The Park Development Framework

The Authority is developing proposals for the future of the Regional Park though the Park Development Framework (PDF). This framework will develop the Authority's emerging vision with a clear statement of proposals and policies to inform the development of the Regional Park for the next 5-10 years. The PDF will replace the existing Park Plan (adopted 2000).

 

Exploring ideas for the future
 
To help us to explore a range of options we are preparing four different scenarios for how the Regional Park could be developed and managed in the future. Each of these scenarios is based on a broad theme:
  • biodiversity
  • sport and physical activity
  • environmental infrastructure
  • social and community infrastructure
These scenarios will be refined and evaluated over the coming months and will form the basis for a preferred scenario for the future development and management of the Regional Park. The preferred scenario will draw on the range of options identified in the four scenarios and combine them in a way that creates the best possible Regional Park for the future. It is intended that a first draft preferred scenario will be prepared by the end of 2007.
 
To help people imagine what each of the scenarios might include, we have prepared a Schematic Scenario Report . This provides a broad outline of what we think each scenario might include and it is hoped that the schematic scenarios will provide a starting point for people to add their own ideas, suggestions and comments. The diagrams below provide links to the extracts of the Schematic Scenario Report.
  
                             
 
We welcome your ideas and suggestions to help us refine these scenarios and work towards preparing a preferred scenario. Please send us your ideas.
   
Alternatively, you can email any ideas, suggestion or comments to regen@leevalleypark.org.uk
   
Community Engagement
The Authority thinks it is important that the ideas for the future of the Regional Park are developed with wide ranging engagement and consultation. To help guide the engagement process, the Authority has adopted a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which outlines how the Authority will involve its stakeholders and wider community in developing the PDF. A copy of the SCI can be found by clicking the link below.
 
 
The SCI has been prepared by Beyond Green  on behalf of the Authority, following a programme of research and consultation with the Authority’s stakeholders.
 
Sustainability Appraisal
The PDF will be supported by a detailed baseline and strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal. These documents will be used to evaluate the range of proposals as they develop. The consultancy, Tesserae Environmental and the Geodata Institute have been appointed to develop this work.  The initial workshop, which was held in March, helped to scope the contents of these studies. Notes from this workshop can be found here .
 
Tesserae Environmental produced a draft Scoping Report on the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) which went out for consultation from 1 June - 13 July 2007.  A copy of the documents produced for consultation can be found by clicking on the links below. The comments received are currently being reviewed and will influence the SA report as appropriate. A copy of the final Scoping Report will be available in the autumn 2007.

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report - Non Technical Summary
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report
App B - Review of Policies, Plans and Programmes
App C - Sample Assessment Matrix
App D - Sustainability Appraisal Framework

Throughout the development of the PDF the Authority is keen to know your views. For an overview of the process please contact:
 
Stephen Wilkinson:  swilkinson@leevalleypark.org.uk
 
To discuss any specific issues on policies and programmes linked to the development of the strategic environmental assessment and community engagement programmes please contact:
 
Claire Martin:  cmartin@leevalleypark.org.uk   or 
Stephen Wilkinson:  swilkinson@leevalleypark.org.uk