Play Scotland has long campaigned for children’s voices to be at the heart of local placemaking to ensure their right to play is provided for in the local communities and streets where they live.
The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a legal duty on local Planning Authorities to ensure the engagement and empowerment of children and young people in planning for play opportunities. The legal framework for play in planning is further strengthened by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.
The Town and Country Planning (Play Sufficiency Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations and Guidance 2023 Play Sufficiency Assessment Regulations 2023: planning guidance requires planning authorities to assess the sufficiency
of play opportunities for children when preparing an evidence report. The Play Sufficiency Assessment reports are to be used to inform local place plans which must be considered in the preparation of local development plans.
Planning authorities must:
- identify and map formal play spaces for all ages (0-17) including spaces for girls and boys, children with disability and other protected characteristics and those in deprived communities
- assess and provide statements as regards the overall (a) quality, (b) quantity, and (c) accessibility of formal and informal play spaces
- consult children, their parents and carers during the assessment
- publish
The national spatial strategy, National Planning Framework 4 Scotland also recognises the importance of planning for play. It is the overarching framework which supports the delivery of:
- Sustainable places
- Liveable places, where we can all live better healthier lives
- Productive places
POLICY 21 PLAY, RECREATION AND SPORT
Policy Intent: to encourage, promote and facilitate spaces and opportunities for play, recreation and sport.
Policy Outcomes: Natural and built environments are improved, with more equitable access to opportunities for play and recreation.
Physical and mental health are improved through provision of, and access to, outdoor recreation, play and sport.
Share:
