should be located in or on the edge of town centres, or where this is not possible, in other locations highly accessible by public transport. Other facilities should be accessible to their potential users, and where appropriate, be capable of being served by public transport and integrated with existing facilities.

9.1.3 The existing sports centres at Tudor Grange and North Solihull have been improved and extended over the years and form the natural location for further sport and recreation development. The Tudor Grange and Norman Green centres are in need of major refurbishment or replacement. Any replacement should ensure that the highly accessible location of the current facilities, close to the Solihull town centre and rail interchange is maintained.

The Council will seek to provide new recreation facilities and to improve existing facilities at Tudor Grange and North Solihull Sports Centres.

9.1.4 PPG17

provides guidance on assessing the need for sport and recreation facilities. Sport England encourages the use of its Facilities Planning Model for undertaking local assessments into the need to retain existing or provide additional facilities. The Model has been used for Solihull for some facilities, such as sports halls, swimming pools and synthetic turf pitches. The Council will undertake further local assessments where national standards are not considered to be adequate.

The Council will undertake local assessments of the need for sport and recreation facilities, in line with advice from Sport England, where it is not satisfied that national standards are adequate.

9.2 Parks, Playing Fields and Open Spaces

POLICY R2 PROTECTION OF EXISTING OPEN SPACE

The Council recognises the value of open space used for recreational and other uses and will not normally permit the loss of existing open space through development, where it is of value for formal and informal recreation, urban quality, nature conservation, amenity, and strategic purposes, or as a community resource. The Council will protect and enhance the character and quality of parks and public open spaces in the Borough.
Where development takes place, the Council will seek appropriate compensatory measures for the loss of existing recreational facilities and open space.

9.2.1 PPG17

advises that open space and other land with recreational or amenity value should be protected and sets out the criteria to be considered in establishing its value. Open space should be retained where it is of particular value, or has the potential to be of value to the community, or where there is insufficient provision for a particular function or in overall terms.

9.2.2 Policy R2 recognises the value of open space for a variety of functions, and seeks to protect valuable parks and open spaces from loss through development. Where loss is unavoidable, the Council will expect development to provide appropriate compensatory measures.

POLICY R3 PROTECTION OF PLAYING FIELDS

Development that results in the loss of, or would prejudice the use of, all or any part of a playing field, or land last used as a playing field, or land allocated in the Plan for use as a playing field will not normally be permitted, unless:
(i) There is an established surplus of playing field provision and other forms of open space in the area;
(ii) The proposal does not affect the quantity or quality of pitches or adversely affect their use;
(iii) Any loss would be replaced by playing fields of an equivalent or better quantity and quality and in a suitable location; or
(iv) The proposal is for an indoor or outdoor sports facility of sufficient benefit to sport to outweigh the loss of playing fields.

9.2.3 PPG17

advises that playing fields should be protected, as they are of special significance for their recreational and amenity value, and for their contribution to urban green space. The Government is determined to ensure that playing fields are not lost to development, unless there is an established surplus of all forms of open space, or the proposal involves a sports facility which Sport England is satisfied justifies the loss.

9.2.4 Policy R3 provides protection for playing fields from development that would prejudice their use, and sets out the circumstances in which development would be permitted. The policy accords with Sport England's detailed criteria for permitting the development of playing fields.

9.2.5 The adopted Plan included a proposal to undertake an assessment of playing pitch and informal play area requirements in the Borough, in line with advice in PPG17

. However, the Council has applied the National Playing Field Association's standard in the interim. Although this approach is not favoured by Sport England, the Council believes that there is little evidence that local assessments would result in a significantly different standard for the Borough.

The Council will utilise the National Playing Fields Association minimum standard for assessing the provision of playing fields.

POLICY R4 NEW AND IMPROVED OPEN SPACE

The Council will require provision for and maintenance of appropriate recreational facilities as an integral part of all new housing developments in accordance with the following criteria:
(i) The provision of informal public open space within the development at a ratio of at least 2.4 hectares per 1,000 population. In circumstances where no provision is required for children's play areas and for youth facilities, more generous provision than the minimum standard will be expected. Where possible, such provision should protect and enhance existing landscape features;
(ii) In circumstances where the provision of new open space is not appropriate and in the interests of more efficient use of urban land, provision for appropriate alternative local facilities of equivalent value, such as improvements to the quality of existing parks and open spaces;
(iii) In areas where there is a shortage of children's play areas, as identified in the Play Area Strategy for Solihull, the provision of new children's play areas, or a contribution towards their provision in the area; and
(iv) The provision of facilities for youth activities or a contribution towards their provision in the area.
Where appropriate, the provision of recreational facilities will be sought through the use of Section 106 Agreements.

9.2.6 The provision of open space is an essential part of the social infrastructure for new development and contributes towards the improvement of the quality of life of urban areas. PPG17

provides guidance on the provision for new open space, and advises authorities to seek opportunities to improve the local open space network and to incorporate open space within new development on previously used sites. Policy R4 sets out the Council's requirement for new open space, and the provision for and improvement of local recreational facilities, associated with new housing development in the Borough.

9.2.7 PPG17

advises that provision for new open space should be justified locally. The National Playing Fields Association minimum standard for outdoor playing space provides for playing pitches and other recreation facilities for youth and adult use, and children's play areas or informal play space. The standard has been effective in enabling the provision of new open space in the Borough

9.2.8 Both the Council's Sports and Recreation Plan and the Solihull Crime and Disorder Strategy identify a need for facilities for youth activities.

9.2.9 `Parks and Open Spaces in Solihull' includes a commitment to pursue external funding, including Section 106 contributions, to enable improvements to existing parks and open space. This would be appropriate where adequate provision already exists, in accordance with the National Playing Fields Association standard.

9.2.10 The Dickens Heath Public Open Space was designated in the last Plan, as part of the proposal for a new village. The open space proposals for Housing Site 11 Dickens Heath, referred to in Proposal H1/1, have not been fully implemented, and include the village green, parkland area and nature reserve.

The Council will re-confirm the designation of land in Dickens Heath as a village green, parkland and nature reserve, as shown on the Proposals Map.

9.2.11 Marston Green Park was designated in the adopted Plan, as part of the proposals for Housing Sites 9A - 9E. Most of the Park has been opened, but 2.3 hectares remain to be implemented. This area, adjoining Housing Site 9F Coleshill Road/Chelmsley Lane, referred to in Proposal H1/1, will be provided as part of that development.

The Council will re-confirm the designation of 11.9 hectares (29.5 acres) of land in Marston Green as Public Open Space, as shown on the Proposals Map.

9.2.12 The replacement recreation ground in Meriden was designated in the adoptedPlan, as part of the proposal for Housing Site 6 Maxstoke Lane. The site has yet to be implemented, and Proposal H1/1 confirms its designation for new housing.

The Council will re-confirm designation of land to the south of The Green as a replacement recreation ground, as shown on the Proposals Map.

9.2.13 Proposal E1/4 designates land for an extension to Blythe Valley Business Park. As part of this development, 14 hectares of land will be set aside as a Countryside Park, as shown on the Proposals Map. The Park will form an extension to the countryside park designated in the adopted Plan and now implemented, and will be readily accessible to the public.

The Council will designate 14 hectares of land within the extension to Blythe Valley Business Park as a Countryside Park.

9.2.14 The Council is developing a Play Area Strategy for the Borough which will seek to ensure that adequate facilities are provided for children's play. New housing development will be expected to contribute to the provision of children's play facilities in appropriate areas.

The Council will prepare and review a Play Area Strategy for the Borough, identifying those areas where there is a shortage of children's play areas.

POLICY R5 ALLOTMENT GARDENS

The Council will protect the existing allotment sites in the Borough and support the establishment of new sites where a demand exists. Development of allotment sites for other uses will be supported only where a site is substantially disused, there is no proven demand for allotments in the area, and the loss of open space would not result in a deficiency in the area.

9.2.15 The Council has a statutory duty to provide allotment gardens for those who wish to use them. Allotments contribute to wider open space and amenity provision, as well as meeting needs for plot holders. The Council has responded to a gradual decline in lettings by agreeing a management regime which is set out in the Allotment Charter. Policy R5 protects existing allotments and supports the provision of new sites where demand exists.

9.3 Waterways and Rights of Way

POLICY R6 WATERWAYS

The Council, in conjunction with British Waterways, will seek the greater exploitation of the recreational potential of the waterways in the Borough for both waterborne and other users, whilst safeguarding their heritage and natural environment. Development adjoining canals will be required to protect and improve public access to and use of canals and to enhance the amenity of the canal corridor. Where appropriate, developers will be expected to contribute towards the improvement of the canal corridor through the use of Section 106 Agreements.

9.3.1 The Government's policy document, `Waterways for Tomorrow', sets out proposals for the future of inland waterways. It recognises their potential for a range of benefits, including leisure and recreation, industrial and natural heritage, and for sustainable transport. British Waterways is responsible for managing and maintaining canals and waterways for a wide range of leisure and business uses. Policy R6 seeks the greater exploitation of the recreational potential of the Borough's waterways, and requires development that adjoins waterways to protect and improve public access and to enhance the amenity of the corridor.

9.3.2 A strategy for the canals in Solihull will help to realise their potential for recreation and leisure uses, as well as the wider benefits set out in `Waterways for Tomorrow'.

9.3.3 Over the last 10 years, British Waterways has hard surfaced much of the canal towpath network in the Borough, and provided a number of new and improved access points, with contributions from the Council. The Lapworth Loop initiative proposed by British Waterways, which aims to provide a long distance walking/cycling route, using the towpaths in the Borough, should help to give fresh impetus to this process.

The Council will contribute towards the provision of towpath walkways and accesses to towpaths along the Grand Union and Stratford-on-Avon canals, in conjunction with British Waterways.

9.3.4 British Waterways has established a partnership, including the Council, to manage the Earlswood Lakes area as a visitor attraction. Whilst the Lakes themselves are outside the Borough, the impact of their use affects part of Hockley Heath Parish, and the area is used by many Solihull residents.

The Council will support the Earlswood Lakes initiative to manage the impact of visitors to the area.

9.3.5 Olton Mere is owned by British Waterways as a reservoir to supply water to the Grand Union Canal. It has been used by a sailing club for many years, but there is no right of access for more informal recreation. The Council will work with British Waterways to secure access around the Mere, which will provide an important recreational facility in a ward with relatively little open space.

The Council will seek the provision of improved recreational opportunities at Olton Mere, in conjunction with British Waterways.

POLICY R7 RIGHTS OF WAY AND CYCLING

The Council will promote the benefits of walking and cycling as recreational pursuits by:
(i) Protecting and enhancing the accessibility of existing routes, such as footpaths and bridleways, walks in parks, canal towpaths, town centre and village walks, green ways and recreational cycle routes; and
(ii) Identifying and prioritising key new walking and cycling routes within the Borough and working to implement them when considering improvements to the network.
Where appropriate, developers will be expected to contribute to the provision of new walking and cycling infrastructure through the use of Section 106 Agreements.

9.3.6 PPG17

advises that plans should include policies and proposals to protect and enhance the rights of way network, and encourage its use by adding links and improving access. Authorities are also encouraged to promote initiatives, such as recreational cycle routes, that will promote sustainable transport and use of the countryside. The Council has published Walking and Cycling Strategies for Solihull, referred to in Proposals T16/1 and T17/1, which highlight the benefits of recreational walking in the countryside and leisure cycle rides.

9.3.7 Policy R7 seeks to promote the benefits of walking and cycling as recreational activities, by protecting and enhancing the accessibility of existing routes, and by identifying and prioritising key new routes within the Borough. In exceptional circumstances, the closure of routes may be justified, where poorly used or disused, and there are suitable alternative routes that are protected, and on crime and disorder grounds.

9.3.8 Policy C10 in Chapter 7 recognises the potential of the countryside for sport and recreation, whilst Proposal C10/1 outlines the Council's intention to improve access to the countryside.

9.3.9 Policy R7 recognises that identifying and prioritising key walking and cycling routes within the Borough, and seeking to implement them, will help to promote these recreational activities. Key routes will be identified and implemented, wherever possible, as part of the action plans for the Walking and Cycling Strategies for Solihull.

The Council will identify and seek to implement key walking and cycling routes within the Borough.

9.3.10 The Heart of England Way regional footpath passes through the Borough between Meriden and Chadwick End, as shown on the Proposals Map. The Council recognises the Way's regional status and endeavours to give priority to its maintenance. The Way is an important local amenity and a potential tourist attraction, that may provide opportunities for farm diversification schemes along its route.

The Council will recognise the Heart of England Way as a footpath of regional importance. The route of the footpath through the Borough is shown on the Proposals Map.

9.3.11 The Blythe Valley Walkway is a long-term proposal that has yet to come to fruition. A small section south-west of Stratford Road has been implemented as part of the Countryside Park north of the Blythe Valley Business Park, referred to in Policy E1. A further section to the north-east will be provided with the office development at Provident Park, which has planning permission. The Council is investigating options for the remaining links to Brueton Park and Cheswick Green, which will need to recognise the concerns of landowners, and the status of the River Blythe as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (see Proposal ENV11/1).

The Council will seek to extend and improve the Blythe Valley Walkway, as shown on the Proposals Map, as a recreational footpath.

9.3.12 A series of leaflets promoting walks and cycle rides in the Borough has been published. The Council will continue to seek opportunities to promote walking and cycling, wherever possible.

The Council will publish leaflets detailing walks and cycle rides starting in the Borough.

9.4 Leisure and the Arts

POLICY R8 LEISURE, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES

The Council will support the provision of leisure, arts and entertainment facilities in town centre or other appropriate locations across the Borough subject to highway, environmental and residential amenity considerations.

9.4.1 PPG6

on Town Centres and Retail Developments advises that leisure and entertainment uses are important in ensuring the health of town centres. Leisure, entertainment and arts facilities frequently attract large numbers of people and their location should follow the sequential approach outlined in the guidance.

9.4.2 Public libraries should normally be located in town and local centres, to enable convenient and suitable access for users as defined in the appropriate Government Standards. The Council's Strategy for the Arts recognises the essential contributions that arts and cultural activity make to quality of life. It aims to ensure that the arts should be accessible to everyone in the Borough. The Strategy will be incorporated into a wider Cultural Strategy for Solihull.

9.4.3 Policy R8 supports the provision of leisure, arts and entertainment facilities in town centres or other appropriate locations, subject to highway, environmental and amenity considerations. The Policy will assist in the implementation of the Cultural Strategy for Solihull.

POLICY R9 PUBLIC ART

The Council will promote the benefits of public art in the Borough and will seek the provision of new works of art as part of new development schemes. Developers will be encouraged to set aside a proportion of their costs, in line with the UK Percent for Art scheme, for works of art to be provided within the development, or where this is not appropriate, at a suitable location within the Borough.

9.4.4 The Council has published a Public Art Policy for Solihull, which led to the development of the Arts Strategy. The Policy and Strategy create a framework for promoting and encouraging quality in new development and form important elements in meeting high quality design. They aim to create a sense of place and identity for local communities and at key `gateways', to enhance environments that are not primarily dedicated arts spaces. One of the Policy's objectives is the adoption of the percent for art policy in the Plan.

9.4.5 Policy R9 promotes the benefits of public art in the Borough and seeks its provision in the design or the curtilage of new developments, or at other suitable locations by encouraging the adoption of the percent for art policy. The Public Art Policy has already led to a design for the re-paving of The Parade, Kingshurst. Projects that might be encouraged include sculptures, milestones, signing and seating along the Blythe Valley Walkway and the Grand Union canal, works to create a sense of identity and develop skills at Smiths Wood, a focal point and improved signing in Solihull Town Centre, and way marking, seating and interpretation at Hobs Moat Ancient Monument.

Contact

For more information please email environment@solihull.gov.uk

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Unitary Development Plan - First Review 1998-2011

Chapter Nine: Sport, Recreation, Leisure and the Arts

9.0 Introduction