Forum for residents of St Georges Park and Long Leys Road Lincoln

[GDStimson]

Hello all

An update on the SEC and provision of community use facilities in the Long Leys area.

I’ve previously reported that it’s been indicated to us that the SEC development might essentially yield something like 10% of the site, or 10% of the site value for "community use", and LLRA has already given feedback that this would get us an empty plot, or more cash in the bank than we could probably use, but in neither case would we get a community use hall (or enough to build one), so what else could we do instead?

Deb and I have since met with Robert Parker (Lincolnshire County Council - LCC) and Peter Bright (Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - hereafter referred to as "the Trust") to follow this up.

We collectively discussed the possible part time access to facilities at St Georges Hospital for community use.

Rather than becoming proud trustees of a load of money, or an empty plot of land when the former SEC site is developed, we're thinking of an operating model a bit like a village hall, but with the buildings, assets, admin, insurance, and security, etc. covered by the Trust (who are, at least, already geared up for this sort of thing).

Details are all up for discussion at this stage, but we're suggesting that some (probably a large part) of the "community use" money from any sale of the SEC should go toward enhancing any multi-purpose (and community) use space(s) at the hospital site. In return "the community" would get something like a handful of days free use of room(s)/facilities (for public meeting type events), and local individuals/clubs would also be able to hire facilities at nice low "village-hall-like" rates for private functions, club meets, etc. Access to the planned hospital coffee shop and possibly even the "mini-gym" was also discussed.

These discussions went well, with the idea being favourably received, and we've since received a letter from LCC stating that they and the Trust jointly support the concept.

The Trust are sufficiently keen to have already offered access to some of the existing hospital facilities for use as meeting rooms, etc. prior to completion of the development, although when reviewed in detail, the largest room currently available would only accommodate 12 people, which isn't particularly useful.

Nevertheless, we still believe the underlying idea is sound, once more appropriate facilities (including larger rooms) are in place at the hospital, as it would relieve local residents (whether LLRA or dedicated trustees) of the responsibility of owning and running the facility, whilst still giving access to something on the doorstep to hire on an ad hoc basis - just like a village hall.

LLRA would be very interested to hear your feedback on this concept. I know Robert Parker keeps a keen eye on the site, and would also be interested in your views.

Best regards
Gary

Gary Stimson
Chair, LLRA

[GDStimson]

Hello all

Further to my previous post, the County Council is now at the stage of applying for planning permission to develop the site of the former Social Education Centre (SEC) on Long Leys Road, and LLRA have been pre-emptively approached to give feedback on any proposed development.

In line with the recent and historic feedback we've had from residents, LLRA has indicated that it will support the County Council’s proposed planning application subject to inclusion of suitable provisions in respect of the following considerations:

1. That the planning application should be for mixed use.

Whilst there is general acceptance of the need to the develop the site, and acceptance that it is likely to be predominantly developed for residential use, there is a very strong feeling that a commercial element should be included. This could potentially be of enormous benefit to the local community, as it creates the opportunity for a suitably interested party to provide a much needed local shop. Of course, this desired outcome is dependent upon external “market forces”, and may not be successfully realised.

2. That a proportion of the value realised by the development should be “ring fenced” for community use.

LLRA has a long term aspiration to see a community use facilities (village hall or similar) established in the area, but recognises this is difficult to realise due to practical constraints. It has previously been discussed that development of the SEC site could include provision for 10% of the land, or 10% of the value realised, to be made available for community use.

LLRA has previously commented that if a proportion of the land was reserved for future construction of a community hall, there would still remain the very significant issue of subsequently bringing the hall into existence – something which is beyond the realistic scope of and budget of LLRA. Consequently, LLRA strongly favours the approach that the equivalent sum of money is held in trust by the County Council, on LLRA’s behalf, which would then be available for a number of years (LLRA suggest minimum of 5 years, TBA) to fund the use / provision / improvement of facilities in the local area. LLRA, facilitated by County Council, has already held discussions with Lincolnshire Foundation Partnership Trust, who have agreed in principle that elements of the St Georges hospital site on Long Leys Road could be made available for use by the local community, and further acknowledge that the community use “value” or utility of those elements could be enhanced by provision of external funding.

LLRA have received very positive feedback on the above from the Property Manager at the County Council (who is essentially responsible for the planning submission) and understand that a planning application will be submitted in the near future which addresses both of the above points: i.e. it will be for mixed residential/commercial use, and 10% of the sale proceeds will be held as an "unallocated capital receipt" that can be used to provide improved community facilities in the area.

LLRA hopes that, in time, the money can be used to provide acceess to community use facilities at the hospital, but need to take things one step at a time!

Feedback or questions on any of the above are welcome, and watch out for that planning notice in the near future. Residents are, of course, able to give individual feedback in direct response to the planning application, as well as, or instead of, via LLRA.

Regards
Gary

Chair - LLRA

[twofish]

Hi Gary
In the past we realised that only about 10% of the people in the area looked at this site. Is a newsletter or meeting going to be planned to discuss this issue so that everyone in the LLRA will have the chance to comment?

John

[deb]

No meeting is planned at present John. Our meeting with County was just to get an agreement that in principle the land should be sold for mixed use rather than residential only and that we would secure 10% of the value - the first time a residential group has ever had this. The land could be sold for residential use only, and this would give LLRA more money to develop community facilities in empty hospital buildings but the call has always been for some business use so that at least the possibility is there for a shop/doctor/dentist etc whereas merely residential takes all that possibility away. The land first has to find a buyer who will then have to submit a plan. Until then there are no plans to really discuss.