Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee |
25 April 2018 |
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Cobtree Manor Estate Update Report |
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Final Decision-Maker |
Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee
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Lead Head of Service/Lead Director |
Dawn Hudd - Head of Regeneration and Economic Development |
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Lead Officer and Report Author |
Jason Taylor – Leisure Manager |
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Classification |
Public
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Wards affected |
Boxley
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Executive Summary |
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The information in the report is intended to give the Committee an understanding of the day to day work on the Estate and the issues that affect its management. It also provides a record of all that is achieved across the different parts of the estate.
The estate update covers the period from when the Committee last met in January 2018.
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This report makes the following recommendations to this Committee: |
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1. That the contents of the report be noted. |
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Timetable |
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Meeting |
Date |
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Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee |
25 April 2018 |
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Cobtree Manor Estate Update Report |
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1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 This report covers
the period from January 2018 to April 2018.
1.2 Cobtree Manor Park
Maintenance of the park over this period covers autumn and winter works.
Works to the park include:
· Completion of renovation pruning of the shrubbery border to the upper meadow area bordering the Golf Course to allow access to and inspection of Arboretum specimens.
· Clearance and renovation of the border to the Forstal Road.
· Weed management
· Tree works to dangerous and diseased trees
· An application for the Green Flag Award 2018/9 was submitted in January and a date for the full judging inspection is awaited.
· An inspection of the tree border to the Forstal Road has identified works totalling circa £5,000 to ensure the safety of the trees in the road target zone and to be compliant with Highway regulations.
·
Temporary
repairs to the car park surface following deterioration due to two bouts of
adverse weather.
1.3 Community
Three Hadlow College Countryside Management students have completed a total of 86 hours voluntary work to date, undertaking preparation of the ‘community garden’ for planting and carrying out some habitat surveying. To complete their placements, they are scheduled to contribute a further 180 hours this year.
1.4 Visitor Numbers
Unfortunately the electronic gate counter stopped working on January 17th which has meant that there is no data for this quarter. The reason for this is currently being investigated but is could possibly be related to the gate posts being moved as detailed later in this report.
1.5 Car Park
Car park income totalled £83,895 net for 2017/18 financial year to 31 March 2018; this was £17,595 above target with an average weekly income of £1,583. Income was marginally lower than the previous financial year by £2,041.
A project manager has been appointed to oversee the surfacing of the car park at the park.
The work
has been slightly delayed due to the need for additional design work, topographical
surveys and soils investigations tests. This is work that was not believed
initially was necessary but the contractor and project manager now believe it
is required.
1.6 Café
and Visitor Centre Update
The café has continued
to trade pending the takeover by DA GT, which will take place on 17th
April 2018
1.7 Cobtree Manor Golf Course
The latest update on the day to day operation of the golf course will be provided at the meeting.
The new club house and golf course alterations project is moving forward and the operators, Mytime Active, have met with both planners and the landscape team leader for pre-application advice. This has resulted in some changes to the initial plans due to the proposed buildings proximity to ancient woodland, but is still hoped that the planning application will be submitted by July this year.
The meeting to show
ward councillors the proposals for the golf course prior to planning consent
being submitted had to be cancelled in February due to snow, but this has been
rearranged for Friday 20th April 2018.
1.8 Kent
Life Farm Attraction
An update on the
performance of Kent Life Farm Attraction will be given to the committee at the
meeting as it was not available when this report was written.
1.9 Incidents
An unknown heavy
vehicle reversed into the main gates on 8th March 2018 causing
damage to the posts, gates and height barrier. The estimated cost of repairs
will be c£6,500. The incident was reported to the Police who were unable to
take further action.
Due to MBC’s £10,000 insurance excess it is not possible to make an insurance
claim for this damage.
2. AVAILABLE OPTIONS
This report is to note only.
3. PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the information in this report regarding the performance of the Cobtree Estate is noted.
4. RISK
This report is presented for information only and has no risk management implications.
5. CONSULTATION RESULTS AND PREVIOUS COMMITTEE FEEDBACK
Other than through social media no consultation has taken place since the last report.
6. NEXT STEPS: COMMUNICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISION
Any comments from the Committee will be passed on to the relevant parties.
7. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS
Issue |
Implications |
Sign-off |
Impact on Corporate Priorities |
The work of the charity links directly to its charitable objects and the corporate priorities of the Council. |
Head of Regeneration and Economic Development |
Risk Management |
Risks to running the estate are dealt with in the annual Estate Risk Management Report. |
Head of Regeneration and Economic Development |
Financial |
Financial risks are considered in the ongoing finance updates.
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Paul Holland, Senior Finance Manager – Client |
Equalities |
No Implications |
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8. REPORT APPENDICES
None
9. BACKGROUND PAPERS
None