To receive a presentation by the Environment and Countryside Manager
Minutes:
The Committee received a progress report on the Council’s provision of allotments in respect of the recommendations of the Allotments Task Group adopted by the Cabinet in July 2009. Members were reminded that a key recommendation of the Task Group was that officers investigate potential sites in the Scarborough area to create 150 new allotment plots in various locations (and so help meet demand for an activity which supported a healthy lifestyle), and that the cost implications be considered under ‘Invest to Save.’ The last update received by scrutiny in July 2011 reported that lists of applicants for allotments were now being effectively managed with all vacant plots let, and that two viable sites had been identified – Woodlands Drive and Cornelian Drive – which were estimated to yield around 130 new full sized plots potentially satisfying most of the existing demand. However, neither site had progressed to date because of the objections received. The Woodlands Drive site still had potential – there were concerns voiced by Environmental Services about its proximity to the crematorium, but the use of adequate screening may well overcome these objections. The Cornelian Drive site would obscure the coastal views of a number of properties; and given the poor quality of the soil besides, it was now felt that this option should be discounted. However, owing to the time that had elapsed since the previous report, the Environment and Countryside Manager, Steve Reynolds proposed that the original long list of sites should be revisited. Of these, the Scalby Manor site still had not been sold and therefore offered opportunities, whilst the Redscar Lane site presented the most attractive option since it abutted existing allotments managed by Newby and Scalby Parish Council. This site had been rejected previously because the site’s management arrangements at that time had been under review. The proposal before the Committee was therefore to start dialogue with the Estates Service and Newby and Scalby Parish Council about these two sites, but more generally to engage with the Scarborough urban area’s neighbouring parish councils to see if further potential sites could be identified. More detailed proposals would then be resubmitted to the committee at a later date. Members then questioned Mr Reynolds about his report. In reply, he confirmed that the Council was considering sub-dividing plots to increase capacity and satisfy demand. The current number of people on the waiting lists for an allotment in the town was estimated to be 230, taking into account some duplication across the lists. He noted one Member’s concern about the proximity of the Redscar Lane site to some residents’ houses, but this issue would have to be considered in the dialogue with the parish council. Members welcomed Mr Reynolds’ ideas to move the allotments issue forward.
RESOLVED that:
(i) the presentation be received; and
(ii) a further progress report in respect of the Woodlands Drive, Scalby Manor, and Redscar Lane sites and any other additional sites which some to light, be presented to the Committee in due course.