Neighbourhood Partnerhship 06 – Bishopston, Cotham and Redland

Additional AGSP investment responses for Redland Green and Cotham Gardens from RCAS members.

1. Toilets yes - if agreement can be reached with Bowling Committee to agree management. Cafe - good idea, but difficult to organise/finance? 2. Yes 3. The road should be PART of the Park - fencing is a dangerous precedent (could lead to the Church Green and most of Redland Green being treated as two separate areas with eventually the road taking precedence over pedestrians. This ABSOLUTELY MUST NOT happen. People First - Cars Second. Therefore support strong SPEED restrictions (say 10mph) through Park. 4. This park is TOO SMALL to become an all-purpose event area/arena. It should be preserved as an attractive openspace with trees and grass lawns for strolling, ball games and family picnics. DON'T try and urbanise or beautify it. It is too precious as it is now. 5. This has a very long history since the earliest consultations. Cycling should never have been permitted through the Park. If it has to take place it should be very strictly controlled with all cycling confined to one through route along the existing agreed joint use path, with strict controls over cycle speed (written by a keen cyclist as well as a Park lover). (See also remark 4 above - The Park should have fewer hard surfaced paths - not more.) 6. This appears to conflict with 2 above. Avoidance of dense undergrowth is importance for child safety and to discourage anti-social behaviour but surely areas like the children's play area should be closely supervised by adults in any case. 7. ditto. 8. Information Boards should be restricted to perhaps 3 key entrance points - giving history and interest of the site - but avoiding littering the rest of the park and urbanising it further. More 'natural' play is not required - children already enjoy the slopes and play games on open grass areas in the lower dell. The Park is not large enough to start creating "wildlife areas" which in any event are much better provided in the adjacent allotments. 9. Good. 10. Maintain the existing steps and character of these entrances. Lighting seems an unnecessary addition. 11. NO - the beauty of this park is its low key status as an open lung in the city - Creating "bijou" landscape architects' lighted corridors is a very bad idea. 12. Have you asked the Bowlers? Yes it should definitely be kept. 13. The present high standard should be maintained. 14. NO - The grass areas are very vulnerable to heavy use, especially in winter when the whole of the upper (and lower) areas become waterlogged. Organised pitches would require complete underdraining and would encourage a higher level of formal rather than casual use. The Downs are the right location for these facilities.

Redland Green:

These are the options I think are important to retain or introduce: 1. 2. 8. 11. I agree with 9 in order to make access to the park easier but I don't think additional lighting is a requirement. Cotham Gardens:

I agree with: 1 - natural play equipment for children and enhancement of play space. 2, 6.

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I'm a Redland ward resident who has lived in Elton Road since June 1998. Prior to that I lived in a bedsit in Cotham Brow for 6 years.

I really value the open space and I was concerned to read that seats and tables had been removed from the area because of anti-social behaviour. I would ask that no more seating is removed because the majority of the people who sit in the park (as my partner and I have done over many years). I particularly valued being able to sit in the park when I lived in a bedsit. Many flats and bedsits in the area do not have gardens.

I do not feel that a shelter for teens would be money well-spent as it could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the park.

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Hi there

You asked for comments so here are some. Re: 2.6.3 Far too much of our area is parked on. A concerted effort to get people out of cars and onto buses or trains or bikes or their feet seems strongly indicated. Then we could ban garages and build housing on those plots! Re: 2.6.6 I would be most unhappy to see any green spaces given up. Already masses of green space has been lost to hard-standing, with appalling knock-on effects of loss of visual amenity (and the impact of that on mental health and stress), flash flooding, loss of songbird habitat, loss of pollution sinks and the carbon footprint. Re: 2.6.7 Cheaper buses are needed---I'd impose a cap on fares at a quarter of the taxi fare for the same journey. We also need a pedestrians' charter, safeguarding pavements (especially as regards pavement parking, A-boards, smokers' areas/tables, pavement cycling)---how does the Council expect to encourage walking when it allows pavements to be so comprehensively parked on?!!! Just try to get a wheelchair down Meridian Rd---absolutely no hope of doing it on the pavement.

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I've looked at the plans for Cotham Gardens and both my wife and I like the options although we are not sure of when money will be available.

Comments on Options:

1 - agree

2 - definitely agree

3 - agree

4 - yes in principle but NOT if it is an excuse to provide other youth facilities in the area; the lack of which is scandalous as the number of teens grow

5 - not a priority

6 - agree

Our top two would be 1 & 2. Could No 2 be tackled in conjunction with a local school and a small grant from Partnership monies?

Can you let me know when the next Partnership meeting which the public can attend is and where?

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In respose to the consultation on improvements to Redland Green, I should like to suggest the following:- 1) The playground equipment is repaired and additions, such as a netball/basketball net, be available for the older children within this area 2) The entrance gate to the childrens playground be raised and locked at sunset and the surrounding fencing where there is no hedge, also be raised so that the area is sealed off at night 3) A park keeper be around the area after school hours until dusk to make sure there is no vandalism, OR CCTV is installed and used at night only to identify problems 4) The sleeper steps be resurfaced in either paving stones, or a cheaper option of gravel, and a channel provided alongside for bicycles See photo attachment. (this is a photo of the Abbey Steps at Malmesbury. More information can be supplied if required) 5) A pedestrian crossing be installed at the very dangerous corner in Redland Green Road by the junction of the church and the Tennis Club 6)The road accross the Green to the farm, by the division of roads, is repaired and resurfaced 7)There be no further fenced off areas or street furniture 8)Planting of spring bulbs on the steep slope opposite the Dell 9)Removal of elm saplings and chestnut saplings that have self seeded in/or adjacent to the high Redland Road wall as they are going to cause expensive repair work 10)Possible removal of the bars at the top of the Victorian-style lamps on Redland Green, church end, as the school kids climb up the posts and swing on them 11)Able-bodied people on benefit organise tennis, circus skills, rounders, cricket, trampoline etc on the Green to keep the kids occupied after school 12)The schools provide monitors to ensure the rubbish is taken away by the pupils after the lunch break •

On Saturday I picked up a flier being circulated in the Gloucester Road about the Council's plans to sell 62 green spaces across the city. I followed links and had a brief look at the plans for my area (Bishopston) and completed the consultation document.

I could see that there are no plans to sell off land locally (largely I suspect because there isn't any) and could not find anywhere to express my concern at such a large sell-off - hence this email.

I understand the need to finance what are some excellent development plans for other parks and spaces but it does seem to me that 62 is a very high number indeed and I am very concerned that these could be use for high density housing. We need our green lungs in this city - something Bristol likes to promote.

I wish I could have some faith in the planning department having respect for local communities and honouring statutory land usage, but I do not. I have been witness to the absurd handling of Gloucester Cricket Club's over development and the cowardly use of a green field site (designated in perpetuity for the community) for a new primary school when it could have been built on hard standing that club wanted to grab.

So I can only add my voice to the others who are, I guess, like me asking for restraint and respect when looking at such sell-offs.

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Dear Sir or Madam: I was very alarmed to see your proposals for developing Redland Green Park. I enjoy using this park several times a day. It feels very much like you are considering 'improvements' just for the sake of it when actually the park is fine just as it is. Very importantly, I want to draw your attention to the fact that there is a badger sett in the corner of the park, I believe it is marked (5) on your map and is at the intersection corner with the allotments. I have personally come within 1 foot of a badger running along a trail to this sett. The 1992 Protection of Badgers Act protects both badgers and their setts from disturbance or injury. As a dedicated Natural History filmmaker, I am well aware of the biodiversity of this small area and the importance of preserving it as a small wildlife refuge in a large city. Clearly, putting children's slides and scramble nets in this vicinity would be harmful to the badgers and other wildlife in this small and rare 'wild' area. Additionally, I have seen 2 'burnt out trees' where people (presumably kids) have set fire to the bottom of the tree trunk, massively damaging it. I do not believe it is a good idea to encourage children into this area, from the point of view of protecting the wildlife and vegetation from them and from the point of view of protecting the children's safety also. They would be more vulnerable to injury and physical assault also. I note that you are considering putting fixed goal posts onto the main green section of the park. What an awful idea. I suspect that your surveyors have only briefly visited the park. As someone who spends a great deal of time there, I can tell you that the park is used by a variety of people. It is used by dog walkers, people generally wanting to sit quietly and read a book, and children of all ages. Sometimes school parties come and use the green slopes. In the winter time the park is a favourite of people sledging (how could they do that with goal posts in the way?!). The children who use the park use it for a variety of different activities, some do play football but equally some play rounders, cricket, or just want to run around. There is The Downs a short distance away for people wanting to play football. Why ruin this beautiful and small park by putting goal posts in? This would massively restrict its beauty and usefulness for EVERYONE! Turning now to the rest of your proposals, I have no problem with you improving the children's play area. I object to a cafe because of the amount of litter it will cause - there is already a litter problem within the park and I am fed up of picking up litter which other people have dropped. I actually think the most sensible - and in fact the only needed bit of the proposal is improving pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road - it is hard to use all of the park when I am walking my friend's dogs because of the danger from cars in this area so we have to mostly stick to the other end - which you are now proposing on ruining by sticking in goal posts and making it a 'social meeting area'. When I read your proposals, I'm afraid I thought 'this has been written by somebody who definitely doesn't know the park very well'. This is because the park is mainly enjoyed by local residents who appreciate its peace and tranquility. And I do talk to many other users of the park on a very regular basis. If we want food, we bring it from home (so we have no need for a cafe). If we want to meet friends there, we arrange it ourselves. We don't want such a small park to have 'social meeting areas' spoiling it and increasing its traffic. I live in a top floor flat and the park is a haven of tranquility for me because I don't have access to a garden. It's extremely important to me and I enjoy it the most when it is not crowded. The proposals you are suggesting could make it more crowded, more 'man made' and would basically change the entire nature and feel of the place. I would like to know please if there is going to be a meeting held about this before any changes are committed to, in order that I might fully voice some of the objections I have raised in this email. Thank you for your time,

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Notes and Actions from Redland Green School Research Council meeting (partial attendance) Friday 24 September.

Issues from Last meeting – the group looked at the issues from last meeting and agreed that some or all of the list was still a priority and added the change in quality of cheese provided in school lunches.

Feedback from Issues raised to go to Neighbourhood Partnership meeting –

Young people from RGS had raised a number of issues relating to safety around routes to school/ traffic speeding / near misses and the need for a crossing/2 at the junction with the tennis courts/ Logan road etc.

Young people had collected a petition to support their concerns.

AR presented the concerns of the Council to the Redland Neighbourhood Forum meeting (In future YP will represent themselves). From the NF meeting a consultation came back asking for opinions on a proposed Zebra Crossing – the members of the council available considered these and AR fed back their comments on line to Traffic Management.

Local Involvement Young people were asked to say whether they would be interested in local decision making – two said they would be interested (others to be asked at a full Research Council meeting).

Neighbourhood Parks Strategy Young people considered the Neighbourhood Parks Strategy as it relates to Redland Park and made the following suggestions/ comments;-

Equipment they might like to see in the park for older young people – Roundabout/ climbing frame for more than one person/ skateboard ramp Spider web frame/ an area fenced off for older people/ café rather than hot dog stall/ toilets/a play dome/goal posts a good idea/more seating /quiet area where you can just sit and read/wooden climbing frame. Issues and concerns about proposals; Toilets will attract drug users and alcoholics/rapists/ Equipment will be vandalised (like the monkey bars) / toilets would need to be policed/ thorn bushes everywhere/ If goalposts are sited as planned – could be a hazard when people go sledging/ concern that too much green space was being developed and there wasn’t much for older people and people generally just to walk.

This will be discussed further at a future Council meeting.

Other Items for next meeting; -

O/S issues relating to school Issues and Funding from Neighbourhood Partnerships/ Extended Schools Provision funding. Accrediting Young peoples’ involvement in local decision - making.

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Following a drop in session at Manor Farm on the 15th September, it soon swept around the Area that there was plans to put a play area in situ.

This has made the residents very upset and angry that this could happen.

It is not needed or wanted as it would not only spoil the lovely green, but would encourage youths from outside areas.

It is an area of Bungalows and 2 Bed houses none of which are occupied by young people, they were built for the over 50s , which is why another play area so close would completly ruin this lovely area.

As you may know the residents are already unhappy that there has been a new build of 40 propertys ( Rye Leaze ) off Myrtle Lane, built and owned by Jepsons Housing Ass, as originally we were informed that this would be for over 50s, but has not, the police and Jepsons have already had to get involved due to Anti Social Behaviour of noise, destruction, and nuisance, so anything that would attract them to gather would only add to the problems.

The Residents want the Area left alone, but enhanced with maybe a few benches by the riverside, planting of bulbs around the tree areas, and cutting down the hedge row along the river to enhance the view as this has'nt been done for many years.

I have put the petition in the post to you on behalf of all the residents who have signed it.

Please could you acedge when you have received it.

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Don't see the sense in putting a CPG at Nibley Rd as perfectly good one in Lamplighters Open Space. Only older people live the Nibley Rd end. Was perfectly aware of distance standards to CPGs.

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RCAS Redland Green responses October 2010 from RCAS members responses / Neighbourhood forums / and Redland Green Community Group RGCG

1. Provide a mobile café and toilets within the park. There is a possibility that toilets could be introduced into the existing bowling pavilion RGCG A fixed café was felt to be a better option and toilets, open during daylight hours, ideally introduced into the bowling pavilion was supported. The question was asked as to whether a café could be charitable

• Mobile cafe and toilets sounds tacky. Facilities within bowling green sounds like good option- could it be charitable, as the Teaforus cafe in Whiteladies Rd and Kuvuka in Stokes Croft are? • (our culture is already has far too many food outlets and it would create additional litter) • I am not in favour of a mobile cafe or toilets in the park. • When the church halls are open people will often ask if they can use the toilets. Our experience of the Church's experimental 1week cafe recently was that it was well used and appreciated. We believe the church will be considering whether or not to do the same again in the future. • No to mobile cafe. It's bad enough to have a child whining for ice cream when the van is there. A cafe if not permanent ( location?) could sell burgers etc - the smell from mobile cafes in Broadmead makes me feel ill!! The litter problem would be horrendous. Child friendly toilets would be good - best place in the bowling pavilion, must be well maintained. But limited opening hours not evenings for obvious reasons. •would BCC promise to maintain and keep clean? toilets a great idea but I think not practical. Also the park isn't very big and a proper toilet facility takes up quite a lot of room - has to be sited to be accessible/level access, provide disabled function etc. Cafes mean increased litter/ deliveries access etc. and we are pretty well served for cafes in the area - I think leave it as a park. •Toilets would be a good idea, not sure about the mobile cafe, it would create more litter which is already a problem. Many people do not use the bins. add toilets •Cafe would be nice - is it viable? - church halls have considered this and ran experiment this week - could be useful at peak time times at least especially if they have take-aways. •Using the church cafe as pilot would avoid additional structures. •Please NO mobile cafe or formal beds of any sort .A cafe and toilets will cause so many problems with litter etc.The joy of Redland Green is that it is a natural space, good for wildlife and the local population •Redland Green park, the idea of a .. mobile cafe & toilets. ….. is really good

2. Enhance the formal area around the play area with light ornamental planting, seating and Bins

RGCG Light ornamental planting was felt to be unnecessary and would be likely to create additional maintenance problems.

• ok but not a huge priority • In Favour • enough seating already, they just need proper maintenance • Would be nice - would also be a good idea to have dog poo bins located so that people do not have to step on the grass to use, making a muddy mess in winter. • We have enough formal plantings to feast our eyes

3. Improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road, such as traffic restrictions or sympathetic fencing adjacent to the road. RGCG Improving junction safety here was felt to be important and a number of options developed for consideration, such as the “home zone” approach used elsewhere.

•Is there a need for this? Have there been accidents here? •As a user of the Green and a member of the Redland Green Allotments I am very keen to ensure that your plans do not in anyway restrict my vehicular access to the allotments. The access is a vital resource in the transfer of material and equipment to service my allotment. We need to ensure that the road is maintained to the same standard as the surrounding roads in the area. RCAS comment: This is about the road across the green not Redland Green Rd. •In Favour •If Redland Green Road and Leading to Woodstock Road were made one way only from Redland Road that would instantly improve traffic movements and safety. No to extra fencing. •I can't think of anything as daft as the huge area of recently installed different road surface paving that indicates to pedestrians (including school kids) that this is a 'safe'zone' whereas it is not. Make it 20-mph (and most of us do less that that it this point) and leave it at that - and have there been any accidents / near misses here? •The road crossing is a priority. I would welcome the proposal to improve road safety in Redland Green (especially on the corner by the church, but I feel that this has to happen with a framework of the whole of the Redland Green to Kersteman Road rat-run (and indeed the whole of Redland). I have already been pressuring the council personally to speed up the introduction 20 mph limit but how much more effective this would be if RCAS and the councillors (esp Mr Negus who is sympathetic) were to join forces. In my view this "ratrun" has become much worse since the installation of the Kersteman traffic lights. We now have a new school in the area and still Bristol City council drags its feet. •Definitely a good idea •most important ones for me were these: Redland Green - improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road •If you're looking at improving pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road, how about paving the road to look more like a pedestrian area and making clear that pedestrians have priority? I thought the new thinking was against having more fences and barriers at the sides of roads. •Low Priority Improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road - I often note that there is a natural one lane system for cars to give way to oncoming vehicles. The curve in the road at the Church provides a natural speed trap. The car parking along the road should remain as it slows cars down and at the same time provides some parking for visitors to the park.

4. Use the slope for a natural amphitheatre for possible events and social meeting area

RGCG It was felt that the amphitheatre area should be kept as it is

•No- need to preserve as much green open flexible space as possible- it is well-used •In Favour •Built in seating on the slope adjacent to the proposed fooball area would be good. Not very many seats in this area. Good to enhance the valley area. Perhaps better to concentrate on facilities for older children because supervision by parents would be difficult with little ones. •No - the slope is great fun for kids to run up and down - there is too much order in children's lives already - if this becomes an amphitheatre people would start to complain about kids running and jumping on it...... What most kids round here don't have is largish open spaces to play in - they get taken to performances which take place all over Bristol. •Maybe, provided not too costly and not involving hard surfaces •Redland Green park, the idea of a performance space is really good ….

5. Create a clearly designated and dedicated cycle path to avoid conflict with pedestrians

RGCG Clear signs should state that pedestrians have priority should be placed on the areas that cyclists are permitted to use

•only if there are problems with the current shared provision ( seems fine to me as a careful cyclist) and as long as not too much of the park is destroyed •No- Clear marking of where cycling is allowed would be good. I can't see what is wrong with the present arrangement. More money for what real advantage. I know some people complain about cyclists, but I think they are mostly just 'the complainers' •Yes •most important ones for me were these: separate cyclists from pedestrians especially on slopes; •Top of the list for me is to do something about the cycle path as I think it is very dangerous at the moment. Some cyclists come hurtling down at full speed as though they think it is already dedicated to cycling. I think cyclists should have to get off and walk, because it is not a suitable area to share with pedestrians, children and dogs all wandering about. Failing that, a dedicated cycle path.

6. Cut back or remove boundary hedges from the children’s play area to improve visibility through the site and at the junction where pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes meet

RGCG This has now been done: the hedges are now trimmed. Hedges are good for wildlife. •No- hedges are good for wildlife •Don’t remove boundary hedges from children's play area (the relative seclusion is pleasant) •Just keep it trimmed, don't remove anything bicycles should not be in that area except on the road. •Removal of boundary hedges in the childrens' play area would make this a very windy spot in winter (and bad summers) as I know. Perhaps just trimmed a bit? Hedges are more friendly than fences. •No - it's fine as it is •Yes

7. Enhance the natural valley area for wildlife and access into the area, including information boards and steps of natural materials. This area could also utilise the slope and natural area for natural play including slides and scramble nets

RGCG Having better access to the dell would be good, with natural steps, and a wildlife notice board would be great, perhaps attached to the allotment fence. However, arguably wildlife should have higher priority.

5. possibly- but note conflict here between wildlife, which should arguably have priority, and scrambling children 6. (we've already got a good playground and the natural green profile of the park would be spoilt - too much "furniture"; children can play quite happily in the area as it is). 7. sounds good idea 8. 'enhance the natural valley area' for wildlife etc. 9. Sounds good - but again a commitment to maintain would be needed from BCC 10.Would not see as a priority 11.Top priority 3 Enhance the natural valley area for wildlife - this would be an asset for biodiversity and allow people to access the area

8. Keep playground in a good state of repair while enhancing and expanding the facility

RGCG Improving the playground is the Groups top priority. However the problem of noisy late night use of the playground needs to be addressed

•What does 'expanding the facility' mean? •The main need is to keep it tidy and all the equipment in good repair and usable. Some more seating and picnic tables would be good. •Yes •Top Priority 2. Keep the playground in good state of repair while enhancing and expanding the facility

9. Improve stepped access from Metford Road and Cossins Road - this should explore the possibility of new seating and lighting

RGCG The group supports the provision of new seating and lighting in this area

• Good idea • seems a good idea • Again I think it is fine - bit of a challenge sometimes. I appreciate that for older people it could be difficult, but I wouldn't want it to end up with a huge zig-zag ramp and dozens of handrails. Moderate improvements only • Yes • Top Priority 1 . Improve the steps from Metford Road - the current steps are a major hazard

10. New lighting along footpaths, possibly ground level solar lights

RGCG New lighting in the darker areas of the green was felt to be useful.

•yes •Solar lights sound good but at ground level are they vandal-proof? •yes, low level lighting, but the solar ones need large poles so not the easiest solution. Worth investigating. •Yes

11. Retain bowling green

RGCG The group wondered if the bowling green was threatened?

•is it under threat? •certainly retain •Yes •Yes

12. Improve all footpaths to a good standard RGCG This was felt to be a good idea, providing that the paths were not widened

•Maintain •yes, need maintenance •Most are OK - ongoing maintenance commitment needed •Yes

13. Provide a kick about area with fixed goal posts

RCGC There is no need for fixed goal posts as it limits the flexible use of the area and there would be excessive wear around the goal mouths if they are fixed. Children are good at improvising.

• possibly- but the children are pretty good at improvisation so seems unnecessary • not a good idea. • Kick about area with fixed goal posts would be great having spent an enjoyable afternoon on the lower grassed area recently. Suits all ages. • No - jumpers are (and always have been ) fine. • Would not see as a priority • Would the goal posts get in the way if the bowl is an amphitheatre

General Comments received:

This is a Victorian park, a particularly English form of town landscape, and any 'improvements' should bear this in mind and not get caught up with modern park design 'fashion'. My particular wish is for BCC to properly maintain the playground equipment - which they don't.

With respect to the Metford Road -Redland Green park: As the parent of twin four year olds I only ever use the play area. I regard the rest of the park as dog-park (with the occasional mad cyclist, but then cycling should be encouraged ). How nice it would be if there were a fenced child area in the main park which was guaranteed poo and pooch free-perhaps even 50%). It would also have been nice when it snowed to have had a dog free area for children. I note with interest the excellent proposal at Cotham gardens to extend the dog free area and would like to see it extended here. Alas I believe we still live in a society that puts animals before children.

Periodically, particularly on Summer nights, we suffer significant late-night disturbance from (drunken) teenagers using the playground, accompanied by much screaming and shouting. Therefore, ideally we should prefer the location of the playground to be changed to a more remote position where disturbance to nearby houses will be minimised. Alternatively, measures that deter antisocial behavior in the park could be implemented, eg time restriction on the use of the playground, regular police monitoring, etc.

And for similar reasons we should not be in favour of increased use of the pavilion area since this would most likely encourage teenagers to “hang out” around there, as they do already sometimes. There have been break-ins at the pavilion and so alcohol-fueled teenage gatherings are likely to result in more such break-ins.

I have three overall comments re Bristol's green spaces. (1) No barbecues!!! These are dangerous, smelly, offensive to many vegetarians, carcinogenic, and the smoke can set off asthma attacks and cause problems for others with breathing disorders (a big proportion of the population). (2) Areas where one is safe from dogs, for children playing (toxicaria horrors) and for joggers. Increasing numbers of dogs-as-weapons (staffies, rotties etc) can make parks no- go areas; byelaws insisting on the use of leads and/or muzzles might be considered. (3) More trees (for their huge environmental and other benefits).

I always feel the tennis club / church and green ought to operate as a unit but sometimes the whole feels like less than the sum of the parts.

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RCAS: AGSP responses re Cotham Gardens from members 10-10-29

Cotham Gardens: Ideas and options from Area Green Space Plan document.

1. Enhance the children’s play space with varied equipment such as external table tennis tables and natural play equipment

•I would oppose external table tennis tables, ……, because they will attract people from miles around, with cars and noise at all times of day and night. It all sounds very nice in theory, but it is a small area, much too close to houses. I know people will say teenagers need somewhere to meet, but I don't think this is the right place •These activities would engender an increase in noise that would spread further than the confines of the park, and this would have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties, especially when play was extended by young people into the evening or through the night. The exterior table tennis table would seem a particularly inappropriate idea in this setting, since the sharp sound of bat on ball would travel sufficiently to expose neighbours to the equivalent of Chinese water torture. Previously, a basketball post in the park caused such disturbance for neighbours that the Council removed it. There would also be an increase in physical disturbance within the park, which would be likely to dissuade elderly people from sitting down and enjoying a chat. • We believe this will cause the same problems as were caused by the misguided siting of a basketball post some years ago. This was, apparently, done at the behest of the parents of a bored teenager but as soon as it arrived the problems became apparent. Younger children barely got a look-in as large groups of older youths arrived by car in large numbers, at all hours and throughout the night. Fights broke out as to whose 'turn' it was to play and the resulting noise became intolerable until eventually after I and my neighbour at the time (Anne White) had suffered from so many sleepless nights for months on end it was agreed that it was unsuitable to place basketball posts and other ball games tables close to houses. I remember at the time reading in the National press that this was generally agreed, therefore I was very surprised to see that this suggestion was being made at a time when it is generally accepted that as much as possible needs to be done to ameliorate noise nuisance in cities at night. Where the tables have been sited in London is generally in the City, where office- workers can use them at lunchtime, but where there are no residents to suffer from ongoing noise at night. Indeed a near neighbour has one in her garden and told me that it irritated several of her neighbours so much that she agreed to a curfew of its use by her children from 9p.m. to 9a.m. • What would worry us particularly in these proposals is the fixed table-tennis table, a project which was mooted and dropped a few years ago after we and other residents near the park (with bitter experience of the early hours use of the basketball net) objected. We also feel that a barbecue area would be equally likely to create noise, mess and even unwelcome late-night revelry, given that the park cannot be locked at night. This last in particular would change the character of the park completely. • NOISE • Yes • Definitely yes to table tennis tables - what sort of natural play equipment might be envisaged?

2. Create an area of wildflower meadow or natural planting on the slope in the eastern corner

•A wild meadow would be really good visually and for the environment. • First of all we do think that anything that visually improves the gardens is to be encouraged thus, the idea of a wildflower meadow should be applauded for both it’s beauty and for the potential to encourage children to become aware of and to respect wildlife. In the same vein it would seem a commendable idea to replace ugly play equipment with well-designed, more natural structure. Cotham Gardens is too small to offer any realistic/useful 'natural open' space. I would have thought the sloping area to the east of the gardens being proposed for meadow and wild flower planting is too shaded by the lovely mature trees. • Yes

3. Improved pathways with some lighting

• Cotham Gardens Park lighting is insufficient, especially as it is used as a cut through to Bannatynes/the tennis courts/Elmgrove Centre • The suggestion to improve the lighting seems eminently sensible and would be a boon to anyone, particularly lone females, walking through the Garden in the dark, but it is imperative that the Garden's character be respected and that overlighting in the vein of football stadia be avoided. • MIGHT ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE TO WALK THROUGH PARK • Yes • Yes - to lighting. I think the paths are fine as they are.

4. Provide a sheltered teen seating area

•I would oppose .. a sheltered teen area, .., because they will attract people from miles around, with cars and noise at all times of day and night. It all sounds very nice in theory, but it is a small area, much too close to houses. I know people will say teenagers need somewhere to meet, but I don't think this is the right place •The ‘sheltered teen seating area’ is very likely to encourage anti-social behaviour, with the possibility of increased noise, rowdiness, drinking and drug abuse, especially in the evening/night. •I would argue that Cotham Gardens are too small to contain any new structures. Teenagers generally want to be further away from prying eyes than is possible here. It is too easy to follow the idea of Park-Development-Entertainment. Cotham Gardens shouldn't become a theme-park or the sort of playground with frills that you might find in a large Country Park which is locked at night. •I am in favour of a covered area for teenagers to 'hang out' in as this would discourage them from using the childrens' play area and they do need somewhere to socialise. •Yes •Yes - but also the teens need something to do in the park apart from graffiti the carriage and destroy picnic tables. No chance of e.g the basketball hoop being reinstated? •It’s good that provision is being made for older kids. I suspect that this is something that will be unpopular in some quarters, along the lines that teenage kids = trouble. My view (and I have a 9 year old, so I do have a vested interest) is that there is a woeful lack of facilities for older kids. Teenagers already use the park, but with the lack of facilities, they just ‘hang out’. Putting a sheltered teen area near to the road is a good idea – a shame your email didn’t highlight that the plan is for near to the road, and not in the rest of the park where it would more likely lead to evening ‘problems’. It’s a pity that the basketball (or was it netball) hoop was removed – could this be reinstated, as it’s something that a group of kids could use, whereas table tennis is a bit more restrictive, number-wise and weather-wise. My son says that he would like to see a climbing wall, and fixed goal posts (not full size, given the small area). I’m surprised that he’s not mentioned the exposed concrete (drain cover?) that is in the sloping grass area that is used to play football. Can this be covered or moved?

5. Create a picnic and barbecue area

•I would oppose ……. barbecue area, because they will attract people from miles around, with cars and noise at all times of day and night. It all sounds very nice in theory, but it is a small area, much too close to houses. I know people will say teenagers need somewhere to meet, but I don't think this is the right place •The suggestion that a picnic and barbeque area should be provided is misguided. While people who barbeque obviously find it fun, it is in fact a very anti-social activity in a built- up area. First, the cooking smells drift widely, and make a most unwelcome entry into homes through windows that have been opened to enjoy the summer air. Who wants other people’s cooking smells? And if you are vegetarian, the smells must be doubly offensive. Secondly, any uneaten food left around the site would encourage scavenging by seagulls (who cannot read the Council’s notices on nearby lampposts about not feeding birds) and foxes, both of whom already pose a considerable nuisance. Thirdly, as I know too well from patrolling my own street with a litter picker and refuse sack, people are not good at taking their litter home with them, or even depositing it in a litter bin. •It is beyond doubt that such a dedicated area will attract many new users to the Garden. Even on the spacious Downs barbecues are discouraged and it is very likely that these people will be attracted to Cotham Gardens for the barbies! Barbecues cause terrible smells and the inevitable litter is horrible while they would encourage scavengers. It would require a dedicated team to religiously clean up every evening, as it would be foolhardy and unsanitary to leave festering food waste overnight. Even if bins were provided the fetid smells would prevail. Keeping the Garden clean also relies on users bothering to use these receptacles- a happy wish, but I regularly see these users (parents in smart cars with their children) emptying all the refuse from their cars onto the road or the pavement. •What would worry us particularly in these proposals is the fixed table-tennis table, a project which was mooted and dropped a few years ago after we and other residents near the park (with bitter experience of the early hours use of the basketball net) objected. We also feel that a barbecue area would be equally likely to create noise, mess and even unwelcome late-night revelry, given that the park cannot be locked at night. This last in particular would change the character of the park completely. •I …do not approve of the development of a picnic/BBQ area since it would be detrimental to the environment. •Barbecues cause smoke – too many people with asthma will suffer. •Not sure – would it be used? •No - the picnic tables are fine for picnics, and the grass is lovely enough to picnic on. I don't think anyone needs to encourage barbecues....

6. Enlarge the dog free area to cover the majority of the park, leaving Lovers' Walk free for dog walking

•I would like you to oppose placing any more restrictions on where dogs can go. Also, there would still need to be a way through to the path which goes down to Redland Road past the tennis club. •I liked all the ideas for improvements At Cotham Gardens I think the most important change would be to enlarge the dog free area although other improvements are needed to make the most of what is a very small park. •It seems harsh, too, to exclude dogs from the majority of the park, since this would also exclude their owners from joining in the social life of the park. •It seems unfair to exclude residents from walking their dogs in the gardens. Their space is already restricted and they are, after all, residents who probably chose to live here because there is a place to walk their dogs in the morning. I am not a dog-owner, but again, it is this point of wanting to exclude all but 'play' from the gardens. •I am very much against extending the dog free area and limiting the dog zone to Lovers Walk. •DOG WALKING AREA NOT TO BE REDUCED •Yes •No - don't see why dogs can't be walked at the top end of the park as well as Lovers' Walk. I would like you to oppose placing any more restrictions on where dogs can go. Also, there would still need to be a way through to the path which goes down to Redland Road past the tennis club.

Additional ideas: 5. Toilets – there are no public ones nearby

6. Stop the ice cream vans from parking outside the entrance gates to the fenced play area.

7. The children’s play area is too small for much extra equipment. Also, there is no need for more play equipment for the younger children who are the main users park. The problem with facilities aimed at older children and teenagers is that they conflict with and compromise the safety of small children. Eg, the basket ball post resulted in large teenagers (and adults) flying about in a tarmac area also in use by small children, some on bicycles, while looking up into the air! There is simply no room for such activity.

However there is a lack of 'family' facilities. Unless the children are very small and need constant attention parents and carers have little to do but sit, watch, and chat. Ability to be more active, including with extended family members would make park visits more rewarding for all.

Possible 'family' facilities include simple markings on the tarmac for some form of 'hoop la', a Petanque pitch ( requiring a gravelled area,) or table tennis. Table tennis is suitable for quite young children through to grandparents and is a very social activity. Outdoor tables in concrete are now readily available.

It is most unlikely that a table would create noise problems for nearby residents approaching those caused by the long removed basket ball post, which attracted teenagers from a wide area and late at night. It is an inherently quieter sport, and pretty difficult to play in the dark.

Please can these ideas be considered. The table tennis could be installed on the tarmac for a trial period to establish utilisation and any negative impact. Petanque could also be trialled inexpensively.

General Comments

This attractive small park is located in a residential area, which forms part of the Redland Conservation Area. The park began life as a quiet green area among the Victorian villas. Over recent years, changes have been made to the park to encourage increased use by children. The park is already heavily used for this purpose, although at the moment, the amount of playground activity seems to be compatible with the site. However, the latest proposals will have the effect of turning over the park entirely to child/teenager activities.

I therefore do not approve of any further development of playground activities in Cotham Gardens because I believe that this would impact unfairly on individuals who were not children or child-orientated. They would effectively be discouraged from using the park, and this is would be discriminatory. All age groups’ needs should be catered for.

I think the problem lies in the fact that Cotham Gardens entail a small space already used to capacity. What was originally intended as a small and tranquil garden where residents of all ages might promenade or sit and read or converse is considered 'wrong'. Why? The balance of use has already swung vastly towards it being a children's playground, and in fact, the area for small children causes no problems for elderly users as they stay close to their parents, but any further development risks excluding the elderly who, more than anyone, need such spaces as many live in flats without gardens of their own, have no cars to take them further afield and who risk becoming isolated through fear of being in noisy places with boisterous games. These very people will probably not write to you as most just resign themselves to remaining at home. Most do not even have e-mail and are generally too tired to write letters. This is not purely supposition, as I know several who feel this way and who are happy that I am writing to put their case.

It is not solely the elderly who need a peaceful place to be- many students work in the Gardens in the afternoons, to read and to study- anything that makes this less possible seems a bad idea and to go against the principle of it being a garden for all ages.

In the end it comes down to a) respecting the needs of ALL ages, not just those of the most vocal who frequently are parents desperate to have their noisy young at one remove and b) respecting the character of a pretty garden in a Victorian Conservation Area which could so easily be destroyed. c) avoiding at all costs encouragement to new users from further afield arriving by car and thus causing even more congestion.

Many of the proposals such as better lighting (if discreet) and a wild-flower area are excellent and much to be welcomed. I am not so sure about dedicated areas for teens, as there is already a tendency to treat them as a sub-species (students likewise). The only members of society who need dedicated or protected areas are very small children and their play equipment. The area is currently a pleasant resource shared by young families and older residents, the former enjoying the play area and the latter enjoying the peace and quiet that the park offers. It is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The introduction of a BBQ, table tennis and teens shelter will only attract teenagers, students and other revellers into the area especially during the evening hours bringing with them increased levels of noise, drunkenness, vandalism and unruly behaviour. This is a glorious area, a retreat that can be used by everyone, a resourced shared by young families and senior citizens. Please do not destroy it. The teenage and student population have plenty of alternatives. Cotham Gardens is a green family centred oasis and the introduction of these unnecessary facilities will only detract from the value and joy it currently provides.

My ear has been bent by someone living in Ravenswood Road who walks their dog on Cotham Gardens. They don’t like the idea of being restricted to the strip along Lovers Walk and dislike the prospect of BBQ mess even less!

•

RCAS response to the Area Green Spaces investment plans.

Community Involvement Statement: To gather community input to this response, RCAS has contacted 320 of the 1461 members directly by email and the whole membership through asking for responses in the newsletter, which is delivered to all 1461 members [832 households]. We have also attended Neighbourhood Forum meetings in Redland and Cotham to gather comments. Redland Green Community group have met to discuss the Redland Green proposals and circulated the proposed responses among their 48 members to check that the response is supported by the whole membership. Their response is included in the RCAS response.

The original responses are included on the attached documents.

Redland and Cotham Amenities Society area covers both Redland Green and Cotham Gardens parks, and covers the areas considered to be Redland and Cotham by the residents not the wards.

Redland Green:

1. Provide a mobile café and toilets within the park. There is a possibility that toilets could be introduced into the existing bowling pavilion.

There is widespread concern about the proposal to introduce a mobile café into the green, largely because of the problems anticipated with litter. The suggested alternative to use the existing bowling green facilities may be a way forward to provide the refreshments in this area which is otherwise far from cafés; alternatively the relationship between the church and park should be built on to come up with a way of providing refreshments and toilets to users of the park.

RCAS therefore proposes that this suggestion is further investigated to see if there is a way that these organisations can work together to come up with a solution to this providing café and toilet facilities for parks users.

2. Enhance the formal area around the play area with light ornamental planting, seating and Bins

RCAS supports the general view that there is no necessity for ornamental planting which often causes maintenance issues, but supports requests for additional bins, possibly recycling bins also

3. Improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road, such as traffic restrictions or sympathetic fencing adjacent to the road.

RCAS supports the view that this is a major concern and that a combined project which could deal with the heavily used Redland Green Road which runs between sections of the park should be undertaken with the involvement of Parks, Highways officers and the community including the councillors. RCAS would not support fencing however sympathetic. The natural boundaries to the road here – without kerbs and only using timber bollards to prevent cars driving onto the grass or parking - have been a feature of this park, which is a Historic Landscape and important setting for the Grade 1 Redland Chapel.

4. Use the slope for a natural amphitheatre for possible events and social meeting area

RCAS supports the view that this area should be retained as a natural ‘amphitheatre’ RCAS would support some additional seating, some located on the outcrop of stone between the grass area and the path leading from Cossins Road could be considered. This could be designed as natural objects which could also provide play experience eg logs, natural stones etc. This raised area provides views across the green to the distant hills and is not shaded by trees; it could be sensitively designed to provide resting space for older people/ dog walkers, play for younger children and seating for teenagers watching football games, a request made by Redland Green School girls.

5. Create a clearly designated and dedicated cycle path to avoid conflict with pedestrians

RCAS supports the view that there should be pedestrian priority in the park. This is a route through a park not a dedicated cycle route. Signage should be introduced to make this clear to cyclists who use this route. A dedicated route is not possible without restricting use of the park by toddlers and dogs who do not understand signs. It must be the cyclists who make allowances for other users, not other users who have to watch out for cyclists. The signage must be carefully introduced to reduce its impact on this park which has a rural character in the area served by the unsegregated cycle path; RCAS asks that this rural character is preserved as far as possible in any design proposals.

6. Cut back or remove boundary hedges from the children’s play area to improve visibility through the site and at the junction where pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes meet.

RCAS supports the retention of the hedges around the play area, for visual amenity, protection from wind, and wildlife value. However maintenance must be improved so that the hedge does not prevent natural surveillance of the play area from the adjacent paths and road to the allotments.

7. Enhance the natural valley area for wildlife and access into the area, including information boards and steps of natural materials. This area could also utilise the slope and natural area for natural play including slides and scramble nets

RCAS supports the enhancement of the natural valley for wildlife and therefore would not want to see over development of the valley for children’s play. Information boards and steps into the dell would be good.

8. Keep playground in a good state of repair while enhancing and expanding the facility

RCAS would support an enhancement of the playground. Consideration of how to deal with noise issues from late night use by older children should be given but RCAS would not support locking of the play area or any other exclusion of teenagers. Consideration of the area between the bowling-green and the road to the farm could be given to forming an area where teenagers would be more welcomed, though the impact on the St Oswald’s Road flats would need to be considered. RCAS opposes the suggestion to move the play area.

9. Improve stepped access from Metford Road and Cossins Road - this should explore the possibility of new seating and lighting

RCAS supports this proposal: this work is already in hand. Consideration needs to be given to the existing steps, which are in a bad state of repair. They could perhaps be removed rather than replaced now that the cycle path and stepped ramp is being upgraded. Lighting for the stepped ramp would be appreciated.

10. New lighting along footpaths, possibly ground level solar lights

RCAS would support some additional lighting along the shared cycle path and on the path between the bowling green and play area where there are areas of shadow which make the route feel unsafe. These should be low level solar if possible or in the style of the Victorian lamps, which have been replaced recently with financial support from the community.

11. Retain bowling green

This is a valuable asset and is well used by the older members of the community in particular. RCAS would support its retention and improvement. If facilities at the bowling club could be redesigned to include some facilities eg café/ toilets that could be used by children and adults from the play area, that would be worth investigation.

12. Improve all footpaths to a good standard

RCAS supports this proposal but would not want to see footpaths widened. There is enough tarmac in the park already.

13. Provide a kick about area with fixed goal posts

RCAS supports the majority community view that informal football is to be encouraged but that fixed goal posts would not be necessary. Teams can bring their own small nets and fixed posts will lead to issues of wearing away of the ground surface in goal mouths. The green is for everyone, fixed goals will encourage more use by teams who already have started to use the area in front of the church. The downs is better suited to organised sport, football should continue to be an informal children’s activity in this park.

Cotham Gardens: Ideas and options from Area Green Space Plan document.

1. Enhance the children’s play space with varied equipment such as external table tennis tables and natural play equipment.

RCAS notes that there is great community concern about the proposal to install a table tennis table in view of the previous experience with noise and disturbance caused by the basket-ball net which had to be removed. Increasing the amount of children’s play equipment outside the existing tarmac play area would reduce other play opportunities such as informal kick about games, or community enjoyment of the grass area for picnics etc so RCAS would not like to see the play area extended, but a proposal to include additional play equipment within the existing boundary would be worth consideration.

2. Create an area of wildflower meadow or natural planting on the slope in the eastern corner.

RCAS would not support a wildflower meadow or natural planting area within the fenced area because the size of the park is too small for this type of area to be successful and it would restrict the usable area of the park for users. RCAS would support an increased consideration of how the area outside the fenced play area could be made more wildlife friendly and is intending to plant a natural species hedge along the back walls of the houses facing Elmgrove Road to screen the back walls and to provide wildlife amenity. Additional measures such as bird boxes could also be considered. Any additional natural planting would be worth consideration, though the area is heavily shaded.

3. Improved pathways with some lighting

The improvement of the lighting through to the access steps to the adjacent fitness centre Bannatyne’s is a frequent request. This has been debated between parks, police and the community before. There are concerns about increased lighting encouraging people to come into and use paths through a park that is not safely overlooked and does not have enough through traffic to make it safe. Increasing the lighting may also encourage more use of the park at night. This may increase the use of the park as a late night gathering point causing nuisance to the surrounding houses. This needs to be debated thoroughly before any decisions about increased lighting are made. The existing pathways are sufficient and do not need improvement other than better maintenance.

4. Provide a sheltered teen seating area

RCAS does not support a sheltered teen seating area in this park. This is a small space, located close to residential properties. A sheltered area not within the play area will be close to these houses. This could lead to unacceptable levels of late night use for this park. It is too small to have this sort of facility.

5. Create a picnic and barbecue area

RCAS does not support the creation of a picnic and barbecue area. Informal use for picnicking is fine. Encouraging more use of a public space for groups to use for picnics and barbecues is not appropriate. There is already pressure on this space from the number of people served by this park; to encourage more picnics and barbecues would overload the park, and would lead to excessive litter and damage.

6. Enlarge the dog free area to cover the majority of the park, leaving Lovers' Walk free for dog walking

RCAS does not support the idea of enclosing the remaining section of the park. Dog walkers in the area rely on this space, especially those who do not have cars to travel. Considerate dog owners should be welcome in the park but there should also be some areas where people can be sure that dogs are not allowed. The present arrangement works well. Response from Redland and Cotham Amenities Society based on individual responses from members and from members of Redland Green Community Group.

Original responses will also be forwarded as part of the AGSP response to consultation.

•

Dear sir, > > With reference to http://us1.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show? u=4a72add3665df7c14d8cc32cb&id=262c12fe76 and the plans for Cotham Gardens I am writing to express concern and my disapproval of certain aspects contained therein. > > The area is currently a pleasant resource shared by young families and older residents, the former enjoying the play area and the latter enjoying the peace and quiet that the park offers. It is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. > > The introduction of a BBQ, table tennis and teens shelter will only attract teenagers, students and other revellers into the area especially during the evening hours bringing with them increased levels of noise, drunkenness, vandalism and unruly behaviour. > > This is a glorious area, a retreat that can be used by everyone, a resourced shared by young families and senior citizens. Please do not destroy it. The teenage and student population have plenty of alternatives. > > Cotham Gardens is a green family centred oasis and the introduction of these unnecessary facilities will only detract from the value and joy it currently provides.

•

I have just learned from a friend of the new proposals to Cotham Gardens. Having lived in the area for the last 13 years and brought my children up with regular visits to the park, I am very interested in the new proposals, most of which sound very exciting.

However, I am extremely worried about the suggestion that the dog-walking area should be limited to Lover's Walk only. For many dog owners, this will mean the dogs will not get proper exercise as the Walk is so close to the road. I know people who use the dog-walking park on a daily basis - some of them are elderly or have young children which prevents them from going further afield to, say, the Downs, Ashton Court or Leigh Woods. Limiting this area would have a very negative impact for the dog-walking community which, after all, is quite a large one. It would also mean more of us will have to get in our cars and drive somewhere where our dogs can have a proper run. Surely Bristol doesn't want more cars on the road, either?! Please do not ignore us!

•

Ive quickly skimmed some of the bristol park proposals in the library. Cotham is our local park and has benefited from recent renovations - the kids love the roundabout flinger but I find it a bit fast, especially as they hang by their arms go really fast then let go and go flying!!

On a more practical note I looked at the discussions re teenage provisions.

I don't like the idea of a shelter/hut type building as I think it will just encourage groups to sit around and be loud. What about some outdoor gym equipment? This would encourage spurts of exercise, and they would be able to compete against themselves or each other? They seem to work well on the continent.

Also some type of toilet provision at either cotham or redland green. The allotment has a compost loo and my daughter thinks its great. You do need to have wood chippings/sand.

•

Dear Sir/Madam, I live in Cotham Park North BS6 6BH. Cotham has one of the smallest areas of recreational green space in the whole city. There are also a lot of schools in the area. A lot has already been done to provide a perfectly adequate play area for younger children. It is not a good idea to encourage teenage groups to hang around in the area. They are tending to do this now. The result is litter, alcohol, noise from mp3 players and mobile phones, skate boards, bicycles on pavements. These are public places and young people and families are not the only groups of people who live here. There are a lot of old and frail people. They too would like to be able to use this very beautiful but very small green space. It is getting more and more difficult to get any peace and quiet in Cotham Grove. Good planning and good management is also about recognising limitations and finding good alternatives for our young people and our young families. Realising there are people very different from oneself and with very different needs from oneself is not just a lesson old people have to learn, the young need to learn it too. yours sincerely,

•

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write with specific reference to the consultation that you are currently undertaking in connection with the proposed improvement of parkland areas within Bristol.

Parkland in Bristol is much treasured by the widest possible age range of residents and this is a hugely emotive issue. I respectfully request that you do nothing that jeopardises the character of the already very popular parks at Cotham Gardens and St Andrews. Of the 70+ parkland areas within Bristol there are undoubtedly parks that do require investment and improvement and I am fully supportive of any improvements where these are requested by a large number of the residents local to those parks.

Thank you for reading my comments.

•

Dear Sirs

I have been examining the provisions of Supplementary Planning Document 4 obligations applicable to residential development. The section of SPD4 relating to obligations for Recreational Facilities states:

"However, in exceptional circumstances relating to residential development, on-site provision may be required if a deficiency in the quantity of available facilities is identified in the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy." Elsewhere in SPD4 are methods for determining obligations on a ward by ward basis.

I looked through many of the documents comprising the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy but was unable to find any reference to the "quantity of available facilities" in Bishopston.

Statistics in the 2008 Ward Profile show that Bishopston has: 0 hectacres of Natural Green Space (Bristol ward average is 21 hectacres) 0 hectacres of Formal / Ornamental Green Space (Bristol ward average is 3 hectacres) 5 hectacres of Natural Green Space (Bristol ward average is 19 hectacres)

To make matters worse, since 2008 Bishopston has lost the Brunel Field, near the City of Bristol College, to development.

So, looking at Recreational Facilities within the terms of SPD4 and the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy, would you agree that Bishopston has deficiency in the quantity of available facilities? Would you kindly consider the matter and let me have your detailed judgment.

•

Hi

I live on Dongola Rd, and there is little green space in my immediate vicinity. I think that this has been acknowledged in the proposals. There are a lot of children living in the roads in my area, and the nearest parks are some distance away - too far for younger children to travel to safely on their own.

The Gloucester Rd, from Nevil Rd upwards has become a continuous vista of shops and houses, with very little greenery to alleviate the rather depressing view of brick and concrete. Additionally, many of the properties and shops are run down and in poor repair. I suspect that the road was once tree-lined, but the trees have gone in this part of the road.

There is some land, next to the Coop/Somerfield. This would make an ideal green area on the Gloucester Rd. It would provide some visual respite from brick and concrete and would be a very welcome seating area for shoppers and young mothers with children. It might even be large enough to incorporate some play equipment, or just a quiet area for wildlife. It would also provide a link for wildlife between the parks and commons. I would also like to make a plea for the planting of trees along this part of the Gloucester Rd i.e. from Nevil Rd to Filton Avenue.

I have made this suggestion to our local councillor, Bev Knott, who appeared to dismiss it, suggesting that this is prime retail land and would be too expensive for the council to buy. However, we have no shortage of empty retail units in this area - just green space.... Thinking about the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents, in addition to our wildlife, isn't this idea worth considering- if this land is still available? At the moment it is just an concrete eyesore - just more undeveloped land along the Gloucester Rd.

Consultation results

The Consultation on the ‘Area Green Space Plan Ideas and Options’ document started on 14 June and closed on 29 October 2010. There were 113 responses to the consultation questionnaire for Bishopston, Cotham and Redland.

The ‘Area Green Space Plan Ideas and Options’ document and consultation questionnaire were available online at www.bristol.gov.uk/agsp. Paper documents were available on request or at drop in sessions that took place in each neighbourhood partnership area and in the city centre. In addition to responses to the questionnaire that are set out in this report, responses by letter and email and comments from the drop in sessions were also recorded.

The consultation was advertised in the council’s ‘Our City’ magazine, which is delivered to all households in the city. It was publicised on the council’s Consultation Finder database. The consultation was also featured in the Bristol Evening Post during the consultation period.

The consultation showed a list of ideas and options for each green space. Respondents were asked to rate how important they felt each proposal was for improving the green space. We cannot afford to do all of these things. We have estimated that we could implement about half of the proposals across your neighbourhood based on current levels of cost and predicted funding. The cost of each option was ranked as low (L), medium (M), high (H) or very high (VH). Options and responses are shown on the following tables and charts.

Open‐ended responses are fed back verbatim and are not spell checked.

‐ 1 –Consultation and Research November 2010

‐ 2 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Who took part?

Gender Equalities group

Prefer not 80 75 to say 70 4.4% 60 50 Male 40 37.2% 30 19 20 8 11 10 1 0 0 Female 58.4% say No reply group or faith minority A member or bisexual Prefer not to ethnic group Lesbian, gay of a religious Transgender Of a black or

Age Disabilities

Prefer not to say 16-24 100 92 2% 2% 90 65+ 80 70 12% 60 50 40 30 25-49 20 11 10 4 2 2 0 4 00 50-64 51% 0 33% user health Mental health to say No reply difficulty Visual Learning Limiting condition Hearing long-term Deaf BSL Physical Prefer not or disability impairment impairment impairment

‐ 3 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q2. Gender Q3. Age Q4. Do you consider Q5. Do you consider yourself to be...... ? yourself to have a Counts Counts disability? Analysis % Analysis % Counts Respondents Respondents Analysis % Counts 113 113 Respondents Base Base Analysis % 100% 100% 113 Respondents Base ‐ ‐ 100% 113 No reply No reply Base ‐ ‐ 75 100% No reply Gender What is your age? 66% 92 No reply 42 ‐ Do you consider 81% Male Under 16 37% ‐ yourself to be: (Tick any that apply.) Do you consider 66 2 Female 16‐24 yourself to have a 58% 2% Of a black or minority 1 disability? (Tick any... 5 58 ethnic group 1% Prefer not to say 25‐49 4% 51% Physical impairment 4 Lesbian, gay or 8 or disability 4% 37 50‐64 bisexual 7% 2 33% Visual impairment ‐ 2% 14 Transgender 65+ ‐ 2 12% Hearing impairment A member of a 2% 2 11 Prefer not to say religious or faith ‐ 2% 10% Deaf BSL user group ‐ 19 Prefer not to say Mental health 4 17% condition 4%

Limiting long‐term ‐ health condition ‐

‐ Learning difficulty ‐

11 Prefer not to say 10%

‐ 4 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q6. Are you responding on behalf of an organisation? Q8. Which of these green spaces do you think are the most important to invest in to best serve Bishopston, Cotham and Counts Redland? Respondents 113 Base Counts 100 Analysis % 4 Respondents No reply 4% 113 Base Are you responding 100% on behalf of an 9 organisation? No reply 8% 3 Yes Which of these green 3% spaces do you think 106 No are the most 94% important to invest in to best serve Bishopston, Cotham and Redland? Q6.a If yes, please state the name 54 St Andrews Park 48% If yes, please state the 50 Redland Green name 44% Sustainable Bishopston 40 Ardagh Sports Centre 35% Bristol 36 Cotham Gardens Ward Councillor 32%

‐ 5 –Consultation and Research November 2010

Q9. Other, smaller sites

Only the larger sites are listed above. There are a number of smaller sites in this area not listed. Please let us know if you think any of these should have greater priority in terms of investment than those listed above. Horfield Common ‐ perhaps provide an outdoor cafe, skittles as well as bowling, even an outdoor pool. Bishop Road playing fields should be opened for public use. They are in an area not well served by the existing green spaces as they are too far away for convenient use for many people living close to Bishop Road. Bishop Road Playing Fields Bishop Road School playing field should be open to the general public. It's a great space for kids to run around and use for ball games after school and at weekends but currently it is locked up. Shame really as there are many families in the area who would enjoy it. I want you to spend the money on a site other than Redland Green because I really don't want you to change it at all and I live very close by it and use it very much ‐ several times a day! Bishop Road playing field is desperately needed by children in our area, it is a great space for sports and recreational activities for children and families and would be greatly appreciated by all. Bishop Road field would be a good investment for the young of Bishopston. Is does not need very much money spent on it. Playing fields are required for children of this area, who have no green space at present. My son plays football and would love to be able to go and kick a ball around with his friends and my daughter would love to have somewhere to practice riding her bike and playing ball. Bishop Road Playing Field I do not accept that a choice has to be made. Making a choice for investing in any site and excluding others gives the green light for development of some green space, a policy with which I disagree. I think they are all valuable amenities and should be kept as open space. So few parks in the area ‐ so they are all important. None are close to Bishopston. We have no green space. We did have for 18 years Bishop Road School Field paid by our tax payers money. We would so appreciate the use again please.

‐ 6 –Consultation and Research November 2010 ‐ 7 –Consultation and Research November 2010

Q10. Which of these green spaces are you interested in commenting on?

Counts Analysis % Respondents 113 Base 100% 4 No reply 4% Which of these green spaces are you interested in commenting on? 54 Redland Green 48% 52 St Andrews Park 46% 47 Cotham Gardens 42% Other smaller green spaces in this area, not listed above 24 (including Redland 21% Grove Open Space and Muller Road Amenity)

‐ 8 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q11.1‐11 St Andrews Park

Counts Analysis % Total Of little Moderately Very Not important Important Respondents importance important important 183 81 106 95 68 Base 533 34% 15% 20% 18% 13% Maintain the children’s play area and paddling pool. Look for opportunities 5 2 12 14 18 to enhance and improve further, for example relocating the paddling pool 51 10% 4% 24% 27% 35% closer to the playground. [M] Introduce new formal entrance at Effingham Road including signage and 21 13 5 6 6 gateway arch. This should also include options to improve road safety at the 51 41% 25% 10% 12% 12% entrance. [L] Improve the boundary of the existing storage depot facilities, with fencing 17 18 11 4 1 51 and gates made of materials in keeping with the site. [M] 33% 35% 22% 8% 2% Erect a bandstand for use in public events and as a social meeting point, 20 8 10 9 5 52 possibly centrally within the park. [M] 38% 15% 19% 17% 10% Continue to provide a café but consider the possibility of expanding or 6 7 15 15 9 52 making it a permanent structure. [M] 12% 13% 29% 29% 17% 18 6 16 7 4 Introduce permanent barbecue facilities. [L] 51 35% 12% 31% 14% 8% 13 5 15 13 3 Provide picnic area with robust seating and tables. [L] 49 27% 10% 31% 27% 6% 19 6 6 8 6 Replace bowling green with a young person's area [H] 45 42% 13% 13% 18% 13% 25 5 5 6 3 or replace bowling green with a sensory garden [VH] 44 57% 11% 11% 14% 7% 21 5 7 7 4 or replace bowling green with an activity area [H] 44 48% 11% 16% 16% 9% 18 6 4 6 9 or replace bowling green with a wildlife area [M] 43 42% 14% 9% 14% 21%

‐ 9 –Consultation and Research November 2010

‐ 10 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Do you have any comments or other ideas for the green space? – St Andrews Park Our ward is one fo the most densely populated areas of Bristol. We should retain the green spaces as areas for people to relax and chill out. the childrens play area has just recently been improved and completed Improve the play area, but no need to move teh paddling pool. It works as it is. Sort out the edge of the new sand pit ‐ in dry weather it spills on to new pathg and is very slippery/dangerous. Put some fasteners on all gates in park so that children can't just push/pull gates to 'escape'. Put a bin into top part of new play area as there isn't one at that end of the area so litter is just being dropped ‐ remove the excuse not to. St Andrews Park is a great park but has already had a great deal of investment ‐ in times of austerity I feel that Cotham Gardens is the 'poor relation' to St Andrews Park and Redland Green I believe this area should be delevoped as a ball court. There is very little flat space in the area and few places for young people to kick a ball about in. A ball court with football goals and basketball ball net woud be ideal here. Keeping it free of litter and dog mess. Making it clear to all users that it is not for any one specific group of people , it's for all sorts and ages of people. THE CAFE IS BEST LEFT WHERE IT IS ‐ PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE PLAY AREA CAN GET TO IT FAIRLY EASILY AND QUICKLY. MOVING THE CAFE FURTHER AWAY WOULD CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THESE PARENTS ‐ OTHER USERS HAVE MUCH MORE FREEDOM TO WALK TO THE CAFE FROM WHERE THEY ARE IN THE PARK. A PERMANENT CAFE BUILDING MAY BE A GOOD IDEA, BUT IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF THIS RESULTED IN THE PRESENT CAFE OPERATOR BEING DRIVEN OUT, AS THEY HAVE ESTABLISHED THE CAFE ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE. UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN IMPROVED RECENTLY I WOULD SAY THE OVERWHELMING PRIORITY MUST BE BETTER TOILETS. THE LOCATION IS VERY INCONVENIENT (PARDON THE PUN) FOR THE PLAY AREA. WHEN CHILDREN NEED TO GO THEY NEED TO GO QUICKLY, AND AS A PARENT I HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAD TO UPROOT WITH ALL MY BELONGINGS AND MAKE DASH ACROSS TO THE TOILETS WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTER ‐ ALTHOUGH SHE VERY OFTEN THEN REFUSED TO GO IN BECAUSE OF THE FILTHY CONDITIONS OFTEN TO BE FOUND INSIDE. Create some soft fruit areas (black‐currants, blueberries, grape vines, gooseberries, etc) ‐ allow park users to pick the fruit ‐ this would demonstrate the benefits of these low‐maintenance crops as well as providing good food. Herb garden, or some sort of plants area/rockery. Water features ‐ or some sort of fountain. Comfortable seating. THE PLAY AREA SHOULD BE DOG FREE. ALSO THE GATES AT 2 ENTRANCES FOR THE CHILDRENS PLAY AREA NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH ONES WITH CHILD PROOF LOCKS, IE THAT ADULTS CAN OPEN BUT SMALLER CHILDREN CANNOT, TO IMPROVE SAFETY ETC. that the cafe be a cafe/restaurant providing good locally produced food. it could be linked to a school nd provide great job opportunities, the paddling pool is brilliant but if it is going to be moved could a water play area be incorporated (like the one at the zoo,its amazing). A basketball net would be brilliant addition and is less noisy than a scate park. A community garden growing food would be great. Moving cafe to old bowling club building would be sensible use of existing building ‐ 11 –Consultation and Research November 2010 I think the park requires very little extra input of money for physical changes to the environment but its high level of usage means that what is already there needs to be well managed eg park attendant, litter clearing, discouraging users from activities which have a negative effect on other users and the beauty of the environment. There are problems with noise and litter in the summer months and huge parking issues so many people drive to the park and are not local I think local people who use the park and live by it would appriciate it being more tranquil and supporting wildlife as well as better access for older people and people with disabilities. Personally I think less dog areas as the park is over run with them. Football pitch/es The Bowling green has 15 years to run on its lease. Why are you asking for ideas on its use? Could it be that someone in the concil wants the space back? This is very unhelpful and causing some aggravationa and friction among local residents There are currenty no facilities specifically targeting teenagers. My son and his friends who all attend Redland Green School are very keen on basketball and there are NO community basketball facilities anywhere in Bishopston/ Redland/ Cotham. I would like to see a community basketball court, or at minimum a tarmacked area with basketball net, to encourage them to remain active and ensure they have something to do in the park that is separate from the children's play areas. Area for art exhibitions ‐ usually some railings are used when it is the North Bristol Arts Trail. I do not think a permanent cafe viable as there would be such little trade in the winter months. I am surprised you have not consulter with the present franchisees. the ideas for young persons area/sensory garden/wildlife area are good ideas, but why do these have to be at the expense of the bowling green? this seems to reject the needs of certain groups in the area (presumably older people), and not allow for bowling to become more popular. Further, it is very important to improve the children's play area‐ initial work have been good (eg sandpit) but more could be done, especially at the top end, but why should the paddling pool be relocated. At present, it allow for both to be visited independently, and does not ghettoise children's activities into one area. When, as you rightly indicate, budgets are highly limited, the money it would cost to relocate the paddling pool could be much better spent. Traffic calming, and low speed restrictions (20mph at top) on all the roads around the park would be great. Keep rose beds. Bring back park display flower beds concerned that wildlife area would be spoilt ‐ the pond often has rubbish thrown in it and the fence has been broken. BBQ facilities is really important, lots of the grass is damaged in the summer. If the bowling green is still used its unfair to take htis away from the elderly. I know St Andrew's Park very well as I have lived virtually beside it for the last 12 years. During that time its popularity has increased markedly. I think the increase in its popularity began with the introduction of disposable BBQues in nearby stores. Over time this has dramatically affected the character of the park as more young people have congregated there. On summer evenings it can literally be taken over by an almost festival atmosphere. This is particularly concentrated in the south eastern part of the park where the open slopes catch the evening sun. While it is good to see people enjoying themselves, this activity dominates the park to the exclusion of other people who might otherwise also enjoy a warm evening there. For this reason I ‐ 12 –Consultation and Research November 2010 would not provide any permanent BBQ pitches. The park is just too small to absorb the noise, smoke and general activity BBQs generate. Ideally I would suggest they are banned but I do not see how you could enforce this, however, they should not be encouraged. Planting new grass on all the burnt out BBQs must get expensive for you too and of course the black patches appear very unsightly. The cafe has been a real bonus but why not just leave it as it is? It's obviously fit for purpose and is clearly successful. There's no need for a permanent structure ‐ this would harm the open feel of the Park. Similarly why have a bandstand? I know there was one in the past but on how many occasions would it actually be used? Again, I feel a further permanent structure no matter how well designed, will harm the open character of what is a very small and intensively used park. Additional seating and tables have been intoduced into the children's area and these are adequate. Any more will add to clutter and again spoil the openness both visually and for children to play in. Removing the bowling green is a real opportunity to expand the useable area of the park and I was very pleased to see this is a possibility. Having discussed this with several of my neighbours, we all feel that a wildlife area stretching up from the small pond near Effingham road would be the best option of those put forward. As I said before, the park is very heavily used and is located in an area with little natural open space. The area could be designed as a quiet more secluded part of the park with some natural grassland, similar in design to parts of Brandon Hill. This would help stimulate a mix of wildlife: plants, birds and invertibrates, providing interest and diversity to the park. I have one final suggestion. The park does not have any oak trees. Could one be planted on the boundary of Melita Road? There is an open section between the toilet block and entrance where one could be planted. Finally, could the hedge planting carried out along the Effingham Road and Leopold Road boundaries be extended to include the Sommerville Road boundary? This would add to the greenness of the park and enhance its nature conservation value. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for providing the opportunity to comment on the future of my much‐loved local park. Our park doesn't need enhancing. Maintaining, yes. Enhancing, no. It is a lovely space, the play ground is better, the pool is great, the cafe is fantastic. Has no one suggested spending money on toilets? TOILETS! TOILETS! TOILETS! There, another voice to add to the clamour! On the proposals put forward in the Ideas and Options paper, shame on you! The council is wrong when it says that the bowling green is not used and the club has no members. It is reproachful that the consultation document was not corrected and people are commenting on proposals that should come to nought ‐ the club has a further 15 years on its lease remaining and the members work hard to keep the site looking good with no BCC subsidy. Leave the Bowling Club alone, stop giving the impression that it is up for grabs and support these brilliant folk. The cafe question is misleading. The cafe is *very* important to the park, but expanding and enhancing would, in my opinion, wreck what is a very quaint, valuable and unique hub at the centre of my local park. Leave it alone! I like the informal entrances around the park, I would like to see them stay as they are. I would suggest a notice board next to the children's play are/cafe for community notices. The cafe is a very important feature of the park and in my view it must stay. Present cafe is highly satisfactory and should not be replaced. IMprove public toilets. Maintain the toilets better. They are often smelly and dirty. Better paths in the children's play area as these often get muddy and difficult to traverse with a buggy in winter. I think the paddling pool is fabulous. I don't have children (yet) but love seeing and hearing all the tots having free fun in the summer. It would be a waste of money to move it ‐ just maintain it. I would really love to see outdoor exercise machinges for the young people and adults to enjoy together. If

‐ 13 –Consultation and Research November 2010 we go for a young person's area, it will exclude adults and little ones. I like the diversity of the park, something for everyone. Thankyou for maintaining the beautful trees which I love to stare at! The park needs little doing to it. Prefer for it to stay as it has been than to lose any other green space in the area. there would be a huge cost to relocate the paddling pool, but much less to simply maintain it. It is not clear if the moderate cost is simply to maintain it or move it. Intoducing BBQ facilities might mitigate problems with 'unmanaged' BBQs in the summer Dog fouling is an ongoing issue ‐ please keep enough money in the budget for monitoring and maintenance The toilets are appalling. Provide clear cycle routes throug park without any barriers. Keep the bowling green or replace with tennis courts Bishop Road Playing Fields. There is no place for young people to play games in this area. They used to play football etc in the filed. Bishop Road Playing field was open for the last 18 years and now is locked, this is not fair on the many famillies who live in this condensed area with very small gardens/ yards. we have nothing local, except this one field. A large group of locals would like it open to the community. We pay the taxes. We don't complain when parents from the school take all the parking spaces twice a day and we have to find a space a long way away from our house and unload shopping. We do not like the idea of having to drive our young children 2/3 miles to find a filed to play football and other games.

‐ 14 –Consultation and Research November 2010

Q12.1‐12 Redland Green Total Moderately Not important Of little importance Important Very important important 125 106 179 147 140 Base 697 18% 15% 26% 21% 20% 19 10 13 6 4 Provide a mobile café. [H] 52 37% 19% 25% 12% 8% 4 8 12 14 14 Provide toilets. [M] 52 8% 15% 23% 27% 27% Enhance the formal area around the play area with light ornamental planting, seating 9 11 20 8 2 50 and bins. [M] 18% 22% 40% 16% 4% Improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road, such as traffic restrictions or 7 9 7 13 14 50 sympathetic fencing adjacent to the road. [L] 14% 18% 14% 26% 28% Use the slope as a natural amphitheatre for possible events and social meeting on the 17 11 9 9 6 52 slope. 33% 21% 17% 17% 12% Create a clearly designated and dedicated cycle path to avoid conflict with 10 5 8 10 14 47 pedestrians. [M] 21% 11% 17% 21% 30% Cut back or remove boundary hedges from the children’s play area to improve 7 10 8 14 8 visibility through the site and at the junction where pedestrian, cycle and vehicle 47 15% 21% 17% 30% 17% routes meet. [L] Enhance the natural valley area for wildlife and access into the area, including 4 5 18 13 10 information boards and steps of natural materials. This area could also utilise the 50 8% 10% 36% 26% 20% slope and natural area for natural play including slides and scramble nets. [L] Keep playground in a good state of repair while enhancing and expanding the facility. ‐ 4 11 11 27 53 [L] ‐ 8% 21% 21% 51% 10 9 14 7 9 Improve stepped access from Metford Road and Cossins Road. [L] 49 20% 18% 29% 14% 18% 5 4 23 7 10 New lighting along footpaths. [M] 49 10% 8% 47% 14% 20% 10 4 14 11 8 Retain bowling green. 47 21% 9% 30% 23% 17% Improve all footpaths to a good standard. [L] 50 4 7 17 15 7 ‐ 15 –Consultation and Research November 2010 8% 14% 34% 30% 14% 19 9 5 9 7 Provide a kick about area with fixed goal posts. [L] 49 39% 18% 10% 18% 14%

‐ 16 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Redland Green

19 10 13 6 4 Provide a mobile café. [H] 37% 19% 25% 12% 8%

4 8 12 14 14 Provide toilets. [M] 8% 15% 23% 27% 27%

9 11 20 8 2 Enhance the formal area around the play area with light ornamental planting, seating and bins. [M] 18% 22% 40% 16% 4%

Improve pedestrian safety at Redland Green Road, such as traffic restrictions or sympathetic fencing adjacent to 7 9 7 13 14 the road. [L] 14% 18% 14% 26% 28%

17 11 9 9 6 Use the slope as a natural amphitheatre for possible events and social meeting on the slope.

Q12.a1~Q12.b6 33% 21% 17% 17% 12%

10 5 8 10 14 Create a clearly designated and dedicated cycle path to avoid conflict with pedestrians. [M] 21% 11% 17% 21% 30%

Cut back or remove boundary hedges from the children’s play area to improve visibility through the site and at the 7 10 8 14 8 junction where pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes meet. [L] 15% 21% 17% 30% 17%

Enhance the natural valley area for wildlife and access into the area, including information boards and steps of 4 5 18 13 10 natural materials. This area could also utilise the slope and natural area for natural play including slides and 36% scramble nets. [L] 8% 10% 26% 20%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Not important Of little importance Moderately important Important Very important

‐ 17 –Consultation and Research November 2010

Redland Green

Keep playground in a good state of repair while enhancing and expanding the facility. 4 11 11 27 [L] 8% 21% 21% 51%

10 9 14 7 9 Improve stepped access from Metford Road and Cossins Road. [L] 20% 18% 29% 14% 18%

5 4 7 10 New lighting along footpaths. [M] 23 10% 8% 47% 14% 20%

10 4 14 11 8 Retain bowling green. Q12.b7~Q12.b12 21% 9% 30% 23% 17%

4 7 17 15 7 Improve all footpaths to a good standard. [L] 8% 14% 34% 30% 14%

19 9 5 9 7 Provide a kick about area with fixed goal posts. [L] 39% 18% 10% 18% 14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Not important Of little importance Moderately important Important Very important

‐ 18 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Do you have any comments or other ideas for the green space? – Redland Green This is an area where the green spaces are tiny. It's not a good idea to encourage noisy events, or groups. Large groups of people congregating cause real nuisance to people who live nearby. Good communication ‐ possibly via the schools ‐ with areas of Bristol which have a lot of space and good facilities where people can let off steam and make noise would be much better than trying to provide those facilities here. Would like some play equipment for older children eg a modest size area (obviously the park is not very big) with spider/rope climbing frame, fixed table tennis table, fixed basketball posts to practice shooting etc. Park must be safe from cycles, cars and drugs. Well maintained paths. Pathways ‐ need for surfaces that are easy to walk on. Removal constantly ‐ of wet leaves, or dry leaves, to avoid accidents. Dog patrols ‐ stop dangerous or out of control dogs roaming around. Improve safety where road crosses footpath near the entrance to Bowling Club. Broken play equipment on hard‐standing and in sandpit area ‐ unsafe and unsightly. Graffiti in playground needs over‐painting. Ice‐cream van sits with noisy diesel engine running just outside playground! This park has not been updated and is now very dated. The open area is concrete, when it should be a softer material and there is wasted space. Within the sandpit the safety issues are greater as the climbing frame is used by all ages of children and there are often accidents between smaller and larger children. The climbing frame is not sufficiently challenging for larger children so they often jump from the top, and I have seen them land on smaller children. Repair the equipment in the sandpit, it's an accident waiting to happen. 1. Is used by big and little kids. The big kids don't find it challenging enough and so jump from the top of the tunnel etc onto the toddlers playing in the sand below. Answer is to provide separate play spaces with equipment for each age group both within sight of each other....eg St Andrews Park. 2. The step as a toddler exits the tunnel at the opposite end from the monkey bars is too high and the fall is then onto a metal step. 3. The exit of the tunnel at the Monkey bars end is unsafe, toddlers can come out of the tunnel and get kicked by an older child trying to mount the platform at the end of the monkey bars. The broken "equipment" on the hard surface should be renewed it is a danger. The whole of the hard surface area could be made softer and more equipment provided. Keep the green kick about area at the back of the play area for ball games. perhaps build a mini‐bmx track for the smaller children? by big and little kids. The big kids don't find it challenging enough and so jump from the top of the tunnel etc onto the toddlers playing in the sand below. Answer is to provide separate play spaces with equipment for each age group both within sight of each other....eg St Andrews Park. 2. The step as a toddler exits the tunnel at the opposite end from the monkey bars is too high and the fall is then onto a metal step. 3. The exit of the tunnel at the Monkey bars end is unsafe, toddlers can come out of the tunnel and get kicked by an older child trying to mount the platform at the end of the monkey bars. The broken "equipment" on the hard surface should be renewed it is a danger. The whole of the hard surface area could be made softer and more equipmen 1. Is used by big and little kids. The big kids don't find it challenging enough and so jump from the top of the tunnel etc onto the toddlers playing in the sand below. Answer is to provide separate play spaces with equipment for each age group both within sight of each other....eg St Andrews Park. 2. The step as a toddler exits the tunnel at the opposite end from the monkey bars is too high and the fall is then onto a metal step. 3.

‐ 19 –Consultation and Research November 2010 The exit of the tunnel at the Monkey bars end is unsafe, toddlers can come out of the tunnel and get kicked by an older child trying to mount the platform at the end of the monkey bars. The broken "equipment" on the hard surface should be renewed it is a danger. The whole of the hard surface area could be made softer and more equipment provided. Keep the green kick about area at the back of the play area for ball games. . The equipment in the sandpit is used by big and little kids. The big kids don't find it challenging enough and so jump from the top of the tunnel etc onto the toddlers playing in the sand below. Answer is to provide separate play spaces with equipment for each age group both within sight of each other....as at St Andrews Park. The existing cycle path is very dangerous for pedestrians, especially young children and dogs who can't read notices. Cyclists come hurtling down the hill as though they are on a major road. They should have to dismount and give way to pedestrians. I would like to see the improvement of the children’s play area in Redland Green similar to that of St Andrews park. The improvement to St Andrews Park has proved to be very popular as the play area is always busy. I would like the same done to my local park Redland green. The open feeling of an old common (rather than that of a municipal park) should be retained. How can the pedestrian/cyclist conflict be resolved? At present cyclists constantly misuse the Green by NOT keeping to the agreed and designated cycle routes (and have worn away the grass in places to make new tracks). Given the high numbers of Redland Green School students who walk to and from school through the park, I would like to see some sports‐related facilities, in particular a basketball court or post, and a kick about area with fixed goal posts. This will help to keep the teenage children occupied, encourage them to be active after school, and yet keep them away from the younger children's play area. Basket ball area good for teenagers DO NOT CHANGE THIS PARK! THERE IS A BADGER SETT AT THE POINT MARKED 5 ON YOUR MAP ‐ YOU SHOULD NOT ENHANCE THIS AREA WITH SLIDES ETC AS IT WILL DISTURB WILDLIFE! I HATE THE IDEA OF GOALPOSTS RUINING THE MULTIPLE‐USE AND FEEL OF THE PARK TOO! PLEASE LEAVE WELL ALONE & SPEND THE MONEY ON ANOTHER PARK! I USE THIS PARK SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND THESE 'IMPROVEMENTS' WILL MOSTLY RUIN IT APART FROM IMPROVING THE SAFETY WHERE IT MEETS THE ROAD. A CAFE WILL CREATE EXTRA RUBBISH IN THE PARK, THERE IS ALREADY A PROBLEM WITH THIS. Basically I really like the park as it is. I think there is some work that could be done on improving pedestrian safety, so traffic restrictions at Redland Green Road are a good idea, also the sloped paths and steps at the other end of the park can be icy and treacherous in winter and could benefit from a non‐slip surface and extra handrails. Extra lighting in some areas would be good as there are some very dark spots in winter. Overall though the green areas of the park I think serve the local population well without the need to change anything. We do not need a dedicated cycle path, it can be shared with pedestrains but needs clear signage stating that pedestrians have priority and cycling is not permitted on other paths. To improve pedestrain safety at Redland Green junction with Redland Rd, Woodland Rd could be made one way entering from Redland Rd so that traffic from that road and Redland Green would not be competing for access accross to Redland Rd. Cafe and toilets is a nice idea, cafe can provide tea/coffee/sandwiches but not burgets/cooked food.

‐ 20 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Playground should be kept to a good standard though not necessarily expanded. Clearer designation of cycle path would help ‐ at the moment all footpaths are used as a 'free‐for‐all'. A simple physical barrier (2 bars) which prevented cyclists but not pedestrians/ buggies in the narrow path next to the playground would divert cyclists to the main cycle route which is supposed to be on the other side of the bowling club. THe most dangerous ares for cyclists and pedestrians is this narrow passage, and also the bottom of the dell. Only one path down into the dell should be a cycle route, but both are currently used. Both sets of steps ans the steep path at the Metford/Cossins access point are treacherous in bad weather for pedestrains and cyclists. Your approach to this green space is basically flawed; taking the green in its entirety it is not wholly a park. To a greater extent it is a public open space like the downs but it does contain a children’s playground and a bowling green. Your questions ignore points which the Redland Green Community Group have discussed with Parks Dept for over 3 years. Of course it is a good idea to have a long term wish list but apart from a great need for toilet facilities (permanent structure, vandal resistant, day time use only, regularly maintained) you appear to be putting forward unwanted proposals and ignoring requests which have recently been debated with your representative at local meetings. I am totally opposed to ornamental panting (which would quickly be vandalised, more unnecessary and inappropriately constructed signs, more bollards along the access road (which have so far been made of inadequately treated and selected timber) and short stemmed lamps for paths. The idea of fixed goal posts was long ago debated and rejected for many good reasons (where are your files showing records of these meetings?) Please deliver the highest standard of maintenance for playground equipment, benches and paths (and leaf clearance). These should be your main objectives year on year. kickabout area should be on the grass so it doesnt take up the other play space which can be skated on. lighting could make it safer for sociable teenage activity (not antisocial teenage activity). An extra public right of way ought to exist through from the bottom of st oswalds road ‐ the fact that you are not allowed through is against the principle of 'permeability' to walking and cycling Roads "leading to Woodstock Road" and Redland Green Road could be pedestrianised, I believe this is called a "Home Zone" and/or they could be made one way, IN from Redland Road. Add more play equipment of interest to older children, or redesign flat area to be a bigger skating/ cycling area. Please speak to the local police about regular patrols to help eliminate under age drinking and drug taking The appeal of the park is the extent of green area, it would be a shame to lose significant ammounts of this. The toilets have to be a priority for health and safety reasons as children use the bushes etc as an alternative and there are no alternative public facilities. A well kept simple playground with clean sand and safe equiptment for all ages is more of a priority than being able to get a drink. On should not suggest any form of public congregation (eg using the slope as an amphitheatre) until toilet facilites are in place for such an event!The natural valley is a currently unused resource unless you are an intrepid youth! Provide plenty of seating. Sensory garden. As before,it is more important to keep all green spaces as they are, than to add to some at the cost of losing others. It would be a very good idea to make toilet facilites available in the bowling green area. Controlling cars is a top priority ‐ they are dangerous and intrusive. Need clear signs prohibiting cars at the entrance in Redland Green Road and at the ‐ 21 –Consultation and Research November 2010 playground, or ‐ better ‐ an electronic system to admit authorised users only. As for cyclists, the park is too small for a separate track for them, which would divide up valuable areas and make it appear too urban. Instead the path from the junction in the dip past the play area needs to be widened as originaly planned and all the cycle routes need a white line down the centre,to show which side cyclists should go. Even with lines and signs, care needs to be taken not to be visually intrusive. More provision should also be made for the teenagers who congregate round the one bench on the triangle of grass near the school, by the flats and the bowling green. More benches could make this a social area for all rather than just a visual amenity for the flats. A major park like this does need toilets ‐ the tennis club has had to close its facilities to the public after thefts. The bowling club is privileged to have so much of this premier green space and is the obvious site for public facilities. Recognition of the importance of Redland Green to Westbury Park School as a sports field ‐ take full notice of the school's requirements and those of the allotment holders. It is a wonderful resource but does not need development, just a bit of care and attention. Why on earth do people think there is a need for loos and a cafe ‐ this park is already overused and no longer a haven of peace/tranquility. Installing toilets and a cafe will increase numbers and pressure in a small space. Would prefer to see small improvements in the steps and lighting Provide signpost to park from Coldharbour Road. Improve entrance off St Oswald's Road Bishop Road playing fields to be open again to the community. They are not used very often.

‐ 22 –Consultation and Research November 2010

Q13.1‐6 Cotham Gardens

Counts Analysis % Total Not Of little Moderately Very Important Respondents important importance important important 75 46 57 49 45 Base 272 28% 17% 21% 18% 17% 7 4 14 9 12 Enhance the children’s play space with varied equipment. [M] 46 15% 9% 30% 20% 26% Create an area of wildflower meadow or natural planting on the slope in the eastern 9 9 8 11 8 45 corner. [L] 20% 20% 18% 24% 18% 8 11 10 8 8 Improved pathways with some lighting. [L] 45 18% 24% 22% 18% 18% 15 8 9 9 6 Provide a sheltered teen seating area. [L] 47 32% 17% 19% 19% 13% 18 9 10 4 4 Create a picnic and barbeque area. [L] 45 40% 20% 22% 9% 9% Enlarge the dog free area to cover the majority of the park, leaving Lovers Walk free for 18 5 6 8 7 44 dog walking. [L] 41% 11% 14% 18% 16%

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‐ 24 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Do you have any comments or other ideas for the green space? – Cotham Gardens This area of parkland at the moment is well used and very much enjoyed by all ages for recreation, play, gathering or sitting quietly. It is a tranquil space and your proposals suggest substantial change to the use of the space which will change the character considerably. Any changes to the Cotham Gardens MUST respect the conservation area status and any proposal which suggests removing or detracting from the Victorian features of the park should be disregarded. The park is NOT situated in an area populated by a huge number of young families. It is a great facility and should continue to provide for all ages, but this is NOT an area that you should feel you need to attract more people to because it is already much loved in its current state. One change that I would like to see at Cotham Gardens is the refurbishment of the benches along Lovers’ Walk – BUT please do not remove the fantastic iron benches – the simply need new hard wood slats to the seats and backrests. Replacing the benches or detracting from them would be a massive mistake. Could the local gym/leisure facility (used to be Ballantynes, can’t remember new name) be encouraged to be involved in the plans as a partner investor? Also see if they are open to entione their cafe to serve the general public? It is not a good idea to encourage noisy groups to congregate in this area. It simply is not large enough to assimilate it. If you realised how much noise is generated in this area already, simply by the fact that there are so many schools and play areas in it, you would appreciate how important it is to enhance a pocket of quiet entioned g . If you have any influence at all with the schools – and there are many – encourage them to use their green spaces, their facilities and also to remember that young people and young families are not the only groups who live here. There are old and frail people who have to put up with industrial‐ building –type levels of noise especially during term time. I’m delighted that residents are being consulted about the parks. I would like to comment about the proposals for Cotham Gardens, the park nearest to us and the one that we use most often. It’s good that provision is being made for older kids. I suspect that this is something that will be unpopular in some quarters, along the lines that teenage kids = trouble. My view (and I have a 9 year old, so I do have a vested interest) is that there is a woeful lack of facilities for older kids. Teenagers already use the park, but with the lack of facilities, they just ‘hang out’. It’s a shame that the basketball (or was it netball) hoop was removed – could this be reinstated, as it’s something that a group of kids could use, whereas table tennis is a bit more restrictive, number‐wise and weather‐wise. My son says that he would like to see a climbing wall, and fixed goal posts. I’m surprised that he’s not mentioned the exposed concrete (drain cover?) that is in the sloping grass area that is used to play football. Can this be covered or moved? I am extremely concerned that the dog‐walking area may be limited to just Lover’s Walk. I know of people who use the space on a daily basis and this would have a very negative impact on them. Many people, particulary the elderly or those caring for young children, are not able to travel up to the Downs, Ashton Court or Leigh Woods. Please leave the dog‐walking area as it is. We need to retain our green spaces. I am very much OPPOSED to the option of enlarging the dog free zone. The recently removed/broken dog ‘poo’ collection bins could do with replacing. The area is not large enough to concider a wildflower medow area. A covered seating area would quickly become unsightly. With the cutback coming, surely the council would be better not spending money on any of these proposels. I am very disturbed to see the suggestion of making the majority of Cotham Gardens Dog Free – this area is a vital resource for local dog owners

‐ 25 –Consultation and Research November 2010 It is only a few years since Cotham Gardens was re‐planned and I think it is lovely now. I strongly oppose any extension of the dog‐free area. There are so few green spaces close at hand for dog‐walking. I don’t think any of the “improvements” are justified. It is a small space, close to houses. Teen seating, picnic and barbecue areas will cause more noise pollution, traffic congestion, and litter. Food waste will attract rats and there are already too many of those around. We don’t need more lights. Please concentrate on maintaining the park as it is, repairing seats, lights and play equipment, clearing up litter and emptying litter bins, cutting grass and trimming hedges, and spend any spare money on more deserving and worthwhile projects elsewhere. Majority of park is in the form of grass with tarmac paths running through it. Lack of planting, focal points, views and other features makes it not very relaxing to sit. The best part is the seating around the sun dial next to the play area. More areas like this, where thought has been given to what it is like to sit there, rather than plonking a bench next to a path, are needed. A wildflower area in the eastern corner would help provide this, but other contrasting areas would also be welcome, eg formal planting. In addition, the benches are currently in a very poor state of repair. Any enhancements to the park should be monitored to ensure they are not left to deteriorate in this way again. Please, please please do not make a barbecue area as it will hugely increase the chances of encouraging vermin and increasing litter. The Gardens are used by many elderly people who live in flats as well as children who are already well provided for. Encourage areas for quiet reflection. Students need these as well. Don’t make it into a sports and leisure facility. Maybe put up more bird boxes and bat boxes. We used to have bats around in large numbers, but due to intensive renovations to properties these have gone. Anything which brings wildlife (not rats, please) into city centre green spaces should be encouraged. Anything which discourages yet more night noise should be discouraged. Thank you for asking! There is a majot problem with noise at night, anything that could make this worse is unacceptable. The gardens should be for young and old, why change if not broken? The play equipment is fine, my 3 children grew up platying on it. There is not entio sunlight on the eastern corner for growling wild flowers. The slop is used every year for sledging, are you going to fence it off and cut down the trees, then employ additional gardeners? No one needs to walk through the gardens at night and you should not be encouraging people, there are roads running each side of the park. Councils are being encouraged to cut back on lighting to save funds. The park is full of litter from teenagers; baggies, papers, grinders, gas cannasters. You enti need to create parks and picnic areas – no more fences, concrete slabs of BBQ’s etc. It is beautiful and well used. I walk my dog here every day. If dog walkers are limited to lovers walk dogs will be mixing with children on their way to school in a small space and dogs off the lead will be a traffic danger; accidents are going to happen. The police say lit areas attract young people up to no good, teenage drinking and the results of teenage drinking will be the consequences of any lit BBQ area; crime rates will go up in the area, it will attract drug sellers and drug abusers with needles and more litter and vandalism. A wild flower area won’t work under the shade of the trees, see the sun’s direction for most of the day, and further planting will create more spaces for illicit drinking and drugs entioned g. This is a lovely, well used part of Cotham Gardens where local people meet to walk and exercise their dogs in safety, please don’t waste hard pressed Council funds on something that works well for any number of local groups, the elderly as well as the young. The trees in this area provide a shelter for wildlife and park users in an area where there are very few mature trees. Any of the Cotham Gardens

‐ 26 –Consultation and Research November 2010 suggestions would mean a loss of some of this vital city green so I am opposed. Teenagers already use the park and if adequate bins were provided a picnic area would be an unnecessary and expensive waste of money further add to teenage illegal drug use and poor behaviour and diminish the amount of green in the park. The lighting on Lovers walk needs improving, with more or brighter lighting columns. Although the park is a nice and generally safe area, when walking past late in the evening i sometimes have to walk along the grove as i cannot see into the park. Add toilets. That would be the single biggest improvement. Secondly, add interesting play equipment for mid‐late primary children (could be natural/ tree‐based) or challenging climbing frames. Possibly landscape sloping grass area to be better for ball games. Lighting should not only be sighted in the area marked “3” but also in area “2”. I walk up from Bannatyne’s Health Club to the zebra crossing and need a torch in the winter!! I have noticed that teenagers tend to congregate in area “5”. Perhaps sheltered seating should be provided there. Making the dog walking area smaller would be unfair nad put the dogs at risk by being closer to the road. Many people use it for walking dogs and feel an area for non dog walkers is already available in the vast fenced off play area. It would be great to enhance the children’s play space with a wooden climbing frame (with elevated walkway) for toddlers to 7 year olds that has a slide or two coming off it plus a variety of ways to climb up and down it (ropes, steps, pole, etc) and maybe a tunnel to crawl through – along the same lines as those at Redland Green, Bristol Zoo and Blaise Castle. As the tiny steps and slide in the sand‐pit is a little limited and the present climbing ropes in the larger play area are also a bit limited (as they only target a narrow age‐range) and dangerous for toddlers as once they climb to the top there’s nowhere for them to go (except to possibly fall off!) In the current set up – it should be possible to build a climbing frame (together with elevated walkway) just within the inner circumference of the wood‐chipped larger play area, with slides and access points available both on the inner and outer rim of the walkway. This green space is enjoyed as it is, maintenance only is needed, the excuse of selling off some green areas to make unneeded changes to others is wrong strategy. Could not a BBQ area be created in the eastern corner so that the whole area of the park could be utilised by a greater number of people and relieve the pressure on the areas which are already heavily used There is significant opposition from local residents to the final three options and I think that these need to be discounted at this stage. There is good support for the wild flower meadow idea, which should be very low cost. The other two options command some support, but there is opposition too. Speaking personally, I think that there is scope to improve the play equipment, especially with a mind towards older children. However, attention needs to be given to the noise nuisance for local residents. Could do with some fresh planting and more flowers – it’s a bit dreary. Would need to check popularity of table tennis before installing more than one table. Could look at installing some adult gym equipment as is frequently seen in China and Spain. The lack of lighting, including on the steps down to Bannatyne’s club, means people make less use of the route through the Gardens in poor light than they do of comparable routes across Redland Green. It would be great to have a mobile cafe here. The fencing desperately needs fixing next to the big holm oak tree ‐ 27 –Consultation and Research November 2010 there has been talk of an outdoor table tennis facility (not entioned here bu by Cllr Neil Harrison) it would be a disaster. The park/garden is already used by gangs at night, it would bring more, possibly encouraging fights, crazy idea to make a small public garden into a sports facility. Just keep it well cared for, maybe encourage wildlife, loads of kids never get into the countryside. Use Bishop Road Playing Fields. Bishopston/Bishop Road have very very small yards!!! We have no place for teenagers to play sportsi n green fields!! They used to play football etc on Bishop road field. Every age used these fields.

Q14 Other Spaces

Please look at the relevant section of the Ideas and Options document and write in the box if you have comments about any of these sites, stating the name. We should retain these areas, nothing fancy or expensive. If we leave the areas well maintained lots of people can use them at different times. With regard to St Andrews park proposals: I live within a 5 min walk so this is my most loved and local green space‐ I walk in this park 3 times per week, I take a child to the play area and meet frinds at the cafe regulally. It is such a great friendly park and needs no major improvements. Save the money for more deprived areas of the city please! Bishop Road Playing Fields would be great asset to the Bishopston community. The local children have limited access to green space and this reopening of this facility would be great. Redland Grove Open Space, also Lovers' Walk alongside Cotham Gardens. Please trim back the trees on the inner side (closer to the path), so as to reveal the view of Redland Court. This pathway was built as the drive of Redland Court, but since the building is now invisible, its purpose and history are not apparent. Trimming the trees a little would recreate its historical context. The council already has tree‐trimming equipment, so no capital outlay would be involved, and it would only have to be done every few years. Redland Grove Open Space: Just to comment that it seems ironic that the proposals for Cotham Gardens include a wildflower garden, whereas if any wildflowers have the temerity to raise their heads in Redland Grove (such as the cow parsley which used to grow in abundance under the trees each spring) they are systematically blitzed. Bishop Road school field should be open to everyone. Bishop Road Playing Field. As a resident of Kings Drive backing on to these playing fields, I feel strongly that this area should not be returned to full open access to the public. Prior to the recent levelling and fencing in of the site, it was the focus for frequent anti‐social behaviour from gangs of drunken youths and children (male and female) screaming and shouting late into the night, drinking and drug taking, lighting fires (a Kings Drive resident had wooden fence panels torn from his garden and burned), trail bike riding, littering with bottles and other rubbish. Since the fencing of the site, this behaviour has almost completely disappeared from the field and local vandalism greatly reduced. It is my concern that were the field be re‐opened to

‐ 28 –Consultation and Research November 2010 general public use we would see the anti social element returning and not only causing nuisance to the local residents but damaging the field for its regular users. I have no objection at all , in fact positively welcome, the use of the field by the local and other schools and by other organised groups eg for football matches and sports. An important requirement is that the space is not left open and accessible overnight when most of the trouble occurred but is cleared and locked by some responsible person. In such a densely populated area as this one, all green sites should be available. Bishop Road school field is an obvious resource that is being withheld. Children could play in it, adults could exercise in it. It needs no great investment. Bishop Road playing field could be opened up to the public. It would be greatly appreciated by all in this area. At the moment we have a twenty minute walk to our nearest park. Bishop Road Playing Field All sites should be maintained. With changing climate, green open spaces are vitally important for shade, water retention and residential sanity. All green areas should be kept and maintained, there is no need for selling off, either to raise money for unneeded changes or house building. I fundamentally disagree with this strategy. I agree with teh proposals. Keep these as they are. Redland Grove Open Space ‐ I am all for retaining green spaces. In particular the grass area and mature trees in Redland Grove.

‐ 29 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q15. Children's play areas

The Parks and Green Space Strategy said that the maximum distance you should have to walk to visit a children’s play area is 450 metres (equivalent to a 10 minute walk). A children’s play area may have traditional play equipment and also natural features and materials. Most play areas will be dog‐free and enclosed with railings. In order to best meet this aim, children’s play areas will be provided at the Ardagh and Muller House Green Space. Considering this, do you…

Counts Analysis % Respondents 108 Base 100%

Children’s Play

53 Agree 49% 12 Disagree 11% 24 No preference 22% 19 Don't know 18%

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Children’s Play ‐ Use this space if you would like to explain your answer: Yes more green space and no further developments I agree that a children's play area would be best provided at The Ardagh on Horfield Common ‐ there is a huge population of young families in that area. Where is Muller House Green Space?! How can we answer when we don't know where you're talking about? If it is near Muller Road, I agree. If it is near Muller House in Cotham, I disagree. I HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE PLAY AREAS AT THESE LOCATIONS, BUT NEITHER ARE WITHIN 450m OF MY HOME (BS7 9QZ) Should be closer than 450m 10 mins walk ok for someone of my age group ‐ but may be a problem for people older ‐ or limited mobility?. I HAVE NO CHILDREN Surely we need more choice ‐ there are lots of children! As the budget for play areas is likely to be limited I would rather walk a little further to get a better playground than have lots of smaller, more poorly equipped playgrounds. I live in Westbury Park ‐ I would not be served under the Parks and Green Space Strategy as these spaces are too far, especially for my two young children. Redland Green is my local park. Many parents drive whether they live close by or not. No children, so no prefernece I think there are already good children's play areas in Bishopston, Cotham and Redland for primary school aged children. My concern is the lack of facilities for older children. You are suggesting keeping to a rule for the sake of it. There is a perfectly serviceable play area in Horfield Common next to the Ardagh. It is is very unclear what is being asked here. Yes, 450 metres as a maximum distance seems reasonable, but main roads and gradiants also need to be taken into consideration, rather than just a line on a map. there is a children's play are on Horfield Common near the Ardagh. Is another one propsed? Why? Are you asking if it should be enclosed/dog‐free/with traditional play equipment etc? This is not at all clear with the way the question (or is it a statement?) is phrased. I don't personally know Muller House Green Space Either is fine, but informal ball games could be played on Bishop Road School field. A 'no dogs' policy would help keep it clean. 10 mins to cover 450 meters is a very slow pace, even with a young child. 750 meters would be a reasonable distance. Space behind Maller House play area ‐ 31 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Given the planning committee's flagrant disregard for the legally binding status of the field on which the new primary school is being built we need a child play area nearby...the school should have been built on hard standing instead of allowing Cricket Club to put their commercial nonsense on it. I've ticked the Don't Know box because I am unclear as to what I am agreeing with. The strategy aim, or play equipment at Muller House Green Space? Play equipment here would be most welcome but your consultation document says that the council is not proposing to do anything here. Did the planners manage to let Charles Church off the hook? The consultation process promised lots of amenity items to the area but many of these didn't make it to the final plans. What a shame! best suited Children's play areas are valued and should be upgraded, but 10 mins walk is over restrictive. Don't know either of those areas. But not at the expense of dog walkers who use it more often. i dont know these areas well Dogs are only ok if under control. Ok to have dogs for the blind. The cost would be offset by a proposal to sell off some other green space for development. What about the one at Cotham Gardens? I'm not sure what you're asking here ‐ these are all Bishopston options. 450m is an arbitrary average ‐ accessibility depends on all sorts of factors, not least the quality of the surrounding environment (traffic in particular) and the area's socio‐economic factors. Dogs should definitely not be allowed. Even where fouling is not permitted, like St Andrews Park, it still happens. Only a blanket ban (at least in a sizeable part of the park) will ensure that children are not rolling around in it.

‐ 32 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q16. Formal Spaces

The Parks and Green Spaces Strategy said that the maximum distance you should have to walk to visit a ‘formally designed’ green space is 600 metres (equivalent to a 15 minute walk). Formal spaces have an organised layout whose aim is aesthetic enjoyment. This can include sweeping landscapes such as the Repton landscapes of the historic estates, to ornamental gardens which include flower beds and features such as statues. In order to best meet this aim formal space will be provided at The Ardagh. Considering this do you…

Counts Respondents 107 Base 100%

Formal Space

42 Agree 39% 15 Disagree 14% 31 No preference 29% 19 Don't know 18%

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Formal Spaces ‐ Use this space if you would like to explain your answer: Yes more green space and no further developments I don't think that a large proportion of the residents in the area of The Ardagh would be appreciative of a formal or ornamental gardens and would be far more grateful to receive recreational space and facilities. AGREED, BUT ITS MORE THAN 600m FROM MY HOME ‐ HAVE ANY PLANS BEEN DRAWN UP SHOWNING WALKING TIMES TO THESE FORMAL PARKS FROM THE SURROUNDING STREETS? Open space is important but I don't think it's at all important that it be formally designed. Sweeping landscapes ‐ like the sound of this ‐ interested in art, architecture and gardens. This is not part of my local community I live in Westbury Park ‐ I would not be served under the Parks and Green Space Strategy as these spaces are too far, especially for my two young children. Redland Green is my local park. I don't believe we need more formal spaces in Bristol. I would prefer the investment for this would be diverted to maintain existing gardens and green areas. Again this is responding to a random quota rather than an attempt to meet the needs of the population. A formal space will impinge on the lovely landscape already present around the Ardagh. Would be nice to see this at the Ardagh, seems nothing like this available currently at this location. What is a Repton landscape? See comments above for lack of clarity re what is being asked. I have never met anyone who has expressed a requirement for 'formal' spaces. In a time of recession and high council taxes this appears to be an aspiration of the council rather than the people; an aspiration that the council appear to be prepared to concrete over some green spaces to achieve. Bizarre. Space is better used to cater cater for children and young people. A formal space doesn't provide to teens. I don't want 'formally designed' ‐ when living in a city it is extremely important to have access to a NATURAL environment and it is also extremely important for wildlife. I would prefer as much of our green spaces to remain 'wild' as possible whilst still retaining access to them. covered teenaged meeting points and BBQ areas are not aesthicly pleasing best suited In Cotham Gardens the formal flower beds have been replaced or are not well attended, why reinstate something the Council couldn't afford to ‐ 34 –Consultation and Research November 2010 manage. I dont think money needs to be spend on formalising the space, just maintaining it would be enough. Sporting opportunity rather than aesthetic enjoyment must be maintained at The Ardagh for health benefits. 15 min walk is over‐restrictive. Don't know Ardagh The Ardagh has always benefitted from greenery, would be good to continue this. What a waste of money! Again, an excuse to sell off some other green area. What about the one at Cotham Gardens? I'm not sure what you're asking here ‐ these are all Bishopston options. But please no formal flower beds or ornamental gardens as it is unlikely there will be sufficient funding to ensure their proper maintainance. As above, plus this is a ver prescriptive way of looking at it. You have to consider each on a case by case basis and use your common sense.

‐ 35 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q17. Informal spaces

The Parks and Green Space Strategy said that the maximum distance you should have to walk to visit an informal green space is 550 metres (equivalent to a 13 minute walk). Informal spaces are informal in layout and character, where the emphasis is on informal recreation. They generally have few or no additional facilities. In order to best meet this aim informal space will be provided at station Road and Muller House Open space. Considering this do you…

Counts

Respondents 105 Base 100%

Informal Spaces

47 Agree 45% 9 Disagree 9% 31 No preference 29% 18 Don't know 17%

Informal Spaces ‐ Use this space if you would like to explain your answer: Yes more green space and no further developments Again, your name places are ambiguous. This is a very poorly written questionnaire on an important subject. I think it should be even less ‐ maybe 350m This is not part of my local community I live in Westbury Park ‐ I would not be served under the Parks and Green Space Strategy as these spaces are too far, especially for my two young children. Redland Green is my local park. ‐ 36 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Again meeting the needs of a document, not those of the local population Useful if not wanting to walk to Cotham Gardens or Redland Green, or for those who have difficulty walking. As above. Do spaces have to be formal, or informal? or can they be both. What is the purpose of this space? Each one is too far for some people. Bishop Road School field is centrally located for a lot of children and adults, needing fresh air and exercise and not wanting to battle through traffic to get it. need bins for dog walkers. Plese also plant wild flowers such as primroses and cowslips Actually I think that 550 metres is too far, there should be many more of these natural green spaces throughout our city. It's good for people, good for wildlife and good for the environment in general. As far as I can see both these spaces are pretty small...in fact, one can scarcely describe Station Road slip of green tat as an open space, however well it is manicured. I use the cycle path several times a week and it is one of many green spaces that cheers me up as I run past, but Station Road green space is hardly a destination in its own right. It's hardly big enough for anything other than a dog to cock its leg on. Does not seem to be any green space currently round Muller road, apart from Purdown. I do not know these areas. If they increase public access to green areas ok, but not at the expense of reducing some other green area. What about the Downs? I'm not sure what you're asking here ‐ these are all Bishopston options. As above We do not have a ten minute walk in Bishopston to a play area ‐ the field (Bishop road) Would be a great space for Children and young people to run in and play.

‐ 37 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q18. Access to nature

The Parks and Green Space strategy said that the maximum distance you should have to walk to visit a natural green space is 700 metres (equivalent to an 18 minute walk). sites providing people with access to and experience of nature. It includes woodland, grassland, scrub, hedgerows and wetland. In order to best meet this aim natural space will be provided at cotham Gardens. Considering this do you…

Counts Analysis % Respondents 106 Base 100%

Access to nature.

60 Agree 57% 19 Disagree 18% 21 No preference 20% 6 Don't know 6%

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Access to nature ‐ Use this space if you would like to explain your answer: Yes more green space and no further developments Not enough green spaces in Bristol, would be great to see this here. COTHAM GARDENS IS TOO SMALL TO OFFER NATURAL GREEN SPACE. The space is not large enough to incorporate these features and were not part of the original design of the park I fail to see why this would require the exclusion of dogs? I dont ecven know where this is I live in Westbury Park ‐ I would not be served under the Parks and Green Space Strategy as these spaces are too far, especially for my two young children. Redland Green is my local park. It is fine as it is. Dogs should not be excluded. The more natural green space the better, as far as I am concerned. MUGA sounds like mugger when you say it out loud. Where is the flat area for this? Are you proposing to dig up the grassed area in the park? Does the strategy mean that every household must be within 1 km of a MUGA? The last box does not accept any text ‐ try it yourself and see! yes, please, many children never visit the countryside. That is why I fear the trend to make our small Cotham Gardens into an amusement Park rather than a green lung. It could do with more 'wild' areas. There used to be a large wild area where the Health Club now is. We have seen a terrible decline in butterflies and bees. We need to do more for these. Why are you adopting such arbitrary limits on green spaces rather than responding to local needs? Would like to see this at Cotham Gardens, no green spaces with wildlife nearby, other than possibly, St Werburghs?. I don't think Cotham gardens is an 18 minute walk from here. Horfield common provides this‐ wouldn't add anything personally for me, but have no objection to the idea Doesn't Redland Green have more space? Again I think 700 metres is too far to have to walk for the best type of 'natural' green space. It's great that you will provide this at Cotham Gardens but we need MANY more of these 'wild' green spaces around Bristol. Please consider supporting more of these types of spaces. I would give these my highest level of priority. keep it exactly as it is. But only what the environment provides already, do not use council resources at this difficult time to provide 'natural' environments that cannot be ‐ 39 –Consultation and Research November 2010 sustained either by poor management or vandalism But Cotham Gardens already has woodland so leave it alone! Though I wonder if Redland Green would be more suitable, given that it's bigger? But not at the expense of dog walkers who use it daily. No change should be made to this lovely area, again this idea is a waste of money. The space at Cotham Gardens is simply not big enough to create a truly natural green space, or to give one the feeling of being in a natural space. In a ward that is relatively short of green space that can be used for activities that will proomote health, but where most people own cars and have access to nearby country side,an area like that is not ikely to be as well used as if it had another function What about the Downs? This is a tiny space where informal recreation should take priority. Experience of grassland on the Downs suggests wildlife areas will be put out of bounds to people for long periods. More active management and a little interpretation of the wooded valley on Redland Green would seem more appropriate. As above, though I feel access to wildlife is crucially important for all sorts of reasons Takes 30 mins to walk there.

‐ 40 –Consultation and Research November 2010 Q19. Multi‐Use Games Areas

The Parks and Green Space Strategy sets out that young people should have access to a Multi‐Use Games Area (MUGA) within 1 km of where they live. A MUGA is an all weather surfaced, fenced, ball court with goal posts and basketball hoops. They are commonly lit during the evening. We propose to introduce an option for a MUGA at St Andrews park. Considering this do you…

Counts Analysis % Respondents 107 Base 100%

MUGAS

45 Agree 42% 29 Disagree 27% 20 No preference 19% 13 Don't know 12%

‐ 41 –Consultation and Research November 2010 MUGAS ‐ Use this space if you would like to explain your answer: Put it in St. Andrews Park not Redland Green! The thought does not appeal unless properly supervised. Tennis courts would be more appropriate to the area. I'm not sure there's enough space for ball court, also, it would be noisy, many people use this park to relax, sunbathe, read and to think, the bouncing of balls and screaming of children would REALLY annoy us all! will be too noisy and disruptive. St Andrews Park is small and over‐used as it is. The only place this might be possible is at the top end of the children's play area where there is some existing hardstanding. If you are proposing to use this area I would not have an objection. If you propose to pave over an existing green area of the park I would object strongly for the reasons put forward earlier in my response ‐ a loss of green openness and an expansion of intensive activity to another area of the park. I agree a MUGA is a good idea, but think of the poor bastards who work their socks off to keep the bowling club looking good with no subsidy. How would you feel if someone concretes over what you have spent many hours and hard earned pounds on so that "Yoof" can come and skateboard there! trying to cram a lot into nothing. Perhaps one of the local churches could give up car parking to allow this. Green spaces in the city are more important. I think this is the best option for St Andrews Park. Or what about one at Redland Green? I think it's important for young people to have facilities such as these provided for them to help keep them out of trouble I think St. Andrews Part is too beautiful and too small for a MUGA. You would have to destroy some beautiful trees to put in a MUGA. Plus the fencing often looks very ugly. I think providing some flat concrete (for skating) and parkour equipment and exercise equipment would be better as both young people and adults could use the space. Inappropriate area, will encourage others to gather, then probably get vandalised. Yes, there is very little provision for energetic youngsters to engage in healthy and legal activities outdoors in this ward As above Where would it go? St Andrew's is already overcrowded at peak times. But not on the site of the bowling green What about the Bishopston area? Keep tennis courts and bowling at Horfiled please.

‐ 42 –Consultation and Research November 2010