Calls for unspent money to benefit the Balderstone and Kirkholt communities

Councillor Dale Mulgrew

At the Rochdale Township meeting, Balderstone and Kirkholt cllr Dale Mulgrew enquired about the contribution that Tay Homes made to the Council, under Section 106 planning legislation, relating to the redevelopment of the former Balderstone Mill site that was converted into the Canberra Way apartment complex.

Following the meeting Cllr Mulgrew was informed that a total of £51,920 was received from the developers of the Balderstone Mill site, £26,400 in 2005/6 and £25,520 in 2006/7 as per the terms of that agreement. No payment to the Council from this development is outstanding.

This money has not been spent and is ring fenced in accordance with the terms of that legal agreement to be spent on improvements within Balderstone Park.

Cllr Dale Mulgrew said: "Following the discussion at the Rochdale Township meeting, I was intrigued to find out where the Balderstone Mill money had gone to. I have been aware of this, but given the policy around S106 had not been established, it has been difficult to find the paper trail leading to this pot of money.

"Although I have now been reassured by the Council that any monies which have been received for some time, will now be spent within the current financial year. This is pleasing to hear because the money should be spent sooner rather than later.

"I will now be making contact with the Friends of Balderstone Park group immediately to notify them, so that they can develop some appropriate schemes got the money to be used for the benefit of the community."

Rochdale Council has recently reviewed and developed its processes for the receipt and utilisation of money that it receives from new developments under Section 106 planning legislation.

A report outlining this new approach was presented to the various Township meetings last week. Where applicable, before any new housing development is either commenced or first occupied, no matter how small or large, there is a financial obligation on the developer to make a financial contribution which is proportionate to that scale of development. This contribution will be secured by the Council for the provision and/or maintenance of recreational open space across the Borough. The money will be spent in a manner whereby they are of direct benefit to the occupiers of that development, as well as the wider community within which that development is to be located.

In other cases, including non residential developments, contributions may also be secured towards the upgrading of the local highway network in proximity to the development site, enhanced public realm or landscaping or the creation of new public footpaths or other community facilities in accordance with planning policies.