4.27  The Local Green Space (LGS) designation was introduced by the NPPF, as a way for communities to identify green areas of particular importance to them, and rule out development within them other than in very special circumstances. Policy LRC1 of Local Plan Part 1 sets out protection for all open spaces. However, designation as Local Green Space provides an opportunity to provide a higher level of protection to areas of particular importance to the local community.

4.28  The NPPF sets out that designation will not be appropriate for most green areas and a site should only be designated where:

• It is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves;
• It is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife
• It is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

4.29  Local Green Spaces can be designated for a variety of reasons, and will often be sites that make an important contribution to wider environmental objectives such as promoting healthier lifestyles and protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

4.30  Local Green Space can be designated by Local or Neighbourhood Plans, and should be capable of enduring for the long term.

4.31  A large number of sites were submitted to the Council for assessment during the preparation of Local Plan Part 2 of which 18 are considered to meet the criteria for designation set out in the NPPF, as set out in table 3 below. Maps of these sites are included in Appendix III.

Table 3: Local Green Spaces in Waverley

Site ID	Site Name	Town / Parish
LGS01	Abbotts Cottage Play Area	Dockenfield
LGS02	Town Meadow	Haslemere
LGS03	Haslemere War Memorial Recreation Ground	Haslemere
LGS04	High Lane Recreation Ground	Haslemere
LGS05	Beacon Hill Recreation Ground	Haslemere
LGS06	Grovers Gardens	Haslemere
LGS07	Woodcock Green	Haslemere
LGS08	Badshot Lea Pond	Farnham
LGS09	Battings Garden of Rest	Farnham
LGS10	Bourne Crossroads	Farnham
LGS11	Middle Bourne Lane Community Wildlife Garden	Farnham
LGS12	Paradise Woods	Farnham
LGS13	Sheephouse	Farnham
LGS14	Hale Recreation Ground	Farnham
LGS15	Heath End Recreation Ground	Farnham
LGS16	The Green, Badshot Lea	Farnham
LGS17	Morley Road Recreation Ground	Farnham
LGS18	The Bourne Recreation Ground	Farnham