| 717 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| 719 | Paul Allen, Head of Planning Policy & Projects, and Neil Long, Assistant Director of Operations, attended to give an overview in relation to the issue of Section 106 agreements.
These agreements result in Section 106 monies being paid in connection with new housing developments for off-site play, leisure, recreation and allotment provision. The Head of Planning Policy & Projects explained the considerations and restrictions around how monies are allocated.
With regard to Bury West the following project were highlighted as having received Section 106 monies:
Whitehead Park Play Area (proposed £12,000 assigned to overspend on the project).
Whitehead Park football facilities ( Work ongoing with the Club to improve Pavillion and football pitches - £5,000 allocated to support external bid for funding)
Whithead Park Bowling Club ( £5,000 allocated to assist with transition to becoming a self managed facility)
Brandlesholme Play Area (the Assistant Director of Operations explained that the Council considered 106 monies as an option because planned maintenance budgets did not exist for play areas).
Purbeck Drive Play Area - Work is ongoing to improve the play area in consultation with local residents.
Burrs Country Park - £2,700 has been allocated towards the self management of the activity centre and to support a bid for a larger project.
During discussion of this item, the Head of Planning Policy and Projects clarified that Section 106 monies can be used for whatever aspects will make a development acceptable. Agreements are reached through negotiation and contributions can be set out as a condition of planning approval.
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| 720 | Neil Long, Assistant Director of Operations, attended the meeting to provide an update on highways issues in Bury West. Questions and comments were invited and the following issues were raised:
In response to a question from Bessie Crompton, the Assistant Director confirmed that pavement and road repairs on Brandlesholme Road should be completed before the end of the Municipal Year.
Bert Wright enquired why all bus stops on Brandlesholme Road had been refurbished, except for the stop outside the previous site of the Brandlesholme pub? The Assistant Director undertook to look into the matter.
Councillor Walker enquired about any potential monies for resurfacing roads within Church Ward. The Assistant Director explained that Government funding for the Capital Programme had been reduced over the last 2 years. It was highlighted that a report on the Capital Programme would be submitted to the next meeting of the Council’s Executive.
A member of the public expressed concerns about a lack of enforcement with regard to cars parking on the pavement. It was acknowledged that this issue did cause damage to pavements in the borough, although the Police stated that it would not be a priority unless an obstruction was being caused.
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| 721 | Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator, submitted a Draft Bury West Township Area Plan detailing the key achievable priorities for Bury West. It was explained that the Plan was a working document and suggestions were still welcomed.
During discussion of this item, Members of the Township Forum were supportive of the priorities set out in the draft plan and stressed the importance of providing facilities for young people in the area.
Councillor Walker highlighted a number of highway related concerns including the condition of the road network in Bury West, speeding traffic and irregular bus services.
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| 722 | The Chair, Councillor M Hankey, invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting. Questions were asked and comments made on the issues detailed below. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters which could not be dealt with at the meeting.
Bert Wright reported that Sergeant Grant Adams was no longer based in Bury West and paid tribute to the hard work and dedication that Sergeant Adams had shown to the area. Members of the Township Forum placed on record their thanks and appreciation to Sergeant Adams.
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