Planning for open space in South Somerset

Introduction

We aspire to provide and support the supply of accessible, well managed and well-maintained playing pitches and built leisure facilities that encourage residents to maintain and increase their participation in sport and active recreation in the South Somerset area.

We have developed needs assessments and strategies that identify gaps in provision, identify priority projects and inform our planning policies.

Playing Pitch Needs Assessment and Strategy

South Somerset’s Playing Pitch Strategy (2017 – 2028) was formally adopted by District Executive Committee on 5 July 2018.

If you have any questions regarding our Playing Pitch Strategy, contact us.

Please also see the South Somerset Local Football Facilities Plan completed in 2020. This document highlights key football projects and areas for investment by the FA and Football Foundation over the next 10 years.

Built Leisure Facility Needs Assessment and Strategy

Our needs assessments for built leisure facilities, including sports halls, swimming pools and health and fitness facilities.

The strategy was adopted in March 2019.

Both the needs assessment and strategy document are available to view below:

Pre-application formal and informal open space calculator

The open space calculator is designed to provide a rough guide to the maximum level of informal and formal open space obligations that may be requested from residential development. For an accurate assessment, officers will need to assess actual requirements on a site by site basis.

The calculator also includes some general design and size guidance for laying out public open space.

You can view our design guidance for informal space, along with the addendum.