Protection and Management of Existing Open Space

There is a need to balance development pressures for competing land uses and to give adequate protection to existing open space that is of community and environmental benefit. This is also set within the context of a growing city and population, where open space should be preserved and improved to meet growing needs and demands. However, it is acknowledged that there may be exceptional circumstances where the loss of a portion of open space may be acceptable, taking account of other benefits that new development might bring, including reinvestment in the remaining facilities, the provision of alternative facilities and other mitigating measures. Nevertheless, in such cases, the onus is on the developer to demonstrate that this will not result in any detriment to the overall green infrastructure provision. In this regard, consideration must be given to the current and future open space needs of the wider locality and the current appearance or condition of existing open space will not be sufficient sole justification for their loss.