The section 106 agreements from the two approved planning applications in Welland will soon yield £368,000 of contributions to the purchase, provision or improvement of public open space and recreational amenity.

The parish council has identified new football pitches as a priority for funding, but at the same time there may be many other opportunities for enhancing the environment and amenities of the village.

In particular, the traditional orchard at the centre of the village is now on the market and under the threat of development.

The parish council, responding to strong public pressure, wishes to preserve the orchard as an amenity space for future generations, and buying it is an option.

There is also a demand expressed through the neighbourhood plan process for investment in footpaths and access to open spaces, for facilities for cycling and horse riding, for other sports facilities and many other proposals.

In this time of gifts how is the parish council to decide the priorities and how can it ensure that the section106 money is spent in Welland for the benefit of the whole community?

Mick Davies

Welland