Councillors at this week’s Cabinet meeting (Thursday 26th July, 2007) agreed to increase the level of Section 106 Public Open Space payments to £2,500 per dwelling.

The meeting heard that the level of contribution for Section 106 Commuted Payments for Public Open Space was last considered at the April 2006 Cabinet Meeting where it was resolved to continue with the policy of a flat rate charge per dwelling unit and that such be reviewed annually.

At that time the rate per dwelling was increased to £1770 per dwelling.

Portfolio Holder for Land and Property, Cllr Lee Cooper, told Cabinet:

“There is a need to increase this contribution to assist the regeneration of the Council’s Public Open Space.”

A contribution of £2,500 per dwelling was approved, and will be applicable to all planning applications received after 1st August 2007. The situation will be reviewed again in 12 months time.

In the last four years, more than £1.2 million of Section 106 funding has been allocated to projects to improve green space within Ashfield. This has been used to attract a further £1.2 million in grant funding, doubling the investment into local open spaces. A further £750,000 is due to be allocated to new projects in the autumn.

Projects allocated funding in the last three years include: a new play area at Titchfield Park, Hucknall; a skate park at Huthwaite Welfare Park, Sutton; new play equipment in Selston, and improvements to David Street open space in Kirkby. Various tree planting and habitat creation schemes, around the District have also been funded.

 Please contact Maureen Eastgate on 01623 457401 for further information.