Mirrlees Fields Spatial Plan

Transcription

1 Mirrlees Fields Spatial Plan 1

2 Contents 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Spatial Plan 2.0 Background and context 2.1 Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review (May 2006) Policies which still apply from 1st April 2011 onwards (post Core Strategy adoption) 2.2 Previous surveys and consultations Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU), Site of Biological Importance assessment August MFAG feedback from members April Four Communications plc MFAG Committee Internal Consultation, Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, June 2013, United Environmental Services Ltd Community Consultation, summer Discussion 4.0 Spatial Plan 4.1 Mirrlees Fields Spatial Zonation Mirrlees Fields Landscape and Infrastructure General Mirrlees Fields Landscape and Infrastructure - Detail 5.0 Management Plan 6.0 Conclusion and next steps Appendices i ii iii Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review Enhancement Activities Ranked Three wishes consultation 2

3 1.0 Introduction MAN Diesel & Turbo Ltd. (MAN), the owners of Mirrlees Fields, has stated it has no long term aspirations to retain ownership of the land and... [is] committed to bring the fields into wider use for the community to enjoy. Wayne Jones, the current Chairman, supports the creation of an enduring legacy for the Fields which encompasses the sports history and also sports and recreation as part of the future mix of use for the Fields. Associated with the site are the Mirrlees Fields Friends Group (MFFG); a constituted interest group with over 600 members. In April 2012 MFFG approached Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT) and together with representatives from Man Diesel & Turbo Ltd the parties are working toward a plan of sustainable use for Mirrlees Fields that recognises a broad section of community interests whilst enhancing the open space and associated biodiversity. A collaborative and match funding approach by the partners has led to the creation of the Spatial Plan. 1.1 Spatial Plan The spatial plan will set out a vision of economically sustainable land use for Mirrlees Fields whilst considering its historic use, present context, species and habitats present and the interests of the owners and local community. The plan will provide a framework for MAN, CWT and MFFG s strategic direction, business planning and management plan for Mirrlees Fields. It is not within the remit of this study to specify how economically sustainable land use will be achieved although it identifies spaces within the fields where commercial revenues might be generated to cross subsidise other management and activities on the Fields. 2.0 Background and Context Mirrlees Fields is a 24 hectare green open space in Woodsmoor, Stockport. The area has never been built on and remnants of field patterns dating back to the 19 th century are traceable. It was the sports and recreation ground for approximately 1000 employees based at the Mirrlees Blackstone plant. Active management of the recreation grounds ceased during the 1980s, natural succession ensued - an ecological process whereby without intervention all open ground reverts to woodland. The historic farm use, the recreational use, and more recently, the informal recreation use and grassland cutting has created a notable mosaic of habitats including woodlands, meadows, hedgerows, scrub and ponds. There are two public rights of way across the Fields, however, users sometimes stray from them despite the Company and the Friends group taking measures such as fencing, signage and repeated communications that the land is privately owned and the public should adhere to the public rights of way until such time the Fields are brought into wider community use. Today, MAN has a logistics centre and its UK head office on the site. Much of the footprint of the former factory site has outline planning permission for a residential development. 3

4 Tithe maps ( ) The tithe maps show that the site was divided into a number of plots under different ownership, the land use was a mixture of arable and pastoral. No buildings were present on site and the site contained a number of large ponds. The area of woodland along the west border of the west section of site appears to have been established at the time of mapping as it is documented. Ordnances survey (c1875) Trees are mapped along the entire boundary of the west section and no buildings are mapped. Ordnance survey (c1910) The site is labelled as a golf course and no buildings are mapped. Aerial photographs (1970s) The current buildings to the south of site are present. The site consists of a golf course covering the middle and east sections, a cricket pitch and football pitch in the west section. The woodland along the north and west border of the west section appears to be established. Several Silver birch trees and a building are present in the northwest corner of the middle section. Fig 1. Extract from Extended Phase 1 Habitat Study detailing historic land use. 2.1 Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review (May 2006) Policies which still apply from 1st April 2011 onwards (post Core Strategy adoption) Mirrlees Fields is adopted as a Strategic Open Space in the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. It was originally scheduled in the Unitary Development Plan Review, 2006, and adopted in the LDF Core Strategy, See appendix i P44-47 of Explanation: Certain large areas of open land are not suitable for designation as Green Belt, for example because they are isolated within the urban area, but nevertheless perform an important strategic function. These areas add to urban quality: promoting health and well-being, helping to support regeneration and improving quality of life for communities by providing visually attractive green spaces close to where people live. Fig. 2. Extract from Unitary Development Plan 2.2 Previous Surveys and Consultations In addition, to the surveys referenced below the company and its representatives have consulted with various groups including local sports groups, a dance band, community charities and a number of other stakeholder groups. Records of these consultations are unavailable for inclusion in this plan although the ideas and outcomes should be accounted for in assembling the spatial plan. Economic sustainability of the Fields was not a specific consideration in the consultations , , and

5 2.2.1 Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU), Site of Biological Importance assessment August Officers from the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit concluded that Mirrlees Fields did not meet the criteria for selection as a Site of Biological Importance (now known as Local Wildlife Sites and recognised within Local Plans although afforded no legal protection) in At that time criteria for selection were based largely on plant communities and their quality. However, more recently Local Wildlife Site criteria have been reviewed and Mirrlees Fields will likely qualify. Comments from the GMEU Officers corroborate the high nature value of the site given its urban context. Although no individual aspect of the site s flora and fauna are significant in regional, county or district terms, the site supports a wide variety of habitats which provides structural habitat diversity and a range of microhabitats. Mirrlees Fields provides a significant area of semi-natural habitat for a wide variety of faunal species within the densely developed A6 corridor and provides a wildlife corridor function for animals The site at present is managed in a low intensity manner. Improvements to the quality of the habitats for biodiversity could be made by alterations to the current management regimes. The site supports habitats and animal species some of which are Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats, either nationally or locally. These biodiversity features including the range of animals and in particular the birds also provide extensive enjoyment for the visitors that use the area and enable an appreciation of local wildlife due to the site s good access which is unusual in this part of Stockport MFAG feedback from members April Four Communications plc (acting on behalf of MAN). 500 questionnaires were distributed to a range of community members with a 50% response rate. The following points represent a range of views acquired and inform the spatial plan 66 respondents used Mirrlees Fields for dog walking. 131 for walking/jogging/exercise Improvements to encourage the use of the space. 179 suggested walkways, cycle paths and access. 128 seating, 57 improved signage Additional ideas to encourage usage. 18 said leave it as it is, 12 said pitch and put, 9 said further planting 75% of respondents visited once a week or more. 32% of respondents visit daily 91% agreed with opening up the space to the wider community. 78% wanted a mix of recreational uses on the site. 16% do not When asked for their preferred mix of recreational uses the top five responses were: 215 designated wildlife area, 154 fishing pond, 146 sensory garden and trim trails linked to the hospital, 120 allotments, education/eco centre 5

6 Of the additional comments 29 related to wildlife, more than twice the next most prevalent response: 13 related to sports/recreational development, 13 to traffic MFAG** Committee Internal Consultation, 2012 Enhancement Activities Ranked (appendix ii) was the result of an exercise the MFAG committee undertook in They generated a list of possible enhancements and then each was scored up to +3 for very desirable down to -3 for not desirable. The scores of all the 9 committee members present to see which activates had most support. Activities and improvements which scored highly related to ecological and access enhancements with strong links to the local community. **Mirrlees Fields Action Group formerly changed its name at its November 2013 Annual General Meeting to Mirrlees Fields Friends Group Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, June 2013, United Environmental Services Ltd (Commissioned and paid for by MAN) The survey updates the survey conducted by GMEU in 2008 and notes the following points: The site contains numerous species of breeding birds. Certain species are red and amber categorised species indicating an increased level of conservation concern. The confirmed breeding status of bird species of conservation concern reflects the importance of the site There is a single badger sett entrance on site. The signs suggest that this badger sett entrance is currently active, the number of sett entrances suggest that this sett is a main sett and will be active most of the year. Non-native invasive species are present. There is a large stand of Japanese knotweed in the northwest corner and Himalayan balsalm is abundant in the central section. It concludes: Mirrlees Fields supports a good assemblage of local wildlife including protected species, species of conservation concern and priority habitats. Although the lack of management is apparent by the increased woodland cover and development of scrub; these habitats are still important for wildlife. Factors likely to increase the ecological diversity of the site could involve simple changes in management regimes targeting specific habitats, or if applicable, a more universal approach to include temporal and spatial access restrictions across site Community Consultation, summer 2013 (Commissioned by MFFG and paid for by Stockport Borough Council Area Committee) Working alongside the MFFG a consultation was devised to capture thoughts and opinions from attendees at four events during the summer of Hazel Grove Carnival, Saturday 13 th July

7 2. Flowery Field Allotment Open Day, Saturday 27 th July Mirrlees Fields Eco Walk, Sunday 4 th August Mirrlees Fields Bat Walk, Saturday 10 th August 2013 Those attending the MFFG stand were canvassed for their three wishes for Mirrlees Fields and asked to pinpoint them: something new; something improved; something maintained (your favourite quality or feature). They were also asked to rank their opinion of the following statements (see appendix iii): I would attend and participate in a range of activities and events throughout the year Mirrlees Fields should be recognised and managed as a wildlife haven Infrastructure for recreation activities should be added to site e.g. walking routes, wild play areas, community food areas, sports and leisure amenities Approximately 280 attended the events on the Fields. There were approximately 100 responses to the three wishes consultation which are represented in the following pie charts. 7

8 Fig. 3 Three wishes consultation: Something new (approximately 100 responders) 8

9 Mature woodland/natural hedges Tree maintenance and pathways Something Improved or Maintained Better security lighting Kinross Avenue access Volunteer opportunities Seating More water, ponds, wetlands Bird and bat boxes Manage well but keep natural/wild Open space Access points and signage Dog waste bins Fig. 4. Three wishes consultation. Something improved and something maintained combined (approximately 100 responders) When those attending the events were asked to rank their opinion towards three statements the distribution of opinion was heavily skewed toward the positive (see appendix iii). Although this is not a robust piece of social science it provides a useful snap shot ofopinon from a varied demographic of local residents. It may be assumed that because the events were led by the Friends group and Cheshire Wildlife Trust responders affirmed the opinion that more activities should happen on the Fields along with enhancements for wildlife. I would attend and participate in a range of activities and events throughout the year Strongly disagree Strongly agree

10 Mirrlees Fields should be recognised and managed as a wildlife haven Strongly disagree Strongly agree Infrastructure for recreation activities should be added to site e.g. walking routes, wild play areas, community food areas, sports and leisure amenities Strongly disagree Strongly agree Discussion When asked about something new for Mirrlees a majority of responders asked for features that enhanced the existing natural feel of the area with minimal infrastructure requirements. Arguably those attending the consultations wish to see Mirrlees maintained as an open space for the community to enjoy and therefore there is a bias towards features that are visually low impact. Equally, those attending may not have understood that the Fields are privately, rather than publically, owned and therefore maintenance of infrastructure will require management by the owner perhaps with support from the Friends Group. The top response to the something new question was for a community orchard. Nine people would like to see this feature. Such a feature would maintain and enhance the natural character of Mirrlees, would be unlikely to be fenced, but would require regular maintenance and upkeep by the Friends group. New infrastructure that would require high levels of maintenance were suggested but only by a small number of responders. For example: pitch and putt course, skate park, dog agility zone etc. were all features championed by one person. Strikingly, the responses to the something improved and something maintained question also had a bias towards maintaining and enhancing the natural feel of the area. Aside from the desire to see the natural habitats improved and diversified there was a leaning towards infrastructure to enhance low impact leisure pursuits such as dog walking and nature walks in the form of dog bins and improved signage and access points. The specific questions produced a spectrum of responses, however, the overwhelming majority strongly agreed with all three statements. It should be repeated that the cohort attending the events appeared to represent a general cross section of the community, however, demographic information was not collected. Specific interest groups were not targeted and may be under represented although comments were made from 10

11 people who work at Stepping Hill hospital about developing a Trim Trail and by members of running clubs about establishing regular cross country runs. Listed below are the features that responders asked for grouped under elements and attributes of the site that contribute to the spatial plan. An assessment of sustainability was based upon the present model of an active Friends group although it is anticipated that MAN Turbo & Diesel Ltd., will become corporate members of Cheshire Wildlife Trust enabling CWT to work with the Friends group to enhance the fields for people and wildlife. Not sustainable with present model Possibly sustainable Sustainable Dog waste bins Wildflower meadows Community orchard Pitch and put Natural play equipment Coppiced areas Skate park Trim trail Mature woodland Security lighting Sports pitches Ponds and wetlands BMX track Nature walk/routes/paths Nesting and roosting boxes Angling pond Dog exercise/agility zone Forest Schools ` Allotments Picnic area tables, BBQs 4.0 Spatial Plan When considering the plan in addition to the consultations and surveys undertaken the following factors were taken into account for: The space is open to all with opportunities for a range of recreational activities. It also large enough to accommodate a range of revenue generating opportunities, that subsidise management and activities in other areas. The plan should be flexible enough to allow future developments as opportunities arise. An additional community of up to a thousand people will move into the development on the former factory site which currently has outline planning permission. Many of these people will use the Mirrlees Fields and many will have dogs that they walk on the Fields 11

12 Inspiring people about nature is vitally important but equally it should be recognised that wildlife thrives in the absence of people and therefore restrictions to certain areas at particular times of year may be necessary Attracting many different users to the Fields at all hours of the day is likely to suppress antisocial behaviour Where a space is managed to enhance the natural environment installing litter and dog bins creates a burden and liability upon the land manager. However, installation of dog bins in the future may be necessary should awareness raising and other strategies not deter dog fouling. Where there is a history of open access, creating formalised access with designated footpaths can lead to a variety of responses from user with some adhering to paths and otherscreating their own desire lines 4.1 Mirrlees Fields Spatial Zonation (see associated plan) Zones are suggested after considering the various community consultations, the historic context and land use and the present and potential biodiversity. Three areas are suggested: a recreation area, a wooded area with ponds with open access and a nature area where spatial and temporal restrictions to access could apply Mirrlees Fields Landscape and Infrastructure General (see associated plan) Building upon the three zones suggested and the community consultation some landscape and infrastructure features are suggested Mirrlees Fields Landscape and Infrastructure Detail (see associated plan) Certain landscape features and infrastructure would need to be positioned to maximise their effectiveness of minimise their impact. For example, infrastructure associated with play would be best situated in an open area to maximise lines of site encouraging safe play and dissuading antisocial behaviour. 5.0 Management Plan A management plan for the site is required. The plan should compliment the spatial plan and the previous surveys and will set out the current state (Extended Phase 1 survey section and Friends group knowledge), the desired state and a series of management tasks in order to achieve the desired state. A management plan will be particularly important in providing the Friends group, with guidance from CWT, with a series of structured tasks harnessing their motivation to make Mirrlees Fields a better place for people and wildlife. It is suggested that the partners seek grant funding to commission a management plan. 6.0 Conclusion and next steps 12

13 Mirrlees Fields is an important open green space in Stockport. It is recognised as such in the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. The Fields are heavily used by local residents with further new residents from the housing development set to use the space. They are an important space for people and wildlife, however, relatively intensive management will be required in order to maintain and enhance the Fields attributes as an open space for recreation and a haven for wildlife. Management such as tree safety work, grass cutting and infrastructure maintenance will require funding and therefore the plan allows for commercial activities in suggested areas that generate revenue for allocation to management and maintenance. Landscape and infrastructure recommendations and ideas have been selected to generate some revenue, however, it is anticipated that the majority of capital items will be covered by grant funding with revenue helping support site management by volunteers (MFFG). For example donation posts with associated interpretation should foster a sense of community ownership and encourage regular giving. The recreation area will provide a community focus for the site enabling activities and fundraising events such as a Mirrlees Fields fete selling produce generated from the community growing areas, the community orchard and the Hazel Grove (pea sticks, hurdles, etc.) It is recommended that the partners adopt the spatial plan and use it to inform grant applications, partnerships with stakeholders e.g. Stockport Primary Care Trust and a management plan. 13