An area which can be overlooked when new housing estates are commissioned is that of open green spaces.
It's of course vital that more housing, especially of the affordable kind, is built - but being mindful of communal playing surfaces and recreational land is incredibly important.
Therefore it was very encouraging to read of new development which is taking place near Winchester, which can hopefully be held up as a model example for developers across the country. The project has seen UK-wide charity Fields in Trust, in partnership with HAB Housing, undertake an innovative collaboration which will secure recreational land in perpetuity.
The semi-rural site on Lovedon Lane, in the historic village of Kings Worthy, is two miles from Winchester and is being developed with, allotments, wildflower meadows, play areas, a running circuit and a community orchard area. Once the development is complete and ownership transferred to the local Parish Council, this will complement the existing facilities in the adjoining Eversley Park, with its football pitches, playground and basketball and tennis courts.
As Fields In Trust acknowledge, there is an urgent need to build new homes across the UK and sometimes hard choices have to be made. The charity believes that all communities, and particularly young people, should be able to enjoy healthy, active, outdoor recreation within walking distance of home.
As well as protecting recreational space via a legal mechanism, Fields in Trust produces benchmarks for accessible outdoor space. The “Six Acre Standard”, recommending adequate recreational provision, has been accepted and implemented by local councils since the 1930s; the latest version “Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play” was published in 2015 - Lovedon Fields conforms to these latest guidelines.
Turf Professionals know better than anyone the benefits which access to well-maintained open green spaces provide the community in terms of physical and mental health and well as social interactivity.
Recreation spaces in residential areas remain a priority for protection, especially at a time when there is pressure on land for new housing. This housing development has taken a pre-emptive approach and designed-in recreational space from the outset which has been safeguarded with a Fields in Trust “deed of dedication”, which ensures that the land will be protected for community use, in perpetuity.
And this isn't just a socially conscious, altruistic move by the developer. By guaranteeing that these open spaces are safeguarded forever they are making a very prudent commercial decision. Potential buyers will surely be attracted, knowing that the areas between their homes will always be free from development and available for everyone's use?
It is possible for landowners, local authorities and developers working with Fields in Trust to secure their green spaces through a legal mechanism, meaning that public recreational land is protected forever. Fields in Trust say they currently safeguard over 2,600 sites, a total of 30,000 acres of land including playgrounds, playing fields, and formal and informal parkland across the UK.
This is a tremendous initiative and hopefully one which many developers will take notice of.
