Feb 2021 Progress Report
Wolsingham Parish Council
February Progress Report
This month we have not needed to hold a full council meeting, although the Tennis Courts Working Group has met twice (on Zoom) to move forward with that plan.
In the first meeting we agreed terms of reference, and considered that whole range of suggestions which the consultation last year brought up. It is important that each new development takes account of the other possibilities and the plan is done in a holistic way.
We agreed that for the next year, Tennis Courts are the priority. We discussed where the courts should be. We recognised that a topographical survey is needed to ensure that the site chosen is suitable, but have a preference for using the area between the football field and the allotments. The area beside the Skatepark, which might seem the obvious choice, is not quite big enough as we must not disturb the roots of the established trees there.
Consultations with other users were reported, including football, cricket, and tennis players. We had asked about changing the layout of the football field, but it is felt to be “one of the best pitches in the league”, which should not be moved or altered.
We also considered again the proposal for a hockey pitch, but still we do not have a sufficient area for this, and the cost of the artificial surface and its maintenance are way beyond our budget. We heard that hockey facilities may soon be provided in Bishop Auckland.
We agreed to arrange further consultations and examination of the area, and to begin seeking suitable contractors who might undertake this work on a ‘design and build’ basis.
In our second meeting, considering the complexity and quantity of work needed, we accepted an offer from Cllr David Jones to ‘Project Manage’ the process, on a voluntary basis. He has considerable professional experience of this work, and we were happy to entrust the task to him. Any formal decisions will be made by Council, based on the recommendation and advice we receive.
We were also informed that DCC Planning have now agreed that tennis courts would be a ‘permitted development’ on this site, as long as the fence is not more than 4m high, and no lighting is included at this stage. This avoids the expense of a planning application.
Further consultations with DCC Sport and Leisure strongly advised that we await their consultations about the future disposal of the school site, probably in May, as this may bring significant additional financial support for this project.
Other developments; the planning application for the toilets and food kiosk conversion at the recreation ground is now validated and on the DCC website. You are encouraged to look at the plan, and to comment if you have a view. (DM/20/03744/FPA)
Currently, plans for the Parish Council Elections on 6th May are going ahead, despite Covid concerns. All eleven places on this council must be elected, and some of our current members will not be continuing so new members are needed.
If you are motivated to improve Wolsingham and Thornley area, please join us! If you saw the recent video of Handforth PC, I can assure you that our meetings are not at all like that! Our website shows our objectives and policies in some detail.
Gordon Dobson can supply the forms for nomination and helpful advice on the process.
David Sugden
8 February 2021