East Lothian Council is seeking the views of local people on the proposed East Lothian Open Space Strategy. The strategy sets out the vision for new and improved space and also addresses any deficiencies identified. It’s intended to help inform decisions regarding the provision, development, management, maintenance and enhancement of open spaces, play areas and outdoor sports pitches over the period of 2012-2022. It also seeks to ensure that the important role and contribution of open space to communities and the quality of life of local residents is appropriately recognised.
The Open Space Strategy is the second part of a process – the first was an audit of 209 open spaces in the East Lothian towns and villages completed in 2009. The aim of the audit was to provide a clearer understanding of current provision and future needs of local communities. The Audit was completed in 2009 and included assessments of parks, amenity open spaces, play provision and green networks.
The draft East Lothian Open Space Strategy focuses on parks, open spaces, play areas and sports pitches in the East Lothian Council urban and urban fringe areas, in particular the six geographic cluster areas of Musselburgh, Tranent, Prestonpans, Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar.
The need to make improvements in our open spaces may require higher levels of community involvement, as well as engagement with our neighbouring councils in order to promote and develop habitat and access linkages between areas of open space.
The full strategy can be downloaded or paper copies of the strategy and questionnaire are available at all East Lothian Libraries and at main reception, John Muir House, Haddington and at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.
Have you say •Complete the questionnaire online
•Download and complete a PDF questionnaire
Downloads
•Open Space Strategy Report Draft – January 2012
•Cluster Summaries
•Mapped Assessment Report
Strategic Environmental Assessment
The council has also produced an environmental report that details the strategic environmental assessment that has been undertaken on the draft Open Space strategy and indicates the likely significant effects that draft strategy may have on the environment.
If you have any comments on the environmental report please send them to landscapeandcountryside@eastlothian.gov.uk
•Download the Strategic Environmental Assessment