Cemetery

Forward Planning

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Minutes of a meeting of the above Committee held at Wickham Community Centre on Wednesday 2^nd April 2008 at 7pm.

Recreation Committee members present: Sue Roger-Jones (Chairman), Angela Clear, Justin Gamblin

Parish Councillors: Mike Carter, Di Frost, Colin Roke, Michael Sadler-Forster, Parish Clerk Nicki Oliver

1 To receive apologies for absence: Cllrs Trevor Astbury and Jenny Hollis

2 To receive declarations of interest on agenda items: none.

3 To adjourn meeting to allow participation by members of the public: not required.

4 Matters arising from the last meeting: included below.

5 Agenda

5.1 To receive update on proposal to take responsibility for Knowle village green, play areas, pavilion and recreation facilities.

Planning permission has been granted for the pavilion but is still awaited for the recreation facilities due to concerns about the proposed layout.

Following acknowledgement of the Committee’s concerns first raised in October 2006 that the proposed layout for the village green placed the skatepark too close to houses, several alternative layouts have been circulated. A decision can not yet be made as the potential effect of noise on neighbouring Ravenswood has not been established which could affect the eventual layout.

5.2 To receive update on proposals to construct new Scout headquarters / sports pavilion on the Recreation Ground.

The Parish Council has secured outline planning permission for a new building on the recreation ground to replace the Scout HQ and pavilion. The vision was to replace two tired and badly located buildings with a single new community facility in a less prominent location. This would improve the layout of the recreation ground and the appearance of an important entrance to the village.

Budget prices for the building have been received in the region or £320 - £350K. (Current funding available includes possible £90K from Scouts and Open Space Fund of £148K total £238K leaving a shortfall of £82-£112K plus professional fees)

In the light of recent Local Development Framework proposals, the provision of a large recreation ground in Mill Lane is becoming more likely (planning gain in return for additional houses to the north of the village). In view of this some members believe a new building on the recreation ground, where there is limited scope for sports pitches, may be an inappropriate investment.

The site in Mill Lane, together with the Community Centre and proposed new surgery, are likely to become the focus or hub for community activities. Substantial investment in sports facilities will be required in due course.

It was fully acknowledged that the existing Recreation Ground will continue to play an important role as a key open space at the entrance to the village and it is envisaged that it will continue to be very well used for informal recreation.

Some members felt it would be preferable for the Scouts to use the community centre or a nearby site rather than the Recreation Ground and that this should be fully explored. Nevertheless it is acknowledged this is not the current preference of the Scout leaders.

It was agreed that if alternative sites are confirmed by the Scouts to be inappropriate, the Parish Council should grant permission to rebuild ‘like for like’ (with a lower eaves and ridge height) on their existing site and that negotiations take place to agree an appropriate lease length with the Scouts. (the current lease ends shortly.)

The pavilion is in urgent need of replacement or refurbishment and further discussions to identify options to improve the facility are required.

No recommendations to Full Council at this time, further meetings are required.

5.3 To receive play area safety checks for 2008.

Report received, some minor repairs are necessary. An order for £450 has been placed with EJ Services to reassemble the skatepark ramps which have been dismantled while the cctv was out of action. Order to be placed with Paul Collins to make good around aerial runway tower bases and car track damage on recreation ground.

Clerk to check status of Open Space funding.

5.4 To readdress shortfall in sports fields and discuss new and existing possibilities. Ongoing, refer to next meeting.

6 Questions and comments from Councillors

Chairman attended a WCC presentation on Winchester District Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study on 1^st April, a report will follow.

Chairman to attend Wickham Fair planning meeting with other interested councillors.

Meeting closed 8.20pm