DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils must prepare and publish an open space strategy. This is a plan that looks at all the parks, green spaces, play areas, and other outdoor places in the local area. The strategy helps the council understand what open spaces exist, how they’re used, and what improvements are needed. It also guides decisions about protecting and creating open spaces as part of future development. The goal is to make sure communities have access to good-quality outdoor spaces for health, wellbeing, and recreation.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Planning
Duty type
Public impact
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
0
National bodies with shared interest
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS)
Standards and frameworks
1