Planning Committee 9/8/2011 | Part 3 | Agenda item 13 – SECTION 106 LEGAL AGREEMENT – REEDS LANE

Cllr Ian Lewis continued by saying the was aware of the needs to renovate play areas, but this was an exceptional circumstance. It had not happened over the last seventeen years. 4.3 of the report dealt with the construction at a location to be agreed. An area on the map was marked but the boundary … Continue reading “Planning Committee 9/8/2011 | Part 3 | Agenda item 13 – SECTION 106 LEGAL AGREEMENT – REEDS LANE”

Cllr Ian Lewis continued by saying the was aware of the needs to renovate play areas, but this was an exceptional circumstance. It had not happened over the last seventeen years. 4.3 of the report dealt with the construction at a location to be agreed. An area on the map was marked but the boundary was not correct. It had not taken into account drives such as two nearby residential private drives and access roads. The developer had been required to plant replacement trees. 4.6 dealt with the tree planting, which had not yet been complied with on both sites, only on the play area. 4.7 stated there was no agreement with residents and there had been no formal consultation. The record was clear. Page 48 section 4.9 stated there was no s.106 agreement for a green space.

There were nearby play areas such as Farmworth Avenue. However some residents wanted it removed as it had become an eyesore. The residents didn’t want one imposed. There had been a new play area at Reeds Lane last year costing £75,000 for Leasowe. At the point planning permission was granted there was only a play area with two swings. He asked the Planning Committee to agree to recommendation a). The £56,000 couldn’t be spent on anything else, the developer was adamant he wanted the money back but would work with residents about planting.

Cllr Ian Lewis was surprised over option B, but he expected the land would be adopted by Wirral Council. It was basically a grassy area. There had been negotiations to get the trees and paths reinstated.

Planning Committee 9/8/2011 | Part 2 | Agenda item 13 – SECTION 106 LEGAL AGREEMENT – REEDS LANE

The officer introduced the nine-page report of Kevin Adderley about the play area and the section 106 agreement along with the two page appendix (which covered location maps). The play area had not been done, but the money had been paid. There was an issue of precedent. If they chose option B the money would go back to the developer. It was in a flood zone (3A) which meant there was a high risk of flooding so it was unlikely to be used for another other use. A committee decision was sought as to which option would be pursued about the play area.

Cllr Elderton said he wanted to be clear about the facts. He stated the petitioners were not here. A ward councillor (Cllr Ian Lewis) addressed the committee. He said he had worked on the problem since 2008. It had been 17 years since planning permission had been granted. The residents had been consulted and there had been about two hundred emails on the subject. Residents were opposed as they thought a play area would devalue their properties. There had been three public meetings. There had also been nine leaflets through resident’s doors.

People who have moved in since were not aware of the play area on a property search for the request for a play area. The Council didn’t own the land. 26 households had signed a petition against. Going through the report, specifically page 46 section 4.2. There had been a failure between the Council and the developer. It was an unusual position to be in.

Planning Committee 9/8/2011 | Minutes 19/7 | Site Visits (5 – APP/11/00561 – 98 BIDSTON ROAD, OXTON) and (9 – APP/11/00613 – 2 DINGWALL DRIVE, GREASBY) Part 1

The Chair of the Planning Committee Cllr Elderton welcomed people to the Planning Committee meeting and invited people to take their seats. He explained to the members of the public present that the councillors on the left and right wings would be making the decisions. He also introduced the officers which would be making presentations, the committee clerk and the legal officer.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th July 2011 circulated separately on paper only (not on the council’s website with the agenda for this meeting) were agreed. Cllr Mitchell and Cllr Elderton both said they agreed with the minutes.

There were no declarations of interest made.

Cllr Kenny requested a site visit for item 5 (APP/11/00561 – 98 BIDSTON ROAD, OXTON – Refurbishment and extension to existing building into 21 no. apartments with associated hard and soft landscaping) and Cllr Keeley (deputising for Cllr Clements) made a request for a site visit for item 9 (APP/11/00613 – 2 DINGWALL DRIVE, GREASBY – First floor rear extension). Both requests for site visits were accepted.

The agenda was reordered to take agenda item 13 first along with its appendix first.

Election Results (NHS Foundation Trust Governor) Bidston ward

These are the results for the governor election for Bidston ward.

Total eligible to vote: 366
Total voted (52): 14.2%

Those 52 votes were split as follows:-

John Brace (Liberal Democrat) 21 (40.3%)
Jean McIntosh (Labour) 31 (59.6%)

As there was one position, Jean McIntosh was elected with a majority of 10 votes.

I wish Jean McIntosh the best of luck for her next three year term as governor starting in September.