Issue - meetings

Forum Members noted the draft version of the Green Space Strategy.

It was reported that some key elements of the Strategy were already being delivered and Section 106 contributions from developers had been secured for an Urban Woods Project for green spaces located at the rear of housing developments. Money would be used to clear up the effects of anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping, for path improvements and to improve the visibility of areas to make them more welcoming.

Works were underway in the following areas:

• Berry Bank in Sandhurst. A positive response had been received from Waitrose as the neighbouring landlord.
• Wentworth Way, Winkfield, nr Ascot.
• School Hill, Sandhurst.
• Frog Copse, opposite the Depot in Bracknell.
• Osmonds Close, Winkfield – there was currently one way in and one way out. Another route would be identified.
• Napier Close, Crowthorne – adjacent to part of the Broadmoor Farm Estate.

With regard to issues of ‘backland’ sites; Jennetts Park – lessons had been learnt from past development practice with housing now fronting onto the woodland and copses with buffer zones. Standards were being raised.

With regard to feedback from LCAF members, the focus would be on aims, objectives and key actions. It was suggested that key projects could be advertised on the website, in the Town & Country local paper and on the radio. In order to be more user friendly, consideration should be given to make the Strategy shorter possibly by placing certain items in the Appendix. The Strategy was not geographically specific but some actions would have site references.

It was suggested that there could be a Top 10 list of areas being improved at any time and a small glossy leaflet for different areas of the Borough with simple summaries.

It was noted that the Strategy had also been circulated to the Parish and Town Councils and would also be sent to other relevant organisations such as The Crown Estate. As it was in draft format the Strategy was not available on the website yet. Wider public consultation could be undertaken once initial feedback had been incorporated.

The Forum thanked Richard Walton for his work on the Green Space Strategy and noted the appropriate poem at the beginning.

It was agreed that any comments or suggestions would be directed to Sally Coulson by the end of April 2009.

(Action: All)