Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038
LPRINF2: Community Facilities.
Adequate accessibility to community facilities, including social, education and other facilities, is an essential component of new residential development.
1. Residential development which would generate a need for new community facilities or for which spare capacity in such facilities does not exist, will not be permitted unless the provision of new, extended or improved facilities (or a contribution towards such provision) is secured as appropriate by planning conditions, through legal agreements, or through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
2. Proposals requiring planning permission which would lead to a loss of community facilities will not be permitted unless:
- a. it is evidenced that a need within the locality no longer exists, and it is not commercially viable (supported by audited financial reports and a reasonable level of proper marketing evidence); or
- b. a replacement facility acceptable to the council is provided or secured.
3. Specific proposals affecting existing open space, sports and recreation assets requiring permission will not be permitted unless they accord with the relevant sections of the NPPF and Sport England’s Playing Field Policy where relevant.
4. The council will seek to ensure, where appropriate, that providers of education facilities make provision for dual use of facilities in the design of new schools and will encourage the dual use of education facilities (new and existing) for recreation and other purposes.
For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038