Lap, Leap and Neap
LAPs (Local Area for Play), LEAPs (Local Equipped Area for Play) and NEAPs (Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play) are terms coined by the NPFA (National Playing Field Association) to provide planning authorities with guidelines on recreational space in new housing developments.
Here at Online Playgrounds, our talented designers can work with you to create playgrounds specifically with these guidelines in mind. Please get in touch here for further information or for a free no-obligation quote.
LAPs (Local Area for Play)
- 1-minute walking distance of a well-used pedestrian route
- Created for children six and under
- Minimum activity zone of 100m² and a 5-metre buffer between this area and the surrounding properties
- Minimum height of fencing 60cm
- Contains seating for parents and carers
- Great solution for a newly built housing estate
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LEAPs (Local Equipment Area for Play)
- 5-minute walking distance of a well-used pedestrian route
- Created for children who are beginning to go outside and play independently
- Minimum of six play experiences and at least three play items
- Minimum 400m² activity zone
- Space for active play within the boundary
- A 10-metre buffer between the area and house boundary, and 20 metres between the area and dwellings
- Fencing is included if the area is near a road
- Contains seating for parents and carers, and litter bins
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NEAPs (Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play)
- 15-minute walking distance of a well-used pedestrian route
- Play equipment targeted mainly at older children but should contain an area for younger users
- Minimum of eight play experiences and at least five play items
- A minimum 1000m² area divided into two sections - one for play equipment and an area of 465m² of hard surface (which is a minimum area for 5-a-side football)
- Space for active play within the boundary
- A 30-metre buffer between the activity area and the boundary of the nearest dwelling
- Fencing is included if the area is near a road
- Contains seating for parents and carers, plus litter bins and secure bicycle parking
- Suitable for already established communities
For more information or to get a free no-obligation quote please get in touch via our contact form below or email us at sales@onlineplaygrounds.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is best to seek assistance from Online Playgrounds, and who can we work with?
Contact us at the earliest convenient time so we can help guide you through the process and assist with playground design if needed. At the planning (Architects) stage allows us to advise with regards to safety areas required and the best layout of equipment to ensure a safe and inclusive flow to the resulting play area.
We can work in partnership with Landscape companies when developers would like a turnkey approach. Or, we can work with developers themselves directly whether we have been specified in the original plans or if the developer is looking for an alternative option, be that steel based or timber equipment.
What is the difference between the three play areas?
LAP is small area of open space specifically designed and primarily laid out for very young children to play close to where they live, interwoven within the development. Every home should have access to play space within 100 metres. LAPs are designed to allow for ease of informal observation and supervision and primarily function to encourage informal play and social interaction for toddlers.
A LAP doesn't necessaily require play equipment, it can rely on demonstrative features indicating that play is positively encouraged, however play equipment can add to the attractiveness of the area. It should provide a minimum area of 100 square metres but this can be distributed within a development as part of playable routes.
LEAP is an area of open space specifically designed and laid out with features including equipment for children who are beginning to play independently with friends, without accompanying adults, and for adults with young children. Spaces should be reached safely by children and be within 400 metres walking distance from every home. They should be located at the heart of the site and not on the outskirts of the development, with no significant barriers such as main roads. Spaces should provide for informal recreation and varied, stimulating and challenging play experiences. For example, equipment or natural landscape features which cater for different play types that test children’s physical capabilities as well as provide imaginative, social and sensory play with natural materials such as sand and water, or other activities. It should provide a minimum area of 400 square metres.
NEAP is an area of open space specifically designed, laid out and equipped mainly for older more independent children who go further from home, but potentially with play opportunities for younger children or siblings as well. Spaces should be reached safely by children and young people and be within 1000 metres walking distance from home. It should have a minimum area of 1000 square metres. Spaces should provide a wider range of play experiences than a LEAP, with age-appropriate play and informal recreational experiences for children and young people. There are likely to be more challenging items of equipment and features that meet the needs of older children and young people as well as sufficient space to play larger group games. Seating and shelter to enable young people to socialise with their friends should also be included.
Find out more by downloading this helpful guide from Fields in Trust here.
How to decide whether a LAP, LEAP or NEAP is required?
Planners can specify a LAP, LEAP or NEAP based on the size of the community. The original six-acre standard suggests that for each 1000 residents there should be a total of six acres of recreational land. Four of these should be for outdoor sport and recreation, with the remaining 2 acres for children's play.
Does Online Playgrounds offer an independent post installation inspection?
Yes, through the Play Inspection Company.
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