ALMOST £10 million worth of contributions have been made towards community infrastructure and affordable housing over the past year by developers, the Vale council has announced.

Financial commitments of £9.8m were made in the form of Section 106 contributions from developers in 2016/17.

In the 12 months between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 a total of 23 planning permissions have been granted which have been subject to Section 106 agreements.

During the same period, £1.4m was spent on Section 106 schemes across the Vale.

These included the Port Road Footway/Cycle Scheme in Barry and nursery provision at Gwenfo Primary School

Once received, the council says this money will be spent on public transport, walking and cycling, educational facilities, open spaces, children's play areas and improvements to community facilities near development sites.

The council also says it has secured "in kind" obligations, which developers will be required to deliver on-site, such as the implementation of public open space, affordable housing and public art.

A total of 217 new build affordable housing units were built by developers as a result of Section 106 agreements and were made available to local residents.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Monday (September 4), Cllr Jonathan Bird, member for regeneration and planning, said: "We are one of the highest collectors of Section 106 money in Wales. It is a really big thing and hopefully will make a difference."

He also said he hoped it would ease the stress and problems of new buildings in the Vale of Glamorgan

He later added: "Section 106 agreements are agreed in order to address the impact of housing developments and in many cases to help improve the schemes themselves.

"In recent years the Vale has developed a very effective approach to maximising the contributions required from developers and pooling this money to fund schemes that make a big difference.

"Only last month it was announced that a new village hall will be built in Ogmore by Sea thanks to £287,000 of Section 106 funding.

"This is an approach that works and one that we will continue to use to improve and develop facilities across the county."

At the close of the last financial year, the council had £10.9m within its S106 account.

The authority says it is committed to ensuring that local communities are involved in deciding how Section 106 contributions are used, especially where contributions are received for public open spaces and community facilities.

Public consultations on Section 106 spending have recently been held in Wenvoe, Penarth, Fferm Goch and Ystradowen and one will begin soon in Rhoose to determine how best to spend a contributions of £86,876 which is available now and a further £343,009 which is due in 2019. These contributions can be used for the provision or enhancement of facilities or services within the village, which meet local community needs and are available to the public.