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Planning Obligations Funding

What is Planning Obligations Funding?

Planning Obligations Funding is generated through Local Plan Policy L17 whereby local planning authorities enter into legally binding agreement with developers to ensure that certain planning obligations are met. A proportion of the funds generated through L17 are allocated to Leisure Services for the provision or improvement of play parks, open spaces and other leisure infrastructure that helps an area cope with increased numbers of people using local facilities.

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How are funds allocated?

A proportion of the money collected by Leisure Services contributes to the cost of district-wide facilities including leisure centres and outdoor play (such as sports pitches and multi use games areas).

The remainder is paid into three separate funds in the electoral ward in which the development takes place, and is ring-fenced for funding:

1. Equipped Children's Play (i.e. playgrounds)
2. Casual Play (for informal play in open spaces)
3. Amenity Open Space (general improvements to our parks and recreation grounds)

A percentage of the Casual Play and Amenity Open Space funding is collected from wards for improvements to Poole's strategic outdoor facilities - our beaches, Poole Park and Upton Country Park. The amount collected varies according to the ward (based on market research and consumer feedback) and is capped to ensure that it does not unnecessarily impinge on provision of ward-based improvements.

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Who allocates and controls the spending?

The allocation of Planning Obligations money is determined by the Planning Obligations sub-group, made up of five Councillors appointed by the Environment Overview Group. The sub-group meets 4-6 times a year and makes recommendations on projects put before them by Council Officers.

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What can Planning Obligations funding be spent on?

Planning Obligations funding is to be spent only on projects that enhance the use and appeal of an open space by, for instance, the installation of play equipment or sports facilities, the construction of footpaths/cycleways, the addition of interpretation or lighting, or simply by re-design and landscaping.

It cannot be spent on the maintenance of existing facilities such as footpaths, drainage or sports pitches.

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How are projects generated?  

Projects are generated by Leisure Services staff and through:

• Local Member interest
• Partnership working with other Service Units
• The implementation of Management Plans
• The aspirations of residents and community groups

Leisure Services now accepts proposals, via the Green Card Scheme, for projects that meet the relevent criteria for either Planning Obligations or Heathland Mitigation Funding.

If you have identified a project you believe would improve the recreational or leisure opportunities in your neighbourhood or elsewhere in the Borough, and you believe it meets the criteria associated with the Green Card Scheme and the relevant funding, please download, complete and submit the Green Card Project Proposal Form available at Apply for it!. 

Before completing your Green Card you might like to contact the Leisure Services Technical & Development Team who will be able to advise you about the potential funding available in your Ward, whether your proposals meet the relevant criteria, and about providing evidence of local need and potential benefits.