Play spaces for children are being neglected in favour of local housing developments, a study suggests.
According to research from the peer-reviewed journal, Cities and Health, councils in urban areas face ‘competing priorities’ that impact their ability to support play through local policy.
The report uses case studies from Tower Hamlets and Bradford, both of which are described by the authors as experiencing funding issues that result in areas such as housing and crime taking precedence over play initiatives.
In Bradford, ‘a historical lack of focus on children’s play led transport and housing developments to prioritise moving vehicles and housing density over playable space’, the study reads.
The research also suggests that in Tower Hamlets, ‘political controversies were undermining play as a policy agenda’, with schemes such as low-traffic neighbourhoods intended to create a more ‘child-friendly’ borough being met with resistance.
As part of its recommendations, the report suggests introducing national statutory guidance to prevent housebuilding from being prioritised over play, adopting a unified policymaking approach, as well as the creation of a ‘robust local evidence base’ on existing play spaces.
