Existing Open Space Identification and Protection

The Department will identify major areas of existing open space on development plan maps for information purposes. Within settlements these may include parks, playing fields and other sports and outdoor recreation facilities, both public and private. In the countryside this will normally include facilities such as regional, country and forest parks. Where proposals exist for the future development of existing open space as a recreational resource these will generally be highlighted in the plan. It should be noted, however, that existing open space, regardless of whether it is identified on plan maps or not, benefits from the protection afforded by Policy OS1 unless the site is identified for an alternative use in the plan itself.