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Installation of small playground next to the café building in Bradda Glen.
As part of the recreational improvements at Bradda Glen, the Department proposes to install a new playground next to the café building. The proposed development lies within the Department’s land holding (Fig. 1 & 2).
In September 2010, the Department submitted a planning application for pathway improvements and the installation of a playground at Bradda Glen (Ref:10/01465/B). Approval was given for the pathway improvements but, due to objections received from local residents, the playground was not pursued at the time.
The neighbours feedback is listed below followed by the Department’s responses and suggested measures to allay concerns: Concern 1: Tree Removal. The planning application did not include information on the removal of trees as part of the works. Department Response: There are no plans to remove trees as part of the installation works.
Concern 2: Choice of site (scale). A playground would spoil the character and environment. Situating the playground on sloping ground may have potential health and safety issues.
Department Response: A children’s playground once operated in the vicinity for many years. The original playground was situated immediately adjacent to the back of the houses in Bradda Close. Whilst, on the basis of historical use, this might seem the obvious place for the new playground, the Department is suggesting positioning the play equipment on a lower lawn further away from the neighbours’ back gardens.
The site of the proposed playground is conveniently placed for visitors to the café building and safely away from the main vehicular access and car parks for the Glen. All playground equipment would be situated on the flat ground as identified on the submitted plan.
The playground scheme is scaled down from the original. Some of the play equipment will utilise natural wooden products and, wherever possible, colours that will blend in with the surroundings.
Some mature trees already surround the proposed site, but further planting of trees and shrubs in the area is an option which may be considered by the Department as further landscape improvements.
It is proposed to preserve the character of the lawns by using grass safety tiles through which the grass will grow, rather than coloured wet-pour surfacing or solid black safety mats.
Concern 3: Nuisance and Vandalism. Some playground structures may impact on the privacy of neighbouring properties e.g. noise. The site is not supervised overnight which may lead to vandalism.
Department Response: The Department has deliberately selected 5 items of equipment targeting children of a younger age range (age 5 – 8 yrs). This will hopefully satisfy the main demand and prove less attractive to teenagers who, it is suggested, might otherwise congregate in the area. Fig. 7 provides an indication of types of play equipment that the Department wishes to install in the playground.
CCTV cameras already exist which should also act as a deterrent to unwanted horseplay.
It is the aim of the Department to continue to develop recreational provision at Bradda and it is felt that a small playground at the site would be an asset. The nearby ‘marine scene observation point’ with binoculars and interpretation boards, is nearing completion. A separate planning submission is being considered for the creation of a marine-theme sculpture trail leading through the Glen and towards Milner’s Tower. The Department has already shown the plans for the playground to representatives, including the Chairman, of Port Erin Commissioners who are in full support of the proposal.
A letter has been sent to residents of Bradda Glen Close stating the Department’s intention to re-submit a planning application for the reduced scheme (copy of letter included with this application).
Figure 1: Map showing DEFA landholding at Bradda Head
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Works would involve the creation of a small playground, on a grassed area, adjacent to the café building in Bradda Glen (Figs. 2 & 3 and photos).
Key Features:
Figure 2: Map showing location of proposed playground in Bradda Glen
Figure 3: Site plan of proposed playground
Photos showing setting of proposed playground in Bradda Glen
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Figure 4: Existing site levels cross-section 4
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