Cllr George Evans raised the issue of green spaces at last Thursday’s full council meeting.
Noting the new development in Finchwood Park, he said: “Many residents have expressed disappointment to me about the quality of these spaces and do not feel they’ve been completed to the standard that was approved in the planning permission.
“What measures are in place to address these concerns, to ensure the spaces are handed over in line with the approved plans, and guarantee they remain accessible, and beneficial for the local community.
In reply, Stephen Conway, the leader of the council, clarified that within the new development, the green space is handed over to the council in phases, at which point the council becomes responsible for their care.
He said the issue had been raised at council previously, and often.
He said: “Tt is a real problem that you’ve identified, a really serious issue that we are trying to find ways of addressing.
“Developers are not obliged to hand over any of these open spaces for our maintenance, and they can choose to set up a management company which will carry out that function.
“Our concern is often that most management companies don’t carry out that function very well.
“You’re absolutely right that there are occasions when the standard required has not been met.
“We will do what we can, obviously, to try and ensure it is.”
He concluded by requesting specific details so he could investigate.
