Public Open Spaces
Introduction
This management plan sets out the necessary prescriptions for the management of public open spaces and play areas ('POS'). Through Section 106 Agreements, developers and subsequent managers will be required to manage their POS in accordance with it, unless an alternative has been approved, in writing, by WDC. It will apply until the land is formally transferred to WDC.
Landscape Ecology Management Plan (LEMP)
If during the planning process, a LEMP has been approved for the development, it will take president over any duplicate prescriptions in this management plan. However, this management plan applies to all prescriptions absent from an approved LEMP; and will apply when the LEMP expires.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
This management plan does not include SuDS. A Section 106 Agreement or planning condition will require a developer to provide a site specific management plan for SuDS.
POS Scheme
Prior to commencement, a Section 106 Agreement will require the submission of a POS Scheme for approval by WDC.
The POS Scheme will comprise of:
- This management plan; ACCOMPANIED by
- An approved LEMP (if applicable).
- Approved landscape plans (see details below).
- A boundary plan (see details below).
- Tables 1, 2 and 3 completed (found at the end of this appendix).
- A programme for the delivery of the POS.
Approved landscape plans
To accompany this management plan the developer will need to annex a copy of the sites approved landscape plans. It is expected that these plans will detail (as a minimum) the items listed in table 1 at the end of this appendix. Table 1 should be completed to confirm the information is provided. If any details are absent, an additional plan (or plans) will be required to understand what has been, or will be, provided and where, to ensure elements are appropriately managed. Additional plans should be listed in Table 2.
Requirement for a boundary plan
WDC's preference is to adopt POS and a s106 agreement will typically require the developer to formally offer the POS to WDC prior to commencement - although the land would not transfer until it has been laid out to an acceptable standard. To evaluate that offer, a printed, boundary plan, to a recognised scale, is required with the formal offer to understand exactly what land is being offered to WDC for adoption. It needs to clearly and accurately show:
• What land is being offered?
• What physically forms the boundary of that land to understand where responsibility stops/starts?
• Who is (or will be) responsible for that feature?
For example, in scenario 1 (page 32) – is the hedge the boundary? And if so, is the hedge part of the transfer, or will it be for the County Council to maintain as part the public highway? The boundary plan should specify. In scenario 2, is the fence or kerb the POS boundary? And who is responsible for the fence/kerb? Again the boundary plan should specify. And what happens in scenario 3 –
the boundary plan should advise.
The boundary plan must be explicit to understand where responsibilities being, and end, to avoid future misunderstanding.
Commuted Maintenance Sum
When the POS is transferred to WDC, a commuted maintenance sum will be payable. To calculate that sum, Table 3 at the end of the document must be completed. The table lists the maintenance
prescriptions outlined in this appendix. Should items not appear, they should be added to Table 3 with details of what they cost the developer to install. These costs will be used to assess a maintenance figure.
Overall
management objectives
The overriding objective of this management plan is to ensure that all POS are well managed and are safe and welcoming places, which are managed in a sustainable and ecologically sensitive manner.
It is the Council's aspiration that all POS would be of a standard to qualify for a Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Purpose & aims
- To ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live.
- To ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
- To establish standards of good management.
- To promote and share good practice amongst the green space sector.
- To recognise and reward the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers.
Source: www.greenflagaward.org.uk
General maintenance items
To achieve the overall objective, all maintenance will be undertaken by a competent landscape contractor, registered with the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and will be British Agrochemical Standards Inspection Scheme registered (BASIS), with the BASIS Advanced Contractor Certification Scheme (BACCS). One senior member of the landscape contractor working on this project will hold the BASIS Certificate in Amenity Pest Management. Any operative applying chemicals must hold their own personal Certificate of Competence for Pesticide Application (e.g. PA6), which must be available for inspection at all times. All tree work will be undertaken by a qualified professional, registered with the Arboriculture Association and all play area inspections will be undertaken by a professional holding an up-to-date RPII certificate (Register of Play Inspectors International).
Where practicable, waste materials removed from site should be recycled.
Management prescriptions
Introduction
The management prescriptions are not overtly descriptive because qualified professionals (see 'general maintenance items' above) should be familiar with current legislation and good practices; and it is expected that they will keep up-to-date with changes to legislation and working practices.
All arisings removed from site, including controlled waste, is to be managed in line with all current legislation on managing, carrying and disposing of waste.
Soft Landscaping
All new planting, including grass (years 1-5)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Dead/dying |
Replace/reseed in the current planting season with the same species and sizes unless alternatives have been approved in writing by the local planning authority. |
Annually |
Oct-Mar |
Existing trees
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Site inspections |
All trees that would fall on a play area or other area of high foot fall |
Annually |
Anytime |
All other trees (exc. woodlands) |
Every 3 years |
||
Woodland edge trees (abutting private property/roads/paths) |
Every 5 years |
||
'Dangerous' results |
Within 24 hours |
||
Other faults, including follow up aerial surveys and decay detection |
As recommended in the report |
||
Epicormic growth |
Remove |
Twice a year |
May-June & Sept-Oct |
Crown lift |
In all amenity areas (exc. woodlands, conifers and weeping species), maintain a clear crown height at 2.5 metres |
Annually |
Nov-Jan |
Pollard |
All trees previously pollarded |
Every 5 years |
|
Light columns |
Cut back all overhanging vegetation |
Annually |
|
Ivy |
When 80% of the crown is covered, cut ivy at ground level and allow to re-grow. Leave cut material in the tree. |
As required |
Dec-Jan |
Arisings |
Collect and remove from site, except in woodlands when it can be stacked to create eco habitats. |
As created |
Anytime |
Newly planted trees
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Water |
Until established |
Weekly or more frequently in dry spells |
Anytime |
Mulch |
A 300mm radius of the trunk to be top dressed with untreated bark chip to a depth of 100mm |
Annually |
Feb-April |
Spray |
A 300mm radius of trunk to be treated with a contact herbicide (exc. whips) |
Annually |
April-May |
Spiral guards and canes |
Remove cane |
Year 3 |
Anytime |
Remove spiral guard |
Year 5 |
||
Strim guards |
Check and replace if missing |
Annually, years 1-5 |
Anytime |
Remove |
Year 6 |
||
Ties and stakes – standard trees (planted with a 'H' staking system)
Underground anchors |
Check and adjust |
Twice a year & after severe weather |
Anytime |
Remove ties and the crossbar. Retain upright stakes to protect against strimmer/mower damaged. |
Year 3 |
||
Remove/untie |
Year 5 |
||
Weeds (whips) |
Within a 0.5 metre, hand weed any weeds outgrowing the tree. |
Twice a year |
May & Sept/Oct |
Existing native hedges
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Sides (only) |
Cut back current season's growth. Arising to be left on site. |
Annually |
Feb |
Lay |
Lay and remove arisings off site |
Every 5-10 years |
Nov-Jan |
Gap up |
As needed with whips to match existing hedge species |
Annually |
Oct-Feb |
New native hedges
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Year 1-3 |
Same as 'new tree planting' |
||
Year 2: top |
Reduce height by a third to promote thick growth |
Once |
Nov-Feb |
Year 4-9: sides |
Cut back current season's growth. Arisings to be left on site. |
Annually |
Feb |
Year 10: lay |
Lay and remove arisings off-site |
Annually |
Oct-Feb |
Year 11+ |
Same as 'existing native hedge' |
Ornamental and amenity hedges
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Cut |
Remove current season's growth (top and sides) after first checking for nesting birds. Height not to exceed that specified on the approved landscape plans |
Twice a year |
May/June & Aug/Sept |
Weeds |
Hand weed the base of any excessive weeds and any self-sown (or otherwise planted) plants not appearing on the approved landscape plans |
May and Aug |
|
Arisings |
Collect and remove from site |
As created |
Anytime |
Chemicals |
Not to be used |
Amenity grass
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
Mar-Nov |
Mow (height) |
Max 80mm, min 40mm |
14 times per year |
|
Arisings |
Mulched and spread evenly across the sward |
Every cut |
|
Edges |
Cut with a half moon |
Once a year |
Jun/July |
Fixed obstacles |
With a residual herbicide spray a 0.2 mere area along/around the edge of each obstacle, avoiding any drift |
Jan/Feb |
Ornamental grass
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
Mar-Nov |
Mow (height) |
Max 40mm, min 20mm |
26 times per year |
|
Arisings |
Mulched and spread evenly across the sward |
Every cut |
|
Edges |
Cut with a half moon. Overhang not to exceed 25mm |
Once a year |
Jun/July |
Fixed obstacles |
With a residual herbicide spray a 0.2 metre area along/around the edge of the obstacle, avoiding any drift |
Jan/Feb |
Perennial meadow
Year 1
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
Mar-Nov |
Mow (height) |
Max 80mm, min 40mm |
14 cuts |
|
Arisings |
Collect and remove from site |
Every cut |
|
Weed |
Survey to identify pernicious weeds. Pull Ragwort by hand and remove from site. Spot spray others. |
Once a year |
May |
Year 2 onwards
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut Twice a year |
Spring (April/May) and summer (after 15th July) |
Mow (height) |
Use a reciprocating blade. Max 80mm, min 40mm |
||
Arisings |
In spring, mulch and spread evenly across the sward. In summer, cut and windrow. Leave for 2 days, then collect and remove from site. |
Every cut |
|
Weed |
Survey to identify pernicious weeds. Pull Ragwort by hand and remove from site. Spot spray others. |
Once a year |
May |
Tall herbage (grass)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
Feb |
Cut |
In rotation, cut one fifth of the total area |
Once a year |
|
Mow (height) |
Max 100mm, min 50mm |
||
Arisings |
Collect and remove from site |
Every cut |
|
Weed |
Bramble, seedling trees and other woody vegetation to be removed as part of the cut, ensuring site is left safe with no sharp points or trip hazards |
Before each cut |
Bulbs in grassed areas
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
When 95% of the leaves have turned brown |
Cut |
In rotation, cut one fifth of the total area |
Once a year |
|
Subsequent cuts |
Same as 'amenity grass' |
Grass paths
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter |
Removed before cutting (do not mow over). |
Every cut |
Mar-Nov |
Mow (height) |
Max 75mm, min 25mm |
14 times per year |
|
Mow (width) |
2.5 – 3 metres. |
||
Face up |
Cut back any vegetation falling in, or over, the cleared path width |
||
Arisings |
Mulched and spread evenly across the sward |
Every cut |
|
Shrub beds
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Water (year 1) |
To aid establishment |
Weekly |
April-Sept |
Prune |
In line with good horticultural practice for each plant species, prune as recommended |
Annually |
Various |
Arisings |
Collected and removed from site |
Each cut |
Mixed herbaceous beds
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Water (year 1) |
To aid establishment |
Weekly |
April-Sept |
Prune |
In line with good horticultural practice for each plant species, prune as recommended1 |
Annually |
Various |
Divide |
Lift, divide and replant perennials, disposes of weak/dead centre sections |
Every 3 years |
Mar/Apr |
Mulch |
Top dress with a weed free organic mulch to a depth of 50mm |
Annually |
Feb/Mar |
Arisings |
Collected and removed from site |
As created |
|
Chemicals |
Not to be used |
1The Royal Horticultural Society provides guidance on-line at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/plant-care/pruning
Free standing raised beds and planters
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Prune |
In line with good horticultural practice for each plant species, prune as recommended |
Annually |
Various |
Water |
To sustain plants, water weekly or more frequently in sustained periods of dry weather |
Weekly (plus) |
Apr/Oct Feb/Mar |
Weed |
Hand weed |
Monthly |
|
Mulch |
Top dress gravel to match existing to a depth of 50mm |
Annually |
|
Arisings |
Collected and removed from site |
As created |
|
Chemicals |
Not to be used |
Existing coppice
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Coppice |
On a rota cut to the ground one fifth of the total area. Minimum area 0.25ha. (smaller areas to be treated as 'woodland' |
Every 10 years |
Nov-Feb |
Arisings |
Collected and removed from site |
After each coppice |
|
Beech and Oak |
If present, do not coppice. Leave as free standing trees |
Never |
Never |
Shelter belts
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Coppice |
On a rota, cut to the ground, one fifth of the total length. No block larger than 20 metres. |
Every 10 years |
Nov-Feb |
Trees |
Leave 1 in 10 trees standing to grow to maturity. Never coppice beech or oak. |
Never |
Never |
Hard landscaping
Paths
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Carry out a safety inspection to ensure fit for purpose |
Annually |
Anytime |
Repairs |
Hazardous fault |
As reported |
Within 24 hrs |
Other faults |
As reported |
Within a month |
|
Line marking |
Remark as necessary to ensure clear depiction |
As required |
Within a month |
Edge |
Cut all edges with a half moon ('see grass cutting'). |
Annually |
June/July |
Spray |
With a contact herbicide, spray any vegetation growing onto, or over the edge of the path |
Twice a year |
May & Aug |
Unbound surfaces |
Keep surface level to prevent ponding. Infill to match existing material. |
As needed |
Street furniture
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Maintain |
As per manufactures' instructions |
Annually |
Anytime |
Inspect |
Carry out a safety inspection |
Twice a year |
Spring/Autumn |
Hazardous fault |
As reported |
Within 24 hrs |
|
Repair |
Other faults |
As reported |
Within a month |
Teak furniture |
Apply teak oil |
Annually |
May/June |
Metal railings |
Re-paint |
Every 5 years |
May/Aug |
Locks |
Check to ensure in good working order and lubricate. |
Monthly |
Each month |
Replace if damaged / missing |
As required |
Within 5 working days |
|
Lighting |
Replace damaged or defective with matching fittings |
As required |
Within 10 working days |
Gates |
Inspect to ensure design limitations do not restrict access to mobility vehicles/pushchairs |
Monthly |
Each month |
Gabion cages
Inwater
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Check |
Twice a year |
April/May and Sept/Oct |
Repack |
If needed, repack with suitable materials |
Onland
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Check |
Monthly |
Each month |
Repack and repair |
If needed, with suitable materials |
As required |
Same day in play areas. Within a month elsewhere. |
Weeds |
To be kept weed free at all times |
Constructed eco habitats (bat/bird boxes, otter holts, hibernaculum)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Bird boxes |
Check and clean |
Annually |
Nov |
Bat boxes |
Do nothing. Only maintenance free boxes should be installed |
n/a |
n/a |
Disturbance |
Retain a map to identify where all artificial features are located |
Continuous |
|
Teak furniture |
Be respectful of operations within the areas shown on the map |
Bridges
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Visual inspection |
Monthly |
Each month |
Written inspection report, including a dive inspection for parts submerged in water |
Annually |
Anytime |
|
Faults |
Hazardous reports – repair or close and fence off to prevent access; and sign a diversion |
As required |
Within 24 hrs |
Repair |
As required |
Within a month |
Retaining structures
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Safety inspection to be completed by a qualified structural engineer |
Annually |
Anytime |
Actions |
As per the report |
Water bodies (including ponds, lakes and open water)
Buffer zone
(On dry land, a 2 metre wide zone of tall vegetation around the edge of a pond/lake
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Cut (height) |
Max 100mm |
Annually |
Sept |
Self-sown trees |
Remove, including the roots |
Annually |
Oct-Feb |
Weed |
Remove invasive weeds: • Pull Himalayan Balsam by hand before flowers go to seed. • Spray Giant Hogweed with a contact herbicide (when it is in its rosette form) having acquired the Environment Agency's prior approval in writing. • Remove Giant Hogweed flowers before seeding. |
Annually |
June/July |
April/May |
|||
As found |
|||
Arisings |
Deposit off-site |
As required |
Reedbeds
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Cut |
Using manual tools, cut to a max height of 150mm above the water level |
Annually |
Sept |
Woody plant |
Check and remove any self-sown trees or other woody plan, including the roots |
||
Arisings |
Leave on the side for 1 week to allow invertebrates to return to the water, then deposit off-site |
Open water
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Clear water |
Remove plants as needed to maintain 40% of the area open water |
Annually |
Sept/Oct |
Break ice |
If water freezes, hit to crack the ice to deter people attempting to walk on it |
When ice forms |
As soon as identified |
Blue/Green or Red Algae |
If found, erect and maintain signs until it naturally disappears |
As required |
|
Barley straw |
Insert at recommended rates for the volume of water to keep water clear. Whole bails are acceptable, otherwise to be inserted into suitable plastic mesh. |
Twice a year |
Mar & Oct |
Remove all old applications before inserting new ones and dispose of off-site. |
Annually |
Oct |
Watercourses including drainage ditches
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Check all watercourses to ensure water flows freely through the central channel |
Monthly |
Every month |
Blockages |
Remove anything that impedes, or could impede flows and dispose of off-site |
Immediately |
Inlets and outlets including ditches and drains
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Visually inspect |
Daily |
Daily |
Clear |
Clear all inlets, outlets, grills and associated chambers of vegetation and debris to allow water to flow freely and dispose of non- biodegradable waste off-site |
Monthly |
Each month |
Jet |
Jet all pipes/gullies |
Annually |
Anytime |
De-siit |
The base only, including pipes under pathways. Spread on the side for 72 hrs to allow invertebrates to return to the water, then spread evenly over surrounding area so as not to cause and issue to mowing. |
Annually |
Sept-Oct |
Re-shape |
Reshape sides and base. Spread on the side for 72 hrs to allow invertebrates to return to the water, then spread evenly over surrounding area so as not to cause and issue to mowing. |
Every 5-10 years |
Fountains
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Not working |
Switch off pump or contact someone who can. |
If noticed whilst carrying out any maintenance on site |
Immediately |
Foam |
Apply an anti-foaming agent to the water. |
||
Winter closure |
Turn off and drain |
Annually |
Mid Nov –mid Mar |
Filters |
Clean |
Weekly |
When operating |
Water quality |
Test and treat if needed |
||
Litter |
Remove all foreign items and dispose of off-site |
3 x a week |
Nesting swans
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Fence off |
Install a temporary fence around any nests to prevent dog disturbance; and remove when nest vacated |
Annually |
Anytime |
Canadian geese
'If population is a human health concern or is causing damage to vegetation, lake banks or structures.
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
|
Marked with a permeant |
|
|
|
pen to identify treated |
|
|
|
eggs. Then seal in a |
|
|
Eggs |
liquid paraffin and replaced back in the |
|
|
|
next causing minimum disturbance to birds |
3 x a year |
Mainly April |
|
and public. |
|
|
Records |
Keep records of the number of nests and eggs treated |
|
|
Fish
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
|
For safety, to be |
|
|
Fishing pegs |
inspected annually by a RoSPA inspector and actions taken as |
|
Anytime |
|
recommended. |
|
|
|
Remove as many as |
|
|
|
feasible to prevent |
|
|
|
overstocking (which will occur naturally); and to |
Annually |
|
Remove fish |
prevent fish kill during dry weather when they may be insufficient oxygen in |
|
Sept/Feb |
|
the water. Commercial |
|
|
|
removal is permitted by |
|
|
|
an approved licence |
|
|
|
holder. |
|
|
Fishing |
Only permitted at approved fishing pegs |
||
Stocking |
Not permitted |
Safety Buoys
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Install |
Install ONLY if recommended by a RoSPA inspection |
Year 1 |
Anytime |
Check |
Replace if missing or until a RoSPA inspector advises otherwise. |
Weekly |
ASAP |
Pollution
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Reports |
Inspect and report to the Environment Agency |
When reported |
Immediately |
Respond |
As directed by the Environment Agency. |
Weekly |
ASAP |
Cleansing
Leaf litter
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Grass areas |
Using mulching blades on mowers, mulch and spread evenly over the sward |
6 x a year |
Sept-Dec |
Paths |
Blow/sweep onto grass areas and treat as 'grass areas' |
||
Play areas & shrub/ flower beds |
Collect and spread on grass, then treat as 'grass areas'. |
||
Large deposits |
If impractical to mulch, collect and remove from site |
Once |
Nov (after last leave fall) |
Fly tipping, litter, dog fouling and graffiti
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Litter pick |
Pick entire area (exc. water bodies, woodland and ecological areas) |
Weekly |
Every week |
Events |
Litter pick entire area before and after |
When an event is scheduled |
|
Water bodies (inc. ditches) |
Remove all items found |
Monthly |
Every month |
Ecological areas |
i.e. bramble and nettle patches. Remove all non- biodegradable items |
Annually |
Nov-Feb |
Woodlands (inc spinneys) |
Deep cleanse. Walk through site and collect all litter |
Annually |
Nov-Feb |
Flood debris |
Under 'litter pick', remove all debris, including natural materials. |
As required |
When water has receded |
Glass (play areas) |
Remove |
As reported |
Same day |
Glass (elsewhere) |
Treat as 'litter pick' |
||
Fly tip |
Fly tip is considered anything that would take 2 or more people to remove. Other items treat as 'litter pick' |
As reported/seen by staff |
Within 24 hrs |
Dog waste |
Remove |
||
Drug paraphernalia |
Remove |
Same day |
|
Graffiti |
Offensive: remove |
Within 24 hrs |
|
All other (except stake park): remove |
Within 5 working days |
||
Abandoned vehicles |
If not in an official parking bay, report to the Police |
Same day |
|
Remove unless advised otherwise by Police |
As required |
Within 48hrs |
|
Guano |
Clean to prevent a build up |
4 times a year |
Every 3 months |
Chewing gum /sticky residues |
|||
Arisings |
Remove from site |
Each collection |
Every time |
Litter bins/dog bins
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Empty |
Bins should never be more than 50% full. After each empty, insert a new plastic sack and relock the bin (if lockable). |
3 x a week (or more if needed) |
Weekly |
External clean |
Every time the bin is emptied wash the outside of the bin. |
||
Litter pick |
Every visit, pick up any litter (regardless of type) within a 5 metre radius of the bin |
||
Internal clean |
Wash and disinfect the inside using a jet washer |
Annually
As required |
Anytime |
Re-paint & repair |
Repaint; and repair as necessary |
||
Additional bins |
To be installed where there is found to be a particular problem. |
Sweeping hard area – sealed surfaces
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Moss |
If present remove before sweeping |
Monthly |
Every month |
Sweep |
Sweep using machinery suitable for the location that will not damage the surface, adjacent planting, grass edges, trees or other structures |
||
Arisings |
Disposed of off-site |
Sweeping hard area – unbound surfaces
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Sweep |
Manually remove debris. Do not use machines or blowers |
Monthly |
Every month |
Arisings |
Disposed of off-site |
|
|
Cleaning of benches and signs
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Wash |
Clean all benches and signs with water and a suitable detergent that will not cause surface damage |
Twice a year |
Every 6 months |
Replace |
Any that are lost, stolen, damaged or are illegible |
As reported/seen by staff |
Within a year |
Snow and ice
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Grit |
When predicted, spread grid at the manufactory's recommended rate on steps and slopes |
When forecast |
ASAP after forecast |
Dead animals
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Carcasses |
Remove and dispose of off-site |
When reported |
Within 24 hrs |
Children and Youth
Play areas
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Recorded, visual inspection by a RPII qualified person |
Weekly |
Every week |
Recorded, operational inspections by a RPII qualified per |
Monthly |
Every month |
|
Independent RoSPA inspection and report |
Annually |
Before the anniversary of the last report |
|
Damage |
Make safe |
As reported |
Same day |
Repair |
Every time |
Within 2 month of report |
|
Records |
To be retained for 18 yrs |
||
Dogs |
No permitted within fenced play area |
Grass sports pitches
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Mark out |
Using a line to ensure lines are straight and true, mark out the pitch with white line marker when the grass is dry to prevent creep. Before marking, cut the grass to ensure it is no more than 25mm in height. Litter/ leaf pick prior to each marking |
Annually |
Last week of Aug |
Re-mark as needed during the football season |
Generally fortnightly |
Sept-May |
|
Cut |
Same as 'amenity grass' |
||
Fertilise |
To maintain a good sward, apply a sports field fertiliser at the manufacturers rates (to the whole pitch) |
Annually |
Oct (in suitable weather conditions) |
Slitting |
Slit the pitch with an approved tractor mounted slitting machine, with tapered slit tines to a depth of at least 200m |
5 times |
Sept-May |
Harrow |
Chain harrow the pitch to assist evenness of the playing surface |
3 times |
|
Roll |
Roll with a light roller to level any divots |
6 times |
|
Compaction |
Lightly fork compacted areas to relief compaction I.e. in goal mouths. |
Once |
June-Aug |
Re-seed |
Apply an amenity grass mix (at the manufacturer's recommended rate) to any bare patches, lightly rake into the surface and water |
May |
|
Goal posts |
To be left in situ |
||
Dog foul |
Same as 'Fly tipping, Litter, dog foul and graffiti' |
Basketball/Hard surface ball courts
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Same as 'play area' |
||
Line markings |
Same as 'paths' |
||
Sweep |
See 'Sweep hard surface – bound' |
BMX tracks (grass)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Same as 'play area' |
||
Cut height |
Min 100mm, Max, 150mm |
3 x a year |
May, July, Sept |
Arisings |
Mulched and evenly spread over the sward |
Stake parks (metal/concrete)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Inspect |
Same a 'play area' |
||
Graffiti |
Leave unless offensive in which case same 'Fly tipping, litter, dog foul and graffiti'. |
Miscellaneous
Pests (animals and insects)
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Serious damage |
To be controlled by an approved contractor holding the relevant licences; and damage repaired i.e. filling in of holes and scraps. |
As reported |
As required |
Moles |
Are accepted and to be left untreated unless causing damage to a formal sports pitch. Then the pitch is to be treated as 'serious damage' |
No action required |
|
Wasp nests |
Are acceptable as part of local biodiversity; and are to be left untreated (except play areas) |
||
Next to a play area, nests are to be removed. |
As reported/seen by staff |
Within 48 hrs |
Notifiable tree pests and diseases
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Identification |
Train staff to identify |
Annually |
Anytime |
Monitor |
If found, or suspected, take photos and report to the Forestry Commission on-line via 'tree alert' |
When reported/seen by staff |
Within 24 hrs |
Manage |
Treat as recommended by Defra |
Invasive species
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Zero tolerance |
Remove/treat as applicable following Defra guideline |
When reported/seen by staff |
Within 48 hrs |
Identification |
Train staff to identity |
Annually |
Anytime |
Monitor |
Map locations and revisit them to identify instances of re-occurrence; and re-treat as required. |
Dogs
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Dogs |
To be kept under close control at all time |
At all times |
Continuously |
Dog foul |
The person responsible for the animal (when on site) must collected, and responsibly disposed, off it. |
Immediately |
Not permitted
Prescription |
|
Frequency |
When |
Scattering of ashes/ interments |
No permitted |
Anytime |
|
Swimming |
|||
Model boats |
|||
Camping or rough sleeping |
|||
Fires |
|||
Metal detecting |
|||
Flying of aircraft or drones, of any description. |
|||
Fireworks |
Not permitted except approved, organised events. |
At all times unless exception applies |
|
BBQs |
Not permitted except in a designated area with purpose built, fixed, BBQs – except during sustained periods of dry weather when the risk of fires is higher |
||
Mechanically propelled vehicles |
Not permitted, except mobility buggies operated by registered disabled visitors; and authorised maintenance vehicles |
POS Scheme: tables to be completed
Prior to commencement, a Section 106 Agreement will require the submission of a POS Scheme for approval by WDC. This requires Tables 1, 2 and 3 to be completed.
Table 1: Do the approved landscape plans provide the followingdetail?
If the approved landscape plan (or plans) does not provide details on the items listed, an additional plan (or plans) will be required to identify, where and what has been, or will be, provided. Additional plans should be listed in Table 2.
Site name and address: |
|
Planning application ref. no.: |
|
Approved landscape plan ref. no.: |
|
Item |
On the approved l/s plan? (Tick) 2 |
Item |
On the approved l/s plan? (Tick) 1 |
1. Soil type (acid/alkaline/neutral) |
|
2. Benches (location, manufacturer, make and model) |
|
3. Final site contours |
|
4. Bins (location, manufacturer, make and model) |
|
5. Cross sections illustrating final site contours |
|
6. Signs (location, manufacturer, make and model) |
|
7. Plant species, sizes and location (proposed and existing) |
|
8. Water features (proposed and existing) |
|
9. Grass type (ornamental, amenity, meadow) |
|
10. Fences (type, height and construction details) |
|
11. Play area (location, layout and equipment: manufacturer, make and models) |
|
12. Informal sports facilities i.e. goal posts (location, type) |
|
13. Paths (type identified: footpath, cycleway, vehicular access track, width and construction details) |
|
14. Bridges (location, type, construction details) |
|
15. Maintenance access points with dropped kerbs at the roadside |
|
16. Anti-vehicular access measures (location, type and construction details) |
|
17. Raised beds (height, location, construction details) |
|
18. Structures, i.e. pergolas, arbours, sculptures (type and construction details) |
|
19. Drainage features not relating to a SuD i.e. inlets, outlets, sluice gates, French drains, gullies (location and details). |
|
20. Bollards/gates/height restrictors (location and type) |
|
21. Private easements (location and details) |
|
22. Steps ( location, construction details) |
|
2If not on the approved landscape plan, please insert 1,2,3 etc. and give details in Table 2.
23. Retaining structures (location, type, construction details) |
|
24. Underground utilities (location, type, proposed, existing, redundant) 12. |
|
25. Man-made eco-habitats (location, type) |
|
26. Lighting (location, manufacturer, make and model) |
|
Table 2: List of additional plans
Site name and address: |
|
Planning application ref. no.: |
|
Plan |
Name of plan |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
|
Table 3: Commuted maintenance sum
Table 3 lists the features likely to be included in POS. It must be completed to inform the quantities being provided; enabling a commuted maintenance sum to be calculated. The Section 106 Agreement will require a commuted maintenance sum to be paid at the point the land is transferred to WDC for adoption.
If items are not listed in the table, they should be inserted at the end with details of what they cost the developer to provide and install. These costs will be used to assess a maintenance figure.
Site name and address: |
|
Planning application ref. no.: |
|
|
Unit |
Quantity |
Soft landscaping |
||
Existing trees |
No. |
|
Existing pollarded trees |
No. |
|
Newly planted trees |
No. |
|
Existing native hedge |
Linear metre |
|
New native hedge |
Linear metre |
|
Ornamental and amenity hedge |
Linear metre |
|
Amenity grass |
Metre squared |
|
Ornamental grass |
Metre squared |
|
|
Perennial meadow grass |
Metre squared |
|
|
Tall herbage |
Metre squared |
|
|
Bulbs in grass |
Metre squared |
|
|
Shrubs beds |
Metre squared |
|
|
Mixed herbaceous beds |
Metre squared |
|
|
Free standing raised beds and planters |
Metre squared |
|
|
Existing coppice |
Metre squared |
|
|
Shelter belts |
Metre squared |
|
|
Hard landscaping |
|||
Paths (tarmac) |
|
Metre squared |
|
Paths (granite) |
|
Metre squared |
|
Fencing |
Post and Rail |
Linear metre |
|
Birds mouth (knee rail) |
Linear metre |
|
|
Metal hoop top |
Linear metre |
|
|
Steps |
Insitu concrete |
Each |
|
Precast Concrete Slab, ≤0.5m2 |
Each |
|
|
Street furniture |
|||
Benches |
Wood |
No. |
|
Metal |
No. |
|
|
Mixed (metal & wood) |
No. |
|
|
Gates |
Pedestrian |
No. |
|
Vehicular |
No. |
|
|
Cycle parking |
Single sided, 3 space unit |
No. |
|
Double sided, 6 space unit |
No. |
|
|
Signs (entrance, play area&interpretation) . |
No |
||
Bird boxes |
No |
Light columns |
see footnote 1 |
No. |
Bollards (fixed) |
No. |
|
Bollards (retractable) |
No. |
|
Gabion cages |
Metre squared |
|
Bridges |
No. |
|
Retaining structures |
Metre squared |
|
Water bodies |
||
Buffer zone |
Metre squared |
|
Reed beds |
Metre squared |
|
Open water |
Metre squared |
|
Watercourse including drainage ditches |
Linear metres |
|
Inlets and outlets |
No. |
|
Fountains |
No. |
|
Safety buoys |
No. |
|
Cleansing |
||
Cleansing – site wide litter pick (exc. woodland |
Metre squared |
|
Cleaning – annual deep cleanse (woodland only) |
Metre squared |
|
Bins |
No. |
|
Sweep hard areas (bound) |
Metre squared |
|
Sweep hard areas (unbound) |
Metre squared |
|
Clean benches and signs |
No. |
|
Children/Youth |
||
Play area |
No. |
|
Grass sport pitch |
Metre squared |
|
Basketball/hard surface ball court |
Metre squared |
|
BMX track |
Metre squared |
|
Skate park |
Metre squared |
Other items
List |
Unit |
Quantity |
Cost to provide |
Install |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Give costs for buying and installing below