Purpose

To release a total of £360,933.14 of Section 106 contributions for Hawkenbury Recreation Ground improvements combining the already approved Hawkenbury path network works (£51,872.14) with additional improvements required to mitigate drainage issues and installation of a new sports pitch (a further release of Section 106 sums totalling £309,061.00)

Decision

RESOLVED – That a total of £360,933.14 of Section 106 contributions for Hawkenbury Recreation Ground improvements combining the already approved Hawkenbury path network works (£51,872.14) with additional improvements required to mitigate drainage issues and installation of a new sports pitch (a further release of Section 106 sums totalling £309,061.00), be approved.

That the allocation of the further £309,061.00 from Section 106 sums collected from planning obligation Knights Way 13/02885 (£150,911.76) and Hawkenbury Farm Deed of Variation 2 18/01082 (£158,149.24), be approved.

That the already approved £51,872.14 is combined with the drainage and pitch improvements works required at Hawkenbury Recreation Ground from the various Section 106 contributions detailed in note 1.9.

Reasons for the decision

The recommended option is to progress with the project as the Section 106 funding is held by the Council and is considered sufficient enough to deliver the required works to an acceptable standard. The Section 106 sums definitions align with the project.

Alternative options considered

1.      Do nothing and reject the project, this creates a risk of having to return the Section 106 sums plus accrued interest to the developer.

2.      Proceed with the project combining the path network, pitch and drainage improvement works, delivering the enhancements required at Hawkenbury Recreational Ground using the Section 106 sums already collected and held by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.