By Andy Milner
Area Co-ordinator
PRELIMINARY MEETING 5th Sept 06
The meeting opened with a discussion over the planning issues associated with
the site. The principle of planning had been accepted on the site many years
ago and the question was revisited after the doctor’s surgery closed.
However, the local plan requires open space to be replaced and the presence
of several mature and healthy trees raised concerns about its suitability
for development. The Local Area Committee has taken full advantage of this
situation by approving funds to landscape the area. Although there are no
guarantees for the future, the present position is that no development or
play areas are being considered and the only proposed work is the enhancement
of the open space to meet the needs of the local community, complementing
Cricket Copse on the opposite corner.
The group walked the site and observed a number of issues that need to be
considered.
· A number of children cross the open space diagonally on the way to
Hiltingbury School and a footpath needs to be provided along that route. A
preference was expressed for a gravel style path rather than tarmac.
· A preference was expressed to use this path as a replacement for
that which runs from between 8 & 9 Ormesby Drive to Hursley Road. Others
indicated local residents who use the existing path would be unhappy with
its closure and both paths should be retained. Either way we need to ensure
that railings provide protection for small children on school walks and to
deter motor cycling.
· There was a considerable amount of hardcore that needed to be removed
before we could complete any planting scheme. Excavation between 4-6 inches
would probably be required. A site survey is required to identify any public
utilities
· EBC needs to undertake tree survey and consider individual or blanket
tree preservation order, (identifying work required to prolong life of trees)
and identification of suitable species for new planting scheme.
· Grassed area identified as suitable for new trees with wildflowers
underneath.
· Discussion on boundary resulted in expressed preference for retention
of existing boundary. Boundary to be extended to barrier with mix of indigenous
species such as Beech, Hawthorn and Ash.
· Only access to area should be new path running diagonally across
the site. The hardcore removed from elsewhere on the site could usefully be
deployed as material for the new path.
LATEST UPDATE
Since then we have completed a number of tasks –
. We have contacted all the public utility companies to find out what services
lie under the surface. The main one we need to watch out for is a cable
connecting the street lighting. This runs from the light adjacent to 232
Hursley Road across the site and exiting where the vehicular entrance used
to be (probably at a depth of about 450cm).
. Following a tree survey of the site we have ordered two specimen trees
to be planted in the grassed area.
. We have sent in tree surgeons to remove dead trees, dead wood and open
up the yew and oak trees by crown lifting to provide more light.
We did say that we would organise a community activity day on the site and
this is being programmed in for Saturday 3 March 2007 from 9am till noon.
Anyone is welcome to join us (children are welcome where supervised by a
parent) and if you can let me know who is coming I shall ensure that there
are tools and protective gloves available. There will be a variety of tasks
to undertake to suit all ages including:
. Restoring a clear line to the boundary hedge.
. Extending the boundary hedge along North Millers Dale with small whips.
. Tidy up on other areas of the site, cutting back shrubs, removal of ivy,
etc.
Unfortunately we missed the bulb planting season but I have secured funding
for this to take place later in the year which should produce an excellent
spread of colour next spring.
I look forward to seeing many residents there on 3 March. Many thanks for
your support on this project.
