Agenda item

The Community Resources Manager introduced the report and drew attention to the following:

·         Members would receive an update by the end of August on progress on previously approved Section 106 (S106) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CiL) transport, parks and community projects;

·         A decision had been taken to pause 2020 CIL and S106 decisions with the exception of S106 monies specified for tree planting and replacement so works could start in the 20/21 planting season;

·         Members were asked to consider the proposed tree planting and replacement scheme using the available £37,188.22 to plant 48 trees and, if approved, to further consider if the residue of £458.14 should be added to the maintenance budget or keep in the existing S106 tree planting budget and identify an additional £307.07 for another tree.

Members gave an update on previously approved schemes as follows:

·         The Vench: the kitchen area had been updated and improvements made to the to play area;

·         The Old Library, Muller Road: quotes were being taken for the improvements agreed last year in relation to a disabled toilet; ramp; permanent fencing; etc;

·         Fishponds Park: play area was being built and works were ongoing;

·         Hillfields Community Hub: windows and doors had been replaced

In response to questions about progress on other projects, including the Scout Hut; Royate Hill; the Community Resources Manager undertook to include this information in the update report being circulated to Members at the end of August.  He also confirmed that all trees allocated last year had been planted although there was a need to replace those that had failed/been vandalised.

In relation to future meetings, the Community Resources Manager undertook to talk to Chairs of the 6 Area Committees with a view to considering a similar timetable to the one agreed in the previous year with Councillors engaging with communities about proposals prior to a decision in the autumn.

The Tree Bristol Officer confirmed that the proposals were for replanting trees rather than new trees but undertook to look into the suggestion of future new planting in the Frenchay Park Road/Stoke Park Lane area.  He also reported that future proposals would include a map and the common, rather than Latin, names of the trees.

Members unanimously agreed the tree planting proposals and further agreed that the residue should be added to the tree maintenance fund;

RESOLVED that

(1)   the proposed updating of progress on previously-approved projects in the light of Covid-19 impacts be noted;

(2)   the decision to pause 2020 CIL and S106 decisions with the exception of S106 monies specified for tree planting and replacement be noted;

(3)   the CIL and S106 monies available at 30th June 2020 and the 2 S106 contributions which are at risk as outside their ‘committed by’ date be noted;

(4)   the funding for the S106 Tree Proposal submitted from the following S106 allocations be approved as follows:

·         48 Tree Replacements = £36,730.08

·         Residue of £458.14 to be added to the tree maintenance fund;

(5)   the legal information concerning the Public Sector Equality duty in reaching all its decisions be noted.