Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)        note that Management Companies are a lawful and legitimate model for the ongoing management and maintenance of Public Open Space which can continue to be promoted by developers;

b)       endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to produce guidance on Public Open Space Management Company Best Practice to cover instances where a Management Company is promoted by the developer;

c)        endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to continue to promote the Council managing and maintaining Public Open Space on Strategic Urban Extension (SUE) sites in the first instance; and

d)       endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to continue to promote for all non-SUE residential housing developments the principle of public ownership of Public Open Space, either via the District Council alongside an appropriate commuted payment to cover 20 years maintenance or via the host Town or Parish Council whey they have the appetite, capacity and capability to do so. Should the developer insist on a Management Company, it shall accord with the guidance detailed at b) above.

The Director – Planning & Growth presented to the Cabinet a report providing background information into some of the challenges with regard to the different models for securing the appropriate long-term management and maintenance of Public Open Space within new residential developments and to provide recommendations for future stated preferences.  Details of the Council’ current approach were reported, noting that the establishment of a ManCo was lawful and within a developer’s gift, noting there was no national regulation.  The proposal within the report was that the Council’s current position be extended to welcome taking on open space on all major residential developments in addition to the Strategic Urban Expansion sites, subject to securing an appropriate 20-year maintenance contribution.

AGREED      (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)            note that Management Companies are a lawful and legitimate model for the ongoing management and maintenance of Public Open Space which can continue to be promoted by developers;

b)            endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to produce guidance on Public Open Space Management Company Best Practice to cover instances where a Management Company is promoted by the developer;

c)            endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to continue to promote the Council managing and maintaining Public Open Space on Strategic Urban Extension (SUE) sites in the first instance; and

d)            endorse the recommendation of the Planning Policy Board to continue to promote for all non-SUE residential housing developments the principle of public ownership of Public Open Space, either via the District Council alongside an appropriate commuted payment to cover 20 years maintenance or via the host Town or Parish Council whey they have the appetite, capacity and capability to do so. Should the developer insist on a Management Company, it shall accord with the guidance detailed at b) above.