Parks and other open spaces are widely accepted as a key part of liveable, attractive and sustainable towns and cities – quite rightly people are passionate about their local park. National planning policy therefore affords strong protection for open space, sport and recreation facilities.

Parks and opens spaces are increasingly under threat, however, with pressures for development and cuts to local government budgets for management and maintenance.

LUC has been working with a number of local authorities to audit the amount, type and quality of parks and open spaces. This has led to the preparation of strategies and policies to protect and enhance open space and find ways of securing funding through the development process.   In some cases, we have also been asked to develop play strategies and review designated nature conservation sites, Metropolitan Open Land and other designations (including Local Greenspace).  Our tried and tested Green Flag based audit form includes a review of the potential for enhanced functionality to identify opportunities for green spaces to work harder and respond to the challenges of climate change.

LUC’s dedicated landscape management team, coupled with knowledge and experience of the plan-making process and excellent GIS skills, makes us very well placed to provide these important services.

Recent and current clients include the London boroughs of Lambeth, Redbridge, Greenwich, Haringey and Hackney. We are also currently working on open space studies for Shepway and Eastleigh Councils. We work closely with expert sub-consultants with regard to playing fields and indoor sports assessments. We are also working closely with community housing organisations to audit their green space assets in order to lay the foundation for environmental improvements that will benefit their residents and wider communities.

This work complements LUC’s recent Green Belt studies for more than 20 local authorities across England.