New building developments are creating a happier healthier space for all residents due to the Community Infrastructure Levy, previously known as Section 106 funding.
In a nutshell, these legally binding deals, also called planning obligations, are agreements between local planning authorities and developers. They allow planners to negotiate extra benefits and contributions to a local community from developers as part of the overall planning permission process.
And these agreements, originally named after Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, mean the impact of a planned development on a community can be offset with a number of local improvements.
31st March 2025
Sometimes the developer will provide these facilities themselves; on other occasions they may make a financial contribution instead. What’s more, these arrangements cover a wide range of facilities, from transport improvements to affordable housing, education and healthcare. In terms of those aimed at improving local activity levels, examples of Community Infrastructure amenities also include cycle paths, parks and outdoor gyms. So, for local authorities and communities, it’s always worth remembering that these deals can provide an invaluable source of funding for open-air workout options.
How we at Fresh Air Fitness can help
Fresh Air Fitness is a leading, award-winning UK provider of outdoor gym equipment designed to give a full-body workout for users of all abilities and fitness levels, in a wide range of settings.
Case study: Weston Turville Parish Council
We routinely advise clients on funding options for their outdoor workout facilities, including under Community Infrastructure Levy funding. For example, we helped Weston Turville Parish Council in Buckinghamshire by fitting their outdoor gym at their existing village hall, next to a multi-use games area (MUGA).
Our award-winning Big Rig is the focal point of the facility, which has 27 workout stations including three that are accessible to wheelchair users. Other items include an elliptical cross-trainer, double rower and cardio combi piece. The whole gym comes with a 25-year warranty. And we completed the amenity with a safe, durable wet-pour base plus an agility ladder and lunge circle.
The client has told us that, post-installation, the popular, free-to-use facility, just one of thousands we’ve installed UK-wide, continues to delight local people.
What’s more, we know from our own research, which we carried out late last year, that women specifically are disproportionately more likely to use exercise amenities close to where they live, and close to other park facilities. So local amenities like the one we built at Weston Turville, are always likely to be a hit.
We have worked with many developers, contractors, councils and ‘friends of’ groups to supply and install outdoor gym equipment using section 106 funding. We can cater for all project sizes and budgets. Get in touch today to learn more.
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