The Planning Officer introduced the report and outlined amendments made following the previous Planning and Transportation Policy Working Group meeting and consultation with town and parish councils. Members were advised that corrections had been made to site mapping and ward references, including amendments to the Maylam Gardens site mapping, and that officers maintained their original assessments for a number of sites where they considered the assessments remained consistent with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) criteria.

During discussion, Members considered a number of sites which they felt warranted additional protection through Local Green Space designation.

Land between the A2 and Grove Park Avenue, Borden

Councillor Baldock raised concerns regarding the assessment of the land between the A2 and Grove Park Avenue, noting that it had previously been incorrectly attributed to Bobbing rather than Borden. He argued that the site was heavily used by local residents for recreation, dog walking, children's play and wellbeing purposes and had previously been the subject of a village green application. Whilst acknowledging that the village green application had ultimately been unsuccessful due to the land's highway status, he considered that the site met the purpose and intent of Local Green Space designation.

Following discussion, Councillor Baldock proposed that the site be included within the Local Green Space evidence base. The proposal was agreed unanimously.

Bapchild Village Green and Stones Farm Country Park

Councillor Bonney queried the assessment of land identified as "Land at Bapchild" and sought clarification regarding whether the assessment related to the established village green area or land associated with Stones Farm Country Park.

Councillor Bonney advised that:

• Bapchild Village Green was of significant community value and regularly used for local events and recreation;
• the site was well established within the village and formed an important part of community identity;
• Stones Farm Country Park had been transferred into Council ownership and contained important natural features including a chalk stream and wet woodland habitat;
• the Country Park was widely used by local residents and supported a Friends Group with significant community involvement; and
• both sites met the criteria for Local Green Space designation.

Councillor Bonney proposed that both sites be included within the Local Green Space evidence base. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Whiting and agreed unanimously.

Beachfields (LGS80)

Councillor Whiting raised concerns regarding the assessment of Beachfields and noted that previous discussions had suggested the site should be considered in separate parts. He argued that the inclusion of the leisure centre within the assessment affected the overall outcome and that the open space to the west of Beach Street should instead be assessed separately.

Councillor Bonney supported this view and considered that the leisure centre and surrounding operational land should be excluded from the assessment area.

Members agreed that officers should undertake a revised assessment of the site, separating the area of open space from the leisure centre land and reporting back through the Local Plan process.

The proposal was agreed unanimously.

Vincent Gardens (LGS79)

Councillor Whiting questioned why Vincent Gardens had not been recommended for designation when another nearby site had been supported despite possessing very similar characteristics.

He noted that:

• the site represented one of the few areas of open space within a densely developed residential area;
• it was of local significance to nearby residents; and
• it fulfilled the purpose of a Local Green Space designation.

Councillor Whiting proposed that Vincent Gardens be included within the evidence base. The proposal was agreed unanimously.

Land at New Cottages, Bapchild (LGS140)

Councillor Bonney challenged the assessment of the site at New Cottages, Bapchild, particularly the conclusion that it was not demonstrably special to the local community due to a lack of public access.

She advised that:

• the site was highly visible from public footpaths and surrounding roads;
• it formed part of the wider landscape setting of the village;
• it was regularly enjoyed by walkers using nearby public rights of way; and
• the assessment underestimated its local value and visibility.

Councillor Bonney proposed that the site be added to the Local Green Space evidence base and that officers review the mapping and visibility information associated with the assessment.

The proposal was agreed unanimously.

Other Sites and Discussion

Members also discussed:

• Local Green Space nominations in Hernhill, including the village green and recreation ground, and were advised that these could be promoted through the Regulation 19 consultation process;
• the treatment of ancient woodland sites and whether existing protections reduced the need for Local Green Space designation;
• the role of accessibility in assessing Local Green Space nominations;
• the importance of orchards, heritage landscapes and longstanding community assets;
• the distinction between publicly accessible sites and sites which derived community value from their landscape setting or visual contribution; and
• opportunities for additional sites to be submitted and assessed as part of the Regulation 19 consultation.

Resolved:

That the Local Green Space evidence base be amended to include:

• land between the A2 and Grove Park Avenue, Borden;
• Bapchild Village Green;
• Stones Farm Country Park;
• a revised assessment of Beachfields with the leisure centre land excluded;
• Vincent Gardens; and
• land at New Cottages, Bapchild.

The Working Group noted the report and agreed the amendments to the Local Green Space evidence base.