HebPlay Play Sufficiency Assessment

What does the Play Sufficiency Assessment need to include?

1. The PSA must include a map identifying locations of all formal play spaces and statements as regards to the quantity, quality and accessibility of both formal and informal outdoor play opportunities. In addition, the PSA responds to the requirements for play provision laid out in the National Planning Framework 4. Policy 21 Play, recreation and sport states that new, replacement or improved play provision will, as far as possible and as appropriate:

   1. provide stimulating environments;
   2. provide a range of play experiences including opportunities to connect with nature;
   3. be inclusive;
   4. be suitable for different ages of children and young people;
   5. be easily and safely accessible by children and young people independently, including those with a disability;
   6. incorporate trees and/or other forms of greenery;
   7. form an integral part of the surrounding neighbourhood;
   8. be well overlooked for passive surveillance;
   9. be linked directly to other open spaces and play areas.

   Local Context and Circumstances

"The Outer Hebrides is a wonderful place to live and work, with a diverse range of opportunities for leisure and play." - Finlay Maclennan, Community Land Outer Hebrides

1. The Outer Hebrides have a high-quality natural environment: loch studded open moorland; upland hills; coastal dune grassland known as “machair” fringing some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. Settlement is heavily associated with the coast rather than the inland areas.
2. The population of the Outer Hebrides is 26,030 as at June 2023. The prevailing settlement pattern is a dispersed population living in a predominately rural landscape. Stornoway, on Lewis, is the only large town. Approximately 6,320 (24% of the total population) live in the Stornoway settlement area with the remaining population scattered over 280 settlements.
3. There is considerable open space, plenty accessible coast, beaches and tide lines for informal play. 72% of community-owned land in Scotland is in the Outer Hebrides and this has led to many communities taking a more active role in land management, including the renewal, new development and maintenance of formal play areas for their children in the villages and settlements where they live throughout the island chain.