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New guidelines approved for open spaces in new residential developments

Play equipment

We have approved new guidelines to help developers when they submit planning applications for new residential developments.

It is important for the health and well being of future residents that the right amount and type of recreational open space is delivered as part of new developments. This can include creating parks, recreational areas, or providing money to fund the creation of additional space.

The Council's executive adopted the new guidelines on Thursday 8 August 2024. They align with the requirements of our Local Plan.

Planning Contributions for Open Space in New Developments Supplementary Planning Document' (SPD)

This supplementary planning guidance does not create new policy. It only supports existing Local Plan policies and is for guidance only.

The guidance explains how planning services calculate and apply Section 106 contributions.

What are Section 106 contributions?

Developers can provide and maintain open spaces in their development schemes or they can contribute to cover the costs of:

  • providing open spaces in the borough
  • maintaining open spaces

What is the SPD used for?

  • in line with our local plan it applies to developments with 11 or more homes
  • developers will use it when planning new projects
  • the council will use it when reviewing planning applications

The SPD was open to public consultation between 8 May and 12 June 2024 has now been finalised.

Lead Councillor for Planning, Cllr Fiona White, said:

"Supplementary Planning Documents play a vital role in making sure that our policies are applied properly. They lead to good planning decisions. SPDs are what are known as material planning considerations. This means that they have to be taken into account when decisions are made on planning applications."