Agenda item

Fields in Trust Dedication

Minutes:

(The Chairman agreed to the consideration of this item as a matter of urgency as a decision was required prior to the next meeting of the Cabinet).

The Cabinet considered a report from the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services in relation to the proposed dedication of a number of areas of open spaces/playing fields for inclusion in the Fields in Trust Programme as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This would enable the purpose and title of the sites to be protected as local outdoor spaces, specifically as playing fields for sport, play and recreation.

It was reported that the consideration this item had been brought forward from the original scheduled date of September 2012 in order to facilitate the previously approved development of land at Housman Close by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) for affordable housing. Fields in Trust would be agreeable to releasing the Housman Close site from “Fields in Trust” status on the basis that replacement alternative sites are offered. There was a deadline for BDHT to acquire the land at Housman Close in order to qualify for Homes and Communities Agency funding for their proposed development.

Following discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a) that the 7 sites listed within the report at section 1.1 be formally dedicated for use as playing fields by way of a Covenant/Deed of Dedication under the Fields in Trust programme; and

(b) that authority be delegated to the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services together with the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services to take the necessary steps to finalise the agreement with Fields in Trust in relation to the 7 sites and to complete the Deeds of Dedication.

Supporting documents: