Stockton-on-Tees Green Infrastructure · 1.2 Green infrastructure is an inter-connected, multifunctional network of open spaces and other environmental assets. Through the development

Stockton-on-Tees Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2019-2022

Big plans for an outstanding Borough

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Contents

Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Strategic priorities 2019-22 4

3. About the plan 5

4. Projects and outline proposals 10

5. Countryside sites / natural environment 12

6. Urban parks and amenity green space 19

7. Play and informal sport 25

8. Community food 29

9. Access 31

10. Cemeteries 37

Appendix 1: Project prioritisation – assessment criteria 38

Appendix 2:

Natural & semi-natural green space: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision

40

Appendix 3:

Urban parks and amenity green space: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision

42

Appendix 4:

Play and informal sport: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision

47

Appendix 5: Allotments: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 53

Appendix 6: Green corridors: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision

55

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1. Introduction

1.1 This Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan sets out priority projects under the Borough’s Green

Infrastructure Strategy. It also delivers against wider objectives set out in the Council Plan 2019-22, the Borough’s Economic Strategy and Growth Plan, and adopted Local Plan.

1.2 Green infrastructure is an inter-connected, multifunctional network of open spaces and other environmental assets. Through the development and sustainable management of the Borough’s green infrastructure the plan aims to deliver a wide range of economic, social, health and environmental benefits.

1.3 The majority of projects identified in the plan will be implemented by Stockton Borough Council with

the support and involvement of a range of partners, although it also includes schemes which could be implemented by third parties. A variety of funding and delivery mechanisms will be utilised including Section 106 agreements.

1.4 The last major revision of the Delivery Plan was completed in April 2018, informed in part by the

2017 Open Space Assessment (part of the evidence base review for the Local Plan1). This current version has been subject to minor amendments, taking account of projects completed during 2018-19 and emerging strategic priorities.

1.5 Implementation of the Delivery Plan is managed and monitored through an officer steering group,

under the Council’s Delivery Framework. The group also oversees the on-going review and revision of the plan.

1 Knight, Kavanagh & Page (2017) Stockton-on-Tees Open Space Assessment

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2. Strategic priorities 2019-22

2.1 All projects and actions contribute towards one of more of the ten strategic objectives set out in the Green Infrastructure Strategy. However, given that the Strategy was published in 2011, and identified a very broad range of aspirations, the following priorities have been identified for the period to 2022. These reflect the Council’s corporate objectives as set out in the Council Plan 2019-22, the Borough’s Economic Strategy and Growth Plan and other key documents.

2.2 The Plan also recognises the challenges the Council faces due to reductions to local authority and other public sector budgets. This has significant resource implications for the future development and management of green infrastructure and is an important consideration when identifying and prioritising specific projects.

Green Infrastructure Strategy objectives

Current priorities under this plan

Promoting regeneration Develop and manage multi-functional green infrastructure in ways which will improve the image of the Borough and/or directly support sustainable economic growth.

Addressing the impacts of climate change

Contribute to sustainable water management, including natural flood management. Also seek to increase tree cover.

Improving health and well-being

Provide a connected, safe and attractive network of open spaces, play/informal sport facilities and strategic traffic-free routes. This will encourage physical activity, improve mental well-being and help to help reduce health inequalities across the Borough.

Promoting leisure and tourism

Develop and secure the sustainable management of a hierarchy of ‘strategic’, ‘district’ and ‘local’ parks; countryside sites, and routes for walking, cycling and horse-riding. Maximise the recreational value of the River Tees.

Encouraging active & sustainable travel

Develop a strategic network of traffic-free routes for walking and cycling.

Increasing biodiversity & conserving other natural resources

Conserve and enhance natural habitats, with a particular focus on major sites and the development of ecological networks in urban and rural areas.

Enhancing landscape and the historic environment

Conserve and enhance significant landscape and heritage features, and address issues of landscape quality where this contributes towards wider economic growth priorities.

Producing food and renewable energy

Support community and partner-led initiatives where these are in line with the Council’s wider objectives.

Improving awareness and understanding

Provide appropriate information and interpretation relating to key parks and open spaces, access networks and other key amenity assets. Work in partnership with other organisations to engage communities and support public partication.

Making places safe, welcoming and accessible

Improve signage and improve the appearance and accessibility of key sites and trails. This will help to improve community connectivity and maximise the social, health and economic value of the Borough’s green infrastructure.

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3. About the plan

Themes 3.1 Objectives, projects and proposals are set out under the following themes, addressing the broad

priorities set out in chapter 2:

• Countryside sites / natural environment (chapter 5): country parks, nature reserves and natural assets/habitats e.g. woodlands, meadows, wetlands, ponds, rivers and streams.

• Urban parks and amenity green space (chapter 6): town parks, recreation grounds and amenity green spaces.

• Play and informal sport (chapter 7): play areas and informal sport facilities such as skate parks and multi-use games areas.

• Community food (chapter 8): allotments, community gardens and orchards.

• Access (chapter 9): footpaths, bridleways and cycleways, and facilities that support the recreational use of the River Tees.

• Cemeteries (chapter 10): including formal cemetery and woodland burial provision.

3.2 The previous version of this plan included an ‘Information and management’ theme. This included projects and activities which help to deliver sustainable management of green infrastructure and encourage community use and participation. However, it is proposed that issues relating to the management of the Borough’s green infrastructure will be addressed through a separate plan to be developed during 2019/20.

Strategic and local green infrastructure 3.3 The Delivery Plan incorporates a broad range of projects which will develop both the Borough’s

‘strategic’ and ‘local’ green infrastructure.

3.4 The Stockton-on-Tees Green Infrastructure Strategy identifies an indicative network of primary and secondary green infrastructure corridors, and many of the projects included within the plan seek to enhance and develop sites, access routes and river corridors within this network (Figure 1). Most of these can be viewed as ‘strategic projects’ which will generally deliver economic, environmental, social and health benefits at the Borough or district scale.

3.5 In addition the Delivery Plan identifies several projects which are of local significance. These ‘local

projects’ are generally small-scale schemes and are identified on the basis of the areas mapped in Figure 2. These correspond to the ‘analysis areas’ used for the Open Space Assessment (2017):

• Billingham

• Eaglescliffe

• Ingleby Barwick

• Rural

• Stockton

• Thornaby

• Wynyard

• Yarm

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Figure 1: Strategic green infrastructure network

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Figure 2: Project areas / Open Space Assessment analysis areas

Green infrastructure delivered through new development

3.6 New or enhanced green infrastructure is often delivered through new development, so this plan needs to be considered in conjunction with the policies and proposals set out in the adopted Local Plan 2019. The Key Diagram shown in Figure 3 provides a geographic representation of the broad locations of strategic developments and land-uses identified in Local Plan, while the Plan itself and policies maps can be accessed via this link: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/economic-regeneration-and-transport/planning-policy/development-plan/

https://www.stockton.gov.uk/economic-regeneration-and-transport/planning-policy/development-plan/

https://www.stockton.gov.uk/economic-regeneration-and-transport/planning-policy/development-plan/

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Figure 3: Strategic developments and land-uses identified in Local Plan

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Implementing and updating the plan

3.7 Implementation of the Delivery Plan will be managed and monitored through an officer steering group, under the Council’s Delivery Framework. Under the Economic Growth Plan 2017-20 the Council has stated that by 2020 it will aim to deliver new or enhanced green infrastructure to over 30 sites across the Borough.

3.8 A number of factors are taken into consideration before any proposals reach full implementation

stage, e.g.

• What technical feasibility and detailed design work is required?

• What planning or other consents may be required?

• Who needs to be consulted on the proposals?

Most schemes will require some element of consultation, e.g. ward councillors, local residents, community organisations, local authority officers and partner organisations. These individuals and groups may also take on an active role in project development, with the support and guidance of the Council and other agencies as appropriate.

• Would the proposal be best taken forward as a ‘stand-alone’ project? Is it linked to other developments or programmes?

• Can the project be considered in isolation or is delivery dependent upon other factors?

e.g. a scheme may be strongly linked to a major new development or the closure of an existing facility; or funding may be associated with a wider programme of work

• Who are the project partners and what role will they play?

Who is going to deliver the scheme? This may be the Council, but a number of other partners may be involved, e.g. local town/parish council, community groups, individual residents, local businesses, farmers or landowners, schools or other educational establishment. Other key partners may include organisations like Groundwork, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust or the Environment Agency.

• What capital funding is required and how will that funding be secured?

• What are the future management and maintenance implications, and how will any additional revenue costs be met?

What will be the requirements and who will undertake those tasks? Would the assets be transferred to a third party or remain with the current landowner? What revenue funding will be needed and how does that compare to the current costs (if any) of maintaining the site? Does the project replace existing infrastructure and potentially reduce long-term maintenance costs in the short term at least?

• Does the Council or its partners have the necessary staff resources to oversee development and delivery of the scheme?

3.9 The Delivery Plan will be subject to on-going review by the steering group and will be regularly

updated to reflect changing priorities and any emerging opportunities. Any changes should take account of the following:

• new projects and proposals which have been identified by Stockton Council or its partners;

• changes in the status of schemes from ‘outline proposal’ to ‘active project’, or in the current priority status of projects;

• schemes which have either been completed or which are no longer being taken forward.

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4. Projects and outline proposals

4.1 In the following chapters details of specific projects and proposals are set out as follows:

Active projects and outline proposals 4.2 Not all proposals and projects identified in the plan will be delivered in the short term. The

development and delivery of schemes may be dependent upon a wide range of factors. The Plan therefore makes a distinction between ‘Active Projects and ‘Outline Proposals’:

• Active Projects: Where feasibility, consultation and/or design work is being undertaken. In some cases funding may already have been secured or is being sought. Active Projects have generally been prioritised for one or more of the following reasons: o They reflect current corporate priorities, and/or the priorities of key partners. o There is strong/active support from the local community and elected members. o Project funding has been secured already, or there are opportunities to secure funding in

the short-term, e.g. through corporate resources, external grants or Section 106 contributions.

• Outline Proposals: These may be more ‘aspirational’ or long-term project proposals. This includes potential schemes where no funding has yet been secured and where more detailed feasibility, consultation and design work would be needed at a later stage. By identifying these proposals within the plan the Council will be better placed to seize any opportunities that may arise to deliver these projects in the future.

4.3 Unless stated otherwise the Council’s Urban Landscape team lead on the development and

delivery of projects, with input from other sections of the Council and external partners. Schemes delivered through the Urban Landscape team are listed on an Active Projects spreadsheet and this is updated on a monthly basis. It provides the following information:

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• Project costs

• Funding – secured/sought and source

• Current status

• RAG (red / amber / green) rating based on a risk assessment of each project

• Proposed actions

4.4 Some projects are led by other sections of the Council, and the Delivery Plan also includes projects

which will be delivered by partner organisations or through the planning process. These schemes are not recorded on the Urban Landscape team’s Active Projects spreadsheet.

Current priorities

4.5 The following assessment criteria have been used to help prioritise schemes to be delivered by the Council (partner-led schemes are not assessed): a) Strategic fit:

Does the project contribute to corporate objectives as set out in documents such as the Council Plan, Economic Growth Plan and Local Plan?

b) GI Strategy & Delivery Plan objectives: Does it addresses one or more current priorities set out in Section 2 of this Delivery Plan?

c) Evidence base: Is the project supported by research or consultation findings? e.g. Open Space Assessment, community consultations.

d) Capital funding: Has some or all capital funding has been secured or are there likely to be opportunities to secure funding?

e) Partner support: Does the project have active support from one or more partner organisations? f) Ward councillor / community support: Has the project already got has local support? g) Project linkages: Does the scheme support of add value to an associated activity or scheme? h) Revenue costs: What impact will the scheme have on future revenue expenditure? i) Other considerations: Are there other specific factors that need to be considered?

4.6 Further details are provided at Appendix 1 and any projects / proposals with a score of 8 or more are recorded in this plan as ‘current priorities’. However, this should only be viewed as a guide, and decisions on which projects are taken forward at any given time are agreed through the officer steering group.

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5. Countryside sites / natural environment

5.1 Projects and outline proposals are listed under the following headings:

a) Country parks

b) Tees Heritage Park

c) Great North Park / Portrack

d) Saltholme / Greatham South

e) River catchments

f) Natural greenspace – general

5.2 Major sites and assets referred to in this chapter are identified in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Major countryside sites/areas and river corridors

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5.3 Startegic priorities for biodiversity enhancement in Stockton and the wider Tees Valley have

been identified for a series of Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) as shown in Figure 4. Maps and statements are being prepared for each area to highlight where maintenance, restoration, creation, mitigation and offsetting measures should be adopted to enhance biodiversity and in turn help to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Collectively the BOAs should be viewed as a strategic ecological network, representing a significant environmental asset for Stockton and the Tees Valley. More information is available on the Tees Valley Nature Partnership web site: http://teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk/resources/natural-networks-opportunity-maps/

Figure 5: Biodiversity Opportunity Areas

5.4 Other supporting information for this chapter, related urban natural green space, is attached at

Appendix 2 (Natural and semi-natural green space) and Appendix 6 (green corridors).

a) (a) Country parks

Objective:

• Conserve and enhance the landscape of the Borough’s three country parks and provide a range of complementary facilities for visitors, contributing to the long-term sustainable management of these sites.

Background

5.5 The Borough has three country parks, all located in the north of the Borough:

• Wynyard Woodland Park,

• Billingham Beck Valley Country Park

• Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park.

5.6 The above objective is in line with the recommendations of the 2015 Scrutiny Review of the Future of Countryside Sites, and project proposals included within the subsequent action plan. Subject to the availability of resources, sites should be improved in ways which conserve and enhance the special characteristics of each site and provide a range of complementary recreational facilities for

http://teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk/resources/natural-networks-opportunity-maps/

http://teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk/resources/natural-networks-opportunity-maps/

http://teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Tees-Valley-Landscape-Areas-Map.jpg

http://teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Tees-Valley-Landscape-Areas-Map.jpg

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visitors. This also needs to take into consideration the range of recreational opportunities offered at other major countryside sites across the Borough, including Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park (RSPB), Teesmouth National Nature Reserve (Natural England) and Coatham Wood (Forestry Commission).

5.7 Achieving the long-term sustainable management of the Borough’s country parks is a key priority, given the on-going reductions in the Council’s revenue budgets. In the future this may involve greater involvement of third parties, such as small-scale businesses and third-sector organisations. For example, an arts collective has recently been operating at Wynyard Woodland Park, while a Friends Group and Billingham Environmental Link Programme now utilise the visitor centre at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. The Council will continue to explore opportunities for greater partnership working at these sites, whilst ensuring that any developments are compatible with wider conservation and recreational objectives.

5.8 Finally, much of the signage at the Council’s country parks is dated and some is in a poor state of

repair. This can detract from the visitor experience and overall image of these sites. Design templates for signage in parks and green spaces have recently been developed in conjunction with the Corporate Communications Team and outdated signage should be replaced subject to availability of resources.

Wynyard Woodland Park

Wynyard Woodland Park – identify proposals for future development / management of park (Economic Growth & Spatial Development lead)

N Parishes CN1 A

Wynyard Woodland Park - Implement plan for access and signage improvements in core area of park (linked to CN1)

N Parishes CN2 A

Wynyard Woodland park - interpretation for Hippo play feature N Parishes CN46 A

Castle Eden Walkway - develop and implement proposals to interpret and conserve railway (and associated) heritage and improve access, with a particular focus on Wynyard Woodland Park (linked to CN1)

N Parishes CN4 A

Castle Eden Walkway - cycleway/footway from Durham Road, Thorpe Thewles to Wynyard Woodland Park, via A177 underpass and new housing development (Local Plan Policy TI1:4b)

N Parishes AS27a O

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park - identify proposals for future development / management of park, including access improvements

Billingham W CN5 A

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park – restore wet grassland at Stephenson’s Bottom and restore / create other water-dependant habitat (linked to CN5 and CN43)

Billingham W CN9 A

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park – modify weir to allow fish passage (linked to CN5 and CN43)

Billingham W CN14 A

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park – develop picnic area and explore potential for catering concession (linked to CN5 and CN43)

Billingham W CN44 A

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park - identify proposals for future Billingham E CN6 A

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development / management of park

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park - undertake access audit with a view to improving access for all (Billingham Environmental Link Programme lead)

Billingham E CN6a P

(b) Tees Heritage Park

Objective:

Further develop and enhance the nature reserves and other natural green spaces within the Tees Heritage Park, and support the creation of new areas of accessible natural green space adjacent to the River Tees and River Leven.

Background: 5.9 The further enhancement of nature reserves and the wider landscape of the Tees Heritage Park

should be supported, as well as the provision of new and improved access. This includes maximising the opportunities available through the River Tees Rediscovered programme to conserve, enhance and interpret the landscape heritage of the area, and increase public access.

5.10 In addition there are opportunities to secure landscape enhancements and additional land for public access through proposed housing developments around Ingleby Barwick and Yarm.

Projects / proposals:

Tees Heritage Park

Roundhill North – development of new country park – Planning Ref 15/233/OUT

Ingleby Barwick W

CN47 O

Roundhill – development of new country park – Planning Ref 09/1340/REM

Ingleby Barwick W

CN23 O

River Leven – development of country park on Yarm Bank – Planning Ref 16/3049/FUL

Yarm CN39 P

(c) Great North Park / Portrack

Objective:

Seek opportunities to improve and secure the future sustainable management of the network of natural green spaces between the River Tees at Portrack, including Portrack Meadows (former incinerator site), Portrack Walks, and Tilery Park.

Background: 5.11 This significant stretch of land includes a number of former industrial sites centred around Lustrum

Beck and the disused railway corridor running through south Norton. It incorporates an area that was branded ‘The Great North Park’ in the 1990s, as well as sites adjacent to the River Tees at Portrack.

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5.12 Much of the land is natural greenspace which does not necessarily require intensive management.

However, some areas would benefit from more active management and improved infrastructure. Some of the features installed under earlier regeneration schemes are in a poor state of repair and some extensive sites such as Tilery Park and Mount Pleasant (Norton) were assessed as being ‘poor quality’ in the 2017 Open Space Assessment (Appendix 4)

5.13 Improvements to this area would benefit some of the Borough’s most deprived communities and

complement recent and planned regeneration schemes in neighbouring areas, e.g. Stockton Town Centre, former Victoria estate Northshore and Queens Park North.

Portrack / Great North Park

Tilery Park, including access corridor from Norton Road - small scale environmental enhancements

Stockton TC Norton S

CN33 O

(d) Tees Estuary Saltholme / Greatham South

Objective:

• Support measures to protect and enhance habitats of national and international importance around the Tees Estuary. This includes the development and implementation of the Tees Estuary Management Plan which will ensure an integrated approach to environmental protection/enhancement and economic growth.

Background: 5.14 A vision and ‘master plan’ for the Tees estuary is being developed and the North Tees Natural

Network is likely to play a role in delivering elements of that plan.


No current projects

(c) (e) River catchments

Objective:

• Enhance the landscape and biodiversity of river corridors, contributing where possible to reducing flood risk. Priority is currently given to those catchments where public benefits can be maximised and where Environment Agency or other funding is available to support feasibility work and project delivery: o Lustrum Beck o Billingham Beck o Cowbridge Beck

Background:

5.15 There are a variety of green infrastructure measures which can be adopted to improve the ecological status of water bodies; help to reduce flood risk; and deliver wider environmental and amenity benefits within the Borough’s river and stream corridors.

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5.16 In the upstream, rural sections of river catchments such as Billingham Beck and Lustrum Beck habitat creation and management works can help to reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture, while the removal or modification of culverts, tidal flaps, weirs and other structures can significantly enhance the ecology of water bodies as well as delivering wider landscape, biodiversity and amenity benefits. For example, existing tidal flaps restrict the movement of fish on Billingham Beck, Cowbridge Beck, Holme Fleet and Stainsby Beck, while weirs present a significant barrier to movement on Billingham Beck and Cowbridge Beck. Where feasible these structures should be removed or modified, provided this does not have any serious detrimental impacts.

5.17 Green infrastructure has a vital role to play in surface water management, whether that is through the provision of sustainable drainage schemes (SUDs), flood storage areas, and the reinstatement of functional floodplains; all of which can contribute to reducing flood risk.

5.18 The creation or re-creation of water-dependant habitats such as wet woodland and wet grassland in another priority under this theme, delivering both biodiversity and amenity benefits and potentially also making a contribution towards natural flood management and improved water quality.


Lustrum Beck

Identify and deliver upstream flood alleviation measures and create associated water-dependant habitat (Environment Agency & Tees River Trust lead)

W Parishes CN8 P

Coatham Wood – implement scheme for natural flood management (Environment Agency lead)

W Parishes CN41 P

Lustrum Beck - identify opportunities to enhance the downstream, urban section of the river corridor.

Grangefield Newtown Norton S

Parkfield & Oxbridge

Stockton TC

CN48 O

Billingham Beck

Billingham Beck restoration – undertake feasibility study to identify opportunities for enhancing biodiversity and improving water quality (in partnership with Environment Agency)

Billingham W CN43 P

Cowbridge Beck / Greatham Creek

Cowbridge Beck, West of Wolviston Back Lane – establish linear natural greenspace ensuring continuity of Cowbridge Beck corridor. Further assess feasibility of de-culverting and re-creating ‘natural’ stream channel

Billingham E Billingham N

CN12 O

Cowbridge Beck, Former Campus School site – establish linear natural greenspace ensuring continuity of Cowbridge Beck corridor. Further assess feasibility of de-culverting and re-creating ‘natural’ stream channel.

Billingham E CN13 O

Holme Fleet

Holme Fleet – assess feasibility of modifying or removing flapped outfall at Port Clarence, as part of Tees Estuary Reconnection Programme (Environment Agency lead).

Billingham E CN16 P

Old River Tees

Modify tidal flap (Tees Rivers Trust lead) Mandale & Victoria

CN17 P

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(f) Natural greenspace – general

Objectives:

• Increase tree cover throughout the Borough by planting individual specimen trees, avenues, copses and woodlands.

• Deliver new or enhanced natural green space where this has potential to extend ecological networks and provide other benefits (e.g. public access or natural flood management.

• Improve the quality of natural green space (including ‘natural’ green corridors) provision, informed by the Open Space Assessment and local knowledge. Priority should be given to larger sites with greatest existing/potential amenity benefit.

• Improve access to natural green space in the Wynyard area.

• Support community-led initiatives to manage and improve natural green spaces, subject to wider community support, e.g. projects under the Wild Green Places scheme and River Tees Rediscovered.

Background:

5.19 This objective is in line with the recommendations of the 2015 Scrutiny Review of the Future of Countryside Sites, and project proposals included within the subsequent action plan.

5.20 Subject to the availability of resources, sites should be managed and developed in ways conserve and enhance their special characteristics. Addressing gaps in natural green spaces provision, improving poor quality sites and improving ecological connectivity are important considerations, informed by the Open Space Assessment (2017). It should be noted that a number of sites identified in that assessment as ‘green corridors’ may also fulfil some similar functions to ‘natural and semi-natural green space’ and projects/proposals for these sites are included in this section.

5.21 It is recognised that the Council has limited resources to deliver capital works and undertake enhanced maintenance across multiple sites. Therefore projects may often need to be opportunity-led; for example, at sites where local communities are keen to develop projects and contribute to on-going management. Or where there are opportunities for partner organisations to play a greater role.

5.22 As in the case of the main country parks, some of the signage at the Council’s smaller countryside sites is also dated and some is in a poor state of repair. Such signage should be replaced and updated where possible, subject to availability of resources.


Natural greenspace - general

Identify and implement projects to increase tree cover, including individual trees, avenues, copses and woodlands.

Borough-wide CN45 A

Rural

Honey Pot Wood – surfacing of public right of way in woodland W Parishes CN24a A

Stockton

Greenvale Local Nature Reserve – small scale environmental improvements

Fairfield CN28 O

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6. Urban parks and amenity green space

6.1 Projects and outline proposals are listed under the following headings, based on the hierarchy of

provision identified in the Open Space Assessment (2017): a) Strategic parks b) District parks c) Local parks and recreation grounds d) Amenity green space – general

6.2 Strategic and district parks referred to in this chapter are identified in Figure 6. Other supporting information for this chapter is attached at Appendix 3 (urban parks and amenity green space) and Appendix 6 (green corridors).

Figure 6: Strategic and district parks

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a) Strategic parks

Objectives:

• Develop and manage Preston Park as an integrated, heritage-based visitor attraction, supported through a possible Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

• Develop and promote the Tees Barrage Park as a major visitor attraction, incorporating a diverse range of sites and complementary attractions.

Background: 6.3 The Borough has a number of urban parks which through the Open Space Assessment (2017)

have been broadly categorised under a hierarchy of ‘strategic’, ‘district’ and ‘local’ parks reflecting the range of features and facilities at each site and the catchment area they serve (from Borough-wide to local). There are two strategic urban parks:

• Preston Park (Eaglescliffe)

• Ropner Park (Stockton)

Although not formally classified as a ‘strategic urban park’ under the Open Space Assessment the Tees Barrage could be seen as ‘strategic’ asset under this category, based on the nature of the site and the catchment area it serves.

6.4 A masterplan for the future development of Preston Park has been developed and consideration being given to possible sources of funding. Priorities for development include:

• New café and toilets

• Improved waymarking and path networks

• Conservation and interpretation of the historic route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway

• Development the the bandstand area In the meantime smaller-scale projects and improvements are being delivered by the park rangers and volunteers.

6.5 The Tees Barrage is one of the Borough’s most important outdoor destinations, with major attractions including the International White Water Centre and Air Trail. The site offers opportunities to enjoy a range of watersports, and the slipway and lock provide access to the River Tees for boat users. The Teesdale Way and 8 Bridges Way provide excellent cycle and footpath links to Stockton and adjoining nature reserves: Portrack Marsh and Maze Park.

6.6 However, the site is not currently marketed as a single visitor attraction, and visitors may not be aware of the range of activities and features that can be enjoyed. The organisations involved in the management and development of the site are therefore working together to address these issues, including the Canal & River Trust, Tees Active, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, Groundwork and Stockton Council.

6.7 No projects are currently proposed for Ropner Park, but this should be kept under review. Bearing in mind the recent Council and Heritage Lottery Fund investment in the park consideration should be given to ways in which the Council (in liaison with the Friends of Ropner Park) can best maintain a high quality range of facilities and features at the park, and ensure it continues to provide an excellent visitor experience.

Projects / proposals

Preston Park

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Preston Park – implement elements of masterplan subject to availability of funding

Eaglescliffe PA1 A

Tees Barrage Park

Tees Barrage Park - prepare and implement development and management plan for park (Canal & River Trust lead)

Stockton TC & Mandale &

Victoria PA49 P

b) District parks

Objectives:

• Further develop and enhance the Borough’s existing ‘district’ parks: o John Whitehead Park, o Newham Grange Park o Romano Park.

• Develop Littleboy Park to function as a ‘district’ park for Thornaby, subject to further consultation and feasibility.

Background: 6.8 The Open Space Assessment (2017) identifies the following ‘district’ parks, based on the range of

facilities they offer and the catchment area served:

• John Whitehead Park (Billingham)

• Newham Grange Park (Stockton)

• Romano Park (Ingleby Barwick)

6.9 However, it is recognised that smaller ‘local’ parks and larger amenity green spaces also provide many similar features and facilities and therefore the future development and management of these sites should not be viewed in isolation, but considered alongside proposals in the following section.

6.10 Projects seek to further develop the Borough’s existing district parks to provide access to a diverse range of recreational opportunities, and to enhance the ‘visitor welcome’. For example, John Whitehead Park has no ‘welcome’ or information signage in place. Subject to availability of resources new signage should be introduced in accordance with the new design templates.

6.11 Subject to further consultation and feasibility work it is proposed that Littleboy Park has the potential

to be developed as a ‘district’ park to serve Thornaby.


John Whitehead Park

John Whitehead Park - interpretation and signage Billingham C PA5 A John Whitehead Park - main feature for sensory garden Billingham C PA6 O John Whitehead Park - synthetic bowls green lighting Billingham C PA8 A Romano Park

Romano Park – further enhancements (e.g. entrance signage, recreational facilities and landscape enhancements).

Ingleby Barwick W PA17 O

Newham Grange Park

Newham Grange Park – further environmental enhancements (possible provision of toilets / café in partnership with Bowls Club)

Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree PA18 O

Littleboy Park

Littleboy Park - implement development plan Mandale & Victoria

PA34 A

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c) Local parks and recreation grounds

Objectives:

• Carry out targeted improvements to existing ‘local’ parks, including possible measures to enhance those parks identified as being of relatively low quality through the Open Space Assessment (2017): Blue Hall Recreation Ground and Primrose Hill Park

• Where opportunities arise seek to develop new ‘local’ parks in areas currently lacking provision (e.g. Wynyard) and/or deliver improvements to existing sites.

Background:

6.12 The Open Space Assessment (2017) identifies the following ‘local’ parks:

• Blue Hall Recreation Ground (Stockton)

• Grangefield Park (Stockton)

• Primrose Hill Park (Stockton)

• Trinity Green (Stockton)

• Alison Trainer Park (Thornaby)

• Littleboy Park (Thornaby)

• Victoria Recreation Ground (Thornaby)

• Village Park (Thornaby)

6.13 In addition it recognises that other recreation grounds and larger amenity green spaces may offer some similar or complementary features and facilities. It specifically makes reference to the following ‘Tier 1’ amenity green spaces, which are above 1 hectare area and may have a greater range of ancillary features (such as play areas) compared to smaller amenity green spaces (see 6.17):

• High Grange Avenue (Billingham)

• Rievaulx Avenue (Billingham)

• Windmill Park (Ingleby Barwick)

• West Street Playing Field (Rural)

• Bishopsgarth Park (Stockton)

• Rochester Road (Stockton)

• Yarm Road Recreation Ground (Stockton)

• Harold Wilson Centre (Thornaby)

• South Thornaby Community Centre (Thornaby)

• Wiley Flats (Yarm) 6.14 Other larger amenity green spaces that should be considered under this theme include sites such

as Daffodil Park (Billingham), Harewood Pleasure Gardens (Thornaby) and Leven Park (Yarm).

6.15 Projects seek to further develop this network of local parks, recreation grounds and larger amenity green spaces to provide access to a diverse range of recreational opportunities across the Borough. Where feasible significant gaps in provision should be addressed, as well as improving sites which have been identified as being poor quality.

6.16 Some of the signage at the local parks urban parks and recreation grounds is either outdated or in a

poor condition. Where resources permit such signage should be renewed.

- 23 -


Billingham

Daffodil Park (AKA Low Grange Park) – Interpretation for Medieval Manor House

Billingham E Billingham N

PA45 A

Stockton

Bishopsgarth Park – further environmental enhancements (provision of lighting to be considered)

Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree

PA19 O

Grangefield Park – small-scale environmental improvements Grangefield PA22 A

Primrose Hill Park – small-scale environmental improvements Newtown PA23 O

Blue Hall Rec - small scale environmental improvement project Norton North PA24 O

Yarm

Leven Park - small-scale environmental improvements Yarm PA41 O

d) Amenity green space – general

Objectives:

• Where opportunities arise address ‘gaps’ in the provision of local amenity green space in the following areas, as identified in the Open Space Assessment (2017): Wynyard, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, East Stockton, Redmarshall and Hilton

• Carry out targeted improvements to enhance the quality of local amenity green space provision, informed by the Open Space Assessment and local knowledge.

• Consider future options of ‘low quality / low value’ amenity green spaces.

Background: 6.17 The Open Space Assessment (2017) identifies a small number of areas with limited access to local

(or ‘Tier 2’) amenity green spaces (Larger Tier 1 amenity green spaces are covered under the previous Local Parks and Recreation Grounds section). It also identifies a number of specific amenity green spaces which are below the ‘quality threshold’. Improving local amenity green space provision in these areas will deliver benefits to local communities; however, it is recognised that the Council has limited resources to deliver capital works and undertake enhanced maintenance across multiple sites. Therefore projects may need to be opportunity-led.

6.18 In addition to amenity green spaces, Some of the ‘green corridors’ identified in the Open Space Assessment may fulfil some similar functions to amenity green space and where relevant projects/proposals relating to these sites are also included this section.

6.19 Consideration should be given the future of those 11 amenity green spaces identified in the Open

Space Assessment as ‘low quality / low value’ amenity green spaces. For example, should these sites be improved or would it be more appropriate to utilise available resources to enhance other sites?


Billingham

- 24 -

Stokesley Road Field - small-scale environmental improvements (possible development as local/community/pocket park)

Billingham S PA47 O

Mill Lane Playing Fields - small-scale environmental improvements (possible development as local/community/pocket park)

Billingham S PA12 O

Eaglescliffe

Junction Farm Pocket Park - small scale environmental improvements

Eaglescliffe PA20 O

Land at Black Diamond Way – small scale environmental improvements

Eaglescliffe PA42 A

Ingleby Barwick

Beckfields Green– small scale environmental improvements Ingleby Barwick E

PA15 O

Lowfields Green– small scale environmental improvements Ingleby Barwick E

PA16 O

Forum Villa Site - Interpretation Ingleby Barwick W

PA50 O

Stockton

Leonard Ropner Field – small scale environmental improvements Fairfield PA21 O

Darlington Lane Open Space (Former Frederick Nattrass School Playing Fields) – identify future open space use and implement any agreed project

Norton North PA25 O

Former Norton School – green infrastructure to be developed/enhanced as part of wider master plan for site

Norton South PA26 O

Land at Rhondda Avenue - small-scale environmental improvements Roseworth PA31 O

Redbrook Park – fencing and other environmental improvements Roseworth PA52 O

Mill Lane / Wellington Street green space - small-scale environment improvements linked to possible scheme to improve play and informal sport provision

Stockton TC PA51 O

- 25 -

7. Play and informal sport


a) Destination sites

b) Play areas and informal sport facilities - general

7.2 Destination sites for play and informal sport are identified in Figure 7. Supporting information for this

chapter is attached at Appendix 4.

Figure 7: Destination sites for play and informal sport

- 26 -

a) Destination sites

Objectives:

• Provide a network of ‘destination’ sites, ensuring residents across the Borough can access a range of diverse and high-quality facilities for play and informal sport.

Background 7.3 The Borough has 4 destination sites for play and informal sport:

• Preston Park (play area plus skate park),

• Wynyard Woodland Park (play area)

• Ropner Park (play area and tennis courts

• John Whitehead Park (play area, multi-use games area, outdoor gym and tennis courts)

7.4 These destination sites are all located in parks with other supporting infrastructure such as cafes, toilets and car parks. They serve a larger catchment area compared to other play and informal sports facilities, often attracting users from across the Borough and further afield.

7.5 The Council seeks to maintain, and where possible further enhance, the range of facilities at these sites.

Ropner Park

Enhance existing play area through provision of new equipment and associated infrastructure


PS18 O

b) Play areas and informal sports facilities – general

Objectives:

• Develop the Borough’s hierarchy of neighbourhood and doorstep play areas, and network of local informal sport facilities, to meet the needs of communities across the Borough. These local facilities should complement the network of ‘destination’ sites identified in the previous section.

• Subject to feasibility and local consultation address ‘gaps’ in outdoor play provision in the following areas, as identified in the Open Space Assessment (2017): West Stockton, East Stockton/South Norton and Wynyard.

• Subject to feasibility and local consultation address ‘gaps’ in informal sport provision in the following areas, as identified in the Open Space Assessment (2017): West Stockton, Eaglescliffe and Wynyard

• Carry out targeted improvements to enhance the quality of play areas and informal sport facilities and/or consider rationalisation of provision in areas where existing sites are deemed to be poor quality and where there is good access to existing (or planned) higher quality provision.

7.6 In addition to the facilities at the destination sites referred to above the Borough has

• 20 ‘neighbourhood’ play areas

• 24 ‘doorstep’ play areas

- 27 -

• 13 multi-use games areas

• 1 fitness trail

• 1 outdoor gym

• Several other smaller informal sports facilities.

Where such facilities are located on the same site as a play area this contributes towards a site’s overall categorisation as a ‘neighbourhood’ or doorstep site (see 7.3).

7.7 The Council seeks to maintain and further develop this hierarchy of play and informal sport

provision in ways which best meets the needs of communities across the Borough. However, it is recognised that not all areas of the Borough have the same level of provision, and that the equipment in many play areas will need to be replaced in future years if sites are to remain in use.

7.8 To address these issues a review of play and informal sport provision is being undertaken, which will inform future iterations of this plan. This will help to prioritise future investment in the development and management of play and informal sport provision, which in some cases could result in the removal of selected sites where other alternative sites can meet local demand.

7.9 In the meantime proposals for new and improved multi-use games areas (MUGA) have been

included in the Borough’s Local Football Facilities Plan (LFFP), with the potential to attract funding through the Football Foundation. These plans, which will deliver against the Football Association’s National Football Facilities Strategy, set out a ten-year vision for football facilities in each local authority area. Informed by the review of play and informal sport provision the Council will explore the scope for a possible multi-site MUGA project to be delivered with Football Foundation funding, Section 106 contributions and other monies.

7.10 Finally, projects and proposals under this theme should be considered in association with those for

parks since the combination of facilities and features at key sites will bring added value.


Play areas and informal sport provision - general

Strategic review of play and informal sport provision - complete review and develop Borough-wide action plan (to incorporate project proposals under Local Football Facilities Plan and potential facilities for off-road cycling)

Borough-wide PS17 A

Local Football Facilities Plan - develop package of schemes to be delivered with funding through Football Foundation, s106 and other funding streams, including new MUGAs, lighting of existing MUGAs and other facilities.

Borough-wide PS23 A

Eaglescliffe

Eaglescliffe - new multi-use games area Eaglescliffe PS3 O

Rural

Mount Pleasant, Stillington – multi-use games area (not included in LFFP but funding earmarked through s106 agreement)

Western Parishes

PS6 O

Stockton

Hardwick Play Area - redevelopment Hardwick & Salters Lane

PS9 A

Black Path multi use games area - deliver facilities utilising s106 contribution from Whitewater Glade (former Corus Site) and North Shore

Stockton TC PS13 A

Redevelopment of Devonport Road play area using Whitewater Glade and Northshore s106 contributions

Stockton TC PS13a A

Allocate s106 funds from former Visqueen site for development of facilities for children and young people


PS19 A

- 28 -

West Stockton – new multi-use games area tbc PS24 O

Norton South - new multi-use games area Norton S PS25 O

- 29 -

8. Community food


a) Allotments

b) Community gardens / orchards

8.2 Supporting information for this chapter is attached at Appendix 5.

a) Allotments

Objectives:

• Subject to feasibility and active local support/involvement: o develop new allotments to address ‘gaps’ in provision in the following areas, as identified in

the Open Space Assessment (2017): Wynyard, Ingleby Barwick and West Stockton. o support the development of allotment sites in areas where current provision does not meet

existing demand.

Background 8.3 There are 21 allotment sites in the Borough, but there are some significant areas with limited

access to existing allotments: Wynyard and Ingleby Barwick have no allotment provision and residents in western Stockton are a considerable distance away from any existing allotment sites.

8.4 Most existing allotment sites have waiting lists, indicating that public demand for allotment plots remains high and that additional sites should be provided where possible. That said, the vast majority of allotment sites in the Borough are ‘self-managed’ by allotment associations and town/parish councils; the Borough Council only manages two sites. It is likely the Council would only support the development of new allotments if there was a high level of local support and involvement, and if arrangements could be put in place to ensure their future management.


No current projects

b) Community gardens / orchards

Objective:

• Where feasible support groups and local organisations who are willing to play an active role in developing and managing community gardens, orchards or other food initiatives utilising green spaces, provided this is compatible with other uses.

Background 8.5 In recent years the Council has received a number of requests from community groups and

individual residents wishing to develop community food projects. The Council would support such proposals where there is strong local support and arrangements are in place to secure the short

- 30 -

and medium term management of such sites. Small-scale community projects such as the planting of fruit trees in parks or green spaces has been undertaken in some cases and similar projects could be supported in the future, again provided consideration is given to future management/maintenance.


No current projects

- 31 -

9. Access


a) Strategic cycle routes and promoted trails

b) River Tees

c) Stockton and Darlington historic railway corridor

d) Access – general

9.2 Strategic cycle routes, promoted trails and the River Tees are identified in Figure 8. Supporting information for this chapter is attached at Appendix 6 (green corridors).

Figure 8: Strategic access network

- 32 -

a) Strategic cycle routes and promoted trails

Objectives:

• Further develop and enhance the Borough’s strategic cycleway and footpath network, with priority given to the following routes (including associated interpretation, information and promotion): o England Coast Path, from Newport Bridge to Greatham Creek. o The Teesdale Way – enhance the route for walking (and where appropriate cycling),

especially between Stockton riverside and Bowesfield and on the north bank of the Tees at Egglescliffe. .

o National Cycle Network Route 1: Castle Eden Walkway from Stockton to Wynyard Woodland Park.

o Cowbridge Beck, Billingham – footpath / cycle link. o National Cycle Network Route 14: Stockton to Darlington. o Wynyard to Billingham cycle route. o Cycle route around the western fringe of Stockton, linking National Cycle Routes 1 and 14

(at Elton interchange) via new housing developments. o Elton Interchange to Durham Lane Industrial Estate cycle route. o Great North Park to Queens Park / Stockton town centre (near A177/Norton Road

roundabout).

• Develop and promote a series of recreational walking and cycling trails linked to Teesdale Way: o Eight Bridges Way o Thornaby Trail o Ingleby Trail o Egglescliffe and Aislaby Trail

• Provide new cycle/pedestrian river crossings at key locations on River Tees and River Leven, with links to the wider access network and delivering improved connectivity within the Tees Heritage Park. Potential schemes include: o A River Leven crossing linking Ingleby Barwick and Yarm o A River Tees crossing linking Ingleby Barwick to Preston Park o A River Tees crossing linking Ingleby Barwick to Eaglescliffe.

Background: 9.3 The Borough has an extensive network of cycleways, public rights of way and other recreational

paths. Many of these cross and connect areas of public open space, including those sites specifically identified in the Open Space Assessment as ‘green corridors’. In some cases the development and enhancement of these routes should be carried out in conjunction with other environmental improvements, to promote greater use and enjoyment.

9.4 Priority should be given to the development of a strategic network of routes for cycling and walking, providing an integrated network of paths for recreational use and active travel. Linked to major parks and other attractions, and extending beyond the borough boundary, these routes will contribute to an enhanced tourism offer for Stockton and the wider Tees Valley.

9.5 Sections of the developing England Coast Path (a new National Trail) and Teesdale Way (a regional trail) run through the Borough. The Council is working in partnership with other agencies to develop and enhance both routes, which connect at the Newport Bridge and provide direct access to key sites such as Saltholme, Transporter Bridge, Tees Barrage, Stockton, Preston Park and Yarm. Both routes are being developed under the River Tees Rediscovered programme, which is also helping to deliver a series of linked ‘heritage’ trails along the full length of the lower Tees.

- 33 -

9.6 Other projects under this theme seek to address some significant gaps in the Borough’s cycle

network, and provide strategic cycle and pedestrian links between major settlements and key destinations for work and leisure. Most of these proposed cycle routes and bridge crossings have been identified in the adopted Local Plan.


England Coast Path

England Coast Path - Greatham Creek to Transporter Bridge - development of footpath (and possible future cycleway)

Billingham E Billingham S

AS26 A

Teesdale Way and Eight Bridges Way

Teesdale Way - further improvement works on rural sections of route, including signage, kissing gates and boardwalks.

Eaglescliffe AS1a A

Teesdale Way – signage and promotion Stockton TC Mandale &

Victoria AS2a A

Support installation of up to 5 interpretative sculptures / features as part of wider RTR Teesdale Way & Heritage Trails project.

Various wards AS53 A

Eight Bridges Way – signage and promotion Stockton TC Mandale &

Victoria AS2b A

Teesdale Way – develop route for cyclists and pedestrians south from Castlegate Quay and under Victoria Bridge via tunnel (essential to delivery of AS31)

Stockton TC

AS3 O

Teesdale Way - develop route for cyclists and pedestrians from Victoria Bridge to Tees Bridge (essential to delivery of AS3 and linked to AS34)

Stockton TC

AS31 O

Teesdale Way – develop surfaced cycle route from Tees Bridge to Bowesfield (linked to AS31)


AS34 O

Castle Eden Walkway (National Cycle Network Route 1)

Castle Eden Walkway - cycleway/footway from Durham Road, Thorpe Thewles to Wynyard Woodland Park, via A177 underpass and new housing development (Local Plan Policy TI1:4b)

N Parishes AS27a O

Castle Eden Walkway - improve path & environmental quality between Thorpe Thewles and Harrowgate Lane

Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree W Parishes

AS28 O

Stockton to Darlington cycle route (National Cycle Network Route 14)

Cycleway/footway to the north of Mill Lane, Long Newton, as part of proposed Stockton & Darlington Railway trail (Local Plan Policy TI1:4c)

W Parishes AS30 O

Other strategic cycle routes

Cycleway/footbridge across the A689 (via a bridge) to connect with the wider cycleway (Local Plan Policy TI1:4e)

N Parishes AS29 O

Cowbridge Beck - footpath / cycle link Billingham C Billingham E Billingham N

AS51 O

West Stockton – develop cycle route around the western fringe of Stockton, linking National Cycle Routes 1 and 14 (at Elton interchange) (delivered through new housing developments)

Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree

Fairfield Hartburn

AS47 P

Cycleway/footway from Elton Interchange to Durham Lane Industrial Estate (Local Plan Policy TI1:4d)

W Parishes Eaglescliffe

AS33 O

Great North Park to Queens Park / Stockton town centre – develop cycleway/footway linking NCN route 1 in Great North Park to

Norton S Stockton TC

AS46 O

- 34 -

Queens Park (A177/Norton Road roundabout)

Long Newton to Urlay Nook - cycle link from NCN 14 via Coatham Wood (part of Stockton & Darlington Railway trail)

W Parishes Eaglescliffe AS37 O

Thornaby Trail

Thornaby Trail - further works informed by access audit, plus promotion and information

Mandale & Victoria

Stainsby Hill Village

AS6a A

Seek opportunities for developing access through Thornaby Place Mandale & Victoria

AS8 O

Ingleby Trail

Install signposts and waymarking at key locations / provide information

Ingleby Barwick E and W

AS9 A

Establish trail around southern and western fringes of Ingleby Barwick to complete full circular route

Ingleby Barwick W

AS10 O

Egglescliffe and Aislaby Trail

Development of Egglescliffe and Aislaby Trail Eaglescliffe AS35 A

Tees and Leven river crossings and associated cycle / footpath links

River Leven – bridge and footpath linking between Ingleby Barwick and Yarm (to be delivered through housing development)

Ingleby Barwick W

Yarm AS11 P

River Tees at Preston Park - bridge to provide pedestrian/cycle access to/from Ingleby Barwick

Ingleby Barwick W Eaglescliffe

AS12 O

River Tees – bridge and footway/cycleway linking Ingleby Barwick and Egglescliffe (Local Plan Policy TI1: 4a)

Ingleby Barwick W Eaglescliffe

AS48 O

b) River Tees

Objective:

• Identify priority projects and interventions for increasing recreational use of the river based on the recommendations outlined in the River Tees Delivery & Management Framework.

Background

9.7 The River Tees Delivery and Management Framework identifies a range of proposals for increasing recreational use of the River Tees. The Council will work with partners to agree priority projects to be included in future iterations of this plan.

9.8 In the meantime the Council now leases Yarm Wharf from the Environment Agency and plans to undertake works to improve access for river users.


River Tees recreational infrastructure

Develop proposals as part of wider programme of work under River Tees Delivery & Management Framework

Various AS52 A

Yarm Wharf - implement works to improve access for boat users Yarm AS23 A

- 35 -

c) Stockton and Darlington historic railway corridor

Objective:

• Develop detailed proposals for improving access to and along the Stockton & Darlington historic rail corridor as part a wider Heritage Action Zone Programme.

Background

9.9 Under the Stockton & Darlington Railway Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) and Delivery Plan (May 2018) work is being undertaken to identify a possible walking and cycling route to connect all key heritage locations along the 26-mile historic rail corridor. Consultants WSP have completed an Access Audit and during 2019/20 specific project proposals will be agreed, which may include the creation of new cycleways and footpaths, as well as the upgrading of existing routes.

9.10 Any access projects will complement a series of proposals that are being developed for the HAZ, all leading up to the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.


Stockton and Darlington historic railway corridor

Identify priority projects to improve access within and to historic railway corridor based on S&DR Access Audit & Delivery Plan (consultants WSP)

Eaglescliffe Parkfield & Oxbridge

Stockton TC

AS50 A

d) Access - general

Objective:

• Deliver other improvements which will extend or enhance the Borough’s access network, promoting active travel and/or providing significant recreational benefits.


No current projects

Background

9.11 Other schemes to improve access to the Borough’s countryside and greenspaces should be supported, as well as projects that utilise green spaces to provide attractive, traffic-free routes for everyday travel.

9.12 Priority should be given to local schemes which address significant gaps or barriers in local networks; improve connectivity with the wider green infrastructure network; and are likely to attract high levels of use for recreational or day-to- day travel.


Stockton

- 36 -

Grangefield Park and Oxbridge Cemetery: develop circular trail (to include new access from cemetery to Grangefield Road)

Grangefield / Parkfield & Oxbridge

AS38 A

West Stockton Forest – surfacing of footpaths Hartburn AS39 O

- 37 -

10. Cemeteries

Objectives:

• Support measures to increase cemetery capacity in the Borough and provide alternatives to traditional cemetery provision, e.g. woodland burial areas.

Background

10.1 Based on a recent review of the Borough Council’s cemetery provision it has been demonstrated that across the Borough as a whole there is sufficient burial space to meet demand for the foreseeable future (up to approximately 2049). Therefore the Borough Council is not seeking to identify land for any new cemeteries in near future, but will continue to review provision going forward.

10.2 Although the Council does not intend to increase cemetery provision at the present time we will work with others who wish to identify suitable land for this purpose. Consideration will also be given to the provision of woodland burial sites, or other alternatives to formal cemetery provision.


No current projects

- 38 -

Appendix 1: Project prioritisation – assessment criteria 2 The following criteria are used to prioritise Council-led projects. Schemes led by partner organisations are not assessed’.

Weighted scores:

Projects with a total score of 8 or more as recorded as ‘current priorities’

3 2 1 0

Minus 1 to 3

Strategic fit: Contributes to corporate objectives as set out in documents such as the Council Plan, Economic Growth Plan and Local Plan.

Significant contribution /

direct linkages

Moderate contribution /

direct or indirect linkages

Minor contribution / ,

indirect linkages

GI Strategy & Delivery Plan objectives: Addresses one or more current priorities set out in Section 2 of this Delivery Plan

Addresses 5 or more priorities

Addresses 3-4 priorities

Addresses 1-2 priorities

Evidence base: Addresses specific issues identified through research and consultation, e.g. Open Space Assessment, community consultations.

Very strong evidence

Good evidence Some evidence

Capital funding: Some or all capital funding has been secured or opportunities to secure funding have been identified.

100% funding

secured

Over 50% funding secured

and/or strong likelihood of securing all necessary

funding

Under 50% funding secured

and/or reasonable likelihood of securing all necessary

funding

Partner support: Active support from one or more partner organisations

High level of partner support

and active involvement

Partner support and active

involvement

Some partner support and involvement

Ward councillor /community support: project already has local support.

Very strong support from

local councillors and local

community

Good level of local support

from councillors and/or

community

Limited local support

Project linkages: Project supports or

Essential to success of other

Adds significant value to other

Some project linkages

2 Only Council-led projects are assessed; projects led by partner organisations are not prioritised.

- 39 -

complements an associated activity or scheme.

project / wider programme

project

Revenue costs: Impact of project on future revenue expenditure.

Significant reduction in

future revenue costs / project will generate

income

Moderate reduction in

future revenue costs

Minor reduction in future

revenue costs

No impact (or

additional resources secured to

meet increased

costs)

Increase in

revenue costs -

recorded as minus

figure

Other considerations: Project should be prioritised on the basis of other specific factors.

To be specified

- 40 -

Appendix 2: Natural & semi-natural green space: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 3 i) Accessibility

Natural and semi-natural greenspace mapped against a 20 minute walk time:

3 Data from Knight, Kavanagh & Page (2017) Stockton-on-Tees Open Space Assessment

- 41 -

ii) Quantity

Current provision against recommended Stockton-on-Tees quantity standard

Natural & semi-natural green space

Borough standard: 2.24 hectares per 1,000 population

No. sites Total area in ha. Ha. per 1,000 pop

+ / - Borough standard

Billingham 9 84.95 2.93 + 0.69

Eaglescliffe 3 23.26 2.89 + 0.65

Ingleby Barwick 2 50.75 2.49 + 0.25

Rural 11 451.15 35.36 +33.12

Stockton 23 244.15 3.11 + 0.87

Thornaby 6 48.31 1.91 - 0.33

Wynyard - - - - 2.24

Yarm 1 5.97 0.78 - 1.46

Borough 55 908.54 4.97

iii) Quality and value

Natural and semi-natural green spaces assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

Site ID

Site Analysis area Quality score

Value score

194 Harringtons Pond, Bedford Terrace Billingham

179 Grays Road Stockton

195 Harrowgate Lane Stockton

247 Land surrounding Peacocks Yard Stockton

279 Lustrum Beck Stockton

308 Mount Pleasant/Norton Stockton

339 Norton/A19 woods Stockton

499 Tilery Park Stockton

506 Valley Gardens Stockton

147 Earlsway Thornaby

452 Stainsby Wood Thornaby

405 Rookery/Goosepastures Woods Yarm

566 Brewsdale Rural

567 Langton Wood Rural

- 42 -

Appendix 3: Urban parks and amenity green space: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 4 i) Accessibility

Strategic, district and local parks mapped against a 20-minute walk time:


- 43 -

Larger amenity greenspace mapped against a 15-minute walk time and other amenity greenspace mapped against a 6-minute walk time:

- 44 -

ii) Quantity

Current provision against recommended Stockton-on-Tees quantity standard:

Urban parks




Billingham 1 7.09 0.24 - 0.42

Eaglescliffe 1 39.80 4.95 + 4.29

Ingleby Barwick 1 2.78 0.13 - 0.53

Rural - - - - 0.66

Stockton 6 53.09 0.67 + 0.01

Thornaby 4 19.27 0.76 + 0.10

Wynyard - - - - 0.66

Yarm - - - - 0.66

Borough 13 122.03


Amenity greenspace




Billingham 46 69.72 2.21 + 0.93

Eaglescliffe 15 9.97 1.24 - 0.04

Ingleby Barwick 13 10.24 0.50 - 0.78

Rural 14 10.09 0.79 - 0.49

Stockton 64 82.16 1.05 - 0.23

Thornaby 20 38.68 1.53 + 0.25

Wynyard 3 1.81 1.21 - 0.07

Yarm 8 12.64 1.66 + 0.38

Borough 183 235.34 2.21 + 0.93


Parks assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

ID Site Analysis area Quality score

Value score

65 Blue Hall Recreation Ground Stockton

370 Primrose Hill Park Stockton

Amenity greenspace assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

Site ID


Value score

69 Bowes Road Billingham 3 1

- 45 -

Site ID


Value score

73 Brendon Crescent Billingham 1 1

101 Cheviot Crescent Billingham 1 3

102 Cheviot Terrace Billingham 3 1

105 Cleadon Avenue Billingham 1 3

107 Close Greenspace Billingham 3 1

184 Greenwood Road Billingham 3 1

198 Hastings Way Billingham 3 1

199 Hatfield Road Billingham 1 3

349 Pendle Crescent Billingham 1 1

352 Peveril Road Billingham 1 1

353 Port Clarence Billingham 3 1

409 Roscoe Road Billingham 3 1

421 Sandown Road Billingham 3 1

422 Saunton Road Billingham 1 3

425 Skripka Drive Billingham 3 1

455 Station Road Billingham 3 1

121 Cowpen Bewley Green Rural

550 Wolviston Community Centre Rural

90 Carnoustie Drive Eaglescliffe

217 Holywell Green Eaglescliffe

61 Blair Avenue Ingleby Barwick 1 1

62 Blair Avenue Ingleby Barwick 3 1

243 Lamb Lane Ingleby Barwick 1 1

416 Roundhill Ave/Norton Court Ingleby Barwick 1 3

92 Cassys Field Thornaby 1 1

109 Cobden Street Thornaby 3 3

155 Elm Grove Thornaby 3 1

253 Leahope Court Thornaby 1 3

371 Princes Square Thornaby 1 3

132 Denevale Yarm

55 Bishopton Court Stockton 1 3

77 Brusselton Court Stockton 1 3

106 Clive Crescent Stockton 1 1

136 Dipton Road Stockton 3 1

215 Holburn Park Stockton 3 1

255 Leonard Ropner Drive Stockton 1 3

256 Lerwick Close Stockton 1 1

318 Newham Grange (Oak Tree Primary) Stockton 1 1

347 Patterdale Avenue Stockton 1 1

392 Ringwood Crescent Stockton 1 3

396 Rochester Road Stockton 1 3

397 Rockferry Close Stockton 1 3

403 Romsey Road Stockton 1 3

415 Rothwell Crescent Stockton 1 3

419 Runfold Close Stockton 1 3

467 Sussex Walk Stockton 1 3

504 Tyrone Road Stockton 1 3

535 Wheatley Walk Stockton 3 1

546 Witton Park Stockton 1 3

305 Mill Lane Whitton Rural

555 Woodland Way Rural

- 46 -

- 47 -

Appendix 4: Play and informal sport: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 5 i) Accessibility

Destination play sites mapped against a 2400m walk time:


- 48 -

Neighbourhood play sites mapped against a 1000m walk time:

- 49 -

Doorstep play sites mapped against a 400m walk time:

- 50 -

Informal sports facilities mapped against a 1200m walk time:

- 51 -

ii) Quantity


Play and informal sport facilities

Borough standard: 7.00 units per 1000 population

No. sites No. play units. Play units per 1,000 pop


Billingham 9 147 5.00 - 2.00

Eaglescliffe 5 146 18.16 + 11.16

Ingleby Barwick 6 174 8.55 + 1.55

Rural 8 174 13.64 + 6.64

Stockton 17 246 3.14 - 3.86

Thornaby 6 166 6.59 - 0.41

Wynyard - - - - 6.02

Yarm 3 46 6.07 - 0.93

Borough 54 1,099

Play areas only

Number of sites

with play units

Number of play units Current provision

(units per 1,000 population)

Billingham 7 105 3.62

Eaglesclifffe 5 136 16.92

Ingleby Barwick 6 157 7.72

Rural 8 162 12.70

Stockton 13 189 2.41

Thornaby 6 138 5.48

Wynyard - - -

Yarm 3 41 5.42

Borough 48 928 5.08

Informal sports facilities only

Number of sites with informal sport

units

Number of units

(informal sports only)

Current provision

(units per 1,000 population)

Wheeled Other Total

Billingham 5 10 32 42 1.45

Eaglesclifffe 1 10 - 10 1.24

Ingleby Barwick 3 - 17 17 0.84

Rural 2 - 12 12 0.94

Stockton 11 57 57 0.73

Thornaby 5 - 28 28 1.11

Wynyard - - - - -

- 52 -

Yarm 1 5 5 0.66

Borough 28 20 151 171 0.94


Play areas and informal sport provision assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

Site ID

Site Classification Analysis area

Play units

Quality score

Value score

67 Bonington Crescent Play Area

Doorstep Billingham 8 1 3

78 Bull Garth Adventure Trail Doorstep Billingham 2 1 3

389 Rievaulx Multi Ball Court informal sport Billingham 6

402 Romney Green Play Area Doorstep Billingham 6

411 Roscoe Road, MBC informal sport Billingham 6

185 Grisedale Crescent (St Margarets) Play Area

Neighbourhood Eaglescliffe

23 1 3

123 Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park Play Area

Doorstep Rural

9

294 Meadow Walk (Fred Hall Field) Play Area

Neighbourhood (with Informal sport)

Rural 34

531 West Street Stillington Play Area

Doorstep Rural 22

57 Black Path Multi Ball Court informal sport Stockton 6 1

71 Bowesfield Play Area Doorstep Stockton 8 1

133 Devonport Play Area Doorstep Stockton 11 1

176 Grangefield Park Play Area and MBC

Doorstep (with Informal sport)

Stockton 13 1

262 Limbrick Avenue (Greenvale) Play Area

Doorstep Stockton

4 1

303 Mill Lane Kick Wall and Play Area

Doorstep (with Informal sport)

Stockton 21 1

310 Multi Games Area Hardwick Green Park

informal sport Stockton

6 1

325 Newtown Kick Wall informal sport Stockton 3 1

369 Primrose Hill Multi Ball Court

informal sport Stockton

6 1

289 Mary Street Play Area Doorstep Thornaby 3

431 South Thornaby Community Centre Play Area


Thornaby 33

427 Snaiths Field (West Street) Doorstep Yarm 15

541 Willey Flats Play Area and Kick Wall


Yarm 21

- 53 -

Appendix 5: Allotments: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 6 i) Accessibility

Allotments mapped against a 15-minute walk time:


- 54 -

ii) Quantity


Allotments




Billingham 7 6.42 0.22 + 0.02

Eaglescliffe 3 7.78 0.96 + 0.76

Ingleby Barwick - - - - 0.20

Rural 3 3.82 0.29 + 0.09

Stockton 5 7.63 0.09 - 0.11

Thornaby 1 8.13 0.32 + 0.12

Wynyard - - - - 0.20

Yarm 2 3.63 0.47 + 0.27

Borough 21 37.38 0.20

iii) Quality / value

Allotments assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

Site ID

Site name Analysis area Quality score

Value score

116 Cotswold Crescent Allotments Billingham

124 Cowpen Lane Allotments Billingham

290 Matlock Gardens Allotments Billingham

355 Port Clarence Allotments Billingham

138 Dundas Street Stockton

- 55 -

Appendix 6: Green corridors: accessibility, quantity and quality/value of provision 7 i) Accessibility Green corridors mapped against analysis area (note: the Open Space Assessment does not set distance thresholds for access to green corridors):


- 56 -

ii) Quantity

Current provision (note: the Open Space Assessment does not set quantity standards green corridors):

Green corridors


Billingham 5 11.86 0.40

Eaglescliffe 5 2.33 0.28

Ingleby Barwick 20 48.17 2.36

Rural 1 10.44 0.81

Stockton 14 49.84 0.63

Thornaby 7 30.06 1.19

Wynyard - - -

Yarm 3 3.11 0.41

Borough 55 155.84 0.85


Green corridors assessed as being low quality and/or value. Red indicates sites below the quality or value threshold:

ID Site Analysis area Quality score

Value score

309 Muirfield Road Green Corridor Eaglescliffe

281 Lustrum Beck Stockton

282 Lyndon Way Stockton

93 Castle Eden Walkway 1 Rural

Documents

Stockton-on-Tees Green Infrastructure · 1.2 Green infrastructure is an inter-connected, multifunctional network of open spaces and other environmental assets. Through the development