Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from Commissioner Kenny to include the project for improvement works at Boston Park within the Capital Programme.

Resolved:-  That the inclusion of the project to undertake improvement works at Boston Park in the Capital Programme, to the value of the capital receipt, be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Yasseen                  Seconder:-  Councillor Read

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Kenny

Recommendations:-

1.    That 8,880 m2 land at Boston Park be transferred to Yorkshire Water by way of a land exchange to allow a new service reservoir to be built, subject to granting of planning permission.

2.    That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate the terms of the transfer.

3.    That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary transfer documentation.

4.    That Council be recommended to approve the inclusion of the project to undertake improvement works at Boston Park in the Capital Programme, to the value of the capital receipt.

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval to transfer land at Boston Park to Yorkshire Water to allow the building of a new service reservoir.

This would replace two existing reservoirs which were coming to the end of their asset life serving over 20,000 properties and Rotherham Hospital.  Yorkshire Water had considered various options, and concluded that building a new reservoir on an area of Boston Park next to the current reservoirs would be the most appropriate location that met all their criteria.  The existing reservoirs would then become redundant, and Yorkshire Water would no longer require the land where they stand, thus preferring to reach an agreement to exchange the land occupied by their existing reservoirs for the land they required.  They have indicated a willingness to make a financial contribution towards the cost of improvements to the park as part of such an agreement. 

There was strong community interest in the park and Ward Members and the Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands worked in partnership to promote and improve the site. 

Commissioner Myers agreed:-

1.          That 8,880 m2 land at Boston Park be transferred to Yorkshire Water by way of a land exchange to allow a new service reservoir to be built, subject to granting of planning permission.

2.          That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate the terms of the transfer.

3.          That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary transfer documentation.

4.          That Council be recommended to approve the inclusion of the project to undertake improvement works at Boston Park in the Capital Programme, to the value of the capital receipt, as identified in Section 7.1 of the report.