Decision details

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)    Agrees that the current trial closure, of the Whitecliff entrance and exit point to motor vehicles, is made permanent in Poole Park.

(b)    Agrees that current arrangements are retained, and motor vehicles can still access Poole Park and its facilities.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Energy

Reasons

·            Supports the BCP Council Corporate Strategy priorities of Sustainable Environment, preserving our natural environment for generations to come, an eco-friendly and active transport network, tackling the climate and ecological emergency, maximising access to our high-quality parks and open spaces.

·            Supports the BCP Green Infrastructure Strategy that seeks to help increase health and well-being outcomes for our communities and visitors, thereby reducing pressures on health and social services; reverse biodiversity loss and nature recovery; strengthen the resilience of people, places and nature to a changing climate and support high quality placemaking.

·            Public Health Dorset supports the proposed change as it enhances Park users’ health and well-being by being in an improved space with reduced vehicle movements, improved feeling of safety in accessing the park and its facilities.

·            This is a strategic improvement of a key destination green space, supporting users from multiple wards, including some in more deprived areas. Follows similar precedent in Bournemouth parks, builds on previous trials and proposals to improve the park’s environment and the work of the 2017-21 Poole Park Life Heritage Fund project.

·            It is recognised that 63% of consultation responses were against the proposal and of those many responses perceived that there are negative effects on older people and those with a disability. The Equalities impact Assessment and independent report by DOTS disability suggest there is no significant impact on any groups with protected characteristics.

·            There has been an extensive review and understanding of the trial closure, the consultation response and supporting information. This report assesses the responses to the survey, their stated impacts against the long-term improvement for the environment of Poole Park and its users.

·            With regards to ‘Active Travel’, a reduction of motor traffic through the park will improve comfort, safety and perception of safety for users of the park who are walking, wheeling, running or cycling for either pleasure or utility.

·            Routes through the park have previously been identified as Key Walking Routes and/or Primary Cycle Routes within the LCWIP, adopted by full Council in 2022 in accordance with central Government policy.