Following a comprehensive public consultation held by the Bishopston Community Council and published on our website in October 2023, we thoroughly reviewed various guidance, documentation, and community input related to the proposed location of a pump-track on Murton Green. A relevant discovery had been a ‘covenant’, (more specifically, a draft Scheme of Regulation referring to a covenant established in 1938 but whereabouts unknown) which specified the permissible activities on the land in question. According to this Scheme of Regulation, the activities allowed are limited largely to ball games and community events – of course, we understand that the world has moved on since 1938.

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Our examination extended to detailed scrutiny of all pertinent documentation, consultation feedback and planning applications and responses. It is our unwavering commitment to ensure that any project undertaken aligns with legal requirements in parallel with community interests.

 

A member of our council then discovered a copy of the final Scheme of Regulation dated 30th Dec 1969 which was put in the public domain in February 2024 via BCC website.  

 

The skatepark project were then able to share these public documents with their legal team, and advised the Council that the documents need not halt the progression of their proposed project. 

 

In Spring 2024, the Chair and Clerk uncovered* a significant number of documents that had been held in an archive. These documents contained amongst other papers, deeds of land, a notable amount of correspondence and various agreements around the land in question. BCC’s solicitors are now reviewing these documents whilst working with Swansea City Council and the Commons Registration Authority to obtain an up-to-date register of land, Rights and Ownership Sections.

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As a Community Council, we remain in favour of a local pump-track project; however, we believe it is necessary to exercise caution and thoroughness in our approach. Therefore, we are diligently working with our solicitors to address any potential legal considerations before proceeding with a full Council vote on the location of the pump track and any final council approval for such provision in the village.

 

We understand the importance of community input and wish to ensure that all aspects of this project are carefully reviewed to safeguard the interests of all our residents. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable to us, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate due process.

 

At this time, the Community Council is unable to hold a vote on the matter as we wait to receive direction from our solicitors.

 

The council understands from informal communication with BSP on 18th June 2024 that there is an intention to submit a planning application for a pump track although BCC has not had formal confirmation of this.

 

Should the Bishopston Skate Park project be considering submitting a planning application for the pump-track, it is important to clarify that this potential application cannot be endorsed at this time with the full support of the Community Council. We value transparency and community involvement in all decisions that impact our community.

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Rest assured that the Community Council is committed to keeping you informed and engaged throughout this decision-making process. We will provide further updates as soon as we receive direction from our solicitors and reach a clearer understanding of the next steps.

 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we strive to make informed decisions in the best interests of the entire Bishopston community.

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15 questions were asked to the council after a presentation from the Bishopston Skate Park Project on Monday 24th of June Bishopston Community Council meeting regarding the pump track. ​​

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1. Why has the vote for the Bishopston Skate Park Project to put in planning for the pump track not taken place? 

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The vote for the Bishopston Skate Park Project to put in planning for the pump track has not taken place because the Community Council is awaiting further legal guidance before making any decisions.

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2. Why can't the legal review and the planning application proceed in parallel? 

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It is essential to resolve legal issues first to ensure all actions comply with legal requirements and protect the community's interests.

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3. What is problematic about having the pump track? 

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The community council does not find it problematic. The location of any facility is what is permissible on Community Council land and we are following due process to find out where facilities can be placed. 

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4. When will the community council’s legal team provide a review of the documents? 

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It is now on our website. 

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5. What can members of the public do to support the project? 

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To support any project, support can be shown by participating in consultations, providing feedback, and staying informed. If any planning application is submitted, you can register comments during the consultation period.

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6. What can members of the public do to stop this project? 

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Those opposing any project can express concerns through consultations, attend council meetings, and provide feedback. If a planning application is submitted, you can register comments during the consultation period.

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7. When will the council vote on the pump track? 

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​A date for the vote has not yet been set, but we will notify all interested parties once a decision is made.

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8. Has the community council agreed to manage insurance, litter, and policing the safety regarding the pump track? 

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Upon receipt of the proposal these matters will be on considered

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9. Can the community council assure me that the top site with pre-planning will be considered a more suitable site away from houses? 

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The top site with pre-planning is not appropriate due to space limitations caused by existing recreational facilities .

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10. Will the planning application include ideas for security? Will it be surrounded by fencing, locked at night, have lighting, and provide toilets? 

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This question was asked of the Bishopston Skatepark Project direct, and they advised:

The planning application for the pump track will include ideas for security, which have been discussed with local police. Potential security measures may involve adding surveillance cameras to monitor the area from the security center. However, it is emphasized that natural surveillance from the surrounding area, including road users and park visitors, is a key aspect to deter antisocial behaviour.

 

Regarding the inclusion of toilets, it has been noted that similar facilities, like those in Wellfield or Murton play parks, do not have toilet facilities. Users of the pump track are expected to be local and can easily travel home to access toilets.

 

As for lighting and fencing, there are currently no plans for these features. The facility is intended to remain an open, free-to-use space, operational during daylight hours.

Overall, while ideas for security are being considered, plans for additional infrastructure such as toilets and lighting are not part of the current proposal.

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11. Is it true that the exercise equipment and bowling areas have been built on the green with no community consultation and no reference to the scheme of regulation? 

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No exercise or bowling areas have been installed on Murton Green. The council ensures appropriate community consultation for all projects. The exercise equipment was chosen through a survey in the Summer 2023 newsletter. Work has been halted on this due to the Scheme of Regulation. The boules pitch is in Wellfield Park and was built after public interest and Wellfield Park is not included in the Scheme of Regulation.

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12. How will the drainage of the site be fixed, considering events have been canceled due to waterlogged land? 

 

​Addressing drainage issues is a priority and being addressed.

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13. Was the Bishopston Community Council consultation a fair sample size? 

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The consultation was shared community wide. The council can only make decisions on responses received.

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14. Why is the legal review of the land only being applied to the pump track? Why doesn’t it apply to the park, football pitches, community hall, car park, and events? 

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The legal review applies to all council owned common land.​

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15. Please share the wording of the query raised with the solicitors, the date it was submitted, and if it has been updated to reflect the change from covenant and if this restarted the legal process. 

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All communication with our solicitor is subject to legal privilege.