CASH promised by developers when planning permission is granted for major schemes is on the up again - a sure sign that the housing market is also improving in Bradford.

Designed to help alleviate the impact of big builds on the surrounding area, financial obligations are regularly spent on education, recreation, affordable housing and highways schemes.

But often the effects of the promised cash are not felt by local residents immediately - the result of a number of factors.

Since the beginning of 2009 Bradford Council has collected a total of £8 million in planning obligations. Of this sum, approximately £5 million has been spent. Projects range from expanding primary schools to cope with an expected influx of children due to a major housing development to installing traffic signals outside a new supermarket.

It really can make a difference to the impact of a development on a community, as Val Slater, the Bradford councillor responsible for planning, explains.

"Section 106 or planning obligations are a vital part of the planning process because it is how developers contribute to the demands that the development makes on the wider aspects of local life. It's very important that we maximise this.

"As soon as the money does come in from the developer - and it is usually not straight away as there are certain trigger points - we have to try and use it in the most effective way we can. It is not always immediately that we can spend it, as sometimes we put different pots together, particularly around affordable housing. This is because it is better to accrue a larger sum first, which can result in better value for money.

"We actually have a bid in for Government funding for a substantial number of affordable homes at the moment, which we should hear the result of this month. If successful, we would use a big part of that planning obligation money to match the funds we receive from the Government.

"Sometimes there can also be a delay when to comes to parks and recreation schemes, because we need to engage local councillors and community groups, for example."

Trigger points are key, which are normally prior to the start of a development. Or for larger scale developments, another pre-agreed stage in the construction work can trigger the cash to be handed over.

Examples where section 106 contributions have successfully been used to improve local infrastructure, include recently-completed education projects such as the expansion of Hoyle Court, Margaret McMillan and Thornton primary schools.

With affordable housing obligations, Bradford Council prefers the developer to include affordable homes within the development itself. If this is not possible, then money in lieu is requested. Examples where a "commuted sum" has been used to help buy affordable homes include 16 properties at Old Road, Thornton; 37 flats at Canary Drive, Gilstead; and 12 flats at All Saints School site in Ilkley.

Where work is needed to roads surrounding a development, a separate agreement is usually made with the developer to do the necessary work itself. In some cases the cash is agreed, allowing the Council to do the work instead. Examples include a new puffin crossing on Legrams Lane following the Kings Science Academy development, new traffic signals on Cemetery Road following the new Asda supermarket development and the upgrade of existing crossings on Manchester Road following the Rainbow Free School development on Nelson Street.

Money promised for recreation is used to provide new facilities or enhance existing parks and open spaces within the direct vicinity of the development. Recent examples include upgrading the play area within Wibsey Park, the refurbishment of the toddler and junior play area within Brackendale Park and improvements to Victoria Park in Clayton, including the demolition of the former changing rooms.

One scheme in Cllr Slater's own ward, for Farfield Recreation Ground in Buttershaw, has had section 106 money allocated to it for 18 months. But match funding needed to be confirmed through WREN, so the plans for play and fitness equipment and new paths have only recently reached a final stage and work is now set to begin shortly.

"It's about getting added value on top of the money that we can put in through planning obligations," she added.