Issue - meetings

Phil Rogers, Director of Culture & Leisure Services, to report.

Further to Minute No.193 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services held on 16^th February, 2009, consideration was given to a report, introduced by Phil Rogers, Director of Culture and Leisure Services and presented by Phil Gill, Greenspaces Manager, relating to the Draft Green Space Strategy which set out proposed standards for green space provision and upon which wider consultation with the public and main stakeholders was being undertaken.

Reference was made to the strict government guidelines laid down in PPG17 which set out how local authorities should assess local demand for green space and plan future provision to meet this.

The four strategic aims of the strategy, together with eight specific objectives were details in the submitted report.

An explanation was given of the three categories which had been used to grade each site.  A list of issues arising from the consultation on the draft was also set out in the report e.g. accessibility, management, quality of sites etc., and these had helped to inform the 31 recommendations.

The Panel was informed that following approval of the draft strategy it was proposed to undertake a further 3 months further consultation including with Area Assembly Co-ordinating Committees, Council web-site, leaflet, libraries, and with key stakeholders such as “Friends of” groups.

In addition it was proposed to test out new methodologies in a pilot study in Rawmarsh, the results of which would be used to allow a more rapid roll out of the final Strategy.

Members of the Panel commented on:-

-                      composition of the Green Spaces Board

-                      the need to avoid duplication

-                      sustainability and cost of future maintenance

-                      site grading i.e. local vs. strategic view of the value of specific sites

-                      current usage of sites

-                      complexity of the strategy

-                      length of time being taken to complete the strategy

Resolved:-  (1)  That the draft Rotherham Green Space Strategy and the details of the proposed wider consultation, together with the pilot study being undertaken in one ward during the consultation period to explore methods for site prioritisation and possible change of use, be noted.

(2)  That Members of the Panel, and colleagues, be encouraged to input into the consultation.

Phil Rogers, Director of Culture and Leisure Services and Steve Hallsworth, Leisure Service Manager, to report.

-           to consider wider consultation.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Culture and Leisure Services, relating to the development of a Green Spaces Strategy for the Borough.

Reference was made to the increased national awareness of the value of green space in improving people’s health and quality of life, and environmental sustainability.

A summary was given in the report of the vision, aims and objectives of the Strategy.  Background information detailing the preparation of the Strategy was also provided.

It was explained that following analysis each site had been given a provisional grade using the following system:-

-                      Borough Green Spaces – large sites with intrinsic special interest attracting visitors from across the borough and beyond

-                      Neighbourhood Green Spaces – mostly large sites offering a range of features and used by people from across a settlement

-                      Local Green Spaces – appropriately maintained simple sites providing safe and clean areas for informal recreation for people living in the immediate vicinity

Based on evidence that had been gathered nine major issues had been identified and 31 recommendations formulated.

Consideration was therefore given to a 3 months period of wider consultation as follows

·                Meetings with Area Assembly Co-ordinating Committees

·                Strategy Report made available on Rotherham MBC web-site with feedback instructions

·                Strategy summary and feedback leaflet produced and distributed via libraries and other Council buildings

·               Strategy Report sent to key stakeholders, including relevant statutory organisations, local MPs, Friends Groups and other local special interest groups

·               Pilot study (possibly in one Ward (or part Area Assembly/geographical area) containing a representative range of green space types)

It was pointed out that the Strategy would assist the Service to work in partnership to access all available sources of external funding and developer contributions.  Reference was also made to benefits in terms of income generation to the Capital Programme and to the reprioritisation of maintenance programmes.

Elected Members present commented on the need to revisit the sites listed in the appendices and to clarify ownerships.

Resolved:-  That subject to the verification of the information set out in the Appendices to the report,

(1)  the draft Rotherham Green Space Strategy be received and approved.

(2) approval be given to proceed with wider consultation on the draft strategy.

(3)  a pilot study be undertaken in one Ward during the consultation period to explore methods for site prioritisation and possible change of use.

(4)  the Rotherham Green Spaces Strategy – Consultation Draft be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.