The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “K”) will be submitted to provide an update on the use of green spaces in the District to improve health and wellbeing, with a focus on communities in areas of high deprivation. The report outlines the current position, opportunities and challenges.

Recommended –

That Members consider the health and wellbeing value of green space.

(Angela Hutton/Mick Priestley – 01274 437345/432685)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place and Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing (Document “K”) was presented to the Committee to provide an update on the use of green spaces in the District aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents, especially those living in areas of deprivation.  The report was last presented in 2019 and the update provided an outline of the current position, opportunities and challenges.

The report contained contextual information and evidence to support the benefits of green spaces including Twohig-Bennett and Jones, 2018 and Foué-Le Gall, 2020.  Outcomes from national surveys carried out before the pandemic were also included, indicating that people living in more urbanised areas, with less access to green space had reduced life expectancy.  This was further associated with BAME communities as these were more likely to live in this type of environment.

The report also detailed the benefits to the physical environment such as flood risk reduction, improved air quality, reduction of the impact of urban heat and reduced noise nuisance. 

Officers summarised the main points from the report stating that quality of space as well as quantity was important for both young children and their communities with small, good quality spaces being just as beneficial (Born in Bradford research findings). 

Officers went through statistics of the green spaces and leisure facilities provided and managed by the Council and summarised the type of work being carried out in cooperation with ‘Friends of’ and other groups to bring activities into parks e.g. brass bands etc.  There was a brief discussion around some staffing levels, specific site facilities and forthcoming investment for a new play area.

Members were then given the opportunity to comment and ask questions, the details of which and the responses given are as below.

The Chair asked about the amount of funding for the sports pitch investment programme and where and how it was being spent or would be spent.  Officers advised that a total budget of approximately £15 million from a variety of sources including land sales and grants was allocated and indicated that the next phase of work related to a second all weather pitch, improvements to existing natural (grass) pitches plus cricket nets and cycling facilities which were due to be discussed, although specific costs were not available to share with the Committee.  A funding meeting was due to take place in the days following the Committee meeting.  Officers further explained that the 3 district hubs would be targeted for improved facilities with work then moving on to neighbourhood levels and to then filter down to individual sites.  Work would continue with national boards to bring in funding for individual clubs and schemes.

In response to accessing funds and access to Surestart centre facilities, Members were advised that work would be carried out with groups or individual bodies and the matter of local children being able to access facilities at Surestart locations would need further investigation. 

Members asked how they could submit requests for individual sites and were advised that discussions could take place with individual Ward Members.

In relation to safe access to parks, were alternatives being sought, such as heat pumps to create lighting, or to be sold on?  Officers advised that alternatives were always considered and had already looked into ground sourced heat but this was unable to be progressed. It was feasible on land not used as pitches but there were other, additional factors including potential damage to trees/roots to consider.  In relation to anti-social behaviour and damage to parks and facilities, work was being carried out with Wet Yorkshire Police but there were no plans to light parks.  CCTV was not effective but designs for vandal proofing and lack of places to hide were being explored.

The question of funding allocation resulting from residential developments was raised and how it was being spent and where.  Officers agreed to discuss individual queries outside of the Committee meeting.

The benefits of green spaces as reported from Born in Bradford was raised and Members asked if it was considered when resources were allocated and whether equal opportunities to benefit from them were considered.  Officers stated that fixed play spaces or simply a place to go was factored in with new ways to deliver these being worked on to provide the best facilities possible. Discussions around individual sites and improvements to them could also be discussed directly with officers outside of the meeting.

Members asked about progress being made on street trees and tree planting as there had not been a recent update provided.  Officers advised that a massive amount of tree planting had been completed, the team involved was small however, and street tree planting was a more complex process.  More detailed information would be sourced and provided.

When asked about the Wyke Sports facility, Officers clarified that there would be a ‘soft’ opening in November 2022 with an official event in the Spring of 2023.  They also confirmed that the whole area next to the Marley site would be developed.

Resolved -

That Officers be thanked for an informative report and for the work and initiatives undertaken. 

Action: Interim Strategic Director, Place