2.0 Local Plan Policy

2.1 The Borough Council considers that the provision of open space is essential for the proper development of new residential areas, whether in the form of adult/youth provision, equipped children's play areas or informal open spaces. Therefore, through Policy TLR9, the Council places certain requirements upon the developers of new housing to ensure that sufficient open space is provided to meet the needs of the residents of new developments.

TLR9 OPEN SPACE PROVISION IN NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

WHEN GRANTING PLANNING PERMISSION FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE OPEN SPACE FOR THE NEW RESIDENTS TO A MINIMUM STANDARD OF 2.43 HECTARES FOR 1000 PERSONS, INCLUDING WHERE APPROPRIATE, SUITABLY LOCATED FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN'S PLAY.

DEVELOPERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SATISFY THE COUNCIL THAT ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WHEREBY THE OPEN SPACE PROVIDED WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMANENTLY MAINTAINED.

FOR DEVELOPMENTS OF BETWEEN 5 - 20 DWELLINGS, WHERE IT MAY NOT BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT THE DEVELOPER TO PROVIDE THE OPEN SPACE WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT SITE, THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK AS AN ALTERNATIVE, A PLANNING OBLIGATION UNDER SECTION 106 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 FOR A COMMUTED PAYMENT FROM THE DEVELOPER TOWARDS IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING OPEN SPACE.

THE COUNCIL WILL NOT REQUIRE OPEN SPACE TO BE PROVIDED FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE RIVER LOOP.

[Deposit policy as amended by the proposed changes (1998) and further changes (1999)]

2.2 Policy TLR9 of the Borough Local Plan seeks to ensure that appropriate new open space provision is made within all new residential developments. The term 'open space' incorporates many different types of space for recreational and leisure uses, including formal sports, active recreation, children's play and amenity land for passive recreation e.g. walking or exercising the dog. However, Policy TLR9 is only concerned with outdoor playing space i.e. that which can be used for active recreation - playing fields, children's play areas etc. (as defined by the NPFA Six Acre Standard).