Open space definition
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines open space as: 'All open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.'
The London Plan, published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, defines open space as: ‘All land in London that is predominantly undeveloped other than by buildings or structures that are ancillary to the open space use. The definition covers the broad range of types of open space within London, whether in public or private ownership and whether public access is unrestricted, limited or restricted.’
The SuDS Manual, CIRIA C753, published in 2015 defines 'public open space' (POS) as: '...any land laid out as public garden or used for the purposes of public recreation. This means space that has unimpeded public access and that is of a suitable size and nature for sport, active or passive recreation or children and teenagers' play. Private or shared amenity areas, for example in a development of flats or buffer landscape areas are not included as public open space.'
The Scottish Building Standards, Part I. Technical Handbook – Domestic, Appendix A Defined Terms, suggests public open space: ‘…includes land used as a public park or for public recreation or as a burial ground.’
Glasgow City Development Plan, Published by Glasgow City Council in 2016, suggests: ‘The term ‘open space’ covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function (Planning Advice Note 65 - Planning and Open Space).’
Planning Advice Note (PAN) 65, published by the Scottish Government in 2008, state: ' The term 'open space' covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function. Some spaces may combine green and civic space elements, but one type or other will usually predominate'
It suggests types of open space might include:
| Type | Description |
| Public parks and gardens | Areas of land normally enclosed, designed, constructed, managed and maintained as a public park or garden. These may be owned or managed by community groups. |
| Private gardens or grounds | Areas of land normally enclosed and associated with a house or institution and reserved for private use. |
| Amenity greenspace | Landscaped areas providing visual amenity or separating different buildings or land uses for environmental, visual or safety reasons and used for a variety of informal or social activities such as sunbathing, picnics or kickabouts. |
| Playspace for children and teenagers | Areas providing safe and accessible opportunities for children's play, usually linked to housing areas. |
| Sports areas | Large and generally flat areas of grassland or specially designed surfaces, used primarily for designated sports (including playing fields, golf courses, tennis courts and bowling greens) and which are generally bookable. |
| Green corridors | Routes including canals, river corridors and old railway lines, linking different areas within a town or city as part of a designated and managed network and used for walking, cycling or horse riding, or linking towns and cities to their surrounding countryside or country parks. These may link green spaces together. |
| Natural/semi-natural greenspaces | Areas of undeveloped or previously developed land with residual natural habitats or which have been planted or colonised by vegetation and wildlife, including woodland and wetland areas. |
| Allotments and community growing spaces | Areas of land for growing fruit, vegetables and other plants, either in individual allotments or as a community activity. |
| Civic space | Squares, streets and waterfront promenades, predominantly of hard landscaping that provide a focus for pedestrian activity and can make connections for people and for wildlife. |
| Burial grounds | Includes churchyards and cemeteries. |
| Other functional greenspace | May be one or more types as required by local circumstances or priorities. |
See also: Communal open space and Protected open space and Open Space Strategies.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Communal open space.
- Conservation areas and protecting open space.
- Courtyard.
- Edge of centre.
- External environment.
- External space.
- Green space.
- Main town centre uses.
- National planning policy framework.
- National planning practice guidance NPPG.
- Open Space Strategies.
- Planning permission.
- Plaza.
- Protected open space.
- The revival of the public square.
- Town centre.
- Types of space.
- Use class designation for land and buildings.
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