Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Purpose of report

To consider the creation of a new country park in Banbury

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To approve the creation of a new open space, Banbury CountryPark.

1.2       To support the approach of working with stakeholders to develop an inviting country park which provides a wide range of leisure activities for Cherwell residents & visitors as well as creating a diverse habitat forwildlife.

1.3         To note that the running costs of a new Country Park can be delivered within existing revenue budgets.

1.4         To agree to seek planning approval for change ofuse.

Resolved

(1)          That the creation of a new open space, Banbury CountryPark, be approved.

(2)          That the approach of working with stakeholders to develop an inviting country park which provides a wide range of leisure activities for Cherwell residents and visitors as well as creating a diverse habitat forwildlife be supported.

(3)          That it be noted that the running costs of a new Country Park can be delivered within existing revenue budgets.

(4)          That agreement be given to seek planning approval for change ofuse.

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report to consider the creation of a new country park in Banbury.

Resolved

(1)          That the creation of a new open space, Banbury CountryPark, be approved.

(2)          That the approach of working with stakeholders to develop an inviting country park which provides a wide range of leisure activities for Cherwell residents and visitors as well as creating a diverse habitat forwildlife be supported.

(3)          That it be noted that the running costs of a new Country Park can be delivered within existing revenue budgets.

(4)          That agreement be given to seek planning approval for change ofuse.

Reasons

The development of a new country park with strong stakeholder support will provide leisure and healthy life style benefits as well as becoming a visitorattraction.

Sufficient capital resources exist to open the facility. Running costs are expected to be minimal and no additional revenue budget isrequired.

Alternative options

Option 1: To support the proposed development of a Country Park

Option 2: To reject the proposed development of a Country Park

Option 3: To ask officers to consider other uses for the land acquired