[COMMENT1] PAPER B1

Purpose : For Decision

Committee : EXECUTIVE

Date : 21 MAY 2002

Title : CENTRAL NEWPORT PLAYGROUND PROPOSAL

PORTFOLIO HOLDER - TOURISM AND LEISURE

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Members are asked to approve, subject to certain constraints outlined in the report, the use of an area of Church Litten as a children’s playground.

BACKGROUND

The Newport Inner Play Area Committee (NIPA), comprising of parents from in and around Newport, has been formed to raise funds for the construction of a children’s playground in Newport.

The group have recently completed a public survey in which 43% of respondents favoured Church Litten as a location for the playground. The next most favoured location being Seaclose, which was supported by 23% of respondents.

NIPA would like to work with the Council to raise funds for and design a playground at Church Litten which meets the needs of its members, Newport parents and also the needs of the Council. It has not yet identified a final location on Church Litten but feels that this would form part of the overall design process. The final scheme will depend on the level of funds raised but NIPA are hoping to raise £100,000 to fund the provision of the playground.

In order to confirm some offers of grant and to be able to make other applications, NIPA require a commitment from the Council to make land available for a playground.

The meeting of the Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee held on 28 February 2002 agreed to support the proposals of NIPA , subject to the development taking place within 24 months.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

The Newport Area Forum has previously awarded a grant to NIPA to support the original survey work. It supports the concept of a playground on Church Litten, subject to it agreeing the final design and that it does not take up too much of the open space, thereby preventing others from enjoying it.

The Isle of Wight Gardens Trust have objected to any playground on Church Litten as the area is registered as an historic park within the UDP. In its opinion, a playground development would adversely affect the historic nature of the park.

The Diocese of Portsmouth has not raised any objection to the proposals.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The capital costs of the scheme will be funded through grant support raised by NIPA.

Finance to cover the ongoing revenue costs for the playground’s maintenance is still to be identified but it is hoped that an annual maintenance sum could be allocated through the fundraising process. The maintenance costs will fall to either NIPA or the Council if such funds cannot be secured.

OPTIONS

1. The Executive agrees to the allocation of land for the Newport inner play area subject to:

(a) Agreement of the size and position of the site to be made available.

(b) Planning consent being obtained

(c) No liability falling on the Council for maintenance, insurance or public liability in the future.

2. Not to give permission for a playground to be located at Church Litten.

3. The Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Select Committee be asked to oversee the design of the playground to ensure that the final scheme meets the needs of all parties.

RECOMMENDATION

That options 1 to 3 be adopted subject to the playground being completed within 24 months.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

1. Internal file, NIPA

2. Report to Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Select Committee, 28 February 2002.

Contact Point : John Metcalfe, ( 823825

A KAYE Strategic Director, Education and Community Development

M JARMAN Portfolio Holder – Tourism and Leisure

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