Berrandale Road POS Landscape Improvements Consultation

Feedback updated 20 Nov 2023

Results updated 15 Dec 2022

Consultation Results Summary
A consultation event took place on 24/08/22 from 1- 4pm on site at Berrandale Road POS. The event was well attended with many local residents including families with young children positively embracing the proposals. In-person questionnaires were filled out on the day and we received feedback from 27 individuals. Subsequent to this, the questionnaire was published online on BeHeard between 02/09/22 and 23/09/22 and received responses from a further 8 individuals.

The results from both in-person and online responses show that most people (97%) were in favour of the proposals, including a new play area. 94% of responses also supported proposals for a new outdoor gym area and 100% of responses supported proposals for new litter bins, new seating as well as possible future community growing space.

Respondents were asked for their views about the design of a new play area. The results from the table above shows that the Jungle / Nature theme was the most popular choice, with 19 votes. Looking at possible equipment choices, the answers were very varied, but the top answer was C. HAGS Agito Flow Play Unit with 17 votes, closely followed by 14 votes for B. Wicksteed Mamba Play Unit and I. GI Jones Ability Whirl. It is worth noting that generally, most people were in favour of having play equipment tailored for younger children, as this is what is felt as missing within their local area.

When asking respondents about a possible new name for the POS, the most popular name answered in the surveys was ‘Berrandale Park’ with 11 votes, followed by ‘Firs Park’ with 6 votes.

During the consultation period, a local resident/qualified archaeologist who has previously carried out an archaeological and historical study on the area some years ago contacted us. He made us aware that the site is of historical significance and originally had a medieval manor house / farmstead with a water moat around. A review of historical mapping and discussions with the Council’s Principal Conservation Officer confirm this. Though the site is of archaeological significance, it is not a scheduled monument and therefore there are no restrictions for development upon it. Furthermore, it is felt that the extent and nature of our proposals will not have an adverse effect on the archaeology of the site.

In order to acknowledge and reference this discovery, it has been proposed that a historical interpretation board documenting the site’s history should be included within the scheme to enable local residents and park users to learn and understand more about it.

If budgets and circumstances allow, we may also make allowances for an archaeologist to be present during any significant excavation works in case any archaeological finds such as pottery / coins / building foundations are discovered which would help to further understand and explain the sites history.

Next steps
We are in the process of developing our proposals based on the consultation feedback, selecting chosen pieces of equipment and incorporating references towards the site’s history if possible and appropriate. We will then be undertaking a costing exercise for the scheme including costs for future maintenance of the site for inclusion within a Cabinet Report. It may be worth undertaking further consultation exercise at this point should any significant changes be proposed. Subject to funding and approvals, we then hope to progress towards detail design and implementation of the project in 2023.

Files:

• Berrandale POS Consultation Results Summary 20.10.22.pdf, 340.8 KB (PDF document)