The Open Space Strategy is guided by the National Planning Policy Framework March 2012. The strategy has taken the findings set out in the Lewisham Leisure and Open Spaces Study 2010 (LLOSS) and has built upon the 2005-2010 Open Space Strategy.
The Strategy set out to be:
· Ambitious and achieving – where people are inspired and supported to fulfil their potential
· Safer – where people feel safe and live free from crime, anti-social behaviour and abuse
· Empowered and responsible – where people are actively involved in their local area and contribute to supportive communities
· Clean, green and liveable – where people live in high-quality housing and can care for and enjoy their environment
· Healthy, active and enjoyable – where people can actively participate in maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing
· Dynamic and prosperous – where people are part of vibrant communities and town centres, well connected to London and beyond.
A forum called the Interfaith forum has been set up for local religious groups get together for peace in the borough. Community interfaith outreach is achieved through an Interfaith walk to raise awareness in the borough where religious leaders accompanied by the Mayor, Councillors and local residents embrace their respective faiths. All faiths are invited to attend community events and participate appropriately.
In 2012, an action plan identified to meet the first three years of the six-year strategy in order to help achieve the vision for open space.
The Interfaith forum is attended by faith leaders from all members of the community as well as volunteers and supporters from the respective faiths.
In 2012, the paper and strategy were drawn up with wide ranging consultation with other services and sectors, service users and the general public.
Cooperation from numerous religious leaders from faiths including Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith attend. Collaboration and shared ideas are discussed. Speakers from each of the faiths attend and speak at events such as Holocaust Memorial Day, and other community events to embrace the religious diversity of the borough.
