The Friends of Peel Moat Open Space has been in existence for almost 2 years and, in that time, has consistently campaigned for the re-development of the eyesore that is the disused astroturf behind St Thomas's Junior School into a vibrant, multi use community open space.
Despite planning permission being granted and phase one of the work being completed, SMBC have seemingly abandoned all plans for the development of the astroturf area of the site, whilst the playground and trimtrail area appears to now be safe from any re-development. Therefore, a slight change of focus is required. The following has been sent to councillors and relevant parties at the council for consideration. To date, no response has been received:
The Friends of Peel Moat Open Space (FoPMOS) have reviewed our priorities for Peel Moat Open Space (PMOS) and are seeking your support for the revised priorities detailed below.
This change has been prompted by:
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The recent granting of Asset of Community Value status for the trim trail and playground part of the site.
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Written confirmation by the Chief Planning Officer the developable designation boundary will be adjusted to exclude the trim trail & playground and surrounding grassed area.
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The number of dwellings under the developable designation will be reduced.
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The playground and trim trail annotated as a Local Green Space.
We propose that the trim trail and playground area is enhanced as shown in the attached plan, with support and funding coming jointly from SMBC and FoPMOS via donors such as Cheshire Wildlife Trust, City of Trees and Rotary Lamplighters who have previously committed in principle to support FoPMOS.
Additionally, it is suggested, under the principle of "meanwhile use" the astro turf and tarmac path are temporarily re-purposed for community use as follows:
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The part of the astro turf nearest to Kingston Grove, which is not extensively damaged and is usable, is cleaned up, small pitch line markings and small goalposts/mini rugby posts are added so the area can be used as an informal recreation/ " kick about" space.
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The tarmac path surround is cleared of debris, repaired and is re-purposed as an informal marked out jogging and cycling proficiency track.
Both of these cost-effective proposals:
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Could be funded from a combination of FoPMOS donor funding and a re-allocation of part of the unspent £130,000 remaining from the remediation budget.
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Would not require planning permission.
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Would not compromise the remaining developable designation of the astro turf.
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Would align with community lobbying and petitions going back over 15+ years to have the astro turf brought back into community use.
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Would not be compromised now the developable designation for the trim trail and playground area is to be removed.
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Would be supported by FoPMOS working parties.
To be clear this as an expansion of our proposals and ambitions for PMOS and we will continue to press for the whole site to become a community open space as detailed in our recent submission to the SLDP.
The revised plan for the playground and trimtrail can be seen here. Any details of the Council's resonse and subsequent actions will be posted here.