SPORT AND RECREATION
3.32 There is a need to protect existing sports facilities (including open space and school playing fields) from development pressure as well as to plan for and provide new sports and recreation facilities. Where residential development goes ahead, the recreational needs of new residents can be provided by developer contributions.
3.33 The plan seeks to increase accessibility to sports facilities for all. Some areas do not enjoy good access to sports facilities and this needs to be rectified. The sportscotland Facilities Planning Model can identify what areas are in particular need and funding can be applied for from various sources.
| POLICY 16 | ||||||||
| Sport and Recreation Facilities | ||||||||
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Local plans shall set out a framework for levels and scales of open space, playing fields and sport and recreation provision. Local plans shall set out policies to protect open space and playing fields and to encourage the provision of new sports and recreation facilities and will set out criteria to guide their location so as to:
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3.34 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council’s are committed to promoting better access to open space and the countryside through a network of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes (for example the Aberdeenshire Countryside Access Strategy and the Aberdeen Strategic Cycle Network as set out in the draft local transport strategy for Aberdeen, September 2000). These networks shall be fully integrated with other transport and cycling strategies, encouraging people to use more sustainable forms of transport. Not only does this have a beneficial effect on the environment and economy, but there are also health and recreational benefits to individuals and communities. Countryside recreation has close links with rural tourism and the potential to generate economic benefits such as jobs for rural communities. Care must be taken, however, to protect the natural environment.
| POLICY 17 |
| Countryside and Open Space Access |
| Local plans should
encourage and protect responsible access to the open space,
countryside, coast and inland water by promoting and protecting a
network of routes and facilities throughout the North East. Care
must be taken, however, to minimise detrimental impact on the
environment.
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3.35 Skiing provides a valuable contribution to the rural economy and extends the tourist season. However, by their nature skiing developments are located on high ground in remote rural areas, which are generally more sensitive in terms of landscape value, and nature conservation importance, often with national or international designations. Future ski related development must be reconciled with care for the environment, in order to achieve sustainable development.
| POLICY 18 |
| Skiing Facilities |
| Proposals will be
considered favourably for skiing and related developments at
existing centres, and proposals for off-slope tourism and
recreation developments servicing existing ski centres within or
adjacent to nearby settlements subject to not conflicting with
other structure plan policies relating to environmental matters.
There will be presumption against skiing and related developments
in new areas other than at existing centres.
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