Communities

Proposed Approach

These policies are designed to safeguard and enhance the well-being of our residents, benefit community cohesion, and create spaces that empower individuals to thrive.

They range from the protection of open spaces to the promotion of sustainable and accessible communities, demonstrating our commitment to shaping a future where everyone can live, work, and get on in life. A brief summary of them is given under each heading.

• Policy CO1 - Protection of Existing Open Spaces:
  • This policy addresses the protection of open spaces, acknowledging their value in promoting physical and mental well-being. By safeguarding existing open spaces, we aim to maintain the ecological balance, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic appeal that contribute to the overall quality of life for our community.
• Policy CO2 - New and Enhanced Open Spaces:
  • Recognising the evolving needs of our growing population, this policy underpins our commitment to supporting new and enhancing existing open spaces. Whether through the development or enhancement of parks, green corridors, or recreational facilities, this policy ensures that our communities have access to spaces that increase social interaction, physical activity, and a sense of belonging.
• Policy CO3 - Open Space Standards:
  • This policy establishes clear guidelines for the design, accessibility, and maintenance of open spaces, emphasising the importance of creating environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Policy CO4 - Cultural, Community and Health Facilities:
  • This policy seeks to encourage the provision of cultural, community, and health facilities. By supporting the creation of spaces for artistic expression, community engagement, and health services, we aim to cultivate an environment where residents can lead fulfilling lives and access essential services within their neighbourhoods.
• Policy CO5 - Education and Skills:
  • This policy emphasises the importance of accessible and high-quality education facilities, promoting lifelong learning and skills development to empower individuals and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the area.
• Policy CO6 - Securing Educational Places through New Residential Development:
  • In tandem with residential development, this policy addresses the need to secure educational places. By coordinating housing growth with the provision of educational facilities, we aim to ensure that our communities have the infrastructure necessary to support the educational needs of all residents.
• Policy CO7 – Health Impact Assessments in New Development:
  • Prioritising the health and well-being of our residents, this policy introduces Health Impact Assessments as an integral part of new development. By systematically evaluating the potential health implications, we aim to create environments that promote physical and mental well-being, contributing to healthier and happier communities.
• Policy CO8 - Hot Food Takeaways:
  • This policy focuses on the influence of food environments on public health, particularly in relation to hot food takeaways. By regulating the location and density of such establishments, we aim to strike a balance between economic activities and public health considerations, creating communities with healthier lifestyle choices.
• Policy CO9 - Creating Sustainable and Accessible Communities:
  • At the heart of our community policies, this overarching policy envisions the creation of sustainable and accessible communities. By promoting inclusive design, sustainable transportation, and social connectivity, we strive to create neighbourhoods that are resilient, environmentally conscious, and provide opportunities for all residents to participate fully in community life.

To read the policies in full, please download the chapter extract which is available in the "downloads" section of this project page.

If, once you have read the policies and supporting information, you wish to comment on the proposed policies, then please use the survey below, to do so.