Before the Community Infrastructure Levy was introduced, the Outdoor Playing Space Scheme existed, which provided funds for local outdoor recreational facilities as planning permission for new housing was issued. Although collection to this fund has now ceased, there are still funds available for play and sport projects.
The Outdoor Playing Space Scheme determined the amount of playing space required by each planning application for new homes. Where space for children's play and sports grounds could not be fully provided for on the housing site, and there was a lack of that type of space locally, the applicant could provide something on land nearby, or make a financial contribution for improvements to local facilities.
These contributions from a number of small housing sites were grouped together to provide funding for new or enhanced facilities, benefiting the new residents of the parish.