Decision details

Parks and Open Spaces Quality Improvements – play facilities at Blackmoor Playspace and Asher Recreation Ground

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval for the allocation of S106 funding to support improvements to play facilities at Blackmoor Playspace and Asher Recreation Ground in Winkfield.

To confirm which financial contributions secured from developers under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will be applied to the project.

To confirm that if approved, the S106 monies will part-fund improvements being implemented by Winkfield Parish Council.

Decision:

£30,000 of S106 contributions (as summarised in ANNEX 1 of Director of Place, Planning and Regeneration’s report) are allocated to Winkfield Parish Council as a grant to part-fund site works to improve outdoor play facilities at Blackmoor Playspace and Asher Recreation Ground.

Reasons for the decision:

I.          Developer contributions are collected through S106 agreements to support “providing, expanding or improving open space, and/or outdoor recreational facilities (which may include the acquisition and/or improvement of land and/or buildings and/or carrying out or assisting in the carrying out of nature/landscaping conservation projects) within 3 kilometres of the Site.”

 

II.          The justification for requiring developers to supporting the improvement of open space and outdoor recreational facilities is given under point 8. Promoting Healthy Communities, The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which states that:

 

“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities.”

 

III.          The borough council has adopted a Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012) and the proposed Winkfield Parish Council project is in accordance with delivering the key borough objectives:

 

Provision:

  • Protect and establish public open space forrecreation, play, sport, health, biodiversity, heritage and climate change adaption that is appropriate to need; strategically located; and adaptable to future requirements

 

Use and Enjoyment:

  • Make sure public open space supports well-being; encourages participation; and facilitates social inclusion

 

IV.          Winkfield Parish Council have a history of committed work to providing the public with open spaces including recreational and sporting facilities and as such would be considered as a suitable body through which to deliver S106 funded enhancements to mitigate development.

 

Alternative options considered:

       I.          Not carrying out a project at these sites could lead to funds being returned to the developers, if no other qualifying scheme was located through which to deliver enhancements in the time available.

 

     II.          Not using s106 funding could result in a failure to mitigate the impact of development and a missed opportunity for providing, expanding or improving open space, and/or outdoor recreational facilities.

 

    III.          The wide range of S106 contributions available in the borough have been assessed to eliminate those lying outside the distance constraints of the developments as set out in the s106 agreements

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: Ascot; Winkfield & Cranbourne;

Financial Impact: The S106 funding identified is available for this scheme and once approved will be added to the Department’s capital monitoring for 2019/20.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to the Director: Place, Planning and Regeneration.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Winkfield Parish Council consulted in depth with all the children about new play facilities at Asher Recreation Ground. The Deputy Clerk and Chairman gave a presentation of the proposed upgrade at a school assembly. A questionnaire regarding preferred activities and types of equipment was completed by all children. The results of the questionnaire were incorporated into the tender specification.

Leaflet-dropped to the whole area with regards to Blackmoor Play space explaining their plans.

Various discussions at full council over the past 18 months.

Consultees

Winkfield Parish Council
Ward Councillors

Contact: Stephen Chown, Head of Natural Estates Email: stephen.chown@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 351226.

Publication date: 18/09/2019

Date of decision: 18/09/2019

Effective from: 27/09/2019

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk