Plans discussed for new park in south of Melton

The proposals for the Melton Mowbray Natural Park, on a 50-hectare site yet to be identified, were discussed at the latest borough council cabinet meeting.

It has been mooted as part of the newly-adopted Melton Mowbray Open Spaces Strategy and Action Plan, which identified a shortage of parkland in the southern part of town and an overall deficiency in semi-natural areas.

The planned park would have new woodland planted, places of open water and seasonal wetlands, wildflower meadows, grassland for picnic areas and play equipment themed on natural materials.

The area would also feature a network of paths, cycleways and horse-riding routes with plenty of car parking space for cars and coaches allowing large scale events to be held there.

It is suggested that areas of the park are provided for festivals and events, nature features showing off species such as butterflies, an open air museum and leisure pursuits like high ropes and rock climbing.

A report which went before councillors stated: “It is recommended that the basic facility is free to use, although the site would be developed so that location appropriate commercial ventures can be located within it.

“The purpose of this is to spread the cost of site creation but also for it to become a regional attraction, sufficient to attract day visitors from Leicester and Nottingham and further afield.”

A feasibility study would need to be carried out along with a business plan before the natural park is created, with funding being sought from lottery funds, grants from public organisations like the Forestry Commission, commercial partners and developer cash through pooled Section 106 contributions.

The council would also need to make ‘a significant capital contribution’, the report points out.

The new open spaces strategy also signifies a change in direction for the council, where it will look to use developer contributions to provide larger communal green areas rather than lots of smaller open spaces.

The authority says it will still ensure planning permission for new estates includes sufficient green space between, and around, properties.

Councillor Leigh Higgins, portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, told the meeting: “This is a fundamental change to the way we will view open spaces in the future.

“It also makes managing the land a lot easier.”

Full consultation with residents and relevant organisations took place on the open spaces survey between July and September this year.

A need for more allotments and community growing spaces was identified in the town and some of these can be provided by redesigning existing locations and creating new ones in sustainable neighbourhoods.

There was also a requirement highlighted to increase the connectivity between existing open spaces with wildlife corridors and off-road walking and cycling routes.

Councillor Alison Freer-Jones told colleagues: “I’m pleased to see that in the environmental and climate change implications that it makes reference to cycle routes.

“I’ve had some residents contact me recently about increasing cycle routes especially during lockdown.

“Looking at creating semi-natural spaces will also have a positive impact on biodiversity.”

As part of the survey, consultants also put forward the idea of building a ‘winter gardens’ venue in Melton town centre to help keep visitors in the area for longer.

Their idea was for an indoor facility housing tropical plans with seating areas surrounded by micro-enterprises such as a bistro, noodle bar, craft bakery and internet cafe, plus a central stage for musical recitals and stand-up comedy performances.

A partnership between the council and a commercial developer was suggested for the scheme.