How we assess the quality and value of our Open Spaces
To inform the development of the Open Space Sports and Recreation Strategy Action plan, each type of open space in Chorley has been assessed for quality and value to help inform how we prioritise future investment and to identify sites that may be surplus within and to a particular open space typology.
Quality and value are fundamentally different and can be unrelated, for example, a high-quality space may be inaccessible and so be of little value to the community whereas a rundown (poor quality) space may be the only one in an area and thus be immensely valuable. The quality criteria used for the open space assessments is summarised in the table below:
Quality criteria for open spaces
- physical access, e.g. public transport links, directional signposts,
- personal security, e.g. site is overlooked, natural surveillance
- access-social, e.g. appropriate minimum entrance widths
- parking, e.g. availability, specific, disabled parking • Information signage, e.g. presence of up to date site information, notice boards
- equipment and facilities, e.g. adequacy and condition of provision such as seats, benches, bins, toilets
- site problems, e.g. presence of vandalism, graffiti • Healthy, safe and secure, e.g. fencing, gates, staff on site
- maintenance and cleanliness, e.g. condition of general landscape and features
- groups that the site meets the needs of, e.g. elderly, young people Value criteria for open spaces
- level of use (observations only), e.g., evidence of different user types (e.g. dog walkers, joggers, children) throughout day, located near school and/or community facility
- context of site in relation to other open spaces and proximity to housing
- dtructural and landscape benefits, e.g., well located, high quality defining the identity/ area
- ecological benefits, e.g., supports/promotes biodiversity and wildlife habitats
- educational benefits, e.g., provides learning opportunities on nature/historic landscapes
- social inclusion and health benefits, e.g., promotes civic pride, community ownership and a sense of belonging; helping to promote physical and mental well-being
- cultural and heritage benefits, e.g., historic elements/links (e.g. listed building, statues) and high-profile symbols of local area
- amenity benefits and a sense of place, e.g., attractive places that are safe and well maintained; helping to create specific neighbourhoods and landmarks
- economic benefits, e.g., enhances property values, promotes economic activity and attracts people from near and far.
For full details as to how Chorley Open Space Sites were assessed, please see the appropriate section of the Open Space Standards Papers.
The borough was split into 3 areas for analysis purposes, Chorley Central, Chorley East and Chorley West.
