STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET PARISH COUNCIL
ADOPTION OF DEVELOPER-PROVIDED PLAY EQUIPMENT POLICY
Adopted by Full Council on 30th July 2025
Parish Council Policy on Adoption of Developer-Provided Play Equipment
1 PURPOSE
This policy sets out the minimum standards that Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council (SMPC) requires before it will consider adopting responsibility for play equipment and associated public open spaces provided by housing developers. It ensures play areas are safe, accessible, and sustainable for long-term community use.
The developer MUST comply with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
2 SCOPE
This policy applies to all developers who intend to install play equipment on public open space in new residential developments within the Parish, where SMPC is expected to assume maintenance responsibility.
3 EARLY ENGAGEMENT
Developers must consult the Parish Council at the planning design stage to discuss proposed play area locations, equipment types, materials and layout.
4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
- Play areas must be designed to promote inclusive, safe and stimulating play for children of all abilities.
- The Parish Council will only adopt play areas that meet the standards outlined in this policy and have passed all required inspections.
- Developers are encouraged to consult with local residents, schools and children during the design phase to ensure the pay area meets community needs.
5 DESIGN AND LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS
- A minimum of 20% of equipment must be inclusive and accessible, with consideration for children with disabilities (in line with the Equality Act 2010)
- The site must be appropriately located, away from hazards (e.g. roads, water bodies) and be easily accessible by footpaths.
- Adequate fencing, gates and signage must be provided to ensure safety and inform users of rules and contact details.
- Adequate drainage must be installed to avoid waterlogging and surface degradation.
- All equipment must conform to relevant British and European safety standards, including BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177.
- Equipment must cater to a range of age groups (typically toddler and junior)
- Layouts should encourage visibility, natural surveillance and safe access routes.
- Access paths to and within the play area must be DDA-compliant, with level or ramped access where required.
- Seating and bins must be provided and the number and location of each must be agreed with the Parish Council
6 EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
- All equipment must be new, robust and constructed from durable, low-maintenance materials.
- Safety surfacing preferably wet pour or resin mulch, must be installed under and around all equipment, compliant with or exceeding BS EN 1177.
- Equipment must be installed by a qualified contractor and certified by an independent RoSPA-approved inspector no more than 3 months prior to the handover taking place.
- Minimum 10-year warranty on all structural equipment components
7 DOCUMENTATION TO BE PROVDED TO THE SMPC AND HANDOVER
- Independent post-installation inspection reports (e.g. RoSPA or equivalent)
- Any issues raised must be rectified before transfer is accepted.
- Full maintenance and inspection manuals for all equipment including warranties.
- As-built layout plans and specifications, showing all play equipment, surfacing, access routes, and boundaries must be submitted.
- Evidence of compliance with all relevant British and European standards
- A minimum 24-month defects liability period from the date of handover.
- A commuted sum to cover maintenance for a minimum of 15 years (amount to be set by the planning authority)
8 LEGAL TRANSFER
Legal transfer of land, including all rights of access and usage, must be completed before SMPC accepts responsibility.
9 REFUSAL OF ADOPTION
SMPC reserves the right to refuse adoption if the above terms are not met