Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Urban Growth Project Manager setting out ten proposals that had been received for making use of devolved Section 106 contributions to improve open spaces and play areas in the East Area.  The report set out the background to S106 funding, and described recent S106-funded projects completed in the area.  The Chair said that, as the Executive Councillor who would receive the report for decision in due course, she would not be voting on the recommendation.

Discussing the Abbey Mosaics and Memories project, members

1)    while acknowledging that the proposal had not met the criteria for public art funding or for public open space funding, asked that officers enter into discussion with the scheme’s proposers to see if some way could be found of realising the project                                          Action: T Wetherfield

2)    reported that a mosaic/public art element was being considered within the planning application for East Barnwell Hub, which included provision for public art.

Commenting on other projects, members

3)    welcomed the improvements to the tennis courts at Coleridge Recreation Ground, but expressed disappointment at the difference in quality between the superior court near Coleridge Road and the one near Davy Road.  Councillor Johnson undertook to raise this with the Sports and Recreation team in Community Services to ensure the issues could be rectified.                                                                     Action: Cllr Johnson

4)    requested a site visit to review plans for the Lichfield Road play area

5)    thanked the Urban Growth Project Manager for his work, and his efforts to produce detailed reports.

Members noted that Councillors would be involved in the consultation process for the projects, and asked that the Ward Councillors be included, with the Area Chair, Vice Chair and Opposition Spokes, in the list of members whose comments would be sought prior to sign-off by the relevant service manager.

Action: T Wetherfield

Following discussion, the Committee resolved (unanimously, apart from the Chair, abstaining) to prioritise the following local project proposals for the use of devolved S106 contributions from the Area, subject to business case approvals (as appropriate):

a. Coldham’s Lane play area improvements for older children (estimate: £60,000 ‘provision for children and teenagers’ and £20,000 ‘informal open space’ contributions);

b. Lichfield Road play area improvements (estimate: £30,000 ‘provision for children and teenagers’ and £15,000 ‘informal open space’ contributions);

c. St Matthew’s Piece play area improvements (estimate: £25,000 or more ‘provision for children and teenagers’ and £10,000 ‘informal open space’ contributions); and

d. Brothers Place landscaping and natural play (estimate: £4,000 ‘informal open space’ and £3,500 ‘provision for children and teenagers’ contributions.

Concluding the meeting the Chair on behalf of the Committee, thanked Councillors Moghadas and Walsh for their years of excellent service; they were not standing for re-election to the County Council in May.