Major upgrade to play area gets go-ahead

A children's play area in Bradford is to get a major upgrade after plans were approved.

The investment will see new play equipment for Menston Recreation Ground, including a new “Amazon tower” with a steel tube slide and a tall tree climber, according to the proposals.

Because of the size of the equipment, a planning application to Bradford Council had been needed for the work to be carried out.

Previously, there had been concerns about the impact new play features and seating areas would have on protected trees near the site, but after the plans were re-drawn the application was approved.

Planning officers said the proposal should benefit the local community "without impact upon protected trees".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said that smaller play features like a crawling tower, bug magnifier and new picnic tables would also be constructed as part of the redevelopment.

Swings and a slide at the Bingley Road side of the park would also be refurbished, with a new carousel added, according to the plans.

One person had objected to the plans, questioning the use of rubber mulch in parts of the play area.

Officers responded that while they acknowleged concerns about the materials used, and the location of new seating areas, those were "not material planning matters to be considered by the Local Planning Authority in view of the fact that these elements are exempt from planning control".

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