We are delighted to continue our work with Harborough District Council to review and update the current Open Space Strategy which will provide a robust and up-to-date evidence base to support the Local Plan up to 2041. The project builds on our 2020 Open Spaces Strategy for the District, and more recently the Green and Blue Infrastructure Study produced last year.
Harborough District spans 238 square miles across south and east Leicestershire and features open spaces of varying size and typology. These open spaces form a valuable network of green space providing recreational opportunities for the community, as well as essential habitats for a range of species.
Building on our 2020 work, we will undertake quantity, quality and accessibility audits of open space sites across the District to establish a revised baseline and propose minimum standards for open spaces across the District. Over the next few months, we will also work closely to consult with members of the public, councils, neighbourhood forums, key stakeholders and developers to establish an understanding of current open space provision, barriers to access, threats to open space, as well as reviewing opportunities for the long-term stewardship of open spaces across the District.
“We are delighted to continue our work with Harborough District Council in providing a vital evidence base for the emerging Local Plan. The project builds on the Open Spaces Strategy we undertook during Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, open spaces continue to be in high demand and provide multiple benefits to the communities the spaces serve. This project is an important opportunity to ensure sufficient open space is provided in the District for people, place and nature, and builds on our existing 2020 Open Space Strategy and 2024 Green and Blue Infrastructure Study. We look forward engaging with residents and key stakeholders to deliver an evidence-led strategy that will help protect and enhance open spaces for generations to come.”
Rebecca Martin – Associate Director of Land Management, TEP
“We are very pleased to be working with TEP to produce a new version of the Open Spaces Strategy. Open space in Harborough District is extremely important to our communities and opportunities to provide for recreation, biodiversity and ensure that open space is managed effectively and appropriately in the future are key issues we will be exploring with the assistance of TEP.”
Matthew Bills – Neighbourhood and Greenspace Officer
