BOROUGH OF POOLE

PLANNING OBLIGATIONS (RECREATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS)

SUB GROUP

1st DECEMBER 2005

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF LEISURE SERVICES

POOLE PARK - DREDGING AND ISLAND CREATION

1 / Purpose of Report
1.1 / To seek Member consideration for:
1.1.1 / the development of islands in Poole Park saline lake
1.1.2 / the dredging of the lake to facilitate the above mentioned islands, and the introduction of wider water based activities
1.1.3 / The allocation of planning obligations funding from the Poole Park collection
2 / Recommendations
2.1 / Members are recommended to:
2.1.1 / support the proposal to dredge the saline lake, and create a series of islands, and acknowledge the link this work will have with the introduction of greater usage of the lake from water based activities
2.1.2 / Support the allocation of £200,000 from planning obligations funds collected for the benefit of Poole Park.
Please Note: This decision exceeds the £50,000 limit, below which delegated powers apply. If supported by this committee this report will be referred to the Environment Overview Group and Cabinet for decision.
3 / Information
3.1 / The use of the saline lake for water based leisure activities has declined over the years. One of the main reasons why this has happened is that the lake depth has steadily fallen, due to silt being washed in from the harbour, and the local surface water drainage system. The shallow water can no longer support sailing boats, and in places there is even insufficient depth to allow pedalos to operate without the risk of running aground.
3.2 / The Friends of Poole Park have stated that the reintroduction of water based activities is one of their highest priorities.
3.3 / The problem of insufficient depth can be dealt with by removing silt to establish an appropriate level, and in normal circumstances the resulting material would be removed off-site. It is considered however that the costs of removing the silt would be prohibitive, and therefore officers have investigated alternative approaches.
3.4 / It is proposed that the excavated silt is used to create a series of islands, of natural design, close to the northern shore. A plan will be available for inspection at this meeting. The estimated cost of these works is £200,000, and the balance available within the planning obligations Poole Park collection is currently £338,000.
3.5 / Whilst the excavation of silt is a fairly straight forward engineering , the construction of islands will be more challenging. It is anticipated that they will be bounded by natural materials and silt will be deposited inside. It is likely that it will take in the region of twelve months before any further landscaping can take place, as the silt dries out and a natural level is established
3.6 / It is intended that the string of islands will include a larger island and that it would be desirable to create access to it via a bridge. This would allow for sailing activities to be based from the island, thereby taking pressure off the lake edge and ensure the security of boats when not in use. It is expected that funding to deliver this bridge will be sought externally, and so at this stage it cannot be guaranteed.
3.7 / Water based activities that will be facilitated through this project include sailing, rowing boats and pedalos. A concessionaire has already been selected to deliver these services and their operation will be based at the boat house, part of the new restaurant anticipated in 2006.
3.8 / Planning permission is currently awaited for the creation of the islands, and along with this application for funding, it is not possible as yet to provide a firm timetable for delivery of the project. It is predicted however that at this stage, assuming permissions are forthcoming the project can be delivered prior to the busy summer period, 2006.
4 / Criteria for Assessment
Criteria /
Comments
Ward Councillors / Not applicable due to Borough wide facility
Area Committee / Not applicable
Strategic Fit / Consistent with the Open Spaces Strategy, and Poole Park management plan
Consultation / The Friends of Poole Park have been consulted and are supportive. The islands are currently subject to consultation required in relation to a planning application.
Feasibility / Deliverable with current staff resources within six months. Planning obligations funds within the Poole Park collection are sufficient to meet the £200,000 estimated cost.
Priority / In terms of generating greater use of a significant Borough asset this project would represent an important achievement, which is a high priority to the Friends of Poole Park

CLIVE SMITH

HEAD OF LEISURE SERVICES

Contact Officers:

Matti Raudsepp, Open Spaces Manager (01202) 261377

Stuart Terry, Coastal and Capital Works Manager (01202) 261354

Background Papers: None

Report Version: 22.11.05 1.1 Page 1