Policy OS4 – New open space outside settlements

Planning permission will be granted for the provision of appropriate open space facilities, including for sport and outdoor recreation, at appropriate locations in the countryside area of the district where it is demonstrated that that it is acceptable in terms of environment and rural amenity and would not be better located within settlement limits or on previously developed land. All the following criteria must also be met: a. There is no significant adverse impact on features of importance to natural and built heritage; b. There is no permanent loss of good quality agricultural land and no unacceptable impact on nearby agricultural activities; c. There is no significant adverse impact on visual amenity or the character of the local landscape and the development can be readily absorbed into the landscape by taking advantage of existing vegetation and/or topography; d. There is no unacceptable impact on the amenities of people living nearby; e. Public safety is not prejudiced and the development is compatible with other countryside uses in terms of the nature, scale, extent and frequency or timing of the recreational activities proposed; f. Any ancillary buildings or structures are designed to a high standard, are of a scale appropriate to the local area and are sympathetic to the surrounding environment in terms of their siting, layout and landscape treatment; g. The proposed facility takes into account the needs of people with disabilities and is, as far as possible, accessible by means of transport other than solely the private car; and h. The road network can safely handle the extra vehicular traffic the proposal will generate and satisfactory arrangements are provided for access, parking, drainage and waste disposal.