Shaping Neighbourhoods Play and Informal Recreation SPG High Res

A
SHAPING NEIGHBOURHOODS:
PLAY AND INFORMAL RECREATION
SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

SEPTEMBER 2012
LONDON PLAN 2011

IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
SHAPING NEIGHBOURHOODS:
PLAY AND INFORMAL RECREATION
SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE
SEP TEM B E R 2 0 1 2
GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY
SEPTEMBER 2012
Published by
Greater London Authority
City Hall
The Queens Walk
More London
London SE1 2AA
www.london.gov.uk
enquiries 020 7983 4100
minicom 020 7983 4458
ISBN978-1-84781-518-7C
Copies of this report are available from
www.london.gov.uk
Crown Copyright
All rights reserved. GLA 10032216 (2012).
Project team Hermine Sanson, Jane Carlsen, Mike Newitt

Front cover photo - James Whitaker
The Mayor would like to thank those who contributed to this document by sharing case studies,
photographs and responding to the consultation.
This guidance will form part of the over-arching Shaping Neighbourhoods Portfolio.
It is currently envisaged that it will have 4 parts:
A. Understanding Place
B. Lifetime Neighbourhoods and Neighbourhood Planning
C. Play and Informal Recreation
D. Accessible London
iii
CONTENTS
FOREWORD BY BORIS JOHNSON, MAYOR OF LONDON v
GLOSSARY vi
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 POLICY CONTEXT 7
National 8
London Plan Policies 8
Supplementary Planning Guidance 12
Review of local play strategies 13
Developing local benchmark standards 15
3 WHAT MAKES A GOOD QUALITY PLACE FOR PLAY 17

Space 18
Location and accessibility 20
An environment that encourages healthy lifestyles 21
Inclusion 23
Diversity in lifetime neighbourhoods 26
Playable space in a child-friendly city 30
School facilities 32
Access to nature 34
Safety and security 38
Management and maintenance 42
4 APPLYING THE BENCHMARKS 47

A - Identifying, Mapping and Auditing current provision 48
B - New Development: Determining the play space requirements 55
Design principles 68

5 MAKING IT HAPPEN 73
Implementation 74
Engagement 74
Community involvement 76
New developments 78
Calculation of Community Infrastructure Levy and the developer contributions 79
Monitoring and review 81
APPENDIX 1 BENCHMARK 84
APPENDIX 2 CHILD OCCUPANCY OF NEW HOUSING METHODOLOGY 85
APPENDIX 3 INCLUSION 91
APPENDIX 4 USEFUL CONTACTS 93
v
FOREWORD
Amid the bustle of living and working in a
fast-moving, densely developed world city, it is
all too easy to overlook the needs of Londons
children and young people and the importance
of our urban environment as somewhere to grow
up and learn.
Play is a vital part of growing up. It helps

children learn about their environment, to
relate to others and to burn off energy. It helps
start the process of becoming a citizen, and
improves their health. On top of these important
and worthy aims, it helps them have fun and, This guidance gives practical advice about how
perhaps, lift the spirits of their parents and this should be done, in particular by negotiating
carers. for enough playspace to be set aside in new
development to meet the needs of the children
That is why it is so important to find and and young people likely to live in them. This
protect space in our city for children to play, is a policy we have been applying in London
and for young people to meet. We need a since 2008, and is a way of making a real
mixture of more formal play spaces such as improvement in Londoners quality of life.
playgrounds, and of playable places where
the most important play equipment is childrens
imaginations.
These spaces have to be safe and fit for

purpose, well-located in relation to where Boris Johnson
children live and readily accessible. Many of Mayor of London
them will be significant as part of Londons
green infrastructure of parks and open spaces,
delivering on my wider environmental priorities
as well as providing a stimulating place for
children to enjoy themselves.
Finding these spaces is obviously easier in the

countryside or in smaller towns than it is in a
densely built-up city like London where space
is often at a premium. The planning system is
one of the key mechanisms for making sure
that play spaces are secured and protected from
encroachment.
P L AY A N D I N F O R M A L R E C R E AT I O N S P G
GLOSSARY
Play Incidental playable space
Play is a process that is freely chosen, It is a public space where recreational features
personally directed and intrinsically motivated. such as landscaping or high quality public art
That is, children and young people determine make it playable.
and control the content and intent of their
play, by following their own instincts, ideas Dedicated play space
and interests, in their own way for their own Spaces where play is identified as one of the
reasons. From Play Wales (2005) and endorsed prime functions. These include playgrounds,
by SkillsActive (May 2005) playing fields, skate parks and other recreation
areas. Dedicated play spaces can be publically
Children (0-11) and young people (12+) owned, open to public access or private (e.g.
The age ranges in the document are indicative. play areas in shopping centres, private gardens).
They do not mean that users of different ages They can be supervised (such as some adventure
should be excluded from the play space. This playgrounds) or unsupervised. They can be
recognises that children and young people with formal equipment or non-equipped areas,
have differing needs and that the space such as landscaped areas and playing fields
where they play or socialise will have different that can be used for a variety of recreational
characteristics, space and location requirements. activities. All dedicated play spaces should be
A playable space typology (table 4.6) addresses genuinely playable and attractive to count as
the potential for multifunctional spaces. play provision. It is also essential that they
are accessible (see chapter 3 on location and
Playable space accessibility). Dedicated play space can therefore
A playable space is one where childrens active be formal and informal but informal provision
play is a legitimate use of the space. Playable should not replace formal provision entirely.
space typically includes some design elements
that have play value: they act as a sign or Dedicated play space can fall under the
signal to children and young people that the following typology:
space is intended for their play. Playability is
not just a matter of the physical characteristics Doorstep playable space: a landscaped space
of a space. It can also be influenced by social including engaging play features for young
and cultural characteristics. For instance a space children under 5 that are close to their homes,
that is dominated by people hostile to childrens and places for carers to sit and talk.
presence is not playable, whatever its physical
characteristics. Local playable space: a landscaped space with
landscaping and equipment so that children
Multifunctional space aged 0 to 11 can play and be physically active
A Multifunctional space is a shared public and they and their carers can sit and talk
space or communal space, which offers a range
of leisure and recreation opportunities for users
of all ages. Multifunctional spaces for all ages
should be the optimum.
vii
Neighbourhood playable space:A varied natural

space with secluded and open areas, landscaping
and equipment so that children aged 0 to 11 can
play and be physically active and they and their
carers can sit and talk, with some youth facilities
for young people over 11.
Youth space: A social space for young people

aged 12 + to congregate together, socialise and
participate in informal recreation or physical
activity.
ltifun c t i o n al s p
M u ace
ated playspa
dic ce
De
Incidental
Formal Informal playable
space
Components of playable/multifunctional space

Wild Kingdom - Three Mills Playspace (Newham, London)
Project - The Legacy List and London Legacy Development
Corporation with
Pearsons Park Lee Valley Regional
(Southwark, London) Park
Photo - Dan Childs
Project/Photo Films
- FHAPLay
1
CHAPTER ONE
IN T RO D U CTI O N
1.1 In a densely developed, highly urbanised 1.4 In London, where space is increasingly
city like London, safe and stimulating play at a premium, planners, developers and
facilities are essential for a childs well- designers must take account of the
being, health and future development. ways that adults, children and young
Ensuring this is taken into account in people will actually use places, whether
planning and development through together or separately, at different times
the London Plan has been a significant of the day. It will usually be best to allow
achievement of the London planning for flexible and multifunctional use of
system, and will become of increasing spaces so that many different user groups
importance with the emphasis in the new can enjoy them. Planners, developers,
London Plan on encouraging lifetime designers and architects should promote
neighbourhoods meeting the needs of all approaches accommodating the presence
Londoners, at every stage of their lives. of children in the built environment
(such as shared public and communal
1.2 London is home to 1.94 million children space), and encouraging playable spaces
and young people under the age of 18. where appropriate. In this way, London
Londons 0 18 population is projected can be made a child friendly city. This
to increase by over 266,000 over the next Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)
ten years. Increased provision of play and has been prepared in response to these
informal recreation will be required to meet challenges.
their needs.
1.5 This Supplementary Planning Guidance
1.3 Children and young people need relates to the implementation of London
free, inclusive and accessible spaces Plan Policy 3.6, but also a range of policies
offering high-quality play and informal on shaping neighbourhoods (see Chapter
recreation opportunities in child-friendly 7 of the London Plan). It provides the
neighbourhood environments. Policy opportunity for more detailed guidance
3.6 of the London Plan seeks to ensure that cannot be covered in the Plan. It
that all children and young people have proposes benchmark standards that
access to such provision. The challenge were developed for the Mayors SPG on
facing boroughs and their partners in play Providing for Children and Young Peoples
provision will be to find opportunities Play and Informal Recreation in 2008, and
to retain and increase the provision of in the light of consultation with London
play and informal recreation, particularly boroughs, play specialists and designers,
in housing developments, and to make builds on the experience of implementing
planning for play and young peoples that earlier guidance. The benchmark
informal recreation more responsive to standards provided in this guidance are
needs, improving the quality, range and flexible enough to meet the varying needs
accessibility of provision. of children and young people across
London and should be used as a reference
to guide boroughs in the development of
3
their own local standards. The proposed

methodology for calculating play space and assessments of need in their
requirements is indicative and boroughs areas, considering the qualitative,
may want to supplement them or use their quantitative and accessibility
own, based on locally-derived evidence elements of play and informal
and data. recreation facilities.
b produce strategies on play and

POLICY 3.6: CHILDREN AND YOUNG informal recreation supported by LDF
PEOPLES PLAY AND INFORMAL policies to improve access, safety and
RECREATION FACILITIES opportunity for all children and young
Strategic people in their area.
A The Mayor and appropriate 1.6 The requirements for play and informal
organisations should ensure that recreation space provision for children
all children and young people have and young people given in the SPG are
safe access to good quality, well- intended to:
designed, secure and stimulating play
and informal recreation provision, apply the concept of lifetime
incorporating trees and greenery neighbourhoods and the role playable
wherever possible. spaces have in creating these
Planning decisions neighbourhoods;
assist in identifying existing and future
B Development proposals that include needs for play provision and how these
housing should make provision for could be accommodated;
play and informal recreation, based provide guidance and a tool to calculate
on the expected child population the requirement for play which can be
generated by the scheme and an easily applied to housing proposals
assessment of future needs. The and a framework to ensure adequate
Mayors Supplementary Planning on- and off-site provision is made
Guidance Providing for Children and to meet the demand created by the
Young Peoples Play and Informal development;
Recreation sets out guidance to assist address issues of accessibility to new
in this process. and existing facilities and the critical
LDF preparation issue of site location;
take into account public spaces such
C Boroughs should: as parks, open spaces but also social
housing estates that offer good play
a undertake audits of existing play opportunities and transform them
and informal recreation provision into multifunctional spaces that offer
a range of leisure and recreation
opportunities for users of all ages; plan documents and in taking planning
encourage more innovative approaches decisions.
to play provision in terms of facilities,
location, accessibility, design 1.9 Where the London Plan and this guidance
(including use of natural features) and refer to LDFs it is advice to boroughs
management; in preparing their Local Development
encourage schools to open their Frameworks (what the Governments
facilities such as playgrounds and National Planning Framework terms
sports facilities to the public; local plans) and to those preparing
provide best practice guidance on how neighbourhood plans.
to use resources cost-effectively and
secure adequate revenue streams for 1.10 This Supplementary Planning Guidance
maintenance and upkeep including is directed at local authority planners,
developer contributions and the developers, community groups and a
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL); range of consultants (including landscape
encourage the review of local play architects and urban designers) who all
strategies; and have roles in ensuring the implementation
provide inspiring design examples of of the objectives set out in this Guidance.
sustainable play spaces in dense urban Local authorities have the responsibility
environments. of ensuring robust play strategies and
establishing the overall context for
1.7 This SPG does not cover sports facilities implementation of the Supplementary
in detail. These will be dealt with in Planning Guidance, as well as detailed
the portfolio of guidance on Shaping roles in determining requirements for
Neighbourhoods (see Figure 1.1). specific sites. Developers and consultants
are largely responsible for the delivery
1.8 This document contains guidance of child-friendly developments and
supplementary to London Plan policies. public spaces, and they must ensure
While it does not have the same formal adequate size, design and access to
development plan status as these policies, new and improved play and informal
it has been formally adopted by the recreation areas. The SPG will also provide
Mayor as supplementary guidance under guidance for neighbourhood forums
his powers under the Greater London and local communities in shaping their
Authority Act 1999 (as amended). neighbourhood plans.
Adoption followed a period of public
consultation, and a summary of the
comments received and the responses
of the Mayor to those comments is
available on the Greater London Authority
website. It will therefore be a material
consideration in drawing up development
5
Figure 1.1 Planning Policy Framework
NATIONAL GUIDANCE
PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT
NATIONAL PLANNING
POLICY FRAMEWORK
THE LONDON PLAN 2011
SHAPING NEIGHBOURHOODS
PORTFOLIO
Lifetime
Understanding Neighbourhoods Play and Informal Accessible
place and Neighbourhood Recreation London
Planning
LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT
FRAMEWORK (LDFs)
Core Strategy
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
DOCUMENTS (DPDs)
SUPPLEMENTARY AREA ACTION NEIGHBOURHOOD

PLANNING PLANS (AAPs) PLANS (NPs)
DOCUMENTS (SPDs)
Kilburn Grange Park Adventure Play-
ground (Camden, London)
Project and photo - erect architecture
7
C H A P T E R TW O
P OLIC Y CO N T E X T
National Policy 3.6: Children and Young Peoples

Play and Informal Recreation Facilities
2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework
(NPPF) sets the governments objective 2.3 Policy 3.6 identifies the requirement
to support strong, vibrant and healthy for the provision of play and informal
communities, by creating a high quality recreation within London as well as the
built environments, with accessible local need for London boroughs to undertake
services that reflect a communitys needs audits of existing play and informal
and support its health, social and cultural recreation provision and assessment
well-being. It recognises the important of needs in their areas. The policy also
role of the planning system in facilitating encourages boroughs to produce strategies
social interaction and creating healthy, on play and informal recreation to improve
inclusive communities and it acknowledges access, safety and opportunity for all
that access to high quality open spaces children and young people in their area.
and opportunities for sport and recreation This Supplementary Planning Guidance
can make an important contribution to provides more detailed advice to assist
the health and well-being of communities. implementation of this policy.
The NPPF protects existing open space,
sports and recreational buildings and land, 2.4 The Plan raises the importance of providing
including playing fields. The NPPF also for safe and stimulating play facilities
encourages local planning authorities to for childrens well-being and future
ensure viability and deliverability in plan- development, as well as for preventing
making and decision-taking (see para 2.21 health problems such as obesity. This
below). should be addressed in Local Development
Frameworks (LDFs) (local plans and
London Plan Policies appropriate neighbourhood plans) by
providing policies on play provision,
2.2 The London Plan includes a specific policy including the need for high quality
on the provision of play and informal design. Through the development of play
recreation facilities (Policy 3.6). A range strategies, boroughs should ensure the
of other policies, such as Policy 3.16 on integration of play provision into overall
the protection and enhancement of social open space strategies.
infrastructure, Policy 7.1 on the creation of
lifetime neighbourhoods and Policy 7.18 2.5 The Plan states that new development
on the protection of local open space also including housing should make provision
deal with play. The range of London Plan for play space. This should normally be
policies related to play is introduced below. made on-site, and be in accordance with
LDF play policies for the area. Where
development is to be phased, there should
be early implementation of the play space.
Off-site provision, including the creation
9
of new facilities, improvements to existing good quality environment, in an active

provision, and/or an appropriate financial and supportive community, with the best
contribution towards this provision may be possible access to services, infrastructure
acceptable where it can be demonstrated and public transport. Their neighbourhoods
that it fully satisfies the needs of the should provide a character that is easy to
development whilst continuing to meet the understand and relate to.
needs of existing residents.
2.8 Development should be designed so that
Policy 3.16: Protection and Enhancement of the layout, tenure and mix of uses interface
Social Infrastructure with surrounding land and improve
peoples access to social and community
2.6 Play is covered in Policy 3.16 as an infrastructure, the Blue Ribbon Network,
integral part of social infrastructure. local shops, employment opportunities,
The policy supports the provision of commercial services and public transport.
social infrastructure and encourages Development should enable people
boroughs to regularly assess the need to live healthy and active lives; should
for social infrastructure at local and maximise the opportunity for community
strategic levels to ensure that adequate diversity, inclusion and cohesion; and
social infrastructure provision is made or should contribute to peoples sense of
enhanced. Development proposals which place, safety and security. Places of work,
provide for this infrastructure will be leisure, streets, neighbourhoods, parks
supported in light of these assessments; and open spaces should be designed to
and those causing their loss will be meet the needs of the community at all
resisted. Facilities should be accessible stages of peoples lives, and should meet
to all sections of the community and be the principles of lifetime neighbourhoods.
located within easy reach by walking, The design of spaces should help reinforce
cycling and public transport. Wherever or enhance the character, legibility,
possible, the multiple use of premises permeability and accessibility of the
should be encouraged. Further guidance neighbourhood.
on social infrastructure will be given in
future supplementary guidance on Shaping 2.9 Boroughs should prepare plans to ensure
Neighbourhoods. infrastructure and services will be delivered
to meet the needs of existing and new
Policy 7.1: Building Londons development. They should work with
neighbourhoods and communities their local communities to set goals for
their neighbourhoods and strategies for
2.7 Play also has a role in contributing to achieving them. Cross-borough working
creating lifetime neighbourhoods which is encouraged where appropriate. The
are dealt with in Policy 7.1. Lifetime Mayor will be preparing guidance to
neighbourhoods are places where people assist the implementation of the lifetime
can, at all stages of their lives enjoy a neighbourhoods policies later in 2012.
Policy 7.18: Protecting local open space and the different categories of multifunctional
addressing local deficiency open space found throughout London.
The table categorises spaces according
2.10 Policy 7.18 supports the creation of new to their size and sets out a maximum
open space in London and includes a desirable distance that Londoners should
public open space categorisation table travel in order to access each category of
(Table 2.1) that provides a benchmark for open space. The standards can be used to
boroughs to assess their own provision for highlight areas of open space deficiency
Table 2.1 Londons public open space categorisation
Open space categorisation Size guideline Distances

from homes
Regional Parks 400 hectares 3.2 to 8
Large areas, corridors or networks of open space, the majority of which will be kilometres
publicly accessible and provide a range of facilities and features offering recreational,
ecological, landscape, cultural or green infrastructure benefits. Offer a combination
of facilities and features that are unique within London, are readily accessible by
public transport and are managed to meet best practice quality standards.
Metropolitan Parks 60 hectares 3.2 kilometres
Large areas of open space that provide a similar range of benefits to Regional Parks
and offer a combination of facilities and features at the sub-regional level, are
readily accessible by public transport and are managed to meet best practice quality
standards.
District Parks 20 hectares 1.2 kilometres
Large areas of open space that provide a landscape setting with a variety of natural
features providing for a wide range of activities, including outdoor sports facilities
and playing fields, childrens play for different age groups and informal recreation
pursuits.
Local Parks and Open Spaces 2 hectares 400 metres
Providing for court games, childrens play, sitting-out areas and nature conservation
areas
Small Open Spaces Under 2 Less than 400
Gardens, sitting-out areas, childrens play spaces or other areas of a specialist hectares metres
nature, including nature conservation areas.
Pocket Parks Under 0.4ha Less than 400
Small areas of open space that provide natural surfaces and shaded areas for metres
informal play and passive recreation that sometimes have seating and play
equipment.
Linear Open Spaces Variable Wherever
Open spaces and towpaths alongside the Thames, canals and other waterways; feasible
paths; disused railways; nature conservation areas; and other routes that provide
opportunities for informal recreation. Often characterised by features or attractive
areas which are not fully accessible to the public but contribute to the enjoyment of
the space.
Source: GLA, London Plan 2011
11
and facilitate cross-borough planning and back gardens or other private residential
management of open space. The public gardens. This may expand opportunities
open space hierarchy does not specify for play.
play provision for children and young Policy 3.7 Large residential
people but play and informal recreation developments: Sites over 5 hectares or
opportunities are identified for each capable of accommodating more than
category of open space according to its 500 dwellings should be progressed
size and characteristics. through an appropriate plan-led process
to coordinate provision of play and other
Other London Plan Policies social infrastructure.
2.11 Other relevant London Plan policies and Policy 3.8 Housing Choice requires
SPGs which should be considered in the developments to provide a range of
development of policy and consideration housing sizes and types, including family
of proposals in the provision of play and housing. This will offer greater choice for
informal recreation include: families.
Policy 3.19 Sports Facilities seeks to
Policy 2.13 Opportunity and support developments which increase
intensification areas and Policy 2.14 provision of sports and recreation
Areas for regeneration: Play is likely to facilities and increase healthy lifestyles.
be among the policy areas that boroughs Policy 6.9 Cycling seeks to encourage
and their partners are likely to address in cycling and safe and convenient direct
devising strategies to tackle deprivation routes to key uses such as schools or play
and exclusion. areas.
Policy 2.18 Green Infrastructure: The Policy 6.10 Walking seeks to encourage
Policy aims to protect, promote, expand walking in a high quality pedestrian and
and manage the extent and quality of, street environment and accessible, safe
and access to, Londons network of open and convenient direct routes to key uses
and green spaces. such as play areas.
Policy 3.1 Ensuring Equal Life Chances Policy 7.2 An Inclusive environment
for All: The Policy promotes Londons requires that all development in London
diversity. It encourages boroughs achieve the highest standards of
to engage with local groups and accessible and inclusive design.
communities to identify their needs and Policy 7.4 Local Character: Policy
make appropriate provision for them. supports the development of places that
Policy 3.2 Addressing health and reducing improve or build on the local character of
health inequalities: supports the role of the area.
play and specific interventions to improve Policy 7.5 Public Realm supports the
health. development of high quality public
Policy 3.5 Quality and Design of housing spaces in London by ensuring that
development: The Policy introduces a landscape treatment, street furniture
presumption against development on and infrastructure in the public realm are
of the highest quality and have a clear
purpose.
Supplementary Planning varying size and character. It promotes the

Guidance provision, protection and improvement of
sports facilities, including playing fields,
2.12 Play and informal recreation is also as well as encouraging the use of parks,
addressed in a number of the Mayors play facilities and other green spaces to
cross-cutting strategies and initiatives. The encouraging more active lifestyles and
overarching strategy is set out in Young improved mental well-being.
Londoners - Successful Futures but a
number of other strategies are relevant, 2.13 Other Supplementary Planning Guidance
including the Mayors Transport, Sport1, such as the forthcoming guidance on
Health Inequalities and Culture strategies. Shaping Neighbourhoods (which will pull
The Mayors Great Outdoors initiative together a number of existing revised
aims to upgrade public spaces in London, SPGs, Best Practice Guides (BPG) and
promoting the wide ranging benefits of new documents), will provide advice and
open space and setting out the need to guidance on a number of play connected
make London a more child-friendly city, issues, in particular the implementation
including opportunities to make streets of Policy 7.1 Building Londons
safer for children, the creation of new and Neighbourhoods and Communities (see
diverse opportunities for play and places Figure 1.1).
for young people, and the promotion
of open space as a cultural resource for
London. The London Housing Design
Guide2 (chapter 1.2), published by the
Mayor in 2010, and the Housing SPG3
both reflect the needs of children and
young people in setting out design of
open spaces, internal space standards and
environmental requirements for housing
in London (including the protection of
back gardens London Plan Policy 3.5).
The All London Green Grid (ALGG) SPG4
promotes the creation of a high quality
multifunctional green infrastructure
network that maximises the opportunities
for improving quality of life. The network
includes open spaces (including both
publicly accessible and private land, such
as parks, recreation grounds, playing fields,
amenity space and childrens play areas),
corridors and the links in between, of
1 Mayor of London. A Sporting Future for London. GLA, April 2009

2 Mayor of London. London Housing Design Guidance (LHDG). LDA,
2010
3 Mayor of London. Housing SPG. GLA, 2012
4 Mayor of London. All London Green Grid SPG. GLA, March 2012
13
Review of local play strategies regeneration, health, culture, education

and crime and disorder as well as open
2.14 The 33 London boroughs now all have space. Local open space strategies for
their own play strategies. These inform instance can have a complementary
each boroughs play policies and provide role in meeting the objectives of the
comprehensive guidance on play provision play strategies, in the sense that they
including quantitative and qualitative present an opportunity to embed play
deficiencies in provision relative to future within open spaces and address some of
need as well as mechanisms to address the deficiencies in play provision. Play
these. It is important that they are kept strategies may be useful in expanding
under review and are regularly updated further on certain types of open spaces
to reflect the changing needs of the or uses within open spaces. The Mayors
community and its children, in consultation Best Practice Guidance on Open Space
with children and young people. Strategies5 provides advice on how to
prepare an open space strategy. It is
2.15 Play strategies should encompass all intended that an updated version of
categories of play space and informal this guidance will be issued for public
recreation areas within the public domain, consultation in winter 2012.
including provision within residential areas
where coordination with organisations 2.17 Figure 2.2 below shows the relationship
such as housing providers, the tenant between the different corporate strategies
and residents associations and those who and assessments. Play strategies should
maintain the spaces is required. Play make reference to a range of corporate
strategies should identify opportunities to strategies within a local authority.
improve and upgrade provision and access
to it in accordance with this supplementary 2.18 To assist London boroughs with the
planning guidance. Deficiencies in development of play strategies, the Mayor
provision should be addressed in the published in 2005 a Guide to Preparing
planning of new provision to meet the Play Strategies.6 This guidance is still useful
needs of existing and new communities. for methodologies and general advice but
This will generally be associated with has now been superseded to some extent
new residential development but account by Planning for Play7 from Play England.
should also be taken of needs generated London boroughs may want to refer to
in other places with high child populations these guidance when reviewing their play
such as town centres. strategies.
2.16 The review of play strategies should be

viewed in the context of sustainable
community strategies, local development
frameworks and other related corporate
strategies covering areas such as
5 Mayor of London and Cabe Space. Best Practice Guidance Open Space
Strategies, 2009
6 Mayor of London. Guide to Preparing Play Strategies. GLA, April 2005
7 Planning for Play. Guidance on the development and Implementation
of a local play strategy. Play England, March 2006
Figure 2.2 Relationship of play strategy to other local strategies
2.19 When reviewing their play strategies,

boroughs should carry out an audit of
current provision. A series of steps on how
to identify, map and audit current provision
is proposed in Chapter 4A.
15
Developing local benchmark

standards
2.20 It is recommended that boroughs develop

benchmark standards in the context of
their play and open space strategies, taking
into account their local circumstances.
The link between setting standards and
local play strategies is essential, as the
standards can be applied most effectively
when boroughs have an understanding of
the state of play and informal recreation
provision in the area locally. Standards for
local play provision should be adapted to
reflect local needs, taking into account
childrens needs, the socio-economic
context and the health status of the area.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to
adopt different thresholds for different
sub-areas of a borough to reflect the needs
of different neighbourhoods.
2.21 To ensure viability, the NPPF encourages

local planning authorities to assess the
likely cumulative impacts on development
in their area of all existing and proposed
local standards, supplementary planning
documents and policies that support
development plans, when added to
nationally required standards. The
cumulative impacts of these standards and
policies should not put implementation
of the plan at serious risk, and should
facilitate development throughout the
economic cycle.
Kilburn Grange Park Adventure
Caledonian Primary School Playground and Playcentre
(Glasgow, Scotland) (Camden, London)
Project - LTL Credit: architecture
Photo - Malcolm Cochrane
17
C H A P T E R TH R E E
W H AT M A KE S A
GO O D Q UA L I TY
P L AC E F O R P L AY ?
3.1 The provision of good quality places to playable space in a child-friendly city
play is an integral part of the creation access to nature
of lifetime neighbourhoods (Policy 7.1). safety and security
These are neighbourhoods where access management and maintenance.
to places to meet and relax, green and
open spaces, cultural facilities, local shops, Space
basic amenities and public transport are
within easy reach of homes, and where 3.4 If children and young people are to have
facilities such as public toilets and seating the chance to play out in the fresh air, to
consciously planned into proposals at the be physically active and to socialise with
outset help to build cohesive, successful friends and peers, they need access to out
and sustainable communities. They are of doors space. The first step to securing
places where the needs of communities this is ensuring there is sufficient physical
are met at all stages of their lives. This space, of quality in the neighbourhoods
SPG gives guidance on the role that where children live. Quantitative
playable spaces can have in creating these benchmark standards, which closely reflect
neighbourhoods. the London situation, are proposed in this
guidance to boroughs to secure spaces for
3.2 Creating a good place for play requires play. There is a case for linking the amount
careful consideration and effort. Success of space devoted to play to the numbers of
is a matter of securing enough physical children living, or expected to be living, in
space in the right locations, understanding a proposed development. A methodology
user requirements, designing and to calculate the number of children that
creating spaces that attract and engage a housing development will generate is
children and young people, and ensuring proposed in Chapter 4. Play and informal
appropriate long-term management and recreation space should be properly
maintenance. integrated into new development and the
surrounding area.
3.3 A good quality playable space is one
providing all children and young people 3.5 In addition to the provision of play and
with safe access to physically accessible informal recreation space in new housing
and inclusive facilities that are stimulating development, it is important to create
and fun. A good place to play needs a more child-friendly neighbourhoods.
number of key elements: This involves making different types of
public space and the public realm more
space generally, safe and playable, welcoming
location and accessibility and enjoyable for children, their parents
an environment that encourages and carers as well as for young people. (see
healthy lifestyles section on Playable space in a child friendly
inclusion city)
diversity in lifetime neighbourhoods
19
CASE STUDY - FITTING A PLAY SPACE IN A HIGH-DENSITY ESTATE
James Whitaker
Project - Evelyn Court (LB of Hackney), erect architecture. Evelyn Court is a high-density
housing estate in Hackney. It lacked usable communal space. An existing green buffer space be-
tween the estate and the main road was fenced off and inaccessible and the small existing play-
ground only catered for very young children and was in dire need of an upgrade. The architects
objective for the public space design was to open up the existing green space for users of all ages
by creating playable connections, which made use of the existing change in level. The design com-
prises a series of sliced mounds of differing characters. The mounds are constructed out of retained
solid earth, timber or climbing nets. They offer exciting spaces on top, underneath and in-between
for both play and socialising. These spaces are as valued by the children as the more traditional
pieces of play equipment. The design uses oak railway sleepers throughout, is hardwearing and able
to withstand the intensive use. See front cover image.
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 1 LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST

New housing developments that will house Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
10 children or more should make provision and informal recreation
for play and informal recreation, based on Policy 7.1 Building Londons Neighbour-
the expected child population generated hoods and Communities
by the scheme and an assessment of future Policy 7.5 Public realm
needs (see Chapter 4).
Public spaces and the public realm in general

should be designed and managed so as to
offer real opportunities for recreation and
socialising to a wide range of potential users.
Location and accessibility 3.8 In new developments, the use of roofs

and terraces may provide an alternative
3.6 Location is partly a matter of physical to ground floor open space where they
proximity to childrens homes, to their are safe, large enough, attractive and
schools and to other places where they suitable for children to play, careful
spend time. Studies show dramatic consideration should be given to these
decreases in recent years in childrens options, including the need for supervision
independent mobility and this has affected and any restrictions that this might put on
their access to play opportunities. Fear the use of the facilities. Indoor space can
of traffic is the highest barrier for both also have a role in providing sufficient play
parents and children for unaccompanied space for 0-5 year olds.
outdoor play. Young children are
dependent on their parents or carers to get 3.9 It is recommended that housing
to and from places for play. development proposals refer to the
distance benchmarks provided in Table
3.7 Well-located places for play are ones that 4.4 and consider how particular types of
are well-connected with the wider built playable space are accessed, in particular
environment. They should be near and where proposals require young people to
have easy access to well-used pedestrian, walk longer distances to access off-site
cycling or bus routes, adjacent to well- provision. (see Chapter 4 and Tables 4.5
used buildings (i.e. shops, school) or and 4.8).
homes to allow for a level of informal
community supervision and generate a
sense of social safety and security (see
also Table 4.8 on location). Play spaces
should not be isolated by large expanses of
open space, or severed from the rest of a
neighbourhood by physical barriers such as
busy roads or railway lines. Social divisions
and social risks should also be considered,
such as areas that are known or widely
perceived to be a focus for street crime or
harassment. Provision of car parking for
disabled users should also be planned for.
21
An environment that encourages

IMPLEMENTATION POINT 2 healthy lifestyles
Play space should be well-connected to well-
used pedestrian, cycling or bus routes. They
All children and young people should engage in
should be accessible to all sections of the
moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity
community (including disabled people and
for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours
their parents or carers) and be located within
easy reach by walking, cycling and public every day.
transport.
Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for
New housing developments should make England 1
provision for play and informal recreation
based on Table 4.4 on accessibility to play 3.10 Regular participation in physical activity
space. among children and young people is vital
for healthy growth and development. Less
The use of roofs, terraces and indoor space than a third of boys (32%) and a quarter
can be an alternative to ground floor open of girls (24%) aged 2 15 achieve the
space but issues about safety and supervision minimum physical activity levels needed for
should be given careful consideration. good health in England (Start Active, Stay
Active p.14). There is therefore an urgent
need to significantly increase opportunities
for our children to be active. Childhood
LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST
Policy 3.5 Quality and design of housing obesity is closely linked to physical
development inactivity, and London has the highest
Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play rates of childhood obesity in England.2
and informal recreation There are inequalities in childhood obesity
Policy 3.16 Protection and enhancement of by deprivation and ethnicity. Areas
social infrastructure of greatest development potential in
Policy 6.9 Cycling London (opportunity areas and areas for
Policy 6.10 Walking intensification) are often closely aligned
Policy 7.1 Building Londons with deprived areas and communities.
Neighbourhoods and Communities New development, including housing
Policy 7.2 An inclusive environment estate renewal programmes present a real
Policy 7.3 Designing out crime opportunity to improve the quantity and
quality of play spaces in deprived areas and
thereby improve the health of Londoners
and reduce health inequalities.
1 Start Active, Stay Active: A report on physical activity from the four
home countries Chief Medical Officers
2 National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for England,
2010/11 school year, December 2011
3.11 To enable children and young people to live the opportunity to make friends also
healthy and active lives, they should grow contribute to the good health of children.
up in high quality environments that are
safe and offer them access to opportunities 3.13 Health and Wellbeing Boards will establish
to participate in physical activities that a shared view of the needs and potential
are appropriate for their age and stage of assets of the community through the Joint
development. These environments should Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and
include: will be responsible for developing and
implementing a Joint Health and Wellbeing
Transport: safe routes for active travel Strategy (JHWS). This will present an
to school, safe routes to parks and play opportunity to align strategies and
space programme to promote physical activity,
Play: access to quality play spaces for including planning interventions to promote
outdoor play, dedicated play centres child play opportunities and ensuring that
for indoor play, access to schools all local journeys can be carried out by
and colleges with good playground children using physically active modes.
provision, and physical education
activities IMPLEMENTATION POINT 3
Sport: access to sports infrastructure Play spaces and their urban environment
such as playing pitches, dance clubs and should enable children and young people
swimming pools. throughout their whole lives to be physically
active, in travelling, in formal play and sport.
The location of play spaces should be
accessible by walking and cycling routes The preparation of Opportunity Area
which are suitable for children to use.3 Planning Frameworks or Area Action Plans
can provide opportunities to increase
3.12 Investment in parks and green spaces physical activity and respond to play space
should be seen as an investment in public needs in large scale development.
health 4 and parks should provide a range
of formal and informal recreation activities
for children and young people (see LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST
Londons public open space categorisation Policy 2.13 Opportunity Areas and Areas for
table 2.1). The potential health benefits Intensification
of outdoor play in natural settings include: Policy 2.14 Areas for Regeneration
positive attitudes towards physical Policy 3.2 Improving health and addressing
activity; development of higher cognitive health inequalities
Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
processes and healthy brain development;
and informal recreation
and promotion of and improved healthy
Policy 3.7 Large residential developments
wellbeing throughout the whole lives.
Policy 6.9 Cycling
Interaction with other children and
Policy 6.10 Walking
3 Promoting physical activity, active play and sport for pre-school and
Policy 7.18 Protecting local open space and
school-age children and young people in family, pre-school, school and addressing local deficiency
community settings, NICE Public Health Guidance 17, National Institute
for Health and Clinical Excellence (2009)
4 NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan study, through the Heart of Wigan
Partnership
23
CASE STUDY - FUN ROUTES TO PLAY

Inclusion
3.14 Disabled children and young people have
the right to play and be included in their
local communities but this will only be
achieved if the barriers to accessible play
are identified and overcome. The guidance
Playing Outdoors? Disabled childrens
views of play pathfinder and playbuilder
play spaces5 provides an overview of
disabled childrens perceptions of play
Sustrans spaces. It identifies access into and around
play spaces as one of the most significant
Sustrans guide Routes to play 1 makes some barriers that excludes disabled children
recommendations on ensuring children and from play spaces. The existence of steps,
young people can play actively and travel the lack of dropped kerbs and associated
independently around the areas in which they tactile paving or wide smooth level paths
live. Stimulating lightly trafficked routes for around and to play equipment, the lack of
instance with artworks, paint on the paths accessible toilets and the lack of parking
surface and natural play features can offer often prevents disabled children and their
excellent opportunities for spontaneous and families from getting into and using play
creative play and can encourage children to
spaces.
walk to school, the park, shops or visit friends.
Transport for Londons Legible London ini-
3.15 All children should be able to access
tiative also aims to simplify wayfinding and
equipment and play opportunities that are
improve access to play spaces for people on
foot. exciting and fun and offer various levels
of challenges. Sensory experiences as well
1 Routes to play: A guide for Local Authorities: How to ensure chil-
dren and young people can get to play spaces actively and indepen- as the use of equipment that can be used
dently. Sustrans, August 2009 in different ways by children at different
stages of development and with differing
levels of ability should be encouraged.
The appendix in this guidance provides
an example of the work that KIDS, the
disabled children charity did on creating
an inclusive world for disabled children in
parks, open spaces, play opportunities and
playgrounds, using 6 principles of inclusive
design:
5 Playing Outdoors? Disabled childrens views of play pathfinder and

playbuilder play spaces. KIDS, 2010
diversity and difference;

CASE STUDY - INCLUSIVE LANDSCAPE
ease of use; DESIGN SPD
freedom of choice and access to
mainstream activities;
quality;
legibility and predictability; and
safety.
3.16 Different age ranges child, teenagers and

adults will in practice want to, and will:
use the same space separately at the

different times of the day; LB of Islington
and also share the same space at the
same time as a matter of course. Islington Councils Inclusive Landscape
Design SPD 1 provides comprehensive
This approach is underpinned by the guidance on delivering inclusive design
principles of inclusivity. Such spaces can in a historic urban setting which includes
also foster informal sociability between parks, open spaces, tow paths, squares and
generations. Design and management residential areas, adventure playgrounds and
practice should support the cross- hidden oasis. Illustrated with photos of good
and bad examples, this SPG fills a gap in
generational use of the outdoors.
inclusive design advice helping to ensure that
planning applications for public realm and
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 4 landscape projects implement the principles of
To ensure that all play spaces and routes to inclusive design.
play space are accessible to, and usable by,
disabled children and disabled parents, local SEE ALSO: Stephen Hawkings Special
authorities should be actively identifying and School case study below and Appendix 3 on
addressing the shortage of play provision for Inclusion.
disabled children in their areas. New propos-
1 London Borough of Islington. Inclusive Landscape Design Supple-
als should provide inclusive play space and mentary Planning Document, January 2010
equipment by meeting the highest standards
of accessible and inclusive design.

Policy 3.1 Ensuring equal life chances for all
Policy 7.1 Building Londons Neighbour-
hoods and Communities
Policy 7.2 An inclusive environment
25
CASE STUDY INCLUSIVE PLAY LANDSCAPE
James Whitaker
Project - Norwood Park Waterplay (LB of Lambeth), erect architecture. The new water
play area in Norwood Park is an extension to an existing equipment based playground. The clients
brief was to create a natural, inclusive play landscape offering water and sand play specifically
catering for children with special needs and their families and carers. The design of two gently
sloping mounds linked with a timber bridge exaggerates the play areas naturally elevated position
within the park. The mounds embrace a generous, partly sand-filled sculpted valley and shelter
it from the prevailing winds. Purpose designed play structures, climbing features and sand and
water play elements are embedded in this landscape to provide a multi-level, all-weather play
offer. Playing with mud, transporting, shaping and building with sand and water are basic needs,
which bring together all age groups. The water and sand play offers children the opportunity to
engage in proper work and has some of the appeal of a real building site encouraging creative
and co-operative play by enabling children to work together and engage in self-initiated projects
and games. This project recognised the difficulties wheelchair users can encounter with sand as a
ground covering, and so combined solid, firm, and smooth ground surfaces with the sand to enable
wheelchair users to enjoy the area.
Diversity in lifetime address any negative perceptions or

neighbourhoods tensions between young people and other
members of the community alike.
3.17 In a diverse city like London, children have
different needs for play; these can vary 3.20 Boroughs should support the development
depending on their age, sex, ethnicity, of networks within/between families
religion and level of ability. To ensure and the wider community to help
all children have equal access to play foster stronger relationships within
opportunities in accordance with equalities the neighbourhood, build solutions to
legislation,6 it is important that those issues that concern the community and
needs are identified and that places are give a greater sense of belonging to
tailored to ensure they are effectively met. the neighbourhood (see case study on
Play Streets models in Chapter 5). This
3.18 Teenagers also have specific needs. will contribute to achieving the lifetime
They particularly enjoy socialising and neighbourhood principles promoted in
congregating together and should have a Policy 7.1.
legitimate presence in shared public and
communal realm. Not all of them enjoy 3.21 A lifetime neighbourhood is also a place
being physically active and provision for that people relate to and feel they belong
most girls, and many boys who do wish to to. The design of play space should be
participate in informal recreation should be site-specific to create a sense of place
considered and provided for. and reflect the character of the local area.
The type of play provision should be
According to a Play England survey, 81% appropriate to the characteristics of the
of adults believe children playing outside site and surrounding areas. See Table 4.6
helps to improve community spirit. Playable space typology.
3.19 Children playing outside their homes can 3.22 Emphasis should be placed on the creation
result in neighbours getting to know each of family friendly environments, and
other better and build trust between local requirements such as accessible toilets,
residents. It can enable the development of baby-changing facilities and seating should
social networks and a sense of community be provided to make the neighbourhood
belonging. Outside dedicated play spaces, accessible to all, including parents, carers
making neighbourhoods with playable and grandparents accompanying children.
environments can benefit people of all These supporting amenities that should be
ages in the neighbourhood. They can provided where the play area is not close
provide for places for quiet enjoyment as to where people live should be included
well as for places to be active. Interactions in management plans to prevent them
between people of different ages in deteriorating over time.
parks and public spaces can contribute
to building trust and understanding and
6 Equality Act 2010
27
CASE STUDY ACCOMMODATING THE NEEDS OF A JEWISH COMMUNITY
Sean Pollock
Sean Pollock
Project - Clapton Common Playground (LB of Hackney), erect architecture. The design was
developed to accommodate the wishes of the predominantly Hasidic Jewish community, specifically
to avoid water and sand, to provide space for buggies and a generous amount of seating. A bound-
ary for the under 5s area was designed to meet the requirements of the users. To maximise the avail-
able space in a relatively small site, the boundary incorporated seating, perching, balancing and oth-
er play opportunities. Fallen trees (which are an Orthodox Jewish icon) and playhouses were located
and designed to be playable from the inside and outside of the play area. The provision of seating
enables parents and carers to supervise their childrens play, but also incites social interaction and
the building of social networks. In a busy city where we often hear about people and families feeling
socially isolated, this encourages community cohesion and promotes health and wellbeing.
CASE STUDY A SOCIAL MULTI-USE GAMES AREA (MUGA)
muf
Project S(MUGA) Memorial Park (LB of Newham), muf. Expanding the functionality of the
traditional MUGA as social as well as sporty space. The designated games area includes a more
loosely defined space for informal play and sitting, enabling both the users of the games area and
spectators or other users, including those hard to reach groups that are either unwilling or unable to
take part in sports or formal youth schemes to socialise. The design for this MUGA was based on a
series of workshops held with pupils in a nearby school.
29
CASE STUDY REFLECTING THE CHARACTER OF THE LOCAL AREA
muf
Project Climbing tree (LB of Camden), muf. The climbing tree is located in the small green
space of Leighton Crescent, Camden. The scheme turns the tree as play opportunity on its head
whilst references the architectural language of the conservation area.

Boroughs, developers and designers should Policy 3.1 Ensuring equal life chances for all
identify the needs of children and their fami- Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
lies, and those of other users of the space by and informal recreation
engaging with them at the earliest opportu- Policy 7.1 Building Londons
nity (see Chapter 5, Engagement). Neighbourhoods and Communities
Policy 7.4 Local Character
Playable space in a child- multifunctional spaces. They include:

friendly city
Imaginative integration of amenity and
3.23 For children and young people, the key play space by incorporating planting,
feature of a successful space for play is landscape, street furniture and play
its playability. A playable space is one features (particularly on spaces that are
where childrens active play is a legitimate above ground). Chapter 4 deals with
use of the space. Playable space typically some of the design issues that need to
includes some design elements that have be resolved
play value: they act as a sign or signal to Playable street landscaping that includes
children and young people that the space is planting, changes of level, boulders, logs
intended for their play. The creation of play and other engaging features, in order to
value through fixed equipment, informal create incidental play opportunities
recreation activities or engaging landscaping Stimulating play features scattered
features should be a key requirement. along lightly trafficked, accessible
pedestrian and cycling routes, linking
3.24 In London, where space is at a particular play spaces and informal recreation
premium, public space, streets, pavements, areas to housing, schools, shops and
walkways and various forms of public open other key neighbourhood destinations
space have the potential to be treated as that promote independent mobility and
incidental spaces for play. The creation of active travel ( See Sustans case study)
incidental playable spaces is dependent Integration of public art as a means of
on the creative use of the public realm enrichment and animation
to provide enjoyment and discovery for Commissioning of artists and designers
children and young people for example to produce work within the general
through the creation of landscaping and landscape scheme as well as prescribed
high quality public art. These spaces can, play spaces
with good design, be multifunctional Play Streets (see Chapter 5) and other
offering a range of leisure and recreation highway measures, such as car parking
opportunities for users of all ages as well as located away from public play spaces,
being playable. The playable space typology to create playable space in streets and
in Table 4.6 builds on the multifunctional other public spaces.
concept of playable play and defines a Sharing of space, including new and
hierarchy of play provision. existing school playgrounds and sports
facilities.
3.25 The measures below give examples of how
new developments such as high density
housing and mixed-use schemes can be LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST
designed and operated to improve the Policy 3.5 Public realm
environment/public realm for children, Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
young people and other users and create and informal recreation
31
CASE STUDY - INCIDENTAL PLAYABLE SPACE

The creative use of the public realm and imaginative landscaping can provide opportunities for
children to play throughout the city, where appropriate.
Tim Gill
Water features in a residential development (Hammarby Sjostad, Stockholm)
H Sanson
A river to play in a privately owned public space (More London, LB of Southwark)

CASE STUDY - PARKOUR: ACTIVE IN THE

School facilities
CITY
3.26 School facilities and school playing fields
can provide an important contribution
to high quality play spaces for a range of
community activities, such as pre or after
school cultural and other sports activities.
Where possible, children should be allowed
access to use them outside school hours.
Maximum use of schools after school hours
or at weekends can contribute to reducing
Kiell deficiencies in play provision, providing
children with greater choice for play
Project - Westminster Academy (LB activities, respond to the needs of working
Westminster). Westminster opened the UKs parents as well as supporting educational
first dedicated Parkour Park in a school facility attainment. Already undertaken initiatives
(Westminster Academy). Parkour consists of have also demonstrated that it contributes
finding new ways through the city landscape to social inclusion, community cohesion,
by scaling walls, jumping down steps and improved health, youth diversion and
vaulting obstacles. It is about mastering body parental engagement.
movement (and not predefined movements),
moving in any terrain and becoming
3.27 Increasingly, secondary schools are
autonomous in ones own body. The sport
developing leadership skills in their
is naturally accessible and does not require
students and applying them in local
any specific adaptation. Over 8s can join
settings whereby students (Young Leaders)
regular classes which start at 1 and more
seasoned Parkour professionals can use the often work in primary schools and run
schools Park unsupervised once they pass activities for children after school. Sports
a competence test with qualified instructors national governing bodies are starting to
from Parkour UK. Parkour UK as the National establish coaching and training courses
Governing Body (NGB) delivers nationally for young people in the community in
recognised coaching qualifications, leadership exchange for the use of facilities (see case
awards for young people aged 14-24 and study on Parkour).
teachers training courses.
3.28 During the school day, physical activity
and organised sport at school are also
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 6 important and schools and colleges should
Public and communal spaces should be look to make arrangements to share each
designed so they are multifunctional and others services (local on-site or off-site
offer a range of leisure and recreation provision for play) when these are not
opportunities for users of all ages, as well as fully used during school day. This may
being playable. The proposed playable space be particularly relevant for free schools
typology in Table 4.6 addresses the potential
for multifunctional spaces.
33
that may not have sufficient space to

CASE STUDY - COMMUNITY USE OF
accommodate sports facilities on site. WESTMINSTER ACADEMYS SPORT
School collaboration is key and there are FACILITIES
many examples of strong progression and
continuity taking place within families It is the ambition in Westminster that each and
of schools. Containers of materials, play every secondary school site will open up their
bags of equipment (loose parts) or small sport facilities to the community and have a
world play (small equipment) also present formal community use agreements in place by
an opportunity to optimise the use of 2017.
schools playgrounds that cannot be
physically improved to stimulate, facilitate Academy Sport, part of Westminster Academy
and enhance childrens play at school. This provides an excellent and unique range of
has been tested successfully through the facilities on offer to clubs, community groups,
TOPS program in Scotland and successfully schools and residents. Facilities include: 5 multi
supports early years play (Learning Through use synthetic pitches, tennis court, 4 badmin-
Landscapes contact in Appendix 4). ton court sports hall, exercise studio, UKs first
dedicated Parkour Park on a school site, beach
3.29 Sport England recently published an volleyball court.
Opening Schools Toolkit for Schools7 that
offers best practice options and solutions Westminster Academy manages the facility
to opening up school facilities to the under a legally binding lease and a community
use agreement provides consistency in terms of
community. It emphasises a number
pricing policy and priority order of user groups.
of models to address the concerns of
Each community use agreement is a formal re-
management and maintenance. The
quirement as part of the planning process. The
key is to have a realistic business plan
Academy also has a dedicated Academy Sport
in place which covers all costs including facility operations team and general manager.
staffing and site/equipment maintenance
and makes the balance between income A community management group repre-
generation and costs. Establishing links sented by the City Council, the Academy PE
with or utilising information from sports department and community groups meets on
national governing bodies is important to a monthly basis to review the ongoing pro-
gain expert advice on how to use facilities gramme, financial performance and participa-
correctly and on maintenance schedules as tion levels. In 2011/12, 200,000 customers
well as to save costs. visited and made use of the facilities. More
recently an overarching business plan has been
developed to enhance the linkages between
what is offered in PE, extracurricular time and
community use (typically 6pm onwards Mon-
day to Friday). One example of this in practice
is volleyball, as a focus sport the PE depart-
ment are now able to signpost young people to
the senior session during community use and
7 http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/opening_schools.aspx
also benefit from club coaches working with
the extracurricular clubs session.
CASE STUDY NATURAL PLAY IN SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
Project - Caledonian Primary School (Glasgow,Scotland), LTL. Play should be seen as a fun-
damental aspect of childrens school life experiences. The school grounds charity Learning Through
Landscapes (LTL) has recently explored how European school playgrounds and their inspiring and
creative play practice (in particular natural play) could be adapted to a UK context in 8 primary
schools in Scotland. To find out more on the practicalities of making them work and their many ben-
efits for children see: http://www.ltl.org.uk/scotland/programme.php?cs=2

Where possible, schools should make ap- Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
propriate arrangements to open their build- and informal recreation
ing (playgrounds and sports facilities) to Policy 3.18 Education facilities
the community outside school hours and/ Policy 3.19 Sports facilities
or share their facilities with other nearby
schools..
35
Access to nature 3.31 Access to nature is an important

contributor to childrens health and access
One in seven children in London has not to both existing and new wildlife habitats
visited a green space in the last year. should therefore be enhanced for children.
London Plan Policy 3.6 seeks to ensure all
Sowing the Seeds, London Sustainable children and young people have access to
Development Commission8 play and informal recreation incorporating
trees and greenery wherever possible.
3.30 Two thirds of the area of Greater London The Mayor expects Londons biodiversity
is covered by green spaces (including and natural heritage to be conserved and
gardens) or water,9 and 9.8% is designated enhanced for the benefit of current and
as Metropolitan Open Land. However, future Londoners and trees and woodlands
many children in London, in particular from should be protected, maintained and
Black and Minority Ethnic groups still do enhanced. Policy 7.19 sets out criteria
not have adequate access to these natural and procedures for identifying land of
places. Children in London face additional importance for Londons biodiversity
barriers compared to those in other parts for protection in LDFs and identifying
of the UK, as a result of high population areas of deficiency in access to nature. If
densities, pressure on green space, new play provision is proposed in Areas
deficiencies in provision of public open of Deficiency for Access to Nature, the
space in many areas and poorer access to design should incorporate higher quality
private gardens. The report Sowing the natural landscaped areas. Care should be
Seeds: Reconnecting Londons children taken when considering formal play spaces
with nature through play10, commissioned and equipment in a Site of Importance
by the London Sustainable Development to Nature Conservation (SINC), to avoid
Commission explores how children can be damaging the valued habitats. In these
reconnected with nature, and the benefits areas, natural features could provide a
that may be experienced as a result. It valuable experience.
puts forward 12 recommendations to
address the issues identified in the report
and to make contact with nature a part of Interactive GIS-based map
Savlon and Play England, in conjunction
everyday life for more of Londons children.
with Natural England, have launched a fully
interactive GIS-based map where the public
can search for and add good natural places
to play, and upload comments and photos to
show why they are good or need improving.
8 London Sustainable Development Commission. Sowing the Seeds:

Reconnecting Londons children with nature through play. GLA, Novem-
ber 2011
9 Communities and Local Government. Generalised Land Use Database
Statistics for England 2005, February 2007http://www.communities.gov.
uk/publications/planningandbuilding/generalisedlanduse
10 Ibid
CASE STUDY - A DEAD TREE COMES CASE STUDY THE IMPORTANCE OF

BACK TO LIFE COMMUNITY GARDENS
Calthorpe Project
Project The Calthorpe Project, LB of

Tim Gill
Camden. The Calthorpe Project is a 1.2
Project- Highgate New Town (LB of acre inner city oasis in Kings Cross where
Islington), muf. The creative use of a trunk the community mostly lives in flats with no
and the net around it promotes natural play. gardens. The project enables local children to
reconnect with the natural environment by
participating in organised activities or creating
their own. Children can learn about nature,
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 8 get plenty of exercise and meet friends. Holi-
LDF play policies and play strategy should day, after-school and weekend programmes
establish a shared vision that all children provide outdoor, creative and social activities
in London have good access to sites where for local children. Volunteers with a few hours
they can experience nature as part of their to spare help maintain the garden and food
everyday lives, and have engaging everyday growing area.
nature experiences in such a site, beginning
in their early years.
Wherever possible, play spaces should incor- Policy 2.18 Green infrastructure
porate trees and greenery. Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play
addressing local deficiency
Policy 7.19 Biodiversity and access to nature
Policy 7.21 Trees and woodlands
37
Map 3.1 Local park indicative deficiency area
Source: Map derived from GiGL data 2011 Crown Copyright and database right 2012. Ordnance Survey 100032216.
Children are able to adopt and make the most of wild spaces, if they are given the opportunity to play.
LTL/Malcolm Cochrane
Safety and security Thus, in my opinion, the proper approach

to British or European standards is not to
Children need and want to take risks when regard them as laying down a compulsory
they play. Play provision aims to respond to standard to be followed slavishly in all
these needs and wishes by offering children cases, but as a guideline demonstrating
stimulating, challenging environments for the general consensus as to what would
exploring and developing their abilities. In constitute sensible precautions in any
doing this, play provision aims to manage the given case. If a rational process of risk
level of risk so that children are not exposed to assessment, together with a balance of
unacceptable risks of death or serious injuries cost, risk and benefit can justify departure,
then there would be no failure to exercise
Managing Risk in Play Provision: reasonable care. [emphasis in original
Summary Statement, Play Safety Forum11 Opinion13]
3.32 Good places for play should include a 3.34 The primary legal requirement for
degree of physical challenge and allow providers is to undertake a suitable
managed opportunities for children and and sufficient risk assessment of play
young people to take risks. There is a provision. Risk assessments should strike
growing consensus that play space design the balance between the risks and the
has become overly influenced by fear benefits of risks and consider trading-off
of litigation and a subsequent drive to risk-benefit between safety and other
minimise injuries. The risk of injury cannot goals. Play Englands Managing Risk in
be eliminated in any space, and minor Play Provision Implementation Guide 14
and easily healed injuries are part of every shows how play providers can replace
childs experience. current risk assessment practice with an
approach that fully takes into account the
3.33 There is no specific legislation on play benefits to children and young people of
safety in the UK and there is widespread challenging play experiences. It provides
confusion about the status and applicability a useful approach for those who manage
of industry Standards, Guidance and spaces and settings in which children play,
advisory notes issued by a range of and for those involved in designing and
organisations and interests. A suitable and maintaining them. Risk-benefit assessment
sufficient risk-benefit assessment, a risk focuses on making judgements and
assessment process endorsed by the HSE, identifying measures that manage risks
is the vehicle for making judgments as to while securing benefits. Given childrens
whether or not a Standard, guidance or appetite for risk-taking, one of the
advisory note is applicable in a particular factors that should be considered is the
situation. Managing Risk in Play Provision: likelihood that they will seek out risks in
implementation guide (MRPP) quotes environments that are not controlled or
written advice12 given by Raymond Machell designed for them, if play provision is not
QC, of Byrom Street Chambers: challenging enough. Another factor is the
11 Play Safety Forum. Managing Risk in Play Provision: Summary State- 13 http://www.playlink.org/articles/?p=8
ment, June 2008 14 Play England and Play Safety Forum. Managing Risk in Play Provi-
12 Commissioned by PLAYLINK sion. 2008
39
learning that can take place when children other neurodiverse conditions, who may
are exposed to, and have to learn to deal not be fully aware of their surroundings
with, environmental hazards. London Plays and the dangers that may exist, and may
Implementation guide explains how risk- wander. This is particularly applicable to
benefit assessment can address issues such formal play areas to identify the edge of
as the selection of surface type, the use the play space. Formal play spaces should
of fencing and self-build structures in a also consider observable space, i.e. how
particular location. the space can be observed by parents or
carers of disabled children particularly
3.35 Good design can also help to make spaces those with autism to use the space more
be and feel - more secure for children independently. Where physical barriers are
and young people and their parents required; for example to the edge of formal
and carers, and less prone to misuse or play areas, they should be recognisable
vandalism. Routes to play spaces should and robust, but also attractive and not look
be legible, well-connected and well- purely functional.
maintained. Sufficient and attractive
provision for young people for instance 3.38 The design of play space should take into
can play a part in preventing anti-social account a changing climate. Children
behaviour. and young people should be protected
from risks such as exposure to the sun,
3.36 Young people often enjoy being near hot weather, poor air quality or noise
activities, or simply watching the world go (from busy main roads for instance).
by. Sensitivity is required in judging how, Measures could include the incorporation
in each individual space, the best possible of canopy trees and shading structures/
balance is to be struck between, on the canopies to provide shade and refuges
one hand, providing specifically for young from the heat/weather. Water fountains
people and, on the other, ensuring that should be provided nearby where practical
they are seen as a legitimate presence in as well as biodiverse vegetation or food
shared public and communal space. There growing opportunities to enhance the
is no one way of achieving this but seating outdoor experience. Any water-based
circles of various materials - boulders, play features should be water and energy
mounding, planting, trees and varied efficient. Managing Risks And Increasing
mowing regimes (allowing for uncut grass Resilience: the Mayors climate change
areas) can provide settings that are flexible adaptation strategy15 looks at who and
in use and inviting to use. what is vulnerable to extreme weather
today, considers how climate change will
3.37 Good design should also take into account affect the existing climate risks, or create
that a recognisable physical boundary new risks or opportunities in the future and
or barrier can be beneficial for some provides a framework for action.
disabled children and young adults,
particularly children with autism and 15 Mayor of London. Managing Risks and Increasing Resilience: the
Mayors climate change adaptation strategy. GLA, October 2011
CASE STUDY - PLAY IT SAFE AT BUSH HILL PARK
Play England
Project Bush Hill Park, London Borough of Enfield.

This demonstrates how a stack of simple stones can provide an opportunity for children to chal-
lenge themselves and for young people to sit and hang out in the seating circle. The sand and
pebbles used attenuate impacts from a jump or a fall at a low cost and with little maintenance. The
play features also encourages natural play.
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 9 Boroughs should follow the approach

Boroughs should promote a balanced provided in Play Englands Managing Risk
approach to managing risk in play provision. in Play Provision Implementation Guide to
The need for children to take risks should inform the ways in which play is provided.
be clearly highlighted in play strategies and
play strategy reviews and should set the Measures should be included in the design of
framework for making judgements about play space to take account of the changing
play provision, risks and benefits for children. climate.
41
CASE STUDY SEARCHING FOR BETTER SOLUTIONS

BEFORE AFTER
FreePlay FreePlay
Project - Stephen Hawkings Special School (LB of Tower Hamlets), Free Play.
This primary school for children with severe learning difficulties has transformed its playground
from a blank grey concrete canvas with very little shade, no covered area and very little to do to an
oasis of play and curiosity. A Slow Design approach (see Chapter 5, Engagement) was taken up to
develop a playground that would be accessible and where children would participate in meaning-
ful activities. The whole playscape construction was spread over three years. This allowed the play
designer/builder to get to know the children attending the school, observe how children played in
the space, and progressively build a stimulating playground around the childrens developmental
and sensory needs rather than their chronological age. Swings were used as one key therapeutic
medium to develop sensory integration with children. Bamboo trees and raised boxes with sensory
plants now link the playground to a wooden house where children can play with numerous senso-
ry-based activities indoors if the weather is bad. A hoist within the indoor area allows the children
to come out of their wheelchairs and sit in the sand area or ball pool if desired. A level access tram-
poline and level access see-saw, mirrors and a water play area also form part of the play space. Lots
of planting for shade and quiet areas allow the children to sit and play on the playground.

Policy 5.10 Urban greening
Policy 7.3 Designing out crime
Management and maintenance grow longer as general use keeps the

grass from growing out of control
3.39 Successful places for play will only remain simply mowing a line around the edge
successful if an effective management of mounding indicates to adults that
and maintenance regime is in place. All the area is being maintained and not
spaces will require a degree of ongoing neglected
inspection and site maintenance, and the Sand: Sand does not need to be raked
responsibility for this should be clarified at and heavily maintained on a daily basis.
the outset. Apart from having excellent play value
and acting as a safety surface, through
3.40 Control of dogs and potential related experience local authorities have
health hazards is one aspect of realised that they can do a quick daily
management that many children, young inspection and rake/fork weekly, with
people and parents are concerned about. disinfecting happening monthly (see
Historically, play spaces have relied upon case study on sand pit maintenance
dog-proof fencing to keep dogs out. below)
However, fencing limits childrens freedom Off the shelf equipment: due to it
of movement, make for less flexible use being more readily available is often
and reinforces the tendency to restrict used but is also more costly when
unnecessarily childrens play to specific replacing parts and whole pieces. After
parts of public spaces. Dog management all fallen logs are much cheaper to
issues and actions to prevent any negative replace!
impacts should be reflected as part of open
spaces strategies and management plans. 3.42 Choices for landscaping shrubs, trees and
plants need to be sturdy enough to handle
3.41 Play spaces do not have to be neat and kids at play. Child-resistant materials
tidy and grass or mounding can be left that are durable such as wood and
to grow longer and provide immense play attractive shrubs and plants that are low
value, whilst worn areas of grass around maintenance are the best option to help
seating areas just prove that a park is well ensure that greenery grows and thrives
used. The level of maintenance required as well as children. Those responsible for
will depend on the size and content of developing, delivering and maintaining
a play space and design solutions can innovative natural play spaces within parks
be found for these spaces to generate and similar spaces may find it helpful
low maintenance costs. Below are some to refer to Play Englands Nature Play:
examples: Maintenance Guide16 to get advice on
how to maintain and sustain natural play
Grass: Grass can be left to grow longer, spaces, the level of maintenance required
creating different textures and areas for and the involvement of the community in
exploration (saving on grass cutting) long-term maintenance. Routes and links
Mounding: Mounding can be left to to play spaces should also be appropriately
16 Play England. Nature Play: Maintenance Guide, 2009

43
managed and maintained for people to be

able to continue using the space easily and
safely.
3.43 Developers should agree a management

and maintenance scheme with the local
planning authority. The scheme should
provide for the maintenance of the play
facilities and their supporting amenities, in
perpetuity to the agreed standard by the
developer or an appropriate agency or the
transfer of the facilities to the borough for
it to manage with an agreed maintenance
sum (See also chapter 5).
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 10
In all development proposals, appropriate ar-
rangements for the long term management,
retention, access to and maintenance of any
play space and communal facilities should be
secured.
The creation and management of good play

space will be dependent on the application
of the design principles in table 4.8 when
creating or improving existing space.

Policy 8.2 Planning obligations
Policy 8.3 Community Infrastructure Levy
CASE STUDY - SAND PIT MAINTENANCE, Evidence for change

LONDON BOROUGH OF ISLINGTON Islington reviewed park keepers records and
(LONDON) found that over 5 months from July to No-
Sand is one of the most popular play space vember 2010 nothing was found in sand pits
materials and greatly enhances the quality at most sites. At Highbury Fields and Wray
of play opportunities and childrens play Crescent substances were found that might
experiences. require subsequent disinfectant around 2 to 3
The London Borough of Islington has sand times a month.
pits in 11 parks. As part of their grounds
What does Islington do now?
maintenance contract, each day park keepers
Based on the latest guidance and the latest
record anything found in sand pits.
site specific findings, Islington has put in place
Current guidance a new maintenance regime:
The Natural Play Maintenance Guide1
recommends site-specific assessment of how Inspect and clear all sites daily, fork
to maintain sand pits. PlayLink has found that all sites weekly
maintenance varies across the country from Disinfect Highbury Fields & Wray
daily to monthly visual inspections, raked daily Crescent sand pits every other week
to raked rarely, and topped up several times a Disinfect all other sand pits once a
year to every other year. RoSPA Information month
Sheet 26Sand Play in Childrens Play Areas2 Top up and replace sand as necessary
argues that the problems associated with Monitor what is found at each site
maintaining sand pits are much less than over the next year and reassess after
folk-lore suggests. It recommends that 12 months
regular raking will be needed (ideally daily but
never less than weekly), with periodic forking, The results
regular use of disinfectant, annual topping up Making a small change to the maintenance
and occasional replacement. regime has seen the total cost of maintaining
sand pits go down by around 20,000 per
What did Islington do and how much did year. This has helped us to reach current
it cost? savings targets and helps to dispel the myth
Sand was inspected and cleared daily, that sand is problematic and expensive to
forked and disinfected weekly, topped up as maintain. (January 2011)
necessary and replaced roughly every three
years. The total annual cost of maintaining
sand pits in 2010/11 was 35,000.
1 Nature Play: Maintenance Guide. Play England, 2009

2 Play Safety Information Sheet, Information Sheet Number 26: Sand
Play in Childrens Play Areas. The Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents, 2004
45
ATTENTION TO PLAY DESIGN DETAILS

It is important to incorporate subtle details in scheme design which can be enjoyed by children.
FreePlay
LTL/Malcolm Cochrane
FHAPlay
Gascoyne Estate Playground
(Hackney, London)
Project/Photo - erect architecture
47
CHAPTER FOUR
AP P LYIN G T H E
B EN C H M A R K S
4.1 This chapter provides benchmarks for Recommended steps in the application of
London to assist boroughs in setting benchmark standards
standards for local provision and devising
strategies for improvement of play and 4.3 The benchmark standards apply to
informal recreation facilities. The objective assessing the needs of the existing
of providing attractive play spaces for all population (A) and the needs arising from
children and young people within walking new development (B) and address the
distance of their homes is dependent on following key elements of play provision:
the application of such standards within
the context of the overall play strategy, The Quantitative requirement for play
local characteristics and a comprehensive provision
approach to understanding local needs, Accessibility to play provision
aspirations and opportunities. The Quality of play provision
4.2 London Plan Policy 3.6 highlights the need All three elements need to be considered.
to make provision for play and informal
recreation in development proposals that
include housing, based on the expected A - IDENTIFYING, MAPPING AND
child population generated by the scheme AUDITING CURRENT PROVISION
and an assessment of future needs. This
chapter provides benchmark standards that 4.4 A series of steps is proposed in the
can be used as: application of the benchmark standards
in assessing the needs of the existing
A baseline to understand the extent population. These are set out in Figure
to which the needs of children and 4.1 and relate to the audit of existing
young people living in an area are provision. These steps are recommended
currently met. This can be used as an as part of the analysis and identification of
evidence base in policy and strategy objectives of the play strategy and as a tool
development and; to assist in pre-application negotiations
A development management tool and the determination of planning
to establish the requirement for new applications.
provision to meet the needs arising
from new residential developments
when dealing with planning
applications.
49
Figure 4.1 Identifying, Mapping and Audit of Current Provision
Identifying, Mapping and Auditing Current Provision
Step A1
Establish a profile of the existing
A1:
population
Step A2:
Establish accessibility levels of existing play space
Step A3:
Determine the quality of existing play provision
Step A4:
Establish requirement for provision to serve existing population
Step A5:
Identify existing areas of deficiency

Evidence gathering 4.7 Based on the GLAs population projections,

it will be possible to chart projected
4.5 A range of evidence already gathered population changes. It will be useful to
by boroughs to support their local show this information on a series of maps
development framework or various and GIS will allow land and population
strategies can be used to feed into the data to be easily linked, recorded and
audit. London Plan Policy 3.16 on social analysed. This will assist in defining areas
infrastructure encourages boroughs to of particular need and in assessing these
assess the needs for social infrastructure at characteristics against the distribution of
the local and sub-regional level regularly. open space.
These assessments should provide borough
officers with helpful information on local 4.8 There are significant variations in the
deficits and surpluses of play provision population profile of different parts of
in their area. Local town centre health London. Understanding local needs for
checks can also be a source of information play will involve estimating the number and
to identify play provision in town centres. proportion of children and young people in
Open space strategies and findings from different age bands. This will be a key step
the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment in understanding the nature of local needs
(JSNA) can also help establish the needs in the early stages of review of the play
of children and teenagers for recreational strategy.
space.
4.9 The age bands of under-5s, 5-11 and 12+
Step A1: What is the population profile? have been selected to ensure consistency
between the application of benchmark
4.6 A demographic and social profile of the standards and the assessment of needs and
borough should be prepared building on the approach adopted in the assessment of
existing data sources to provide an up-to- educational requirements. It is recognised,
date picture of the local area and should however, that there will be a range of
be examined by output areas or a ward needs within these age bands and within
basis. The list below illustrates the type of the characteristics of the area and that
information that should be considered: provision will be required to reflect the
needs of all ages and localities. This
Population distribution and age will require flexibility in design of play
structure areas (see Chapter 3, Diversity). It will
Proportion of children in different age also be necessary to plan for changing
bands demographics over time.
Poverty, deprivation and polarisation
including indices of multiple
deprivation such as child poverty
51
Step A2: How accessible is existing play 4.12 The preparation/review of play strategies
space? will involve an audit of current play
provision. In deciding what play spaces
4.10 Distance is a key barrier to childrens play. to include in the audit, consideration
All children and young people should have should be given to the range of spaces
access to play space within reasonable within the agreed scope of the strategy.
and safe walking distance of their homes. As a minimum, audits should assess areas
Distance can be a useful tool in helping to where play is intended to be at least one
identify deficiencies in provision but it will of the main functions of the space. The
also be necessary to identify any barriers to dedicated play spaces included in the
children accessing those areas within the audit should be free and accessible and
recommended distance (e.g. traffic, roads provide unrestricted opportunities for
where speeds are in excess of 20mph, play and informal recreation for children
railways, watercourses, isolated or secluded and young people. In undertaking the
routes, social divisions associated with/by audit, multifunctional spaces that are
location) and to make allowance for these genuinely playable (see Chapter 3) can
in assessing access to existing facilities. be counted even if they have some other
uses. However, categories of open space
4.11 Distance should be measured as actual provision that are not playable should not.
walking distance from residential units (see Table 4.3). Audit tools such as the
taking into account barriers to movement. Pedestrian Environment Review System
This is particularly relevant for disabled (PERS) identify the quality of routes to
parents and children and older people play space and any barriers that may exist.
accompanying children. The following Barriers to accessing play space will vary in
benchmark standards are recommended in scale depending upon the age of the child
respect of different age bands. attempting to access play space.
Table 4.2 Accessibility to Play Space (existing
provision) Step A3: What is the quality of existing
Child Age Actual Walking distance from play provision?
residential unit
(taking into account barriers) 4.13 Following an assessment of quantitative
requirements and accessibility to existing
Under 5s 100 m
provision, it should now be clear whether
there is a deficiency in existing play
5-11 year 400 m
provision in the area. The next stage is to
olds
understand in more detail the quality of
12 + 800 m
existing provision in order to assist the
integration of decision making, including
improvements to existing play spaces.
4.14 Play areas should be assessed for quality Step A4: How much space is required
and play value and meet a minimum to serve the needs of the existing
quality and value benchmark standard. population?
The playability of play spaces should be
assessed through a site visit, ideally at 4.15 It will be necessary to assess how
a time when children are more likely to much play space is required to meet
be out of doors. The quality of space for existing needs. Many London boroughs
parents/carers to supervise the play should (particularly in inner London) anticipate
be assessed at the same time. The basis of being in a position of continuing deficiency
this assessment will vary according to local of open space. The audit of play space
practice, but should include consideration will establish the level and distribution of
of the following: existing provision. The application of a
quantitative standard must therefore take
children and young peoples use into account local conditions.
of spaces and facilities for play and
informal recreation as well as parents/ 4.16 Existing national standards (see appendix
carers supervising them (popularity and 1) are too high for practical application
levels of existing use) in London. London boroughs have as a
children and young peoples access consequence been using a more realistic
to spaces and facilities for play and and achievable figure as a benchmark
informal recreation standard for London since the first
children and young peoples publication of the Mayors SPG on
experience of spaces and facilities for Providing for Children and Young Peoples
play and informal recreation (social, Play and Informal Recreation in 2008.
cultural, economic and physical barriers This benchmark standard recommends
to access) a minimum of 10 sq m of dedicated play
quality of local spaces and facilities space per child as a basis for assessing
available for play and informal existing provision within an area. This
recreation (provision of a range of standard is also intended to benchmark
play activities and experiences for provision against other areas. If more
different age groups, settings that appropriate to their local circumstances,
encourage different ages to play boroughs are also able to use the local
together, differing levels of challenge: standards that reflect their own local
how they are dealt with and overcome, priorities and policies as derived from their
fitness for use and condition of existing play strategy. Standards for play provision
facilities and equipment, equality and are in addition to other quantitative
inclusiveness) standards for open space provision
maintenance of local spaces and applied in open space strategies, although
facilities (condition of existing facilities opportunities for the multifunctional use of
and equipment as well as supporting open space should be optimised.
amenities such as toilets, baby
changing facilities)
53
4.17 The benchmark standard will be applied 4.19 The requirement for new play provision
to the number of children within different to meet the needs of children and young
age bands in the population to establish an people in areas of deficiency should be
overall requirement. This will be assessed identified in the play strategy which
against the level and type of existing should highlight opportunities for meeting
play provision in the area to establish this requirement. It will be important to
whether there is an overall deficiency or understand the relationship of the play
deficiency of particular types of provision. strategy to other strategies (see figure 2.2)
Deficiencies in the quality of existing and corporate objectives.
provision should also be identified.
This should be measured against the 4.20 In developing the boroughs open space
adopted qualitative guidelines. A list of strategy, it will also be necessary to identify
improvements that are required to meet how to address the Mayors commitment
the standards should be compiled for to improving access to wildlife and natural
each site feeding into the production of green space (Policy 7.19). The Mayor has
management and action plans as part of identified Areas of Deficiency (AoDs) in
the play strategy. The strategy should also access to nature and produced guidance
identify how investment in existing play Improving Londoners Access to Nature
spaces is to be prioritised. a London Plan Implementation Report.
The relationship and overlap between AoDs
Step A5: Are there existing areas of in access to nature and areas of deficiency
deficiency? in play provision should be identified.
This will have implications for the location
4.18 Existing play spaces should be identified and character of future play provision to
for all age groups in the play strategy address existing deficiencies.
and catchment areas established by the
application of accessibility thresholds.
Barriers to movement such as busy roads
and rail lines may limit the catchment area
and provide its edge. This process will
identify areas of deficiency where children
and young people do not have access
to existing facilities within a reasonable
distance from their homes. This should be
done through the application of GIS using
the criteria and accessibility standards set
out in Table 4.3. The table also identifies
examples of the types of facility that can
be counted as an existing space for play.
Table 4.3 Assessing Areas of Deficiency
Children under 5 Children 5 11 Young people 12+

What counts Small age Equipped age- Adventure Playgrounds
as an existing appropriate appropriate play Sport or recreation space that
space for play? equipped play area is open access (e.g. ball court,
area Public open basketball court, multi-use
Public open spaces with games area)
spaces with potential for Skatepark, bike park or other
potential for informal play wheeled facility
informal play Kickabout areas Fitness trails or other age-
Adventure appropriate equipped areas
playgrounds Outdoor stage
Skatepark, bike Youth shelters
park or other
wheeled facility
Actual Walking 100 m 400 m 800 m
Distance
(taking into
account barriers
to movement)
55
B - NEW DEVELOPMENT:
IMPLEMENTATION POINT 11 DETERMINING THE PLAY SPACE
Standards should be adopted to reflect local
REQUIREMENTS
circumstances, in the light of observations/
engagement on childrens play needs, the
4.21 The steps in assessing the requirement
socio-economic context of the area, health
for new play provision to meet the needs
status and the priorities identified in the play
strategy. arising from new development are set out
in Figure 4.2. This approach can assist
Audits should assess areas where play is planners in pre-application negotiations
intended to be at least one of the main and in determining planning applications
functions of the space (dedicated play for new development.
spaces) as well as spaces that are genuinely
playable but may be multifunctional and Step B1: What is the requirement for
have other uses. new play space provision to meet future
needs?
Standards for play provision are in addition
to other quantitative standards for open 4.22 In assessing future requirements for play
space provision applied in open space provision, it will be necessary to consider
strategies, although opportunities for the the requirements arising from:
multifunctional use of open space should be
optimised. existing local deficiencies and forecast
future needs taking into account the
Needs for play space in large scale future projected growth in the child
development should be progressed through population of the area
Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks or requirements arising from new
Area Action Plans. development in the area.
4.23 A boroughs play strategy should be based

on an understanding of future needs in the
area. This will require an assessment of the
needs arising from new development and
an early understanding of how these needs
can be met in the area. This will assist in
the preparation of Local Development
Frameworks and Area Action Plans and
inform the preparation of development
proposals at an early stage.
Figure 4.2 Assessing the needs arising from new development
Determining the
Play Space Requirements for New Development
Step B1:
Determine if the Development generates a demand for
play space provision
If yes
Step B2:
Calculate how much space is required
Step B3:
Establish accessibility to existing play provision
Step B4:
Establish requirement for on-site or off-site provision
Step B5: Establish off-site provision

Establish type of on-site or contributions in context
provision to meet requirements of Play Strategy
57
4.24 It is recommended that the benchmark or also required to set out guidelines for new
the locally derived standards should be play provision. Where very large residential
applied to the forecast child population developments are proposed, the possibility
of the area. The proposed benchmark of creating multifunctional space (see
standard of a minimum of 10 sq.m. Chapter 3) should be specifically addressed
per child regardless of age is in calculating the appropriate provision
recommended as a basis for assessing and when assessing the surrounding local
future requirements arising from an context.
increase in the child population of
the area. In the light of consultation with 4.26 An appropriate financial contribution
London boroughs and research on the to play provision within the vicinity of
application of standards elsewhere, this the development, should be made for
is considered to be a realistic standard developments with an estimated child
to aspire to and of what is capable of occupancy of fewer than 10 children.
being achieved. This proposed benchmark If the contribution cannot be made
standard is indicative and boroughs may towards an on-site provision in a small
choose to use their own benchmark to development, an equivalent contribution
reflect their local priorities and policies. will be required to be made to an existing
It should be noted that the standard or new off-site provision (see Step B4).
for play provision is in addition to other
quantitative standards for open space Step B2: How much space is required?
provision applied in open space strategies.
4.27 The recommended approach to assessing
4.25 All developments with an estimated child the level of play provision required is based
occupancy of ten children or more should on the application of child occupancy rates.
seek to make appropriate play provision The use of child occupancy is already an
to meet the needs arising from the established planning tool in assessing the
development. If there is the opportunity impact of new development on education
from the new development to access services and a range of alternative
existing provision that has excess capacity methodologies have been developed
or is capable of enhancement from the by London boroughs to understand the
new development, the benchmark standard child occupancy impacts of development
of 10 sq m per child does not need to projects. The methods used in assessing
be applied. If it is not the case, it is education and health requirements can
recommended that benchmark standards be applied in assessing the need for play
should be applied to the anticipated child provision arising from new development.
occupancy of new development. This will This will ensure a consistency and clarity of
give a more effective measure of need approach at the local level.
and will reflect variations in population
characteristics and the mix of housing
types and tenures. The play strategy is
4.28 Child occupancy will vary with the type of updated. The GLA child yield figures have
accommodation and in terms of dwelling therefore been updated accordingly (see
size (usually measured as the number of appendix 2). However, it should be noted
bedrooms) and tenure. It will also vary by that the guidance provided by the GLA
locality and by the ages of the children. Demography and Policy Analysis Group are
Census data confirms, for example, that interim awaiting the 2011 Census figures.
private flats have fewer children and any
children tend to be young children or 4.31 The 10 sq m per child benchmark should
babies. Child occupancy factors should be set in the context of the overall open
relate to new accommodation and space requirements, and where open space
incorporate tenure, dwelling type, size of provision is genuinely playable, the open
the accommodation in terms of number of space may count towards the play space
bedrooms and the ages of the children. provision.
4.29 The Demography and Policy Analysis 4.32 In assessing the quantum of play space
Group (DPAG) at the GLA, previously required, consideration should be given
Data Management and Analysis Group to the type of housing proposed and
(DMAG), can provide advice to boroughs the provision of private gardens. The
on the analysis of child occupancy from requirement for provision of play space
new development. It is recommended that for children under the age of five may
due to the importance of child occupancy be discounted in relation to houses with
factors, boroughs should regularly collect gardens in assessing play requirements.
data relating to the initial occupancy However, provision will need to be made
of new dwellings particularly in new for play space in addition to private
developments on large sites where the amenities for all children over the age
active involvement of developers should be of five to give them the opportunity to
encouraged. socialise with other children. The protection
of private back gardens and residential
4.30 DMAG briefing paper on child yield gardens will enable children to make use of
(DMAG Briefing 2005/25 August 2005) these areas (Policy 3.5). The use of roofs,
and DMAG Demography Update entitled terraces and indoor space can be an
Child Occupancy of New Social Housing alternative to ground floor open space but
(2006/11 May 2006) set out different issues about safety and supervision should
approaches to the calculation of child be given careful consideration (see Chapter
occupancy and have been used to create 3).
GLA child yield formulae for calculating
child occupancy in new development 4.33 Where development is itself taking place
and determining play space. Since on land that has previously been used by
the publication of the 2008 SPG, the children for play, and as a consequence
Wandsworth figures on which the GLA results in a loss of play provision in an area
child yield formulae were based have been of defined need for that type of provision,
59
The calculator above is proposed to boroughs and developers to help calculate child yield and
requirements for play provision based on information about their proposed development (num-
bers of units, type (houses or flats) and tenure (social rented/ affordable, intermediate or private)
(complete white cells in table)). The proposed GLA child yield methodology and child occupancy
figures derived from it are then used to calculate the play space requirements using the GLA
benchmark standard of a minimum of 10 sq m per child. Locally agreed benchmark for play space
requirement can also be inserted to reflect boroughs own specific circumstances (complete white
cell in table). The Excel tool can be accessed on the Mayor of London website at http://www.lon-
don.gov.uk/priorities/planning/vision/supplementary-planning-guidance . As mentioned in paragraph
4.24 a range of methodologies exist and boroughs may choose to use their own-locally agreed
child yield methodology as well as their own benchmark standards to reflect local priorities and
policies
the development should be resisted or 4.35 In areas of deficiency, there will be a

compensatory improvements on top of any requirement for new provision to be
need arising from the expected increase made to meet the benchmark standards
in child population should be made. for accessibility to play provision. The
Development proposals involving loss of local context needs to be considered in
play spaces without adequate justification establishing how deficiencies are identified.
or provision for replacement should be Existing places for play and areas of
resisted (Policy 3.16B). In new housing deficiency should be identified for the
development, temporary facilities may three age bands in the play strategy within
provide a means of mitigating any loss the identified walking distances.
as part of proposals for permanent re-
provision (Policy 3.19) 4.36 It is recommended that development
proposals identify the routes to
Step B3: Establishing accessibility to the proposed play areas to support
existing play provision development proposals. This may be
done through a map or a photo sequence
4.34 All children and young people should have that indicates the distance from site,
access to places for play within reasonable direction of travel and presents solutions
and safe walking distance of new to overcome any barriers to movement
residential developments. The following preventing children accessing the play
benchmark standards are recommended area (e.g. roads, crossings (including for
in respect of different age bands in disabled children), way findings, lighting).
determining whether there is accessibility Such solutions may be the creation of
to existing play provision to serve the safer crossings, traffic calming measures
needs of the existing population and new or better lighting. (see following photo
residents in the area. sequence)
Table 4.4 Accessibility to Play Space (future
provision) Step B4: Where should the new
provision be located?
Child Age Maximum Walking distance
from residential unit 4.37 In assessing the needs arising from new
(taking into account barriers) development, it will be important to
Under 5s 100 m identify existing play facilities within
the identified distance bands. This will
determine whether there will be potential
5-11 year 400 m
for enhancing existing provision to
olds
accommodate the additional needs arising
12 + 800 m from the proposed development as an
alternative to new provision.
61
Photo sequence This page describes through a photographic study the route to a local play space.
Each image indicates the distance from site and the direction of travel.
source: Rathbone Market Planning statement, November 2008

4.38 The Mayor will expect provision to financial contributions as an alternative

be made on-site in new development to new provision if this would meet the
and regeneration schemes wherever objectives set out in the play strategy. If
possible. Play provision must therefore there is no existing provision within an
be considered at an early stage in the acceptable radius of the site, there will be
preparation of development proposals a requirement for on-site provision or for
and masterplans for all sites with a likely an equivalent off-site provision to be made
child yield of more than ten children. This which satisfies the accessibility standards.
may include the identification of strategic This is summarised in tables 4.5.and 4.7.
opportunities that will serve more than one The potential for suitable off-site provision
development particularly in areas of major may be particularly relevant in the case
new development and regeneration. This of smaller development schemes. Larger
should be addressed in opportunity area development proposals (over 5 hectares or
planning frameworks and other relevant 500 dwellings) will be expected to make
area action plans (Policy 3.7). suitable on-site play provision and for this
provision to be planned as an integral part
4.39 Boroughs play strategies should establish of masterplan preparation (Policy 3.7).
where new play provision should be located
and should identify in development plans 4.41 The potential for suitable on-site provision
where development will take place and to meet the needs arising from the
consider the opportunities this gives rise development will be a function of:
to for open space and play provision in the
preparation or review of open space and The size of the proposed development
play strategies. and the number of children: how much
play space will be required?
4.40 Whilst the Mayor will expect provision The quantitative requirement for play
to be made on site, off-site play space generated by the development,
provision including the creation of new the provision of private gardens for the
provision, improvements to existing play under 5s: is it sufficient to provide a
facilities and/or an appropriate financial suitable facility to meet the needs of
contribution secured by legal agreement different age groups?
towards this provision may be acceptable The potential to meet needs through
in accordance with Policy 3.6 where improvements to existing on-site or
it can be demonstrated that there are off-site facilities and the removal
planning constraints and that it fully of barriers to accessibility to these
satisfies the needs of the development facilities or the provision of new off-
whilst continuing to meet the needs of site facilities: is existing provision
existing residents. If there is existing accessible to the development or have
provision within an acceptable distance opportunities for new provision been
of a proposed development, boroughs identified in the play strategy?
should consider the option of off-site The provision of multifunctional spaces
63
Table 4.5 Provision of play space to meet the needs of new development
Under 5s 5-11 12+

Existing within 100 m On site or off-site Off-site contribution Off-site contribution
provision contribution
within On-site On site or off-site On site or

100-400m contribution off-site contribution
within On-site On-site On-site or
400-800m off-site contribution
No existing within On-site Off-site provision Off-site provision
provision 100 m
within On-site On-site On site or

100-400m off-site provision
within On-site On-site On-site
400-800m
that can be used by all ages and other and inclusive open spaces (particularly
spaces such as roof, terrace or indoor on spaces that are above ground);
spaces where these are safe, convenient Safeguarding the privacy and amenity
and accessible: what is the potential of neighbouring homes by good
for flexible use of spaces to meet the site planning, careful layout and the
needs of all age groups? judicious use of planting and screening;
Safeguarding the privacy of homes that
4.42 Integration of amenity and play space abut communal courtyards or terraces
into high density housing and mixed-use by introducing a private threshold
development will require the following space between dwellings and the open
design issues to be resolved: space;
Considering the sharing of space,
Ensuring that all publicly accessible and including new school play areas; and
communal open spaces benefit from Thinking about management
a degree of overlooking and natural responsibilities and costs and insurance
surveillance; liabilities (particularly for play features)
Retaining trees and encourage planting; early on in the design process.
Making sure that communal areas,
particularly above ground, are 4.43 Initiatives to encourage the opening or
accessible to all (including wheelchair shared use of on-site or nearby social
users); infrastructure such as school playground
Incorporating planting, landscape and or sports facilities, community centres or
play features that create attractive, safe swimming pools to local residents should
be actively pursued. In cases where

IMPLEMENTATION POINT 12
schools permit use of their grounds, ways
On-site and off-site provision should satisfy
could be sought for developers to provide
the accessibility standards in table 4.5. If it
support to achieve this, particularly
is demonstrated that additional provision
where such uses are identified in the play
cannot be made on-site, an equivalent
strategy and local circumstances support contribution will be required to be made to
this provision, this could be considered a existing provision or new off-site provision
contribution to off-site provision. within the distance standards.
4.44 In meeting the needs for play provision Improvement to existing play facilities and
arising from the development, the any necessary access improvements may be
developer will be expected to consult with an alternative to the creation of new on/off-
the borough council at an early stage on site provision and accommodate the needs of
the preparation of an appropriate brief both new and existing residents.
and to include proposals as part of the
planning application. The proposals should Off-site provision may be a suitable option
be in accordance with the boroughs play for small development.
strategy. Developers and their consultants
may find it useful to link the process with Larger development proposals/masterplans
RIBA Plan of Work to organise the process will be expected to make suitable on-
of managing and designing building site play provision (Policy 3.7). Strategic
projects and administering building opportunities to provide for play spaces
contracts into a number of key Work Stage to serve more than one development
(here Stages B, C and D). particularly in areas of major new
development and regeneration should be
sought.
Policy 3.5 Quality and design of housing The possibility of creating multifunctional
developments spaces by integrating imaginatively amenity
Policy 3.6 Children and young peoples play and play space into high density housing and
and informal recreation mixed-use development should be explored.
Policy 3.7 Large residential developments
Policy 3.16 Protection and enhancement of Initiatives to encourage the multiple use of
social infrastructure on-site or nearby social infrastructure should
Policy 3.18 Education facilities be sought.
Policy 3.19 Sports facilities
addressing local deficiency
65
Step B5: What types of play space 4.47 The age ranges stated in the hierarchy in
should be provided and how should table 4.6 are indicative. They are inclusive,
existing play provision be improved? and do not mean that users of different
ages should be excluded. All types of space
4.45 The type of provision will be dependent on in the hierarchy are public open spaces
the needs arising from the development where childrens active play is a legitimate
and existing provision in the area. The type activity. However, the spaces have
of provision to be made on site should different characteristics, space and location
also be appropriate to the size of the requirements. Differentiation of space, if
development and characteristics of the any, should be blurred, not rigid, to allow
surrounding area. mixed use of spaces and use by family and
groups of different ages.
4.46 Typologies of play space should be
developed by individual boroughs to reflect 4.48 Playable spaces should be properly
their local characteristics and facilities integrated into new development and
and how local children perceive their the existing context, and designed as a
environment. These should be included in coherent part of the development with
the play strategy. A typology is proposed effective over-looking and active and
in Table 4.6. It defines a hierarchy of play passive surveillance. If leftover spaces,
provision and addresses the potential for overshadowed or windy spaces are utilised,
multifunctional spaces. It provides greater they should be made worthy through
flexibility in relation to changing local innovative design. Table 4.8 sets out the
circumstances and needs. design principles for different types of play
spaces.
Doorstep playable space: a place,
close to home, and suitable for younger 4.49 It should also be noted that the design
children. They can be accommodated of roads (conducive to traffic) and
in smaller areas whilst the other types residential areas can sometime have a
of space will require larger areas. These greater impact on childrens play than
principles are illustrated in Table 4.7 the actual provision of play spaces (see
Local playable space: a place where chapter 3 on accessibility). Similarly, the
children aged up to 11 can play success of any play space is as dependant
Neighbourhood playable space:a on the supporting amenity as the play
more extensive place where children opportunities offered within it (accessible
aged up to 11 can play, and where public toilets, baby changing areas,
there are some facilities for young seating, water fountains, etc).
people over 11. Adventure type space
is often popular. 4.50 The characteristics of the main categories
Youth space:a place where young of playable space are set out in table 4.6
people aged 12 and above can meet below. Other typology such as linear play
and take part in informal sport-based space where play equipment is scattered
activities and other informal recreation. along a pedestrian route may be included if
relevant in individual boroughs typologies.
Table 4.6 Playable Space Typology
Doorstep Playable Local Playable Neighbourhood Playable Youth Space

Space Space Space
Description A landscaped space A landscaped space A varied natural space with Social space for young
including engaging with landscaping and secluded and open areas, people aged 12 and over
play features for equipment so that landscaping and equipment to meet, hang out and
young children, and children aged from so that children aged from take part in informal sport
places for carers to sit birth to 11 can play birth to 11 can play and or physical recreational
and talk. and be physically be physically active and activities.
Parental/guardian active and they and they and their carers can sit
supervision their carers can sit and talk, with some youth
No formal supervision
and talk. facilities.
Flexible use Flexible use
No formal supervision May include youth space
May be supervised
Minimum 100 sq m 300 sq m 500 sq m 200 sq m
Size
Age Group 0-5 0-11 all ages 12+

Examples Landscaping Landscaping to Landscaping to create Space and facilities
of Facilities Climbable objects create natural feel, natural feel, including for informal sport or
Fixed equipment including changes changes of level recreation activity
Seating for carers of level Equipment integrated (e.g. table tennis
Sand and water Equipment into the landscaping, that table, multi-use
feature (if integrated into the allows children to swing, sports areas (MUSA),
possible) landscaping, that slide and climb multi-use games area
allows children to Seating area away from (MUGA), climbing
swing, slide and equipment walls or boulders,
climb Bike, skate and wheeled sports area,
Multigames/ball skateboard facilities skatepark or BMX
walls Kick about area track, traversing wall,
Kick about area Basketball nets exercise trails, outdoor
Basketball nets Hard surface area if exercise/fitness
Seating area away possible equipment)
from equipment Sand if possible Kick about area
Sand (if possible) Water feature if possible Seating areas on the
Shelter plus basketball edge of the activity
net, small wheeled facility space
or climbing wall/boulder Landscaping
for young people Outdoor stage
Youth Shelter
Location Residential areas Residential areas Larger residential areas Larger residential
including housing including housing and housing estates areas and housing
estates estates Local Parks estates
Pocket Parks Local Parks District Parks Adjacent to
Public Squares School playgrounds community facilities
Local Parks
District Parks
Town centres
67
4.51 Similarly, boroughs may wish to consider

the approach of creating outdoor space
for everyone. The starting point is the
understanding that different age ranges
child, teenager, adult will in practice want
to, and will, use the same space in practice
separately at different times of the day;
and also share the same space at the same
time as a matter of course. This approach is
underpinned by the principle of inclusivity.
Such spaces can also foster informal
sociability between generations.
Table 4.7 Play provision in new developments
No. of children
10 29 30 49 50 79 80+
Size of space 100-300 sq m 300-500 sq m 500 800 sq m 800 sq m +
required
Facilities for On-site doorstep On site local On-site local playable space On-site local or
under 5s playable space playable space neighbourhood playable
space
Facilities for Off-site within
5-11s 400 m
Facilities for 12+ Off-site within Off-site within 800 Off-site within 800 m or On-site youth space
800 m m on-site subject to size and
local circumstances
Possible If area is deficient in If area is within If area is deficient in If area is within
variation to play space for 400m of existing spaces for 12+, some on- 800 m of existing
reflect existing 5 11s, some on- facilities for site facilities or new off- facilities for 12+, an
provision site facilities should 5-11s, an off-site site provision should be off-site contribution
be provided contribution may provided within 800 m may be considered if in
be considered if in accordance with play
accordance with strategy
play strategy
Design principles IMPLEMENTATION POINT 13

Play provision must be considered at an early
4.52 The creation and management of good
stage in the preparation of development
play space will be dependent on the
proposals and masterplans for all sites with a
application of qualitative standards when
likely child yield of more than ten children.
creating new space or improving existing Where development is itself taking place on
space. Chapter 3 sets out what makes land that has previously been used by children
a good quality play space. Table 4.8 for play, and results in a loss of play provision
summarises the main design principles for in an areas of defined needs for that type of
consideration. Play Englands Design for provision, the development should be resisted
Play: A guide to creating successful play or compensatory improvements on top of
spaces1 outlines six stages of the design any need arising from the expected increase
cycle for creating imaginative, innovative in child population should be made (Policy
and stimulating play spaces. These stages 3.16).
are: prepare, design, construct, use,
maintain, review. The guide also sets out It is recommended that boroughs and devel-
10 Principles for designing successful play opers apply either a locally set standard or a
spaces. Successful play spaces should be: minimum benchmark of 10m sq of dedicated
play space per child to establish the quanti-
Bespoke tative requirements for play space provision
Well located arising from new developments if it responds
Make use of natural elements to their local circumstances.
Provide a wide range of play
experiences A play space requirement calculator has been
Accessible to both disabled and non- developed to help assess requirements for
play space (see Calculator) if boroughs do not
disabled
already have their own-locally agreed child
Meet community needs
yield methodology and benchmark standards.
Allow children of different ages to play
together
Provision for play space will need to be made
Build in opportunities to experience risk in addition to private amenities for all children
and challenge over the age of five to give them the oppor-
Sustainable and appropriately tunity to socialise with other children.
maintained
Allow for change and evolution It is recommended that development propos-
als identify routes to the proposed play areas
to support planning applications and ensure
play spaces are accessible to all.
Typologies of play space should be developed

by individual boroughs to reflect their local
characteristics and provision.
1 http://www.playengland.org.uk/resources/design-for-play.aspx
69
CASE STUDY GOOD DESIGN MAKES SUCCESSFUL PLAYSPACES
erect architecture
Project Gascoyne Estate (LB of Hackney), erect architecture.

Gascoyne Estate benefited from extensive green spaces on a sloping site. The new design
exaggerates the existing topography to create a landscape of hills and valleys. In one of the valleys
a birch grove has been planted to envelop, when it grows, the play structure of platforms and
bridges. The design of the playspace makes use of natural features that are accessible to all and
allow children to challenge themselves. The space is not delineated so that children of different age
can play together. SEE ALSO image at the start of chapter 4.
Table 4.8 Design Principles
Doorstep playable space Local playable space Neighbourhood playable Youth space
space
Quality Landscape architects or designers who can demonstrate quality work and have expertise in creating child-friendly public space
should design spaces. Designs should be site-specific to create a sense of place and reflect the character of the space. Emphasis
should be placed on the creation of a high quality child/family friendly environment that are sustainable and associated
requirements such as toilets and baby-changing facilities should be considered at the design stage.
Boundary The type of boundaries that are needed between space and adjacent public space needs to be No physical barriers
considered subject to characteristics of surrounding area and potential hazards (i.e. busy streets, deep needed, though some
open water). The needs of disabled children and young people (for example those with autism) should may be helpful. (i.e.
be considered as this group would benefit from recognisable physical boundaries. Boundaries (including for disabled users,
around areas intended for younger children) could be created using landscaping features and informal in ball courts and
planting. Where barriers are required, these should be creatively considered and could also act as seating pitches where there is
or climbing walls. limited open space).

Ownership of it for
young people
Location Not more than 15 m away from the frontage Not more than 30 m from the frontages of, and well Between 10 and
of, and well overlooked by, residential, overlooked by, residential, educational or retail property; 50 m (depending
educational or retail property; or adjacent to or within 30 m of main routes through open space. on context) from
main routes through open space. Easily accessible the frontages of
Linked by established footpath system residential, retail,
Linked by established footpath system
educational or leisure
Integrated into design of development Integrated into design of development property, or within
Easily accessible Appropriate for locating in parks or larger green spaces 50m of main routes
through open space.
Some privacy will
be valued by young
people
Avoid locations
where noise will
cause disturbance
Layout Differentiation of spaces should be blurred, not rigid, to allow mixed use of spaces and use by family and groups of different
ages.
Spaces should be designed and managed to allow children the chance to take risks and attempt physically challenging activities,
while striking a balance that keeps the risk of serious injury to an acceptable level.
Sensitive landscape treatment Sensitive landscape treatment Sensitive landscape

Permeable layout in terms of entry and Permeable layout in terms of entry and circulation treatment
circulation Access for children with disabilities Permeable layout in
Access for children with disabilities terms of entry and
Secluded and more open areas
circulation
Sense of enclosure for users
Access for children
with disabilities
Detailed design of It should consider context, equipment and informal landscaping together, take account of the density and character of the area,
the space and other standards such as access to nature. It should include landscaping, natural features and informal seating. Well-designed
hard landscaping such as walls and steps can serve many uses, including informal seating, stimuli for physical play and goals and
surfaces for ball games. Sand should where possible be included in spaces that are used by younger children for its potential for
creative and constructive play. Fixed equipment provides a focus for some forms of play activity but should not dominate Quality
seating areas that are inviting, attractive and sustainable should also be planned for.
Range of physical and sensory experiences Multifunctional equipment Multifunctional Range of facilities for
Range of physical experiences equipment physical activities as
and multisensory recreation Range of physical Quality space for
opportunities experiences and informal recreation
multisensory
recreation
opportunities
Commissioning of Layout and design should start with a clear brief stating the user groups the space is intended for, management and maintenance
project arrangements and the key characteristics of the space, including access points and safety issues. The brief should reflect the
likely population profile and be shaped by an audit of nearby spaces and facilities.
Indicative Minimum 1.5% build costs/annum 1.5% build costs/annum 1.5% build costs/ 1.5% build costs/
maintenance costs annum annum
71
Engagement event: Kilburn Grange Park
Adventure Playground (Camden, London)
Project/Photo erect architecture
73
CHAPTER FIVE
MAK IN G I T
H AP P E N
Implementation 5.3 There is a wide range of methods that

can be used to engage children, young
5.1 The application of benchmark standards people and the community in planning,
in developing local standards for provision designing, maintaining and managing play
will assist in the development of policies spaces. It will be important to adapt the
to address deficiencies, enhance existing techniques to the needs and aspirations
provision and create new play space. The of the different ages, preferences and
emphasis should be on the achievement backgrounds of the children and young
of improvements in both the quantity and people in question. Informal engagement,
quality of play space with a clear emphasis such as taking children/young people to a
on implementation. The development and play setting or play space and watch them
use of local standards will enable priority play should be encouraged. By carefully
actions to be established in the play observing children at play and noting
strategy for the improvement of existing different types of play that are taking place
facilities. This may include increasing at different times of the day, observing
supervised provision, safe routes to how long is spent on different equipment
play spaces, review of maintenance and and settings, how different settings
replacement schedules. encourage different ages to play together
and how differing levels of challenge are
Engagement dealt with and overcome, it will be possible
to test what works and what is missing.
5.2 There is no one-size-fit all approach or In new development where children have
methodology for engaging children and not yet moved, activities with pupils in the
young people but consultation is an nearby schools through model building or
absolute minimum requirement. Children picture drawing of their ideal play may be a
and young people should be involved way of helping shape and design new play
in deciding the design of places for spaces.
play wherever possible, alongside the
involvement of experienced professionals. 5.4 Successful schemes show that active
This will build ownership and help ensure involvement of children and young people
the spaces are shaped by childrens needs, in developing play spaces throughout
wishes and insights into what works and the construction of the playspace is more
what does not work. Location, in particular effective than simply asking for their views
can be a thorny issue, and planners will early on. This has been demonstrated
need to make sure that the views of children through the Slow Build approach. Slow
(including disabled children) are given due Build allows for the contractors to assess
weight alongside those of parents, residents the playspace annually over a period of
and other users. When designing shared 2 or 3 years in order to adapt and re-
and communal spaces, representatives of configure items of playspace. Through
all ages in the neighbourhood should be Slow Build visits, the contractor identifies
brought together to discuss possibilities. under-used/over-used items, collect
75
young peoples, Friends of groups or gives some guidance on engaging with

user groups feedback about what may be the community and on involving children
missing in the current playspace. Regular in the construction process. Play England
secured payments over a period of 2 or 3 and Participation Works guide How
years enable the contractor to adapt the to... 3 includes introductory advice on
space to the childrens and young peoples how to engage children and young
changing needs and keep the design of the people in designing and developing
playspace alive once it has been built. play spaces. Groundwork London also
recently produced a step-by-step guide
5.5 The Mayors Guide to Preparing Play to consulting young people about
Strategies1 provides guidance on transforming open space.4
consultation with children and young
people and the wider community. Play
Englands Design for Play: A Guide to
Creating Successful Play Spaces2 also
CASE STUDY - SELF-BUILD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
FreePlay
Project Stewart Road Adventure Playground (LB of Waltham Forest), Free Play.
Adventure playgrounds, where young people build their own play structures, present a unique op-
portunity to place Slow Build/Design into the process, as the playgrounds grow and change on a
yearly basis. NOTE. Adventure Playgrounds are exempt from European Standards for Playground
Equipment (EN 1176).
1 Mayor of London. Guide to Preparing Play Strategies. GLA, April 2005 3 Play England and Participation Works. How To Involve Children and
2 Play England. Design for Play: A guide to creating successful play Young People in Designing and Developing Play Spaces, 2009
spaces, 2008 4 Groundwork London. No Particular Place to Go: A Step-by-Step Guide
to Consulting Young People about Transforming Open Space
Community involvement Involve children and parents in the

construction of the play space
5.6 Community involvement can lead to Identify unused/under-used local
increased use and enhanced quality of community spaces such as wide grass
play space provision. Partnership working verges or pavements, an underused
between the community and the local garage forecourt or front garden or
authority can present many benefits. the street itself, and reclaim them to
It can encourage local ownership, give transform them into new play spaces
access to funding to the community, Increase adult supervision by groups of
expert advice, increase the communitys volunteers made up of grandparents,
understanding of local problems and the teenagers, parents and other adults to
local authoritys constraints. When the create greater, safer play options for
community is involved early enough, it can the children living in the area, giving
enable the local authority to understand parents a clear signal that it is fine for
and better respond to local needs. All these their children to play. (see case study
contribute to long term sustainability. on Play Streets)
For the community itself, community
involvement can help shape places that are 5.8 Mechanisms may be needed to recognise
more attractive. It allows parents to get to local voluntary input and ensuring people
know each other better, build trust between capacity. Organised or semi- organised
them, develop social networks and a sense activity is often a key part of an overall
of community belonging. It can lead to offer to maximise participation - ensuring
groups forming specifically for the purpose people capacity is important.
of creating play opportunities in their
neighbourhoods, in some cases organising 5.9 A local play partnership can have a vital
adult volunteers to be out while children role in the planning of play and open space
play to provide reassurance for the children in a local authority area. Gaining the shared
and other residents. Community-led play views of play, parks, housing, planning,
initiatives might also stem from existing third sector, and inclusion professionals will
groups including residents groups, youth enhance the strategic approach to play at
clubs, adventure playgrounds, schools, a local level. Play partnerships can advise
children centres, parent and toddler groups, Councils on the expenditure of Section
gardening clubs or groups campaigning 106/CIL funding for community facilities,
for a particular improvement to their on planning issues, and local development
neighbourhood such as traffic calming. plans. They can also ensure that children
and young people assess and monitor
5.7 Examples of community involvement play and open space and can influence
activities may be to: major developments. Local authorities
are encouraged to set up mechanisms
Involve children and parents in bulb or to benefit from the input of these
(fruit) tree planting, partnerships.
77
CASE STUDY - PLAY STREETS 3. Sunday Play Street. Weekly play sessions
provide children with the opportunity to play
out on traffic limited residential streets heralding
a return to the days where streets were seen as
communal spaces where people can interact, if
only for a few hours on a Sunday rather than
simply thoroughfares for cars.
CASE STUDY - PARK MARKER

PROGRAMME
Westminster has over 80 parks and open

spaces with recreational facilities. The
borough initiated a pilot project targeted
Pschocker at existing parks staff to train them as
ParkMakers in addition to their normal
There are three models of Play Streets currently duties. As well as the staff, local volunteers
being explored by London Play: and personal trainers were recruited to
attend a 2 day training course to equip them
1. DIY Play Street. This play street model does with knowledge, skills and understanding
not require any official street closure. Residents to positively engage members of the public
in Peckham (LB of Southwark) have organised in their local areas and aim to increase
themselves to create after school and weekend their physical (everyday) activity. The
street play clubs on a quiet residential street. initiative is widely supported throughout
Volunteers in bright tabards are stationed at the City Council, Royal Parks and public
entry points to the street, alerting children to health authorities and is coordinated by the
approaching vehicles, warning cars to slow down ActiveWestminster Partnership. Since then,
and acting as a reassuring presence for children the ParkMakers team has delivered a variety
and residents. of activity sessions within the parks for the
whole community and has been on hand to
2. Play Street status. Residents in Croydon have answer questions and signpost people to
worked with the local authority to get a Play clubs and facilities where appropriate.
Street status for their road, using existing, but
little-used legislation (Road Traffic Regulation
Act 1984). Signage on the entrance points of
the street specifies resident only entry between
specified hours on weekend and school holidays
to provide children with a free play space on
their doorstep.
CASE STUDY KENSINGTON AND

New developments
CHELSEA PLAY PARTNERSHIP
5.10 There should be a clear requirement for all
The Kensington and Chelsea Play Partnership new residential developments generating
is a multi-agency advisory body that more than 10 children (as determined
supports play provision in the Royal Borough by the application of child occupancy
of Kensington and Chelsea. There are assessments) to provide suitable play
representatives from a wide range of statutory space as part of the development scheme.
bodies, housing associations, and third sector Developments with an estimated child
organisations. The Play Partnership oversees occupancy of less than 10 children should
the play strategy and advises on the best be required to make an appropriate
use of local resources. It works closely with financial contribution to play provision
the boroughs planning officers and has had within the vicinity of the development
a significant input into the Royal Boroughs (Chapter 4B).
Local Development Framework (LDF) which
provides a clear rationale of the boroughs 5.11 Facilities to be provided within the
commitment to play and the expectations for development should be provided in
new developments. A sub-group of the Play accordance with a scheme to be agreed
Partnership has been established to comment with the planning authority and either;
on the Earls Court Development planning
application, the biggest regeneration project be maintained in perpetuity to the
in the borough, and advised the developers
agreed standard by the developer or an
on the location of facilities within the broader
appropriate agency; or
scheme and the type of play opportunities
be transferred to the borough for
that would be suitable.
it to manage together with an
agreed maintenance sum providing
COMMUNITY PROJECT for a minimum 15 year period of
maintenance. The borough should take
into account revenue funding after
the expiration of this period in future
budget reviews.
5.12 The scheme should ensure adequate day-

to-day upkeep and inspection, and repairs
and refurbishment over time. The developer
will be required to cover maintenance costs
FreePlay for the specified period. The borough may
also wish to consider other mechanisms for
Project - Dunbar Estate (LB of Lam- ensuring the continued maintenance. These
beth), FreePlay. Parents and children could include endowments, trusts or friends
painting the playground. groups.
79
5.13 Where it is determined that provision is Calculation of the Community

to be made off-site, the developer will be Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and
required to enter into an agreement to developer contributions
make an appropriate commuted payment
to secure an equivalent level of play Community Infrastructure Levy
provision and future maintenance. The
use of the commuted payments will be 5.15 Play space and equipment will be
determined in relation to the priorities infrastructure capable of being funded
and opportunities identified in the play through the CIL (although revenue costs
strategy. of management are not). If an authority
decides to set a CIL, there are limitations
5.14 In phased developments, play provision in the extent to which planning obligations
should be implemented in the early can also be used (see regulation 123 of
phases of development to ensure that the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended)).
the needs of new residents are met. In The Regulations seek to prevent CIL and
HafenCity in Hamburg,5 residents agreed Section 106 both being used to fund the
with the developers to build a temporary same infrastructure; whether this is the
playground that could be moved once case depends on whether the authority has
construction had advanced. This enabled published a list of infrastructure projects or
the developers to meet the evolving types of infrastructure they intend to fund
needs of the community as it developed. through CIL:
Developers should ensure that spaces are
completed within the same timescale as If the list includes play space, Section
the adjacent housing. 106 agreements cannot also be used
If the list does not include this type of
infrastructure, Section 106 agreements
may be used (but subject always to
the restriction in pooling contributions
explained in paragraph 5.17)
If no list is published, Section 106
agreements cannot be used to fund any
infrastructure.
5.16 CIL can be used to increase the capacity

of existing infrastructure or to repair
failing infrastructure, if that is necessary to
support development. There is a power in
the Localism Act 2011 enabling ministers
to amend the CIL Regulations to allow CIL
to be spent on maintenance activities and
5 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/hamburg-s-new-quar- operational activities in connection with
ter-the-challenge-of-making-hafencity-feel-neighborly-a-714008.html
infrastructure, but at time of writing no recommended that a standard approach

such regulations have been made. is adopted. The following formulae
are proposed for the calculation of
5.17 Contributions from more than one contributions.
development within an area may be pooled
to improve play provision or to make new Costs of On-site provision
provision off-site (although from 6th
April 2014 or from the date a borough 5.20 The emphasis will be on the provision of
adopts a Community Infrastructure Levy high quality play space which meets the
(CIL) charging schedule, such pooling of needs of the development and enhances
contributions will only be possible across play provision in the area. The cost of
four or fewer developments). Opportunities on-site provision will be made up of two
for the pooling of contributions should be elements:
identified in the Development Plan and
play strategy. Further guidance on the CIL play space provision- design , layout,
will be provided by the Mayor in autumn landscaping and equipment
2012. maintenance, supervision and
management
Developer Contributions
Costs of Off-site provision
5.18 Any use of planning obligations (Section
106 agreements) must comply with the 5.21 The calculation of commuted sums to
tests set out in regulation 122 of the secure off-site provision will be calculated
Community Infrastructure Regulations through negotiation but must be adequate
2010 and all appropriate national planning to ensure that appropriate provision can
guidance. be implemented. The level of contribution
should be no less than the level of
5.19 The calculation of developer contributions contribution which would be made if
to secure play provision to serve the needs provision was to be made on-site. However,
of new developments will be determined consideration should also be given to the
through negotiation between the local type of provision which will be required
planning authority and developer. Every and whether other costs such as land costs
case must be considered on its merits. may be involved if new play space is to be
Protocols and formulae for securing provided. Contributions towards off-site
contributions should be set by local provision will be required to comply with
authorities in order that genuinely local relevant planning guidance and statutory
approaches, which take account of local requirements.
needs and circumstances, appropriately
inform negotiations with developers.
However, in order to provide greater
clarity, transparency and certainty, it is
81
5.22 Developments with an estimated child Monitoring and Review

occupancy of less than 10 children should
be required to make an appropriate 5.25 The play strategy will need to be kept
financial contribution to play provision under regular review in order to be
within the vicinity of the development. effective. The need for review will
The use of the commuted payments will be depend on whether there are significant
limited to the provision and maintenance changes in funding, legislation, Section
of play facilities and will be determined in 106 opportunities and other strategies.
relation to the priorities and opportunities Boroughs who have adopted a play
identified in the Play Strategy. strategy or open space strategy should
review these strategy documents in
5.23 Developer contributions can be used the light of local policies and priorities,
both to support the management and benchmark standards and any local
development of on-site spaces and to standards for play provision.
improve play opportunities off-site.
Contributions for off-site provision should
aim to improve children and young
peoples access on a daily basis to play and
informal recreational opportunities, rather
than more structured leisure or youth
activities.
5.24 Consideration should also be given to

linking developer contributions with
other funding sources and programmes
such as regeneration initiatives, European
funding, charitable sources and lottery
distributors. Current sources of funding
include: Natural England that have funded
a number of play projects in London and
elsewhere aiming to encourage children to
play out more in nature, BBC Children in
Need, Help a London Child, BIG Reaching
Communities, some elements of Heritage
Lottery Fund, Sport England and the
London Funders Group.
Abbey Lane Open Space (Stratford, London)
Project/Photo - FHAPlay
83
AP P E ND I CE S
APPENDIX 1 - BENCHMARK as benchmarks against which progress can be

evaluated and as planning tools. The tables
The standards provided in the Mayors SPG below summarise the FITs proposed standards
have been developed based on research on for play.
the application of similar standards elsewhere.
The Fields in Trust (FIT) benchmark standard
for outdoor playing space for children and
young people is the most widely used standard
for play provision outside London. It updates
and modernises The Six Acre Standard last
revised in 2001. The FIT standards differ from
the standards proposed in this guidance as
they are based on total population forecasts
as opposed to forecast child population. Both
approaches have their strengths and are useful
Table A1 Childrens Playing Space Quantity Benchmark Standard
Childrens Playing Space Benchmark Standard

(Hectares per 000)
Designated Playing Space, including 0.25
equipped playing space
Informal Playing Space 0.55
Total Childrens Playing Space 0.80
Table A2 Childrens Playing Space Accessibility Benchmark Standard
Type of Space Distance Criteria (metres)
Walking Straight Line

Distance Distance
Local area for play or door-step spaces for play and informal recreation 100 60
(LAPs)
Local equipped, or local landscaped, areas for play for play and informal 400 240
recreation (LEAPs)
Neighbourhood equipped areas for play for play and informal recreatrion, 1000 600
and provision for young people (NEAPs); this also covers what is referred to
in the Mayor of Londons SPG as youth space
85
APPENDIX 2 - CHILD OCCUPANCY OF of New Social Housing to update GLA child

NEW HOUSING METHODOLOGY yield formulae for market and intermediate flats
and houses and social rented/affordable flats
The following information from the Demography and houses. As the occupancy of the affordable
and Policy Analysis Group at the GLA is provided rent tenure dwellings has not yet be collected
as guidance on calculation of child occupancy. and to reflect the governments intention to
The guidance is interim, awaiting the 2011 have affordable rent to meet the same housing
Census figures. needs as social rent, the social rented child yield
figures will be used in the interim of awaiting
It is intended as one example as to how child for the 2011 census data. Wandsworths
occupancies from new developments can market child yield figures will also be used for
be determined, and may be useful for local the intermediate tenure as the child yields for
authorities or developers (for the purpose intermediate are limited by a small sample size
of calculating education contributions), it - this again in the interim of awaiting for 2011
is expected that the same child occupancy census figures.
calculations would be used for determining play
and informal recreation requirements. The SPG proposed figures for market and
intermediate differ from the 2008 SPG figures
The GLA Demography and Policy Analysis Group as they reflect the actual tenure of dwellings as
used the updated Wandsworth Calculator and recorded by occupants (market or intermediate)
the DMAG briefing 2006-11: Child Occupancy as opposed to developer type (private or
Social rented/affordable flats

Age Number of Bedrooms
0 1 2 3 4 5+
0-4 0.00 0.20 0.64 0.62 0.41 0.57
5-10 0.00 0.00 0.23 0.74 1.22 1.66
11-15 0.00 0.00 0.08 0.47 1.29 1.76
16-18 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.17 0.37 0.51
Total 0.00 0.20 1.00 2.00 3.29 4.50
Social rented/affordable houses

1 2 3 4 5+
0-4 0.20 0.64 0.62 0.41 0.57
5-10 0.00 0.23 0.74 1.22 1.66
11-15 0.00 0.08 0.47 1.29 1.76
16-18 0.00 0.05 0.17 0.37 0.51
Total 0.20 1.00 2.00 3.29 4.50
housing association). The market figures include which there is very little in Council stock.
those who indicated they were owner occupiers
or rented their home privately. Wandsworth New Housing Survey, 2004 an
analysis of children by number of bedrooms (1-
SOCIAL RENTED/AFFORDABLE FIGURES 5+) in 212 new housing association properties.
Children are shown by ages 0-4, 5-10 and 11-
The social rented figures are based on the 15.
DMAG briefing 2006-11: Child Occupancy
of New Social Housing. Oxfordshire New Housing Survey, 2005 an
analysis of children by number of bedrooms (1-
Assumptions made: 8) in 728 new social housing properties across
the county. Data are available by single years of
The figures for 16-17 was used as proxy age from 0 to 19.
for 16 to 18
Social rent child yields equal affordable The SSSS dataset is unreliable for 5 and 6
rent child yields bedrooms due to small sample size, but provides
the following results:
DMAG Briefing 2005/25: Child Yield, surveyed
recent data to update previous analysis on I bedroom 0.179 children (0.2)
child yield in new properties by the London
Research Centre that had used data from the 2 bedrooms 0.954 children (1.0)
1991 Labour Force Survey. New dwellings survey
data from Wandsworth and Oxfordshire were 3 bedrooms 2.056 children (2.0)
presented alongside data from the 2002 London
Household Survey. 4 bedrooms 3.316 children (3.3)
This Demography Update aims to create revised 5 bedrooms (4.5)

child yield formulae specific for determining play
space together with additional education and 6 bedrooms (6.0)
health service requirements in social housing
developments. The figures in brackets have been taken as the
initial occupancy norm for these properties and
The data available to this Update are: used in further in this Update. Equivalent data
for new housing association tenants show similar
London and Sub-Regional Strategy Support outcomes for 1 and 2 bedrooms but only 1.6 and
Studies (SSSS) dataset, 2004 - an analysis of 1.8 children in 3 and 4 bedrooms.
the approximately 500 Council tenants that
had moved into their accommodation in the 12 The Wandsworth and Oxfordshire Surveys have
months prior to being interviewed. This shows been truncated to bedrooms 1 to 4+ due to the
children by number of bedrooms (1-6). The data small samples of larger properties and show the
refer to all new lettings, not just new-build, of following numbers of children:
87
Bedrooms: 1 2 3 4+ The key results of these patterns are that as

the bedroom size increases, as well as having
Wandsworth 0.07 0.40 1.88 1.90 more children, the age-structure of the children
(0-15) changes, with relatively more children at all
Oxfordshire 0.04 0.69 1.76 2.86 ages over 3 in 3-bedroom properties than in
(0-15) 2-bedrooms. Larger properties are inclined to
Oxfordshire 0.05 0.73 1.93 3.21 have more teenagers and fewer pre-school age
(0-17) children, with the 4+ bedroom properties having
peak numbers of children at secondary school
Both the Surveys show fewer children in all ages.
sizes of accommodation compared to the SSSS-
based norms, with particularly low numbers in The Oxfordshire data have been linked to the
4+ bedroom properties in Wandsworth. Taking allocations norm, with the single years of age
all children under age 18 in Oxfordshire shows data scaled accordingly, to create new child
a much better fit to the allocations norm, but yield formulae. The age structure for children in
still with relatively few children in 1-bedroom 4+ bedrooms has been linked to the separate
properties. norms for 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms. The results are
as follows:
In connecting the allocations norm with the
survey data links have been made with the Bed- 1 2 3 4 5 6
Oxfordshire data and include all children under rooms
age 18. The age patterns of the child population Age 0.20 0.64 0.62 0.41 0.57 0.75
in social housing in Oxfordshire are shown in 0-4
Chart 1. Age 0.00 0.23 0.74 1.22 1.66 2.22
5-10
Chart 1 Children by age in new social Age 0.00 0.08 0.47 1.29 1.76 2.35
housing by number of bedrooms, 11-15
Oxfordshire 2005 Age 0.00 0.05 0.17 0.37 0.51 0.68
16-17
Total 0.20 1.00 2.00 3.30 4.50 6.00
These results are illustrated in Chart 2. While the

outcomes for 5 and 6 bedroom properties are
more speculative there are, in reality, relatively
few such lettings available.
Chart 2 Child Occupancy Assumptions made:

of New Social Housing
Market assumptions
0 bed flats = yield 1 bed

flats
5+ bed flats = yield 4 bed
flats
Intermediate assumptions:

flats
For more information please contact Ben Corr, flats
Demography and Policy Analysis Group, Greater 4+ bed flats = yield 3 bed
London Authority, City Hall, The Queens Walk, houses
London SE1 2AA. Tel: 020 7983 4347 e-mail: 0 bed houses = yield 0 bed
ben.corr@london.gov.uk flats
1 bed houses = yield 1 bed
Copyright Greater London Authority, 2006 flats
4+ bed houses = yield 3 bed
MARKET AND INTERMEDIATE FIGURES houses
The market and intermediate figures are based The 16 to 18 figure was three quarter
on the updated Wandsworth calculator. of Wandsworth 16 to 19 figures
Market child yields equal intermediate
Wandsworth calculator child yields
The population yield calculator has been

developed by Wandsworth Council using results
of the 2004 New Housing Survey and 2007 :
New Housing Re-Survey. The GLA child yield
formulae are based on figures from Wandsworth
2004 Sites Original Survey.
89
Market and intermediate flats

0 1 2 3 4 5+
0-4 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.17 0.00 0.00
5-10 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.11 0.00 0.00
11-15 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.00
16-18 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00
Total 0.01 0.01 0.10 0.33 0.00 0.00
Market and intermediate houses

0 1 2 3 4 5+
0-4 0.17 0.17 0.08 0.29 0.63 0.36
5-10 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.10 0.31 0.58
11-15 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.05 0.13 0.25
16-18 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.17
Total 0.17 0.17 0.12 0.45 1.10 1.36
New Housing Surveys: Wandsworth Council over time.

regularly undertakes surveys of new housing
developments in the borough to assess how well Population Yield Calculator Survey Sample:
housing and planning policies are working and To enable direct comparison of results, the
how they can be improved. The surveys also seek Population Yield Calculator uses data from sites
information on the characteristics of households originally surveyed in 2004 only. It compares the
living in new build properties to inform planning original survey data for these sites (2004 New
of Council services. Population yield data Housing Survey) with re-survey data for these
enables the Council to assess the increased sites (2007 New Housing Re-Survey). In each
demand on local services as people move into survey, the same 4,144 dwellings were sent a
new developments e.g. for doctors, schools and questionnaire on 127 developments completed
public transport. The information can be used between 1997 and 2003.
to shape future planning policies and secure
investment through developer negotiations Weighting: As the rate of response varied
when new development is proposed. between developments, the responses used
in this analysis have been weighted to remove
Survey Series:In 1997 and 2004, surveys of any bias that may arise from this in line with
new housing developments were conducted, standard statistical practice. The weights applied
with questionnaires sent to households in to individual developments reflect the overall
new build developments completed in the response rate.
Borough between 1994-1996 and 1997-2003
respectively. The 2007 New Housing Re-Survey Response Rates: To qualify as a response for
revisited the sites originally surveyed in 1997 population yield analysis, questions relating
and 2004 to see how the composition and to age, tenure, development type (house/
characteristics of these households has changed flat) and number of bedrooms must have
been answered by the household. In 2004 the

weighted response rate for these questions was
47% (1,965 households) and in 2007 (2004 sites
only) 35% (1,436 households), reflecting the
overall survey response rates.
Wandsworth Council does not accept

any responsibility for loss or liability
occasioned as a result of usage of the data.
It is provided for information only.
Contact: Christine Cook, 020 8871 7177,

ccook@wandsworth.gov.uk
Borough Planners Service, Wandsworth Council,

London, SW18 2PU. www.wandsworth.gov.uk/
planning/evidence.
91
APPENDIX 3 - INCLUSION design stage. This is illustrated by examples of

good practice in delivering disabled childrens
KIDS a national charity is working to create an access to inclusive play spaces using the six
inclusive world for disabled children, young principles of inclusive design:
people and their families, provides information,
publications and briefings on inclusive play and Diversity and difference - recognising
childcare. They recommend that all children that children even with similar
should be able to access equipment and play impairments will have different abilities,
opportunities that are exciting and fun and cultures and backgrounds so they
offer various levels of challenges. Sensory should be involved in the consultation
experiences as well as the use of equipment stage of any new project e.g. by
that can be used in different ways by children consulting with a special school located
at different stages of development and with near a playsite; involving disabled
differing levels of ability should be encouraged. children and their parents in the
community consultations; tailoring play
Their Playwork Inclusion Project (PIP), aimed at equipment to children with different
turning inclusive policy into inclusive practice, physical and sensory impairments with
offers strategic development, information and something that everyone can enjoy.
guidance to authorities and settings on inclusive Ease of use children should not be
play and childcare. Their PIP Guidelines Series forced to exert undue effort, experience
demonstrates good practice in inclusive design discomfort or a loss of dignity this
and is aimed at planners, designers, parks and has implications for the site location
leisure officers as well as early years, play and and orientation and choice of materials.
childcare providers who want to ensure that Disabled children should have ease of
the design of their playspace is accessible, access to and into the site and to the
welcoming and inclusive. They have also facilities within the site.
published a useful guide called Inclusion by Freedom of choice and access to
Design - a Guide to Creating Accessible Play and mainstream activities independent
Childcare Environments1. access along with support and
assistance should be provided on the
The KIDS briefing on Inclusive Design For Play2 users terms.
recognises that a play environment cannot be Quality design aimed at meeting
adapted or designed for every need, nor can the specific requirements of
every item of play equipment be suitable for disabled children should be to the
all children but as many physical and sensory same standard as the rest of the
impairments as possible should be taken into development and should exceed
account at the planning stage and good practice minimum standards resulting in
should be embedded from the very start of the innovative playful environments for
all, e.g. equipment at different heights
1 Inclusion by Design - a guide to creating accessible play and childcare
environments Clare Goodridge 2008 Ed. Philip Douch, KIDS 2009 with adequate space between each
2 KIDS Briefing on Inclusive Design For Play signposts a number of piece, wheelchair accessible swings,
other useful documents on inclusive play see http://www.kids.org.uk.
roundabouts and slides; sensory on how best to include disabled children aged
gardens with plants children can smell under eight years old in a range of play settings.
and touch, imaginative landscapes
using sand and water. Nothing Special Including Young Disabled
Legibility and predictability illustrated People in Youth and Leisure Services KIDS
child friendly site plans can help Briefing Paper3 explains that inclusion is a
orientation, signs that welcome process not a product, based on relationships,
disabled children in accessible dialogue and respect offering a range of
formats e.g. pictures, tactile maps ordinary opportunities to all, and involves
and pictograms and the use of tactile ordinary interaction of disabled and non-
surfaces, colour and contrast. disabled young people, and works best when
Safety safe while inspiring a sense of young people, families, and services participate,
risk e.g. the use of lighting, materials, is young person-centred, modelled at the top in
finishes and tones can enhance the policies and plans and is more than access.
ability of visually impaired children to
read and use spaces. KIDS also has a toolkit which Local authorities
can purchase to assess inclusion in policies,
The KIDS briefing on Inclusive Design For Play management and practice. This is a set of tools
goes on to set out the process of inclusive and guidelines aimed at organisations and how
design which they can become more inclusive in their day to
day service delivery.
Begins at the beginning
Sees design and management of the
built environment as inextricable
partners
Takes account of user experience at
every stage of the development
Is equally applicable to the
development of landscapes, structure,
materials and finishes, fixtures and
fittings, management and information.
Brings together functional and
aesthetic considerations works well
and looks good
Is regularly monitored and evaluated.
Further Information
KIDS latest publication, and the final in the

Playwork Inclusion Project series, Everybodys
Business, offers all play, leisure and childcare
3 http://www.kids.org.uk/files/103886/FileName/nothing-
providers practical advice, activities, and ideas
specialv2.pdf
93
APPENDIX 4 - USEFUL CONTACTS RoSPA

RoSPA House
London Plan/Planning Decisions Unit Edgbaston Park
Greater London Authority 353 Bristol Road
City Hall Edgbaston
The Queens walk Birmingham
London B5 7ST
SE1 2AA Tel: 0121 248 2000
Tel: 020 7983 4100
Sport England
Association of Play Industries (API) 3rd Floor Victoria House
Federation House Bloomsbury Square
Stoneleigh Park London
Warwickshire CV8 2RF WC1B 4SE
Tel: 024 76 414999 Tel: 08458 508508
KIDS
6 Aztec Row
Berners Road
London
N10PW
Tel: 020 7359 8238
Learning through Landscapes

5th Floor, St Clare House
30-33 Minories
London
EC3N 1DD
Tel: 020 7480 4102
London Play
83-93 Fonthill Road
London
N4 3JH
Tel: 020 7272 2464
Play England
8 Wakley St
London
EC1V 7QE
Tel: 020 7843 6300
95

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SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

LONDON PLAN 2011

SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

Project team Hermine Sanson, Jane Carlsen, Mike Newitt

3 WHAT MAKES A GOOD QUALITY PLACE FOR PLAY 17

4 APPLYING THE BENCHMARKS 47

Play is a vital part of growing up. It helps

These spaces have to be safe and fit for

Finding these spaces is obviously easier in the

Neighbourhood playable space:A varied natural

Youth space: A social space for young people

Components of playable/multifunctional space

their own local standards. The proposed

b produce strategies on play and

Figure 1.1 Planning Policy Framework

THE LONDON PLAN 2011

SUPPLEMENTARY AREA ACTION NEIGHBOURHOOD

National Policy 3.6: Children and Young Peoples

of new facilities, improvements to existing good quality environment, in an active

Table 2.1 Londons public open space categorisation

Open space categorisation Size guideline Distances

Supplementary Planning varying size and character. It promotes the

1 Mayor of London. A Sporting Future for London. GLA, April 2009

Review of local play strategies regeneration, health, culture, education

2.16 The review of play strategies should be

Figure 2.2 Relationship of play strategy to other local strategies

2.19 When reviewing their play strategies,

Developing local benchmark

2.20 It is recommended that boroughs develop

2.21 To ensure viability, the NPPF encourages

CASE STUDY - FITTING A PLAY SPACE IN A HIGH-DENSITY ESTATE

IMPLEMENTATION POINT 1 LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST

Public spaces and the public realm in general

Location and accessibility 3.8 In new developments, the use of roofs

An environment that encourages

CASE STUDY - FUN ROUTES TO PLAY

5 Playing Outdoors? Disabled childrens views of play pathfinder and

diversity and difference;

3.16 Different age ranges child, teenagers and

use the same space separately at the

LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST

CASE STUDY INCLUSIVE PLAY LANDSCAPE

Diversity in lifetime address any negative perceptions or

CASE STUDY ACCOMMODATING THE NEEDS OF A JEWISH COMMUNITY

CASE STUDY A SOCIAL MULTI-USE GAMES AREA (MUGA)

CASE STUDY REFLECTING THE CHARACTER OF THE LOCAL AREA

IMPLEMENTATION POINT 5 LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST

Playable space in a child- multifunctional spaces. They include:

CASE STUDY - INCIDENTAL PLAYABLE SPACE

Water features in a residential development (Hammarby Sjostad, Stockholm)

A river to play in a privately owned public space (More London, LB of Southwark)

CASE STUDY - PARKOUR: ACTIVE IN THE

that may not have sufficient space to

CASE STUDY NATURAL PLAY IN SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS

IMPLEMENTATION POINT 7 LONDON PLAN POLICY SIGNPOST

Access to nature 3.31 Access to nature is an important

8 London Sustainable Development Commission. Sowing the Seeds:

CASE STUDY - A DEAD TREE COMES CASE STUDY THE IMPORTANCE OF

Project The Calthorpe Project, LB of