APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
SECTION 1. SUMMARY
Purpose of Review
Due to the current financial climate Officers have prioritised capital and revenue
expenditure associated with the Councils recently adopted Green Space Strategy
and related action plans.
Background
It is nationally recognised that quality green space in the urban environment
increases the quality of life for residents ( evidenced in NHDC’s Green Space
Strategy). NHDC’s 2009 Citizen panel demonstrates that 74% of residents use parks
& Open Spaces. The remaining 26% gain an indirect benefit by an enhanced natural
green environment within the urban setting.
In order to meet the needs of its residents in October 2009 the Council adopted a
Green Space Management Strategy which contains action plans for improvements to
Green Space. It was resolved “to work with external agencies and the local
community to produce action plans and aim to secure external funding opportunities
to supplement a limited NHDC capital programme”. In accordance with the Councils
strategic objectives for town centres, town centre parks were identified as a priority
for investment.
Capital Programme
The current uncommitted capital investment programme for 2010 - 2015 is
£1.720,000 as shown at section 2.
This has been prioritised to show areas of greatest need:
High Priority: Strategically important town centre parks, prime play areas serving
large catchment areas which have the greatest impact.
Medium Priority: Generally neighbourhood facilities serving local communities or
sports pitch provision which have a lower impact on the wider community.
Low Priority: Generally smaller capital projects that could be delayed or in part be
funded from revenue savings achieved from high and medium priority capital
projects.
Options for Capital
For savings to be made it is important to look at the entire 5 year programme and
retain projects that have the greatest positive impact on our residents.
Summarised below are option appraisals showing reductions in the capital
programme between 0% & 37% over the five year period.
O&S (21.09.10)
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Retain current level of expenditure
Year
Capital
Saving
2010/11
£215,000
£0
2011/12
£530,000
£0
2012/13
£290,000
£0
2013/14
£610,000
£0
2014/15
£75,000
£0
Total
£1,720,000
£0
12.8% reduction of capital
expenditure
Year
Capital
Saving
2010/11
£195,000
£20,000
2011/12
£400,000 £130,000
2012/13
£260,000
£30,000
2013/14
£570,000
£40,000
2014/15
£75,000
£0
Total
£1,500,000 £220,000
37.2% reduction of capital
expenditure
Year
Capital
Saving
2010/11
£195,000
£20,000
2011/12
£400,000 £130,000
2012/13
£240,000
£50,000
2013/14
£170,000 £440,000
2014/15
£75,000
£0
Total
£1,080,000 £640,000
No impact on capital programme delivering
maximum community benefit.
Some impact with removal of the following
low priority projects:
 Improvements, Weston Hills,
Baldock
 Access improvements, Windmill Hill,
Hitchin
 Play area improvements, Priory
Gardens, Royston
 Play Area improvements, Ivel Road,
Baldock

See section 2. for further details.
Removals as above but with additional
impact on sporting activities with removal of
the additional medium priority projects:


Rebuilding Walsworth pavilion,
Hitchin
Renovation of Walsworth pitches,
Hitchin
See section 2. for further details.
O&S (21.09.10)
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
SECTION 2. DETAIL OF GREEN SPACE ACTION PLANS.
Current prioritises investment programme contained within the adopted strategy
Site
Action
Year
Capital
investment
Priority
Notes
2010/11
£45,000 for park.
£150,000 for
paddling pool
High
2010/11
£20,000
Low
Bancroft
Recreation
Ground, Hitchin
Obtain Local
Nature Reserve
Status by
improvements to
access and
enhanced
management.
Renovation of
Town Centre
Park
Town centre parks have been identified within the strategy as a
priority for investment. Consultation with the local community has
developed a £600,000 renovation package that will meet the needs
of the town. NHDC’s capital investment is being used as core funding
to apply for external grants. Groundwork Hertfordshire have applied
for an additional £105,000. This still leaves a shortfall so works will
need to be phased over a number of years. This project directly
relates to the Councils strategic priorities for town centres.
This is not a town centre park and works could be deferred to a
future year. The public will still retain the existing access to the site
and the current level of management would continue to maintain the
chalk grasslands and woodland habitats.
2011/12
£95,000
High
Windmill Hill,
New retaining
2011/12
£70,000
Low
GREEN SPACE ACTION PLAN
Avenue Park,
Renovation of
Baldock
Town centre park
Weston Hills
Nature Reserve
O&S (21.09.10)
This is NHDC’s most neglected town centre parks with great scope
for improvement to increase available green space and provide
enhanced community benefit. Town centre parks have been
identified as a priority for investment Until the results of the
consultation the total cost of the scheme will not be known. It is
anticipated that the total cost of the scheme will be similar to Avenue
Park (£600,000). Currently there is £75,000 section 106 money
allocated to the park with an additional £90,000 section 106 for the
provision of a built facility for children. Once the scheme is developed
it is intended to use NHDC’s capital investment as core funding to
apply for external grants. This project directly relates to the Councils
strategic priorities for town centres.
This is a well used town centre open space but is not classified as a
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Site
Action
Year
Priority
2012/13
Capital
investment
£30,000
Hitchin
wall and disabled
access
Priory Memorial
Gardens,
Royston
Minor
renovations
2011/12
2012/13
£15,000
£30,000
High
All Areas
Improvements to
Neighbourhood
parks
2012/13
2013/14
£70,000
£100,000
Medium
£400,000
Medium
OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES ACTION PLAN
Walsworth
Replace Sports
2013/14
Common,
Pavilion
Hitchin
Walsworth
Common,
Hitchin
Bancroft
Recreation
Ground, Hitchin
Renovate pitches
2012/13
£20,000
Medium
Construct
Floodlit MUGA
2011/12
£150,000
High
Priory Gardens,
Royston
Install flood lights
to existing
MUGA
2012/13
£30,000
High
O&S (21.09.10)
Notes
town centre park such as Bancroft. Disabled access is available from
the top of the hill and temporary repairs to the retaining wall could be
undertaken from existing revenue budgets.
Town centre parks have been identified as a priority for investment.
Priory Memorial Gardens is NHDC’s only park to obtain Green Flag
status (Norton Common also obtained the status but is a nature
reserve) Continued investment will be required to retain a green flag
which is a quality mark for the Council.
These works are reliant on external match funding. Both Biffa &
Wren who historically funded such works no longer provide grants. In
order to maximise the benefit of available grants they could be
directed to town centre park projects.
Whilst 74% of residents visit parks only 11% do so for sporting
activities so whilst sporting activity has many health benefits it is not
a primary use of open space. The existing pavilion at Walswoth is
insufficient to serve the potential number of sports pitches on the
site. In order to reduce capital expenditure the scheme could be
linked to the relocation of Walsworth community centre by providing
one multi functional building on the common and releasing the
existing community centre site for development.
The existing pitches have potential health & safety issues and unless
investment is undertaken they may have to be taken out of use.
It is proposed to replace two of the existing tennis courts with a
MUGA. Past experience shows that a MUGA provides much more
community value than stand-alone tennis courts. 15 – 20 players can
occupy a MUGY whilst a tennis court is confined to 2 - 4. This project
will provide a much needed community facility in the town and
directly relates to the Councils strategic priorities for town centres.
To maximise the use and cost benefit of a MUGA it is important to
provide lighting for evening use.
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Site
Action
Year
Jackmans
Playing Fields,
Letchworth
Grant aid
towards new
pavilion
2011/12
Baldock Road,
Recreation
Ground,
Letchworth
Provide portacabin changing
rooms
2011/12
OUTDOOR PLAY PROVISION ACTION PLAN
Temple
Renovate Play
2011/12
Gardens,
Area
Letchworth
Priory Gardens, Renovate Play
2011/12
Royston
Area
Capital
investment
£50,000
Priority
Notes
Medium
£50,000
(not in existing
programme but
could be funded
by external grant
and insurance
money.
Medium
Whilst 74% of residents visit parks only 11% do so for sporting
activities so whilst sporting activity has many health benefits it is not
a primary use of open space. The Sunday Football League have
proposed a self build programme for the site.
Whilst 74% of residents visit parks only 11% do so for sporting
activities so whilst sporting activity has many health benefits it is not
a primary use of open space.
£40,000
High
The play area is located in densely populated residential area and
the existing equipment is coming to the end of its life.
£60,000
Low
Over the past few years the play area has had significant revenue
investment and has secured external funding for a youth shelter.
Capital investment is therefore can therefore be delayed for at least 5
years.
The play area serve a densely populated residential area. Over the
past few years the has been some revenue investment but further
works are required.
The play area serves a densely populated residential area and much
of the existing equipment has either been removed or is coming to
the end of its economic life.
Purwell, Hitchin
Renovate Play
Area
2012/13
£50,000
Medium
Grange
Recreation
Ground,
Letchworth
Ivel Road,
Baldock
Renovate Play
Area
2012/13
£60,000
High
Renovate Play
Area
2013/14
£40,000
Low
Walsworth
Common,
Hitchin
Renovate Play
Area
2013/14
£70,000
High
O&S (21.09.10)
This play area has a limited catchment area and the existing
provision whilst aging should be sufficient to meet local need with
minor additions from existing revenue budgets from savings
achieved by the reduction in fencing in play areas.
This is a prime play area for Hitchin and the existing equipment will
need replacing within the next four years.
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Site
Action
Year
Ransoms
Recreation
Ground, Hitchin
Renovate Play
Area
2014/15
O&S (21.09.10)
Capital
investment
£75,000
Priority
Notes
High
This is a prime play area for Hitchin and the existing equipment will
need replacing within the next five years.
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Options for 12.8% Reduction in Capital Programme by Removing the following Actions
Site
Weston Hills Nature
Reserve
Action
Obtain Local Nature Reserve Status by
improvements to access and enhanced
management.
Year
2010/11
Capital
investment
£20,000
New retaining wall and disabled access
2011/12
£70,000
2012/13
£30,000
Windmill Hill, Hitchin
Priory Gardens, Royston
Renovate Play Area
2011/12
£60,000
Ivel Road, Baldock
Renovate Play Area
2013/14
£40,000
Notes
This is not a town centre park and works could be
deferred to a future year. The public will still retain
the existing access to the site and the current
level of management would continue to maintain
the chalk grasslands and woodland habitats.
This is a well used town centre open space but is
not classified as a town centre park such as
Bancroft. Disabled access is available from the
top of the hill and temporary repairs to the
retaining wall could be undertaken from existing
revenue budgets.
Over the past few years the play area has had
significant revenue investment and has secured
external funding for a youth shelter. Capital
investment is therefore can therefore be delayed
for at least 5 years.
This play area has a limited catchment area and
the existing provision whilst aging should be
sufficient to meet local need with minor additions
from existing revenue budgets from savings
achieved by the reduction in fencing in play areas.
Total Saved
O&S (21.09.10)
£220,000
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Options for 37.2% Reduction in Capital Programme by Removing the following Actions
Site
Weston Hills Nature
Reserve
Action
Obtain Local Nature Reserve Status by
improvements to access and enhanced
management.
Year
2010/11
New retaining wall and disabled access
2011/12
Capital
investment
£20,000
This is not a town centre park and works could be
deferred to a future year. The public will still retain
the existing access to the site and the current
level of management would continue to maintain
the chalk grasslands and woodland habitats.
£70,000
Windmill Hill, Hitchin
Priory Gardens, Royston
Renovate Play Area
Notes
2012/13
£30,000
2011/12
£60,000
This is a well used town centre open space but is
not classified as a town centre park such as
Bancroft. Disabled access is available from the
top of the hill and temporary repairs to the
retaining wall could be undertaken from existing
revenue budgets.
Over the past few years the play area has had
significant revenue investment and has secured
external funding for a youth shelter. Capital
investment is therefore can therefore be delayed
for at least 5 years.
Ivel Road, Baldock
Renovate Play Area
2013/14
£40,000
This play area has a limited catchment area and
the existing provision whilst aging should be
sufficient to meet local need with minor additions
from existing revenue budgets from savings
achieved by the reduction in fencing in play areas.
O&S (21.09.10)
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
Site
Walsworth Common,
Hitchin
Walsworth Common,
Hitchin
Action
Replace Sports Pavilion
Renovate pitches
Total Saved
O&S (21.09.10)
Year
2013/14
2012/13
Capital
investment
£400,000
£20,000
£640,000
Notes
Whilst 74% of residents visit parks only 11% do so
for sporting activities so whilst sporting activity has
many health benefits it is not a primary use of
open space. The existing pavilion at Walswoth is
insufficient to serve the potential number of sports
pitches on the site. In order to reduce capital
expenditure the scheme could be linked to the
relocation of Walsworth community centre by
providing one multi functional building on the
common and releasing the existing community
centre site for development.
The existing pitches have potential health & safety
issues and unless investment is undertaken they
may have to be taken out of use. This work could
be linked to a new pavilion.
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
SECTION 3 REVENUE EFFICIENCIES.
Revenue
In order to deliver the strategy there is a £94,690 pa. revenue allocation. The
following table details revenue expenditure:
Purpose
Ground
Work
Hertfordshire
Function
To consult with the local community to
develop action plans for improvements to
our town centre and neighbourhood green
space. To deliver improvements through
external grants and NHDC capital
investment. Examples include Grange
Community Garden, Letchworth, where in
excess of £250K external funds were
secured. Groundwork have completed
improvement plans for Avenue Park,
Baldock and are applying for £110K external
grants. A similar process has commenced at
Bancroft, Hitchin.
Countryside To manage NHDC’s countryside sites,
Management develop management plans, lead
Service
conservation volunteers. Last year achieved
(CMS)
in excess of 6,000 volunteer hours, secured
in excess of £50K external grants for
conservation work. Currently applying for
£35K grant for Ivel Springs, Baldock.
Enhanced
To fund contractual enhancements post
maintenance renovation of town and neighbourhood
parks.
Friends of
To provide core funding to establish and
Green
support Friends of Green Space Groups.
Space
Friends of groups are managed by the CMS
Groups
and provide voluntary support for green
space. Last year in excess of 6,000 hr. They
provide a parks wardening service which
deters vandalism and assisted in obtaining
Green Flag status for two of NHDC’s parks.
Total
Value pa.
£20,000
£44,690
£20,000
£10,000
£94,690 pa
There is scope to reduce revenue expenditure for green space by 27.5% without
having a major impact on the service. This could be achieved by ensuring future park
improvement programmes reduced or at worst maintained the same level of
maintenance cost. This would remove the need for the £20K pa. for enhanced
maintenance. The £10K pa. funding for Friends of groups could be reduced to £2K
for 2010-11 and as the number of groups increased the sum could be increased
annually to reflect the demand. The table below summarises the proposed revenue
saving:
O&S (21.09.10)
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
The table below shows the current revenue investment and proposed with a 27.5%
efficiency saving over the five year period.
Year
Current
Proposed Saving
Revenue Revenue
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Total
£94,690
£94,690
£94,690
£94,690
£94,690
£473,450
£66,690
£67,690
£68,690
£69,690
£70,690
£343,450
£28,000
£27,000
£26,000
£25,000
£24,000
£130,000
27.5 % saving achieved by removing
£20K pa increased maintenance &
only increasing contribution to friends
of groups by £1K pa
Cemeteries & Allotment Action Plans
The Cemeteries and Allotment action plan largely contain actions that are already
contained within existing revenue budgets. However there are works that only need
to be undertaken once every five years eg. tree pruning at Icknield Way cemetery
costing £15,000 and a single years revenue budget could not fund these works. The
tree maintenance budget could be profiled over a five year period to take account of
these works. The budget could be reduced by £3k for four years and increased by
£12k every fifth year.
In the case of allotments there is high demand and whist increasing prices may help
reduce the waiting lists a latent demand will remain.
O&S (21.09.10)
APPENDIX 1.
Review of Green Space Action Plans
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O&S (21.09.10)