The overhead Power Lines (from the transformer that is on the roadside of the site) put huge limitations on the possible uses of the space. In addition, there is an earthing cable buried underneath the site that further limits the possible uses of the area.

The feasibility of removing the Power Lines has been investigated but the cost is in excess of £80,000.00.

The Parish Council has researched extensively following the Public Meeting that was held 11th August 2021 and has consulted with the Allardice Hall and Parkham Primary School. The Parish voted at the meeting for either a MUGA or a Communal Garden.

The Power Lines preclude a MUGA .

The ongoing running costs, H&S, insurance & likely usage also preclude the MUGA.

The Health & Safety issues surrounding the traffic flow at peak times at school are apparent and this is an opportunity to address this issue. The provision of a public car park would have the benefit of removing the safety issues that are associated with morning drop off and afternoon collection.

The Allardice Hall car park is currently used as the School car park with often more than 10 vehicles parking – the proposal will cater for these vehicles and therefore support the hall in extending its use and also make the hall more accessible to those in the Parish that cannot access it by walking. Car Parking will also benefit the football field, new communal garden, The Bell and visiting friends & families of residents.

The Public Open Space is a communal space owned by the Parish Council, so if the proposal is accepted by the Parish, this will be a public car park and a communal area The Allardice Hall is a Charity and the Trustees would like to protect their very small amenity area, as this is their only piece of green space

It is not possible to cost the application before obtaining Planning Permission and the associated Scope of Works. At present no costs have been incurred but as the next stage of the process will incur costs; consultation is critical at this stage to ensure that we have the support of the Parish.

There will be a cost implication for submitting the Planning Application, as various reports will be required to enable Torridge District Council to make a decision (e.g. an ecologist’s report) – a Pre-Planning Application has been submitted to TDC who have indicated that the proposal fits with Policy.

If there is support for the proposal then the Planning Application will be made – it is likely that the development will be phased as the £10,000.00 Pearce Construction development fund (from the S106 agreement) will be insufficient. The Parish Council have additional money from a Legacy that potentially could be used on this project - it is anticipated that additional funding will be essential to complete the project

Please visit www.parkhamparish.org.uk to submit any further questions you have regarding the development of the Public Open Space – questions must be received by Saturday 31st August using the Feedback Form at the bottom of every page - as answers will be provided by the Working Group, individual responses will not be sent but the answers to all questions will be published on the website and on the notice board by Friday 20th September 2024.

There are also three open sessions in the Parkham Allardice Hall at which two members of the Working Party will be present to answer any questions: -

These will be held on: - Sunday 8th September 10am – 12pm

Sunday 8th September 2024 2pm – 4pm

Monday 9th September 2024 6pm – 8pm

We hope to see you at one of these sessions.