Issue - meetings

To receive and consider any petitions for which notice has been provided under Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that the following petition is due to be presented at the meeting:

(a)    Opposition to change of use of tennis courts in Preston Park to a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)

The supporting details on the petition have been attached, for reference.

5.1   Installation of MUGA in Preston Park

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Angela Barrett (as lead petitioner) to the meeting, who he advised was attending to present a petition regarding the location of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Preston Park.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Angela Barrett began by explaining its purpose in calling on the Council to reconsider the current location for the proposed installation of a MUGA on active tennis courts to an alternate site within the small meadow land area of Preston Park.  Following its submission and subsequent engagement with officers and local ward councillors regarding their concerns, the petitioners had welcomed confirmation provided by the Parks Service that the proposed use of the tennis court site for the MUGA was no longer being considered, which it was felt reflected the positive work and engagement process undertaken.  The previous and current local ward councillors were also thanked for their support and engagement, with it hoped the concerns raised and alternative proposals identified could lead to development of a more appropriate scheme.

In outlining the initial concerns of the petitioners, Angela Barrett advised that whilst supportive of the provision of better facilities for young people in the Park the local residents she represented had been concerned about identification of the original tennis court site for the MUGA given its close proximity to a number of adjacent residential properties and associated risk of ongoing noise and nuisance from a wider use, which would be different in nature to tennis.  Further adding to these concerns was the secluded location of the site, which it was felt had the potential to attract Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) leading to issues around safety and inclusion, particularly for girls and younger users.  Angela Barrett advised these had also been supported as concerns by the Brent Parks Forum and Preston Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) in relation to the current proposed location of the site.

Given the concerns raised, local residents in support of the petition had therefore worked with the Parks Team and local ward councillors to identify a new site which was felt to be more suitable for a MUGA in an area adjacent to the existing children’s playground in the centre of the park, which it was felt would create a more unified and safe family activity hub.  The site identified had been within the existing meadow land area, which unfortunately had not fully established itself and was consequently viewed to be of low ecological value.  Residents and officers had also recognised the potential for a rain garden and pollinator planting to be incorporated into the design without significant extra cost, which it was pointed out would help to manage drainage whilst also improving the biodiversity and appearance of the space and which could be used as an additional community asset that residents could help care for.  In considering the design options for the MUGA, the petitioners were also keen  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.