Decision details

A decision on plans to develop a new green space at a cost of £517k on the site of the former Royal Park School.

Further to Minute No. 31, 13^th July 2013, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing an update on plans to develop a new greenspace on the site of the former Royal Park School which aimed to both integrate with the adjoining pre-existing green space and also provide an enhanced holistic area for community use.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the principle of developing the site detailed within the submitted report as a community green space which is to be integrated and developed into the existing parkland, be supported;

(b)  That the design principle and features, as set out in the submitted report, as the foundation for developing the site and planning determination, be endorsed;

(c)  That the injection of £516.6k from S106 into capital scheme 33028/000/000 which would be towards the development of the former Royal Park school site as a community park and the creation of an integrated, holistic community green space, be authorised; with it being noted that the allocation of S106 in line with available funds within relevant schemes is already delegated to the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside;

(d)  That authority to spend £516.6k from capital scheme 33028/000/000 to implement elements which are included in the masterplan, be approved, subject to the outcome of the planning submission for the scheme;

(e)  That the principle of developing the site in a phased approach, based on the masterplan design proposal outlined in the submitted report, be supported; and that proposals to pursue funding applications to add value to the capital investment, as set out in the submitted report, be endorsed;

(f)  That subject to ongoing consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles and the Deputy Executive Member, responsibility for implementing the scheme be deferred and delegated to the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside, in line with the project’s programme, as set out at paragraph 3.14 of the submitted report.

The Executive Member has been consulted.  Following the decision to close the former school, options regarding future use have been subject to consultation with a view to determining a sustainable future for the site. The masterplan presented for consideration has been subject to extensive discussion led by ward members incorporating resident feedback along with stakeholder and interest group discussion.

Detailed plans will be subject to planning, and consultation as part of this process. Furthermore, the Parks and Countryside service is committed to supporting and extending opportunities for community engagement in green space delivery and will commit officer resources to establishing a friends group that will provide ongoing feedback and a platform for ongoing dialogue.