Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to proposals to designate Ochre Dike/Waterthorpe Greenway Playing Fields as a Fields in Trust protected site.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the formal submission of an application to designate Ochre Dike/Waterthorpe Greenway Playing Fields, Sheffield as a Fields in Trust protected site to allow it to be further protected and managed as a public park and playing field in perpetuity;

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Capital and Major Projects, in consultation with the Director of Culture and Environment, to negotiate the terms of the documentation needed to dedicate the land;

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Capital and Major Projects to instruct the Director of Legal and Governance to take all necessary action and complete the documentation needed to dedicate the land;

(d)

notes that the Town and Village Green application for this site will be superseded on successful completion of the Field in Trust designation, and that this outstanding matter will then be referred back to the Licencing authority for satisfactory conclusion and withdrawal of the application in due course; and

(e)

notes that, subject to recommendations a-c being concluded, the site will be formally dedicated as a Field in Trust in a ceremony to be arranged on completion.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Designation as a Fields in Trust site will protect this site for local recreation and is a more suitable alternative to the pending Town and Village Green application, in this location. The alternative designation is fully supported by the local community applicants, local ward Councillors and officers.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

A Town and Village Green application was submitted by the local community in 2012 to protect the site from future alternative development threats. This application has yet to be determined.

8.4.2

Whilst this Village Green application may have some merits and benefit in offering greater protection it is not felt to be the most appropriate protection by officers to meet local community needs. One of the complications and constraints is that Village Green status is essentially for open access and non-organised recreational activity, not team sports. Consequently, such status could limit and prejudice the future of the football pitch and other legitimate recreational uses; also potentially desirable complimentary site improvements (e.g. the provision of changing rooms or other built facilities, if desired). Local residents have clearly indicated to officers that the playing of football and other games in this area is an important local facility along with the other less organised but equally important recreational activities of walking and simple enjoyment of the open green space environment.

8.6

As an alternative to the Town and Village Green application we have jointly explored a Fields in Trust designation as a more appropriate protection. Officers and the local applicants supported by their local Councillors have met with the Fields in Trust on site. The Fields in Trust as very supportive of adding the Ochre Dike/Waterthorpe Greenway Playing Fields to the national portfolio of sites receiving protection and have invited an application from the Council, as landowner. This option is now more preferable than a Town and Village Green designation which is now felt to be less desirable by the local community and would also be more costly to determine for the Council.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing