Play spaces afforded more protection under guidance

A new policy statement, Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment, published by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) department, is currently under consultation.

The statement places an unprecedented emphasis on the importance of maintaining open and green spaces in the community for the use of children's play.

It states: "Planning permission should be refused for proposals that would result in the loss of existing areas of open space or land and buildings used for sport, recreation or play."

Permission may only be granted where the land or buildings are proven to be surplus to requirements. It adds that open spaces have "a vital role in promoting healthy living and in the social development of children through play".

The document will replace existing guidance, which emphasises protecting open space for the use of sport and recreation, rather than play.

The changes will ensure that maintaining play areas will be considered equally important as maintaining parks and playing fields.

Adrian Voce, director of Play England, said the guidance represents an important step towards more child-friendly communities.

"If we don't address the issue of wider access to public space, we're not getting to the root of the problem of children being prisoners in their own homes," he said.

A CLG spokesman said all local authorities "must refer to national planning policy" when preparing any development plans.