Multiple Functions of Open Space

The Department recognises that most areas of open space can perform multiple functions. These will be taken account of when applying the policies of this Statement. These include: (i) strategic functions - defining and separating urban areas; providing community greenways, 'green lungs' or landscape buffers within urban areas; better linking of town and country; and serving recreational needs over a wide area; (ii) urban quality - helping to support regeneration and improving quality of life for communities by providing visually attractive green spaces close to where people live; (iii) promoting health and well-being - providing opportunities to people of all ages for informal recreation, or to walk, cycle or ride within parks and open space or along paths, bridleways and canal banks. Allotments may provide physical exercise and other health benefits; (iv) havens and habitats for flora and fauna – sites may also have potential to be corridors or stepping stones from one habitat to another and may contribute towards achieving objectives set out in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy; (v) as a community resource – a place for congregating and for holding community events; and (vi) as a visual amenity – even without public access, people enjoy having open space near to them to provide an outlook, variety in the urban scene, or as a positive element in the landscape.