Aberdeenshire Council approves landmark studies into the region’s open spaces and play provision
Councillors have approved comprehensive studies which will provide a refreshed vision for the region’s outdoor spaces and play provision.
The new Open Space Audit and Play Sufficiency Assessment – the first of their kind in 17 years – will ensure decision-making across Aberdeenshire is informed by the most up-to-date data on the quality, quantity and accessibility of open and play spaces across 92 settlements.
Acting as a snapshot in time, the audit and assessment will form a foundation for future strategies and help ensure the north-east remains a place where residents of all ages can enjoy high-quality outdoor environments.
The documents can be viewed at:
Aberdeenshire Open Space Audit 2024 - Settlement Summaries
Aberdeenshire Play Sufficiency Assessment 2024 - Settlement Summaries
Members of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee heard on Thursday (Nov 27) that this important piece of work will also help shape both current and future local development plans, giving planners, developers and communities an invaluable evidence base for the years ahead.
Between 2022 and 2023, council officers surveyed 2,540 open spaces and assessed 1,787 play spaces using best practice guidance and input from local communities and young people. Spaces were reviewed not only for their size and quality but also how they are valued and used across Aberdeenshire.
The Open Space Audit examined a wide variety of outdoor areas, including:
- Natural areas such as woodland and beaches
- Public parks and gardens
- Play areas and playing fields
- Allotments, cemeteries and institutional grounds
The Play Sufficiency Assessment explored spaces accessible to children and young people under 18, distinguishing between:
- Formal play spaces – such as play areas, sports fields and school grounds open to the public
- Informal play spaces – including amenity areas, parks, gardens and natural environments
Together, the audit and assessment provide critical insights into where Aberdeenshire is thriving in its provision of open space, but also where further improvements may be needed. By comparing each settlement to the Aberdeenshire average, the reports identify both shortfalls and strengths across the six administrative areas.
Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee Cllr Alan Turner said: “We very much welcome this important and incredibly informative piece of work undertaken by officers. The studies represent a major step forward for Aberdeenshire and underline the huge importance of our open spaces and play areas for the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents.
"Having this comprehensive and up-to-date picture will ensure that our planning decisions are informed, robust and responsive to the needs of our communities both now and in the future. I would also like to thank all our landscape services staff who take a tremendous pride in maintaining our open spaces to a very high standard across Aberdeenshire along with a number of dedicated community groups volunteering in many of our communities.”