4.65 Local Green Spaces can be designated by communities through the local or neighbourhood planning processes. As set out in the NPPF, once designated, a Local Green Space will be afforded the same protection as Green Belts and new development will not be permitted other than in very special circumstances. The NPPF sets out the circumstances under which Local Green Spaces can only be designated:

• The green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves.
• The green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance.
• The green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

4.66 The Local Plan designates 19 Local Green Spaces which are protected under policy SP30. This follows an assessment of 49 proposals submitted by local groups, individuals, town and parish councils during the Revisions to Preferred Option consultation in 2017, and only those listed below were found to satisfy the criteria. Details of the assessment can be found in the report on Local Green Space. The Local Green Spaces designated in the Local Plan are:

• Kitty's Green, Broadstairs
• Culmer's Amenity Land Broadstairs
• Holmes Park, Broadstairs
• Pierremont Park, Broadstairs
• Memorial Recreation Ground, Lawn Road Broadstairs
• St Peter's Recreation Ground, Broadstairs
• Mocketts Wood, Broadstairs
• Westover Gardens, Broadstairs
• Village Green, Foads Lane, Cliffsend
• Meadow, Cliffs End Road Cliffsend
• Playground Foads Lane, Cliffsend
• Earlsmead Crescent, Cliffsend
• Dane Valley Woods, Margate
• Windermere Avenue, Ramsgate
• Adrian Square, Westgate
• Ethelbert Square, Westgate
• Playing Field, Minster Road, Westgate
• Recreation Ground, Lymington Road, Westgate
• Local Park, Victoria Avenue/Quex Road, Westgate

SP30 - Local Green Space

The sites identified on the Policies Map will be protected as Local Green Space. Development proposals that protect or enhance these spaces will be permitted. Proposals for built development on a Local Green Space will only be permitted in the following circumstances:-

1. the built form is minimal and essential to the operation of the Local Green Space;
2. the development represents a suitable extension to an existing structure
3. the development is an acceptable or reuse of an existing building on the site
4. the development is essential for public safety.

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