East Riding of Yorkshire Council requires developers to provide Outdoor Playing Space as part of all new residential developments above certain size thresholds. This requirement is contained in the adopted local plan policy. Currently there are four separate local plans covering the East Riding area, each applying different Outdoor Playing Space policy requirements.
Outdoor Playing Space is space which is available for sport, active recreation or children's play, which is of suitable size and nature for its intended purpose, and safely accessible and available to the general public.
The level of Outdoor Playing Space to be provided on new residential development is set out in the adopted local plan policies. With each based on the National Playing Field Association Six Acre Standard which breaks the overall Outdoor Playing Space provision into two elements: one third for children's playing space and two thirds for youth/adult playing space. The standard suggests that Outdoor Playing Space requirement be calculated in terms of square metres per dwellings, which East Riding of Yorkshire Council do, ensuring that outdoor playing space is required within the development.
When a developer cannot provide the Outdoor Playing Space within the development itself a commuted sum is generated in lieu of this. The Commuted sum is worked out in line with a set formula. This sum must be spent to benefit residents of the development. The money can be spent on capital costs to improve or provide recreation/sports facilities such as providing a new fixed play area, installation of a sports pavilion, pitch drainage, bmx tracks and many more schemes. The schemes must meet the legal requirements set out in the relevant Section 106 Agreement, the local plan and the commuted sums policy guidance.
When the developer pays the commuted sum, the monies are held in a separate bank account managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
For further information, download the information pack below:
or contact Lea Anne Wright, Commuted Sums Officer on 01482 392511 or email lea.anne.wright@eastriding.gov.uk
How to apply
To apply for commuted sums the following stages must be completed:
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Complete an Expression of Interest Form and return to Commuted Sums Officer.
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If the project is suitable to receive commuted sums, an application form will be sent to the lead organisation.
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Lead organisation to complete application form and return to Commuted Sums Officer with the supporting evidence.
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The Commuted Sums Officer to assess the project.
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If the project eligible for commuted sums, Commuted Sums Officer to seek the relevant East Riding of Yorkshire Council Councillors, Officer's and Directors' approval.
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The Commuted Sums Officer to inform the lead organisation of the outcome.
