Royal Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Development Plan

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/2

Mill Gardens/El ephant Walk

No

Thriving boat centre, well used by nearby residents for the play area, dog walking and as a route through to the town centre.

Yes

Walking, boating, play equipment for younger children, kayaking, dog walking, ball games

Yes

Some noise from the various activities available, a play park rather than an oasis of calm, river flows through

Originally settling beds for the town's water supply, area was landscaped in 1901-1903.

Elephants accessed the River Leam for washing there in1880/81. River slipways were used to provide public watering place for horses.

Grade 2 listed

Amphibians, squirrels, mature trees, shrubs, sustainable planting

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/3

Pump Room Gardens/Yo rk Promenade

No

Most popular space in Leamington for hosting outdoor events open to all residents, used by commuters as a cut through to the Parade

Yes

Walking, picnicking, listening to music, attending events, dog walking, running

Yes

Laid back from two busy roads on the northern and eastern boundaries, the area is a tranquil space in the centre of town

Laid out in 1814, Linden Avenue created in 1828, first bandstand erected in 1830s. Became publicly owned in 1868 – "people's recreation ground". York Promenade laid out in 1899.

Garde 2 listed, as is the bandstand and the Pump

Rooms

Mature trees, flowers, squirrels, insects

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/4

Victoria Park

No

Extremely well used area by all residents of Leamington and visitors, many amenities on site, accessible to all, occasional events

Yes

Cycling, cricket, crown green bowls, tennis, play equipment, informal games, picnicking, walking, dog walking, paddling pool, skateboard park, canoeing, cafe

Yes

Large, peaceful, expansive space on the edge of the town, bounded on one side by the River Leam

Originally opened in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the park was re- landscaped and re-opened in 1899.

Former Wisden/Parr cricket ground with New River Walk running through it after the 1860s. Grade 2 listed as is

Adelaide Road Bridge

Small mammals, birds, insects, mature trees

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/5

Holly Walk

No

Very much appreciated by residents of nearby flats and HMOs and workers from local businesses as a space to enjoy and clear heads, well used as a walkway and a meeting place

Yes

Walking, cycling, sitting, dog walking, workers having lunch breaks

Yes

Broad boulevard, remnant of Leamington's earlier Regency layout

Original driveway from the town centre to Newbold Comyn House, site of the Leamington Theatre Co theatre for over fifty years, closing in 1934.

Numerous Grade 2 listed buildings

on all sides.

Squirrels, mature trees, birds

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/6

Christchurch Gardens

No

All age groups use this space, easily accessible, located right in the centre of the town, very well used by local residents but also by residents accessing and exiting the town centre for work and shopping, used by The Kingsley School and nearby nurseries for

educational purposes

Yes

Tennis, walking, basketball, bike and scooter riding, football, informal games, dog walking, church services

Yes

Provides a peaceful spot amidst a busy area - much needed in this part of town. A most welcome haven for people passing through or having a quiet moment in their day.

Originally the site of Christchurch which opened in 1825, gardens (then known as Newbold Square) laid out in 1829. Church demolished in the 1950s. Marble remains from the church used for garden borders. Gardens retain crescent at top of the Parade as shown on 1825 plan of the area

Squirrels, birds, trees, insects, trees, shrubbery, wildflowers

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/7

The Dell

No

Well used by nearby residents and community groups, events are regularly held there such as "Party in the Dell", very much valued as a green space in a well built up area and one that has been in use by locals for a long time

Yes

Informal games, play equipment, basketball, walking, picnicking, gardening, playgroups

Yes

Oasis of greenery in a dip below street level, peaceful atmosphere much valued by locals from surrounding streets on all four sides

Opened as a public space in 1948. There was previously a summer house at the north end built from stones from the old "pepper pot" chapel which stood at the corner of Church Hill. Some stone from this summer house is still visible in the park. Old bridge used to cross the Dell, used to have the Bins Brook running through it until it was culverted in the

1850s.

Bats, butterflies, birds, trees, flowers, ornamental shrubs, hedgerows

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/8

Foundry Wood

No

Regularly used for community/educa tional activities and events, open to all residents, open for community use since 2013, site is run by ARC CIC. Also used for formal school visits.

Yes

Open to the public most days 10am – 5pm. Nature walks, outdoor pizza kitchen, talks, picnics, film showings, choral events and environmenta l awareness sessions.

Outdoor classroom, compost toilet.

Climbing frame, train and logs.

Dogs welcome.

Yes

On the outskirts of the town, acts as a calm oasis between busy roads and the railway line.

Once on site, traffic noise recedes.

Was part of the site of the Ford Foundry prior to 2011. Before that it was an abandoned railway siding with no public access.

Badgers, newts, birds, insects and other small mammals.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/9

New St Burial Ground

No

Houses on all sides of the site, previously neglected and overgrown site now being cared for and managed by ARC CIC.

Used mainly by residents from across South Leamington as a small green recreational space. Only green space within area of housing between the canal and

Leam Terrace.

Yes

Dog walking, gardening, tea parties, included on heritage walk tour

Yes

Relatively small green space within a highly built up area of town. Former cemetery retaining some gravestones – peaceful and quiet.

Has officially been a public open space since 1974. Opened as a burial ground in 1838 and closed in 1851 once full. Some remains were removed in 1958 to enable road straightening.

Wildflowers, squirrels, insects

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/10

Clarendon Square

No

Been in use by the local community since 1825 for recreation, historic and well known, only green space in the vicinity of surrounding flats, people walk through to visit town

Yes

Walking, sunbathing, picnicking, sitting, running, socialising, ball games

Yes

Area of sanctuary and relaxation in a very built up, busy part of town. A quiet green space appreciated by all residents.

Setting for the Regency houses which surround this open formal space. Important element in layout of this part of Leamington in 1825 – many

Grade 2 listed properties face this space. Listed as one of the top 50 historic squares in Britain. Only formal garden square

remaining in Leamington.

Oak trees, insects, flowers, squirrels, trees, large grassy area. Variety of birds for feeding and roosting.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/11

Strathearn Gardens

No

Used heavily by local residents, pre-schools and parents and children from Milverton Primary School, only green space along heavily built up area and busy Rugby Rd.

Residents have been very

involved in its development.

Yes

Lots of play equipment for younger children, informal games, dog walking, picnicking

Yes

Pocket of quiet space between developments

Fairly recent public space with new gates and a mural

Foxes, squirrels, insects, birds, trees

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/12

The Holt

No

Well used by nearby residents as well as a wider section of North Leamington, used for Lillington Fun Day and for activities run by Lillington Free Church.

Yes

Extensive play equipment for all ages, outdoor gym equipment, football goalposts, hard paths, running, dog walking, MUGA.

Yes

Quiet, long- established green space in a built-up residential area. Three sides are bounded by quiet side roads; a "green lung" in this part of town.

Has previously been a sand pit and refuse heap. Site of the first houses built by the Leamington Slum Clearance Co in 1927.

Insects, bats, birds, small mammals, mature trees, scrub and long grass areas.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/13

Mason Avenue Park

No

Large space well used by the immediate community but also by the wider Leamington community due to its size and the range of its play equipment.

Regular users include the youth centre, Lillington Nursery and Primary School and the community

centre.

Yes

Play areas for all ages, adventure equipment, tarmacked paths for running/cycli ng/roller skating, nature areas local primary schools use

Yes

Set back from main roads and bounded by quiet cul- de-sacs

Historic maps show the roughly triangular shape of the space has been left untouched by development as an important public recreation site

Hedgerows, ponds, wildflower meadow, mature trees, insect habitats, birds, long grass.

RLS8/14

Cubbington Waterworks

No

Situated in dense residential area, heavily used by surrounding residents, parents and children use it to access

Telford Infant and Junior Schools

Yes

Outdoor gym equipment, seating, play equipment, football posts, running, dog

walking, cycling

Yes

Main body of the park is set back from main road, not bordered closely by development

Site of the old Leamington Corporation Waterworks.

Hedgerows, ponds, trees, shrubs, birds, small mammals

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/15

Midland Oak

No

Has an active "Friends

of…group" which has raised funds for bulb planting and a noticeboard recently, space is well used by residents along the Lillington and Cubbington Roads, visited by Lillington Primary School for nature appreciation, also by residents of nearby sheltered accommodation. Regular litter

picking sessions.

Yes

Wide tarmacked paths for running/cycli ng, play area with equipment, also good for wheelchair users and prams, dog walking

Yes

Quiet green area acting as a buffer for surrounding residents against the traffic on the main roads

Site of the "Midland Oak" purportedly marking the centre of England and a military commemoration of WW1.

Trees, shrubs, bulrushes and grasses, homes to birds, bats, amphibians.

Designated as Local Wildlife Site. Flood alleviation area.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/16

Old Brickyard play area, off Villers St

No

In the heart of very residential area away from the town centre. Used by families with young children, dog walkers, immediate community and

residents further out

Yes

Play areas with equipment for older and younger children, football, running

Yes

Away from main roads, fairly sheltered, bounded by mature trees

Was the site of Leamington and Lillington Brickworks in 18th/19th centuries. Also housed allotment gardens.

Birds and small mammals, spinneys and foraging areas

RLS8/17

Eagle Recreation Ground

No

Has active Friends of

…group. Much surrounding housing on all sides, huge diversity of users including young families, students, cultural groups, immigrant groups, school children and dog walkers. Very popular local space – many houses/flats do not have gardens in the vicinity.

Yes

Play area (including equipment for children with disabilities), football posts, MUGA area, youth shelter, nature area and grass reserve.

Cricket, frisbee, basketball, rounders and walking groups.

Clapham Terrace, Shrubland St and Campion schools hold sports activities and sports days here.

Yes

Enclosed and protected space.

Bordered by housing, railway embankment and Rangemaster. Oasis in area of high-density housing with small/no private gardens

Leamington completed the purchase of Ladder Bridge Field in April 1896 from Lady Aylesford for

£1300 for 5.5 acres. In January 1897 the council decided to use the field as a children's playground and to create a wharf along the canal frontage for The Foundry. By June 1898 the undulating field had been levelled by the tipping of town waste over it. By 1900 the field was levelled and St Johns Church played football and cricket there. In 1926 the council acquired Rushmore Farm from the Willes family of Newbold

Comyn to build

Wide range of birds, squirrels, foxes and a muntjac deer.

Wildflower areas.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

Leamington's 3rd Council House Estate. Part of the land was added to Eagle Rec

RLS8/18

Redlands Recreation Ground

No

Bordered by housing on two sides, well used pedestrian/comm uter link to local shops, businesses and schools. Part of green corridor linking green spaces in the south. No other suitable outdoor space for children in the vicinity.

Yes

Play/adventure equipment, hard surface paths for cycling and walking, football and informal activities i.e. rounders

Yes

Relatively – provides an oasis of calm for locals from urban surroundings

No

Yes – conservation area of long grass plus trees and shrubs enable birds, small mammals, insects and other plant life to settle there

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/19

Welches Meadow

No

Very well utilised by residents from all over Leamington as well as visitors. Used for a wide variety of activities.

Yes

Walking, angling, dog walking, bird watching, nature appreciation

Yes

Bounded by a busy road and the river, the site is surprisingly tranquil once inside it

Created as a flood defence in the 1840s – it has been in use as a public space since then. Older residents remember ice skating there in the 1930s.

Wildflowers, wetland plants, trees, dragonflies, butterflies, birds, many amphibian species. Local Nature Reserve run by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

RLS8/20

Crabtree Meadow

No

Mainly used by residents of Leam Terrace area or by walkers who access it via Welches Meadow which is adjacent.

Yes

Walking, dog walking, football, informal games

Yes

Peaceful space backing onto houses, relatively sheltered

Birds, insects, ornamental trees, squirrels

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

Serves the Edmondscote Drive area – part of network of paths leading to Warwick New Rd and the A452. Used as overflow parking for the Athletics track currently.

Site formed around 1860 during works carried out on the River Leam to alleviate flooding. Princes Bridge opened by the then Prince of Wales in 1923.

RLS8/22

Fords Field

No

Serves Kingsway and Bury Rd estates – used by commuters to reach shops, schools, work and the station. Local community groups such as the boxing club use the facilities and people from the Sikh Temple and the Fords Field Centre use the park recreationally too.

Yes

Play areas for all ages, football, cricket, rounders. Outdoor gym equipment, grass auditorium, adventure play equipment, canalside vantage point. Tarmacked paths for running/cycli ng/roller skating.

Yes

Acts as a green defence from the roundabout at the junction of Myton Rd and Princes Drive etc, and the roundabout that serves Shires Retail Park.

Industrial past significant to Leamington – Ford Foundry was opposite, and the site used by workers there for recreation – annual fun fair used to held there.

Trees and shrubs border the grassy area, some rough grass is wildlife conservation area, birds, insects, small mammals in evidence. Canal access for water- based wildlife.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/23

Radford Brook (aka Whitnash North Brook)

No

Public green space in area of much recent development – no other green spaces nearby except Calder Walk play area.

Well used by locals and others for walking and nature observations.

Also used by local schools for

pond dipping etc.

Yes

Walking, pond dipping, running

Yes

Yes - very

Yes -site of an old mill still evident in stream course

Yes – pondlife, marshland and woodland – amphibians, birds, insects and plant life

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/24

Calder Walk play area

No

Well used by Sydenham estate residents and pupils of Sydenham Primary School. Local housing is mostly semi- detached houses, maisonettes and low-rise flats, intensively situated. This space links to Radford Brook and helps facilitate green

corridor through estates.

Yes

Play equipment surrounded by grassy area well used for football and playing games

Yes

Yes – provides secluded sanctuary for residents away from nearby roads

Yes – old mill by the stream.

Mature trees, hedges, shrubs

Yes – amphibians, small mammals, birds, insects, plants – some areas are designated wildlife areas

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/25

Elizabeth Rd play area

No

Popular local space, well used by residents from surrounding streets and overlooking properties, only open space of any size in South Leamington west of Brunswick St and up to Queensway.

Yes

Large play area with play equipment for younger children, informal games, bike mounds, raised bed near entrance with

tomato plants.

Community cares for the site as a valuable area of green amenity space.

Pleasant tranquil feel, looped round by a quiet suburban road.

No

Long grass areas, trees, shrubs

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/26

Wych Elm Drive play area and arboretum

No

Residents of the housing estates along St Helens Rd, Tachbrook St, Kingsway and Hitchman Rd use this space regularly – broad diversity of users such as young families, school children at Shrubland St, Kingsway and Campion Schools

and the elderly.

Yes

Play area with equipment, walks through the arboretum, running, roller skating

Yes

Yes – particularly the arboretum.

Centre piece of Wych Elm Drive estate.

Yes – arboretum was planted in the 19th century on the site of the Royal Midland Counties Home for Incurables

Yes – fine examples of Douglas firs, cedars, Wellingtonias and other exotic conifers. Created by Dr John Hitchman as grounds for the hydropathic establishment. Bird and bat boxes evident

and a pond.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/27

Dragon Cottage play area

No

Used by families from around the Guys Cliffe Ave area, within the housing estate. Used by children from Brookhurst Primary and Trinity schools. Green space and play provision necessary as much development has taken place around this area.

Has an active "Friends of.." group who look

after the area.

Yes

Play equipment, football goal, stream, wild areas allowing for imaginative play. Informal games.

Accessible to all.

Yes

Semi-hidden, distant from the nearest road

Site adjacent to Dragon Cottage (1881) which was the greenkeeper's house when the area was part of Leamington Golf Course (1890-

1956). Stream flows under Trinity school and eventually joins the River Avon.

Trees, shrubs, wildflowers, stream – foxes, squirrels, bats, birds, insects. Semi-wild feel.

Site Allocation Reference

Name

Is the space an extensive tract of land?

Demonstrably of local significance?

In close proximity to the community it serves?

Recreational uses – types?

Significant contribution in terms of beauty to the area?

Is the space tranquil?

Any particular historical significance?

Important with regard to wildlife?

RLS8/28

Rushmore St play area

No

Shortage of accessible green space, no gardens to the Victorian terraced housing, no school playing fields in vicinity, links to the canal allowing access

routes to other green spaces

Yes

Play equipment for younger children and informal sports are played here

Yes

No main roads adjacent, canal alongside

Yes – site of large canal turning point and historic wharf – also of Jamaican Independence Day celebrations at the former Talbot Inn. In use since 1970s as public space.

Water fowl, insects, otters, amphibians, birds.