Decision details

i.       That £11,275.00 of S106 contributions are allocated to fund a new trim trail at The Elms Park.

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 equipment will provide a new trim trail at The Elms Park.

ii.     The developer contribution proposed for this project has been collected through a S106 agreement towards the cost of providing, expanding or improving open space and/or outdoor recreational facilities within 3km of Foundation House in Bracknell.

iii.    The new facilities proposed by Bracknell Town Council are in line with providing new active Open Space of Public Value (OSPV).

iv.   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.

v.     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…’

vi.   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).

vii.  The improvements deliver objectives in the Bracknell Town Neighbourhood Plan

Policy EV2 Protection & Maintenance of Local Green Space

K: The Elms Park: 136

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 provide new facilities that bring value to the local community

ii.     There is no other nearby open space improvement project within close proximity to Foundation House suitable to be ‘applied for the purpose’ within the given timeframe, which is mid-December 2022.

iii.    There is £11,275.00 specified for spend at The Elms Park from the development at The Braccans. This is allocated specifically for spend on improvements to the playground and wouldn’t qualify for spend on a new trim trail.

None