A green space strategy for Plymouth

Get involved with the green space strategy

Plymouth’s draft green space strategy 2008 to 2023 was launched for public consultation on 1 July. The green space strategy has been prepared following a detailed analysis of Plymouth’s existing green spaces and play spaces which are published as a separate green space background report. Both of these documents can be downloaded from the documents table below.

The green space strategy is a key step towards protecting and improving Plymouth’s accessible green spaces and play spaces so that they are fit for the needs of Plymouth in the 21st century. It sets out local quantity, accessibility and quality green space standards for Plymouth and identifies a number of ways in which green spaces and play spaces will be enhanced so as to improve people’s health and well-being and the city’s biodiversity.

Your views are important to help us identify the priorities for green space and to ensure that we have not missed anything out. To view the draft document and share your views please visit the Plymouth consultation portal and have your say.

Alternatively you can view copies of the strategy at your local library or housing office and complete a paper questionnaire. If you are having difficulties accessing this document please contact Parks Services.

What is a green space?

Green spaces can be split into many different categories. Below is a list of all the different types of green space that have been considered in creating this strategy.

• Parks and gardens - urban parks, country parks and formal gardens
• Natural green spaces - woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and rock areas, river banks, cycleways and rights of way
• Informal green spaces - informal recreation spaces and greens
• Provision for children and teenagers
• Allotments
• Cemeteries and churchyards
• Local Nature Reserves

Why have a green space strategy?

We recognise that good quality green space enhances the quality of life of Plymouth residents and has a positive impact on their health and well-being. It provides settings for a wide range of social and recreational activities; promotes biodiversity and nature conservation; enhances the visual environment and can contribute to the economic development of the city. Involving local people in the design and management of green space also helps to develop a sense of community pride and cohesion and provides parks and open spaces that people want and will use.

Green spaces are a high priority on the agenda for both Central and Local Government who are committed to action to make public open spaces cleaner and safer to help build thriving, cohesive communities.

The green space strategy will form part of the Local Development Framework’s evidence base. We are committed to providing positive policies that protect and enhance Plymouth’s green spaces.

Parks and open spaces, provide safe havens for wildlife and also contribute to the health and well-being of Plymouth residents.

We have set a series of objectives in our Corporate Plan, two of which highlight the importance of green spaces and their positive contribution to the lives of people living in and around the area. These are:

• A healthy city
• A safe and strong city

Development of our green space strategy

The green space strategy has been developed by representatives from our Parks, Planning, and Leisure departments in partnership with governmental advisors Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Space.

Documents

To view these documents you might need to download some software. Visit our downloads page for more information.

	Green space background report - detailed analysis of Plymouth's existing green spaces and play spaces . File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 899KB
	Green space strategy (chapters 1 to 11) - strategy which is a key step towards protecting and improving Plymouth’s accessible green space and play space. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 810.8KB
	Green space strategy (chapter 12 appendix 2 eastern) - proposed new city green spaces map (eastern Plymouth). File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 1.1MB
	Green space strategy (chapter 12 appendix 2 northern) - proposed new city green spaces map (northern Plymouth) and glossary. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 256.9KB
	Green space strategy representation form - representation (comments) form for comments on the green space strategy. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 45.4KB

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