4.39 Eden District, due to its sparse population
and the predominance of high quality countryside throughout the
area, presents both residents and visitors with a range of easily
accessible informal recreation opportunities, such as walking and
riding. The area is fortunate compared to many areas, where such
opportunities are much less accessible.
4.40 However, the geographical size and low
population density present problems for more formal recreation
opportunities as facilities are often either unavailable or located
at a considerable distance from many of their potential users.
4.41 Most of the facilities which exist at the
present time are the result of the efforts of various sporting
clubs or have been developed as commercial enterprises. Provision
by the District Council although limited by financial resources
available will, during the plan period, be enhanced.
4.42 The principal role of this Plan, in
relation to formal recreation opportunities, is to enable the
enhancement of existing facilities and to encourage the development
of independent initiatives for the provision of new facilities,
rather than to establish a major programme of Local Authority
development. Never the less, in the longer term it is the Council's
intention to undertake a more detailed need assessment of the
District examining the provision of and demand for open space for
organised activities and for other recreational facilities with a
view to incorporating the results of the study in a future review
of the Local Plan.
4.43 The Government's general policy is to
promote participation in sports and recreation and the provision of
appropriate facilities. It suggests that standards for such
facilities should be set by individual authorities tailored to the
local situation.
4.44 More specifically, the Structure Plan
suggests that recreation facilities should be provided in new
residential development, and that in areas of shortfall new
recreation facilities should be provided and existing facilities
protected from development.
4.45 Having regard to the foregoing, and to the
general plan principles set out at the beginning of this document,
a number of objectives have been identified for that part of the
Local Plan dealing with recreation related development. These are
set out below while the following paragraphs detail the associated
policies and supporting text.
Objective 35 to encourage the
establishment of new and the enhancement of existing sporting,
recreational and arts facilities serving local communities.
Objective 36 to protect,
promote, and enhance the rights of way network.
Objective 37 to ensure adequate
provision of open space within new housing developments.
