Pocket ParkJanuary 08th 2013

Pocket Park, as it is currently known, is a small area of land (20 acres) on the eastern side of the village, which has previously been used for mineral extraction.

Part of the original conveyance of the land from Mr Robert Peasgood to Hanson’s and the S106 agreement for Hanson’s original planning permission to extract the gravel, required the restoration and the transfer of ownership to the village for a nominal £1.

The land will be available in Spring/Summer 2013 and your Council is currently seeking the views of residents on the possible purchase.

POCKET PARK

The purpose of this meeting is to present the options for the future of Pocket Park and to gain your views on the purchase of the land

There are two options for consideration:

1.To accept the purchase of the land for a nominal sum of £1

2.To decline the purchase of the land

In order to make an informed decision regarding whether the site should be purchased by LPC, consideration needs to be given for initial and ongoing costs and the intention for use.

POCKET PARK

Purchase and maintain as an accessible natural area:

Initial Costs (estimated):

Legal Services Safety Equipment e.g. Bouys SignageInsurance

Ongoing Costs (estimated):

General maintenance of trees /fences / paths Insurance

£1,000£ 320£ 450£ 500£2,270

£1,000£ 500£1,500

POCKET PARK

The current parish council tax level for 2013/14 has been frozen. However, ongoing costs need to be reviewed on an annual basis.

POCKET PARK

Should the purchase of the land be agreed the following conditions of the S106 agreement apply and must be fulfilled:

Hanson’s will restore the area prior to LCC certification and sale of the land – already near completion

Upon successful completion of the restoration LCC will issue a certificate agreeing that the site has been restored to their satisfaction

Within 3 months of certification Hanson’s will offer the land for sale to LPC for £1

If LPC decide not to purchase the land the agreement will lapse

On accepting the sale Hanson’s will undertake provision of the footpath link, fencing and layby for parking

POCKET PARK

LPC’s intention is to maintain the area as a natural area for villagers

There will be a maintained path around part of the lake and provision for disabled access will be considered

The lake is approximately 1.5 metres deep and it is not intended for swimming or fishing

A layby parking area will be developed off the road near the entrance and a path will be created from East End to Pocket Park. Both of which are part of the S106 agreement and are to be provided by Hanson’s

Consideration would need to be given to the name and to the possibility of creating an ongoing working party to maintain the land

POCKET PARK

Your Views and Questions