Councils in Scotland will be required to prepare an open space strategy to protect and improve open space, as part of a new planning policy issued by the Scottish Government today.

The move will protect existing valued open space and identify requirements for new and improved spaces. Strategies will then inform decisions on proposals in each council's development plans.

'Scottish Planning Policy 11: Open Space and Physical Activity' will introduce a requirement to consult with the local community as part of the open space strategy. Development plans must set out specific requirements for the provision of open space in new developments.

The policy includes new consultation procedures for planning applications affecting sports facilities, such as tennis courts and bowling greens. There is also a requirement to notify Ministers where development is proposed on land identified as open space in the development plan.

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Scottish Government Planning Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said: "We are determined to create a greener and healthier Scotland. Open spaces, where people can enjoy a variety of sporting and recreational activities, are vital.

"By strengthening protection for existing open spaces we will ensure that the future needs of all our communities are provided for. In devising their own strategies, councils will be better equipped to manage, protect and enhance open spaces within their areas."

Each strategy will have to be reviewed every five years, reflecting new timescales for development planning in Scotland's modernised planning system.

Following responses to the consultation on the draft planning policy, there will not be nationally set minimum standards for the quantity of open space in new developments.

SPP 11 comes into force immediately. The new notification and consultation procedures come into force on 1 January 2008, to give planning authorities time to prepare for the new arrangements.

The term open space includes parks, playing fields, foot and cycle paths, woodland, allotments and civic spaces.

(GK/JM)