Levelling works to football pitch

General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan

The proposed development therefore complies with the objectives of the Area Plan for the East and General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan

General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development

Recreation Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan

To protect existing open space and recreation facilities unless there are circumstances to support a different use in line with Recreation Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan

Recreation Policy 2: Development which would adversely affect, or result in the loss of Open Space or a recreation facility that is or has the potential to be, of recreational or amenity value to the community will not be permitted except in the following circumstances: (a) where alternative provision of equivalent community benefit and of equivalent or better accessibility is made available; and (b) where there would be an overall com munity gain from the development, and the particular loss of the open space or recreation facility would have no significant unacceptable effect on local open space or recreation provision or on the character or amenity of the area. 10.3.6 In the case of residential developments for 10 or more dwellings, the Department proposes to adopt the following general standards (which refer to the area required per 1000 head of population): Recreational Open Space Sports Pitches 1.8 ha Children's Play Space 0.6 ha Amenity Space 0.8 ha 10.3.7 These general standards will be applied having regard to the following circumstances: (i) the size, type, and particular needs of the resident population in question; (ii) the needs of visitors to the area; and (iii) the proximity and availability of existing Open Space, including the foreshore, public glens and parks, and school fields which may be available for public use outside of school hours. More detail is set out in Appendix 6. 10.3.8 The Department has therefore adopted the following policy such as to plan positively for the provision of well-designed recreational and amenity space.

Recreation Policy 1

Area Plans should incorporate an assessment of the indoor and outdoor sport and recreation needs

Recreation Policy 1: Area Plans should incorporate an assessment of the indoor and outdoor sport and recreation needs of the plan area, and the wider context and include proposals to:  retain existing sporting facilities and open space provision unless alternative provision of equivalent community benefit and of equivalent or better accessibility is made available;  identify suitable sites to make good any deficiency in provision both for existing and future residents of the area; and  ensure appropriate provision is made as part of any proposed residential development, in accordance with the Open Space Standards set out in Appendix 6 to the Plan, related to the needs generated by the development, unless the specific housing provision within the development justifies a reduced provision in relation to specific types of open space requirement. 10.3.5 In certain circumstances it may be beneficial to allow the redevelopment of areas of underused, poorly maintained or inappropriately located open space. Development on such areas will only be permitted where alternative provision can be made. However, the new open space must be easily accessible to the local community and be at least equiv alent in terms of type, quantity and quality to that which is being replaced.