Proposals for residential development will be permitted where they provide appropriate on-site facilities or contributions towards the provision of open space and outdoor sports facilities, in line with the following criteria.

On new residential developments, the Council will:

1. Require the provision of open spaces and outdoor sports facilities in accordance with the Leisure Strategy standards (or more up to date evidence) and facility requirements; and

2. Require on-site open space and outdoor sports facilities to be an integral part of the development and incorporated into the design of the development at an early stage.

Open Spaces

3. Require the provision of on-site open spaces unless up-to-date evidence demonstrates alternative provision is more appropriate;

4. Require on-site open spaces to be designed to complement proposals for green infrastructure, landscaping, the historic environment, ecological enhancement, and climate change adaptation. Potential recreational damage to Habitats of Principal Importance and ecologically sensitive sites should be avoided through good design; and

5. Require contributions towards the provision, enhancement and/or extension of open spaces identified within the Leisure Strategy and the Parish Schedules, where a development does not provide open space on the site.

Outdoor sport

6. Require the provision of on-site outdoor sports facilities on larger developments, (over 300 dwellings) as defined by Policy HQ9, in accordance with the Leisure Strategy standards and facility requirements, unless up-to-date evidence demonstrates alternative provision is more appropriate;

7. Require smaller developments (under 300 dwellings) where on-site provision of outdoor sports facilities is not required, to contribute towards the provision, enhancement and/or extension of existing facilities in accordance with the Leisure Strategy and Parish Schedules; and

8. Require outdoor sports facilities which are delivered by the developer to be designed and constructed in accordance with Sport England Facility Guidance, together with the facility guidance of the relevant National Governing Body for Sport (NGB).

Management and maintenance

Where new open spaces and outdoor sports facilities are being delivered, the developer must provide a management scheme which details the future ownership, management and maintenance of the site. Where the asset is to be adopted by the Local Authority or Town/Parish Council, commuted sums will be paid for maintenance of the facility.

Redevelopment of open spaces and outdoor sports facilities for other purposes will only be permitted where:

9. An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or

10. The facilities would be replaced by equivalent or better provision, in terms of quantity and quality, in a suitable, accessible location, within a similar catchment to the original facility, where possible; or a contribution provided for the re-provision of the facility, where land has been secured that is suitable and available for that provision; or

11. The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the need for which clearly outweigh the loss.

In considering the loss of facilities to development, the Council will support the Sport England Exceptions Policy.

New outdoor sport, leisure and open space facilities

Proposals for new outdoor sport, leisure and open space facilities within Settlement Envelopes will be supported where they comply with other relevant policies within the Plan.

For sites directly adjacent to the Settlement Envelopes, proposals for new outdoor sport, leisure and open space facilities will be permitted where:

12. A need for the proposed facility be identified; and
13. It can be demonstrated that no land is available within the Settlement Envelope.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan