Explanation OS5

10.24

The Council acknowledges that housing developers share its own concerns to ensure that a satisfactory standard of provision should be made and maintained for public open space, play, and recreational facilities, since these are factors that prospective house buyers will take into account. The Council will therefore seek the co-operation of developers in maintaining and improving standards; in some circumstances, however, it will require developers to provide an appropriate amount of open space, children’s play and informal recreational facilities.

10.25

In determining planning applications the Council will refer to its quantitative standards and the quality of provision in the area. The Council will adopt a Supplementary Planning Document which will set down:

•  The circumstances in which on-site provision will be required (this will generally be for larger developments);

•  Circumstances in which a financial contribution will be required towards off-site provision; and

•  The basis on which commuted sums for maintenance will be calculated.

10.26

When considering the design of new public open space and recreational facilities, consideration will be given to:

•  Fitness for purpose;

•  The general design of any buildings or structures, site layout, landscaping;

•  Its relationship with the adjacent area including visual amenity and impact on neighbours (light pollution, noise, hours of operation, intensity of use, possible anti-social behaviour, etc);

•  Its contribution to the factors set out in paragraph 9.7, particularly environmental quality and biodiversity; and

•  Access for people with disabilities.

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