Decision details

That £40,000 of Section 106 contributions be allocated to fund improvements at The Parks.

The equipment will provide a new community facility at The Parks, where there’s an identified need for it.

The developer contribution proposed for this project has been collected through a Section 106 agreement to support providing, expanding or improving open space, and/or outdoor recreational facilities within 3 kilometres of the development site.

Section 106 funding is secured in accordance with adopted planning policy.  Of significance is Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (2015) (ref. section 5.11 Open Space of Public Value and the ‘Plus One’ Principle whereby works are prioritised towards improving quality of existing open spaces over time.

The justification for requiring developers to supporting the improvement of open space and outdoor recreational facilities is given in The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):

‘8.        Promoting healthy and safe communities

98.       Access to a network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities, and can deliver wider benefits for nature and support efforts to address climate change…’

The improvements deliver key objectives in:

The Council Plan 2019-2023

11.       Ensure there are opportunities for everyone to enjoy and participate in sports and leisure activities.’

and

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012).

‘8.        Enhance outdoor sport and play provision (including ancillary facilities).

Not utilising funding to deliver these improvements:

•           could result in a failure to mitigate the impact of the development.

•           might lead to funds being returned to the developers if no other qualifying scheme was located through which to deliver enhancements in time.

•           would be a missed opportunity to provide new facilities that bring value to the local community.

This is the most suitable development contribution for this project, out of the Section 106 open space development monies that are still unallocated.  It is within distance constraints, and ‘applied for the purpose’ dates, set out in the Section 106 agreement.

There is no other similar outdoor exercise equipment freely available for residents to use.  There is outdoor gym equipment at The Elms (managed by Bracknell Town Council), but this is a 20 minute walk away. Other sites were looked at, but it was decided that The Parks would be most suitable.

None.