“Safe” designated play area for older children backed by planners

Planners have given their unanimous approval to a scheme to provide a “safe” designated play area for older children in Benllech, Anglesey despite some locals’ concerns.

The proposed development is located within the grounds of Ysgol Goronwy Owen on a grassy area within the curtilage of the school.

Locals had highlighted historic issues of anti-social behaviour at a former park in the same area back in the 1970s which had later been demolished.

Planners had acknowledged their concerns noting a raft of measures to keep the area safe and well maintained.

The plan would see a change of use of part of the school playing field into a public, children’s community play area together with the siting of a gazebo, exercise equipment, bench, boundary fence and hard landscaping.

The school would use the facility during school hours with the public access available outside of school hours.

Anglesey County Council agreed to the full application at its planning and orders committee on Wednesday, November 4.

Three objections had raised concerns over anti-social behaviour at a similar playing area built on the same site in the 1970s.

It had been demolished in 1980’s due to “being used by youths, not young children, for alcohol consumption and other activities, and with rubbish being thrown into neighbouring properties gardens”, an objection had noted.

Several properties also felt they “did not want this type of behaviour on the site going on till late at night” and feared “an issue with parking if adults were bringing children to area”.

The potential for noise and impact on privacy for several neighbouring dwellings were also raised.

Planning development manager Rhys Lloyd Jones told the meeting the Council intended to introduce CCTV as part of the next phase of the development to provide additional security and monitoring.

There also would be regular visual inspections and litter picks undertaken to ensure the area was kept safe, clean and well maintained.

The positioning of the equipment and recreational areas had also been “carefully planned” to direct activity away from neighbouring residential properties.

He added: “The council appreciates the concerns regarding historical anti-social behaviour.

“However, it is hoped that providing a purpose-built, well-maintained recreational facility will encourage positive use of the space and provide young people with a suitable place to gather.”

The nearest equipment and hard surface to a shared boundary with residential properties was approximately 12m away and shielded by a tall fence, thick hedgerow and blank facade of a dwelling.

The proposal was submitted by Cyngor Cymuned Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf through the agent Dewi Hughes of Dewis Architecture.”

Cllr Euryn Roberts said he “welcomed” the application.

“I support this, there is a playground for younger children in the village but nothing for older children,” he said.

“I understand the local children have had an input into this and I think the location is excellent, it will give them somewhere safe to go.”

Cllr Jackie Lewis was “really happy” to see the application coming to the committee,

“It is important there are facilities for young as well as older children.

“Unfortunately, in Gwynedd a young child was hit by a car because he was riding his bike on the road. We want to look after our children and provide safe places to play.”

The plans included a 3m high fence, formal access to the playground via an existing path from the residential estate of Stad Tyddyn Fadog. A new pedestrian gate and wider maintenance gate will be provided on new fencing on the school side, the plans stated.

Dale Spridgeon – BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service (Picture: IOACC Planning Document)