The Chair introduced the report which set-out the detailed work undertaken to review the play area provision within the Borough and formulation of the recommendations, with some being considered for improvement, closure or transfer of the asset.

The Chair invited Members to make comments, and these included:

·         Needed to consider that some play areas were in secluded locations across the Borough making them a safeguarding issue;

·         considered it was not appropriate for the only play area in Lynsted at Batteries Close to be closed;

·         welcomed transferring the play areas as assets to Parish and Town Councils, but could they just ‘buy-in’ to some of Swale Borough Council’s (SBC) services?;

·         could any of the good quality equipment be moved elsewhere?;

·         once play equipment was removed, would the site just remain as open grass?;

·         welcomed engagement with Parish and Town Councils;

·         welcomed the concise report and work undertaken;

·         would have liked to have seen a map detailing the sites within the report.  Could this be provided in the Members’ Room when considering other items?;

·         Lionfield play area, Faversham was already closed as it had no play equipment;

·         Housing Associations and management companies for housing estates should also be consulted as they operated some play areas;

·         how was the usage of the play areas being measured?;

·         considered the Council needed to be a lot tougher on landowners and increase funding as part of any Section 106 agreements;

·         play areas needed to be located in areas that were best for local residents, not developers.  It was important that Members had control over the Section 106 agreements;

·         would the Local Government Review (LGR) be considered during discussions with the Parish and Town Councils?; and

·         referred to recommendation (4) of the report and raised concern that of the seven play areas earmarked for closure, five were in Watling Ward and two others were close to Watling Ward.

In response, the Greenspace Technical Officer advised that the detail had not been agreed yet for transferring the Council’s assets but Parish and Town Council’s buying-in to SBC’s services would be a possibility.  Any equipment viable for reuse would be stored by the Council’s contractor and any play areas removed would be returned to amenity grass.  Maps of the relevant areas could be provided.   There was no mechanism to accurately assess the amount of usage on any play areas within the Borough, this was assessed mainly through the consultation, officer experience of wear and tear, but mostly from the work carried out by the consultants.

The Green Spaces Manager explained that developer contributions would be sought and that currently developers contributed to play areas via Section 106 agreements as set out in the Council’s existing Open Spaces and Play Area Strategy.  With regard to LGR, the Green Spaces Manager said that it was relevant, ‘out there’ and being considered by Parish and Town Councils.  He was aware that Parish and Town Councils had already shown an interest in the Council’s assets including play areas.

The Chair said that it was incumbent on all Members to reassure their residents that currently no further closures were planned, beyond the two set out in Recommendation (2) of the report.  Any further closures would be subject to significant consultation with Parish and Town Councils and other organisations. 

Councillor Lloyd Bowen proposed the following amendment to the final sentence of recommendation (2) of the report:  “…transfer play areas 1,2,3,5,7,9,10 and 11 should not be considered for closure based on the strategy below, until they had been considered further by the Housing, Health and Communities Committee”.  This was seconded by Councillor Hayden Brawn.  On being put to the vote the amendment was agreed.

Councillor Ben J Martin proposed the following amendment to the final sentence of recommendation (3) of the report:  “Should any, or all, of the Town or Parish Councils or other appropriate local organisation…”.  This was seconded by the Chair.  On being put to the vote the amendment was agreed.

Councillor Angela Harrison proposed the recommendations, as amended, which were seconded by Councillor Karen Watson.

Resolved:

(1)   That the outcome of the play area review be noted.

(2)   That play facilities at Elm Grove, Sittingbourne and Lionfield, Faversham be removed.

(3)   That the Council engaged with the relevant Town or Parish Council or other appropriate local organisation to offer and seek to transfer the following 14 play areas:

1.     Batteries Close Play Area, Lynsted and Kingsdown

2.     Colonels Lane (Horselees Road) Play Area, Boughton-under-Blean

3.      Stangate Drive Play Area, Iwade

4.      Woodpecker Drive (Village Park) Play Area, Iwade

5.      Recreation Ground Play Area, Iwade

6.      Colson Drive (Alefe Way) Play Area, Iwade

7.      Mansfield Drive Play Area, Iwade

8.      Homefield Drive Play Area, Upchurch

9.      Rooks View Play Area, Bobbing

10.   Randle Way Play Area, Bapchild

11.   Anne Boleyn Play Area, Eastchurch

12.   Village Hall Play Area, Waden Bay

13.   The Spinney Play Area, Leysdown

14.   Leysdown Coastal Park Play Area, Leysdown

Should any, or all, of the Town or Parish Councils or other appropriate local organisation decline the opportunity for the transfer of play areas 1,2,3,5,7,9,10 and 11 should not be considered for closure based on the strategy below, until they had been further considered by the Housing, Health and Communities Committee.

(4)   That on completion of the above, review the list of remaining 15 potential removals to see what might be possible and engage with Ward Councillors and the community.

(5)   That officers pursue funding options to upgrade the recommended play areas which would then allow removal of further sites as detailed in tables at paragraph 3.10 of the report.