REDDITCH has more open space per person than Oxford, a surprising new study has revealed.

Findings from the Open Space Needs Assessment (OSNA) were presented at Redditch Council's executive cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

The study was completed in 2004 and looks at the amount and variety of open space available to residents.

Results will be used to shape Local Plan No 3 by setting a standard for the minimum amount of open space expected for future building developments. It also aims to increase the amount of quality open space available.

It was revealed Redditch has 8.7 hectares of open space per 1,000 people, compared to 4.6 hectares in Oxford, 1.6 hectares in Lambeth and 10 hectares in Chorley.

Areas included in the measurements ranged from large open spaces such as Arrow Valley Park to allotments and children's play areas.

But Nat Healy, the council's landscape and countryside manager, said to accommodate new developments in the future, the amount of open space expected would be 7.4 hectares.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Malcolm Hall said: "I don't want to see the amount of open space in the town reduced."

Mr Healy explained: "The new figure is more relevant as it means we ask for 7.4 hectares from developers per 1,000 people.

"We know we are never going to have another Arrow Valley Park - we don't have the room for one."

Conservative Councillor Michael Braley said he was concerned people living in his Webheath ward could not access open spaces such as Morton Stanley Park because the bus does not stop there.

Council Leader David Cartwright said this was a matter they would have to discuss with the bus firms.

Members agreed to adopt the OSNA.