Download: Leisure In Birmingham 2004.pdf

A City-wide Analysis of Local Patterns and Trends

The 2004 Leisure Survey, commissioned by Birmingham City Council, aimed to provide background information for policy work connected with Local Development Frameworks, Regeneration Frameworks, and Local Action Plans. The survey's objectives were to assess the provision and requirements of open spaces, sports, and recreational facilities in Birmingham, in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance 17 (PPG 17).

The City Council undertook a three-stage exercise to comply with PPG 17:
1. An 'in-house' audit of provision throughout the city
2. A combined behavioural and opinion survey of 4,000 households in Birmingham and 1,000 beyond its administrative boundary
3. Comparison of provision with existing and future needs to identify mismatches, gaps, and surpluses in supply

The results will inform the strategy for Parks, Recreation Grounds, and Open Spaces in Birmingham, guide the management of open space, and assist in creating locally derived standards. The definition of open space, as per the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, includes land laid out as public gardens or used for public recreation, and PPG 17 extends this to include all open space of public value, such as rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs.