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Question from: County Councillor Jake Berriman Subject: Guardianship of Public Open Space
Question:
The Local Development plan 2011-2026, adopted in 2018, sets out very clearly at DM1 that planning obligations will be sought only where necessary to ensure adequate provision for essential facilities such as public open space for play to serve planning proposals and that satisfactory maintenance arrangements will be put in place to safeguard them to an appropriate safe standard for ongoing use by the Community. Powys’ predecessor Development Plan had similar policies. Policy DM3 clarifies that open space (or off site contributions) will be sought in respect of all new housing developments, the type and nature of which being determined by deficiencies identified in an Open Spaces Assessment.
With this in mind, could I be advised in respect of Llandrindod North Ward: 1. How many areas of public open space, equipped or otherwise, were transferred across to Powys County Council from the preceding Radnorshire District Council? 2. How many have subsequently been secured through the above policy provisions with satisfactory maintenance arrangements put in place? 3. How much has been secured in off site contributions through Section 106 Contributions, and how much remains available to be spent? 4. How many have been lost, either in whole or in part, so that the equipment or site itself are no longer available for use by the public as originally envisaged? 5. Please identify the reasons for the removal of equipment and or loss of public open space, given the requirement to secure long term maintenance for the original “essential” purpose, and what public discussion you think would be appropriate when such negative impacts arise or are considered? and 6. What are the currently identified Open Spaces Assessment deficiencies, given these losses?
Minutes: Response by the Portfolio Holder:
For ease of reference the original questions are repeated.
1. How many areas of public open space, equipped or otherwise, were transferred across to Powys County Council from the preceding Radnorshire District Council?
Four areas of outdoor recreation land in the Llandrindod North ward were transferred to Powys County Council from the predecessor authority. Two remain in use and managed as equipped play areas, one under Housing Services and another under the Education Service. The other two areas are public open space, although no formal play equipment is installed.
2. How many have subsequently been secured through the above policy provisions with satisfactory maintenance arrangements put in place?
Open space was secured as part of planning consent 19/0021/FUL (condition28) which was discharged via 19/1292/DIS. (342 sqm LAP to be provided).
3. How much has been secured in off site contributions through Section 106 Contributions, and how much remains available to be spent?
A section 106 commitment of £30,000 has been secured for play provision, in relation to a development at Crabtree Green, but it is not yet payable by the developer.
This site is subject to the following planning application:
4. How many have been lost, either in whole or in part, so that the equipment or site itself are no longer available for use by the public as originally envisaged? Please identify the reasons for the removal of equipment and or loss of public open space, given the requirement to secure long term maintenance for the original “essential” purpose, and what public discussion you think would be appropriate when such negative impacts arise or are considered? Play equipment may be removed when it reaches the end of its life and becomes unsafe for use; the health and safety of children using the play area is paramount. It is not always possible to replace the equipment straight away due to the high cost. On sites managed by the Countryside Access and Recreation team, whether as a direct Service responsibility or on behalf of Housing Services, the Town or Community Council is routinely informed when equipment is removed. This has led to positive outcomes on a number of sites, where the Town or Community Council has been able to secure match funding that can ... view the full minutes text for item 1. |