Decision details

[Prior to the consideration of this item. Councillor Tony Hunter made a Declarable Interest, as he was personally involved in a business case for the retention of Betjeman Road and Farrier Court play areas in Royston.  Following advice, he stated that he would remain in the meeting for the debate on the other items, and withdraw from the meeting immediately prior to the debate on the Royston items and vote on the report recommendations.  Due to the uncertainty that this caused, Councillor Hunter was then advised during the item to leave the meeting for the ongoing debate and vote.*]

RESOLVED:

(1)       That a three month period of time be given for the evaluation of the business case submitted by Templars Football Club for the football changing pavilion at Bakers Close, Baldock;

(2)       That, subject to the sustainability of the business case, the decision to enter into a lease with Templars Football Club or to demolish the building be delegated to the Head of Finance, Performance & Asset Management and the Head of Leisure & Environmental Services;

(3)       That the football changing rooms at St. Johns Road, Cadwell Lane and Walsworth Common, Hitchin be demolished and returned to green space;

(4)       That the Council enters into a contract with Great Ashby Community Council for them to fund the maintenance and replacement of equipment for the play areas at Chilterns, Cleveland Way and Merrick Close, Gt. Ashby;

(5)       That the Council continues to maintain the play equipment at Rosehill, Hitchin up to April 2022, or an earlier date if a new play area is provided in the locality by an independent provider, at nil cost to the Council. The existing Rosehill play area will then be decommissioned;

(6)       That for Betjeman Road and Farrier Court play areas Royston, the Council allows a period of time of up to three months for confirmation of funding sources from third parties; and for Symonds Road, Hitchin and Linnet Close, Letchworth, the Council allows a period of up to three months to assess whether a business case could be developed with local community groups;

(7)       That the equipment be removed from play areas at Ivel Road, Baldock, Dacre Road  Hitchin, and Jackmans Recreation Ground and Oaktree Close, Letchworth. Sites to be landscaped as green space and, where appropriate, include elements of natural play such as grass mounds, logs and benches; and

(8)       That the play area at Fairfield Crescent, Great Ashby be no longer be considered and managed as a formal play area. The existing facilities will be monitored and managed as part of the overall green space.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable the retention of the green space within the budgets available to the Council.