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Post by Poundbury on Sept 14, 2005 15:26:21 GMT 1
Well done to the Duchy for pushing the Great Field plans forward.
But it appears that the Dorchester Town Council would still like to hold up any kind of forward thinking developments in the town.
From the Echo 14th Sept 2005 -
"Concerns were voiced that the council had not been informed that the Duchy was submitting the plan. Councillor Andy Canning said "The town council which will end up managing the site, have not seen it. I think its disappointing the Duchy haven't consulted us."
"Coun Molly Rennie said 'the plan was too much of a liability' and said the town council should have had more input into a project where it would ultimately take responsibility not just for maintenance but for accidents"
The Great Field park has been on the master plan of Poundbury for well over 10 years! Have the Town Council not looked at the plans? If they want a say on things they should keep up with whats going on in the town.
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Post by etna1969 on May 20, 2006 17:05:58 GMT 1
With regards to the Duchy releasing plans - Yes they have been available for the last 9 years, however as I am sure any resident of Dorchester is aware the Duchy's original plans were a bit sketchy on the actual facilities it would be providing.
Pinning down a reality at that time was a pipe dream
They had a dream, and it seems a very good artist to render this into an image every one would appreciate. "oh that looks nice""so in keeping""yes but different too" and every one was happy.
Nearly a decade later and most people had forgotten the big field. But the town council has always remembered. At planning meetings a regular mummer of "whats happening up there - We need a new football pitch" or "cricket facilities are getting a bit low on the ground - don't worry when the big field comes along that will be sorted".
A consensus was reached on each occasion that it wasn't happening sooner, a letter would be dispatched inviting the duchy's esteemed representative to attend a meeting. Many months would pass, with no response. Another letter would be dispatched and low a visitation. Many words of pacification would be bestowed on anxious councillors. They would be asked what facilities were needed, yet they were left feeling slightly put out when the whole process was repeated, leaving them feeling somewhat like ground hogged.
Finally they reached the phase of development in which the great field would reside. Excitement built as the plans were released, silence as they were digested.
"Okay so this is good - Isn't it?"
"Well sort of"
"whats this - whats it doing here?"
"I don't believe this - oh and whats th..... wheres the....."
i could go on but you get the idea.
The responsibility for the Great Field will ultimately be the Town Councils, after being stung a great many times I understand the reluctance and feeling that a knee jerk decision should be made in order that they should feel grateful that such a facility should be given over to recreation rather than residential/commercial development.
After all it was part of the 106 agreement made with the Duchy not a generous gift. Surely it would be better to get it right, making sure it provide all the residents of Dorchester with the recreational space it wants - rather than facing accusation later that The Town Council was responsible for providing useless, unused ammenaties. Which judging from recent history will most probably be the general public cry.
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Post by pablopeth on Sept 17, 2008 0:06:10 GMT 1
A superb opportunity totally wasted.
Gifted land and over 300 people looked at this forum item and not one single suggestion! Is there anybody out there who cares?
Use it or lose it. Engage.
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