6.0   MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE

6.1  Where open space is provided as part of a development, the Borough Council will expect the developer or other specified persons with an interest in the land, to maintain the open space in perpetuity. This will require the developer to enter into a private management agreement to ensure that the land is maintained.

6.2 Alternatively, the Borough Council may be willing to take over the responsibility for maintenance, provided that the Borough Council is paid a sum of money which is equivalent to ten years maintenance cost for the land and facilities provided on the site. Developers will be expected to enter into a planning obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

6.3 The cost of maintenance will be based upon the appropriate rates for work which are included in the Borough Council's grounds maintenance contract applying in the local area at the time. Details will be provided for applicants before any agreement is signed. The Borough Council will only be willing to take over the ownership or responsibility for the maintenance of an area of open space if it meets the specification for the site when it is handed over to the Borough Council.