Protection of open space in urban areas and urban renaissance

The protection of open space is particularly important in urban areas where competing development pressures are greatest. Indeed, its retention and enhancement is now all the more important in support of the drive for urban renaissance. The aim of urban renaissance is to create a more sustainable form of development by encouraging compact urban forms and promoting more housing within existing urban areas without town cramming. This, however, should not lead to a loss of amenity and indeed places greater emphasis on the need to maintain a well-distributed, well-connected and accessible supply of open space. For this reason, open space of public value does not fall within the definition of 'brownfield / previously-developed sites'.