Decision details

i.      That £ 43,000 of S106 contributions are allocated to fund improvements to outdoor recreational facilities at Jock’s Lane Recreation Ground.

ii.     To condition that appropriate planning permission is secured if/where required, and the grant be paid in full upon completion of the works.

i.      The free to use ball court, referred to as a multi-use games area, or ‘MUGA’ for short, is currently closed as the facilities are not fit for purpose.

ii.     The recommendation is to resurface the ball court, so it can be used again regularly by the local community.

iii.    The six financial contributions proposed for this project have been collected through S106 agreements towards the cost of providing, expanding or improving open space and/or outdoor recreational facilities within 3kms.

iv.   The improvements proposed are in line with providing new active Open Space of Public Value (OSPV).

v.     S106 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.

vi.   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…’

vii.  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).

viii.Jock’s Lane lies outside the Bracknell parish boundary, which means  the site isn’t referenced in the Bracknell Town Neighbourhood Plan

However, similar principles would apply to the site, as set out under Policy EV2 Protection & Maintenance of Local Green Space.

i.      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

·       would be a missed opportunity to update facilities that bring value to the local community

ii.     There are no other alternative active open space improvement projects currently identified, where these development monies can be used.

iii.    Spend on passive open space provision in this area is well-catered for through improvements being delivered to Bracknell Forest Council managed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANGs).

None

Bracknell Town Council’s Environmental Services Committee