Local Green Space designation was first introduced in 2012 as part of the National Planning Policy Framework, the Government’s ‘rulebook’ for planning and development across the country. The designation is intended to provide special protection for green areas of particular importance to local communities.

Local communities can use local and neighbourhood plans to nominate areas of special importance, and, if successfully designated, rule out new development, other than in exceptional circumstances. This is because policy for managing development within a Local Green Space must be consistent with that of green belt land.

Used correctly, it is a useful tool in local planning. However, as more communities seek to leverage the designation, it is important to recognise the parameters within which it should be applied. In fact, most green areas will not be appropriate for Local Green Space designation. The policy specifies that it should only be used where:

• The green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves.
• The area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance – for example, because of its beauty, historical significance, recreational value, tranquillity or richness of wildlife. 
• The green area is local in character and not an extensive tract of land.

Ultimately, whether land should be designated is a matter for local discretion, as Local Green Spaces could include anything from boating lakes and war memorials to urban allotments and green spaces created as part of new residential development.

Equally, how big the Space may be is judged on a case-by-case basis, although it is important to note that blanket designation of open land is not appropriate. Proximity of the designated land to the community is, again, dependent on the site and why it has been nominated, but if public access is a key reason, then the site should be within close walking distance.

Raised awareness of Local Green Spaces has prompted an increase in nominations, something landowners should be mindful of. Under guidance provided by councils, landowners should be made aware early on if any part of their land has been put forward for designation. Contact is likely to be made following an initial assessment, at which point they are given the opportunity to respond by representation, which should be done under professional advice.

Land which is already subject to national planning guidance, for example within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will need very good justification for additional designation. Similarly, designating any Green Space must be consistent with local planning for sustainable development, and, as we see a notable shift from large-scale developments to smaller sites under the NPPF, we can expect to see more development within villages and towns. This is likely to prompt further Local Green Space nominations.

In summary, while Local Green Space policy has its place in local planning, it is not always appropriately used, and this is something landowners should be mindful of in order to protect their assets – now and in the future.

Further information

Contact Savills Rural Planning