green infrastructure and play space strategy vol 1

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLAY SPACE STRATEGY Vol 1: Strategy & Appendix 1

January 2020

EVIDENCE BASE DOCUMENTCONSULTATION DRAFT LOCAL PLAN 2018-2033

(Regulation 18)

All maps reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.© Crown Copyright & Database Right 2019. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and

may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. All Rights Reserved. 100021846.

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Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................. 2 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3 2. Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspace and sites with Biodiversity value ................ 5

Biodiversity sites ................................................................................................................ 5 Management of Green Infrastructure ................................................................................. 6 Partnership Working and Cross-boundary Issues .............................................................. 8 Green Infrastructure Enhancement through Planned Development ................................... 9

3. Chapter 3: Local Green Space .................................................................................. 11

National policy ................................................................................................................. 11 Local criteria .................................................................................................................... 11 Policy implications ........................................................................................................... 11 Sites ................................................................................................................................ 12

4. Play Space .................................................................................................................. 20

Existing provision ............................................................................................................ 20 Distances to Existing Play Spaces ................................................................................... 23 Expected new provision ................................................................................................... 32

Appendices

1 Local Green Spaces

2 Existing Play Provision

3 Play Space Buffers

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1. Introduction

1.1. This Green Infrastructure and Play Space Strategy sets out evidence supporting planning policies in the emerging Future Mole Valley Local Plan. These policies will ensure that future strategic development delivers, protects, improves and enhances the District’s green infrastructure network and equipped areas for play.

1.2. Green infrastructure is defined as a network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. The term is often used in an urban context to cover benefits provided by wildlife habitat, trees, parks, gardens, road verges, allotments, cemeteries, woodlands, hedgerows, rivers and wetlands.

1.3. The importance and benefits of open space, sport and recreation facilities have been widely documented, and are recognised as underpinning people’s quality of life. Green infrastructure also contributes to mitigation of, and adaptation to climate change, absorbing greenhouse gasses, helping to mitigate flood risk and providing respite from over-heated urban areas.

1.4. Significant wellbeing benefits for children and young people can also be achieved through suitable provision of equipped play spaces, which are often close to or within larger public open green spaces. Well designed and implemented planning policies for open space, sport and recreation facilities are also fundamental to delivering MVDC’s corporate objectives which include:

Promote opportunities for residents of all ages to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives

Encourage participation in sports, leisure, cultural and educational activities, to promote responsible enjoyment of our parks, open spaces, heritage and countryside

Protect and enhance the natural and built environment, and ensure our areas of natural beauty and wildlife are well looked-after

Promote Mole Valley as a place for people to spend their leisure time and support local businesses to maximise opportunities from recreation and tourism

1.5. Mole Valley contains some particularly attractive areas of countryside including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). Large ‘Commons’ are also a feature of many towns and villages, the function of which varies across the District. These areas have strongly influenced the character of the District and the views and priorities of residents. Open space, sports and recreation provision is often provided through multifunctional sites including within natural and semi-natural greenspaces, amenity greenspace, sports pitches and children’s play areas.

1.6. This Strategy focusses initially (in Section 2) on the most extensive areas of green infrastructure, including key areas and networks of natural and semi-natural

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greenspace and sites designated for their biodiversity value. Section 3 focusses on the protection of open spaces within the built up areas and larger villages, through use of the Local Green Space designation. Finally, Section 4 focusses on equipped children’s play space, setting out how the Local Plan will respond to additional needs linked to new development and how planned development can help to improve provision for existing residential areas which lack good access to play space.

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2. Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspace and sites with

Biodiversity value

2.1. The NPPF sets out that Local Plans should take a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure (para 171). LPAs are also to plan for the enhancement of natural capital across local authority boundaries. This section focusses on the most extensive networks of green infrastructure in the District, which include areas of national and international significance and networks which straddle administrative boundaries.

Biodiversity sites

2.2. There is an extensive network of sites designated for their biodiversity value across Mole Valley. The District includes sites designated at local, national and international level.

2.3. During development of strategic Local Plan options, greater weight was placed on safeguarding designated sites of international or national importance. The strategic approach is set out in the Constraints Analysis 2017, updated 2020, which steers strategic-scale development away from internationally and nationally designated sites as a matter of principle.

2.4. Smaller and more locally-important sites are also of very high value in biodiversity terms, supporting a more extensive network of inter-related habitat. The District also has an abundance of ancient woodland, historic and important1 hedgerows, veteran and ancient trees, all of which are part of the wider network of green infrastructure and merit careful stewardship.

2.5. With this in mind, it is considered important that the Local Plan continues to protect the full hierarchy of sites designated for their biodiversity value. The relevant policy (EN9, Biodiversity) incorporates a balancing exercise, allowing decision-makers to compare the benefits of development against the level of harm to biodiversity. This planning balance provides a mechanism for consideration of the relative importance of sites designated at different levels in the hierarchy, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.6. In the emerging Local Plan, specific policy measures to maintain and enhance networks of habitats and green infrastructure include:

Outside built up areas, requiring that development proposals protect existing landscape features and support enjoyment of the countryside for informal recreation (policy EN8);

Avoiding harm to nature conservation interests on designated sites, taking account of the level of harm weighed against the benefits of development (policy EN9);

1 See Hedgerow Regulations 1997 for definition of ‘important’ hedgerows.

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Taking account of Biodiversity Opportunity Areas identified at County level to guide site-specific measures for habitat protection and enhancement linked to development (policy EN9);

Requiring the use of native, preferably locally-sourced planting in landscaping schemes and other green infrastructure measures (policy EN9);

Encouraging proposals which provide biodiversity net gains and/or increase the coherence of ecological networks (policy EN9);

Safeguarding existing green infrastructure and supporting provision of a variety of new or improved green spaces (policy EN11);

Designating a range of open spaces in the built up areas and larger villages as Local Green Space (policy EN12 – see also Chapter 3);

Encouraging the use of planting within development sites as a means of contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation (policy EN14 and site allocation policies).

2.7. At the time of preparing this strategy, the Environment Bill 2019-20 is progressing through Parliament and MVDC is mindful of emerging national proposals for a statutory and standardised approach to biodiversity net gain through the development process. Emerging Policy EN9 currently states that “Development proposals should seek to protect, enhance and recover wildlife habitats and species by creating new

natural areas or restoring and enhancing existing habitats, particularly in or adjacent to sites designated for their nature conservation importance and within Biodiversity Opportunity Areas.” (emphasis added).

2.8. This draft policy framework will be kept under review as the Bill progresses and the wording updated once there is clarity about the statutory requirements and any associated national planning practice guidance.

Management of Green Infrastructure

2.9. Significant landowners of green infrastructure in the District include the following organisations, all of which own and/or manage substantial tracts of publicly-accessible greenspace:

The National Trust manages about 2,550ha of inalienable land, including extensive countryside holdings at Bookham Commons, Polesden Lacey, Leith Hill/Abinger Roughs, Box Hill, Headley Heath, Ranmore Common and Holmwood Common.

Surrey County Council owns and manages some 530ha at Norbury Park south of Leatherhead which combines public access and nature conservation initiatives with tenanted farms.

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The Corporation of London own and manage the 200ha Ashtead Common, in the north of the District.

Surrey Wildlife Trust own and manage their own sites.

Mole Valley District Council manages several countryside sites on the edge of urban areas for public access and nature conservation, such as Inholms Lane Local Nature Reserve in North Holmwood, The Woodfield in Ashtead and The Nower in Dorking.

The Woodland Trust owns woodland sites such as Glovers Wood, Edlophs Copse and Rickets Wood. It has recently purchase land at Langley Vale on the borders with Epsom and Ewell and Reigate and Banstead as a commemorative woodland.

There are also significant tracts of countryside which are part of traditional family estates which have remained in the ownership of the same family for several generations. Examples include the Wotton Estate, Jayes Park in Ockley, Sondes Place Farm and the Betchworth and Buckland Estates. This continuity of ownership and management contributes in different ways to the long term stewardship of the rural landscape, including areas which can be enjoyed via the rights of way network and/or public access agreements.

2.10. MVDC recognises the positive role which all of the above organisations exercise in maintaining and enhancing significant tracts of green infrastructure, to the benefit of all those who live, work or visit the District.

2.11. There is a significant network of Common Land within the District, extending to around 1,500ha in total. In addition to the sites listed above, it includes important green spaces such as Cotmandene in Dorking, the Big Field at Brockham, Common Meadow between Leatherhead and Fetcham and a wide variety of village greens and small-scale green spaces.

2.12. The Constraints Analysis specifically highlights the importance of Common Land and other Inalienable Land owned by the National Trust. These green spaces are protected in perpetuity and will continue to support biodiversity and the health and wellbeing of Mole Valley’s population for generations to come.

2.13. MVDC takes a careful approach to the management of its own parks and open spaces. Together with supporting the work of the Woodland Trust at Edolphs Copse Local Nature Reserve, the Council has designated three further Local Nature Reserves at Ashtead Park, Inholms Lane and along the River Mole corridor between Leatherhead and Fetcham. MVDC also manages a range of smaller sites within the built up areas and villages, such as local parks and gardens, recreation grounds and play spaces, including many of those listed in Chapters 3 and 4.

2.14. MVDC’s Transform Leatherhead Masterplan includes the objective of establishing a Riverside Quarter along the River Mole. This would aim to reinforce the relationship

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between Leatherhead town centre and its riverside and create a vibrant environment and increased activity along the riverside while respecting its natural setting.

2.15. Other substantial tracts of green infrastructure within the Council’s direct management include the historic landscape of the Deepdene Estate. This 85ha estate is centred on its Grade II* Registered garden and includes a network of woodland and heritage sites around the south east of Dorking. It is the subject of a lottery-funded landscape and heritage project to revive the historic landscape and key architectural features. As a result of the project, the historic garden has been opened up to public access, enhancing the green infrastructure network around Dorking and providing increased opportunities for recreation, volunteering and education based around the estate.

2.16. Where significant new green infrastructure is proposed alongside planned housing development (see below), site allocation policies include requirements for appropriate management arrangements to be put in place, in order that landscape, public access and biodiversity interests are safeguarded in the long term. This may include new open spaces being managed by a range of charitable and public sector organisations and the detailed arrangements will be determined on a site by site basis.

Partnership Working and Cross-boundary Issues

2.17. Several of the most significant green infrastructure networks cross administrative boundaries.

2.18. In particular, the landscape of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty includes substantial tracts of publicly-accessible countryside which are highly valued for their recreational value and support the health and wellbeing of both the local population and people from much further afield. The AONB also includes designated nature conservation sites of international and national importance and extensive areas of ancient woodland.

2.19. MVDC engages in cross-boundary and partnership working through membership of the Surrey Hills Board, a joint advisory committee, which promotes the conservation and enhancement of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan sets out a range of more detailed policies and considerations for management and enhancement of green infrastructure in the AONB. MVDC will continue to work as an active member of the Surrey Hills Board to implement these measures. The relevant Local Plan policy (EN8, Landscape Character) draws on issues highlighted in the Management Plan and highlights that development proposals affecting the AONB will be assessed against its contents.

2.20. MVDC also engages in cross-boundary working through the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership and Lower Mole Partnership. The Gatwick Greenspace Partnership provides a countryside management service covering the south east of Mole Valley and extends into Reigate and Banstead and across the County boundary to include Crawley and Horsham. The partnership also includes land owned by Gatwick airport. The Lower Mole Partnership operates in the north of the District and extends into the neighbouring boroughs of Elmbridge, Kingston and Epsom and Ewell. Both partnerships bring together local authorities and other organisations such as local

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Wildlife Trusts and community groups. They provide a range of education and volunteer opportunities and work with landowners to support the management of green infrastructure in the project areas, promote public access and wellbeing initiatives.

2.21. These countryside management partnerships and the Surrey Hills Board are jointly funded by the local authority partners. Through the officer working groups and Councillor-led boards they encourage cross-boundary sharing of ideas, joint working and an effective way of tacking issues, such as the control of invasive species that cannot be tackled individually. The partnerships develop expertise across habitat types: the Lower Mole Project has a particular focus on the management of calcareous grasslands whilst the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership has expertise in the management of the network of ancient semi-natural woodland and hedgerows.

2.22. Initiatives such as the Thames-Down link enable countryside trails to be established and managed in a coordinated way across several local authority areas. Partnerships have accessed funding to deliver projects that promote recreation, access, land management and habitat creation.

2.23. The River Mole Catchment Partnership and the Surrey Biodiversity Working Group are two other examples of cross-county bodies that consider policy and practice and deliver initiatives in a partnership approach.

2.24. Volunteering plays a significant role in the management of the countryside. MVDC facilitates the Nature Conservation Working Group that brings together on a regular basis professional and amateur naturalists with specialism in various fields to discuss a range of issues. MVDC supports groups such as the Friends of the River Mole, which undertakes practical conservation work along the river and its tributaries. This group also monitors invertebrates and undertakes chemical testing, supported by Surrey Wildlife Trust, to establish the health of wetland habitats and alert the Environment Agency to pollution incidents. Other groups focus attention on the conservation of specific sites, such as the Teazle Wood Trust in North Leatherhead which was set up to purchase an ecologically rich and threatened woodland and manage it as a community woodland.

Green Infrastructure Enhancement through Planned Development

2.25. Where greenfield sites are proposed to be allocated for development through the Local Plan, care has been taken to retain existing green infrastructure features such as mature trees, woodland, hedgerows and water bodies. Specific opportunities for biodiversity enhancement have also been highlighted in site allocation policies. Depending on the characteristics of the site, these may include a range of measures, such as incorporating habitat creation within landscaping proposals, use of appropriate species in planting schemes, creative design of sustainable drainage systems and the creation of new public open spaces.

2.26. All site allocations over 50 dwellings are required to provide areas of open space to serve the development, which will add to the existing network of publicly-accessible green infrastructure in and around the built up areas.

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2.27. In addition, several of the larger proposed housing sites include specific proposals for substantial new areas of greenspace. For example:

At Preston Farm, Bookham, a new country park would be created which would retain and enhance existing waterbodies and mature tree belts and incorporate them into a new publicly-accessible greenspace, to be retained and appropriately managed in perpetuity.

Development of the land south of Ermyn Way would provide open space incorporating public footpaths, linking to the existing rights of way network and opening up additional opportunities for circular walks, accessible from the adjacent built up area.

In the south of the District, the land west of Reigate Road, Hookwood would include footpaths providing public access to greenspace around the periphery of the site, opening up access to what is currently private farmland.

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3. Chapter 3: Local Green Space

3.1. National planning policy promotes the designation of green areas for special protection as a Local Green Space, where they are of particular importance to local communities and are not otherwise sufficiently protected.

National policy

3.2. Local Green Spaces are green areas or open spaces which are demonstrably special to a local community and hold particular local significance. This can be because of beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of wildlife. They are in close proximity to the communities that they serve, are local in character and do not consist of extensive tracts of land.

3.3. Policies for managing development within a Local Green Space should be consistent with those for Green Belts.

Local criteria

3.4. The Future Mole Valley Local Plan will designate a number Local Green Spaces where they meet the above criteria set out in national policy. In addition, MVDC considered that it would be appropriate to set a minimum size of 0.25ha for each potential Local Green Space, to ensure that the land was of a sufficient size that it could be reasonably argued that the land was of importance to the local community.

3.5. It was also considered that each Local Green Space should be publicly accessible, to ensure that they serve the communities they are located near to.

3.6. All proposed Local Green Spaces within Mole Valley fall within the Built Up Areas or villages which are inset from the Metropolitan Green Belt. Similar open spaces in other villages and the rural areas are sufficiently protected from development by Green Belt and Countryside Beyond the Green Belt policies, so would not meet the criteria set out in national policy.

3.7. Sites were not considered appropriate for designation as a Local Green Space where they were already protected by another designation, such as Common Land, Green Belt or Site of Specific Scientific Interest. Allotments, school playing fields and cemeteries were also considered to be otherwise sufficiently protected by other policies and/or legislation, so are not proposed to be designated as Local Green Space.

Policy implications

3.8. Local Green Spaces will be safeguarded from development other than in very special circumstances, giving them a level of protection comparable to the Green Belt. However, development will be supported where it is intended to enhance the function of the Local Green Space, for example by improving access, recreation opportunities or wildlife habitat.

Sites

The following sites will be designated as Local Green Space. Maps of each site are available in Appendix 1 and on the Policies Map.

Table 1: Proposed Local Green Spaces

ID Name Local Community Area (ha)

Reasons for Designation

LGS/AS1 Parsons Mead, Ottways Lane, Ashtead

Residents of Ashtead and junior members of Ashtead Cricket Club

1.35 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides both a junior cricket ground and a children’s playground.

LGS/AS2 Ashtead Recreation Ground, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead

Residents of Ashtead, members of Ashtead Football Club and Ashtead Tennis Players Club

4.82 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a children’s playground and MUGA. Also provides an outdoor venue for community events, notably Ashtead Village Day.

LGS/AS3 Ashtead Cricket Club, Woodfield Lane, Ashtead

Residents of Ashtead and members of Ashtead Cricket and Bowling Clubs

2.07 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides pitches for cricket and bowling.

LGS/BG1 Mere Bank Recreation Ground, Merebank, Beare Green

Residents of Beare Green and local anglers

1.12 Designated for recreational value, as it provides a variety of children’s play areas and open space for informal recreation. The area around the pond is also used for angling, as well as being appreciated for its tranquillity. Water bodies such as this also support richness of wildlife.

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LGS/BK1 Spring Grove Ponds / Eastwick Ponds / Long Copse, Eastwick Drive, Bookham

Residents of Bookham and local anglers, including members of Leatherhead and District Angling Society

2.21 Designated for providing an area with recreational value for both informal recreation and angling. The site also provides a sense of tranquillity in an otherwise built up area. Although a small area, it includes a rich mosaic of habitats, with water bodies, wooded areas and an area managed as species-rich grassland, which together support richness of wildlife.

LGS/BK2 Whiteway Open Space, White Way, Bookham

Residents of White Way, Bookham and surrounding residential streets

1.01 The site has some historic significance as it is immediately to the south of Grade II listed Bookham Grove and contributes positively to its setting. Designated also for its recreational value and tranquillity, because this small open space provides a pleasant and peaceful area, used informally by nearby residents.

LGS/BK3 Chrystie Recreation Ground, Dorking Road, Bookham

Residents of Bookham, members of Bookham Football, Bowling and Tennis Clubs

3.13 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides pitches for tennis, bowling, cricket and football, as well as a children’s playground.

LGS/BK4 Old Barn Hall, Stonehill Close/Mead Crescent, Bookham

Residents of Bookham and those attending community and social events at Old Barn Hall

0.48 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides an informal open space which is well located to support community events and functions in the Old Barn Hall (including Bookham Village Day). The site also supports informal recreational use by nearby residents.

LGS/BK5 Lower Road Recreation Ground, Lower Road, Bookham

Residents of Bookham and members of Bookham Colts Football Club

2.64 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides football pitches and a children’s playground.

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LGS/BR1 Strood Green Recreation Ground, Strood Green, Brockham

Residents of Strood Green 0.42 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides a small sports pitch and children’s playground.

LGS/DK1 Meadowbank Recreation Ground, Dorking

Residents of Dorking, shoppers and employees based in Dorking town centre

7.67 Designated for recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a variety of children’s play areas.

Also designated for richness of wildlife, particularly within and around the Pipp Brook watercourse, lake and wetland areas. The willow walk along the southern boundary incorporates mature pollards, with both historic significance and ecological value. The area around the lake also provides an area of tranquillity, which provides respite from the busy town centre.

There is potential to encourage further richness of wildlife through site management measures; for example by enhancement of the Pipp Brook where it is currently contained within a concrete channel.

LGS/DK2 Chart Downs Open Space, Chart Downs, Dorking

Residents of Chart Downs estate 0.90 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a children’s playground. It also provides an informal open space which is well located to support events in the adjacent community building.

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LGS/DK3 Rose Hill Open Space, Rose Hill, Dorking

Residents of Dorking, particularly those living in, or passing through, the Rose Hill area

0.85 Designated for its historic significance, as this attractive open space provides the setting for the Grade II listed villas which surround it. Also designated for its beauty, particularly for the vista over Dorking and beyond to the North Downs, which is available from the higher land in the south east of the open space.

LGS/DK4 King George V Playing Field and Holmwood Park (north), North Holmwood

Residents of North Holmwood 6.14 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a variety of children’s play areas as well as zones of publicly accessible woodland, enjoyed by residents of the adjacent housing estates and users of the public footpath network. Also valued for richness of wildlife, particularly along the water course which supports a mosaic of habitats.

LGS/DK5 Holmwood Park (south), North Holmwood

Residents of North Holmwood 6.69 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides zones of publicly accessible woodland and open space, enjoyed by residents of the adjacent housing estates. There is also some formal children’s playspace. Also valued for richness of wildlife, with the majority of the area being designated as a Site of Natural Conservation Importance.

LGS/DK6 Ridgeway Road Open Space, Ridgeway Road, Dorking

Residents of the Ridgeway Road/Roman Road area of Dorking

1.0 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides a small open space, criss-crossed by informal paths, which is easily accessible to, and enjoyed by, surrounding residents.

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LGS/FT1 Ridgeway Gardens, The Ridgeway, Fetcham

Residents of Fetcham and those attending services and events at Fetcham Parish Church

0.29 Designated for its historical significance and tranquillity. This small formal garden adjoining Fetcham Parish Church contains a War Memorial and provides a very quiet, pleasant spot close to the church.

LGS/FT2 Cannon Court Recreation Ground, Cannon Court, Fetcham

Residents of Fetcham, members of Leatherhead Tennis Club and Fetcham Girlguiding Group (based on site)

0.90 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides a children’s play area and informal open space for outdoor games. The open space also supports use of the Guide Hut, within the boundaries of the site.

LGS/FT3 Kennel Lane Recreation Ground, Kennel Lane, Fetcham

Residents of Fetcham and Bookham, members of Bookham Football Club

4.77 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a children’s play area. Also valued as an area of tranquillity and richness of wildlife; particularly the wooded area to the north which offers a quiet area for informal recreation and includes an area of ancient woodland.

LGS/FT4 Cock Lane Recreation Ground and Copperfields open space, Cock Lane, Fetcham

Residents of Fetcham, members of Fetcham Scout Group (based on site)

2.47 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches, children’s play area and amenity land for residents. The open space also supports use of the Scout Hut, currently based on land immediately adjacent to the site.

LGS/HK1 The Withey Recreation Ground, Withey Meadows, Hookwood

Residents of Hookwood 0.36 Designated for its recreational value as it provides a children’s play area and park with peaceful seating areas and space for informal recreation.

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LGS/LH1 Leach Grove Woods, Leach Grove, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead, particularly the neighbourhood recognised in the decision to award village green status

1.17 Designated for its informal recreational value, as this area of woodland is used and enjoyed by local residents, who successfully applied for it to be designated as a Village Green under the Commons Act 2006.

Although other areas designated under the Commons Act have not been included in Local Green Space, the Village Green status of this site is currently subject to legal challenge in the Supreme Court (case reference UKSC 2018/0109).

Pending the outcome of the legal challenge, it is proposed to include the site as a Local Green Space in the Local Plan, in recognition of its already-demonstrated recreational value and the ongoing risk to its Village Green designation.

LGS/LH2 Kingston Road Recreation Ground, Kingston Road, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead, young people attending the adjacent Bridge Youth Centre

2.59 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches, a children’s play area and a variety of spaces for informal recreation. The site is also a focus for community activities with a variety of community buildings around the recreation ground, well located to make use of the open space. There is potential for community use to be enhanced.

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LGS/LH3 King George V Gardens, Bull Hill, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead 0.58 Designated for its recreational value and historic significance. This small formal garden provides an attractive open space close to the town centre. Most of the garden is held under covenant and preserved in perpetuity as a memorial to King George V. It also contributes to the setting of Grade II listed Wesley House and The Cottage, both of which adjoin the site, to the south. The site is managed to provide areas that enhance its richness of wildlife.

LGS/LH4 Mansion Gardens, Church Street, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead 0.65 Designated for its historical significance, and tranquillity. This small formal garden was once part of the adjacent Grade II Listed mansion which now houses the local library and Registry Office. It is an attractive, quiet area close to the town centre but overlooking the river. Also valued for richness of wildlife, particularly within the area which includes the banks of the River Mole, parts of which are designated as a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Nature Conservation Importance. It has an important collection of trees which enhance its beauty.

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LGS/LH5 Park Gardens, Church Street, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead 0.52 Designated for their beauty, historical significance and tranquillity. These picturesque ornamental gardens form a picturesque setting to the Grade II* Leatherhead Parish church with extensive views to Fetcham Downs, Norbury Park and up the Mole Valley. They also lie at the southern edge of the Conservation Area and contribute positively to the character of this southern approach into Leatherhead. The gardens include quiet seating areas, set back from the road and providing a peaceful spot to enjoy the view.

LGS/LH6 Fortyfoot Recreation Ground, Fortyfoot Road, Leatherhead

Residents of Leatherhead, members of Leatherhead Bowling Club and Leatherhead Scout Group (based on adjacent site)

1.88 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a children’s play area. The open space also supports use of the Scout Hut, located nearby.

LGS/LH7 Windmill Drive Open Space, Windmill Drive, Leatherhead

Residents of Windmill Drive and surrounding residential streets

0.56 Designated for its beauty and tranquility. This small open space provides a pleasant open area, which benefits from an expansive view over the North Downs, which is enjoyed by nearby residents.

LGS/WC1 Cradhurst Recreation Ground, Cradhurst Close, Westcott

Residents of Westcott 2.15 Designated for its recreational value, as it provides sports pitches and a children’s play area. Also valued for richness of wildlife; particularly the wooded area to the north east which includes an area of ancient woodland. Parts of the site benefit from a highly attractive view of the North Downs, to the north.

4. Play Space

4.1. The primary purpose of play space is to provide an area for play, physical activity and social interaction involving children and young people. Such areas can include equipped areas for play, ball courts, skateboard areas, and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs).

Existing provision

4.2. The population of Mole Valley is typically well-catered for in equipped areas for play. These are often located within larger recreation grounds, which often also offer facilities for outdoor sports. To understand whether there is a need for further equipped play area provision over the plan period, it was necessary to first document and assess the location of the existing provision before identifying any particular locations where the local population are not within reasonable walking distance from an equipped play space.

4.3. Within Mole Valley, 53 different sites of existing equipped play space were identified as follows. Maps showing the extent and location of each existing play space are available in Appendix 2.

Table 2: Existing Equipped Play Space

ID Name Address Settlement Area (ha)

PS-001 Abinger Common Playground Abinger Lane Abinger Common

0.037

PS-002 Abinger Hammer Village Green Playground

Felday Road Abinger Hammer

0.033

PS-003 Ashtead Recreation Ground Playground

Barnett Wood Lane Ashtead 0.092

PS-004 Beare Green Open Space MUGA

Merebank Beare Green 0.061

PS-005 Beare Green Open Space Play Area

Merebank Beare Green 0.054

PS-006 Beare Green Sports Field Playground

Newdigate Road Beare Green 0.123

PS-007 Bentsbrook Play Area Bentsbrook Road, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.002

PS-008 Headley Playground Broome Close Headley 0.117

PS-009 Cannon Court Playground Cannon Grove Fetcham 0.035

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PS-010 Capel Recreation Ground Playground

Mortimer Road Capel 0.035

PS-011 Charlwood Recreation Ground MUGA

The Street Charlwood 0.015

PS-012 Chart Downs Playground Chart Downs, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.065

PS-013 Chrystie Recreation Ground Playground

Dorking Road Bookham 0.030

PS-014 Clements Mead Play Area Clements Mead Leatherhead 0.008

PS-015 Cock Lane Playground Cock Lane Fetcham 0.148

PS-016 Cock Lane Recreation Ground MUGA

Cock Lane Fetcham 0.048

PS-017 Coldharbour Play Area Broomehall Road Coldharbour 0.012

PS-018 Cradhurst Recreation Ground Play Area

Cradhurst Close Westcott 0.083

PS-019 Edenside Play Area Edenside Road Bookham 0.019

PS-020 Elizabeth Bailey Playing Field Playground

Ridge Close, Strood Green

Brockham 0.042

PS-021 Forty Foot Playground Fortyfoot Road Leatherhead 0.038

PS-022 Hardy Close Play Area Hardy Close, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.015

PS-023 Holmwood Park Playground Wildcroft Drive, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.008

PS-024 Kennel Lane Playground Kennel Lane Fetcham 0.137

PS-025 King George V Playground Chart Gardens, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.063

PS-026 King George V Skate Park Chart Gardens, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.034

PS-027 Kingston Road Playground Kingston Road Leatherhead 0.088

PS-028 Kingston Road Skate Park Kingston Road Leatherhead 0.080

PS-029 Leatherhead Leisure Centre Skate Park

Guildford Road Leatherhead 0.076

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PS-030 Leigh Playground at Leigh Cricket Ground

Bunce Common Road

Leigh 0.308

PS-031 Lower Road Playground Lower Road Bookham 0.062

PS-032 Lower Road Recreation Ground Basketball Hoop

Lower Road Bookham 0.058

PS-033 Lower Road Recreation Ground Skate Park

Lower Road Bookham 0.049

PS-034 Meadowbank Playground Mill Lane Dorking 0.123

PS-035 Meadowbank Skate Park Mill Lane Dorking 0.030

PS-036 Mickleham Recreation Ground Playground

Dell Close Mickleham 0.024

PS-037 Middle Street Recreation Ground Playground

Middle Street Brockham 0.056

PS-038 Millennium Playground The Street Charlwood 0.092

PS-039 Newdigate Hard Court Henfold Lane Newdigate 0.076

PS-040 Newdigate Recreation Ground Play Area

Henfold Lane Newdigate 0.089

PS-041 Ockley Village Hall Playground Stane Street Ockley 0.073

PS-042 Red House Grounds Playground

Station Road Leatherhead 0.055

PS-043 Rough Rew Play Area Rough Rew, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.016

PS-044 Rushett Drive Play Area Rushett Drive, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.104

PS-045 South Holmwood Play Space Betchets Green Road

South Holmwood

0.168

PS-046 St. Johns Play Area in Montgomery Court

Levett Road Leatherhead 0.023

PS-047 The Mead Play Area Glory Mead, North Holmwood

Dorking 0.008

PS-048 The Withey Recreation Ground Playground

Withey Meadows Hookwood 0.032

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PS-049 Walliswood Recreation Ground Playground

Oakfields Walliswood 0.045

PS-050 Parsons Mead Play Space Ottways Lane Ashtead 0.043

PS-051 The Farthings Play Space Hartfield Road Leatherhead 0.041

PS-052 Woodlands School Play Area Fortyfoot Road Leatherhead 0.055

PS-053 Betchworth Play area The Street Betchworth 0.049

PS-054 Ashtead Recreation Ground Skate Park

Barnett Wood Lane Ashtead 0.039

PS-055 Dale View Play Area Headley Court Headley 0.075

Distances to Existing Play Spaces

4.4. To establish if there were any communities which would benefit from additional equipped areas for play, ‘catchment buffers’ were drawn around each existing play space. This was done at an 800m radius; a walking distance of approximately 10 minutes as set out in Fields in Trust guidance2. Maps showing the extent of these catchment buffers are available in Appendix 3.

4.5. From this mapping exercise, it was possible to identify areas within certain settlements that are currently more than 800m from an equipped area for play. These are highlighted on the maps which follow.

2 http://www.fieldsintrust.org/Upload/file/guidance/Guidance-for-Outdoor-Sport-and-Play-England-Apr18.pdf#page=7

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4.6. In Dorking, there are areas on the western side of town, and in the Pixham area which are more than 800m from equipped areas for play.

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4.7. In Ashtead, all four corners of the built up area are more than 800m from an equipped area for play.

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4.8. In Fetcham, there is an area in the south east of the Built Up Area which is more than 800m from an equipped area for play.

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4.9. In Boxhill, there is currently no provision of equipped play space.

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4.10. In Brockham, there is no equipped play space in the part of the village north of the river.

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4.11. In Buckland, there is currently no provision of equipped play space.

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4.12. In Capel, the recreation ground with its equipped play spaces is toward the north of the village and housing in the south is more than 800m away.

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4.13. In Westhumble, there is currently no provision of equipped play space.

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Expected new provision

4.14. To ensure that any residential development over the plan period will not have negative consequences and pressures on existing equipped areas for play, new developments of a certain size will be required to deliver new play spaces, accessible to their residents and those of the surrounding area. Policy EN11 of Mole Valley’s new Local Plan will therefore seek to deliver new equipped play provision on development sites of 50 net new dwellings or more. A threshold of 50 net dwellings was chosen as this is not anticipated to affect the viability of a scheme, and is large enough that the increased number of residents could potentially have an effect on existing local provision.

4.15. Policy EN11 specifies the type of equipped area for play that will be required on developments over the threshold of 50 net new dwellings or more, which is as follows:

For development of 50 or more net dwellings, a Locally Equipped Area for Play is required.

Additionally, for development of 200 or more net dwellings, a Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play is required.

Additionally, for development of 500 or more net dwellings, a Multi-Use Games area is required.

4.16. Locally Equipped Area for Play (LEAP), Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) are defined in Fields in Trust’s Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play: Beyond the Six Acre Standard3:

Type Minimum Size (ha)

Minimum Dimensions Buffer Zones

LEAP 0.04 20x20m

Minimum activity zone of 400m2

20m minimum separation between activity zone and the habitable room façade of dwellings

NEAP 0.1 31.6x31.6m

Minimum activity zone of 1000m2 comprising an area for play equipment and structures & a hard surface area of at least 465m2 (the minimum needed to play five-a-side football)

30m minimum separation between activity zone and the boundary of dwellings

MUGA 0.1 40x20m 30m minimum separation between activity zone and the boundary of dwellings

3 http://www.fieldsintrust.org/Upload/file/guidance/Guidance-for-Outdoor-Sport-and-Play-England-Apr18.pdf

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4.17. Through this requirement, it is anticipated that new residential developments over the plan period will not have a negative effect on any existing areas of play and that demand for these areas will not increase unsustainably. It is also considered that the new provision required through Policy EN11 will cater to the needs of the existing population in many areas which are currently more than 800m from an equipped area of play.

4.18. Where there is no proposed development over 50 net dwellings allocated in the area, the policy would not mandate provision of an equipped area for play linked to new development. However, where it is considered appropriate, site allocation policies will highlight an opportunity to deliver an equipped area for play, rather than a requirement. Some such developments could still deliver play spaces for both new residents and the existing population to utilise, increasing provision and decreasing local deficiencies.

4.19. In Dorking, the following sites are for more than 50 dwellings and will therefore be required to provide an equipped area for play that will help to reduce the identified deficiencies:

SA11: Pixham End Southern Parcel SA12: Land at Dorking Railway Station SA14: Land at Milton Court Lane SA15: Sondes Place Farm SA16: Land at Chennells Nursery

4.20. Provision on each of these sites will increase the provision for the town substantially.

4.21. In Ashtead, the following sites are also over 50 units, so will be required to provide an equipped area for play that will help to reduce the identified deficiencies:

SA20: Ermyn House AS21: Land South of Ermyn Way

4.22. In addition, the following sites in Ashtead will be encouraged to explore opportunities to provide an equipped area for play that would help to reduce the identified deficiencies in that particular location:

SA22: Marsden Nurseries SA23: Murreys Court

4.23. In Fetcham, site allocation SA29: Land at Elmer Works will be required to deliver an equipped area for play that will help to serve the area which is furthest from existing facilities.

4.24. In Boxhill, no specific sites are allocated for development and therefore there is no identifiable opportunity to provide an equipped area for play in the village.

4.25. Brockham lacks equipped play space in the north of the village. However, there are two existing equipped play spaces in the centre and south of the village. In the north, the Big Field also provides a large open space which is available for informal recreation and sports activities. It is therefore not considered reasonable to mandate

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provision of additional equipped play space on the two small site allocations in the north of Brockham.

4.26. In Buckland, there is currently no equipped area for play. However, the allocated sites in the village are not considered to be large enough to be able to deliver any future provision.

4.27. Capel is currently served by an equipped area for play at the recreation ground However, some dwellings in the south of the village are more than 800m away. Whilst there are two allocated sites in the south of the village, neither meet the 50 dwelling threshold for delivering new provision. Each allocated site will therefore be encouraged to explore opportunities to deliver a new equipped play space in consultation with the local community, should this be supported locally. Alternatively, there may be an opportunity for Capel Parish Council to use Neighbourhood CIL to provide new provision on an alternative site, or to upgrade the existing facilities.

4.28. In Westhumble, there is currently no equipped area for play. There is only one allocated site in the village that is not considered large enough to deliver any future provision.

4.29. In Woodlands Road, Bookham there is currently no equipped area for play. However, this village is contiguous with Effingham, in Guildford Borough, and is therefore well served by the large play space at King George V Playground.

4.30. In locations where no additional provision will be delivered through the mechanism of site allocations, the information in this Strategy still provides evidence to inform future planning and infrastructure decisions. If residential development of a sufficient scale comes forward in an area which lacks easy access at present, policy EN11 provides the mechanism to address this. Neighbourhood CIL can also potentially be used to enable local community groups to deliver equipped areas for play and this may be particularly relevant in the rural areas, where development is likely to be on a smaller scale.

Appendix 1: Local Green Spaces

green infrastructure and play space strategy vol 1

Documents