Minutes:
Mike Winstanley from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was welcomed to the meeting. A recent meeting had taken place to consider what was realistically achievable on site that would serve the needs of the community and be able to be easily maintained in the long term. It was suggested that the site would lend itself to an increased access to green space. Members heard that the Section 106 finance available was around £76,000, and it was proposed that this would be used to increase access to the site via installing additional steps. This would increase safety, accessibility and help introduce new users to the site. It was noted that the installation would be prioritised and would realistically take around 2/3rd of the funds available.
Consideration would also be given to increasing biodiversity in the area through such as planting additional wildflowers and trees. This would further improve the area without increasing maintenance unnecessarily.
Members noted the potential of this being part of a wider project with the Environment Agency to consider the river, associated habitats and flood mitigation. There was the possibility of creating a country park, which would act as a valuable green space resource for the area, unique because of its proximity to Barnsley Town Centre.
It was acknowledged that play equipment for the area, which had been previously proposed, would likely be outside the budget. It was also noted that Barnsley College had not been greatly involved to date . Due to much of the land in the area being within their ownership, it was suggested that their input going forward was crucial.
Members questioned how success would be measured on the site, and it was noted that footfall could be used, however members of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust staff could be deployed in the area to help assess the qualitative benefits from discussions with users and residents. A suggestion was made that increasing biodiversity could also be a measure of success.
Questions were raised about access for those less abled, and it was suggested that ramps could be part of the designs to increase safe access.
RESOLVED that thanks be given for the update, and that the update be noted.