Issue - meetings

Christchurch Borough Council (CBC) proposed that the new town and parish councils assume responsibility for play facilities, subject to agreement and formal approval by BCP Council. Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council (HWPC) wish to take on this responsibility for Bluebell Close, Mudeford Wood and Highcliffe Recreation Ground Play Areas as well as the remainder of Highcliffe Recreation Ground.  BCP Council formally advertised the proposed disposal of these open spaces and no objections were received.  HWPC has agreed Heads of Terms to transfer the freehold ownership of these sites and arrangements for shared grounds maintenance and play inspection liabilities to ensure seamless use of these public open spaces.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           After consideration of the representations and objections from Public Consultation, the results of the Disposal of Public Open Space Procedure are noted;

(b)           The proposal to transfer the freehold ownership of
assets to Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council (HWPC) is agreed with delegation to the Corporate Property Officer, Interim Director of Environment and the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste to resolve outstanding terms, conditions and legal arrangements;

(c)           The proposal to enter into a contract for Play and Grounds Maintenance for 5 years with HWPC and the legal and financial responsibilities resting with BCP Council for two years are agreed;

(d)           Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 general disposal consent (England) 2003, it is agreed to transfer these assets at below the ‘market’ value; and

(e)           The transfer of the obligations arising from the Fields in Trust designation for Highcliffe Recreation Ground to Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is agreed.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste

Reason

HWPC is the Local Authority (Tier 3) and is best able to maintain and improve the play and recreation offer within their Parish. Local decision making will be in line with its strategic plans for the Parish, implemented using funding raised via its precept. Transfer will also enable HWPC to implement its proposals for a sensory garden

within the Highcliffe Recreation Ground.

The Heads of Terms secures future use of these areas for recreation and the transfers will enable HWPC to invest in the improvement of these areas.

BCP Council is to provide grounds maintenance and play inspection services for an agreed period to ensure smooth hand over of the facilities and seamless delivery of services based on the service standards previously delivered.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was informed that Christchurch Borough Council (CBC) had proposed that the new town and parish councils assume responsibility for play facilities, subject to agreement and formal approval by BCP Council. In relation to this Cabinet was advised that Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council (HWPC) wish to take on this responsibility for Bluebell Close, Mudeford Wood and Highcliffe Recreation Ground Play Areas as well as the remainder of Highcliffe Recreation Ground. 

BCP Council formally advertised the proposed disposal of these open spaces and no objections were received. 

Further to this Cabinet was informed that a request had been received from the Chairman of the Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council that this item be deferred as there were still ongoing discussions with regards to the transfer. In relation to this the Portfolio Holder advised that the best way forward would be to still consider the matter today but to amend recommendation (b) to allow for further discussion with delegation being given to officers and the Portfolio Holder to resolve outstanding matters.

In addition, the Leader stressed the importance of this matter in fulfilling an agreement made by the legacy Christchurch Borough Council, and Cabinet spoke in support of the proposal and in maintaining these community assets.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           After consideration of the representations and objections from Public Consultation, the results of the Disposal of Public Open Space Procedure are noted;

(b)           The proposal to transfer the freehold ownership of
assets to Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council (HWPC) is agreed with delegation to the Corporate Property Officer, Interim Director of Environment and the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste to resolve outstanding terms, conditions and legal arrangements;

(c)           The proposal to enter into a contract for Play and Grounds Maintenance for 5 years with HWPC and the legal and financial responsibilities resting with BCP Council for two years are agreed;

(d)           Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 general disposal consent (England) 2003, it is agreed to transfer these assets at below the ‘market’ value; and

(e)           The transfer of the obligations arising from the Fields in Trust designation for Highcliffe Recreation Ground to Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is agreed.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste

Councillor Nigel Brooks declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item and remained present.