We are working to sort the park out

I CAN assure your correspondent that the council is acutely aware of the need for the developer to deliver appropriate facilities and improvements to the public space as part of the Sketchley Brook Development.

However, we are keen to ensure those improvements are the most appropriate for conditions on that site.

This has taken some time because of the need to increase the ground level of the park to reduce waterlogging in and around the site, something which has been an issue on that land in the past and that has necessitated lengthy discussions with the Environment Agency in order to make sure that any works will not increase flooding elsewhere.

Outline planning permission was originally granted to the developer, Goodman, and subsequent applications have been submitted and determined.

A ‘reserved matters’ application for the enhancement of the existing facilities at Rugby Road park was also submitted.

However, complications arose on this part of the site as further investigation and works were required with regard to drainage issues.

Goodman has since been working closely with the Environment Agency and the council on a revised scheme that reflects drainage requirements and we expect a revised planning application for the park by the autumn.

If approved, we will ensure the scheme is delivered in a timely manner. The parish council have been party to the current discussions and only when the park has been delivered and is satisfactory will the council ask the parish to consider accepting the transfer, which would also come with a maintenance sum from the developer. Steve Atkinson Chief Executive Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council