Orkney Open Space Strategy: Vision and Action Plan

October 2014

IMAGE: Cover page for the Orkney Open Space Strategy: Vision and Action Plan. It shows a pale photograph of a tree-lined open space with a footbridge, the Orkney Islands Council logo at lower left, and the date “October 2014” at lower right. The title reads “ORKNEY OPEN SPACE STRATEGY: VISION AND ACTION PLAN”.

Planning in Orkney

The Orkney Local Development Plan (the Plan), together with Supplementary Guidance sets out the policies and criteria against which planning applications submitted in Orkney will be considered. All of the policies in the Plan are afforded equal weight in the determination of planning applications. It is therefore important to ensure that your proposal accords with all relevant policies.

This guidance sets out detailed advice to help you meet the requirements of the Plan. It is therefore recommended that the document is read in conjunction with the policies contained within the Plan and any Supplementary Guidance relevant to the type of development proposed.

The Council’s Development Management Officers deal with planning applications and they would welcome the opportunity to discuss development proposals before any application is submitted.

Copies of this document

This document is available as a hard copy or in digital format. Please see www.orkney.gov.uk.

Telephone: 01856 873535

Email: planning@orkney.gov.uk

Website: www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/D/Development-Management.htm

A glossary of planning terms used within the Council’s planning policy documents and supplementary guidance can be found online at: http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/G/Glossary-of-Planning-Terms.htm

Contents

1. Introduction
   • 1.1 Background
   • 1.2 Audit summary
   • 1.3 Policy context
   • 1.4 Development of the Orkney Open Space Strategy
2. Vision
   • 2.1 Purpose of vision
   • 2.2 Placemaking
   • 2.3 Kirkwall
   • 2.4 Stromness
   • 2.5 Dounby
   • 2.6 St Margaret’s Hope
   • 2.7 Finstown
   • 2.8 Vision for other villages, rural and island settlements
3. Delivery
   • 3.1 Objective delivery
   • 3.2 Community led usage of open space
4. Monitoring and implementation of the strategy
   • 4.1 Key tasks
5. Action Plan
6. Further information
7. Annex 1: Sample legal agreement
8. Annex 2: User feedback form

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

1.1.1

The Orkney Open Space Strategy: Vision and Action Plan (OOSS: Vision and Action Plan) expands upon the findings of the Orkney Open Space Audit and develops a realistic vision towards safeguarding existing open space as well as outlining future improvements.

The OOSS: Vision and Action Plan acknowledges the wider implications of open space and the many disciplines entailed, as reflected by the diversity of the tasks in the action plan and the membership of the working group. The vision and action plan will help the Council realise its objectives by ensuring people in Orkney have access to high quality open space and therefore help improve quality of life, health and visual appeal.

1.1.2

The definition of open space as set out in Planning Advice Note 65: Planning and Open Space (PAN 65) forms the basis for the definition of open space in this strategy:

1.1.3

Spaces that are in the audit are included on the basis that they are publicly accessible and free of charge to do so, with allotments the only exception to this due to their growing popularity and the environmental benefits they promote. School grounds are also included even if they are not within their associated settlement boundary due to their importance as focal points within their respective communities.

1.1.4

The OOSS: Vision and Action Plan sets out a vision for each of the five largest settlements of Kirkwall, Stromness, Dounby, St Margaret’s Hope and Finstown in response to accessibility, space type, quality and quantity findings from the audit. This document provides guidance for offsite developer contributions in response to Policy D6 requirements as detailed within Orkney Open Space Strategy: Planning for Open Space Supplementary Guidance (OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG). The vision objectives may also be addressed through initiatives outwith the planning process aided by external funding or through community led projects.

1.1.5

The OOSS: Vision and Action Plan also takes account of open space resources which did not meet the public accessibility criteria set out in the audit such as outdoor sports centre facilities, which are acknowledged in the related settlement vision. Applicable vision aspects for other villages, rural and island settlements are set out separately. In order to establish a feasible vision, the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan also sets out the means in which these will be delivered complimented by how these are to be monitored and implemented. More detailed objectives and aims are set out in the action plan with timescales and key partners given.

Definition of open space

The term ‘open space’ covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water or geological feature within a settlement and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped area with a civic function.

IMAGE: A highlighted definition box states: “Definition of open space: The term ‘open space’ covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water or geological feature within a settlement and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped area with a civic function.”

1.2 Audit summary

1.2.1

From the Orkney Open Space Audit a number of points were raised:

• The settlements of Kirkwall, Stromness, Dounby, St Margaret’s Hope and Finstown totalled an area of 94.12 hectares of open space which provides an indicative 6.61 hectares per 1000 population which equates to 66.15m² per person across the five settlements.
• When broken down to settlement level, Stromness has the most open space provision of 131.73m² per person followed by Kirkwall 62.23m² per person, Dounby 48.09m² per person, Finstown 47.72m² per person and St Margaret’s Hope with 24.93m² per person.
• Of the PAN 65 typologies 6.10 other open space has the highest average quality score followed by 6.1 public parks and gardens and 6.9 civic space. 6.3 amenity greenspace was the lowest.
• The extent of 6.7 natural/semi-natural greenspace by having the greatest total area coverage as well as being one of the poorest scoring space types on average.
• At a secondary code level 6.51 playing field has the greatest area achieving an average quality score of 59.8% so falls short of the 75% ‘good’ standard in the scoring criteria.
• 6.81 allotments, 6.101 other open space private, 6.10 other open space and 6.82 churchyard are the only space types to have exceeded 75% average quality score but have no more than two examples each to contribute to this.
• In contrast 6.21 private gardens, 6.31 residential, 6.73 open space and 6.84 other functional greenspace are the only types to score on average less than 55% reinforcing room for improvement for natural/semi-natural greenspace.
• As a whole 13% of all audited open spaces achieved an overall score of 75% or more, the equivalent of achieving a ‘good’ score of ‘3’ on average throughout the individual score criteria. This contrasts with 22% of all audited open spaces scoring 25-49% overall, the equivalent of scoring less than ‘2’ on average and therefore less than the ‘fair’ standard. This is reflected in the table below. Further details of the individual score criteria and how open spaces performed can be found in the Orkney Open Space Audit and Audit Survey Data.

Figure 1: Table conveying how audited open spaces have performed in terms of overall score achieved

The full details of open space provision within Orkney can be found within the Orkney Open Space Audit. Findings specific to each of the five settlements from the audit have informed the development of the respective settlement vision as detailed in section 2.

1.3 Policy context

1.3.1

Scottish Planning Policy states that ‘authorities should prepare an open space strategy which sets out the vision for new and improved open space and addresses any deficiencies identified’. Open space strategies provide an effective mechanism for co-ordinating the policies of various council departments with responsibilities for open space. Consequently the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan meets this requirement by establishing a vision which addresses both potential improvements and deficiencies in open space provision within the Local Authority. The strategy therefore, in conjunction with the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG and Orkney Open Space Audit will help inform planning decisions regarding the protection and provision of open space.

1.3.2

Open space plays a key part in creating high quality and well-designed places by providing the setting between the built context and for public activities to take place in, as echoed in Designing Places and Designing Streets by the Scottish Government. The quality of open space can therefore have a knock on effect on how the built environment is perceived. Furthermore Planning Advice Note (PAN) 65 Planning and Open Space emphasises how open space should be acknowledged as a valuable asset contributing to wildlife, visual amenity, personal health and well-being. The health implications resulting from the quality of open space provision is also highlighted in Attitudes to greenspace in Scotland by SNH. Taking these into consideration emphasises the need for guidance in order to prevent the loss and decline of valued spaces that can be difficult and costly to replace. The importance of land resource as an asset and the multiple benefits it can provide is reinforced further in the Scottish Government’s Getting the best from our land: A land use strategy for Scotland.

1.3.3

This strategy should be referred to in conjunction with the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG to help inform development proposals of the aspirations they should help achieve with consideration of Policy D6 in the Orkney Local Development Plan; as stated on the right and expanded upon within the supplementary guidance. This is of particular relevance to section 3.2 Development on existing open space of the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG.

Policy D6 — Open Space

Development which will improve or add to current levels of open space will be supported. The development of all housing/employment/community sites identified within the Proposals Map will be required to make a contribution to meaningful and functional open space, and/or, by a commuted sum towards the provision and maintenance of open space within the site or the affected community.

Development that would result in a loss of existing open space will not generally be permitted. The loss of such open space will only be supported where it fulfils one of the following criteria:

1. An open space audit demonstrates that the development will not result in a deficit of open space provision to serve the affected community, and that no alternative site is available.
2. Compensatory provision is made elsewhere within the community area of at least equal size and quality and which contributes positively to settlement character and sense of community.
3. A commuted sum is secured through a financial bond or Section 75 agreement towards the future provision of an appropriate alternative.

Further guidance is provided in the Supplementary Guidance Orkney Open Space Strategy.

IMAGE: A boxed extract titled “Policy D6 Open Space” contains the full policy text reproduced above, including the three criteria for permitted loss of existing open space and the statement that further guidance is provided in the Supplementary Guidance Orkney Open Space Strategy.

1.4 Development of the Orkney Open Space Strategy: Vision and Action Plan

1.4.1

The development of the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG and the Orkney Open Space Audit has involved liaison with the public through consultation events, Community Councils and Council services as part of the development of these documents. It is envisaged that the establishment of the Orkney Open Space Working Group will help contribute towards the development and preparation of the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan and comprise of:

• OIC Development and Infrastructure;
• OIC Sport and Leisure;
• Sportscotland;
• SNH;
• Historic Scotland; and
• Visit Scotland.

1.4.2

The diagram below conveys the range of strategies and planning documents entailed in the action plan and the wider mechanisms to help achieve the objectives the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan sets out. This list is not exhaustive but highlights the many facets open space overlaps with.

Figure 2: Diagram of strategies and policy documents OOSS: Vision and Action Plan relates to

IMAGE: A diagram headed “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” links to “Pitch and Facilities Strategy”, “Physical Activity and Sports Strategy”, “Orkney Public Art Strategy”, “OOSS: Planning for Open Space”, “Core Paths Plan” and “Development Briefs”. “OOSS: Planning for Open Space”, “Core Paths Plan” and “Development Briefs” are grouped above the label “Orkney Local Development Plan 2014”.

2 Vision

2.1 Purpose of vision

2.1.1

The visions entailed in this strategy highlights potential areas where new or improved provision would be beneficial, and therefore help inform where resources and potential developer contributions may be directed. These are set out for each of the five settlements along with a vision statement for the rest of the villages, rural and island settlements as defined in Orkney Local Development Plan Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy. In the case of the five settlements, a list of applicable open spaces that contribute towards the effectiveness of achieving each vision objective is given where applicable, with key strategic spaces highlighted as part of this. The vision diagrams provide an indicative representation of aspects from the audit to provide a more concise diagram. For accuracy, the maps within OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG and Orkney Open Space Audit should be referred to in respect of assessing how a proposal adheres to accessibility, space quality, type and quantity elements. Any development proposal which concerns any of the open spaces listed within the vision objectives in which a commuted sum or improvements to an existing open space are deemed necessary to be compliant with Policy D6, must detail how the proposal complies with the requirements of the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG and the vision objectives which apply. Furthermore proposals must fully consider the principles outlined in section 3.3 Planning and design principles in the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG.

2.2 Placemaking

2.2.1

The Council approved Placemaking Principles promote a design led approach to delivering locally distinctive streets and public realm, underpinned by an intelligent response to location, rather than the rigid application of standards. The Placemaking Principles are summarised below:

Context driven

• vehicle speeds influenced through design;
• street and junction design that is not standards based;
• SuDS design and requirements;

Better design outcomes

• achieved through collaborative multi-disciplinary approach;
• through early consideration of signage and street marking to ensure minimal application required;
• that promote social interaction and movement network integration;
• that are not service and utility driven;
• that integrate natural landscape features;
• that utilise distinctive, easily maintained, durable and visually appealing quality materials; and

Pedestrian and cyclist priority

• balance place and movement requirements with pedestrians put first and vehicles last, including traffic junctions.

2.2.2

Open space provision should be considered in a similar manner due to the implications it can have on the visual, physical and usage of the local environment. In conjunction with the Placemaking Principles, The Council Plan (2013–2018) establishes the requirement for a Placemaking Strategy to be developed that expands upon the above, reinforcing the importance of better practice in the design and development of space appropriate to the local context.

2.3 Kirkwall

Figure 3: Kirkwall vision diagram

IMAGE: A map titled “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” shows Kirkwall and surrounding land. It marks areas of low scoring spaces, areas with no access to open space, areas with no access to playspace, private facilities, a green network, potential link improvements, and vision objectives labelled A through F. The map legend contains the labels “Area of low scoring spaces”, “No access to open space”, “No access to playspace”, “Private facility”, “Green network”, “Potential link improvement” and “Vision objective”.

The following objectives are highlighted to improve open space provision and access within Kirkwall, as indicated in figure 3:

A. Hatston

• Create a more attractive pedestrian environment through enhanced linkages from the Peedie Sea towards Hatston Ferry Terminal.
• Route via Grainshore Road is more realistic option and could utilise existing grass verge areas to incorporate potential improvements for points of interest such as street furniture, artwork and planting.
• Less feasible route, which could be incorporated as a long term aspiration within development briefs of affected sites, would be to follow the coastline which is currently blocked at Seafire Road and may require extensive work to incorporate a pedestrian pathway.

Key open space: Grainshore Road

B. Weyland Bay

• Utilise and enhance link from Cromwell Road Banks, nearby green and pedestrian/cycle networks. Improvements to green and pedestrian/cycle networks to be achieved through the Weyland Development Brief.
• The converging of these links places emphasis on Weyland Bay and Weyland Bay Amenity spaces as focal points. These should be given priority in relation to improving existing open space provision in this area.

Key open spaces: Cromwell Road Banks, Weyland Bay and Weyland Bay Amenity

C. Berstane Road

• Due to smaller scale of existing spaces, small scale interventions could be implemented to raise quality of open space as a whole.
• Improvements may include promoting recreation and exercise through natural elements; in keeping with existing route which is used for walking, running and cycling.
• Preferred option due to location and size is East Hill Quarry to provide dedicated natural playspace.

Key open space: East Hill Quarry

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: The Meadows and Berstane Road

D. Southern Kirkwall

• Focus on improving existing open space provision. Scapa crescent highlighted as key open space due to large scale and semi-natural nature which could be better utilised. This may involve Sustainable Drainage System element in respect of drainage concerns or by developing a range of smaller spaces to add variety to existing landscape.
• Opportunity to establish link in conjunction with development of housing sites KW-O or KW-S and connect existing core paths.

Key open space: Scapa Crescent

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: Bellevue Park, Bignold Park, Broadsands Play Area, Hordaland, King Haakon Street, Lynn Crescent, Lynn Park Amenity Area, Manse Road, Rope Walk, Royal Oak Road, Summerdale Play Area, Sutherland Park, Top of Clay Loan and Warrenfield

E. Watersfield

• Open space deficiencies and green network linkages to be achieved through Watersfield Development Brief which includes development of a Sustainable Drainage System.

F. Black Building Site

• Open space deficiencies and green network linkages to be achieved through Black Building Site Development Brief.

2.4 Stromness

Figure 4: Stromness vision diagram

IMAGE: A map titled “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” shows Stromness and surrounding land. It marks areas of low scoring spaces, areas with no access to open space, areas with no access to playspace, private facilities, a green network, potential link improvements, and vision objectives labelled A through E. The map legend contains the labels “Area of low scoring spaces”, “No access to open space”, “No access to playspace”, “Private facility”, “Green network”, “Potential link improvement” and “Vision objective”.

The following objectives are highlighted to improve open space provision and access within Stromness, as indicated in figure 4:

A. North Stromness

• Improvements to existing open space with Hillside highlighted as possible key site to address play area deficiency.
• Utilise green network as linkage to area without access to open space. Potential to make use of grass verges which line the route by providing places of interest to stop along the way including seating, artwork and interpretation panels. Interpretation panel could highlight prominent walking routes in and around Stromness.

Key open space: Hillside

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: Hamnavoe Shore, Hillside Road, Market Green Playing Fields and North End Road

B. South townscape

• Focus on spaces which supplement town walk and west coast trail.
• Compliment links to open space outwith immediate townscape through east to west access. Seek improvements to existing open spaces to benefit highlighted area.
• Semi-natural nature and location of Citadel to achieve objective D, and proximity to housing context seen as key. To be noted already in progress by Gun Viewpoint Development Group.

Key open space: Citadel

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: Alfred Street, Citadel Crescent, Citadel Drive, Faravel Amenity Space, Faravel Play Area, Login’s Well, Pumpwell Park and Springfield Crescent

C. Marwick

• Focus on improvements to existing open space within the area and potential to integrate with existing core paths and green networks.

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: Grieveship Brae, Marwick Play Area and Marwick Playing Field

D. Coastal link

• Potential to integrate with existing core paths.

Key open space: Citadel

Open space to consider for enhancement: Stromness Coast

E. Coplands Dock

• Refer to Coplands Dock Development Brief for details.

2.5 Dounby

Figure 5: Dounby vision diagram

IMAGE: A map titled “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” shows Dounby and surrounding land. It marks areas of low scoring spaces, areas with no access to open space, areas with no access to playspace, private facilities, a green network, potential link improvements, and vision objectives labelled A through D. The map legend contains the labels “Area of low scoring spaces”, “No access to open space”, “No access to playspace”, “Private facility”, “Green network”, “Potential link improvement” and “Vision objective”.

The following objectives are highlighted to improve open space provision and access within Dounby, as indicated in figure 5:

A. A986 axis

• Focus on creating a more attractive northwest to southeast route towards the school through enhancement of existing spaces.

Open spaces to consider for enhancement: Open Space across from Post Office, Open Space at bus stop and Dounby Village Green

B, C and D. North, South and West Dounby

• Development of housing sites D-A or D-D could address lack of access to open space for immediate area.
• For areas of B, C and D without access to playspace provision, improvements should be concentrated towards enhancement of the existing play areas within the school and the centrally located Market Green in order to provide higher quality play facilities for the settlement as a whole.

Key open spaces: Dounby Primary School and Market Green

2.6 St Margaret’s Hope

Figure 6: St Margaret’s Hope vision diagram

IMAGE: A map titled “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” shows St Margaret’s Hope and surrounding land. It marks areas of low scoring spaces, areas with no access to open space, areas with no access to playspace, private facilities, a green network, potential link improvements, and vision objectives labelled A through C. The map legend contains the labels “Area of low scoring spaces”, “No access to open space”, “No access to playspace”, “Private facility”, “Green network”, “Potential link improvement” and “Vision objective”.

The following objectives are highlighted to improve open space provision and access within St Margaret’s Hope, as indicated in figure 6:

A. South St Margaret’s Hope

• Area highlighted due to lack of provision to accessible open space, however factors such as existing open landscape setting and lack of concentrated areas of development makes addressing this unrealistic at current time.

B. North St Margaret’s Hope

• Due to existing context and narrowness of road, feasibility to provide open space provision even in the form of an improved pedestrian access to the ferry terminal would be desirable yet unrealistic without extensive work to the existing landscape. An alternative solution is to utilise the grass banks off Pier Road, near Cromarty Square, which could provide a feature seating area to lookout over the coast but would have to be of a suitable material and quality to withstand likely weather and flood constraints.

C. Links to Hope Community Play Park

• Pathway to enable additional access from the south and adjacent housing to Hope Community Play Park.

Key open space: Hope Community Play Park

2.7 Finstown

Figure 7: Finstown vision diagram

IMAGE: A map titled “OOSS: Vision and Action Plan” shows Finstown and surrounding land. It marks areas of low scoring spaces, areas with no access to open space, areas with no access to playspace, private facilities, a green network, potential link improvements, and vision objective A. The map legend contains the labels “Area of low scoring spaces”, “No access to open space”, “No access to playspace”, “Private facility”, “Green network”, “Potential link improvement” and “Vision objective”.

The following objectives are highlighted to improve open space provision and access within Finstown, as indicated in figure 7:

A. South Finstown

• Potential to provide play elements to serve wider residential area. These should contrast with formal play equipment available at the school.
• Potential to enhance central area through improvements to Finstown Slip. This could include a shared surface for the existing car park area to enable pedestrian orientated events which utilise the harder surfacing, with points of interest along the rest of the slip such as artwork or interpretation panels suitable to withstand likely weather constraints. Addressing this area should also provide an attractive starting point to visit Finstown Community Garden, Firth Community Centre and Binscarth Wood. This could be promoted through a panel showing a map of key features in Finstown.

Key open space: Finstown Slip

2.8 Vision for other villages, rural and island settlements

2.8.1

This section outlines applicable aspects that should be considered in relation to other villages, rural and island settlements as identified in the Orkney Local Development Plan Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy as detailed below. Note those underlined do not have any identified open space within the audit.

Orkney Local Development Plan Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy

Figure 8: Table of Orkney Local Development Plan Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy

2.8.2

In the cases of the villages, rural and island settlements a number of themes are prevalent:

• the fewer number of open spaces available;
• the importance of such spaces, including those within schools, to be of a sufficient quality and type to meet user demand;
• the importance of enhancing pedestrian and cycle links to improve the accessibility of open space that reduces reliance on car use; and
• are located in close proximity to places of high residential or work occupancy.

2.8.3

Consequently the following should be considered in relation to proposals or improvements:

• improving core paths and green network links through new pathways or enhanced open space;
• improving the functionality of open spaces to enable greater usage;
• promoting the use of artwork and interpretation panels to make the villages, rural and islands more appealing and informative for visitors; and
• where feasible, consolidate resources towards a preferred open space in terms of accessibility, quality, type and size if deemed to be of greater benefit to the community as a result. This may be achieved as outlined in section 3.2 Community led usage of open space.

3 Delivery

3.1 Objective delivery

3.1.1

Success of the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan relies upon working with the many organisations and departments involved in open space whether to manage, maintain, design, use or protect. The action plan in section 5 is a culmination of this joint working to establish realistic objectives for Orkney. This in conjunction with the OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG which promotes higher quality open space provision as part of the planning process for new developments; whereas this strategy takes a more overarching approach towards addressing deficiencies and promoting better practice with, or without the aid of developer contributions.

3.1.2

Delivery of the objectives outlined in the vision statements and action plan can be achieved by:

• open space provision provided as part of a new development;
• improvements to existing provision as funded by developer contributions;
• funding obtained by a community/business group with Parks for People (Heritage Lottery Fund), Awards for All (Big Lottery Fund) and Grow Wild (Big Lottery Fund) as examples of potential funding initiatives;
• investment by the Local Authority or other public agency; or
• adoption of existing open space for temporary use as agreed with the landowner.

3.1.3

Due to existing Council resource constraints it should be acknowledged that community and business led initiatives have a key role in realising the aims of the strategy in terms of potential funding, skills and addressing the needs of the area. Consequently the objectives of the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan take into account the need for alternative methods to be considered in a time where Council resources are constrained. The next section expands upon how poor quality spaces could be adopted for temporary use to enable greater community involvement and usage as a result.

3.2 Community led usage of open space

3.2.1

A key issue raised in the Orkney Open Space Audit is the poor quality of amenity greenspace, especially within residential developments. Due to the nature of these amenity spaces playing a key part in the environment people live within, provides an ideal opportunity for communities to have greater control and ownership of these spaces driven by their own aspirations. This can be beneficial to implement in open space other than residential amenity especially in cases where the quality is deemed poor and in need of improvement such as adapting natural/semi-natural greenspace for natural play; enabling spaces to become temporary exhibition spaces by incorporating art displays i.e. sculpture, interactive exhibits etc.; adapting the open space to grow plants or vegetables for visual amenity, educational or grow your own food purposes; creating local wildlife habitats through the addition of water features, bird boxes, various planting scales; and adapting underused playspaces into places beneficial for all community users to spend time both in terms of attractiveness and functionality. A template is provided in Annex 1 as a starting point for groups to achieve this through a legal agreement along with key points to be considered as part of undertaking this process.

4 Monitoring and implementation of the strategy

4.1 Key tasks

4.1.1

The strategy will be monitored using the indicators outlined in the action plan in section 5. The key tasks set out to achieve this include:

• monitoring the progress of priority projects as highlighted in the vision plans;
• establish user feedback forms which relate to the planning and design principles—as set out in OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG—to consider how the accessible, attractive, bio diverse, promote activity and community benefits criteria are met. The findings from this will provide the starting point for future revisions of open space related guidance documents by potentially flagging spaces which need to be re-surveyed as part of the audit; and
• as part of the review process of the OOSS: Vision and Action Plan, OOSS: Planning for Open Space SG and Orkney Open Space Audit; to compare changes in accessibility, quality and quantity since previous editions.

5 Action Plan

Key delivery partners where noted: D&MP—Development and Marine Planning; AM&H—Arts, Museums and Heritage; B&T—Business and Trade; CL&D—Community Learning and Development; DM—Development Management; Eng—Engineering; EH—Environmental Health; S&L—Sport and Leisure; Trans—Transport; HS—Historic Scotland; SEPA—Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Scottish Water; SNH—Scottish Natural Heritage; SPORTSCO—Sportscotland; and VS—VisitScotland.

Objective 1: Protecting and improving open space

Objective 2: Improving open space networks and linkages

Objective 3: Enabling greater access to open space

Objective 4: Providing opportunities to improve health, well-being and education

Objective 5: Protecting and enhancing biodiversity

Objective 6: Enabling business and community involvement

Objective 7: Monitoring and managing open space strategy objectives

6 Further information

• Designing Places; www.scotland.gov.uk/publications
• Designing Streets;
• Getting the best from our land: A land use strategy for Scotland
• Minimum Standards for Open Space;
• PAN 65 Planning and Open Space;
• Core Paths Plan; www.orkney.gov.uk
• Attitudes to greenspace in Scotland: a review of key trends between 2004 and 2013; http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-nature/habitats-and-ecosystems/greenspaces-and-gardens/greenspace/
• Awards for All; http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/
• Grow Wild;
• Parks for People; http://www.hlf.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Annex 1: Sample legal agreement

To be noted:

• Location plan of site with boundary highlighted to be attached as part of agreement.
• This agreement should only be formed with the landowner acknowledging that the site will not be developed within the next 6 months, the land is not contaminated and suitable insurance cover for public access into the site is arranged.

The licence is entered into between [Licensor details including address] and [Licensee details including address].

Site: [address and description of the site]

The licence of the site is granted in accordance with the following conditions:

Commencement date:

Date agreement ends:

Fee:

Standard conditions of licence:

Access rights to the site [for use stated; any time restrictions]

Payment of fee [date to be paid on; frequency of payment; whom fee to be paid to]

Liability for damage, loss and service charges

Timescales to end agreement [financial arrears; notice from licensor; written notice of two months before or after agreement term]

Special conditions:

It is the licensee’s responsibility to maintain all boundary walls and fences in good condition with any alterations to be discussed with licensor.

SIGNED

Signature for licensor

SIGNED

Signature for licensee

IMAGE: The sample legal agreement page reproduces the fields and conditions listed above, with two signature lines labelled “Signature for licensor” and “Signature for licensee”.

Annex 2: User feedback form

IMAGE: A rotated user feedback form headed “User feedback form” and “(Orkney Local Development and Marine Planning)” asks the respondent to provide the “Name and location of open space:” and rate statements using the options “strongly disagree”, “disagree”, “neither agree nor disagree”, “agree” and “strongly agree”. The statements concern accessibility, attractiveness, biodiversity, activity, community benefits and the management of open space. The form includes fields for “Please provide further details on your disagreement” and “Please provide further details on those you agree”, followed by “Any further comments about the space?”, “Name:”, “Address:”, “Email:” and “Telephone number:”. It asks: “Would you like to be kept informed about the Orkney Open Space Strategy?” with “Yes” and “No” checkboxes.