Agenda item

The Committee received a report from the Asset Manager regarding bench improvements. 

 

Dick Baxter

Dick Baxter circulated a map highlighting the locations and condition of benches in the Midsummer Common area. He stated that in 2010, the need for new benches to the riverside area had been identified together with repair needs to several other benches. This work had never been delivered. The locations suggested in the current proposal are not in line with the previous plan. The current proposal places some benches in the open areas of the Common; this has always been considered undesirable.  The 2010 plan proposed renovating and moving of some attractive older benches from Victoria Avenue to the Orchard Area. If this plan could be reconsidered, volunteers were willing to complete the renovations. Ownership of the benches appears to be unknown.

 

The Asset Manager thanked Mr Baxter for his comments. He stated that use of S106 funding was restricted to additional provision. However, other funding could be available for repair work.

 

Anthony Bowen

The consultation on locations does not appear to have included relevant Resident’s Association or the Jesus Green Association.

 

Councillor Smith agreed with Mr Bowen and stated that due to the sensitive locations under discussion, consultation needed to be as wide as possible.

 

Susan Stobbs

As current Chair of the Friends of Midsummer Summer Common reminded the Committee that the Orchard was not part of the 2010 plan.

 

The Committee made the following comments:

       i.          Benches in Penarth Place could be delivered alongside the playground renovation.

     ii.          Benches in the plan but outside the West Central Area should be deleted.

   iii.          Jesus Green Association, Christ’s Pieces Resident’s Association and Ward Councillors should be fully consulted about plans for Jesus Green.

   iv.          Assurances were sought that the anti-social behaviour team had been consulted about the proposed bench locations as benches had caused problems in the past.

    v.          Jesus Green play area improvement plan includes additional benches.

 

The Committee decided to consider the recommendations drawing by drawing as included in the Officers report. Recommendation b was withdrawn.

 

Resolved (unanimously)

 

Drawing 1

Midsummer Common by Orchard  

Midsummer Common

Jesus Green

 

Decision: Deferred for further consultation

 

Drawing 2

Christ’s Piece’s

 

Decision: Deferred for further consultation

 

Drawing 3

Coe Fen

Laundress Green

 

Decision: Approved subject to the removal of bench 19.

 

Drawing 4

Paradise

Lammas Land by Newnham Road

New Bitt

 

Decision: Approved with the proviso that Newnham councillors will approve the design of benches for Paradise (Nature Reserve)

 

Drawing 5

Queens’ Green

 

Decision: Approved

 

Drawing 6

Penarth Place

 

Decision: Approved (to be delivered in conjunction with playground improvements)

 

Drawing 7

Shelly Road play area

 

Decision: Approved.