Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Community.

1.         Approval granted to allocate the existing S106 money in receipt to schemes as outlined in this report.

2.         Approval granted to subsequently not open up the play and recreation fund to bids, but instead allocate the S106 money to specific projects within the strategy.

3.         Approval granted to review and update the action plan schemes in the executive summary scheduled for 2017/18 and 2018/2019.

4.         Support given to request additional funding for Coronation Recreation Ground and Tatton Recreation Ground to make improvements as evidenced by green flag judges feedback and public consultation, as part of the 2016/2017 budget setting process.

The report of the Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Community was presented by the Executive Member (Community Services). 

The Play, Open Space and Playing Pitch Strategy and Action Plan were consulted on and given approval in September 2014.  The five year plan ran from 2014 – 2019.  The plans took into account all open spaces, play areas and playing pitches in the Borough and was not just focused on Council owned land.  Priority was given to parish council, private and Council sites, as identified on a need basis, generally working to improve the lowest scoring sites first.

The first year was almost complete and the Council were now working to deliver year two.  Year one projects, such as Astley Park Play Area, Carr Brook Trim Trail, Jubilee Rec Play Area, Stansted Road Play Area, Allotments in Coppull and mini football pitch in Adlington were delivered using money from S106 allocations, revenue and capital funds.

Year two and subsequent years would be funded in a similar way with the option of also bidding for external funding to make existing money stretch further.

All of the sites identified in the action plan were those which scored low for quality or value, or those which were located in areas of high usage and subsequently need investment to improve and modernise facilities and infrastructure.  The Council would also support other sites, not in the action plan, if there was an evidence of need and part funding was in place.

It was proposed to allocate the existing receipts of S106 to deliver years two to five projects where possible.  This was because S106 money was time limited and had to be spent within five years of receipt or returned. The money had to be spent on Play Areas, Allotments, Open Space and Playing Pitches as dictated by the S106 agreement, some on specific sites and areas and some on borough wide sites.  Much of the money in receipt had to be spent by 2019.  It was proposed to spend the S106 money on the site closest to the development from which the money was obtained, therefore directly benefiting the local community. For example, if the money was allocated from a housing development in Adlington, it would be spent in Adlington.

Decision:

1.         Approval granted to allocate the existing S106 money in receipt to schemes as outlined in this report.

2.         Approval granted to subsequently not open up the play and recreation fund to bids, but instead allocate the S106 money to specific projects within the strategy.

3.         Approval granted to review and update the action plan schemes in the executive summary scheduled for 2017/18 and 2018/2019.

4.         Support given to request additional funding for Coronation Recreation Ground and Tatton Recreation Ground to make improvements as evidenced by green flag judges feedback and public consultation, as part of the 2016/2017 budget setting process.

Reasons for recommendation(s)

The Play, Open Space and Playing Pitch Strategy and 5 year action plan have already been approved. It has been agreed which sites need investment and improvement in a priority order from 2014 - 2019. The strategy is in the process of being delivered and finance is needed to deliver the schemes. The existing S106 needs to be spent within 5 years of receipt in line with the legal S106 agreement.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

1.         To put the Borough Wide S106 contributions into a Play and Rec Fund (as delivered in 2011). This has been rejected as the money needs to be allocated to deliver the Action Plan, and therefore has a predetermined need. Where sites are owned by Parish Council’s and private owner’s money will be allocated accordingly and schemes worked up in partnership.

2.         To not spend the money and give it back to the developers.