| 6.1 |
The aim of the Plan is to provide sport and recreation facilities
in sufficient quantity and in the right locations, whilst at the same
time protecting existing sport, open space and recreation facilities.
Without this foundation accessibility is limited and would curtail
the District Council's objective of improving and promoting excellence
in chosen activities as well as providing ready access to informal
open space.
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| 6.2 |
A Playing Pitch Strategy for the provision of playing pitches has
been adopted. In preparing this Strategy a survey of the Sub Areas
was carried out and the information gathered has been used to identify
local formal open space priorities.1 This is included as LPSPD3.
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| 6.3 |
Local Plan allocations and policies represent the first stage of
implementation of the strategies, by safeguarding land for particular
activities and providing the planning framework to enable specific
recreation and leisure development to take place. Allocations of land
for public open space are only made where there is a real prospect
of implementation within the Plan period, since measures will be required
to purchase land. The Council will expect new housing development
to make suitable provision for public open space provision and/or
to provide commuted sums for open space where appropriate.
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| 6.4 |
Sustainable tourism will be encouraged by promoting recreational
and leisure pursuits as well as market towns, nature conservation
areas and increased access to the countryside. Tourist attractions
and associated accommodation, including short-stay and self catering
holiday developments, will be considered as long as they do not harm
the local environment.
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| 6.5 |
Demands for new land and buildings will need to be balanced against
the need to identify sustainable locations, protection of the countryside
and promotion of environmental quality in urban areas. This chapter
sets out planning policies for the recreation and leisure requirements
of the District's residents and tourist attractions and accommodation.
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| 6.6 |
The main objectives of The Replacement Essex and Southend-on-Sea
Structure Plan (RSP), as adopted in April 2001, are: (a) to promote
a wide range of opportunities to take part in sport and recreation
through the provision of adequate and accessible facilities, land
and water resources; (b) to maximise public access to the countryside;
and (c) provide visitor attractions, accommodation and facilities,
thereby supporting the local economy whilst maintaining and enhancing
the environment.
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| 6.7 |
The RSP recognized the need for a country park in the Rochford area
and promoted the provision of such an area through Policy LRT4. Policy
LT3 of the Local Plan addresses this. Other RSP policies address improving
coastal paths, reusing former mineral workings, and provision of tourist
accommodation and facilities including diversification and upgrading.
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| 6.8 |
Much of the district outside the urban settlements is rural in character
with significant areas covered by National and Structure Plan policy
constraints, e.g. Metropolitan Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), Special Landscape Areas (NR1) and Coastal Protection
Belt (NR10). Such designations provide significant constraints on
development through law or government policy. The following policy
therefore embodies the local planning authority's position:
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