by Gemini » 24 Feb 2005, 10:56
Parks and Greenfield Sites:
Letter from Herbert Coutts (Director of Culture and Leisure) to Resident in Park Avenue 16th Feb. 2005
I refer to your public question raised at the ELDC 18/01/05 in relation to above.
My normal approach as Director of Culture and Leisure is to resist the sale of public open space unless there is a clear public benefit from such a proposal.
The Council's Executive will shortly consider the first ever Parks and Gardens Strategy for the city, which includes recommendations to further protect and enhance its GREEN HERITAGE. Also, the Executive will soon see the draft Pitch Strategy , which includes proposals for the upgrading of sports pitches across the city.
Any proposal to dispose of Culture and Leisure land is considered on its individual merits. Recently, the Gyle Park was extensively upgraded from funding realeased through the development of the David Llyod Centre in the park, realising amenity and community benefits.
A number of our parks receive additional protection under the NPFA schemes e.g. Jubilee and Millenium Parks, which further restrict the potential for land sale.
If a proposal is advanced to relocate Pitz Soccer to Portobello Park, it would be considered against the background outlined above.