Regulation 19 Rutland Local Plan
Important Open Spaces and Frontages
What will this policy do?
The policy prevents adverse impacts on designated Important Open Spaces and/or Frontages which contribute positively to the character of settlements in Rutland.
Policy EN8 Important open space and frontages Comment
Development will only be acceptable where it does not have an adverse impact on an Important Open Space and/or Important Frontage as shown on the Policies Map[9] having regards to:
- its intrinsic environmental value by virtue of its landform, vegetation or tree cover, or the presence of any special features such as streams, ponds, important wildlife habitats or walls;
- its contribution to enhancing the attractiveness of the setting of the town or village when viewed from surrounding land, particularly the approaches to the built-up area;
- the views and/or vistas out of and within the town or village that contribute to the character and attractiveness of the settlement;
- its peripheral or transitional open character in contributing to preserving the form and character of the settlement including heritage assets and their settings;
- its contribution, possibly in conjunction with other areas, to creating the overall character and attractiveness of the settlement;
- its contribution to the form and character of the settlement in terms of the relationship of buildings and structures one to another, to other open spaces or natural features; and
- its contribution to the setting of a building or group of buildings or important natural features.
Why is this policy needed?
Open spaces and frontages are an integral part of the built environment of settlements and add to the rural character of the market towns and villages by affording views into the countryside, providing the setting and relationship between buildings, and providing openness to the settlement. These open spaces also add to the distinct character of a settlement and their removal could dramatically alter the character and setting of buildings of a village or town. It is therefore important that the value of these open spaces is safeguarded. This Local Plan protects existing Important Open Spaces and Frontages (IOSF) which have been identified by Rutland County Council as important to the settlement in which they are located.
The NPPF advises that access to high quality open spaces can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities and should not be built on unless they are surplus to requirements, the loss would be replaced by better provision, or the development is for alternative sports and recreation provision.
Important frontages can include stone walls, high hedges, and a belt of trees or other features of significance to the character of an area or settlement. Their disruption would often adversely affect this character and their retention is therefore important. Sites were identified in the Review of Important Frontages and Open Spaces (2012 and 2017) and are mapped on the interactive policies maps.
A number of settlements in Rutland have prepared Neighbourhood Plans, some of these contain designations for Important Open Space or an equivalent. These open spaces have not been duplicated as part of this policy, as they have their own protection through the Neighbourhood Plan in which they are designated.
Supporting Evidence
Review of Important Frontages and Open Spaces (2012 and 2017)
