Testun llawn:
Para 13.5 acknowledges the importance of access to open space in facilitating social inclusion, educational opportunities and supporting healthy lifestyles. Waterways are a community asset which is generally easily accessible and can promote community cohesion through the provision of significant leisure and recreation opportunities for the whole community, and are part of the "natural health service", encouraging and supporting physical and healthy outdoor activity. Waterways can also be used by communities for education (bringing the National Curriculum alive at Key Stage 2 and act as an outdoor classroom facility) and skills and training (waterways provide an opportunity for volunteering). Regional health and well-being partnerships and NICE are also promoting waterways as a local and community resource. Waterways can act as a focus for regeneration schemes to improve the overall quality of life and tackle deprivation. As such, the Trust considers that it would be appropriate to make specific reference to the value of canals and their towpaths in contributing to achieving more inclusive and healthier communities, and that to do so reflects government advice and guidance within the NPPF which seeks to encourage planning policies which protect and enhance access to open spaces (Para 75).