Community Buildings

11.5 Community buildings play an important role in meeting local needs and although the activities they are used for may change over time it is essential they are kept and, where possible, improved. The requirements of those who use existing community buildings will also change over time. To meet these requirements it may be necessary to extend or modify existing premises. Subject to the protection of adjoining occupiers and the neighbourhood in general, the Borough Council will support extensions to existing premises.

11.6 Where a local need has been identified the Borough Council will require developers of residential schemes to enhance existing community buildings, provide new facilities or provide land and a financial contribution towards the cost of these developments. In specific developments the Borough Council will identify sites for new community facilities. The requirement to provide community buildings, land and/or a financial contribution will be detailed in planning obligations. In some instances it will take some time to provide community buildings and the Borough Council will ensure that sites allocated for community uses are not developed for other purposes.