Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

The requirement in this allocation for the loss of open space to be justified and re-provision or contributions towards improvements to existing provision is welcomed in principle and positively responds to representations made earlier in the local plan process. This is because the proposal would involve the permanent loss of one of the former Norton School's detached playing fields which may offer potential to meet community playing pitch needs as identified in the Council's playing pitch strategy. The approach in the policy is considered to broadly accord with Government planning policy on playing fields in paragraph 74 of the NPPF.