We may seek works or a financial contribution from developers to improve public rights of way either on, or in the area surrounding new developments. This is to mitigate the additional use new residents will generate. Where the public right of way or relevant part is over land within the control of the developer, the developer will be required to complete the works under a Section 278 (s278) agreement . We may request a financial contribution and carry out the appropriate works for improvements to public rights of way outside of the developer’s control. These improvements may be secured by a Section 106 (s106) agreement or by a suitably worded planning condition.
The contribution would normally be used for improvements to public rights of way within 1.5 miles of the development. This is the radius used by a typical dog walker taking a 3 mile walk from the development. Dog walkers use public rights of way surrounding a residential development the most.
The contribution amount requested is usually calculated by means of a formula. This takes into account:
- the estimated length of public rights of way within a 1.5 mile radius of the development
- the estimated cost of improvements to the network
- the cost per resident of these improvements based on residency figures for local wards
- the estimated number of future residents based on the type and number of houses