Purpose

This paper sets out the provision of a
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), at Spade Oak Lake
within the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park.

Content

The Wycombe
District Local Plan (WDLP) allocated two sites for residential
development, policy BE1 – Slate Meadow and policy BE2 –
Hollands Farm within the Zone of Influence of the Burnham Beeches
Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Due to existing recreation
pressures at Burnham Beeches SAC, the development at Hollands Farm
was required to provide mitigation through the provision of a
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Policy RUR4 of the
WDLP allocated the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park (LMLCP) for
outdoor recreation to provide this mitigation.
In October 2022 a
Cabinet meeting granted officers delegated authority to agree a
suitable cost-neutral business plan for the area of land owned by
the Council at Spade Oak within the LMLCP, and for this to be
brought back to Cabinet for approval.
It was agreed not
to pursue formal designation to regularise the status of the whole
area allocated in policy RUR4 as a Country Park as part of the
initial phase of delivery, but instead to retain a commitment to
the wider Country Park as and when circumstances and resources
permitted.
This report set out the business plan for the
Country Park by delivering the Spade Oak SANG Option 1. The cost of
delivering the SANG and 80 years’ maintenance was to be met
by the developer, with the exception that the former gravel yard
area within the proposed SANG was subject to restoration and these
costs were to be met by the Council.
 
Representations were considered and discussed by
Cabinet Members, from two Councillors and community groups.
 
RESOLVED
 

1.     
That in principle the Spade Oak Management Plan
Option 1 be APPROVED as the preferred option to create a SANG at
Spade Oak and maintain the SANG in perpetuity (at least 80 years),
funded by the Hollands Farm developers to mitigate visitor pressure
at Burnham Beeches, and support the housing allocation at Hollands
Farm.

2.     
That the formal designation of a Country Park on
Council owned land at Spade Oak Lake proceed;

3.     
That the submission of the revised proposals to
restore the Gravel Yard, which is funded from an existing, released
budget in the Capital Programme, be DELEGATED to the Service
Director Property and Regeneration.

4.     
That the Heads of Terms be agreed with the
Hollands Farm developers on Gateway costs and be DELEGATED to the
Service Directors Property and Regeneration and Planning and
Environment, including implementation and delivery costs; and that
a further paper will be brought to Cabinet to present
this.