Plympton Pathfields, The Latest News

18. May 2002 - Site meeting focus's on outstanding issues

Following concerns expressed at a recent Plympton Area Committee, a site meeting was called by City Planning Officers to review the outstanding landscaping issues. Attending the meeting on Friday 3rd May, were local councillors, city officers, the Environment Agency, Persimmons Homes Ltd and members of the Pathfields Group.

Issues examined included :

• cladding of the concrete faced drainage works
• completion of landscaping
• finishing road surfaces
• agreeing and installing alternative site bollards

Other issues were also looked at :

• ownership of the stream bank and bed
• maintenance of the stream
• re-design of the concrete 'bunker' water culvert
• water leakage at the under-road culvert exit
• preservation of new Devon hedges

There was agreement that the concrete drainage surfaces should be suitably clad in a natural stone or slate to maintain the high standard of environmental construction already undertaken throughout the development site.   Persimmons were unsure if they could accept all concrete surfaces being covered and that a rough 'render' might suffice.  This was rejected by City Council officers and the Environment Agency who preferred to see the surfaces treated in accordance with the quality maintained on walls within the site.  Significant planting had been undertaken leaving groundcover planting to be established along the borders. Further 'tidying' of the site was still necessary with the removal of some discarded building rubble.  Road surfaces within the site had been mainly completed with one rear access section remaining.  Smaller, narrower bollards were discussed and suggested, similar to those along Fore Street, St. Maurice.

As the City Council retained ownership of the 0.4 acres of woodland within the site, Persimmons pointed out that the north bank of the stream, adjacent to the woodland, was the responsibility of the City Council.  This may also apply to the maintenance of the stream and its bed in order to keep it clear of blockages.

An inspection of the newly built concrete 'bunker' on what is now City Council owned land revealed that the natural spring water run-off was being impeded by the structure which all considered to be inappropriate in design.  Persimmons maintained that the construction should have been much lower and that it needed to be re-engineered.   The Environment Agency advised that the structure should be reduced in height and that the top 'step' be removed to allow better water flows.  The City Council Officers were concerned about the safety aspects of the construction and feared that children may be able to gain access and injure themselves on the construction.   Persimmons were requested to submit further detailed plans to Plymouth City Council and the Environment Agency on how they were going to rectify and improve the situation.   City planning officers were to remind new home owners not to construct fences adjacent to the new eastern Devon hedge that is owned by the City Council and to adhere to agreed planning requirements.

The Pathfields Group welcomed the opportunity to discuss these final issues on site and thanked those involved.  The outcome and completion of landscaping and drainage works will be monitored by the Group.