Open Space / Greenspace / PPG17 Sports and Recreation Studies
GVA Humberts Leisure's Consulting and Planning team has extensive experience of advising private developers and local authorities on the existing provision of recreational open space and sports facilities in accordance with PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport & Recreation and its Companion Guide. Here are just a few of our recent success stories.
Mortlake, SW London
Our client had purchased a former sports ground with a view to a residential-led development. The leisure consulting team undertook a market assessment looking at the viability and likelihood of restoring the site to a range of recreational and sport uses, which was submitted with our client's planning application for the site. We understand that our client's application has now been granted planning permission and the site has been sold on for development.
Westdene, Brighton
Previously used as a private sports ground, the site had lain unused and in disrepair since 1992. A number of applications to develop the site had been unsuccessful. Our team was commissioned by the landowner to advise on the need and demand for the retention of the site as open space in line with local, regional and national planning policy (including PPG17). Our detailed assessment considered open space requirements under both the existing Local Plan and emerging LDF. An application has now been submitted to the local planning authority.
The Neeld Tennis Club
The tennis club had been purchased by a private developer keen to re-utilise the site. GVA Humberts Leisure's Consulting team was commissioned to undertake an assessment of the need to retain the facility, with particular attention to PPG17, Sport England and Lawn Tennis Association strategic documents. We subsequently provided Expert Witness at a Planning Inquiry held to consider an appeal against refusal of the planning application. This appeal was upheld, partly on the basis of the evidence provided by our team.
Former GAA Sports Ground
Originally a sports ground used by the Gaelic Athletic Association, the site had fallen into disrepair after lying unused for over thirty years. GVA Humberts Leisure carried out an independent playing pitch demand study to ascertain the likelihood of the site being purchased and playing pitches restored. Our study has subsequently been used in an Inquiry held to consider modifications to the existing UDP.
Flamingo Park, SE London
A private sports ground, demand for playing pitches at Flamingo Park has been in long-term decline. GVA Humberts Leisure was commissioned to undertake a playing field assessment to ascertain whether the loss of playing pitches would leave sufficient fields to satisfy the recreational needs of the surrounding community with particular regard to the Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy and PPG17.
Key Contacts
Martin Taylor,
martin.taylor(at)gva.co.uk, +44 (0)20 7911 2220
Peter Sharp,
peter.sharp(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)20 7911 2201
Cherise Smith,
cherise.smith(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)20 7911 2218