B3.1.1 Creating inviting and accessible places

Proposed open spaces and community facilities must meet the following requirements:

• provide safe, direct pedestrian and cycle and, where appropriate, horse riding access routes that link differing spaces to key routes and destinations both within the development and the surrounding area

• ensure that all routes are designed to be overlooked by surrounding buildings to provide natural surveillance, and include appropriate lighting to an adoptable standard to support safety and comfort

• where appropriate, incorporate defensible features such as bollards, knee rails, or planting to prevent misuse by vehicles or off-road bikes, whilst maintaining accessibility for all users

• be designed as a focal point within the streetscape, reinforcing the overall purpose as a central, accessible, and valued community assets

• demonstrate how spaces and facilities will be managed and maintained to a high standard over the long term via a Management and Maintenance Plan as required

Formal play areas (including playgrounds, children’s equipped play areas and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) must be designed to be accessible and inclusive for visitors of all abilities. An inclusive play strategy must be provided (this could be included in the Design and Access Statement (DAS)) to demonstrate how this will be achieved. Buffer zones must be provided in accordance with the open space typology as outlined by the Fields in Trust Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play (2020).

Play equipment must be appropriate to the intended age groups and uses, and its ongoing management and maintenance must be addressed as part of the management plan. Any equipment or play features must meet British Standards EN176 and British Standard EN1177 as relevant.

Applicants should discuss the proposed location of open spaces and/or facilities with the council during the options development to advance the collaboration between emerging design objectives and policy requirements.

Applicants should incorporate options for inclusive play as set out by the Sensory Trust in their guide for inclusive play (2020).

Applicants should apply metrics SP01 and PP01 as outlined within the Active Travel England (ATE) Route Check Tool to assess whether routes include features that encourage safe and engaging experiences for children.

The design of community facilities and open spaces should be locally distinctive and contribute positively to their setting. This should be achieved through the application by one or more of the following principles:

• incorporating ideas and input gathered from the local community, or from neighbouring communities where an entirely new development is proposed

• integrating playful or imaginative design elements that create a sense of identity and enjoyment

• including public art and creative features that reflect local culture, heritage, or landscape character

• providing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), water features (where appropriate), and generous tree planting to enhance environmental quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Any water features should include appropriate safety measures such as knee rail fencing or dense planting to prevent unauthorised access, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure the space remains safe and accessible for all users

Community facilities and areas of open space should be integrated with the pedestrian and, cycle and, where appropriate, horse-riding network. Open spaces should be in open view from main pedestrian, cycle and horse-riding routes within the development to enable informal supervision from passers-by. Routes to and through these spaces should be well-lit, overlooked, and feel safe and accessible for all users.

On larger sites open spaces should be located alongside other community facilities to create a clear focal point for the community, which should be agreed with the council as required.