Lead Member – Cllr Heather Kidd, Leader

Lead Officer – Steve Law, Head of Property & Development

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

1. To agree that Oswestry Town Council undertake the final consultation to determine the preferred site.
2. To agree that a lease will be put in place for the site OTC select from those shortlisted and delegates to the Head of Property and Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to agree terms and finalise the lease for the agreed piece of land for a pump track and or skate park to be built based on the outcome of the consultation.
3. To agree that Oswestry Town Council carry out detailed feasibility and design work to determine what the new facility will look like.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance reminded members that Cabinet had asked for the matter to return within a month so progress could be made.   The proposal was to work in partnership with Oswestry Town Council, which had agreed to contribute and undertake the groundwork for the project with Shropshire Council handling the legal work to transfer the site. 

The report identified four potential sites in Shropshire Council’s ownership for the pump track.

The Green Group Leader and local member for Oswestry South asked about criteria used to identify sites, feeling that two potential sites were missing from the list.  He also highlighted the importance of natural surveillance, proximity to services, accessibility for new housing developments, and the need for lighting and CCTV and expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of the Coppice as a potential site, citing environmental damage and local opposition.  Cabinet members said that the Town Council would be able to consult on all proposed sites and make the final decision on location.

RESOLVED:

1. To agree that Oswestry Town Council undertake the final consultation to determine the preferred site.
2. To agree that a lease will be put in place for the site OTC select from those shortlisted and delegates to the Head of Property and Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to agree terms and finalise the lease for the agreed piece of land for a pump track and or skate park to be built based on the outcome of the consultation.
3. To agree that Oswestry Town Council carry out detailed feasibility and design work to determine what the new facility will look like.