World class places

The government has recently published its guide to successful cities (World class Places). http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/worldclassplaces

With endorsements from CABE, English Heritage, The homes and Communities Agency, and Natural England, the publication identifies four criteria for a successful city:

–The range and mix of homes, services and amenities;
–Design and upkeep of buildings and spaces;
–Provision of green space and green infrastructure;
–Treatment of historic buildings and places.

The report highlights that parks and green open spaces are both a highly valued and highly used feature of the built environment. Three out of four people visit a public green space at least once a month – more than a quarter do so at least three times a week.

Safe and attractive parks, with good play and sports facilities and quiet areas, are particularly important to families with children, older people and those without gardens. Time spent in contact with nature has been shown to help mental well-being, with people reporting feeling much happier after a walk in a park, than they do after a shopping trip.

Parks also help foster community life and local involvement – through friends groups, community activities and volunteering.

This guidance, at the heart of national best practice of successful cities certainly rings true, and Oxpens Town green has the potential to be part of that solution, which is why local residents have been campaigning for it to be protected as a green space. The photo - of the 2008 London to Oxford bike ride shows how the green space is well used throughout the year - but events such as this would have to go elsewhere if the site is developed - as the city council proposes.