Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations for the phase two playground refurbishment and public toilet programme were approved, with officers pursuing external funding for the refurbishment of two concrete skateparks.
summary: The decision at stake is the approval of the next phase of a project to refurbish playgrounds, public toilets, and skateparks in the district.
topline: The Community Services Committee has decided to approve the next phase of refurbishing playgrounds, public toilets, and skateparks in the district.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the allocation of funding from various sources and the prioritization of playgrounds and public toilets, which could impact different communities differently.
affected_stakeholders: ["District and Parish Councils", "Local children and families", "Young people using skateparks", "Tandridge Access Group"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://tandridge.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=288
Decision Maker: Community Services Committee
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: The Committee received a report which detailed the work taken place to refurbish playgrounds and public toilets in the district. The report set out the next phase for the project which included further work on playgrounds and toilets, and the refurbishment of 2 skateparks. Officers explained that: 9 playgrounds had been completed. Partnership work had taken place to achieve the work, with funding provided by the council, Parish Councils, Surrey County Council, and other external bodies. Playground openings had been well attended by District and Parish Councillors and local children and families. Consultation had taken place with Parish Councils to prioritise playgrounds and public toilets that needed attention, and the future of asset ownership discussed. Skateparks provided a community space for young people who had outgrown playgrounds and could be used to deter antisocial behaviour. Jenners Field, Lingfield had been removed for safety reasons and the park at Broadbridge Lane, Smallfield had neared end of life. The work would require a specialist company to oversee the planning application process and assist in securing funding. Members expressed their gratitude for the opening of new playgrounds and the work completed so far on the tennis courts at Whyteleafe Recreation ground. In response to Member questions, Officers explained that: Temporary repair work had been made at Timberhill and the park was on the list to be refurbished. The park had been prioritised in consultation with the Parish Council. A previous inspection had indicated the park was nearing end of life but had not been a safety risk. All sites received a weekly visual inspection and an in-depth monthly operational assessment and report listing. The monthly report would detail required maintenance and risks. Work had been carried out with the Tandridge Access Group on Weston Drive and future work would take place in Dormansland. Officers were seeking additional funding for other areas. Lessons learnt from the improvements to the Whyteleafe Recreation ground would be used in future projects. R E S O L V E D – that: A) The phase two playground refurbishment programme set out in Appendix A be approved. B) The phase two public toilet programme set out in Appendix A be approved. C) Officers would pursue external funding opportunities to enable the council to refurbish two concrete skateparks across the district
Date of Decision: June 12, 2025