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For and on behalf of Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
Rushden, Northamptonshire
Prepared by DLP Planning Ltd
London
October 2015
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DLP Consulting Group disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of matters outside the scope of this report. This report has been prepared with reasonable skill, care and diligence. This report is confidential to the client and DLP Planning Ltd accepts no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report or any part thereof is made known. Any such party relies upon the
report at their own risk.
Prepared by: …………………………….. Conor Doyle MTCP
Planner
Approved by: ……………………………… James Croucher MTP MRTPI
Senior Director
Date: October 2015
DLP Planning Ltd The Green House 41-42 Clerkenwell Green London EC1R 0DU
Tel: 020 3761 5390
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Contents Page
S. Summary of Recommendations 4
1.0 Introduction 7
2.0 Methodology 8
3.0 National and Local Planning Context 10
4.0 Assessment of Open Space Needs 22
5.0 Assessment of Open Space 26
6.0 Assessment of Outdoor Sport 35
7.0 Assessment of Indoor Sport & Recreation 41
8.0 Conclusions 46
Appendices
1. Open Spaces Profiles 50
2. Ward maps 88
3. Open spaces audit table 94
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SUMMARY of RECOMMENDATIONS
S1. Within this Study a comprehensive range of recreational open spaces are assessed
within the town. These include spaces for children’s play provision, natural and semi-
natural greenspace and allotment needs. Allied to this, the level of both outdoor and
indoor sports provision in Rushden is also assessed.
S2. The assessment concludes that the existing level of children’s play provision is ‘fair’,
with opportunity to increase the quality and/or quantum of provision within identified
areas of the town which are out of walking range of the existing high-quality play areas.
The Study found that the overall quantum of additional open space required for
children’s play equipment provision by redevelopment of brownfield sites in existing
urban area and within the proposed Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not
less than approximately 11 hectares.
S3. All existing open space sites within the town, bar one, are recommended for
safeguarding. The following sites are also recommended candidates for qualitative
improvement:
03. Ascot Road;
08. Campion Close;
11. Deacon Close Park;
12. Fosse Green;
16. Headingley Road;
22. Magnolia Drive;
30. Rose Avenue;
33. Tennyson/ Highfield Road;
35. Trafford Road Park.
S4. Manor Park is not recommended in its entirety to be safeguarded. Rather, the lower-
quality area of the park is recommended for disposal to alternative uses, whilst
significantly more useable sports pitches portion is safeguarded.
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S5. There is a shortfall in natural and semi-natural greenspace within the town, with only
two existing sites being identified. Policies to secure appropriate structural landscaping
in new developments; the transformation of urban areas into greenspaces; and the
expansion of existing green corridors within the centre are amongst the
recommendations proposed to ensure the provision of natural and semi-natural
greenspace in Rushden improved. A minimum of approximately 11 hectares of
additional open space will be required to ensure that qualitative provision levels are
sufficient to meet the town’s forecast increased population, including at Rushden East.
S6. The existing provision of allotments within Rushden is currently ‘very good’. In order to
maintain a sufficient level of provision and longevity in their use, it is recommended
that the two existing sites are safeguarded against development or pressure for
alternative uses.
S7. With regard to outdoor sports facilities football, rugby and tennis are identified as
providing the primary facilities in the town. However, the existing provision was found
to be generally deficient, with only one floodlit facility and the general quality of the
facilities in need of improvement. The Study found that the overall quantum of
additional open space required for outdoor sports facilities by redevelopment of
brownfield sites in existing urban area and within the proposed Rushden East
Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than approximately 37.5 hectares.
S8. Local consultation with three local football and rugby clubs identified a need for the
provision of a shared Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP), with the multiple benefits such facilities
can provide. Jubilee Park, Spencer Park or within the proposed Rushden East
Sustainable Urban Extension are all recommended search locations for the siting of
this complementary new facility.
S9. Indoor sports facilities in the town are in need of improvement and upgrading. The
limited amount of quality sports facilities within Rushden will become a greater issue
as the town’s population continues to grow over the next 15 years. Recommendations
are therefore made for the investment and improvement of existing facilities, while
provision is also made for a new indoor sports facility within the forthcoming east
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Rushden Urban Extension. Specifically, there is demonstrable demand for a multi-
purpose community facility with capacity for 150 - 200 persons and potential multi-
sporting usage.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 DLP Planning Ltd was commissioned by Rushden Town Council in May 2015 to
undertake an assessment of open space, recreation and sport facilities in the town of
Rushden, Northamptonshire. The purpose of this Study was to update the open space
provision as outlined in the East Northamptonshire Council ‘Open Space, Sport and
Recreation Study’ (published; January 2006).
1.2 The Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study has been prepared in
accordance with the existing statutory and policy framework relating to open space. This
is inclusive of the National Planning Policy Framework (“the Framework”), the North
Northamptonshire Spatial Core Strategy (adopted 2008), the recently-submitted
amended North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and other bodies issuing
guidance on open space assessments.
1.3 The purpose of this Study is to identify:
Existing valued sports/recreational facilities to be safeguarded and retained;
Existing poor-quality or underused facilities to be upgraded;
Existing poorly-sited facilities to be replaced elsewhere;
Provision gaps (on a quantitative or qualitative basis) warranting the provision of
new or additional facilities.
1.4 The Study takes into account the proposed Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension
identified in emerging Development Plan policy as well as existing sites, facilities and
population quantum within the town. This Study may be used to inform any site-specific
allocations or policies within the Neighbourhood Plan.
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2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 National policy is framed within the Framework that supersedes PPG17 ‘Open Space,
Sport and Recreation’. The PPG17 companion guide ‘Assessing Needs and
Opportunities’ has now been replaced by the National Planning Policy Guidance
(NPPG).
The Framework (adopted March 2012)
2.2 This Study has been produced in accordance with the Framework open space guidance
that is included in paragraphs 73 and 74. It states that open space assessments should
identify;
‘…specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open
space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from
the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and
recreational provision is required.’
2.3 The Framework protects existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and
land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:
An assessment has been undertaken showing that open space, buildings or land
to be surplus to requirements; or
The loss resulting from proposed development would be replaced by equivalent
or better provision in terms of quantity in a suitable location; or
The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs
for which clearly outweigh the loss.
National Planning Practice Guidance (published March 2014)
2.4 As a result of the Taylor Review (2013) all planning guidance was set out in on easy-to-
navigate website in order to simplify the guidance available to the general public and
professionals.
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2.5 This Study uses the published NPPG, particularly the topic ‘open space, green space
and rights of way’ and introduces a new local green space guidance to help community
groups as well as councils to protect green space that is valuable to them,
Fields in Trust (published 2008)
2.6 Fields in Trust published ‘Planning and design for outdoor sport and play’ (2008) which
can be likened to previous recommendations in ‘The Six Acre Standard’. Recommended
quantity, quality and accessibility standards have been prepared by Fields in Trust for
playing pitches, all other outdoor sport as well as outdoor play.
Site Survey (May 2015)
2.7 A Site Survey occurred in May 2015 whereby a series of open space sites were
assessed after prior identification. A total of 39 open space sites were included in the
Site Survey whilst a series of outdoor and indoor sports facilities were also assessed.
The findings of this survey are reported throughout this Study.
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3.0 NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLICY CONTEXT
Introduction
3.1 This chapter present and analyses both existing and proposed national and local
planning guidance and policy framework. The guidance and policy provides a framework
within which the planning and management of open space and sports provision can take
place.
National Policy and Guidance
National Planning Policy Framework (“the Framework”)
3.2 In March 2012 the Government adopted a National Planning Policy Framework (“The
Framework”), sweeping away 1,300 pages of Planning Policy Statements and Planning
Policy Guidance Notes.
3.3 The Framework sets out the Government requirements for the planning system only to
the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. Whilst not
prescriptive, the Framework is however material to the consideration of all planning
proposals. The aim of the Framework is to provide a clear and simple planning
framework which has, at its heart, a “presumption in favour of sustainable development.”
3.4 The most relevant section of the Framework when assessing Rushden’s open space
needs is Section 7 titled ‘Deliver open space, sports and recreational facilities’.
Paragraph 73 states that “access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport
and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of
communities. Planning policies should be based on robust up-to-date assessment of the
needs for open space sport and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision”.
3.5 The Framework outlines that planning policies should identify specific needs and
quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational
facilities in the local area, while the information gained from this assessment of needs
and opportunities should be used to set locally derived standards for the provision of
open space, sports and recreational facilities.
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National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG)
3.6 The Government published the National Planning Practice Guidance website in August
2013. The planning practice guidance has been approved by the Secretary of State in
March 2014. The guidance provides a topic relating to ‘open space, green space and
rights of way’ which provides guidance on:
Assessing the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities; a link to the
Sports England website is provided which contains information on
methodologies to assess the need for sport and recreation.
Local green space designation; this is set out to provide special protection
against development for green areas which is important to local communities.
Paragraph 77 of the Framework sets out criteria that the green space must meet
such as the green space being located within close proximity to the community,
is not an extensive parcel of land, is local in character, and is patently special to
the community.
Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A companion guide to PPG17 (ODPM, 2002)
3.7 The companion guide provides useful guidance on how to approach this Study. The
companion guide to PPG17 states the importance for local authorities to carry out their
own open needs assessment as opposed to adopting a national standard. This is framed
by a Five Step guide:
1. Identifying Local Needs – Achieved through Public Engagement
2. Auditing Local Provision – Achieved through Audits
3. Setting Provision Standards – Analysing Audits
4. Applying Provision Standards
5. Drafting Policies
3.8 The companion guide to PPG17 recommends that all open space, irrespective of
ownership, unless privately owned gardens, should be included in an assessment in
order to capture a comprehensive audit of supply of local open space.
The Allotments Acts
3.9 The legal framework for Allotments has been developed over the first half of the 20th
Century. The Acts that form the legal framework are framed accordingly:
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Small Holdings and allotments Act 1908 – this Act consolidated all previous
legislation and provided a basis for consequent Acts. This placed a duty on local
authorities to provide sufficient allotments paying regards to demand.
Allotments Act 1922 – specified that they should mostly be used for growing
fruit and vegetables as well as limiting the size of an individual allotment to one
quarter of an acre.
Allotments Act 1925 – required local authorities to recognise the need for
allotments in any town planning development and established statutory
allotments which the local authority could not convert or sell for other uses.
Allotments Act 1950 – improved provisions for compensatory and tenants’
rights. Confined local authorities’ obligation to ‘allotment gardens’ only.
3.10 National Planning Policy does not pay specific regard to allotments. Allotments can,
however, fall within Framework policies relating to enhancing the natural environment
and improving biodiversity, as well as supporting healthy and more self-sufficient
communities.
Advice from National Bodies
Fields Trust – Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play (2008)
3.11 Field in Trust (FIT) is the name of the National Playing Fields Association. Planning and
design for outdoor sport and play (2008) update and modernises previous
recommendations made in the Six Acre Standard. This provides a tool for assisting the
development of local standards. The benchmarks are outlined on the following page:
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Benchmarks for Outdoor Play
Quantity – Children’s Playing Space
Table 3.1 – Benchmarks for Children’s Play Provision
Quantity – All Playing Space Benchmark Standard (ha per 1,000)
Designated Equipped Playing Space 0.25
Informal Playing Space 0.55
Children’s Playing Space 0.8
Table 3.1 (Source: Fields In Trust (2008))
Quality – Children’s Playing Space
3.12 The Children’s Play Council’s Quality Assessment Tool allows local authorities to set
their own quality standards. These measures are outlined in the table 3.2 below.
Table 3.2 – Children’s Play Council’s Quality Assessment Tool
Type of Space Distance Criteria (metres)
Walking Distance Straight Line Distance
Local areas for play or
‘door-step’ spaces – for
play and informal
recreation (LAPs)
100
60
Local equipped or local
landscaped, areas for paly
– for play and informal
recreation (LEAPs)
400
240
Neighbourhood equipped
or local landscaped, areas
for play – for play and
informal recreation, and
provision for children and
young people (NEAPs)
1,000
600
Table 3.2 (Source Fields In Trust (2008))
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Benchmarks for Outdoor Sport
Quantity – Outdoor Sport
Table 3.3 – Benchmark Standard for Outdoor Sports
Type of Local Authority Benchmark Standard (ha per 1,000)
Urban 1.15
Rural 1.72
Overall 1.2
Table 3.3 (Source: Fields In Trust (2008))
Quality – Outdoor Sport
3.13 FIT recommends the use of Technical Performance Quality Standards such as those
published in Design and Maintenance of Outdoor Sports Facilities (FIT, 2004) for both
pitches and the outdoor facilities, such as cricket, bowls and croquet. Observational
methodologies, such as those within the Sport England’s electronic toolkit, can also
provide a helpful starting point.
Accessibility – Playing Pitches
3.14 Within major residential areas, playing pitches should be provided within 1.2 km of all
dwellings.
Accessibility – Other Outdoor Sports
3.15 Tennis – community tennis courts within 20 minutes travel time (walking in urban areas).
Athletics – one synthetic track with floodlighting per 250,000 people living within 30
minutes’ drive time of the location.
Natural England: ‘Nature Nearby’ – Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance
(2010)
3.16 The provision of good quality natural green spaces close to where people live is
promoted by Natural England within ‘Nature Nearby’.
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3.17 Nature Nearby recommends three different types of standards that should be adopted
by local authorities in order for them to assess and improve the way in which
greenspaces function:
Access to Natural Greenspace Standards – this sets out standards for the size of
a greenspace and distance people are expected to travel from;
Visitor Service Standards – this sets out standards relating to facilities, community
links, accessibility, activities, information and interpretation that are should be
provided depending on the type of greenspace it is;
Greenspace Quality Standard – standards relating to qualitative assessment, such
as cleanliness, sustainability, security and safety amongst other factors.
Local Policy and Guidance
Introduction
3.18 The Local Development Framework (LDF) is made up of a variety of plan documents or
Local Development Documents (LDDs), including documents at a regional, North
Northamptonshire Growth Area and a District Level.
3.19 As part of the development of the LDF, the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit
(JPU) was created. The JPU is a partnership consisting of Corby, Wellingborough,
Kettering and East Northamptonshire councils together with Northamptonshire County
Council who have worked together to create an overall town planning strategy for North
Northamptonshire.
The North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy (2008)
3.20 In June 2008 the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy was adopted. This Plan
sets out the overall spatial strategy for North Northamptonshire for the period 2001-2021,
including where development should be located, and the standards it should aim to
achieve. The Core Strategy is the framework for the Site Specific Plans (Development
Plan Documents) being prepared by individual Borough/District Councils. The Core
Strategy sets out some key policies that are relevant to this Study.
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3.21 Policy 5 ‘Green Infrastructure’ seeks to conserve and enhance green infrastructure in
the area whilst putting an emphasis on the importance of this space to the community.
Policy 5 states;
“A net gain in green infrastructure will be sought through the protection and
enhancement of assets and the creation of new multi functional areas of green
space that promote recreation and tourism, public access, green education,
biodiversity, water management, the protection and enhancement of the local
landscape and historic assets and mitigation of climate change, along with green
economic uses* and sustainable land management.”
3.22 Policy 6 ‘Infrastructure Delivery and Developer Contributions’ sets out the need for new
developments to provide sufficient open space for the new communities. This is
particularly important with the forthcoming East Rushden urban expansion. The Policy
directly references the Supplementary Planning Guidance that is outlined later in this
chapter. Policy 6 states;
“New development will be supported by the timely delivery of infrastructure,
services and facilities necessary to provide balanced, more self-sufficient
communities and to secure a modal shift away from car use and road freight
haulage.”
3.23 Policy 13 ‘General Sustainable Development Principles’ sets out criteria for
developments in order to “meet the needs of residents and businesses without
compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy the same quality of life that the
present generation aspires to.” The most relevant ‘needs’ that a development should
meet, as outlined in Policy 13, follow:
“a) Incorporate flexible designs for buildings and their settings, including access
to amenity space, enabling them to be adapted to future needs and to take into
account the needs of all users;
f) Not lead to the loss of community facilities, unless it can be demonstrated that
they are no longer needed by the community they serve and are not needed for
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any other community use, or that the facility is being relocated and improved to
meet the needs of the new and existing community;
g) Not lead to the loss of open space or recreation facilities, unless a site of
equivalent quality and accessibility can be provided, serviced and made
available to the community prior to use of the existing site ceasing;
j) Be designed to promote healthier lifestyles and for people to be active outside
their homes and places of work;
o) Conserve and enhance the landscape character, historic landscape
designated built environmental assets and their settings, and biodiversity of the
environment making reference to the Environmental Character Assessment and
Green Infrastructure Strategy.”
3.24 Policy 16 ‘Sustainable Urban Extensions’ sets out a list of criteria that all urban
extensions should make provision for. Similar to Policy 6 this is particularly relevant to
open space and sports facility provision for the East Rushden urban extension. The most
relevant criterion to this Study is outlined below:
“j) A network of green spaces linking the area to the wider green infrastructure
framework that provides for large-scale landscape enhancement, the
conservation of important environmental assets and natural resources,
biodiversity and formal and informal recreation areas.”
North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011-2031
3.25 A replacement Core Strategy was submitted to the Secretary of State for independent
examination in July 2015. The emerging Core Strategy was reviewed to take account of
the recession delaying development and infrastructure investment, and to plan forward
to 2031. The review is also responding to the Government’s reforms to the planning
system, including the National Planning Policy Framework and the revocation of
Regional Plans. Analysis of policies relevant to this Study follow accordingly. It provides
strategic policies to be developed in more detail through Part 2 Local Plans prepared by
Neighbourhood Planning Groups.
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3.26 Draft Policy 7 ‘Community Services and Facilities’ sets out requirements for new
developments to support and enhance community services and facilities such as:
“a) Providing on site where necessary or contributing towards accessible, new
or enhanced community services and facilities to meet the needs arising from
the development utilising, where possible, opportunities for the co-location of
facilities or the use of existing suitable sites;
b) Providing accessible greenspace in accordance with Natural England’s
Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt) and the Woodland Trust’s
Woodland Access Standard unless local standards have been adopted;
c) Safeguarding existing facilities unless it can be demonstrated that:
i. They are no longer viable; and
ii. No longer needed by the community they serve; and
iii. Are not needed for any other community use or that the facility is being
relocated and improved to meet the needs of the new and existing
community;
d) Not resulting in a net loss of open space, allotments, sports and recreation
buildings and land, including playing field unless:
i. The facility is surplus to requirements; or
ii. A site of equivalent quality and accessibility can be provided, serviced
and made available to the community prior to use of the existing site ceasing;
or
iii. The development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, the
need for which clearly outweighs the loss.”
3.27 Draft Policy 11 ‘The Network of Urban and Rural Areas’ sets out a simplified settlement
hierarchy based on the Settlement Hierarchy Background paper. As part of the policy,
Rushden joins Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough as a ‘Growth Town’, recognising
local ambitions and the potential of the town to continue to deliver new homes and jobs.
The policy states:
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“a) The Growth Towns will be the focus for infrastructure investment and higher
order facilities to support major employment, housing, retail and leisure
development;
c) Provision will be made for new housing as set out in Policy 28. Any proposals
for significant additional growth should be tested and supported through Part 2
Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans;
d) The Sustainable Urban Extensions shown on the Key Diagram provide
strategic locations for housing and employment development within and beyond
the plan period. If it is necessary to identify additional sites to maintain a 5 year
deliverable supply of housing land in a district in accordance with Policy 28, these
should be identified at the Growth Town followed, if necessary and relevant, the
Market Towns within that district.”
3.28 Draft Policy 15 ‘Well-connected Towns, Villages and Neighbourhoods’ aims to
strengthen the connectivity within and around settlements by managing development
and investment to amongst other requirements:
3.29 Draft Policy 19 ‘The Delivery of Green Infrastructure’ updates the current Core Spatial
Strategy Policy 5 to give clearer emphasis on delivery of Green Infrastructure. The most
relevant parts of the draft policy follow:
“The special mixed urban and rural character of North Northamptonshire will be
maintained and enhanced by:
a) Managing development and investment to secure a net gain in green
infrastructure through:
i. Establishing multi-functional greenspaces within the GI
network;
b) Safeguarding identified sub-regional green infrastructure corridors
by:
i. Not permitting development that compromises their integrity
and therefore that of the overall green infrastructure network;
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ii. Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to
their quality and robustness;
iii. Investing in enhancement and restoration where opportunities
exist.”
3.30 Draft Policy 28 ‘Housing Requirements’ outlines the household growth target between
2011 and 2031 for North Northamptonshire (total 40,000 dwellings) and the East
Northamptonshire District (total 8,400 dwellings).
3.31 Draft Policy 33 ‘Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension’ outlines the proposed
extension inclusive of the economic, environmental and social impacts. The policy
states:
“Land to the East of Rushden is identified as the broad location for a sustainable
urban extension to include around 2,000-2,500 dwellings and provision for an
appropriate level of job opportunities, ancillary facilities, services and open
space.”
East Northamptonshire Open Space Supplementary Planning Document (2011)
3.32 The East Northamptonshire Open Space SPD sets out East Northamptonshire Council’s
approach to providing open spaces in new developments and to securing financial
contributions to sustain, improve and maintain them. The SPD is a document which
compliments and defines further details of a policy in the Core Spatial Strategy. It was
adopted in November 2011 and follows PMP Consultants Open Space, Sport and
Recreation Study for East Northamptonshire (published January 2006).
3.33 Appendix C sets out the open space principles for East Northamptonshire developments
citing the aspiration for all relevant open spaces to meet the Green Flag status for parks
and other public open spaces. Appendix C summarises why open space is important to
East Northamptonshire;
“Open space within and around a development is as important as the design
of the buildings. Careful consideration of the design of open space should be
integrated at the earliest stage. Open space should not be an after thought
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when designing a development. Open space should have purpose and not be
confined to corners of a development or where awkward pieces of land are left
over which are not suitable for development. Poor design encourages crime,
lack of social inclusion, creates littering and dog fouling potential. Well designed
open space can be the making of a place.”
3.34 Children’s Play Spaces is highlighted within the Appendix C as it guides applicants to
the ten CABE principles on designing children’s play space as set out below:
Imagine a play space designed to enhance its setting
Imagine a play space in the best possible place
Imagine a play space close to nature
Imagine a play space where children can play in different ways
Imagine a play space where disabled and non-disabled children play together
Imagine a place space loved by the community
Imagine a play space where children of all aged play together
Imagine a play space where children can stretch and challenge themselves in
every way
Imagine a play space maintained for play value and environmental
sustainability
Imagine a play space that evolves as the children grow
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4.0 ASSESSMENT OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS
Introduction
4.1 This chapter presents an assessment of local open space needs and priorities. There
are a number of objective indicators that can be used when assessing open space needs
within Rushden. For the purpose of this Study population has been used as the sole
indicator as it gives a general overview of the density within the area. The population
data was gained from the 2011 census extracting from Lower Super Output Area (LSOA)
Levels which are often referred to as Wards. Maps displaying each Ward in turn are
located in Appendix A whilst the names of each follow for ease:
Rushden Bates
Rushden Hayden
Rushden Spencer
Rushden Pemberton
Rushden Sartoris
Existing population
4.2 The population of each ward (LSOA) is compared against the population of: the non-
metropolitan district, East Northamptonshire; the region, East Midlands; and the national
average, England.
Table 4.1 – Rushden Ward’s Population Density 2011
Population (Persons)
Ward Name Ward (LSOA)
East Northamptonshire
East Midlands
England
Bates 4,514
86,765
4,533,222
53,012,456 Hayden 7,382
Spencer 6,222
Pemberton 6,807
Sartoris 4,347
Table 4.1 (Source: Office for National Statistics (2013))
4.3 The most recently-recorded total population of Rushden, excluding Higham Ferrers, is
29,272 persons.
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Population density
4.4 The population density of each ward is outlined in Table 4.2 below. Pemberton and
Sartoris to the south west of Rushden are the most densely populated wards, whilst
Bates, covering a vast amount of open land to the south is the least densely populated.
In comparison to the local authority, region and nation Rushden is an urban area where
the demand on open space, recreational and sports facilities will be higher than the
average.
Table 4.2 – Rushden Ward’s Population Density 2011
Density Rate (Number of Persons per Hectare) (Persons)
Ward Name Ward (LSOA)
East Northamptonshire
East Midlands
England
Bates 9.8
1.7
2.9
4.1 Hayden 16.8
Spencer 14.8
Pemberton 58.4
Sartoris 39.4
Table 4.2 (Source: Office for National Statistics (2013))
Population forecast
4.5 The population forecast is important to the Study of open space, recreation and sports
facilities. With this forecast data it allows the provision of open space and facilities to be
compared against future demand.
4.6 The population forecast has derived from the Emerging North Northamptonshire Joint
Core Strategy as outlined in Figure 1 below. The Emerging North Northamptonshire JCS
states:
“This Plan is based on projections prepared by the Cambridgeshire Centre for
Housing and Planning Research (CCHPR) using previous ONS Interim 2011-
based projections adjusted and rolled forward to 2031. In summary, these project
a North Northamptonshire population of 328,300 in 2031, representing a 20.2%
increase over the plan period 2011-2031 (or, for comparison with the latest ONS
projections, 19.5% since 2012).”
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Figure 1: Projected percentage growth in population 2012-31 (North Northamptonshire JCS)
4.7 The Emerging North Northamptonshire JCS states that the “North Northamptonshire
Housing Market Area (HMA) has accommodated significant new housing in the past, in
part due to the policy driven growth agenda promoted through the former Milton Keynes
and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy… The vision is for the area to maintain this
momentum of growth, with well managed sustainable development delivered, in large
part, through Sustainable Urban Extensions at the main towns.”
4.8 The Emerging JCS has assumed that around 3% of the dwelling stock is vacant at any
point in time to conclude that the adjusted household projections give rise to a need for
34,900 net additional homes in the (HMA) over the period 2011-2031, which has been
rounded up to a plan requirement of 35,000 dwellings. Draft Policy 28 ‘Housing
Requirements’ of the Emerging JCS states that the East Northamptonshire annual
average dwellings between 2011 and 2031 is 420 units whilst the total between the same
time period is 8,400 units.
4.9 For the purpose of this Study, the forecast population of Rushden is derived by using
the following equation:
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Forecast population of Rushden (persons) = (Current households (dwellings) +
Forecast growth of households (dwellings)) X 2.3
4.10 The current households, as outlined in the Rushden Housing Needs and Mix
Requirements Assessment (June 2014), is 12,961 dwellings as per the 2011 Census.
The forecast growth of households is the sum of the infill and Rushden East, 2,731
and 2,250 dwellings respectively, totalling 4,981 dwellings. Therefore, the forecast
equation for the forecast population of Rushden follows;
Forecast population of Rushden = (Current households (dwellings) + Forecast growth of
households (dwellings)) X 2.3
= (12,961 dwellings + 4,981 dwellings) X 2.3
= (17,942 dwellings) X 2.3
= 41,267 persons
4.11 The total forecast population of Rushden following development, primarily to the east of
the town and infill, in 2031 equals 41,267 persons.
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5.0 ASSESSMENT OF RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE
Introduction
5.1 Open space is a key provision in enabling children’s play needs. It is widely
acknowledged that children’s play has many benefits past physical activity. A Site
Survey was conducted in May 2015 whereby each open space was assessed on a
qualitative and quantitative basis. Within this chapter a series of different open space
typologies are assessed, including:
Children’s Play Provision
Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspace
Allotment Needs
Children’s Play Provision
5.2 At present there are no adopted national standards relating to children’s play provision.
However, the Field’s In Trust has developed a structured approach to the planning and
provision of children’s play areas, as outlined in planning and design for outdoor sport
and play (2008). The approach was outlined in Chapter 3, Tables 3.1 and 3.2.
5.3 East Northamptonshire Open Space Supplementary Planning Document sets out a
recommended local standards for provision for children and young people. The quantity
is set at 0.1 ha per 1,000 population whilst the accessibility is set at a 10 minute walk or
480m in distance whilst a qualitative measure is set out in Appendix F, as outlined in
Chapter 3 paragraph 3.27. The ten CABE principles to designing children’s play
provision are also utilised when assessing children’s play provision.
Existing Children’s Play Provision
5.4 As part of the site survey (May 2015) an assessment of the children’s play provision as
part recorded the quality and quantity of facilities across Rushden. Appendix B provides
an audit of all the parks and open space sites in Rushden. Within this audit are a series
of LAP’s, LEAP’s and NEAP’s as defined by NPFA standards accordingly:
Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP): 1,000m2
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Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP): 400m2
Local Area of Play (LAP): 100m2
5.5 Out of a total 39 open spaces (which did not include school sites) assessed in 2015, 24
contained some form of formal children’s play provision (LAP, LEAP or NEAP).
Quantity
5.6 The audit has been based on the site area as opposed to the quantity of play areas and
therefore a local standard has been set in terms of hectares per 1000 persons.
5.7 The site survey demonstrates that, out of the 39 sites surveyed, under one quarter
currently provide a LAP, whilst over one quarter provided a LEAP. NEAPs are less
frequent as just over one tenth of the sites possessed one. No formal children’s play
equipment was found at over one third of the sites surveyed. This data is presented in
table 5.1 below.
Table 5.1 – Children’s Play Provision by Type within Rushden
Type of Children’s Play Provision (excluding Schools)
Number of Open Spaces
% of Total Open Spaces
LAP 9 23.1%
LEAP 11 28.2%
NEAP 4 10.3%
No formal Children’s Play
Provision
15 38.4%
Total 39 100%
Table 5.1 (Source: Site Survey (May, 2015))
5.8 The sites identified were assessed as either LAPs, LEAPs, NEAPs or no formal
children’s play provision. A number of the sites could be upgraded from their current
classification with the installation of further play equipment. For instance, in areas of
qualitative deficiency, LEAPs could be upgraded to NEAPs which would increase the
provision for older children.
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5.9 Table 5.2 identifies the level of informal and formal play provision compared with the
population for each ward using data from the 2011 census as outlined in Chapter 4.
Formal children’s play provision comes is identified above whilst the informal areas are
open spaces suitable for informal play activities, such as flying a kite or space for
running. The most appropriate example of informal children’s play provision is a park.
Table 5.2 – Amount of Children’s Play Space per Population by Ward
Ward Children’s
Formal and
Informal Play
Provision (m2)
Population
(2011)
(persons)
Play Space Per
Population (m2)
National
Benchmark for
Play Space Per
Population (m2)
Bates 121,252 4,514 26.9
10
Hayden 30,389 7,382 4.1
Spencer 78,486 6,222 12.6
Pemberton 13,865 6,807 2.0
Sartoris 57,186 4,347 13.2
Total 301,178 29,272 58.8 --
Average 60,236 5,854 11.8 --
Table 5.2 (Source: Site Survey (2015) and Census data (2011))
5.10 Table 5.2 shows that the provision of formal and informal play provision for children is
highest in the Bates ward at 26.9m2 per person. Pemberton and Hayden have the lowest
provision of open space for children’s play provision at 2.0m2 and 4.1m2 per child
respectively, falling below the national benchmark and therefore being in most need of
quality facilities to offset the identified quantitative shortfall.
5.11 In 2008 that national benchmark for children’s play equipment provision was set at 10m2
per person as per the Mayor of London’s Providing for children and young people’s play
and informal recreation Supplementary Planning Guidance. When comparing each ward
in turn against this figure it is clear that the wards of Pemberton and Hayden suffer from
a significant under provision with 2m2 and 4.1m2 of play space per person respectively.
The wards of Spencer and Sartoris meet the benchmark at 12.6m2 and 13.2m2 of play
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space per person respectively, with Bates ward demonstrating a substantial over
provision at 26.9m2 of play space per head of population.
5.12 Table 5.3 uses the population forecast as outlined in the previous Chapter to analyse
the current supply of informal and formal children’s play provision against future
demands. Comparing the current provision to future demands it is clear that, should
significant development occur within and surrounding Rushden, the demand on open
space provision will increase by a third.
Table 5.3 – Children’s Play Provision and Population of Rushden in 2031
Children’s Formal and
Informal Play Provision
within Rushden (m2)
Forecast Population
(2031) (persons)
Play Space Per
Population (m2)
Forecast
(2031)
(persons)
301,178
41,267
7.3
Table 5.3 (Source: Site Survey (2015) and Consultants Forecast (2015))
Accordingly, the overall quantum of additional open space required by redevelopment
of brownfield sites in the existing urban area and within the proposed Rushden East
Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than 111,472m2 (approximately 11 hectares).
Quality
5.13 The condition of each children’s play area in Rushden was scored on a set of criteria as
set out in Chapter 3 based on the “Green Flag” criteria for quality:
Type and range of play equipment
Cleanliness
Seating
Hard playing surface
Security
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5.14 As part of the site survey (2015) each children’s formal play provision area was assessed
using the criteria listed above. As a result of the survey each site was categorised into
either ‘good’ quality, ‘fair’ quality or ‘poor’ quality. Table 5.4 displays the outcome of the
assessment whilst Appendix D displays each site’s individual assessment.
Table 5.4 – Quality of Children’s Play Provision in Rushden
Quality of Children’s
Play Provision
Number of Sites % of Total Children’s
play areas
Poor 0 0
Fair 7 30
Good 16 70
Total 23 100
Table 5.4 (Source: Site Survey (2015))
Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspace
5.15 This type of open space includes woodlands, urban forestry, scrubland, grasslands,
wetlands, nature reserves and wastelands with a primary purpose of wildlife
conservation and bio-diversity within the settlement boundaries.
5.16 Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGS) are recommended to local authorities
by Natural England when assessing the provision of natural and semi-natural
greenspace. The guidance was issued within A Space for Nature (1996) which
recommended the following:
That no person should be located more than 300m from the nearest area of
natural greenspace of at least 2 hectares in size;
Provision of at least 1 hectare of Local Nature Reserve per 1,000 population;
That there should be at least one accessible 20 hectare site within 2 kilometres
from home;
That there should be one accessible 100 hectare site within 5 kilometres; and
That there should be one accessible 500 hectare site within 10 kilometres.
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5.17 The standards were reviewed within the by Natural England in Accessible Guidance
Standards in Towns and Cities: A Review and Toolkit (2003). The review concluded that
the standards would not be altered.
5.18 East Northamptonshire Council have also set a recommended local standard of 1.3
hectares of natural and semi-natural open space per 1000 population in an urban area.
5.19 Although Rushden is surrounded by greenspace, and has good access to the Nene
Valley Park, it is lacking in the urban centres and connectivity is in need of further
improvement. There were two prominent sites identified as being natural or semi-natural
greenspace within the boundaries of Rushden: East Northamptonshire Greenway; and
Mallards. Both can be considered natural despite the urban fabric surrounding them.
The East Northamptonshire Greenway provides a link through the centre of the town for
people to walk or cycle through a green environment, whilst Mallards provides fishing
ponds and natural vegetation that is maintained for public use. In the absence of any
opportunity to materially increase the quantum of nature greenspace within the existing
urban area, enhanced links are recommended to existing nearby structural greenspace
areas.
Allotment Provision
5.20 This section reviews the extent to which the provision of allotments within Rushden
meets national and local standards in the present day and at the end of the North
Northamptonshire Core Strategy in 2031.
5.21 Allotments provide an opportunity for people to grow their own produce as part of the
long-term promotion of sustainability, health and social inclusion. In recent years,
demand for allotments has increased due to a number of reasons. The benefits of
maintaining an allotment are widely publicised, hence the recent surge in interest. These
benefits include:
Providing recreation
Improving physical and mental health
Providing a vital part of greenspace within urban areas
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5.22 The Framework states that when a local planning authority prepares its development
plan, they should undertake an assessment of the likely demand for open spaces as
well as plan positively for the creation, enhancement and management of biodiversity
and green infrastructure.
5.23 There is no formal guidance on how allotment needs should be assessed, however, the
Local Government Association good practice guide ‘Growing in the Community’ (2001)
identifies issues which should be considered when doing so. As outlined in Chapter 3,
there are a number of Allotments Acts which define law on the subject. Section 23 of the
1908 Allotments Act (as amended) binds Local Authorities to providing allotments for
the local community should there be a demand.
5.24 The most recent guidance on the current level of provision was published in 1996 by the
National Allotment survey. This identified an average provision in England of 15 plots
per 1,000 households.
5.25 The most recent Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study for East Northamptonshire
Council (2006) produced by PMP stated a recommended local standard for East
Northamptonshire is 0.34ha per 1000 persons, a standard from which no departure has
been identified or justified.
Quantity
5.26 There are four allotment sites within Rushden located to the north, south, east and west
of the urban area:
Site 1 - Church Hall Road Allotments (4ha)
Site 2 - Rushden Permanent Allotments & Small Holdings Society, Quorn Road
(5ha)
Site 3 – Bedford Road Allotments (1.6ha)
Site 4 – Alexandra Road Allotments (3.5ha)
5.27 The current provision of allotments in Rushden is 0.48ha per 1000 persons within
Rushden as per the population from the most recent census (2011). This is more than
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the East Northamptonshire benchmark of 0.34ha per 1000 persons which is a good
provision considering the urban context of Rushden.
5.28 Table 5.5 outlines that the current provision of allotments will fall following an increase
in population up until 2031. The current high provision will be diminished unless further
provision is catered for in new development areas, particularly the Rushden East Urban
Extension. Although a provision of 0.34ha per 1000 persons is considered good.
Table 5.5 – Allotment Provision in Rushden in 2031
Allotment Site Size (hectares) Allotments per 1000 persons
(Forecast) (2031)
Site 1 4 0.097
Site 2 5 0.121
Site 3 1.6 0.039
Site 4 3.5 0.085
Total 14.1 0.34
Table 5.5 (Source: Site Survey (2015))
Quality
5.29 There are no national or local standards when assessing the quality of allotments. During
the Site Survey (2015) the four allotments were assessed for a number of criteria
including:
Vegetation
Safety and security
Ancillary accommodation
Cleanliness and maintenance
Accessibility
5.30 The four sites scored well in all categories for a range of reasons. All have gates and
secure fences around their perimeter to restrict anti-social behaviour. The sites are
currently well maintained with waste bins available on site. The pitches appeared to be
in full occupation. In terms of accessibility, the existing allotments are well located in
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spatial terms with appropriate ease of access by car, public transport or walking.
Consequently, the existing allotments are all identified for safeguarding.
Summary of recommendations
5.31 The assessment of recreational open space within Rushden found that the current level
of children’s play provision is fair, however, there is scope to increase the quality of this
in some areas. One of the areas to improve upon, accessibility, is exemplified in
Appendix F where the areas excluded from the buffer zones are out of walking range of
the respective play areas as per the NPFA standards. The demand for these play areas
will increase ever more as Rushden is a Growth Town. Any future development should
include LEAPs and NEAPs to cater for the junior and older children. In regard to the
quantum of additional open space required for children’s play equipment provision by
redevelopment of brownfield sites in existing urban area and within the proposed
Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than approximately 11 hectares.
5.32 Other recommendations include the production of an Action Plan by Rushden Town
Council that seeks the enhancement of current play areas as well as aim to identify
additional playspace provision opportunities in urban renewal locations. Setting up a
task force to capitalise on funding that is available for such development will help to
finance any future projects. Community ownership, particularly in any new development,
will help to maintain interest in the upkeep of any play area.
5.33 The Study also found that there is a lack of natural and semi-natural greenspace within
the urban area, and a need for improved linkages to existing nearby structural open
space facilities. Additionally, appropriate structural landscaping in new development
(particularly Rushden East), transformation of urban areas into greenspaces, and
expansion where possible of existing green corridors are also recommended.
5.34 The current provision of allotments is good and the provision of four sites within Rushden
should be safeguarded. Therefore in order to preserve the facility, if an allotment is
developed it is suggested that an alternative suitably located allotment, of equal or
greater size, and of equal or superior quality is provided.
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6.0 ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR SPORT 6.1 This chapter reviews the quantum and quality of outdoor sport provision in the town.
Overall Pitch Provision
6.2 Provision for a range of sport pitches currently exists within Rushden, spread across a
total of 19 pitches. The provision for football outweighs the provision for other sports.
Analysis of the data obtained from the site survey (2015) revealed that there are a total
of 5 (full size) football pitches, 4 (full size) rugby pitches, 4 (full size) tennis courts, 3 (full
size) rounders pitches and 1 (full size) softball pitch, whilst there is 1 (junior) football
pitch. Table 6.1 outlines the type and use of pitches identified.
Table 6.1 – Overall Pitch Provision in Rushden
Pitch Type Grass Hard Surface Total Total Area (m2)
Cricket (full size)
1 0 1 12,920
Football (full size)
5 0 5 32,200
Football (junior) 1 0 1 3,340
Rugby (full size) 4 0 4 28,000
Rounders 3 0 3 18,000
Softball 1 0 1 6,000
Tennis 0 4 4 2,675
Total 15 4 19 100,135
Table 6.1 (Source: Site Survey (2015))
Local Outdoor Sports Clubs
6.3 A catalogue of the sports clubs that use these facilities is outlined below:
Cricket Clubs
Rushden Town Cricket Club
Football Clubs
AFC Rushden & Diamonds Football Club
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Rushden & Higham United Football Club
Rushden Windmill Football Club
South Rushden Youth Football Club
Rushden & Higham United Youth Football Club
Golf Clubs
John White Golf Club (Par 3 Golf Course)
Rugby Clubs
Rushden & Higham RFC
(Rushden Town Bowling Club is considered later in this Report, in Section 7).
Quantity
6.4 Table 6.2 provides a comparator of the number of people in Rushden per pitch sport.
The data provided shows that the provision of full size football and rugby pitches within
Rushden is similar to the national average, whereas the provision of cricket pitches is
somewhat lower than the national average.
Table 6.2 – Outdoor Pitches per Person in Rushden and England
Sport Total Pitches
in Rushden
Rushden
Pitches /
Person (2011)
Total Pitches in
England
England Pitches
/ Person
Cricket
(full size)
1 1:29,272 23,980 1:2,211
Football
(full size)
5 1:5,854 8,908 1:5,951
Rugby
(full size)
4 1:7,318 7,054 1:7,515
Table 6.2 (Source: Site Survey and Sport England (2015))
6.5 Table 6.3 compares the forecast population for Rushden up until 2031, as outlined in
Chapter 4, against the current provision of outdoor sports pitches. This data shows that
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the pitch demand will increase considerably in the forthcoming Plan period, notably due
to significant population growth at Rushden East.
Table 6.3 – Outdoor Pitches per Person using Forecast Population Data
Sport Total Pitches in
Rushden
Rushden Pitches / Persons
(Forecast) (2031)
Cricket (full size) 1 1:41,267
Football (full size) 5 1:8,253
Rugby (full size) 4 1:10,317
Table 6.3 (Source: Site Survey, Sport England and Consultant Forecast (2015))
6.6 As outlined in Chapter 3, the Fields in Trust set a benchmark of 1.15ha of outdoor sports
provision per 1000 persons in an urban area. Although this benchmark has not been
adopted by East Northamptonshire Council, it is useful to compare the current provision
of outdoor facilities against a basic national benchmark. There is currently 10.1ha of
provision in Rushden which equates to 0.35ha per 1000 persons in Rushden, one third
of the benchmark as set out by the Fields in Trust. Accordingly, the overall quantum of
additional open space required by redevelopment of brownfield sites in the existing
urban area and within the proposed Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not
less than 373,500m2 (approximately 37.5 hectares).
Quality
6.7 As part of the Site Survey (2015) the quality of the outdoor sport provision was assessed
against a number of indicators as outlined below:
Access
Type of Facilities
Floodlights
6.8 Existing facilities currently differ in quality as follows:
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Table 6.4 – Rushden’s Outdoor Sports Provision for Floodlit and Enclosed Pitches
Pitch Type Floodlit Enclosed
Cricket (full size) 0 0
Football (full size) 1 2
Football (junior) 0 0
Rugby (full size) 0 2
Rounders 0 0
Softball 0 0
Tennis 0 0
Total 1 4
Table 6.4: (Source: Site Visit (2015))
6.9 Although one full-size football pitch is floodlit, the provision for the whole of Rushden is
poor as no other facility benefits from this. This has negative effects, principally by
restricting playing time, especially in winter months. There are more enclosed pitches,
however, demonstrating a higher security and standard of these. In terms of access,
existing facilities are predominately located in public parks as well as well-known sports
clubs.
Local Sports Club Consultation
6.10 As part of the Study three local sports clubs were consulted to identify their current
capacity in regard to facilities and membership as well as their needs in the future. The
clubs consulted include: AFC Rushden & Diamonds Football Club; Rushden Town
Cricket Club; and Rushden & Higham Rugby Club. A summary of the consultation
follows.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds Football Club
6.11 AFC Rushden & Diamonds have a membership of 750 persons expanding over 15
teams at both junior and senior level. At present the 1st team play in Wellingborough with
only two of the teams playing within the urban conurbation of Rushden, Higham or
Irthlingborough at South End School in Rushden. One key aim for the football club is for
their 1st team to play within the local area as opposed to Wellingborough which they are
keen to explore any opportunity to secure this.
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6.12 One basic need as a club is for a 1st team pitch with surrounding facilities which will not
limit the level at which the team will rise. A second basic need is for the provision of
facilities where at least some, preferably for all, junior teams to play. The provision of a
Artificial Turf Pitch (ATF) would go some way to helping secure this as it can be used in
most weather conditions and is often aided by artificial lighting. The club admitted that
the requirement of approximately a 20 acre site to house all the football teams is
unfeasible, therefore, they are willing to share facilities with other local sports clubs.
Moreover the club mentioned that they actively encourage this.
Rushden Town Cricket Club
6.13 Rushden Town Cricket Club provided a ‘wish list’ for any future provision of sports
facilities. This list was very similar to the clubs current playing facilities which they are
unable to share with other sports clubs and also provided with the caveat that these
facilities are required should their current sports facilities be allocated for a different use.
The list was inclusive of: 1st/2nd team pitch approximately 5.55 acres measuring 150m x
150m; a 3rd/4th team pitch of the same size; 12 wickets on 1st/2nd team square; 10 wickets
on 3rd/4th team square; an artificial wicket on 3rd/4th team square; 2 practice nets
approximately 45m by 10m; a car park for approximately 75 cars; a pavilion with an area
of 400m2; an equipment/machine store; and 2 score boards.
Rushden & Higham Rugby Club
6.14 Rushden & Higham Rugby Club currently has access to four full-sized rugby pitches at
Manor Park and Jubilee Park as part of a lease agreement with the local Council. The
club’s current facilities include: two full-size pitches at Manor Park; two full-size pitches
at Jubilee Park also benefiting from some car parking; a club house inclusive fo changing
room and bathroom facilities which has recently been upgraded. The club currently
benefits from approximately 265 members within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Colts, and junior teams.
At present the teams have to travel to Sharbrook, Bedfordshire to use 4G facilities whilst
the four pitches are at full capacity all season.
6.15 The forecast demand for future facilities is for a minimum of four pitches, provision of
facilities for the current membership, further car parking, and a club house which will
ideally be upgraded further. The club would be keen to utilise any all-weather facilities
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particularly for training and would be happy to share facilities with other sports clubs
should this not be detrimental to their own function.
Recommendations
6.16 Football, rugby and tennis provide the majority of the provision of outdoor sports within
Rushden. The quality of these and other facilities is generally in need of improvement,
however. One way of alleviating this issue is by introducing Artificial Turf Pitches (ATF)
as outlined by the consultation responses of local sports clubs. Currently Rushden does
not benefit from an ATF, the provision of which would bring multiple benefits to the local
community. An ATF can be used for multiple sports as well as usually providing
floodlights to enable longer playing hours. Consideration should be given to requiring
such a facility within the Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension, provided by the
developer; at Jubilee Park (funded in whole or in part through developer contributions);
at Spencer Park (funded in whole or in part through developer contributions); or at the
Rushden Academy (formerly Rushden College) for community use (again, funded in
whole or in part through developer contributions).
6.17 Existing outdoor sports facilities should be safeguarded, in order to maintain an
appropriate quantum of facilities to support the town’s forecast population growth.
Moreover the Study found that the overall quantum of additional open space required
for outdoor sports facilities by redevelopment of brownfield sites in existing urban area
and within the proposed Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than
approximately 37.5 hectares.
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7.0 ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR SPORT
7.1 This chapter uses Sport England’s Active Places Power (APP) strategic planning tools
in order to identify the current provision of indoor sports facilities within Rushden. The
APP website provides a database of all indoor sports facilities within England, including
all such facilities within Rushden.
7.2 The type of indoor sport provision within Rushden that was assessed as part of this
Study includes:
Sport halls
A swimming pool
Health and fitness suites
Indoor bowls club
Local Indoor Sports Clubs
7.3 A catalogue of sports clubs that use these facilities is outlined below:
Bowls Clubs
Rushden Town Bowling Club
Swimming Clubs
Rushden Swimming Club
Wellingborough Swimming Club
Table Tennis Club
Higham Harriers Table Tennis Club
Roller Hockey Club
Rushden Inline Roller Hockey Club
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Quantity
7.4 Table 7.1 displays the amount of pitches in comparison the current population and the
two forecast populations for 2031. There are no national standards to compare the
results against. Despite this, paragraph 7.8, explores the significance of this data.
Table 7.1 – Rushden’s Indoor Sports Provision and its Population
Type of
facility
Total Number
in Rushden
Rushden Provision /
Person (2013)
Forecast Population
(2031) (persons)
Health &
Fitness
Suites
3 1:9,757 1:13,756
Indoor Bowls
Clubs
1 1:29,272 1:41,267
Sports Halls 4 1:7,318 1:10,317
Swimming
Pools
1 1:29,272 1:41,267
Table 7.1 (Source: Site Survey, Census Data and Consultant Forecast (2015))
Quality
7.5 The indoors sports facilities as outlined in tables 7.1 and 7.2 all differ from one another.
Through the Site Survey (2015) and Sport England APP the quality of the provision of
indoor sports facilities can be assessed.
Table 7.2 – Indoor Sport Provision in Rushden
Site Name Ownership Access Size (m2) Equivalent
Courts /
Pools
The Rushden Academy School Private 459 3
Pemberton Leisure &
Conference Centre
ENC Pay and Play 594 4
Heritage Chapel &
Halls
Sports Club Sports Club /
Community
Association
Unknown Unknown
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South End Junior
School
Community
School
Private Unknown Unknown
Splash Leisure Pool ENC Pay and Play 521 4
Rushden Town Indoor
Bowls Club
Sports Club Sports Club /
Community
Association
972 6
Elite Personal Training Health &
Fitness Suite
Pay and Play Unknown Unknown
Fit 4 Her Health &
Fitness Suite
Pay and Play Unknown Unknown
Little Street Fitness
Centre
Health &
Fitness Suite
Unknown Unknown Unknown
Table 7.2 (Source: Site Survey and Sport England (2015))
7.6 The quality of a facility is based on a number of criteria including:
Access
Size
Standard of facility
7.7 As a result of the survey each site was categorised into either ‘good’ quality, ‘fair’ quality
or ‘poor’ quality. Table 7.3 displays the outcome of the assessment with only Splash
Swimming Pool and Pemberton Leisure & Conference Centre being categorised within
the ‘good’ bracket. This was due to the range and quality of facilities available, coupled
with the ease of access to the general public. The remainder of the sites were
categorised within the ‘fair’ bracket with a lack of access to the general public and range
of facilities restricting a higher rating. This is not to say that any aspiration to update or
augment these two “good” facilities would not be beneficial but rather, that as a minimum
they should be safeguarded.
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Table 7.3 – Quality of Indoor Sports Provision within Rushden
Quality of Indoor Sport
Facilities
Number of Sites % of Total Indoor Sports
Provision
Poor 0 0
Fair 5 71
Good 2 29
Total 7 100
Table 7.3 (Source: Site Survey (2015))
Recommendations
7.8 In light of the Site Survey (2015) and the above quantitative and qualitative data it is
apparent that in the future the provision of indoor sports facilities will become an issue.
Due to the increasing population over the next 15 years the use of land to provide these
facilities will have to be carefully thought about due to the increasing demand for the
housing. The use of some of the sites where indoor sports facilities are situated should
be evaluated against their value to the community.
7.9 The provision of indoor sports facilities in Rushden differs dependent on the
requirements of the leisure or sports activity. For instance there is one swimming pool
compared to four sports halls. This provision will become comparatively scarcer as the
population grows.
7.10 Splash Swimming Pool and Pemberton Leisure & Conference Centre should be
safeguarded as a minimum. There is potential to renovate, upgrade, refurbish or replace
either facility. Splash Swimming Pool has been flooded twice in the past making the town
centre siting almost unviable. There will undoubtedly be increased pressure on these
two key indoor facilities as Rushden’s forecast population significantly increases and
accordingly, developer contributions should be sought for their upgrading and
improvement.
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7.11 There is no cinema or theatre in the town, whose existing and forecast population levels
will remain significantly below the levels required to make such facilities self-supporting
and financially viable. Flexible use spaces, convertible for seasonal theatrical usage,
should be look upon favourably.
7.12 The approved Rushden Lakes development to the north of the A45 will create around
400,000 sq ft of new retail and restaurant accommodation, including a lake which will be
“made available” for activities involving non-motorised boats like sailing and kayaking,
and a series of restaurants and a visitor centre looking out over the water. This private
facility will increase the breadth of choice available to Rushden residents but will also
serve a wider sub-regional role, reflected in its scale. The development already has
planning permission and is included in this report as it is of a notable scale, rather than
for any safeguarding or similar purpose.
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8.0 CONCLUSIONS
8.1 The current level of provision of open space, recreation and sports facilities within
Rushden differs depending on the type of provision. The following chapter aims to draw
conclusions on a ward-by-ward basis and a sport-by-sport basis where appropriate.
Firstly, a general set of conclusions are drawn upon before more detailed analysis
including individual site analysis.
Recreational Open Space
8.2 The results of the Site Survey (2015) found that the quality of the provision for children’s
play areas was fairly high as most sites were clean, well maintained and accessible to
large amounts of the public. However, some areas of Rushden have a poor supply of
play areas, particularly in the Hayden and Pemberton wards and as outlined in chapter
5 and the buffer zone plan in Appendix F. The recommendations advised that with future
development to the east there will need to be a further increase in the provision of this
typology in both wards and in the Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension to
maintain a sufficient supply. This is supported as the Study found that the overall
quantum of additional open space required for children’s play equipment provision by
redevelopment of brownfield sites in existing urban area and within the proposed
Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than 11 hectares. This is
particularly prevalent in the wards of Hayden and Pemberton where there is a need for
extra provision due to their deficits.
8.3 There is an absence of natural and semi-natural greenspace which can be alleviated by
including appropriate structural landscaping within new developments (notably at
Rushden East) and encouraging greenways to link up additional parts of the town. This
contrasts with the quantitative provision of allotments which currently exceeds local
standards by some way. The four sites identified are of good quality and in full use, so
that should consequently be safeguarded.
Outdoor Sport
8.4 The quantity, quality and accessibility relating to outdoor sports provision was of some
concern. The Study found that the overall quantum of additional open space required by
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redevelopment of brownfield sites in existing urban area and within the proposed
Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension is not less than 37.5 hectares. Additional
provision of at least one Artificial Turf Pitch will improve facilities and lengthen playing
hours, with other existing facilities being safeguarded. This is supported by the
consultation responses of existing sports clubs who all cite a need for this type of facility.
The Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension, Jubilee Park, or Spencer Park are all
appropriate candidates for the provision of this new facility.
8.5 Another concern that was highlighted through consultation was the requirement for
further facilities within the town for all outdoor clubs, particularly rugby and football. One
such example is AFC Rushden & Diamonds Football Club who, with 750 members,
currently have to use facilities outside of the urban conurbation. The growing population
also means that further provision will have to be made in the future. This increase in
demand will further limit the opportunities for future members as the current provision is
insufficient. The proposed Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension should
accommodate the required new provision, there being significant limitations to its
provision within the existing urban area.
Indoor Sport
8.6 The provision of indoor sport has scope for improvement as the accessibility and range
of facilities on offer would benefit from improvement. The current provision includes
facilities for bowls, swimming, roller hockey, sports hall, table tennis and a series of
health and fitness suites. Demand for these types of facilities will outgrow the finite
current provision, particularly due to forecast population growth at Rushden East.
Consequently, developer contributions should be sought for capacity and quality
improvements at the Splash Swimming Pool and/or Pemberton Leisure & Conference
Centre.
Ward-by-Ward Open Space Analysis
Bates
8.7 The Bates ward, with one of the smallest populations, has the greatest provision of
children’s play equipment and open space out of the five wards in Rushden. The ward
benefits from 26.9m2 per person of open space with children’s play equipment whilst it
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benefits from a total of 30.4m2 of general open space per person. Although these figures
are boosted by Manor Park, the open space sites are generally well dispersed and
accessible to the majority of residents. In regard to children’s play equipment, the
provision of a NEAP to serve the north of the ward would be beneficial.
Hayden
8.8 The Hayden ward, with the largest population, has the second worst provision of open
space with children’s play equipment out of the five wards at 4.1m2 per person. Whereas
the ward benefits from a moderate supply of open space at 12.4m2 per person. This
shows that there is open space that can be utilised to provide more children’s play
equipment. The largest open space site within Hayden is the Cemetery & Chapel site at
45,000m2 whilst there are a host of other sites ranging from 2013m2 to 16,000m2. In
regard to children’s play equipment the centre of the ward lacks provision, particularly a
NEAP, which could service this ward and part of Bates.
Spencer
8.9 The Spencer ward, third most populated, has a moderate provision of both open space
with children’s play equipment and general open space at 12.6m2 per person. This
provision exceeds the national benchmark of 10m2 per person. Spencer Park provides
the majority of the open space at 60,000m2 whilst there are a host of other smaller open
space sites within the ward. In regard to children’s play equipment the ward is fairly well
serviced with NEAPs, LEAPs and LAPs, however, there is no NEAP to the west of the
ward whilst there is also scope to improve the amount of LAPs.
Pemberton
8.10 The Pemberton ward, second most populated, provision of open space with children’s
play equipment and general open space is extremely poor at 2m2 per person. This when
compared against the national benchmark for children’s play equipment of 10m2 per
person and the other wards in Rushden shows a severe under provision within the ward.
Provision of another NEAP within the ward as well as upgrades to the current LAPs and
LEAPs will assist the ward in providing more open children’s play equipment and subject
to funding and viability, consideration should be given to identifying a preferred site for
a standalone new facility.
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Sartoris
8.11 The Sartoris ward, the least populated, benefits from a moderate supply of open space
with children’s play equipment and general open space at 13.2m2. Over one third of this
supply consists of Hall Park, covering 39,000m2, whilst there are a range of other sites
which are predominately small in comparison. Despite the NEAP at Hall Park servicing
the majority of the ward one of the LEAPs to the west could be upgraded to ensure all
residents have suitable access to the children’s play provision. The ward also has one
of the highest amounts of open space sites although because of the size of these, the
total amount is the second lowest of the wards.
Leisure and Community Facilities
8.12 A public consultation held in June 2015 highlighted an aspiration for a function room
capable of accommodating 150 to 200 people, which allowed for a range of day uses
(including multi-sports and seasonal theatre usage), ideally easily accessible in the
centre of town.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 01
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Aintree Drive
Size: 1456m2
Commentary Located in the Bates ward, the open space is easily accessible to many
residential dwellings in close proximity. There are some landscaping in
the form of bushes and trees around the border with the grass well
maintained. The area is capable of hosting some wildlife due to the
landscaping although none were identified on the site survey. The
landscaping creates a green area in an otherwise urban location thus
scoring amber for potential habitat value.
Children’s play equipment
The space benefits from an enclosed Local Area of Play (LAP), located
centrally, that is reasonably well maintained including a waste bin and
four benches.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 02
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Allen Road
Size: 176m2
Commentary Located in the Hayden ward, the open space site is easily accessible to
the residential surroundings. Landscaping is minimal as grass surrounds
the children’s play equipment. Consequently the potential habitat value
is deemed to be low.
Children’s play equipment
There is an enclosed Local Area of Play (LAP), located centrally, that is
reasonably well maintained. One waste bin and a bench accompany the
play equipment.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 03
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Ascot Road
Size: 4000m2
Commentary Located in the Bates ward, site forms the character of the area and is
focal to the surrounding residential properties amenity. As well as the
play equipment, there are paths and benches provided as part of a wider
open space. The recommendation is to safeguard and improve to allow
for a sports pitch or children’s play equipment.
Children’s play equipment
The space hosts an enclosed Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP)
partially split between play equipment for different age groups. The
equipment is well maintained with waste bins and benches provided.
Landscaping and Habitat
The open space has trees and hedges predominantly around the
perimeter whilst grass is the prominent surface. Although the grass is
well maintained the hedges are partially maintained. Whilst the area is
capable of hosting wildlife due to the landscaping, the extent of this is not
significant leading to a moderate potential habitat value.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 04
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Beaumaris
Size: 1500m2
Commentary Located in the Bates ward the open space site tapers to the rear with one
focal entrance point from Oakpits Way. There is no sports or children’s
play equipment provision. The recommendation is to safeguard although
the site’s reduction in size can be justified due to the location of the
adjacent Oakpits Way open space site.
Landscaping
The perimeter of the space is lined with mature hedges and trees that are
well maintained. The remaining floor space is grass which is also well
maintained.
Habitat
Due to the sites landscaping and location near another open space site
the habitat value is regarded to be reasonably high.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 05
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Bedford Road
Size: 800m2
Commentary Located in the Sartoris ward, the open space site is a thoroughfare
between residential development and Bedford Road.
Landscaping
The only landscaping comes in the form of grass which is either side of
the path, going through the centre of the site.
Habitat
Due to the lack of the landscaping the habitat value is relatively low.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 06
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Campbell Close
Size: 950m2
Commentary Located in the Bates ward, the site is open space predominantly
consisting of grass with some landscaping. The site is central to many
residential properties surrounding it.
Landscaping
There are some trees sporadically located to the edge of the site whilst
grass is the main surface.
Habitat
Despite there being grass and some trees the habitat value is not very
high.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 07
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Birkdale Drive
Size: 1456m2
Commentary Located in the Bates ward, the open space site is located around
residential development and the A6 road.
Children’s play equipment
There is an enclosed Local Area for Play (LAP) which has been extended
recently to comprise of numerous apparatus as well as a waste bins and
a bench.
Landscaping
Outside the LAP there is an abundance of hedges which are very well
maintained creating an attractive setting. The northern perimeter has
mature trees whilst the grass is also well maintained.
Habitat
Due to the sites location next to open space to the north coupled with the
extent of the landscaping the habitat value is regarded to be high.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 08
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Campion Close
Size: 7000m2
Commentary The open space site is located in the Bates ward with residential
properties entirely surrounding it. The recommendation is to safeguard
and improve as there is scope for children’s play equipment on a small
scale.
Landscaping
Over half of the perimeter of the site is defined by mature trees and
hedges. The vast amount of the open space is grass whilst there are a
limited number of trees in this space.
Habitat
The habitat value is medium as the open space is located near the large
Jubilee Park with the landscaping making it possible for wildlife to grow.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 09
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Clover Drive
Size: 3500m2
Commentary The enclosed open space site is located adjacent to Jubilee Park in the
ward of Bates. There is no provision of children’s play equipment or for
sport. The access is limited to two areas which link residential areas to
Jubilee Park also.
Landscaping
The perimeter of the open space is made up of mature trees and hedges
with a limited amount located centrally. The grass is well maintained
throughout the site.
Habitat
The habitat value is regarded as high due to the extent of landscaping
and the close proximity to Jubilee Park.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 10
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Coltsfoot Road
Size: 250m2
Commentary This small open space site is host to a Local Area for Play (LAP)
surrounded by residential properties within the Bates ward.
Children’s play equipment
The space is host to a LAP which has 3 apparatus, is fully enclosed, and
benefits from a waste bin and bench.
Landscaping
The area predominately consists of hardsurface around the play
equipment, although there are some trees, hedges and grass around the
periphery.
Habitat
The habitat value of the site is low due to the lack of landscaping and
surrounding urban area.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 11
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Deacon Close Park
Size: 8600m2
Commentary The site is located in the Hayden ward, to the east of the urban area with
the A6 to the immediate east of it. The urban surroundings is made up of
mainly residential dwellings.
Children’s play provision
The site has an enclosed Local Equipped Area for Play within the open
space which is showing general wear from usage.
Sports provision
There is a junior sized football pitch with two permanent sets of goal posts
as well as a basketball hoop. These are reasonably well maintained
although are showing signs of usage. There is scope for the provision of
another sports pitch.
Landscaping
The perimeter of the site consists of mature trees whilst the open space
is predominately grass.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 12
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Fosse Green
Size: 8000m2
Commentary The site is located in the Hayden ward servicing a predominantly
residential area.
Children’s play equipment
There is a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) consisting of a set of
swings which are reasonably well maintained.
Landscaping
The vast majority of the site is covered in well maintained grass with a
lack of other landscaping.
Habitat
The habitat value is low due to the lack of landscaping and urban
surroundings.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 13
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Glenfield Close
Size: 173m2
Commentary The site is located adjacent to Glenfield Close in the Spencer ward. The
site is thin strip of land with vegetation covering the vast majority.
Landscaping
The land is overgrown with trees and hedges although this does not
obstruct the pavement.
Habitat
Whilst not expansive in size the habitat value of the land is high due to
the landscaping.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 14
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Hall Park
Size: 130,000m2
Commentary Hall Park is the most prominent Park in the centre of Rushden with a
range of facilities available to the public.
Children’s play equipment
The Park benefits from a Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP)
which provides equipment for a range of ages.
Landscaping
The park has a wide range of landscaping including mature trees and
flower beds which are well maintained.
Habitat
The wide ranging landscaping and vast area the park covers results in a
diverse habitat.
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OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 16
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Headingley Road
Size: 2013m2
Commentary The open space site is located within the Hayden ward fronting
residential properties.
Landscaping
The site acts as a ‘green’ for the properties immediately surrounding it
with the surface area covered in grass. There are three trees on the site
of different maturity.
Habitat
Due to the lack of sufficient landscaping the site is deemed to be of a
poor habitat value.
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©
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 17
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Hilly Farm - Greenacre Drive
Size: 12,000m2
Commentary The open space site is located within the Sartoris ward creating a green
buffer abutting a series of residential dwellings. The red line shows the
extent of provision of children’s play equipment.
Children’s play equipment
The open space has an enclosed Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP)
which is reasonably well maintained.
Landscaping
The prominent landscaping feature include grass covering the majority of
the site and trees that are located on the northern border. Otherwise there
is a limited amount of landscaping.
Habitat
The habitat is not vast due to the lack of landscaping although the
northern boundary improves the diversification.
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©
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 18
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Jubilee Park
Size: 39,000m2
Commentary Jubilee Park is an expansive open space site located in the Sartoris ward,
easily accessible to the south of Rushden. The park is also host to a
youth shelter whilst it has been designated as a “Town Green”, which
affords very strong protection.
Children’s play equipment
There is an enclosed Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) on site which
is well maintained with waste bins and benches.
Sports provision
There are two full size rugby pitches used by Rushden & Higham Rugby
Club as well as one full size football pitch and a skate park. The sports
pitches also have access to changing rooms and a car park with
approximately 15 spaces.
Landscaping
The landscaping is predominantly around the periphery, consisting of mature trees and hedges. The vast open space is covered in grass which is well maintained.
67
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 19
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Keats Way
Size: 1338m2
Commentary Keats Way is a registered village green site surrounded by a
predominantly residential area in west Rushden. The site does not
benefit from children’s play facilities nor is there any sport provision
leaving scope for improvement.
Landscaping
The open space is mostly covered in grass which was somewhat
overgrown on the day of the site visit although reasonably well
maintained on the whole.
Habitat
Due to the overgrown nature of the grass the open space is likely to host
some wildlife although the location in an urban area and lack of other
vegetation restricts this somewhat.
68
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 20
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Lime Street
Size: 700m2
Commentary The site is host to a Local Area of Play (LAP) in close proximity to
residential units within the Spencer ward. There is no sports provision
whilst the landscaping is minimal resulting in a poor possible habitat
value.
Children’s play equipment
The LAP is secure with metal fencing, waste bins, a bench and 5
apparatus of a good standard.
69
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 21
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Lynford Way
Size: 915m2
Commentary The site is host to a Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) serving a
residential area in south west Rushden within the Pemberton ward. There
is no sports provision nor is there any landscaping meaning the potential
habitat value is low.
Children’s play equipment
The LEAP is in good condition with a variety of apparatus. The play
equipment for young children is sufficiently secure whilst the area is
serviced by waste bins and a bench. Although the area is showing signs
of general wear and tear it is of a good standard.
70
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 22
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Magnolia Drive
Size: 4300m2
Commentary This site, located within the Sartoris ward, consists of three open spaces
without any children’s play provision nor any sports provision. A
recommendation is for the introduction of children’s play equipment to
help alleviate the current shortfall within the ward.
Landscaping quality
The three open spaces are important to the character of the area which
is predominantly residential in nature. Grass covers the three open
spaces with some hedges and tress sporadically located. The
landscaping is well maintained.
Habitat value
The potential habitat value of the three open spaces is deemed to be
moderate as the hedges and grass are natural habitats for wildlife whilst
the landscaping is of high quality.
71
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 23
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Mallards
Size: 150m2
Commentary Mallards site is located within the Pemberton ward of Rushden. Situated
adjacent to the Mallards open space site it is host to a Local Area of Play
(LAP). The site does not benefit from sports provision nor is there
landscaping, therefore, the potential habitat value is considered low.
Children’s play equipment
The LAP is very secure with waste bins and a bench. The play equipment
is in good condition and in a central location to surrounding residential
properties. It also serves the adjacent Mallards open space site.
72
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 24
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Mallards Open Space
Size: 8200m2
Commentary Located within the Rushden ward of Pemberton, the sites key
characteristic is its fishing ponds. There is no sports provision nor is there
children’s play equipment provision. Although there is a Local Area of
Play (LAP) situated adjacent to the site.
Landscaping
The open space is well maintained with a mixture of fishing ponds, grass,
hedges and tress around the site. Some of the landscaping is mature and
varied.
Habitat
The potential habitat value is considered to be very high due to the fishing
ponds being host to different species of fish coupled with the variety of
landscaping and amphibia resulting in a high value for wildlife.
73
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 25
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Partial Improve
Reduce
Partial Dispose
Manor Park
Size: 90,000m2
Commentary Manor Park is large site situated in the Bates ward to the south of
Rushden. Located on Bedford Road (A5028) it does not have any
children’s play equipment. The amount of vacant land means the site is
ideal for partial redevelopment, whilst safeguarding the balance for
outdoor sport.
Sport’s provision
Approximately half of the site is used for Rugby purposes
accommodating two full size pitches a club house, and a small number
of parking spaces.
Landscaping and habitat
Some of the site is home to overgrown vegetation that seems unused,
although some of the site is well maintained including trees and hedges.
The possible habitat value is moderate due to the expansive open space
with overgrown vegetation. However, much of the site is urban in nature
with hardstanding, rugby pitches and a club house.
74
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 26
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Maye Dicks Road
Size: 550m2
Commentary The open space site, located within the Bates ward, is relatively small in
size forming a backdrop to residential properties on Maye Dick Road. It
does not have any sports provision nor does it have any children’s play
equipment. The landscaping consists of well-maintained grass and
approximately ten trees. The potential habitat value is considered to be
low.
75
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 27
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(Other)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Melloway Park
Size: 16,000m2
Commentary Melloway Park is located within the Spencer ward to the west of
Rushden. Rectangular shaped with a gradient from east to west it is a
key characteristic of the locality. Landscaping consists of predominately
grass throughout and a large tree centrally located with hedges and
smaller trees around the periphery. The park is also host to a youth
shelter.
Children’s play equipment
There is a Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) located to the west of the
site. The maintenance is reasonable with a variety of apparatus available,
whilst being secure with fencing and host to a waste bin.
Sport’s provision
The sport’s provision consists of a basketball hoop centrally located
which is of sufficient standard.
76
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 28
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Rushden Cemetery
Size: 45,000m2
Commentary The Cemetery is a vast open space site located within the Hayden ward
in east Rushden. The site is very well maintained with high quality
landscaping. The potential habitat value is considered to be high due to
the size of the site coupled with the variation in landscaping.
77
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 29
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Oakpits Way
Size: 8500m2
Commentary This is an open space site located in the Bates ward in a primarily
residential area. There is no sports provision nor is there any children’s
play equipment. The landscaping consists of grass in the main with some
trees and hedges surrounding the periphery. The habitat value is deemed
to be moderate as it is located adjacent to another open space site,
however, the immediate surroundings are urban in nature. The
recommendation is to safeguard and improve to allow for a sports pitch.
78
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 30
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Rose Avenue
Size: 3500m2
Commentary The site is located within the Pemberton ward, adjacent to allotment
gardens and dwellings. Access is gained on a small opening to the east
of the site. There is no sport’s provision. The landscape quality is low
whilst the habitat value is considered to be poor.
Children’s play equipment
There is a Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP) on the site that
is of moderate quality. The apparatus is varied, however, is poorly
maintained which can be improved upon.
79
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 31
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Spencer Park
Size: 60,000m2
Commentary Located within the Spencer ward, Jubilee Park is the third largest open
space site in Rushden which is easily accessible from the north of the
town. The park is well maintained in general, inclusive of a youth shelter,
whilst it is possible to allocate some of the park for other uses.
Children’s play equipment
There is an enclosed NEAP and MUGA on site which are well maintained
with waste bins and benches as well as a play area.
Sports provision
There are two full size football pitches as well as six enclosed tennis
courts. There is scope for the provision of an ATP on site.
Landscaping
The landscaping is predominantly around the periphery and around the
stream, which consists of mature trees and hedges. The vast open space
is covered in grass which is well maintained.
80
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 32
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Sylmond Gardens
Size: 860m2
Commentary The open space site is located within the Sartoris ward providing
children’s play equipment to the surrounding residents. There is minimal
landscaping, therefore, the potential habitat value is perceived to be low.
Children’s play equipment
The site is host to a Local Area of Play (LEAP) which is reasonably well
maintained serviced by a waste bin and bench.
81
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 33
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Tennyson Road / Highfield Road
Size: 1100m2
Commentary This an open space site, in the Pemberton ward, on the junction of
Tennyson Road and Highfield Road. The site consists of grass and two
trees adjacent to Tennyson Road. There is no children’s play equipment
nor is there provision for sport. The recommendation is to safeguard the
open space site as there is already a LAP in close proximity and the site
is deemed unsuitable to host sports provision.
82
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 34
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Tewkesbury
Size: 2000m2
Commentary Located within the Bates ward, the open space site forms part of a
relatively new development with provision for children’s play equipment.
There is no sports provision however. The landscaping is of a good
standard whilst the potential habitat value is deemed to be moderate due
to the urban surroundings.
Children’s play equipment
The Local Area of Play (LAP) is well maintained, enclosed and host to a
waste bin and bench.
83
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 35
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(Other)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Trafford Road Park
Size: 8000m2
Commentary Located in the Hayden ward, the site is situated to the rear of residential
properties with provision of children’s play equipment. A basketball hoop
and small court is the extent of the sports provision. The site is
maintained to an acceptable standard although this can be improved
upon. The landscaping is satisfactory although this mainly consists of
grass, mature trees along the boundary and some hedges also. The
potential habitat value is perceived to be moderate.
Children’s play equipment
The site is host to a LEAP which is showing wear and tear, therefore, can
be improved upon.
84
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 36
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Tweed Close
Size: 3600m2
Commentary Located within the Hayden ward, the open space forms part of a new
development currently under construction. The landscaping and potential
habitat value are deemed to be of moderate value as the development is
not fully occupied at the time this Study has been completed. The site will
be host to a Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) on completion.
85
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 37
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
War Memorial
Size: 565m2
Commentary Located within the Sartoris ward, the War Memorial is a very well
maintained, centrally located, open space comprising of a Grade II listed
monument. The landscaping is very well maintained with flower beds,
hedges and trees to the rear. The recommendation is to safeguard this
open space site.
86
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 38
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Yarrow Close
Size: 226m2
Commentary Located within the Sartoris ward, the small open space site is solely host
to children’s play equipment. There is no sports provision. The
landscaping is provided by grass and hedges which are well maintained.
Due to the small scale of the site the potential habitat value is deemed to
be low.
Children’s play equipment
The site benefits from a Local Area of Play (LAP), easily accessible from
the surrounding residential setting, which is well maintained and serviced
by a waste bin and bench.
87
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix A – Wards of Rushden
Bates
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 39
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Yeldon Close
Size: 275m2
Commentary Located in the Spencer ward, the site is host to children’s play equipment.
It does not provide for sports whilst the landscaping, hedges and grass,
is well maintained.
Children’s play equipment
The site has a Local Area of Play (LAP) which is secure, well maintained
with a waste bin and bench, and located within a short distance from
residential development.
88
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix A – Wards of Rushden
Bates
OPEN SPACE SITE PROFILE 40
Ward level
Surplus
Deficit
Play equipment quality
Green
Amber
Red
(None)
Sports provision
Football
Rugby
Cricket
Tennis
(None)
Landscaping quality
Green
Amber
Red
Possible habitat value
Green
Amber
Red
Recommendation
Safeguard
Safeguard & Improve
Reduce
Dispose
Highfield Road/Tennyson Road
Size: 725m2
Commentary The site is located in the Pemberton ward, a short distance from
residential development. It does not provide for sports nor is it host to
children’s play equipment. Whilst certain aspects of the pocket park are
well maintained, such as a waste bin and bench, the landscaping is poor.
Therefore the recommendation is to safeguard and improve the site
particularly in regard to landscaping.
89
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix A – Wards of Rushden
Bates
90
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Hayden
91
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Spencer
92
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Pemberton
93
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Sartoris
94
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix 3 – Parks & Open Spaces Audit
Site
Number
Site Name Site Address Site Description Site Size
(m2)
1 Aintree Drive Aintree Drive, Rushden LAP 1456
2 Allen Road Carey Way (Top of Allen
Road), Rushden
LAP 176
3 Ascot Road Ascot Road, Rushden LEAP 4000
4 Beaumaris Beaumaris Close,
Rushden
Open Space 1500
5 Bedford Road Land of Bedford Road
leading onto Daisy Croft,
Rushden
Open Space 800
6 Campbell Close Campbell Close, Rushden Open Space 970
7 Birkdale Birkdale Drive, Rushden LAP 1456
8 Campion Close Campion Close, Rushden Open Space 7000
9 Clover Drive Site at the end of Clover
Drive leading on to Jubilee
Park, Rushden
Open Space 3500
10 Coltsfoot Road Coltsfoot Road, Rushden
LAP 250
11 Deacon Close
Park
Deacon Close, Rushden
LEAP 8600
12 Fosse Green Fosse Green, Rushden LEAP 8000
13 Glenfield close Glenfield Close, Rushden Shrub bed / Trees 173
14 Hall Park Hall Avenue, Rushden NEAP 130000
16 Headingley
road
Headingley Road,
Rushden
Open Space 2013
17 Hilly Farm -
Greenacre
Drive
Greenacre
Drive/Meadowsweet
Road, Rushden
LEAP 12000
18 Jubilee Park Jubilee Park, Bedford
Road, Rushden
NEAP 39000
19 Keats Way Footpath off
Wellingborough Road
leading to Keats Way ,
Rushden
Open Space 1338
20 Lime Street Lime Street, Rushden LAP 700
21 Lynford Way Lynford Way, Rushden LEAP 915
22 Magnolia Drive
three areas
Magnolia Drive, Rushden Open Space 4300
95
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
23 Mallards Centaine Way, Courtney
Road, Rushden
LEAP 150
24 Mallards Open
Space
Centaine Way, Courtney
Road, Rushden
Open Space 8200
25 Manor park Bedford Road, Rushden NEAP 90000
26 Maye Dicks
Road
Maye Dicks Road,
Rushden
Open Space 620
27 Melloway Road Melloway Road, Rushden LEAP 16000
28 Newton Road
Cemetery
Newton Road, 145
Newton Road, Rushden
Cemetery &
Chapel Site
45000
29 Oakpits Way Oakpits Way, Rushden Open Space 8500
30 Rose Avenue Recreation Ground, rear of
31 and 65 Rose Avenue,
Rushden
LEAP 3500
31 Spencer Park Washbrook Road,
Rushden
NEAP 60000
32 Sylmond
Gardens
Sylmond Gardens,
Rushden
LEAP 860
33 Tennyson
Road/Highfield
Road
Highfield Road, Rushden Open Space 1100
34 Tewkesbury Tewkesbury Drive,
Rushden
LAP 2000
35 Trafford Road
Park
57 Trafford Road,
Rushden
LEAP 8000
36 Tweed Close Tweed Close, Rushden LEAP 3600
37 War Memorial Skinners Hill, Rushden Open Space (War
Memorial)
565
38 Yarrow Close Yarrow Close, Rushden LAP 226
39 Yeldon Close Yelden Close, Rushden LAP 275
40 Highfield
Road/Tennyson
Road
Tennyson Road/Highfield
Road, Rushden
Pocket Park 725
96
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix C – Recommended Local Standards (Open Space SPD (2011))
97
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix D – Forecast Housing Supply 2011 – 2031 (Source: North Northamptonshire
Joint Core Strategy
98
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix E – Children’s Play Provision Site by Site Assessment
Site
No.
Site Name Site
Description
Total Site Area
(m2)
Quality
1 Aintree Drive LAP 1456 Good
2 Allen Road LAP 176 Fair
3 Ascot Road LEAP 4000 Good
7 Birkdale LAP 1456 Good
10 Coltsfoot Road LAP 250 Good
11 Deacon Close
Park
LEAP 8600 Fair
12 Fosse Green LEAP 8000 Fair
14 Hall Park NEAP 130000 Good
15 Harborough Way
- site currently
being
redeveloped
LAP
17 Hilly Farm -
Greenacre Drive
LEAP 12000 Good
18 Jubilee Park NEAP 39000 Good
20 Lime Street LAP 700 Good
21 Lynford Way LEAP 915 Good
23 Mallards LEAP 150 Good
25 Manor park NEAP 90000 Fair
27 Melloway Road LEAP 16000 Good
30 Rose Avenue LEAP 3500 Fair
31 Spencer Park NEAP 60000 Fair
32 Sylmond
Gardens
LEAP 860 Good
34 Tewkesbury LAP 2000 Good
35 Trafford Road
Park
LEAP 8000 Good
36 Tweed Close LEAP 3600 Fair
38 Yarrow Close LAP 226 Good
39 Yeldon Close LAP 275 Good
99
Rushden Town Council
Rushden Open Space, Recreation and Sport Study
October 2015
N322/2
Appendix F – Children’s Play Provision