Memorandum by the Association of Play
Industries (API) (PGS 37)
1. Section 106 money is an important part
of funding for play area provision and it is vital both for the
industry and for the local residents that this funding stream
continues. It does seem that the space provided on many new developments
for play provision is not the most suitable for the purpose, but
perhaps the least suitable area for use for housing. Planning
policy could consider this aspect of the provisionnot simply
from monetary terms but also from the use of space perspective.
2. At present the negotiations that are
carried out between developers and local authorities to establish
the amount of 106 for a particular development seems to be prolonged
and complicated so perhaps a set procedure would be beneficial
and create clarity for all parties.
3. Section 106 should be charged on all
developmentsindustrial as well as residential.
4. Our general preference is to see the
entire 106 money go to local level, not into a communal budget
and then re-allocated, in order to ensure there is no dilution
of funding for local projects, as the importance of Local Development
Frameworks cannot be overlooked, particularly as these provide
for consultation and local input processes.
5. Whilst it perhaps easier for local authorities
to simply require the developer to provide a play area and leave
it to the developer to commission a playground, this does not
necessarily create an area compliant with standards or containing
suitable equipment. The play area should be considered as part
of the overall provision in a locality and therefore is better
managed by the local authority rather than the developer.
6. Decisions relative to the use of funds
need input from local level. We believe local people know what
is needed for their community, and are best placed to comprehend
the impact of a new development on the resources and facilities
of the existing area.
7. In some parts of the country, local communities
have embraced the government's Town and Parish Plan procedure,
thus providing researched local information to District Council
level. This local level planning and knowledge should be embraced
within the system.
8. It is essential that 106 funding is an
additional resource for a local areato provide additional
facilities required as a result of a developmentand not
a replacement for funding that should already be allocated by
the local authority. We are aware that in certain instances not
all of the funding is used for the provision of play areas. However,
we are not aware of the proportion utilised for other amenities
and facilities.
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