PF5

Legislation Committee 1

Response to the consultation on the Proposed Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure

Ely Garden Villagers

In response to the summary of Consultation.

1. We as a group who are at present fighting to save our playing fields  strongly approve with the principles of the proposed measure, The Current Policy is outdated, and disposal decisions need to be made a lot tougher, we feel this new proposed measure will go a long way in safeguarding our playing fields not just for us but also our future generations.  When considering the beneficial importance of playing fields within communities, Quotes such as, further unnecessary steps, time consuming, and to expensive are saddening.  When a playing field is lost it is lost forever.

2. We agree with the principal definitions regarding the terms used in section 2 of the proposed measure    

3. We feel that an impact statement would help to determine facts regarding present demand plus the benefits, the health and well-being of the local community.

4. The new proposed consultation process is a lot better than what is in place at present,  But strongly agree with other comments made, regarding the proposal decision to dispose of land the local press The former considered two weeks to be inadequate.

5. In agreement with the consultees listed.  But strongly disagree with the comments made by The City and Council of Swansea Councils views regarding special interest groups not being statuary consultees” and the organisations listed would clearly have a predisposition to oppose disposal.

6. In agreement that the requirements placed on the local authority is satisfactory.

7. We support this measure but also agree with the Open Spaces Society in believing that Welsh ministers should have an ”Overriding power”.

8. This Question do not really apply to us.

Peter Sullivan, Chair Ely Garden Villagers.(23-01-09)