Agenda item

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presents an application for the installation of a hard surfaced Pump Track for use by BMX's and other bicycles Rein Park, The Rein and Kentmere Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer requested Members consideration on an application for the installation of a hard surfaced Pump Track for use by BMX’s and other bicycles at Rein Park, The Rein and Kentmere Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14.

The Panel was shown slides and photographs throughout the presentation.

Members were informed of the following points:

• A pump track requires people to create momentum by going up and down mounds;
• This application had been brought to Panel due to the sensitivity of the proposal;
• The pump track would be located at the southern end of Rein Park, to the rear of properties located on The Rein and Kentmere Approach;
• Access to the park was via ‘A’ frames. It was noted that Parks and Countryside are currently reviewing access at parks, looking at access for all but also looking at safety. Members were advised that in future the ‘A’ may be made wider to allow access for all;
• The start of the pump track would be located close to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in the park. Members were advised of the location of a CCTV camera which is linked to Leeds Watch and would provide coverage of the proposed track and existing park area;
• The track would be made of crushed limestone with tarmac to the corners, the jumps and bumps would be in the downward part of the track. The bumps would be made of earth and would of the standard recommended to Olympic BMX cycle tracks.
• The track would be located at a minimum of 20 metres from the nearest property on The Rein. No external lighting would be provided, which would mean that the use of the track would mainly be in daylight hours;
• As part of the proposal, additional tree planting would be located to the east and western boundaries, with full details of this planting required by condition;
• It was acknowledged that a number of representations had been received in relation to the proposed pump track, with the main concerns being that the track would cause more anti-social behaviour and be used by motorcycles and quads. It was noted that the style of the track would require low speed and control to be able to manoeuvre the jumps. Those using motorcycles and quads would require more open space to gain speed;
• The highest aspect of the track would 2 metres and would be located on the corner sections;
• The Panel were shown photographs of the pump track at Fearnville.

Miss Edwards a resident of The Rein was in attendance at the meeting and presented her concerns as follows:

·  The pump track is too big for the park;

·  Too close to houses;

·  Quads and motorcycles could use this track and do use the park currently;

·  Will attract more anti-social behaviour. Youths gather on the park and there have been fights, some with knives, and bikes have been stolen;

·  There is already a pump track located at Fearnville which is only half a mile away;

·  The pump track is too niche and male orientated, the park should be for everyone.

Mr Woodcock, the applicants’ agent attended the meeting and provided the following information:

• The pump track had been developed in consultation with the LS14 Trust, looking at potential improvements to Rein Park. The consultation began in July 2019, since then there had been an interactive conversation with over 300 people of all ages from the local community. There had been an open session at Kentmere Community Centre, sessions in the Park, sessions at Bishop Young Academy, the Youth Café at the LS14 Trust, a questionnaire had also been sent to local residents;
• During the conversation, it was noted that the community wanted Rein Park to be improved to include; sport and health, youth provision, a play area, bike track/skate park, improved infrastructure, a food offering and a focus on nature;
• Members were advised that there is currently an application in for the proposed new play area which includes new toddler facilities, junior play and trim trail equipment;
• Within the park there is already a MUGA , sports pitch, performance area, as well as a picnic area and footpaths for dog walking and exercising;
• Consultation on the location of the pump track had been undertaken with local Councillors, residents and the LS14 Trust;
• It was noted that the location was 20 metres from the boundary line not from the houses, with trees planted to screen the track from the houses;
• In addressing concerns about anti-social behaviour Mr Woodcock said that it was well documented that pump tracks provided something for young people to do to relieve boredom and stopped them carrying out their frustration damaging equipment in parks;
• The CCTV camera captures a good proportion of the pump track area including the upper area near the MUGA.

Member’s discussions included:

• Funding for the new pump track;
• Discussions and comments from local Ward Members;
• Feedback from all consultation that had been undertaken and that all comments had been taken into consideration;
• Access to the park in relation to emergency services;
• It was noted that the track did not cross any footpaths;
• It was also noted that West Yorkshire Police had been supportive of the scheme, as it would deter anti-social behaviour. There was also surveillance from the CCTV which had been installed for some time;
• Future projects to assist children and young people to take ownership and pride in the pump track.

Members recognised the concerns raised in relation to anti-social behaviour, but were of the view that the pump track would alleviate boredom, and welcomed this proposal.

RESOLVED – To grant permission subject to the conditions specified in the submitted report