Guidelines for Section 106 Community Facilities and Open Space Sport and Recreation Funding

These guidelines are intended to provide information to Parish and Neighbourhood Councils and Community groups regarding the procedure to be followed when applying from funding from Section 106 (S106) agreements.

Available Section 106 funding will be different in each Parish or Neighbourhood so you will need to check available funds before applying.

All applicants must read these guidelines before completing an application. All applicants must contact the Community Development Officer (Grants and Funding) on 01403 215358 or email for an initial discussion to ensure that the project meets S106 and CIL requirements.

For further information on what funding is available in each Parish or Neighbourhood applicants should contact the Planning Obligation Officer –

Aims of S106 funding for Community Facilities and Open Space Sport and Recreation

Financial contributions secured through Section 106 agreements are payable to Horsham District Council as the Local Planning Authority (or to third parties at the direction of the Local Planning Authority) and it is for the Council to ensure that their expenditure is in accordance with the purpose specified within the agreement and otherwise satisfy legal requirements.

Assessment Criteria / Guidelines

S106 funding may provide capital funds towards general community and leisure facilities (e.g. to be used for the provision, extension, adaptation or enhancement of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, leisure and recreation facilities, community centres, community and halls and other community facilities).

Funding is not a

Your project will also need to comply with the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) regulations e.g. be directly related to the development, be required to mitigate the impact of the development, be reasonable in scale and in kind etc.; and any other legal criteria as set out in each S106 obligation. Again either the Development Officer or Planning Obligation Officer can advise you on this.

An application for funding will be considered by the Council-appointed Planning Obligation Panel comprising the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Community Partnerships and House, and Leisure and Cultural Services and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the two Development Control Committees and formally determined by the Head of Development.

Local Parish and Neighbourhood Councils and Local Horsham District Council Members from the area where the funding will be used will be consulted as part of the application process.

Eligibility

·  Retrospective Funding is not allowed. S106 funding cannot pay for work already completed.

·  The organisation must be based in the Horsham district or provide activities that benefit district residents.

·  The applying organisation must be a local Parish or Neighbourhood Council or a local voluntary, community or not-for-profit organisation that is properly constituted with its own bank account.

·  Projects must not unfairly exclude individuals from participation.

·  Annual subscriptions, joining fees and session charges should be affordable to all.

·  Horsham District Council will not support projects that promote specific political or religious views.

·  Organisations must have a safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults, equal opportunities, insurance and health and safety policies in place, where appropriate.

·  Applications for building works must be made by owners of the land or building or formal permission must be provided.

·  Applicants must establish if planning permission is required before applying for S106 funds.

Value for Money

·  Project costs will be appraised to establish that the cost are realistic. Applicants are also requested to submit 3 quotes for work (if there any issues with this please contact the Development Officer).

Financial Viability

·  Horsham District Council will assess project costs to establish they are realistic and value for money. Applicants therefore must submit at least two quotations where appropriate.

·  Applicants should show a cash contribution from their own funds/fundraising. This should be around 10-20%

Application Process

·  Contact the Community Development Officer (Grants & Funding) to discuss your project informally. This will include an initial assessment of whether the application meets the relevant criteria and whether other sources of funding have been sought.

·  If you meet the criteria, complete the electronic application form along with all relevant supporting information, a link will be sent by the Development Manager if there is available S106 funding..

·  The deadline for applications is four weeks before the next panel meeting. Panel meetings are usually held in Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct and Dec. The Development Officer will confirm the deadline with you.

·  You may attend the Planning Obligation Panel meeting if you wish to but you are not obliged to do so.

·  If funding is awarded you will be informed usually within 7 days.

Awards/Payments

·  Awards cannot be increased if project costs increase.

·  Payment will be made once work is completed (or stage of work is completed).

·  Payment will be made on the submission of an invoice from the applicant and a copy of any contractors invoice.

·  Applicants should be aware that it is anticipated that projects should aim to be completed and the funds drawn down within one year of allocation.

Monitoring

·  Successful applications are requested to provide a brief update at the end of their project.

For clarification on any of these guidelines, please contact the Community Development Officer (Grants and Funding) on 01403 215358.

November 2017