REGENERATION SERVICE Sedgemoor District Council Bridgwater House King Square Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3AR

Telephone: 01278 435244 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planningpolicy

Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Development

Adopted 29th August 2007

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments ii Contents Page

Section 1: Background and Policy Context • Introduction 1 • Status of this document 1 • National Policy Background 1 • Sedgemoor’s current position in respect of Assessment of Needs and Opportunities 3 • Local Plan Policies 3

Section 2: Applying the Local Plan Policies for Children’s Play Space (Policy RLT2) • What will each development need to provide? 5 • Design guidance 6 • Ownership, Maintenance and Transfer of Land 6 • Contributions from developments in villages and rural locations 7

Section 3: Applying the Local Plan Policies for Outdoor Sport (Policy RLT3) • Background 9 • The justification for seeking contributions from urban and rural Developments 10 • What will a developer contribution be spent on? 11 • Where will developer contributions be spent? 11

Section 4: Calculation of Contributions and arrangements for payment • Calculation of financial contributions for Children’s Play Space (Policy RLT2) 13 • Calculation of financial contributions for Outdoor Sport (Policy RLT3) 14 • Potential reductions or exemptions 14 • Arranging payment 14 • Transfer of land and payment of commuted sums 15 • Review of costs 15 • Return of Unspent Contributions 15 • Tracking of Contributions 15

Appendix 1 Text of Local Plan Policies RLT2 & 3 17 Appendix 2 Extract from NPFA “Six Acre Standard” (pages 25-36) 19-31 Appendix 3 Assessment of existing children’s playing space facilities in Sedgemoor’s parishes 33-45 Appendix 4 Playing Pitch Strategy Implementation Plan 47-54 Appendix 5 Applicability checklist and ready reckoner 55-56 Appendix 6 Sample Unilateral Undertaking 57-58 Appendix 7 Calculation of commuted sum 59

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments iii SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 0 Section 1: Background and Policy Context

Introduction

1.1 The provision of public open space and facilities for sport and recreation underpins people’s quality of life. The Council views such provision as important to individual health and well-being, and to the promotion of sustainable communities. Where new development occurs it is important that sufficient open space, sport and recreation provision is made to make the proposals acceptable in land use planning terms.

1.2 This Guidance Note sets out the Council’s approach to the provision of open space, sport and recreation in conjunction with new housing development. This note details how the Local Plan policies for these topics will be implemented, and should be read in conjunction with the Sedgemoor District Local Plan (2004) and other relevant planning guidance published by the Council.

1.3 This Guidance has been prepared to give developers and the public up-to-date information on developer contributions that are reasonably related in scale and kind to development proposals. It has been prepared, and will be operated, in accordance with national and local planning policy guidance.

Status of this document

1.4 This Planning Guidance Note provides detailed advice to developers, landowners and others on the interpretation and operation of Policies RLT2 and RLT3 of the adopted Sedgemoor District Local Plan.

1.5 It is a non-statutory “Supplementary Planning Guidance” (SPG) document (which supplements the statutory Local Plan). This SPG should be taken into account as a material planning consideration when planning applications are being considered.

1.6 A draft of this document was published for consultation in September 2004, copies being circulated to relevant consultee bodies including Government Office for the South West, House Builders Federation, local agents, Town and Parish Councils. The document was also available on the Council’s website.

1.7 Consultation responses were subsequently considered by the Council’s Executive on 30th November 2005 and revisions were made to the draft but final adoption by the Council was delayed until 29th August 2007 in order to incorporate the Playing Pitch Strategy Implementation Plan.

National Policy Background

1.8 PPG 17 (2002) sets out Government policy on open space, sport and recreation in conjunction with new development. It states: ‘… Local authorities should ensure that provision is made for local sports and recreation facilities (either through an increase in the number of facilities or through improvements to existing facilities) where planning permission is granted for new development (especially housing). Planning obligations should be used, where appropriate, to

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 1 seek increased provision of open spaces and local sports and recreational facilities, and the enhancement of existing facilities’ (para 23). The Guidance states: ‘… Local authorities will be justified in seeking planning obligations where the quantity or quality of provision is inadequate or under threat, or where development increases local needs’ (para 33).

1.9 In addition, PPS 3 “Housing” (2006) states: “Particularly where family housing is proposed, it will be important to ensure that the needs of children are taken into account and that there is good provision of recreational areas, including private gardens, play areas and informal play space. These should be well designed, safe, secure and stimulating areas with safe pedestrian access.” (para 17).

1.10 Circular 5/05 “Planning Obligations” gives guidance on the concept of planning obligations. These are agreements which can be negotiated to provide on and off-site community facilities related to a development, or in the case of small developments, provide a contribution to nearby provision. Planning obligations may also be used to provide for future maintenance where open space is principally of benefit to the occupants of a proposed development. Planning obligations are concluded under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. In accordance with Circular 5/05 planning obligations should be sought only where they meet the following tests:

I. relevant to planning; II. necessary to make the proposed development acceptable in planning terms; III. directly related to the proposed development; IV. fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development, and V. reasonable in all other respects.

1.11 PPG 17 “Open Space, Sport and Recreation” was published in July 2002 and replaced a previous document published in 1991. The new version of PPG 17 is accompanied by “Assessing needs and opportunities: A Companion guide to PPG17” which provides guidance on setting local standards for open space, sport and recreation. The comprehensive assessment and audit process advocated in the new PPG 17 is a significant change from the previous guidance.

1.12 PPG 17 no longer contains any direct reference to guidance published by the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA). The NPFA is widely acknowledged as the country’s leading authority on the design, layout, improvement and safety of playing fields, playgrounds and other play space. The NPFA recommends a minimum standard for outdoor playing space of 2.4 hectares (6 acres) for 1000 people – “The six acre standard” and has published detailed guidance on how this standard should be interpreted and implemented. “The Six Acre Standard – Minimum standards for outdoor playing space (2001)” is an 82 page book which replaced the 1992 version of the document.

1.13 The NPFA standard is now subdivided into 1.6 hectares (4 acres) for Outdoor Sport and 0.8 hectares (2 acres) for Children’s Playing Space per 1000 people. The NPFA recommends that these standards should be adopted by all local planning authorities, as a model for the development of their own standards

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 2 based upon a robust assessment of local needs. The NPFA standards specifically address “outdoor playing space” i.e. space of a suitable size and nature for sport, active recreation or children’s play; this is not the same as “public open space” but such sites can form a significant component of local open space.

1.14 In respect of Children’s Playing Space, the 1992 edition of The Six Acre Standard introduced a hierarchy of provision aimed at meeting the needs of children of different ages (Local Area for Play – “LAP” / Local Equipped Area for Play – “LEAP” / Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play – “NEAP”). In the mid-1990’s that hierarchical approach was adopted by the Government’s National Audit Office as its children’s play space performance indicator for local authorities.

Sedgemoor’s current position in respect of Assessment of Needs and Opportunities

1.15 PPG 17 and its Companion Guide now sets a clear expectation that “Local authorities should undertake robust assessments of the existing and future needs of their communities for open spaces, sports and recreational facilities” (para 1). At the present time Sedgemoor District Council has not undertaken a comprehensive assessment and audit which would be fully compliant with that guidance and advice – the Sedgemoor District Local Plan was prepared prior to the revised PPG 17 and the advice in the preface of PPG 17 that “The policies set out in this guidance will need to be taken into account by ….. local planning authorities in the preparation of development plans (or their successors)” is a matter to be addressed in the future Local Development Framework.

1.16 However, the Sedgemoor District Local Plan was informed by a parish-by-parish assessment of existing outdoor space for sport and children’s play carried out in 1998/9 and written up in a Local Plan Background Paper “Review of Playing Fields, Play Areas and Open Spaces” (June 1999). That assessment was guided by the definitions and standards recommended by the NPFA. In addition, a Playing Pitch Strategy for Sedgemoor was prepared in 2004/5; this will be relevant to a PPG17 assessment. Proposed investment in sport provision throughout the District is summarised in the Playing Pitch Strategy Action Plan, which is reproduced as Appendix 6 of this document.

Local Plan Policies

1.17 This Planning Guidance Note is primarily intended to aid interpretation of Sedgemoor District Local Plan Policies RLT2 and RLT3 (which relate to the provision of children’s play space and outdoor sport facilities in conjunction with new residential development). These Policies were conceived prior to the revision of PPG 17 and relied substantially upon the standards recommended by the NPFA. These Policies (along with others in the Local Plan) were revised in 2004 following consideration of the Inspector’s Report into objections to the Local Plan. The full text of Policies RLT2 and RLT3 is set out in Appendix 1.

1.18 The Local Plan also contains related policies on:

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 3 • The protection of existing recreational open space (including not only outdoor sport facilities and children’s play space but also public parks, village greens, fishing lakes, allotments etc.) – Policy RLT1

• Site-specific proposals for public open space and outdoor sport – Proposals RLT4, 5, 6, 8, (10), 19.

• Protecting the recreational or amenity value of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths etc. – Policy RLT11.

• Creation of new walking, cycling and / or horse-riding routes – Policy RLT12

• Protecting and enhancing locally accessible green space – Policy CNE11

• A proposed Country Park at South Bridgwater – Proposal CNE18.

• Sustainable and quality development (including consideration of open space networks, accessibility and biodiversity) – Policy BE1.

1.19 It is important to understand that whilst Policies RLT2 and RLT3 set out standards for the provision of space which will meet particular “functional” requirements (for children’s play or sport), such space can also make a positive contribution to local amenity and enhance the residential environment. The siting, layout and design of children’s play space should be an integral part of the open space structure and landscaping of any substantial new housing development. The space standards of children’s equipped play areas include the provision of buffer zones and it will often be appropriate for these areas to include trees, shrubs, paths and seating.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 4 Section 2: Applying the Local Plan Policies for Children’s Play Space (Policy RLT2)

What will each development need to provide?

2.1 The overall aim of the policy is to ensure that children have access to an appropriate range of play space opportunities, based generally on the LAP /LEAP/NEAP hierarchy advocated by the NPFA and other casual or informal playing space. For very large scale development (such as the South Bridgwater allocation) provision of the full range of spaces will be provided on-site as an integral part of the scheme’s layout. For medium-small scale developments it is more likely that some or all of the play space provision will be off-site, as a general guide:-

1. developments containing 15 (or more) family houses should normally provide LAP(s) on site (unless there is a suitable existing space within 100 metres of all new proposed family houses).

2. developments containing 50 (or more) family houses will be required to provide the site(s) for a LEAP unless there is:

I. an existing fully equipped LEAP within 400 metres of all new proposed family homes, or

II. an available site, within 400 metres of all new proposed family homes, which the Council agrees is suitable for the creation of a LEAP to serve the proposed development and other existing houses in the locality.

3. developments containing 500 (or more) family houses will be required to provide the site(s) for a NEAP unless there is:

I. an existing fully equipped NEAP within 1000 metres of all new proposed family homes, or

II. an available site, within 1000 metres of all new proposed family houses, which the Council agrees is suitable for the creation of a NEAP to serve the proposed development and other existing houses in the neighbourhood.

4. in all cases (one family dwelling or more), the development will be expected to make an appropriate contribution (20 square metres per dwelling) to the achievement of a full range of play facilities (LAPs, LEAPs, NEAPs and other casual or informal playing space). Therefore after deducting the total area of play space provided on-site (LAP / LEAP / NEAP / other casual or informal playing space) the balance should be made up by a financial contribution towards the provision of off-site facilities.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 5 5. in all cases (one family dwelling or more) the development should also make provision for future maintenance of the play spaces (both on-site and off-site as applicable).

Design guidance

2.2 The Council will generally expect the design of LAPs, LEAPs and NEAPs to be in accordance with guidance published by the National Playing Fields Association, particularly paragraphs 4.34 – 4.59 of “The Six Acre Standard” (2001). That guidance is reproduced at Appendix 2.

2.3 Wherever possible, the Children’s Play Space requirement should be provided on-site, taking account of site circumstances and any other material considerations. It should form an integral and integrated part of the development. In assessing whether on-site provision is appropriate, feasible and desirable, the Council will take into account the following factors:

• Whether the site can physically accommodate the open space; • Whether the amount to be provided creates a viable open space in terms of its configuration, use and maintenance; • Whether the development site is part of a larger area to be comprehensively developed, in which case it may be appropriate for the open space to be concentrated into one or more larger areas which may not be within the site; • The requirements of any relevant development brief concerning the size and location of open space; and • Whether the site is located sufficiently close to an existing, safely accessible open space or other land which could more beneficially be extended, improved or converted to provide the required open space.

Ownership, Maintenance and Transfer of Land

2.4 Where developers are providing land for informal or equipped play space (including associated landscaping) arrangements will need to be made for ownership to transfer to the District Council or, if more appropriate, the relevant Parish Council:

- Where such land is located within the residential development site (and directly serves needs arising from the development), the Council will expect the S106 planning obligation to involve the land being transferred to the Council at nil cost.

- In some circumstances a development scheme may present an opportunity for the creation of a new play facility that could also serve unmet local needs, such as the provision of a LEAP (either on site or on other land in the applicant’s control). To the extent that such a facility exceeds that needed to serve the development, the Council would meet additional costs i.e. in these circumstances the S106 planning obligation may involve the Council making payment to the developer for the additional land.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 6 2.5 In respect of the “activity zones” or associated equipment such as seating to be provided at LAPs, LEAPs and NEAPs, the Council will expect the developer to install all equipment, surfacing, fences, paths, landscaping etc. to a design and specification agreed with the Council and then maintain that facility to the Council’s satisfaction for a period of 12 months following its completion. After this period the site(s) will be transferred to the Council at nil cost. See also paragraph 4.10 regarding commuted sums.

2.6 In respect of other land for casual or informal play the Council will expect these areas to be grassed and landscaped as an integral part of the landscaping of the site, maintained by the developer for a period of 12 months, and then transferred to the Council at nil cost (unless a top-up payment in respect of circumstances outlined at para 2.4 above is appropriate). See also paragraph 4.10 regarding commuted sums.

Contributions from developments in villages and rural locations

2.7 Under the provisions of current strategy and housing policies, new housing developments in the District’s rural centres and villages are likely to be relatively small in scale. There may occasionally be sites for 15 dwellings or more - in which case some on-site play space provision would normally be sought under the terms of Policy RLT2 – but more commonly developments will be smaller in scale and therefore a contribution to the provision of off-site facilities would be the normal expectation under the terms of Policy RLT2.

2.8 As in the urban areas, the Council intends that children should have access to an appropriate range of play space opportunities. But the rural settlements do clearly vary considerably in size and in terms of the nature of existing play space provision. There are some villages with no designated play space whatsoever and others that are reasonably well provided for.

2.9 The provision of play facilities in the rural parishes is generally the responsibility of the Parish / Town Council, although there are some sites provided and managed by the District Council. The nature of existing facilities is recorded in the table at Appendix 3 “Assessment of existing children’s playing space facilities in Sedgemoor’s parishes”. That table includes some updating of the information gathered for Local Plan preparation purposes in 1998/9 (paragraph 1.16 refers). That table also includes suggested priorities for improvements. It will be appropriate that any local developments contribute to such improvements but other sources of funding will often also be necessary.

2.10 The suggested improvements arise from a pragmatic approach to the interpretation of NPFA guidance as follows:-

• The primary objective is to have a range of facilities for all ages up to 16; - in the District’s larger rural settlements a full range of LAPs, LEAPs, NEAPs and informal play space may be an appropriate aspiration (a NEAP facility alone can need up to 0.84 hectares but this should be achievable in a village of 2000 residents where the minimum target provision is 1.6 hectares).

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 7 - in many villages a single playground facility is a more realistic objective and improvements may be focussed on broadening the range of play needs which can be met (combined LEAP/NEAP or equivalent). - in small villages the provision of a LAP alone may be of little benefit and it is essential to consider how the needs of older children can be met (e.g. a single playground facility meeting the needs of neighbouring villages). • The availability of appropriate play facilities is more important than compliance with normal NPFA accessibility distances (accessibility standards which may be appropriate and achievable in urban developments need to be treated more flexibly in a rural context).

2.11 Survey work recorded at Appendix 3 indicates that only 3 of the 52 rural parishes have children’s play space in excess of the NPFA minimum target (Chilton Polden, Fiddington, Otterhampton), and even in those parishes there can still be qualitative or accessibility deficiencies. Whilst developers cannot be expected to resolve existing deficiencies it is appropriate that new developments which could exacerbate existing deficiencies should make appropriate contributions towards the provision of new / improved facilities. Such monies may need to be accumulated from several sites over a number of years before being sufficient to create a new facility and / or may be added to other local resources.

2.12 Such financial contributions will be calculated on a standardised basis (see paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2) and allocated in accordance with the following principles:

• funds may be used for the provision of equipped children’s play space or informal playing space. • funds will normally be spent within the same parish as the development unless the provision of facilities in a neighbouring settlement / parish represents a more effective use of available resources(*). • funds may be used directly by the District Council (e.g. for land acquisition or provision of equipment on land already owned by the District Council) or may be allocated to the appropriate Parish / Town Council or playing field trustees. • priority should be given to ensuring the availability of facilities for all ages up to 16; in this context the provision of LEAP / NEAP facilities (or similar equivalent) in communities where no such facility is currently available, is more important than the provision of LAPs.

2.13 The Council will expect all new rural developments to contribute and does not expect to make exceptions on the basis of “remoteness” from existing or proposed facilities. This is on the basis that rural families do not live in total isolation and will still have recourse to facilities such as schools, shops, doctors etc. and to visit friends in the area; in all such cases there may be opportunity for linked trips which also involve use of play facilities or a trip may be made solely for play purposes. (However, see also “return of unspent contributions” in section 4, paragraph 4.12).

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 8 Section 3: Applying the Local Plan Policies for Outdoor Sport (Policy RLT3)

Background

3.1 The overall aim of this policy is to ensure that new developments make an appropriate contribution to the provision of additional facilities for outdoor sports.

3.2 For Local Plan purposes the District Council undertook a survey of existing facilities across the whole District in 1998/9 to provide a baseline comparison with the minimum standards recommended by the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA). At the time the outdoor sport component of the “Six Acre Standard” was 1.6 – 1.8 hectares per 1,000 population, but this was subsequently changed to 1.6 hectares (4 acres). (The results of the survey were summarised in Appendix 11.1 of the Local Plan.) A key finding was that, whilst on a district-wide basis the existing facilities fell short (about 86% of NPFA minimum standards), there was a more particular shortfall at Bridgwater.

3.3 Six sports facilities serving Bridgwater are located in adjacent parishes but, even when these are included in the calculations, Bridgwater’s facilities equate to only 70% of the NPFA target. To a lesser degree Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge is also below the target (80%). This situation is significant in several ways:-

• Facilities within or adjacent to the District’s urban areas are below both NPFA target and District-wide average.

• The total of facilities in rural parishes (81 ha) is almost on a par with NPFA targets (total population 53,000, NPFA target 84.8 hectares) i.e. whilst there are wide variations at the individual parish level the District’s overall deficiency against NPFA minimum standards is attributable largely to deficiency of provision in the towns.

• The towns, particularly Bridgwater and Highbridge are the locations for major new housing developments on brownfield and greenfield sites and the existing deficiencies make it imperative that sports facilities are improved as the towns expand.

3.4 The Council considers that the NPFA minimum standard for outdoor sport of 1.6 hectares per 1,000 population represents a relevant and appropriate target. Additional demands for sport provision arise incrementally and cumulatively from all new development and Policy RLT3 is conceived on the principle that the most equitable basis for seeking developer contributions is for this to be applicable to every new house. The Policy’s normal expectation of 40 square metres per dwelling is based on an assumed average household size of 2.5 persons. In the case of accommodation that will be limited to occupancy by one or two persons (i.e. one-bedroom flats) a lesser contribution of 16 or 32 square metres per dwelling will be appropriate. Further reductions or exceptions may be made in respect of sheltered housing and warden-controlled flats for elderly people or those with disabilities.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 9 3.5 With the possible exception of large development sites such as South Bridgwater, the Council does not anticipate sports pitch provision being made on- site as an integral part of the development but rather that this will be through contributions to off-site works.

The justification for seeking contributions from urban and rural developments

3.6 As explained above, the combination of new development being focussed on the urban areas and the potential to exacerbate the evident deficiency of existing facilities serving the urban areas create a clear justification for seeking developer contributions in an urban context.

3.7 In the rural parts of the District there remains a prospect of a considerable number of new residential developments in village locations (as at April 2003, 127 rural plots were under construction, a further 414 had planning permission and the Local Plan makes an allowance of 210 for additional rural windfall sites). Such developments are often relatively small scale but occasionally larger brownfield sites may also come forward. On the basis that • all new developments have the potential to increase demands for sport facilities • such demands may be met by facilities some distance from home (including facilities in other villages or the towns) the Council considers that it is entirely reasonable to seek contributions from developments in rural locations. The relatively dispersed nature of such developments is not in itself a reason for exempting rural housing from the provision of Policy RLT3.

3.8 The assessment of existing facilities was undertaken on a parish-by-parish basis but there are several reasons why parish boundaries alone are not necessarily the most appropriate framework when seeking and using developer contributions:

- participation in team sports is not strictly limited by residence within a particular parish – other influences such as social contacts (friends, family, work) and standards of facilities can attract players.

- in many instances a particular sport facility in one parish serves a wider catchment of neighbouring parishes.

- Bridgwater urban area already extends into adjacent parishes and several facilities serving the town are located in those parishes (i.e. the relationship between the town and surrounding villages does not sit neatly within the framework of parish boundaries). To a lesser degree the same situation also applies to the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge urban area.

3.9 Clearly individual contributions from rural developments are unlikely to be of practical benefit unless combined with other resources. In some parishes, particularly those with the District’s largest villages, the cumulative total of individual development contributions may in itself become sufficient to fund relevant projects, but there are other ways in which parish contributions can become potent:

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 10 - pooling of resources for facilities serving a cluster of villages - adding to other locally-raised funding or grant-aid to achieve a new / improved facility in the parish.

What will developer contributions be spent on?

3.10 Developer contributions will be spent on providing new facilities or additions to / upgrading of existing sport facilities. This may include: - land acquisition - ground drainage - provision of grass pitches and associated equipment - tennis courts / bowling greens - artificial playing surfaces - pavilions / changing facilities - car / cycle parking and access.

3.11 Relevant projects may be carried out by the District Council, or by an appropriate Town / Parish Council or in some circumstances by a private sports club or educational institution (where their facilities are available for use by the wider public).

3.12 Projects may be in pursuance of proposals in the Local Plan, the Council’s Playing Pitch strategy or other locally-generated initiatives.

3.13 Allocation of funds to non-District Council projects will be subject of a grant application procedure.

Where will developer contributions be spent?

3.14 The Local Plan includes two site-specific Proposals for outdoor sport facilities (RLT 4 – Wembdon, RLT6 – Burnham-on-Sea) and a site at Berrow (Proposal RLT10 in the Deposit Draft of the Local Plan) has already been implemented. The proposed Country Park at South Bridgwater (Proposal CNE18) may also include playing fields. These allocations do not represent the total extent of potential new facilities; it is anticipated that if new sites are required it will generally be possible to find suitable fields, and in some instances facilities might be improved without needing additional land (e.g. provision of tennis court or bowling green at an existing playing field).

3.15 A Playing Pitch Strategy was prepared for the Council during 2004/5 and adopted on 1st August 2007. This post-dates preparation of the Local Plan and therefore is not directly reflected in the Local Plan but the strategy is a further indication of where facilities are most needed.

3.16 In essence the Local Plan does not prescribe the location and nature of all facilities to which Policy RLT3 contributions will be devoted. Proposed priorities for investment in sport provision throughout the District are summarised in the Playing Pitch Strategy Implementation Plan, which is reproduced as Appendix 4 of this document.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 11 3.17 The potential for reclaiming contributions that remain unspent after 10 years is dealt with at paragraph 4.12.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 12 Section 4: Calculation of Contributions and arrangements for payment

Calculation of financial contributions for Children’s Play Space (Policy RLT2)

(A) Capital costs for off-site provision

4.1 Payments towards the off-site provision of LAP, LEAP, NEAP and other play space need to cover:

• land acquisition • design • construction (including play equipment, seating, fencing, safety surfaces, paths, drainage and landscaping)

Contributions will be sought on an “average cost per square metre” basis for a mix of play spaces, derived from the estimated costs of a recent large development in Sedgemoor. The mix of facilities in that scheme comprised: • about 20% equipped play space • about 70% casual play space • about 10% landscaped areas. That “average cost per square metre” figure was £30.96 and therefore the contribution per dwelling (at 20 sq.m / dwelling) is £619. All cost figures are subject of an additional charge of 7.5% to help cover administration of the scheme, bringing this element to £665. (NB a maintenance payment is also needed, see 4.2). This cost figure will be reviewed annually and the scale of contributions may be subject to change accordingly.

(B) Commuted sum for future maintenance (on-site or off-site)

4.2 The Council will seek a commuted maintenance payment, covering the cost of maintenance for a 15-year period:

- For on-site provision (ie. where the actual layout is known) this maintenance contribution can be calculated for each element on the basis of the District Council’s “Grounds Maintenance – Schedule of Rates” (updated annually by Clean Surroundings).

- For off-site provision the maintenance contribution will be calculated on an “average cost per square metre” basis. This average is based on a typical mix of facilities being: equipped play space 20% casual play space 70% landscaped areas 10% This average commuted maintenance cost is £8.70 per square metre and the maintenance contribution per house (at 20 sq.m / dwelling) is £174. All cost figures are subject of an additional charge of 7.5% to help cover administration of the scheme, bringing this element to £187. This cost figure will be reviewed annually and the scale of contributions may be

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 13 subject to change accordingly. The total contribution for off-site children’s play space is therefore £665 + £187 = £852 per dwelling

Calculation of financial contributions for Outdoor Sport (Policy RLT3)

4.3 Payments towards the off-site provision of outdoor sport facilities are based on an average of the total estimated costs of providing the facilities identified in the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy Implementation Plan. The facilities are various types of grass pitch, an artificial pitch and multi-use games areas. The construction cost averages £12.90 per square metre and a commuted sum to cover maintenance costs for a 15-year period is a further £5.84 per square metre, giving a total of £18.74 per square metre. Therefore the contribution sought per dwelling (at 40 sq. m / dwelling) is £750. All cost figures are subject of an additional charge of 7.5% to help cover administration of the scheme, bringing the total to £806. In cases where a reduced contribution is payable because the accommodation has only one bedroom (paragraph 3.4 refers) the appropriate contribution will be either: £645 for units capable of accommodating two persons, or £323 for units capable of accommodating only a single person. The above cost figure will be reviewed annually and the scale of contributions may be subject to change accordingly.

4.4 The above figures do not include any allowance for land acquisition costs (because in many instances the project will be on existing playing fields and therefore involve no such cost, and elsewhere the cost is uncertain). With the exception of a proposed multi-pitch complex at Bridgwater, there is also no allowance for facilities such as car parks and changing rooms (as again these may already exist).

Potential reductions or exemptions

4.5 The Council will normally expect developers to make financial contributions in accordance with the figures set out in paragraphs 4.1 – 4.3. A “ready reckoner” outlining the applicability / otherwise of Policies RLT2 and 3 to various forms of residential development is set out at Appendix 5.

4.6 The Council acknowledges that in some developments the requirement to provide affordable housing and other infrastructure places substantial costs on a development. Developers should however take such costs into account when negotiating the purchase of land. Abnormal site costs that could not reasonably have been anticipated in advance may occasionally justify a reduction in the level of provision.

Arranging payment

4.7 Applicants have two options:

(1) completion of a Section 106 Unilateral Undertaking and immediate payment of the appropriate financial contribution by Bankers Draft or cheque

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 14 (2) a Section 106 Agreement deferring payment until prior to commencement of the development. The Council’s legal costs for dealing with the Agreement will be payable by the applicant upon completion of the Agreement. Such costs will be calculated on a time/cost basis and assessed prior to the Council signing the Agreement.

4.8 The first option is relatively straightforward and will be explained further in a letter to applicants - a sample S106 Unilateral Undertaking is set out for information at Appendix 6. It is necessary for all owner(s) of the application site to sign it, but there should be no need to appoint a solicitor and nor will the Council raise a charge for legal costs.

4.9 The second option is appropriate if it is the applicant’s wish to defer payment of the contribution until prior to the commencement of the development. This would be particularly relevant where the applicant is seeking planning permission in order to dispose of the land to a third party and would wish that party to pay. Before the Council’s Solicitor can prepare the Agreement he is required to inspect your title deeds to the land to confirm ownership. All persons with a legal interest in the land (including mortgagees) will need to be a party to the Agreement.

Transfer of land and payment of commuted sums

4.10 At the transfer date (which should be 12 months after completion of the laying out and landscaping of the recreational space) of each of the playing spaces or outdoor sport facilities the developer shall pay to the Council a commuted sum in respect of the particular playing spaces to be transferred such commuted sums as shall have been agreed with the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Officer and calculated in accordance with the Council’s standard formula as set down in Appendix 7 and the Council’s reasonable legal costs and disbursements in connection with the transfers of each of playing spaces by the developer to the Council.

Review of costs

4.11 The costs set out in this document were recalculated by the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Policy Officer in December 2007. These costs will be reviewed every April and contributions sought may be revised accordingly.

Return of Unspent Contributions

4.12 The Council will undertake to spend contributions within ten years of them being paid. Any unspent contributions, including any interest accrued, may be reclaimed by any party able demonstrate entitlement.

Tracking of Contributions

4.13 The Council operates an auditing system tracking the payment, spending and, if relevant, repayment of contributions. Ten years after the payment of a contribution, any party able to demonstrate entitlement, may obtain, at no cost, a summary of spent and any remaining unspent contributions. Summaries may be

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 15 requested at any time before the ten years has expired on payment of the Council’s reasonable costs in supplying the information.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 16 APPENDIX 1 - text of Local Plan Policies RLT 2 & 3

POLICY RLT2 All new housing which can potentially be occupied by households with children should include appropriate provision for children’s outdoor playing space. In determining the form of facilities to be provided, account will be taken of the nature of existing facilities in the vicinity but provision should normally be to the following standards: a) Increase the stock of children’s play space at a rate of 20 square metres per new dwelling; and b) In the case of a site for 15 or more dwellings, a suitable range of play spaces should be equipped and accessible as follows: i) all new houses to be within 100 metres of a “Local Area for Play” (LAP); and ii) all new houses to be within 400 metres of a “Local Equipped Area for Play” (LEAP); and iii) all new houses to be within 1000 metres of a “Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play” (NEAP). Where the requirement for play space cannot be fully met on site, the developer will be expected to make provision for appropriate new or improved off-site facilities.

POLICY RLT3 All new housing developments will normally be expected to contribute towards the provision of outdoor sites for sport at a rate of 40 square metres per dwelling. In determining the nature of the provision required, account will be taken of the type of dwellings proposed and the quantity and quality of existing outdoor sports provision in the area.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 17

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SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 18 APPENDIX 2 –

Design guidance for children’s play areas:

Extract (pages 25-36) from ‘The Six Acre Standard’, National Playing Fields Association 2001.

The extract that follows on pages 20 – 31 is reproduced with the kind permission of the National Playing Fields Association, Stanley House, St Chad’s Place, London, WC1X 9HH

Telephone: 020 7833 5460 Fax: 020 7833 5365 Email: [email protected] Website: www.npfa.co.uk

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 20

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 21 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 22

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 23 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 24 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 19 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 20 SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 21 (Blank page)

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 22

APPENDIX 3 Assessment of existing children’s playing space facilities in Sedgemoor’s parishes

Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Ashcott 1248 1.00 0.15 Equipped play area suitable Provision of space and 233 for ages up to about 11, facilities for older children (19%) sited together with local needs to be improved (eg sports pitches at north- provision of a MUGA – western edge of Ashcott. there is potentially space [swings, springy rides, timber multi- next to the tennis court). unit with suspension bridge and slide, circuit of balancing beams / suspended chains / logs / tyres.] LAP site(s) within the village if opportunities arise. Axbridge 2025 1.62 0.71 Main site is Furlong Field Provision of seating and 455 where there is a well- toddler play equipment on (22%) equipped play area (0.13ha) selected existing amenity suitable for ages up to about sites to create locally 13. [springy rides, swings, 2 accessible LAPs. slides, see-saw, roundabout, climbing frame, aerial cable ride, balance beams / cables.] Revised pitch layout since the 1999 survey has reduced the extent of the adjacent grassed area for informal play (formerly 0.63ha, now about 0.20 ha, although other non-pitch areas in the southern half of the field may be used informally.)

(There is also a surfaced 5- a-side court at Axbridge Youth Club, recorded under “outdoor Sport”, 0.05 ha)

Informal grassy play area at Cross Moor Road 0.18 ha (no equipment)

Three small grassy play areas (no equipment or seats) were created within the new developments at Hippisley Drive / Woodlands / Barnabas Close (total 0.20

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 23 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) ha). Badgworth 452 0.36 0.13 Grassy play area with play Enhancement of the 78 equipment mainly for young parish green at (17%) children (Badgworth Biddisham (opposite schoolrooms). Rees Way) to include play equipment, sports Adjacent playing field equipment and possibly (0.27ha) is recorded under tree planting and seating “outdoor sports” as it has as a multi-purpose been a junior football pitch community open space. but is also available for informal play / ball games. Provision of sports and play equipment at At Biddisham there is a Badgworth. parish green used as a community open space opposite Rees Way. Bawdrip 485 0.39 0.00 The Bawdrip – Cossington Installation of play 96 cycle route through the old facilities. (20%) railway cutting provides an opportunity for informal recreation but there are no specific play facilities. Berrow 1638 1.31 1.23 Facilities are focussed at the Facilities at the village 239 village green site where green are equivalent to (15%) there is a well- equipped NEAP standard but could playground for ages up to be further enhanced (e.g. about 13 [sand pit, springy rides, provision of a MUGA swings, tyre circuits, see-saw, large and/or youth shelter). slide, climbing frame / tyre swing / climbing net] (0.24ha) and LAP or LEAP facilities if adjacent field with goalposts opportunities arise (e.g. for kickabout and informal adjacent to Village Hall). play for children of all ages (0.99ha). Millennium Field (adjacent to Village Hall) This facility is also is also a potential site for accessible to homes in north a hard surfaced court / Burnham (adjacent parish). mobile skate park.

Absence of facilities elsewhere in the parish. Brean 691 0.55 0.00 Implement Local Plan 71 Proposal RLT19 (public (10%) open space adjacent to St. Bridget’s Church, to include play equipment and ball games area). Brent Knoll 1252 1.00 0.27 Facilities are focussed at the Acquisition of a larger 198 village green site. Play field capable of

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 24 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) (16%) equipment for ages 4-16 accommodating a MUGA and grass for small-scale or NEAP facility. ball games and informal play, but space and facilities LAP facilities if for older children are limited. opportunities arise. [roundabout, see-saw, slide, swings, multi-unit (slide / climbing), play train; single basketball hoop and goal are both in disrepair]

Many homes are some distance from this facility. Bridgwater 33,915 27.13 22.27 Local parks, equipped play Provision of up to 6 7,328 areas, recreation areas and MUGAs in locations (22%) informal open spaces offer a across the town. A skate range of play opportunities park. New play areas in but the total area of conjunction with new provision in 1999 was well housing developments. below NPFA targets. The Enhancement of facilities distribution of sites is such to provide accessible that some residential areas LEAP / NEAP sites. have poor accessibility for suitable facilities. On-site provision in association with major developments has been sought for many years. Following a play area audit in 2003 the District Council has been investing in selected sites to create facilities of a LEAP / NEAP standard. Bridgwater 400 0.32 0.00 Parish includes land at Creation of facilities at Without 73 Dunwear which is within the Dunwear or Horsey if (18%) Bridgwater Development opportunities arise (eg Boundary. No land is provision of play allocated for development. equipment and picnic tables at Dunwear Ponds car park would enhance the facility for residents and visitors). Broomfield 208 0.17 0.00 The village green adjacent See “Enmore” 46 to Broomfield Church (0.16 (22%) ha) provides opportunity for informal play. The sparse and scattered nature of settlement makes provision of any other play facility unlikely. Burnham-on- 18,401 14.72 16.08 Land at Apex Leisure and Provision of at least one

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 25 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Sea and 3,183 Wildlife Park (nearly 12ha) MUGA. New play areas Highbridge 17% accounts for over 70% of the in conjunction with new identified play space as the housing developments. survey counted not only the Enhancement of facilities playground and kickabout to provide accessible area but also the remainder LEAP / NEAP sites. of the park as being an informal resource. A skatepark has subsequently been added and the park is potentially a suitable location for a MUGA. A scatter of equipped playgrounds and informal open spaces elsewhere in the urban area provide other facilities, but local accessibility is variable. Burnham 798 0.64 0.00 Parish includes land on the (New facilities as part of Without 156 outskirts of Burnham-on-Sea Rosewood development) (20%) and Highbridge (including on-going development at Rosewood) but settlement is otherwise scattered with small clusters at Edithmead and Watchfield. Burtle 402 0.32 0.00 The Parish has a small area Possible addition of play 109 of amenity land opposite the equipment at that site or (27%) church (0.15 ha, former acquisition of an sand pit) that may provide alternative. opportunity for informal play if the grass was cut more regularly. Cannington 2381 1.90 1.49 Main site is the playground Possible development of 517 at Brook Street (0.43 ha) a MUGA to meet the (22%) with equipment suitable for needs of older children ages up to about 13 and (which could also serve associated grassy areas for neighbouring Combwich). informal play [small multi-unit, slide, swings, play tractor/trailer, Creation of more larger swings, timber/rope formalised LAP facilities balancing and climbing circuit, small goalpost]. on selected amenity areas. The 1999 survey included two other informal play spaces (at the brook and at Church Street) but housing estates in the village include many other grassed areas

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 26 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) which provide local play opportunities. Sites at Folly Close (0.09ha), Oak Tree Way (0.26 ha) and Southbrook / associated Closes (0.17 ha) have therefore been added, raising the total from 0.97 ha to 1.49 ha. Catcott 502 0.40 0.06 Small playground with Possible development of 91 equipment suitable for a MUGA or NEAP facility (18%) under-12’s [springy rides, to meet the needs of roundabout, swings, multi-unit older children (possibly (slide/climbing frame), see-saw, jointly with neighbouring Wendy house / slide, seat and shelter]. Edington) Chapel 348 0.28 0.00 Development of an Allerton 64 equipped play facility (18%) (LEAP/NEAP) in association with neighbouring parishes to serve the cluster of small villages and hamlets in this part of the Isle of Wedmore. One potential location for this would be at Ashton Windmill, where play facilities could also benefit visitors. Cheddar 5093 4.07 1.25 At the time of the 1999 Possible acquisition of 919 survey the centrally located additional land (Local (18%) Hannah More Recreation Plan Proposal RLT8 and / Ground (0.63 ha) was or other sites) Cheddar’s only designated play facility, with play Installation of play equipment for ages up to 11 facilities on existing open and a grass area suitable for spaces to broaden their ball games. function (e.g. Sharpham Road Playing Fields, New development south of Cheddar-Axbridge the river includes a LEAP Railway walk). facility as part of a local park (0.62 ha).

There are also a number of grassed amenity areas within housing areas which provide local play opportunities.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 27 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Chedzoy 429 0.34 0.07 Play equipment suitable for Enhance provision of 103 ages up to 11 [swings, slide and equipment for older (24%) 4 timber structures for climbing / children. balancing / swinging] is sited at the edge of the playing field. The adjacent pitch area (0.52 ha) can accommodate a youth football pitch and is recorded in the survey as a “sport” site but there are dilapidated structures [basketball, junior goal, skate ramp] indicating the area’s use as a play site for older children. Chilton 668 0.53 0.57 Recreation ground includes Enhance the range of Polden 119 play equipment and grassy equipment (?) (18%) areas for informal play, Possible LAP(s) on adjacent to football pitch existing grassed amenity (1.24 ha). areas. Chilton 209 0.17 0.00 ? Trinity 25 (12%) Compton 581 0.46 0.00 The grassy floor of the ? Bishop 105 former quarry at Cross has (18%) traditionally met local needs for an informal play area. Cossington 552 0.44 0.03 An equipped playground for Additional facilities 99 ages 4-11 is located within suitable for older children. (18%) the R M Smith Playing Field (1.73 ha).

Grassy margins of sports field provide other opportunities for play. Durleigh 556 0.44 0.13 Parish includes part of a ? 72 housing estate on the edge (13%) of Bridgwater (a large proportion of the parish population), within which there is an informal play area.

Other grassy amenity areas may be suitable as LAPs. East Brent 1298 1.04 0.50 Existing facilities are at two Provision of play facilities 307 separate sites in the village serving Rooksbridge and (24%) of East Brent: Edingworth. - Village green where there

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 28 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) is play equipment for up to Additional facilities age 8 [swings, slide, climbing suitable for older children. frame], 2 small goals in Fencing and / or kickabout area and other landscaping to keep stray grass areas for informal play balls out of the rhyne at - Swings at Orchard Close East Brent Village Green.

The parish also includes other settlements - Rooksbridge – a small village with no designated play facility - Edingworth – a hamlet which once had a play area at Rookery Close East Huntspill 1152 0.92 0.52 Village recreation ground Provision of additional 232 includes play equipment for facilities (possibly to (20%) ages up to 11 [swings, slide, NEAP standards or a roundabout] and adjacent MUGA) at the recreation grassy areas for informal ground. play. There is also a sports field at the same site (1.49 Possible LAP(s) on ha) and a basketball hoop at existing grassed amenity the car park. areas (several potential sites). Edington 337 0.27 0.00 Development of an 53 equipped play facility (16%) (LEAP / NEAP), possibly jointly with neighbouring Catcott. Enmore 233 0.19 0.00 The scattered nature of Create a facility on land 37 settlement may partly adjacent to the school car (16%) explain lack of facilities but park, serving Enmore, Enmore Primary school is a Goathurst and significant focus for Broomfield. surrounding rural catchment. Fiddington 236 0.19 0.79 Playing Field adjacent to None, other than periodic 32 village hall has play replacement of (14%) equipment and space for equipment. ball games. Goathurst 235 0.19 0.00 See “Enmore” 42 (18%) Greinton 79 0.06 0.00 Facility within this small Provide play space if 19 parish not likely to be viable opportunity arises; (24%) (but a development such as otherwise rely on facilities Coates Farm would now in neighbouring parishes. have been expected to provide a LAP).

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 29 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Lympsham 864 0.69 0.10 Village playground caters for ? Additional facilities 167 ages 4 –11 [swings, slide, suitable for older children. (19%) climbing frame]. Outfield of adjoining cricket ground can be used for informal play / ball games and there are 2 small moveable goals here. Lyng 324 0.26 0.00 Settlement is spread along Install play facilities eg on 52 the A361, East Lyng is the the lawn at the rear of (16%) most consolidated and Lyng village hall. would be the natural location for any facility. Mark 1394 1.12 0.13 Playground for ages up to Possible LAP(s) on 320 11 [springy rides, roundabout, existing grassed amenity (2`3%) swings, slide, climbing frame / net, areas. see-saw] is located next to the village hall (N.W. edge of Mark, 0.07 ha).

Margins of adjacent football pitch may be used for informal play and facilities for older children have been enhanced since the 1999 survey with the provision of a multi-games court (0.06 ha).

Several grassed amenity areas may have some informal use (Northwick Road, Churchlands, Grange Paddock).

There are no children’s play facilities in Mark Causeway. Middlezoy 723 0.58 0.00 Make provision for 155 children’s play within the (21%) playing field (1.30ha) adjacent to the village hall at the S.E. of the village, or on a new site. Moorlinch 252 0.20 0.00 Moorlinch is one of several Development an 46 small villages on the south equipped play facility. (18%) side of the Polden Hills, eg potential to make none of which have any play provision on the grassy provision. area adjacent to the car park at Moorlinch church. Nether Stowey 1313 1.05 0.47 Equipped play area at the Further enhancement of

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 30 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) 216 recreation ground (E. edge facilities for older children (16%) of village, 0.18ha) caters for (e.g. a MUGA ). age 4-11. Possible LAP(s) on There are also substantial existing grassed amenity non-pitch areas at the areas. recreation ground that can be used informally for ball games etc. and facilities now also include a BMX circuit (0.10ha) and a skateboard ramp.

An amenity area off Old Farm Road can also meet some informal play needs (0.19ha). North 5065 4.05 1.97 Memorial Playing Field (1.18 Facilities at the Memorial Petherton 903 ha) includes play equipment Playing Field could be (18%) for ages 4-16 [swings, climbing further enhanced, e.g. frames, see-saw, slide, games wall springy rides for young for football, cricket and basketball] children, a more and large grassy space for challenging climbing / ball games and informal balancing circuit for older play. children.

Play area at Parkersfield for Provision of a MUGA, ages 4-11 (0.04 ha). possibly at Parkersfield.

Play area at North Newton Facilities at the North playing field for ages 4-11 Newton Playing Field (0.27 ha). could be enhanced.

There are a number of Creation of formalised grassed amenity areas LAP facilities on existing within North Petherton which amenity areas. were not recorded in the 1999 survey but do have potential for informal play and / or provision of a LAP facility. (e.g. Baymead Lane, Holly Close, Beggs Close, St Mary’s Crescent, Community Centre, Ivors Way, total 0.48 ha).

Othery 575 0.46 0.18 Small play area (0.03 ha) Existing playing field 113 caters for under 11’s [slide, could accommodate (20%) swings, timber multi-unit, balancing equipment aimed at a beams, springy rides]. and wider age range if a new

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 31 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) adjacent playing field (0.15 sports pitch site was ha) has goals for mini provided for school / soccer and a basketball community use. hoop.

[Playing field was incorrectly recorded as a youth/adult “sport” pitch in 1999 survey] Otterhampton 873 0.70 5.22 At Combwich Common Additional equipment at 179 there is a small play area the Common. (21%) (0.03 ha) with limited equipment suitable for ages Possible LAP(s) on up to about 11 [swings, existing grassed amenity balancing beams, chain bridge, areas (e.g. at Estuary small climbing frame]. Park and Brookside The extensive grassland Road). and embankment of the Common (over 5 ha) provides opportunity for ball games and informal play; there is an old timber basketball hoop near the cricket pitch. Over Stowey 357 0.29 0.11 Play area at the Over Enhance provision for 74 Stowey Playing Field has a older children e.g. games (21%) range of play equipment for wall. ages up to 11.

Outfield areas of adjacent cricket field may be used informally. Pawlett 1066 0.85 0.57 The village has 2 equipped Enhance provision for 162 play areas: older children (e.g. (15%) additional play equipment Playground adjacent to at either playground village hall / church (0.36 and/or a MUGA at the ha) has slide, swings and new recreation ground). grassy area for informal play. Possible creation of LAP facilities on existing New recreation ground grassed amenity areas adjacent to the school (e.g. Pound Road, includes a play area (0.04 Monmouth Farm Close). ha) for ages up to about 8 [swings, multi-unit, springy ride].

There is also a grassy amenity area at Monmouth Farm Close suitable for informal play (0.17 ha).

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 32 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Puriton 2033 1.63 0.69 Playing Field and play area Enhance provision for 404 at Riverton Road /Hall Road older children (e.g. (20%) (0.45 ha) includes MUGA at the Churchfield equipment for age up to Drove Playing Field). about 8 [slide, swings, see-saw, roundabout, balancing beams] and grassy area for informal ball games.

Also an equipped play area at Puriton Park for ages up to 8 (0.05 ha) and several other grassy informal play spaces. Shapwick 509 0.41 0.00 Development of an 122 equipped play facility. (24%) Shipham 1022 0.82 0.00 Grassy areas of the village Development of an 154 green offer limited equipped play facility. (15%) opportunity for informal play. Spaxton 1021 0.82 0.25 Equipped play area adjacent Provision of additional 217 to the village hall in Spaxton. play equipment and/or a (21%) Equipment is suitable for games wall / MUGA. ages up to about 11 and the grassy area for informal play includes a small goal [swings, see-saw, slide, balancing circuit with beams, bridges and chains]. Margins of adjacent cricket and football pitches may be used informally. Stawell 365 0.29 0.00 Stawell and Sutton Mallet Development of an 71 are amongst several small equipped play facility, (19%) villages on the south side of possibly on the small the Polden Hills, none of grassy area at the rear of which have any play Stawell Village Hall. provision. Stockland 134 0.11 0.00 Facility within this small Rely on facilities in Bristol 23 parish not likely to be viable. neighbouring parishes. (17%) Thurloxton 169 0.14 0.00 Facility within this small Rely on facilities in 33 parish not likely to be viable. neighbouring parishes. (20%) Weare 654 0.52 0.00 Development of an 136 equipped play facility, (21%) possibly in the vicinity of the Weare First School or the village hall. Wedmore 3145 2.52 0.22 Wedmore is a large parish Provide a NEAP facility at

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 33 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) 633 with designated play areas Wedmore (20%) (suitable for ages up to 11) at Blackford (0.10 ha), Provide a MUGA / Theale (0.07 ha) and adventure / skateboard Wedmore (0.05 ha). facility at Wedmore.

Facilities at Wedmore are Provide LAP(s) on located at the western edge existing grassed amenity of the village; ideally there areas in Wedmore, (may should be locally - be possibilities at St accessible spaces Medard Road). elsewhere. Wembdon 1812 1.45 1.13 Various play equipment Much of the new housing 323 suitable for ages up to 16 is development associated (18%) available at the Church with the Bridgwater Road Playing Field and Northern Distributor Road grassy areas around the lies within Wembdon junior football pitch are also parish. Play space available for informal play serving that development (total 0.57 ha). should be largely on-site.

Survey also counts grassy The Local Plan allocates informal spaces at Risedale a 10 ha site for public Close (0.17 ha), Lyndhurst open space and outdoor Crescent (0.21 ha) and sports (Proposal RLT4) Brantwood Road / Grasmere which will be a further (0.18 ha). opportunity for equipped / informal play.

LAP facilities could be provided on existing grassy spaces within housing areas. West Huntspill 1412 1.13 0.76 Ilex Play Area includes Possible creation of LAP 229 equipment for ages 4 –16 facilities on grassed (16%) [swings, slide, plank/chain bridge, amenity areas (e.g. Silver tyre arch, tyre swings, climbing net, Street / Plymore Road or hard surface with target for the common at Church basketball/football] (0.28 ha) and adjacent field for Road). kickabout / informal play (0.45 ha). Possible MUGA on the field next to Ilex Play There are also swings and Area. roundabout at the Memorial Playing Fields (0.03 ha) Additional play equipment at the Memorial Playing [Ilex field incorrectly recorded in Field. original survey and Memorial P F omitted].

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 34 Parish Population Target Actual Commentary Suggested priorities for [2001 Census] (ha) (ha) improvement Total [at 0.8 Under 16 ha per (% under 1000 pop] 16) Westonzoyland 1832 1.47 0.42 The recreation ground Enhance recreation 406 includes an equipped play ground facilities to cater (22%) area for ages 4-11 [springy for older children – rides, slide, small roundabout and possible MUGA. swings] (0.05 ha) and adjacent non-pitch grassy Possible creation of LAP area which can be used for facilities on grassed ball games [one small goal] and amenity areas (e.g. Grays casual play (0.33 ha). There Avenue / Kings Drive / is also a youth shelter, a Kirk Drive, Sycamore basketball hoop at the edge Close, Summerfield of the adjacent car park, and Close,) a skate ramp (dilapidated).

There is also a grassy play area of Sycamore Close (0.04 ha). Woolavington 2163 1.73 0.88 The recreation ground at Enhance provision for 441 Higher Road has a play area older children – possible (20%) suitable for ages 4 –11 [slide, MUGA. swings, springy rides, balancing beams] (0.10 ha) and Possible creation of LAP adjacent grassy area with a facilities on grassed goal and a basketball hoop amenity areas. (0.41 ha).

There is also an equipped play area (0.04 ha) at the Playing Field (off Darkfield Way) suitable for ages 4 –11 [swings, slide, climbing frame, springy rides, balancing beams].

Survey also counted two grassy areas at Sedgemoor Way (0.18 ha) and Windmill Crescent (0.15 ha).

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SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 36 APPENDIX 4 - Playing Pitch Strategy Implementation Plan

The following 8 pages set out the Implementation Plan (Appendices 1-7) component of the Sedgemoor Playing Pitch Strategy

PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 1

APPENDIX 1: RLT3 ACCOUNT [Section 106 Developer contributions] by Cluster Group

RLT3 funds available as at 5th July 2007 CLUSTER PARISH £ CLUSTER PARISH £ Cheddar Valley Axbridge 22,485.00 Quantocks Broomfield - Badgworth 1,410.00 Cannington 4,230.00 Chapel Allerton 2,081.00 Chilton Trinity 705.00 Cheddar 7,738.00 Durleigh - Compton Bishop 705.00 Enmore - Mark 2,803.00 Fiddington 688.00 Shipham 2,752.00 Goathurst 688.00 Weare - Nether Stowey 1,376.00 Wedmore 10,405.00 Otterhampton 2,064.00 TOTAL for Cheddar Valley 50,379.00 Over Stowey 1,376.00 Spaxton 1,393.00 Poldens Ashcott 4,833.00 Stockland Bristol - Bawdrip 8,307.00 Wembdon 3,367.00 Burtle 705.00 TOTAL for Quantocks 15,887.00 Catcott 705.00 Chilton Polden 6,046.00 Moors Bridgwater Without 705.00 Cossington - Chedzoy 688.00 Edington 3,525.00 Lyng - Greinton 2,662.00 Middlezoy 4,145.00 Moorlinch 2,803.00 North Petherton 21,384.00 Puriton 7,721.00 Othery 2,115.00 Shapwick 705.00 Thurloxton - Stawell - Westonzoyland 4,760.00 Woolavington 705.00 TOTAL for Moors 33,797.00 TOTAL for Poldens 38,717.00 Bridgwater Bridgwater 64,348.00 Coastal Berrow 4,038.00 TOTAL for Bridgwater 64,348.00 Brean - Brent Knoll 7,602.00 BoSea and Highbridge 144,211.00 Burnham Without - East Brent 7,670.00 East Huntspill 2,769.00 Lympsham 688.00 Pawlett 2,081.00 West Huntspill 1,393.00 TOTAL for Coastal 170,452.00 TOTAL RLT3 Funds 373,580.00

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 37 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 2

APPENDIX 2: BRIDGWATER CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

BRIDGWATER RLT3 Funding Available: £64,348.00

Shortfall of Provisional Costs Suggested Location Examples of additional Pitches (£) sources of funding:

Football Adults Football Juniors £36,000 per pitch It is proposed that these are Further Funding potential inclusive of drainage added to one of the secondary via Football Foundation system and grading schools under the BSF of surface. Includes programme - that school amelioration of becoming a 'centre of excelence' 5 surface with sand. for football. [It may be possible to [OR, £400,000 for a have a football specific artificial ATP] turf pitch which should ensure greater usage and hence be more accessible to the community] Football Minis

Hockey

Rugby Adults Rugby Juniors £36,000 per pitch It is proposed that this is added to Potential additional inclusive of drainage one of the secondary schools funding from: Rugby system and grading under the BSF programme - that Football Foundation; 1 of surface. Includes school then becoming a 'centre of Community Investment amelioration of excellence' for rugby. Fund surface with sand.

Cricket

Rationalisation of Council £250,000 It is proposed that the 3 council Further Funding potential Pitches owned pitches[Victoria Park; via Football Foundation Mansfield Park and Cranleigh Gardens] are "transferred" to Bristol Road Playing Fields with proper drainage, car parking and changing. The former pitches in the parks reverting back to informal open space.

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per MUGA Mansfield Park; Victoria Park; Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all inc floodlights Eastover Park; Sydenham Community Investment weather surface with markings 6 Fund; Foundation for for 5-a-side; netball; Sports & the Arts basketball; tennis.

Notes:

1. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 2. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 38 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 3

APPENDIX 3: CHEDDAR CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CHEDDAR VALLEY RLT3 Funding Available: £50,379.00

Axbridge, Badgworth, Chapel Shortfall Provisional Costs Suggested Location Examples of additional Allerton, Cheddar, Compton (£) sources of funding: Bishop, Mark, Shipham, Weare, Wedmore

Football Juniors £36,000 per pitch The main focus for junior Further Funding potential inclusive of drainage and mini football is at via Football Foundation system and grading Cheddar; Axbridge and 4 of surface. Includes Wedmore. It is proposed amelioration of that pitches are developed surface with sand. in these vilages/town.

Football Minis £22,000 per pitch The main focus for junior Further Funding potential inclusive of drainage and mini football is at via Football Foundation system and grading Cheddar; Axbridge and 3 of surface. Includes Wedmore. It is proposed amelioration of that pitches are developed surface with sand. in these vilages/town.

Hockey - ATP £400,000 Cheddar: Kings of Wessex School or Shapham Road Playing Fields. The Kings of Wessex School is favoured by the clubs and there is 1 greater likelihood of funding for such a facility on a school site.

Rugby Adults Rugby Juniors

Cricket

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per MUGA Shipham; Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all inc floodlights Community Investment weather surface with markings Fund; Foundation for for 5-a-side; netball; 1 Sports & the Arts basketball; tennis.

Notes:

1. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 2. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 39 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 4

APPENDIX 4: COASTAL CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

COASTAL RLT3 Funding Available: £170,452.00

Berrow; Brean; Brent Knoll; Shortfall Provisional Costs (£) Suggested Examples of additional Burnham-on-Sea and Location sources of funding: Highbridge; Burnham Without; East Brent; East Huntspill; Lympsham; Pawlett; West Huntspill Football Juniors 3 at Burnham- Further Funding potential on-Sea; 2 at via Football Foundation £36,000 per pitch Berrow inclusive of drainage 5 system and grading of surface. Includes amelioration of surface with sand. Football Minis

Hockey - ATP

Rugby Adults Rugby Juniors

Cricket £35,000 with base Brent Knoll England & Wales Cricket formation for table, turfed Board - Grant Aid 1 Programme; England & Wales Cricket Trust - Interest free Loan;

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per MUGA inc Berrow; Brent Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all floodlights Knoll; East Community Investment weather surface with markings Brent or East Fund; Foundation for for 5-a-side; netball; 3 Huntspill Sports & the Arts basketball; tennis.

Notes:

1. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 2. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 40 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 5

APPENDIX 5: MOORS CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

MOORS RLT3 Funding Available: £33,797.00

Bridgwater Without; Shortfall Provisional Costs (£) Suggested Examples of additional Chedzoy; Lyng; Middlezoy; Location sources of funding: North Petherton; Othery; Thurloxton; Westonzoyland

Football Juniors £36,000 per pitch inclusive North Pertherton Further Funding potential of drainage system and via Football Foundation grading of surface. 3 Includes amelioration of surface with sand.

Football Minis £22,000 per pitch inclusive North Newton; Further Funding potential of drainage system and Westonzoyland via Football Foundation grading of surface. 7 Includes amelioration of surface with sand.

Hockey - ATP

Rugby Adults £55,000 per pitch inclusive North Petherton Potential additional funding of drainage system and from: Rugby Football grading of surface. Foundation; Community 1 Includes amelioration of Investment Fund surface with sand.

Rugby Juniors £36,000 per pitch inclusive North Petherton; Potential additional funding of drainage system and Bridgwater Without from: Rugby Football grading of surface. Foundation; Community 5 Includes amelioration of Investment Fund surface with sand.

Cricket £35,000 with base Middlezoy; North England & Wales Cricket formation for table, turfed Petherton; Board - Grant Aid 5 Wstonzoyland Programme; England & Wales Cricket Trust - Interest free Loan;

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per MUGA inc North Petherton Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all floodlights Community Investment weather surface with markings 1 Fund; Foundation for for 5-a-side; netball; Sports & the Arts basketball; tennis.

Notes:

1. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 2. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 41 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 6

APPENDIX 6: POLDENS CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

POLDENS RLT3 Funding Available: £38,717.00

Ashcott; Bawdrip; Burtle; Shortfall Provisional Costs (£) Suggested Examples of additional Catcott; Chilton Poldens; Location sources of funding: Cossington; Edington; Greinton; Moorlinch; Puriton; Shapwick; Stawell; Woolavington

Football Juniors Football Minis £22,000 per pitch inclusive of Cossington; Ashcott Further Funding potential drainage system and grading of via Football Foundation surface. Includes amelioration of surface with sand. 3

Hockey - ATP

Rugby Adults Rugby Juniors

Cricket

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per MUGA inc Ashcott; Catcott Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all floodlights Community Investment weather surface with markings Fund; Foundation for for 5-a-side; netball; 2 Sports & the Arts basketball; tennis.

Notes:

1. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 2. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 42 PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – Appendix 7

APPENDIX 7: QUANTOCKS CLUSTER - SHORTFALL AND RECOMMENDATIONS

QUANTOCKS RLT3 Funding Available: £15,887.00

Broomfield; Cannington; Number Provisional Costs Suggested Location Examples of Chilton Trinity; Durleigh; (£) additional sources Enmore; Fiddington; of funding: Goathurst; Nether Stowey; Otterhampton; Over Stowey; Spaxton; Stockland Bristol; Wembdon

Football Juniors £36,000 per pitch Nether Stowey and Further Funding inclusive of Wembdon [as per RLT4 potential via Football drainage system proposal]. The other focus for Foundation and grading of football is Spaxton - but there surface. Includes is no land available for 2 amelioration of expansion. Residents of surface with sand. Wembdon generally have better access to sport facilities than some of the other outlying parishes.

Football Minis

Hockey - ATP

Rugby Adults Rugby Juniors

Cricket £35,000 with base Wembdon England & Wales formation for table, Cricket Board - turfed Grant Aid 1 Programme; England & Wales Cricket Trust - Interest free Loan;

MUGA [Multi-use Games Area]. £80,000 per Nether Stowey Potentially from Features: 40m x 18m all MUGA inc Community weather surface with markings floodlights Investment Fund; for 5-a-side; netball; basketball; 1 Foundation for tennis. Sports & the Arts;

Notes:

1. Bridgwater College are proposing to base their sports courses at the Cannington campus and hence

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 43 there should be enhanced facilities available for community use ~ benefiiting this cluster. 2. All costs are provisional as they are subject to individual site survey and exclude land acquisition costs. 3. Parish/Town Councils can apply for loans to: Somerset Association of Local Councils; the District Council and to external bodies such as BigInvest. They can also raise precepts.

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 44 APPENDIX 5 - Applicability checklist and ready reckoner

RLT2 RLT3 Development Children’s playing space Playing fields

New dwellings Yes* Yes

Barn conversions – urban and rural Yes* Yes

Reversions to dwellings Yes* Yes

Change of use to residential Yes* Yes

Agricultural dwellings Yes* Yes

One bedroom flats No Yes***

Sheltered housing No Yes**

Warden controlled flats No Yes**

Affordable housing Yes* Yes**

Replacement dwellings No No

Renewals Yes* Yes

Holiday Use No No

* If more than one bedroom proposed – that is likely to be family occupied ** subject to negotiation *** discounted rate applies

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 45

To calculate RLT 2 and/or RLT 3 contributions.

Number of dwellings RLT 2 RLT 3 TOTAL £852 per dwelling £806 per dwelling**** 1 852 806 1,658 2 1,704 1,612 3,316 3 2,556 2,418 4,974 4 3,408 3,224 6,632 5 4,260 4,030 8,290 6 5,112 4,836 9,948 7 5,964 5,642 11,606 8 6,816 6,448 13,264 9 7,668 7,254 14,922

**** For one bedroom flats the following discounted rates apply: £645 for units capable of accommodating two persons, or £323 for units capable of accommodating only a single person.

(updated December 2007)

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 46 APPENDIX 6 - Sample Unilateral Undertaking

THIS DEED is made the day of 200 By______(“the Applicant(s)”

THIS IS A UNILATERAL PLANNING OBLIGATION made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure a contribution towards the provision of children’s outdoor playing space and sites for out door sport. RECITALS (1) Sedgemoor District Council (“the Council”) of Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR is the local planning authority for the area within which the Site described below is situated and by whom the obligation in this Deed is enforceable. (2) The Applicant(s) has/have applied to the Council for planning permission. Details:- Reference Number: Date application received: The Site: as identified edged red on the attached plan. Parish: Description of proposed Development: (“the Development”)

The Applicant(s) is/are interested in the Site as Owner(s) (3) Before the Council determines the planning application for the Development the Applicant(s) has/have agreed to pay to the Council a contribution as detailed below towards the provision of children’s outdoor playing space and sites for outdoor sport to recognise the increased impact on recreational land needs attributable to the Development.

Public Open Space/Play area contribution Amount: £ (“the contribution”)

(4) The agreement by the Applicant(s) to pay the contribution is a “planning obligation” which the Council is entitled to enforce. Completion of this Deed is an acknowledgement by the Council that the contribution has been received

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 47 and will be used in accordance with Policies RLT2 and/or RLT3 of the Sedgemoor District Local Plan.

(5) The Council undertakes to use the contribution towards the costs expended by the Council in providing children’s outdoor playing space and sites for outdoor sport facilities within the area in which the Site is located PROVIDED THAT in the event that if:

(i) the planning permission referred to in recital (2) of this deed shall expire before the Development has been commenced or

(ii) the contribution or any part thereof shall not be used for that purpose within ten years from the date of payment of the contribution

it shall be repaid to Applicant(s) or person or persons who actually paid the contribution together with interest at the rate of 1% below the base lending rate from time to time of the Co-operative Bank Plc.

IN WITNESS whereof / the Applicant has caused its Common Seal to be hereunto affixed the day and year first before written / the Applicant(s) has/have set his/her/their hand(s) to this his/her their Deed the day and year first before written

Signed as his/her deed by the said

Name(s) in block capitals Signature(s)

Applicant(s):

Witness:

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 48

APPENDIX 7 – Calculation of Commuted sum (Public Open Space)

1. The Commuted Sum shall be such sum as shall be required for the carrying out of maintenance works to the public open space for a period of 15 years after the year of adoption.

2. In calculating the Commuted Sum such sum shall equate to the anticipated future expenditure of 15 years annual maintenance costs taking into consideration the cost of inflation and the interest received on the diminishing average annual balance of such sum.

3. The Commuted Sum formula will be calculated by the Council's Finance Services in accordance with the following criteria:

(a) The Annual Maintenance Sum will be the costs and expenses estimated by the Council's Parks and Open Spaces Officer for the first years maintenance which shall be based on the Council's Grounds Maintenance Priced Bills of Quality Schedule of Rates (or any other relevant rate that may be applied at the time of calculation) projected over 15 years

(b) Less the interest received on the Annual Maintenance Sum which interest shall be based on the Bank of England base rate at the time of calculation less 1%

(c) Add the costs of inflation which shall be assessed in accordance with the annual rate of increase in the Retail Price Index (all items) at the time of calculation

SDC Planning Guidance Note on Outdoor Space for Sport and Children’s Play in New Housing Developments 49