Strategic Leisure Limited (SLL) undertook the development of a quality and quantity assessment of open space, indoor and outdoor sports facilities for the Borough, to address the requirements of PPG 17.

The study involved undertaking a qualitative and quantitative assessment of identified sites. Qualitative assessment was undertaken using and electronic proforma, designed to reflect industry best practice e.g. Quest, ROSPA, Greenflag. Comprehensive stakeholder and community consultation was also carried out. This included Focus Groups, door to door survey, fax/email and postal questionnaires, and face to face meetings.

The audit and consultation identified a number of key issues linked to the quality, quantity and accessibility of open space, indoor and outdoor sports facilities.

SLL developed a specific typology for the Borough, to reflect the range and nature of open spaces provided.

We then linked the key issues to this typology, to identify opportunities for enhancement, new provision, and development of alternative forms of provision. SLL then developed proposals for Local Standards of provision across the individual typologies. SLL mapped all existing sites and facilities, using GIS; we then demonstrated the impact of proposed Local Standards on access across the Borough.

The study provided overall recommendations for Local Standards and prioritised investment, which links into opportunities for section 106 funding.