Decision details

The report is a key decision due to the amount of expenditure and the effect on Moortown and city generally.

The Executive Board is requested to authorise the injection with authority to spend of £300k to be fully funded from section 106 monies to support the development a new community park in Moortown.

Note the future commitment of a further £200k investment to support in the ongoing maintenance of the site and the potential for this to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which highlighted the value of community greenspaces in Leeds and how funding from development had been used to support facilitating the improvement of existing greenspaces. In addition, the report detailed proposals for the establishment of a new park in Moortown, with associated approvals being sought regarding injection of funding and ‘authority to spend’, and which also highlighted the potential to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme.

Members welcomed the proposals, emphasised the importance of continuing to engage with local Ward Members during the development of the project, and also welcomed the proposal to establish an associated ‘friends of’ group.

Furthermore, in highlighting the benefits of looking to increase community greenspace provision, Members encouraged replicating this scheme in other areas across the city, where possible and appropriate.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the injection together with ‘authority to spend’ of £300k, to be fully funded from section 106 monies in order to support the development a new park in Moortown, be authorised;

(b)  That the future commitment of a further £200k investment to support the ongoing maintenance of the site be noted, with the potential for this to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme also being noted.

The rationale and support for the principle of developing a park in this location has been the subject of extensive consultation and dialogue through the planning process. This included a public consultation event prior to the submission of the outline planning application, in addition to the consultation and feedback received as part of the application process.

Elected Members, Friends of Moortown Park, and other stakeholders.