This resource is part of a collection called Child-friendly places: case studies from England, Scotland and Wales.
The UK nations vary in their approach to children and young people in planning. This page gives a headline overview of national-level duties or guidance in England, Wales and Scotland, followed by illustrative local examples from each country and suggested further reading.
| National context | Local examples | |
| England | England has no statutory duties to consider children or play. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) references children and play only briefly. Local authority Local Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), child-friendly city and community-based approaches, and design codes drive considerations on children and play. | Hackney – Growing Up in Hackney SPD (2022) A dedicated child-friendly SPD, created with the involvement of children and young people. It provides clear design guidance on playable streets, inclusive spaces and independent mobility. Lambeth – Design Guide SPD (Part 2) Sets specific thresholds and expectations for doorstep and neighbourhood play space in new developments. Bristol – Urban Living SPD (2018) Focuses on high-density living and family life, emphasising access to shared outdoor space, natural light, and walkability. Rushcliffe – Design Code Framework Part of the national Pathfinder programme. Encourages child-friendly layouts through walkable neighbourhoods and informal play. Worcester – Shrub Hill Quarter SPD A regeneration-focused SPD that includes aspirations for inclusive and child-friendly public realm design |
| Scotland | Statutory duties under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 for Play Sufficiency Assessments and child/youth engagement in Local Development Plans. This is highlighted in the National Planning Framework 4. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Incorporation Act (Scotland) 2024 has also incorporated children’s rights across Scottish legislation and policy. Scotland works to deliver a number of Place and Wellbeing Outcomes, including on Play and Recreation. | East Lothian – LDP Evidence Report (2023) Extensive engagement through primary and secondary schools using the Child and Young Person versions of the Place Standard tools, youth forums, and a Play Sufficiency Assessment carried out by Play Scotland. This identified a lack of provision for older children and called for more inclusive, creative and calm spaces for teens. Glasgow – Play Sufficiency Assessment (2024) Glasgow City Council published a Play Sufficiency Assessment that engaged 5000 young people. It assessed quantity, quality, and accessibility, highlighting inequalities in provision and proposing targeted interventions. It won the overall award for Scotland at the RTPI Awards in 2024. Following from this, council planners are looking at further ways to involve young people in public space design. This includes plans to develop a handbook on high-quality play for Development Managers to start bringing play more squarely into development decisions. |
| Wales | Statutory Play Sufficiency Assessments (Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010). Planning Policy Wales takes a public health approach, and is supportive of children’s rights. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 further means that all policies and law in Wales should be considering long-term impacts on people and the environment. | Cardiff Residential Design Guide (2017) Requires integration of play and biodiversity in new developments, including mentions of space for all ages of children and young people. Supports Cardiff’s status as a UNICEF Child Friendly City. Grangetown – Grange Pavilion Project Community-led redevelopment that empowers children and young people through a formal youth forum, linking planning with participatory action. |
Further resources
Raising the healthiest generation in history – why it matters where children and young people live – TCPA, 2024
All to Play For: How to design child-friendly housing (RIBA Publishing) – Dinah Bornat, 2025
Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play – Raising the Nation Play Commission, 2025
Play England, Play Scotland and Play Wales
Rethinking childhood and Urban Playground – Tim Gill
