Decision details

Public consultation has been undertaken on the details of the reinstatement. A decision needs to be made as to the final plan for the Firs Field wall. This will then be submitted to the Planning Department to discharge the planning condition.

The Cabinet Member agrees that the wall should be constructed on

the line of the existing boundary fence

Building the wall along the existing fence line in such a way that protects the tree roots is the option that best addresses the issues.  The LPA has advised that the wall was included in the planning conditions of the Combe Down Stone Mines Stabilisation Project as an enhancement in response to public wish to replace the existing fence, and is therefore required to discharge the condition Public opinion, as gauged by the consultation is fairly evenly balanced between the design options. Construction of the wall on the existing fence line is the recommended option that satisfies the practical considerations of parking and maintenance as expressed by Council officers responsible for highways and parks.  The aim of the alternative design option that locates the wall 4m within the field was to avoid construction damage to the root zone of the trees. The overriding concerns of the parks department was that such benefit to the trees will not be realised if parking on the wide verge so created is not policed or physically prevented. Departments responsible for highways and parks wish to avoid the additional staff and maintenance costs that would arise from this option.

Do not build a wall and retain the existing fence instead. Build the wall 4metres inside the existing fence line to avoid construction damage to the tree roots