Fencing and gates for LEAP play area in housing development

Background

Play is an essential part of children’s development. The benefits of outdoor play in particular include exposing them to fresh air, nature, and increasing vitamin D levels, and helping them develop limits, boundaries, self-confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

In November 2006, the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) launched Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3): Housing. This document was one of a series aimed at local and regional planning bodies to help them put in place an effective policy framework for family housing that includes play spaces, parks, recreational facilities and gardens for children and young people. Since then, the requirements for outdoor play areas are written into planning proposals for housing developments under councils within the UK, to ensure they give regard to PPS3. Each council states that a residential development consisting of 25 or more houses must include a children’s play area.

An overview of the play areas specified depending on the requirement:

Local Area for Play (LAP)

Should be within a one minute walking distance on a well used pedestrian route. Includes equipment for children aged 6 or younger. Minimum activity zone of 100m2.

Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP)

Should be within five minutes of walking distance on a well used pedestrian route. For children who are beginning to play independently. Should have a minimum of 6 play experiences and 3 individual play items. Minimum 400m2 activity zone.

Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP)

Should be within 15 minutes of walking distance on a well used pedestrian route. Targeted at older children but should have an area for younger users, with 5 individual items. A minimum space of 1000m2 divided into two sections.

If any of the play areas are near roads, it must have fencing around to keep children safe and exclude dogs.

Unfortunately, some housebuilders are failing to comply with these regulations. Often, only a fence is installed to designate where a play area will go, with the play area never being built, leaving empty space. Materials shortages or costs are regularly cited as reasons for promises not being followed through. One estate is reported to be charging a maintenance fee of £100 a year per resident, for the non-existent playground. Residents of a different development were sold the dream of a lush, tidy, and secure green play area, but are instead dealing with a play area that turns into a bog when there’s heavy rain, with no fencing or gate.

We are pleased to see how one housebuilder is following requirements and also thinking about their reputation as a housebuilder by not only doing the minimum but thinking about the future of the development. Montagu Place in Sandwich, Kent, developed by Abbey New Homes, offers contemporary living in a vibrant medieval town. The estate features 120 3 & 4 bedroom family homes and includes a LEAP play area.