Option 1 – Initial Design Lionthorn Play Area
• Design Philosophy
Capitalising on the strong natural features of this historic location the proposed design aims to marry play opportunities, seamlessly into the existing hills and dips and the new planting features of a ‘woodland edge’
(extending out from the existing edge). However, as this location is on the edge of urban/rural landscape, the
design also has a contemporary feel.
Timber equipment and natural materials and surfaces such as sand and bark have been selected because of their high play value, able to engage children in extended and imaginative play, and to be in keeping with the environment which is already a well loved area for walkers and nature lovers.
The incorporation of sculptural tree roots around the sand area and the carved channels for pouring sand in the boulders, root the play opportunities
into the living landscape.
The design aims to maximise and extend the exciting existing landscape resources:
woodland, path networks, wetlands, meadows and topography. Integrated into the profile of the hill a turf and clay structure hides a secret tunnel leading out to the sand area. (Historically commoners had the right to take materials from this site to build their houses).
Further features such as the wobbly cows on the drovers route (Cow Wynd) and the fox holes, seek to root the design in the context of local history.
As the play area will serve visitors as well as locals, consideration has been given to the provision of (limited) car parking. In addition a small, informal kickabout area has been carefully designed to cater for small groups of users in a relaxed environment.
The play features/equipment including, cableway, climbing wall and slides have been chosen to appeal and provide challenge to a wide age range and have been located to encourage a wide investigation of the landscape’s potential for play.
The play features have been selected/devised to provide opportunity for children with a wide range of needs and ensure inclusive accessibility. The hammock invites good sociable play and co-operation as well as being extremely inclusive in terms of abilities and age ranges providing both vigorous and contemplative play opportunity. Other original swinging experiences are provided with the large rope swing echoing much loved forest adventure activity.
A wide range of seating has been provided including picnic tables, opportunities to relax in the shade and informal seating opportunities eg groupings of boulders, suitable “edges” and perches especially adjacent to areas of focus for younger children. A seating maze is located at the brow of the hill which also invites extended exploration of different routes as well as a great context for chasing games.
There is also consideration of adults/carers and the
desire either to relax or engage in the play/investigations of the children such as with the charming xylophone.
Captal Cost: £234,600 works cost excluding fees and VAT
Option 2 - Reduced scheme
• Design Philosophy
It is possible to redesign the play area on the reduced area following the existing
brief, however, the possibilities of fulfilling the brief in its entirety diminish as the
available space reduces. Fundamental to a high quality play area is the provision
of adequate space which allows for meaningful relationships between the features
as well as significant slack space to invite imaginative and physical use of the
play landscape. Such reductions can make the play provision more prescriptive
and therefore a number of play features such as the rope swings and the maypole
do not feature in this design to allow for a good flow of movement and play. In
addition there is not room in this scheme to provide parking although it is arguable
that parking should not be a high priority in the spending of a budget for play.
The resulting scheme has surprised the consultants in its capacity to fulfil the brief
and indeed incorporates a new wetland feature with walkway across.
• Conclusions advantages / disadvantages of option
Although this scheme has significant potential it is likely that none of the residents’
fears would actually be addressed (as the fears are speculative), although it could
perhaps be argued that the focus of use would be further away from the residents
houses. However as the open hill top is the obvious space for play it is likely that
children visiting would still play there even if the play installations were further
removed.
The play area would still provide good quality play but would not be using the
many natural features, such as the woodland as proposed in option 1. Supervision
of the equipment near the road would be increased, but there is the disadvantage
of having the play area closer to the road.
(for plan see following page)
Captal Cost: £225,000 works cost excluding fees and VAT
Option 3 – Minimal Scheme Concentrating On Kick Pitch / Car Park MH insert plan
• Design Philosophy
Due to the proximity of houses it would not be appropriate to provide a high specification
competitive facility which is likely to attract older boys and high energy
usage. A more relaxed facility with good inclusive access would be more appropriate
with less impact on local residents. However, as kickabout facilities provide
amenity in the main for those interested in football, it is arguable that this in isolation
does not provide for an inclusive mix of users or multi-age users that was
established as a priority through the earlier consultation. It is also the view of the
consultants that to spend funds on extensive car parking where no broad spectrum
play provision was made would also not fulfil the initial brief However as requested,
a reduced amount of parking has been costed here.
•
Captal Cost: £70,900 works cost excluding fees and VAT
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Planning Gain Proposal
Title:
Allocation of Lionthorn Planning Gain
Key Issues:
Following on from the recent publication and public meeting on the proposed spend of the planning gain fund. Residents have raised a number of serious reservations/objections around the Council plan for an extensive extended play area. The joint residents associations have consulted with residents and worked closely with Councillor Patrick to develop an alternative proposal.
The Proposal is built around 3 main themes, Community, Safety and Environment. There main 4 elements to it are :
1. (Community) The erection of a community resource centre at Fox Covet Lionthorn Woodland for use as a resource centre including ground works, furnishing and contribution to future costs.
2. (Community/Environment ) Community Garden at the east end of Lionthorn
3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas including a kick pitch
4. (Safety) The contracting of Falkirk Council to repair and make safe the speed restrictions on Glengarry Crescent and the repair of damages walling around the area.
5. (Environment) Remaining funds to be used to contract Council/Greenbelt to carry out additional planting and fish stocking.
Action Required:
Residents can provide comment on the proposal
Background detail:
The proposal is based on adding long term value and benefit to all residents both now and in the future. The opportunity to show that the Council, Residents and Greenbelt can work effectively together is one of the key founding blocks of the proposal
1. Community Resource Centre
The proposed centre would be a log cabin style to blend into the local surroundings. The facilities would include one private meeting room, one large meeting area, toilet and kitchen area.
KEOPPS & Finn forest both provide suitable cabins. KEOPPS enable you to design your own cabin.
Benefits
Multi use hall can be used by:
- Woodland Rangers
- Lionthorn Community Woodland Group
- Lionthorn Community Council
- Local Schools to use as a resource centre
- Groups like Falkirk School of Kung Fu
- Lionthorn Residents Association
- Local cllrs surgeries
This spend will have long term benefits that be available to all future residents
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working.
Opportunity to hire out hall to local residents for children’s parties & community classes (dance, martial arts, keep fit etc.)
Private room
Toilet
Large meeting area
Kitchen
Furnishings
As a minimum:
The private room would consist of office furniture (desk & 4 chairs, filing cabinets)
Kitchen area – would have sink, fridge, 2 cupboards and would be stocked with kettle, mugs & spoons
Large meeting area would require approx. 25 stackable chairs & 3 large collapsible tables
Considerations
Half a dozen car park spaces would be required
Security provisions – alarms, fencing, windows protected, monitored systems
Maintenance – structural & internal
Cleaning
Management – collection of fees, co-ordinating bookings, policing use, securing building
We would like the council to take on responsibility for the building once the building is operational & paid for initially from planning gain.
2. Community Garden
There is a large area of unused land at the east end of the estate that could be utilised for a community garden area. The estate would benefit greatly from the area being ‘tidied up’ and put to good use.
Not only would it be an attractive entrance to the Lionthorn estate, it would provide an additional outdoor space available to the local community. Consultation with local children would be fostered to give them ownership of the space encouraging them to become involved in the development and upkeep of the area.
Benefits
Improves the overall appearance of the estate
Opportunity to develop more outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the local community
Encourages more residents to become actively involved within the Lionthorn community
3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas
The play area in Achray Drive currently has bark as a ground surface however this is proving to be unsuitable. A new rubber surface would be much safer and more durable for the play park which experiences regular use. The new surface would also neaten up the park area and require less maintenance than the existing surface.
Funding would also be made available to add another play area at the Venacher place open space, as detailed on original plans. This would provide an addition play park within the estate that would benefit from the added security of being surrounded by houses.
In addition the buildings of a kick pitch as per the original plans at the entrance to Fox Covert. However this should be paid for by Persimmon as it was in their plan.
The residents associations would also consider a scaled down play area of some description at this site.
Benefits
· Areas become safer for children to play
· More activities for the local residents
3. Road proposals
The current speed bumps around Glengarry Crescent are a major cause of compliant to residents. The natures of the bumps mean that wheels are effectively caught between two kerb stones. The residents value the speed restricting methods but feel that they cause excessive impact to vehicles. It is also proposed that a mini roundabout (raised paint)is placed at the point where Glengarry Crescent splits. There have been a series of very near misses and road rage incidents where residents have not given way to traffic from the right.
It is proposed that the kerb stones are removed and a smooth tar macadam ramp is used.
The Roads department have been contacted for consultation.
Benefits
Reduced potential for claims against the Council for car damage
Reduced cost to Council as improvement work will be paid for by residents, some work will need to be carried out in the near future to repair existing ramps.
Clearer road markings
Happier residents
PR opportunity for Council and Residents Association to show joined up working
4. Wall reconstruction and tidy up
There are a number of damaged walls and eye sores around the area. In particular, the wall at Graeme Place (near to the bus stop at the west end of Lionthorn Road) which needs reconstructing. Bricks from this wall have been used as missiles thrown at cars and have been placed in the road and bus stop area with the intent to cause damage to vehicles. The wall at the post box in the middle of Lionthorn Road has been missing coping stones for a number of years. The coping stones are all there, they just need to be refitted and secured.
Any additional funds can be used to plant out the green areas with the assistance of Greenbelt and tidy up the gorse bush area that runs the length of Lionthorn Road and parallel to Farquharson Way/Glengarry Crescent. This area is currently very untidy and would benefit from a sympathetic replanting.
If funds allow ornamental or native fish could also be stocked into the main suds ponds in the Persimmon/Scotia estate to add interest to the water features.
Dialog is underway with Greenbelt to establish which species of fish will best suit the water conditions. It may be that this is carried out in a phased approach with the initial introduction of fresh water muscles to increase water quality.
In addition to the stocking of the suds, the purchase & installation of a pontoon to allow ducks to be fed in the shallow sud with secure fencing should also be built
Benefits
Area is tidied up and looks fresher
Less likelihood of damage being caused by loose and dangerous building material
Adding fish to suds will increase wild life diversity and also decrease excessive insect life
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working
Allocation of Lionthorn Planning Gain
Key Issues:
Following on from the recent publication and public meeting on the proposed spend of the planning gain fund. Residents have raised a number of serious reservations/objections around the Council plan for an extensive extended play area. The joint residents associations have consulted with residents and worked closely with Councillor Patrick to develop an alternative proposal.
The Proposal is built around 3 main themes, Community, Safety and Environment. There main 4 elements to it are :
1. (Community) The erection of a community resource centre at Fox Covet Lionthorn Woodland for use as a resource centre including ground works, furnishing and contribution to future costs.
2. (Community/Environment ) Community Garden at the east end of Lionthorn
3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas including a kick pitch
4. (Safety) The contracting of Falkirk Council to repair and make safe the speed restrictions on Glengarry Crescent and the repair of damages walling around the area.
5. (Environment) Remaining funds to be used to contract Council/Greenbelt to carry out additional planting and fish stocking.
Action Required:
Residents can provide comment on the proposal
Background detail:
The proposal is based on adding long term value and benefit to all residents both now and in the future. The opportunity to show that the Council, Residents and Greenbelt can work effectively together is one of the key founding blocks of the proposal
1. Community Resource Centre
The proposed centre would be a log cabin style to blend into the local surroundings. The facilities would include one private meeting room, one large meeting area, toilet and kitchen area.
KEOPPS & Finn forest both provide suitable cabins. KEOPPS enable you to design your own cabin.
Benefits
Multi use hall can be used by:
- Woodland Rangers
- Lionthorn Community Woodland Group
- Lionthorn Community Council
- Local Schools to use as a resource centre
- Groups like Falkirk School of Kung Fu
- Lionthorn Residents Association
- Local cllrs surgeries
This spend will have long term benefits that be available to all future residents
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working.
Opportunity to hire out hall to local residents for children’s parties & community classes (dance, martial arts, keep fit etc.)
Private room
Toilet
Large meeting area
Kitchen
Furnishings
As a minimum:
The private room would consist of office furniture (desk & 4 chairs, filing cabinets)
Kitchen area – would have sink, fridge, 2 cupboards and would be stocked with kettle, mugs & spoons
Large meeting area would require approx. 25 stackable chairs & 3 large collapsible tables
Considerations
Half a dozen car park spaces would be required
Security provisions – alarms, fencing, windows protected, monitored systems
Maintenance – structural & internal
Cleaning
Management – collection of fees, co-ordinating bookings, policing use, securing building
We would like the council to take on responsibility for the building once the building is operational & paid for initially from planning gain.
2. Community Garden
There is a large area of unused land at the east end of the estate that could be utilised for a community garden area. The estate would benefit greatly from the area being ‘tidied up’ and put to good use.
Not only would it be an attractive entrance to the Lionthorn estate, it would provide an additional outdoor space available to the local community. Consultation with local children would be fostered to give them ownership of the space encouraging them to become involved in the development and upkeep of the area.
Benefits
Improves the overall appearance of the estate
Opportunity to develop more outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the local community
Encourages more residents to become actively involved within the Lionthorn community
3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas
The play area in Achray Drive currently has bark as a ground surface however this is proving to be unsuitable. A new rubber surface would be much safer and more durable for the play park which experiences regular use. The new surface would also neaten up the park area and require less maintenance than the existing surface.
Funding would also be made available to add another play area at the Venacher place open space, as detailed on original plans. This would provide an addition play park within the estate that would benefit from the added security of being surrounded by houses.
In addition the buildings of a kick pitch as per the original plans at the entrance to Fox Covert. However this should be paid for by Persimmon as it was in their plan.
The residents associations would also consider a scaled down play area of some description at this site.
Benefits
· Areas become safer for children to play
· More activities for the local residents
3. Road proposals
The current speed bumps around Glengarry Crescent are a major cause of compliant to residents. The natures of the bumps mean that wheels are effectively caught between two kerb stones. The residents value the speed restricting methods but feel that they cause excessive impact to vehicles. It is also proposed that a mini roundabout (raised paint)is placed at the point where Glengarry Crescent splits. There have been a series of very near misses and road rage incidents where residents have not given way to traffic from the right.
It is proposed that the kerb stones are removed and a smooth tar macadam ramp is used.
The Roads department have been contacted for consultation.
Benefits
Reduced potential for claims against the Council for car damage
Reduced cost to Council as improvement work will be paid for by residents, some work will need to be carried out in the near future to repair existing ramps.
Clearer road markings
Happier residents
PR opportunity for Council and Residents Association to show joined up working
4. Wall reconstruction and tidy up
There are a number of damaged walls and eye sores around the area. In particular, the wall at Graeme Place (near to the bus stop at the west end of Lionthorn Road) which needs reconstructing. Bricks from this wall have been used as missiles thrown at cars and have been placed in the road and bus stop area with the intent to cause damage to vehicles. The wall at the post box in the middle of Lionthorn Road has been missing coping stones for a number of years. The coping stones are all there, they just need to be refitted and secured.
Any additional funds can be used to plant out the green areas with the assistance of Greenbelt and tidy up the gorse bush area that runs the length of Lionthorn Road and parallel to Farquharson Way/Glengarry Crescent. This area is currently very untidy and would benefit from a sympathetic replanting.
If funds allow ornamental or native fish could also be stocked into the main suds ponds in the Persimmon/Scotia estate to add interest to the water features.
Dialog is underway with Greenbelt to establish which species of fish will best suit the water conditions. It may be that this is carried out in a phased approach with the initial introduction of fresh water muscles to increase water quality.
In addition to the stocking of the suds, the purchase & installation of a pontoon to allow ducks to be fed in the shallow sud with secure fencing should also be built
Benefits
Area is tidied up and looks fresher
Less likelihood of damage being caused by loose and dangerous building material
Adding fish to suds will increase wild life diversity and also decrease excessive insect life
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working
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