Open space definition

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines open space as: 'All open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.'

The London Plan, published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, defines open space as: ‘All land in London that is predominantly undeveloped other than by buildings or structures that are ancillary to the open space use. The definition covers the broad range of types of open space within London, whether in public or private ownership and whether public access is unrestricted, limited or restricted.’

The SuDS Manual, CIRIA C753, published in 2015 defines 'public open space' (POS) as: '...any land laid out as public garden or used for the purposes of public recreation. This means space that has unimpeded public access and that is of a suitable size and nature for sport, active or passive recreation or children and teenagers' play. Private or shared amenity areas, for example in a development of flats or buffer landscape areas are not included as public open space.'

The Scottish Building Standards, Part I. Technical Handbook – Domestic, Appendix A Defined Terms, suggests public open space: ‘…includes land used as a public park or for public recreation or as a burial ground.’

Glasgow City Development Plan, Published by Glasgow City Council in 2016, suggests: ‘The term ‘open space’ covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function (Planning Advice Note 65 - Planning and Open Space).’

See also: Communal open space and Protected open space and Open Space Strategies.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Communal open space.
• Conservation areas and protecting open space.
• Courtyard.
• Edge of centre.
• External environment.
• External space.
• Green space.
• Main town centre uses.
• National planning policy framework.
• National planning practice guidance NPPG.
• Open Space Strategies.
• Planning permission.
• Plaza.
• Protected open space.
• The revival of the public square.
• Town centre.
• Types of space.
• Use class designation for land and buildings.