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Decision details

Open Space and Play Area Strategy (00.09.38)

Decision Maker: Environment Policy Development Group

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

The Committee had before it a report* from the Head of Housing and Property Services regarding the revised Open Space and Play Area Strategy which had been amended to meet the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

The Open Spaces Manager explained that the Council, through its Planning Department had to produce an Open Spaces and Play Area Strategy as part of its Local Plan; this strategy covered the period up to 2033, consistent with the Local Plan review (2013-2033).

 

The Strategy encompassed all open space and play area provision throughout Mid Devon. It needed to be evidence based and be able to stand up to scrutiny when challenged.

 

Ethos Environmental Planning, a company specialising in this field were awarded the contract to produce the plan in conjunction with Officers from Planning and Environmental Services.

 

As this PDG made recommendations regarding how the council’s play area stock was managed, it was important that members were aware of the revised standards set for the provision of open spaces.

 

The Officer went on to explain that a further project, to identify play areas that could be passed into the care of Parish Councils was also being looked into and that this would be an agenda item at a future meeting of this Group.

 

Discussion took place regarding:

 

·         The cost of commissioning the report;

·         The accuracy of the data within the report;

·         Consultation that had taken place, who with and the number of responses;

·         The need for ongoing updating of the database.

 

In answer to questions asked during public question time the Open Spaces Manager informed the Group that:

 

·         Part two of the report contained area profiles. This included maps and was a large document. It had not been possible to issue this with the agenda, but it would be available shortly on the internet in order that it could be accessed by all. It was advisable to view this on the internet as maps could be enlarged and therefore more clearly seen. Any errors could be identified here and fed back for amendment.

 

·         With regard to the allotments in Willand the Officer did not think that this information had been fed back from the Parish Council.

 

·         The Officer agreed that it was very difficult to define what facilities should be provided for teenagers and discussion took place regarding the difficulties that other Parishes had experienced with teenagers, despite having provided appropriate facilities.

 

·         The Open Spaces Manager confirmed that where this report had identified over provision there would need to be future discussion.

 

·         The Head of Housing and Property Services responded, with regard to the question about selling land in Willand for housing, that the area was being looked at for potential housing but that this was only in the very early stages.  The Council was obliged to make best use of its assets and that was why this was being considered. No decision had been made but at some time in the future an Officer recommendation may be put to Members.  He confirmed that there had been no intention to withhold information from the Parish Council and that a meeting could be arranged. The removal of this play area would not necessarily affect the overall provision for Willand as further provision may be provided with investment in other areas.

 

·         With regard to whether or not the services consult each other, the Officer explained that this strategy had been consulted on by Planning, Grounds Maintenance and Open Spaces.

 

Further discussion took place regarding Parish Councils and the need for them to respond fully to requests for feedback and consultation. All Parish Councils had been consulted regarding this strategy but not all had responded and some had given little feedback in their response.

 

It was RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet adopt the Open Spaces and Play Area Policy, subject to part 2 of the document (area profiles) being made available to Parish Councils and Ward Members for ratification.

 

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs N Woollatt and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

 

Note: Report previously circulated and attached to minutes.

Publication date: 13/01/2015

Date of decision: 13/01/2015

Decided at meeting: 13/01/2015 - Environment Policy Development Group

Accompanying Documents: