SC13 Open Space and Recreation Improvements

Contributions from residential and commercial developments will be sought to provide, improve and maintain appropriate open space, sport or recreational facilities to meet local needs. The exact level and form of contributions required will have regard to the location, nature and size of development.

Where appropriate, applicants will be required to ensure that provision is made for:-

a) well designed informal open space for quiet relaxation on site;

b) appropriate children's play facilities which are visible from nearby houses but not so close they would cause disturbance, and

c) outdoor or indoor sport accessible by walking, cycling and public transport.

Developments will be expected to provide a proportion of the site as recreational facilities, except where it would be more appropriate to provide, improve or enhance recreation facilities off-site but within the catchment area of the site.

5.77 New developments can have a significant impact upon existing recreation and leisure provision, putting pressure on existing resources and creating new demands for facilities from all sections of the community, including young people. It is entirely appropriate that new developments help meet the costs of addressing these needs.

5.78 Government guidance is clear that planning obligations should be used as a means of remedying local deficiencies in the quantity or quality of open space, sport or recreation provision. The Council is justified in seeking obligations where provision is inadequate or under threat, or where new development increases local need. The Structure Plan supports the development of new housing and industry in tandem with leisure, sports and other necessary facilities in the same location. In the pre-deposit consultation exercise, 88% of respondents considered that it may be reasonable to use development contributions to improve existing areas of open space as well as providing new ones.

5.79 The objective of this policy is to set out the framework for securing contributions towards those improvements. Contributions will be aimed at improving the character and appearance of new developments and at encouraging greater use of open spaces and recreation facilities both on and off site. It will enable new developments to remedy local deficiencies in the quantity, quality and accessibility of open space and recreational provision.

5.80 The contributions which the Council will require may be in the form of land or money. The precise level and form of such contributions will be set out within Supplementary Planning Guidance in due course. This guidance will be prepared following the completion of an assessment and audit of open space which the Council has carried out. The Guidance will include details on which types of development will be expected to make contributions, state the detailed justifications for requesting each type of recreation facility and give detailed costings for on and off site provisions and for future maintenance.

5.81 The assessment and audit of open space will enable the Council to set a local standard for open space and recreation provision in accordance with PPG17. It will be for an applicant to demonstrate if they consider there are circumstances why the standards being adopted by the Council should not be applied in a particular instance.

5.82 Applicants unsure of whether they may or may not need to make a contribution towards open space and recreation provision are advised to contact the Council. Contributions will be secured through condition or planning obligation in accordance with Circular 05/05 or any subsequent revision.