Issue - meetings

** Due to the size of the document, Appendix 1 to this report will be published as a supplement to the main agenda **

Report of Director of Operational Delivery

Purpose of report

The Local Strategic Partnership has been instrumental in framing and commissioning a study to better evidence the need for neighbourhood community spaces and development activity across the District, in line with the development plans identified by the Local Plan. The study also proposes a model for community development activity to be undertaken in the establishment of thriving and well integrated new neighbourhoods.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to

1.1       Approve the Community Spaces and Development Study (appendix 1) as a basis for developing CDC’s community development approach in new neighbourhoods.

1.2       Agree the principle of housing developers contributing to CDC co-ordinated community development work, to establish thriving and well integrated new neighbourhoods across the District.

1.3       Agree the principle of housing developers providing new (or contributing to the expansion of existing) neighbourhood community halls, based on an allocation of community space per head of proposed population. 

Resolved

(1)          That the Community Spaces and Development Study be approved as a basis for developing CDC’s community development approach in new neighbourhoods.

(2)          That the principle of housing developers contributing to CDC co-ordinated community development work, to establish thriving and well integrated new neighbourhoods across the District be agreed.

(3)          That the principle of housing developers providing new (or contributing to the expansion of existing) neighbourhood community halls, based on an allocation of community space per head of proposed population be agreed. 

The Director of Operational Delivery submitted a report which sought approval of the Community Spaces and Development Study basis for developing CDC’s community development approach in new neighbourhoods.

The Local Strategic Partnership had been instrumental in framing and commissioning a study to better evidence the need for neighbourhood community spaces and development activity across the District, in line with the development plans identified by the Local Plan. The study also proposed a model for community development activity to be undertaken in the establishment of thriving and well integrated new neighbourhoods.

Resolved

(1)          That the Community Spaces and Development Study be approved as a basis for developing CDC’s community development approach in new neighbourhoods.

(2)          That the principle of housing developers contributing to CDC co-ordinated community development work, to establish thriving and well integrated new neighbourhoods across the District be agreed.

(3)          That the principle of housing developers providing new (or contributing to the expansion of existing) neighbourhood community halls, based on an allocation of community space per head of proposed population be agreed. 

Reasons

Through the commissioning of this report Cherwell District Council has been able to:

·         Determine a sound basis for the calculation of developer contributions towards community spaces (either the construction of new space or the extension and improvement of existing spaces).

·         Present a comprehensive analysis of existing community spaces that can be updated annually to inform future development requirements.

·         Present a requirement for community development activity to ensure new residents are integrated and engaged in the life of their new neighbourhood

·         Identify further research opportunities into the ownership and management of community buildings to coincide with the Cherwell District Council Asset Review

Pending the Developer Contributions SPD, the findings and recommendations of this study can be used as a basis for negotiations on planning applications.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not develop standards for the provision of indoor community recreation.

Reason: Without evidence to justify them, developers would be likely to contest contribution requests, resulting in new neighbourhoods having no, or inadequate community hall space.

Option 2: Not develop standards for the provision of community development activity.

Reason: Without evidence to justify them, developers would be likely to contest contribution requests, leading to new neighbourhoods struggling to develop as thriving, well integrated communities.