Retention, enhancement and creation of open spaces

The council's policy seeks the retention, enhancement and creation of open spaces, including parks, playing fields, woodlands, allotments, large tracts of countryside, landscape features and many other areas that make up the provision of green infrastructure, aligning with the SPPS and Belfast Agenda. Existing open spaces are to be generally protected and enhanced, including access to them for local residents and visitors. Opportunities to create well-designed areas of open space as part of new developments will be pursued, including on-site open space and, where appropriate, improvements to local green and blue infrastructure. Limited releases of open space for development will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where the loss would not result in detriment to the overall green and blue infrastructure provision and there is scope for improving the quality of, and access to, provision elsewhere.