The National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (para 103) requires that planning policies should be based on robust & up to date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. Assessments have been undertaken for all towns and settlements in Cornwall with more than 1000 dwellings, as well as several rural parishes that commissioned the CC Public Space Team to undertake a study. A consistent methodology has been applied to all studies, as approved by Cornwall Council in the Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns in Cornwall (2014).
The data has been reviewed & updated in 2025 to provide an evidence base for the Cornwall Local Plan. It captures the following eight types of open space that meet minimum strategic size criteria:-
1. Parks and gardens; Amenity green space; Civic spaces
2. Natural and semi-natural green spaces, Green corridors, accessible countryside in urban fringe areas
3. Public access sports facilities (outdoor): available for community games
4. Children's play area - equipped
5. Provision for teenagers- equipped facilities
6. Allotments, community gardens, and city (urban) farms
7. Cemeteries and churchyards
8. School pitches and outdoor sports club facilities (No or limited public access)
This data set shows the existing areas of strategic open space within the study areas in Cornwall.
Name - The name of the open space. [NAME]
Location - The nearest road or location of open space. [LOCATION]
Type - The category of open space (one of 8 types). [TypologyID]
Type name - The category of open space (full title). [TYPO_NAME]
Area - The area in square metres (m2) of the open space. [AREA]
Town/settlement - The town or study area that the open space relates to. [TOWN]
CAP - The Community Area Partnership that the open space is located within [CAP]