A £28, 247 contribution for Jackey Bakers playing field in Ramsgate has been paid this week by Barratt homes.
The sum was agreed as part of the developer contributions to be made for a three-phase 500 homes development off New Haine Road in Ramsgate.
Permission for phase one was granted by Thanet council in April 2022 along with the go-ahead for an outline application for a further for 322 homes.
The first phase for 178 one to four-bed properties with 53 ‘affordable’ homes – Spitfire Green – was launched in July last year.
Thanet council says there are two 106 allocations for improvements at Jackey Bakers, which cover the playing fields, play area and pitches but not the pavilion.
A council spokesperson said: “ In the last three years, Thanet District Council has secured two Section 106 contributions from planning permissions to be spent on improvements at Jackey Bakers.
“These were agreed as part of the planning process for developments at the north side of Stirling Way and on land at New Haine Road. These allocations total £53,622 and apply to the playing fields, pitches and play area, but not the pavilion.
“The terms of the planning permission state that payment would be made prior to the first occupants moving in on each development.”
Barratt David Wilson homes has confirmed that 12 homes on the Spitfire Green site are now occupied
A spokesperson confirmed the Section 106 payment relating to the Jackey Baker playing field and sports pitches was agreed before the launch of Spitfire Green and has been paid this week.
Over the course of building at Spitfire Green, the developer has committed to other S106 provisions such as youth facilities, schools and libraries and community learning, which will bring the total contribution to £3.6 million.
Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, said: “We often contribute millions of pounds into the local areas that we are building in across Kent through Section 106 payments, helping to support local communities and the delivery of important infrastructure and facilities.
“Our recent contribution to Jackey Baker playing field and sports pitches is just one example of this and forms part of our total £3.6 million Sector 106 agreement. As we start welcoming our first residents at Spitfire Green, further Section 106 commitments will include: £1.44m to schools and libraries, £256,000 towards NHS services, £62,000 towards youth services, £1.6m to community management, and finally, £4,800 to community learning.
“At Barratt Kent, we are also going one step further to create strong local communities that people want to live in. We are proud to have recently launched our newest Discount Market Sale (DMS) scheme, which offers a selection of two-bedroom apartments from £188,000. The scheme is offering a 20% discount on the value of the homes and is available to first time buyers who live, work, or have a personal connection to the district of Thanet.
“When we build we invest in communities to ensure they flourish in the long term.”
A sum of £25,373 must also be paid for new or replacement play equipment at Jackey Bakers Rec by Kentish Projects which is developing 23 houses,15 flats and parking on land off Stirling Way, in the perimeter of the Eurokent Business Park and bounded by Royal Harbour Academy and Laleham Gap Schools.
A 1,500 signature strong petition was presented to councillors at a meeting earlier this month with campaigners asking for Jackey Bakers to overhauled with improvements including extra bins, benches along the main path and outer edges of the football pitches, a changing facility complete with running hot water for showers and toilets, improved pitches for footballers and other sports, a larger play area, skate park and a car park.
June Tyrrell, who launched the petition with fellow resident Chris Collins, also told councillors a sports pavilion with a café on site would be widely welcomed.
Since launching the petition there have been improvements with the grass being maintained and new goalposts being provided.
A community action group has also been formed.
Thanet council has been asked when the money will be used and what it will pay for.
