Rejected petition Protect open space in the planning system; reverse its loss in deprived areas.

Open spaces are precious - especially if you don't have a garden. Play is vital to children's physical and mental health. Open space nurtures biodiversity.

Since the 1930s, the “6-acre standard” and its successors protected open space.

Today, the “Tilted Balance” seems to trump it every time.

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Open space, play areas, local sports, green chain, and even allotments do not benefit from adequate protection. We urge the government to act based on recognised guidance.

1. Preserve open space
Using hard and fast numbers, incorporate its requirements into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). For the most space-deprived areas, it should have more weight than the “Tilted Balance”.

2. Restore open space
Implement legally enforceable action plans for the most space-deprived areas.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s not clear what the petition is asking the UK Government or Parliament to do.

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Date submitted 6 August 2025
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