Engagement
- As part of our ongoing engagement with children and young people an online survey and interactive StoryMap will be provided to:
- provide locational information on formal play areas
- gather information about where children like to play;
- identify gaps/not spots in the provision of play spaces;
- identify any barriers preventing play experiences;
- seek views on future play opportunities from under 18s, their parents and carers.
- Following public consultation, the finalised PSA, having taken account of the views of children, parents and carers will inform the preparation of the new OHLDP, enabling planning authorities, stakeholders and the community to plan for appropriate provision of new and/or enhanced play opportunities in the Outer Hebrides.
National Planning Policy Context
- National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) approved in 2023, includes policies that support the provision of play opportunities for children. Policy 21 Play, recreation and sport states that local development plans (LDPs) should identify sites for sports, play, and outdoor recreation for people of all ages and support development proposals that protect, enhance, or improve children's access to play. NPF4 recognises the importance of play in the development and well-being of children and encourages planning authorities to prioritise the provision of play spaces in their LDPs. Development proposals likely to be occupied or used by children and young people will be supported where they incorporate well-designed, good quality provision for play, recreation, and relaxation that is proportionate to the scale and nature of the development and existing provision in the area.