Restoration plans to revitalise country park

Plans to revitalise an under-used country park, were given the go-ahead by Buckinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet today (Monday, March 5).

The scheme to restore and landscape the 54-acre formergravel pit and landfill site at Thorney Park, Iver,for leisure,recreation and education,will involve input from residents – but won’t cost them a penny in council tax.

County Council Leader Martin Tett says they’ll be invited to be part of a community forum to help shape plans for the park.

Ideas to be put before residents to create a self-sustaining park could include a playing field, a community park with new planting, modern facilities and wildlife study opportunities.

The scheme’s success depends onusing inert spoil brought in by rail tosidings next to the site from other infrastructure projectstolandscape the park, subject tostringent planning regulations and full public consultation.

A contractor will be appointed, givena yearto consult with local communities, and if planning permission isgranted, a lease will be granted to bring ininert spoil for landscapingand to create a new park, all at their expense.

The operation could earn the County Councilaround £6 million over six years in licensing fees, some of which would be invested in maintaining park facilities.

Once completed the new park will be handed back to the County Council.

Buckinghamshire, as one of two counties to lose all Government revenue support, is having to find creative ways to reduce subsidies and generate income for the benefit of the community.

John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This scheme not only enhances the landscape and creates an amenity for residents in south Buckinghamshire, it willproduce enough income during the restoration period for us to provide vital services more widely to the county’s residents.

“The County Council could sell the park, but this isvery important piece of land in a strategic location. We’re conscious of our stewardship responsibility, and we don’t want to lose control of important public amenity space in the face of future Heathrow expansion plans.”

Leader Martin Tett said: “I’m very well aware of the concerns of residents about heavy goods vehicles and for me this was a red line. I’m delighted we’ve been able to mitigate this by using only rail for delivery of the inert spoil.”