A new framework setting out future plans for parks, greenspaces and other public open spaces was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 20 January.
The East Lothian Open Space Strategy (OSS) 2026 reviewed the quality, quantity and accessibility of the parks and open spaces in and around the county’s towns and villages, and was informed by feedback from public consultation.
The OSS is designed to protect and enhance our existing publicly accessible open spaces, aiming to ensure high-quality open spaces are accessible to everyone, while setting out new guidance to provide a high standard of additional locations under the planning process.
Following its approval by Cabinet, it updates and replaces the council’s 2018 Open Space Strategy and sets out a 10-year framework for the development, management and use of parks, greenspaces, sports pitches, and other open spaces.
The OSS 2026 aims to help address climate resilience, protect and enhance nature, and benefit people’s health and wellbeing. It will also inform the next Local Development Plan.
Council officers mapped and audited 462 publicly accessible open spaces and greenspaces across the county totalling around 18 million square metres.
The audit identified a “good” range and overall quantity of open spaces with every community having access to “high quality” open space in their area. Priorities for future improvements were noted for some sites.
Heart of our communities
A range of significant additions to council-owned parks and greenspaces since 2018 were highlighted, including tree planting, play area renewals, and sports and active travel enhancements. The strategy also highlights the important and valued contributions to our parks and open spaces made by volunteers, including ‘Friends of’ parks groups and our award-winning ‘In Bloom’ groups.
Last summer, residents were asked to take part in a public consultation on the OSS’s draft findings, including giving their views on what makes a park or greenspace a good place to visit and use. Their views and feedback were incorporated into the strategy’s proposals.
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: “Our parks and open spaces are vital to our communities. Outdoor play, sports and activities, social gatherings, civic events, and local food growing all take place there. These settings lie at the very heart of our communities, contributing to better health and wellbeing and providing a boost to our economy through tourism.
“The OSS 2026 will shape how they are managed and developed over the next decade. By engaging with and listening to communities to inform and deliver this strategy, we expect to see more people enjoying and benefiting from our open and green spaces.”