Green infrastructure
Open Space
Providing local authorities with robust and up-to-date assessment of their needs, provision (quality, quantity and accessibility) and future requirements of publicly accessible open space - informing local plan policy and decision making in relation to open space provision.
We will also Provide a full GIS database containing all mapped sites; quality audit results and geolocated photographs; and access buffers.
Faster, smoother planning approvals.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) recognises that access to a network of high- quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities and can deliver wider benefits for nature and support efforts to address climate change. It sets out that planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities (including quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new provision. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.
Why use Ethos for open space assessments?
Ethos is a leading consultancy in open space assessments. We provide Local Authorities with a robust and up-to-date assessment of the needs, provision (quality, quantity and accessibility) and future requirements of publicly accessible open space, to inform Local Plan policy and decision making in relation to open space provision. We can also provide ‘mini’ open space assessments and expertise for developers where development is proposed on open space.
We have extensive experience of carrying out desktop mapping and audits of open space, where open spaces are mapped into agreed primary typologies, followed by bespoke quality field surveys to capture quality and value data. Our toolkit enables a photographic record database of sites/key features to be captured alongside the quality audit information, all within the GIS database.
We have extensive experience of carrying out desktop mapping and audits of open space, where open spaces are mapped into agreed primary typologies, followed by bespoke quality field surveys to capture quality and value data. Our toolkit enables a photographic record database of sites/key features to be captured alongside the quality audit information, all within the GIS database.
What our open space assessments deliver - main report
Below are the main report and supporting appendices, which together provide a comprehensive overview of our Open Space Assessments. The main report outlines the core findings and recommendations, while the appendices offer detailed data, methodologies, and supplementary materials that support and expand upon the main analysis:
Policy and strategy review (at the national, regional and local level).
Summary of local needs/consultation undertaken
Maps and tables setting out the location and quantity of existing open space across the study area, by typology and agreed geographical area e.g. district, parish, ward.
Justified standards for quality, access and quantity.
Analysis of the future need for open space based on predicted population growth
Strategic options and policy recommendations
Developer contributions including capital and maintenance costs for open space with a cost calculator, eligible types of development for on-site provision, and thresholds for provision.
Application of standards and resulting open space supply tables by typology and geographical area, quality audit maps and results, and access buffer maps.
Receive a detailed breakdown
for your project
We provide tailored solutions to help you deliver high-quality, sustainable green spaces. Contact us today to discuss your needs. Whether you require:
Biodiversity net gain
Policy advice
Full strategy
Ecological assessments.
