Regional Planning Policies - Sport & Recreation

Policies: REC 1 | REC 2 | REC 3 | REC 4 | REC 5 |

Policy REC 2 Outdoor Recreation

This policy has been superseded by: PPS8-Open Space,Sport and Outdoor Recreation 271KB Proposals for outdoor recreational uses which rely primarily on the use of open land will normally be approved in appropriate rural locations. Some recreation needs, by their very nature cannot be accommodated in an urban area. The acceptibility of countryside recreation activities depends upon the effect of the proposal on the environment including nature conservation and man-made heritage; the effect on the physical appearance of the land, the scale of any associated or ancillary built development, and access and parking arrangements. The long term existence of countryside recreation activities depends upon the existence of finite 'natural' resources. It is important to ensure that recreational activities are generally sustainable in that they do not conflict with the overriding requirement to preserve and enhance the environment for future generations. Government policy has sought to encourage diversification in the use of agricultural land. This has generated proposals for the change of use of open land to sports and leisure activities. Some of these recreational uses can be located on the urban edge where they can help to define the town and contribute to its setting and also assist environmental improvements in degraded areas. Golf courses can provide for recreation, but they can also have a significant impact upon the countryside. They should be located and designed in harmony with the surrounding countryside and to conserve the natural environment. Each proposal should contain full details of the site and of the impact of the development proposed, including the effect on public rights of way. Any significant associated developments, such as hotels, will be considered on their merits. Special care will be taken in considering applications in or near Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Areas of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, Green Belts, Countryside Policy Areas and historic landscapes. The Department proposes to produce a Development Control Advice Note on Golf Courses providing advice on the planning criteria to be applied when an application for this form of development is being considered.