A planning agreement with Bovis, the developer of the Upper Horfield estate, is to earn people in Bristol a range of benefits including new play equipment and park improvements such as five-a-side football, library books and CDs.

As part of the planning application for the 800 dwelling, mixed-tenure estate, Bristol City Council required the developer to provide over £300,000 in finance for community facilities.

A set of proposals have been agreed to deliver a significant package of community benefits. Ideas were submitted by the Bristol Community Housing Foundation – the organisation that manages social housing in the area. It was developed as a result of discussion with the local community, Horfield and Lockleaze ward members and service providers.

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Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Executive Member for Access and Environment said: "The hugely successful development in Upper Horfield was identified as a scheme that would need extra community facilities, and this is an excellent example of how the local community can help inform choices about neighbourhood priorities. We have strengthened the guidance on developer contributions to encourage community partnerships to help make this happen."

Oona Goldsworthy, Chief Executive of Bristol Community Housing Foundation, said: "The regeneration project is due to finish early next year and these new community facilities will come along just in time. When we asked local people what they wanted in the area things for young people to do such as the five a side were a priority. Its great that we can now get on and do this."

(CD/NS)