Purpose

A decision was taken in 2016 to utilise
£***** of Section 106 monies held for Planning Reference
95/1279/P (Woodfield Plantation) to undertake works required to
Woodfield Plantation and Huxterwell Woods, including
• Carrying out up to 30% thin of the woods (all 4 woodland
sites identified in the plan) and carrying out replanting/glade
creation works as identified in the management prescriptions *****
• Improving the walking paths through the woods (***) along
with improving linkages for walking/cycling routes • Three
interpretive panels (***) • Installation of bridge
(****)
The interpretive panels (*****) and bridge installation (****) have
been completed, along with some other small-scale works to improve
the site.
Vacancies within the Tree Team have meant that the woodland
thinning works have not been completed in favour of higher priority
works and it is difficult to put a timescale on for when this could
be completed within current resources. The path installation works
are dependent on the completion of thinning works first.
In addition, issues with the lily pond and associated drainage
system have since been identified that are considered a higher
priority than the outstanding works from the original
decision.
In particular, there is debris (including shopping trolleys) and
fallen trees in the water, trees encroaching over the pond surface,
accumulated silt depth reducing the pond capacity, blocked inlet
and outlet channels and 3x collapsing viewing platforms. The debris
and safety of the platforms has been raised as an issue on the
water bodies safety risk assessment for the site. In addition, the
associated inlet and outlet drainage channels are dysfunctional due
to vegetation and debris (natural and manmade) and do not function
as intended, causing overflowing and ponding behind properties on
Orion Way, Balby.
See attached Officer Decision Record for further information.

Content

To utilise £**** of Section 106 monies
held for Planning Reference 95/1279/P (Woodfield Plantation) to
undertake works to improve Woodfield Plantation lily pond and
associated drainage system. • £***** (Capital) •
£*** (Revenue)

Alternative options considered

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND
REJECTED
Option 1 – Preferred Option
To carry out the scheme of pond and drain works identified within
the ODR, benefitting local residents (improved visitor experience),
wildlife and reducing flood risk.
Option 2
Complete the remaining woodland management and path works set out
on the original ODR.
This is not the preferred option because the works to improve the
pond are considered a higher priority. Vacancy levels within the
Tree Team make it difficult to predict when thinning works could be
completed. In addition, it is hoped to make woodland thinning works
income generating from the sale of harvested timber so works can be
completed without capital funding. Continuing with these works
would use capital funding unnecessarily.
Option 3
Do nothing, do not reap the rewards of either scheme, and receive
potential complaints about the state of the pond and potential
localised flooding or the state of the woodland and lack of
access.