Agenda item

An update on funds from Section 106 Agreements allocated to Westcotes Ward will be given at the meeting.

The Chair introduced this item, explaining that funding provided under Section 106 had to be for something that related to the development under which it was obtained. 

Details of contributions made for the Westcotes Ward between 1 May 2007 and 20 March 2012 were tabled at the meeting and are attached at the end of these minutes for information.  It was noted that when the contributions were received depended on when the development was completed.

It also was noted that, when contributions were received for Parks and Green Spaces, it was not designated for a specific park or green space, in order to keep as much flexibility as possible.

Attention was drawn to the contribution to Parks and Green Spaces from the development on Upperton Road and it was suggested that it could be used to provide a ball park on the open area at the end of Sheffield Street.  This area currently was not used, as it was an open, barren area. 

Other alternatives could be to provide a facility such as a linear adventure trail alongside the river that could be used by children and adults, or a skate park to encourage people away from Bede Park.  Investigations could be made to see if it would be possible for youth and/or sports officers to be involved in the creation of this in either an advisory or project management capacity.

Having considered this, it was suggested that an increase in park and open space facilities could lead to an increased need for CCTV.  The Police reminded the Meeting that a problem with the cameras currently in Bede Park was that when the trees were in leaf it was difficult to see any activity.  However, De Montfort University, which owned the system, was willing to move the cameras when asked to do so by the Police.  Some cameras also were used along the Great Central Way, but they were dome cameras that often became misted up, so needed cleaning regularly.

It was recognised that other problems that could arise if more park and open space facilities were provided included increased noise, antisocial behaviour, litter, barbecues/open fires, and cars parked near the facilities.  Space also would become limited, even though open spaces in the Ward already were so popular they could not be used comfortably on warm days.

PC Mark Hurst (Leicestershire Constabulary) advised the Meeting that Bede Park was part of a local Problem Solving Profile due to the antisocial behaviour that accompanied such heavy use of the Park.  As part of this, Police officers tried to visit the Park every day and a log of incidents was kept.

AGREED:

1)    That Planning Officers be asked to:-

a)     provide a plan of the open spaces in the Ward, including ownership where known, so that consideration could be given to what facilities could be suggested for which locations; and

b)     consider the options suggested above for the provision of Parks and Green Space facilities through the Planning Contribution related to the development on Upperton Road;

2)    That an updated report on Planning Contributions be made to the next meeting; and

3)    That initial costings for the provision of facilities such as a ball park, paly equipment, picnic benches, etc be presented to the next meeting.