The first consultation undertaken in 2008 gave the following headline results;

88% of respondents who currently use Meadowbank felt that the existing youth recreation facilities were average or below average,

81% stated that they wanted new Youth Recreation Facilities with 96% of those in favour felt that it would benefit the area.

Of the total responses 78% were from young people aged 11 to 17 years providing valuable feedback as to the type, design and location of facilities they would like to see at Meadowbank.

The location of the new facilities proved to be the most controversial aspect of the consultation results. Based on these results, MVDC, the Landscape Architect and the Youth Working Group have developed two design options for further consultation. MVDC considered splitting the facilities between the 2 proposed locations but deemed this option inappropriate as it will have both a negative impact on play opportunities and increase the costs of constructing the facilities.

The two locations and proposals are identified on the downloadable plans and outlined below are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each, as identified by MVDC, the Landscape Architect, Local Members, the Youth Working Group and feedback we received via the initial consultation:

Advantages:

• It is on the main cycle path through the site, promoting good access.
• It exceeds the National Playing Fields Association guidelines for locating such facilities next to residential properties.
• The presence of two existing live CCTV cameras would enable coverage of the site in the interests of security.
• Good natural surveillance is available from the footpaths, football club, existing playground providing the sense of security desired.
• The embankment will enable the facility to be merged into the landscape to a significant extent through careful creation of natural mounding, additional planting and sculpting of the landform to blend it into the landscape and to enhance biodiversity opportunities.
• It will enable parents/guardians of different age children to monitor children in the different areas and promoting play opportunities and integration of play between ages.

Disadvantages:

• Cost in earth moving may be a limiting factor.
• Cycle path is required to be adjusted to accommodate the facility.
• Some will perceive it as a visual intrusion.
• Potential threat from users on top of the bank, for example throwing rubbish, however this can be designed out of the scheme.

Option 2: Upper Location:

Advantages:

• Furthest point from the majority of residents to mitigate noise.
• It exceeds the National Playing Fields Association guidelines for locating such facilities adjacent residential properties.

Disadvantages:

• This will be the most visually intrusive location, located at the highest point and viewed by all surrounding the site and from vantage points within the town.
• Options for mounding and planting are limited still creating a visual intrusion and reducing surveillance and consequently the safety of users.
• Located too far away to benefit from natural surveillance increasing opportunities for antisocial behavior, leading to failure of its intended use.
• The public footpath running up to the railway bridge will need upgrading to a cycle way and require necessary obstructions to slow speeding cyclists and skaters anticipated through increased use. This will come at significant capital cost and need the agreement/consent of Surrey County Council Rights of Way.
• MVDC would lose a potential location for another football pitch for which there is a regional shortage as highlighted by Surrey FA.
• To extend the CCTV to cover this site to promote safety and security will come at significant capital cost which the Council does not have sufficient funds to cover.
• Extension of the existing facility may impinge on the cricket outfield utilised by the established local Cricket Club

We would welcome your view by downloading the residents letter below, completing the form and returning it to Parks Section, MVDC, Pippbrook, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ by 29th June 2009

Are you a young person interested in helping to detail the design or assist in the design of the skate/BMX park with a landscape architect and skate park designer?  If so and you would like to work along side the other young people involved please email the Parks & Landscape Manager paul.stacey@molevalley.gov.uk

Artist Impression of Option 1

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DOWNLOADS

Option 1 - Lower Location on Meadowbank - PDF 6mb

Option 2 - Upper Location on Meadowbank - PDF 6mb

Project Examples - PDF 3mb

Letter to Residents - PDF 500kb

QUICK VIEW OF MAIN PLANS

View a web page displaying the plans for options 1 and 2

RELATED CONTENT

Original first consultation video from 2008 (now closed for comment)

CONSULTATION DETAILS

Closing date of Consultation: 29th June 2009

This consultation is now closed.