Decision details

Parks and Open Spaces Quality Improvement - Play Upgrade at Pope's Meadow

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval for the allocation of S106 funding (£70,000) to support improvements to play facilities at Pope's Meadow in Binfield.

Decision:

That £70,000 of Section 106 contributions (as summarised in Annex 1 of the Director of Environment, Culture & Communities’ report) be allocated to fund site works to improve play provision at Pope’s Meadow.

Reasons for the decision:

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.”

 

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.”

 

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

 

Provision:

           Protect and establish public open space for recreation, 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.

Alternative options considered:

Not carrying out a project to upgrade play facilities at Pope’s Meadow 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.

 

Not using Section 106 funding could result in a failure to mitigate the impact of residential development and a missed opportunity for ‘providing, expanding or improving open space, and/or outdoor recreational facilities’.

 

The wide range of Section106 contributions available in the borough have been assessed in order to eliminate those lying outside the distance constraints of the developments as set out in the Section 106 agreements.

 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Wards Affected: Binfield with Warfield;

Financial Impact: The sums detailed form part of the approved 2017/18 Capital Programme for Environment, Culture & Communities.

Declarations: None.

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.

Making Representations: In writing to the Director Environment, Culture & Communities.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Through the Local Countryside Access Forum and Parish, Parks and Public Realm Forum and consultation prior to publication of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy in 2012.

Consultees

Ward Councillors
Local Parish/Town Councils

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

Publication date: 08/12/2017

Date of decision: 08/12/2017

Effective from: 16/12/2017

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk