Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 30, 2024

Purpose:

Content: 13.1 The Head of Parks and Countryside submitted a report that provided an update on the actions to date in achieving the objectives of Sheffield’s Green and Open Spaces Strategy. The report included the work with partners in the city and sets out an approach to reviewing and refreshing the strategy beyond 2030 when it would expire.     13.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-   1.     notes the contents of the report;   2.     notes the progress made on the action plan within the Green and Open Spaces Strategy 2010 – 2030; and   3.     approves the creation of a Task and Finish Group to consider the remaining years of the existing Green and Open Spaces Strategy, to be led by the Communities, Parks, and Leisure Committee and drawing from members of the Charity Trustee Sub Committee and Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee and other committees as appropriate, to consider planning for the final years of the existing strategy and considerations for any further iterations of the strategy post 2030.     13.3 Reasons for Decision     13.3.1 The Sheffield Green & Open Spaces Strategy 2010-2030 (GOSS) is a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing and protecting the city's green spaces over two decades. It remains the key strategy setting out the goals and objectives for green spaces across the city and is the backdrop of decision-making and identifying priorities. With several years of the strategy remaining, it is prudent to consider the approach, engagement with the strategy, and progress against the existing strategy in determining what a new strategy beyond 2030 should look like     13.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     13.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do nothing   The Green and Open Spaces Strategy 2010 – 2030 has 6 years left and there is an option to not carry out a review at this stage and not begin work on a new strategy beyond 2030. Doing nothing could mean that Sheffield falls short of the objectives set out in the strategy.     13.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Review and Refresh the strategy in 2030   The changes to the external environment set out in section 1 of this report, meant that Sheffield must review its strategic approach to managing its green (and blue) infrastructure and ensure that this key policy is fit for purpose both now and for 2030 and beyond. As this is a significant strategy, it requires early consideration. Delaying this work until 2030 could mean that Sheffield is left without a strategic response to the external environment and without an evidenced based strategic approach to managing, developing and protecting its blue and green infrastructure.