On dealing with a large residential scheme, a financial contribution has bee requested for indoor sport provision. We have evidence base (as part of our emerging plan) which indicates an existing need. The development will generate additional burden on stretched facilities so arguably a contribution is necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; it's related to the development as it will generate the demand; and the Sports Facility Calculator used ensures it is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind. No problems then.....however, the LPA has not published (and still some way off from publishing) their strategy which will determine whether or not the Council wishes to have such facilties - despite need (budgets being tightened etc). No site has been identified and no timescales are known. Question - Whilst it could be argued that a contribution meets the 3 tests, deliverability is questionnable. Would this lack of certainty over deliverability make such a request unlawful. I'm conscious that it currently appears as an authority wide tariff scheme with insufficient proposals for mitigation and mechanisms for implementation.
