Council Options for use of planning Gain

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.
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Captal Cost: £70,900 works cost excluding fees and VAT