Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Head of Assets and Building Control.

The Strategic Development Lead Officer (Building) presented the Russell Gardens Ornamental Pond and Bridges.

Members were advised that the ornamental pond in Russell Gardens was the centre piece of the Mawson Garden that has been restored by Dover District Council, with financial support from the Heritage Lottery fund. The garden was designated as a Grade II-listed Park and Garden with the pond noted in the list description as one of the principal features contributing to the historic significance of the garden. In addition, the two bridges and boathouse were individually designated as listed buildings at Grade II. In heritage terms it was considered vital that the integrity of the pond was safeguarded as the water feature that was key to the garden.

It was stated that the pond had developed a number of structural defects over time in the concrete base that had led to leaks that had created voids underneath the pond. These voids had resulted in subsidence of the base of the pond and adjacent bank. While a number of temporary fixes had been put in place in previous years, the weather this year had resulted in a situation where the flow of the River Dour into the pond would dry up and this would provide an opportunity for investigatory survey and repair works to be undertaken.

The funding for the work of £110,000 would be drawn from the Special Revenue Reserve. The works would also address through non-invasive design solutions the problems associated with the listed boat house and ornamental bridges.

Members raised the following points in the considering the report:

·         To state that the ornamental garden was a jewel in the crown of the Council’s assets.

·         To question whether the works would address all the problems. Members were advised that a full reconstruction of the pond with modern building methods would be a complex and costly exercise.

·         To question whether there would be an opportunity to seek further lottery grant money to fund the full works. Members were advised that such a bid would be unlikely to succeed.

Members welcomed the works and requested that an update be provided to the committee at the next stage of the works.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Assets and Building Control.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That concerns regarding the structural integrity of the ornamental pond in Russell Gardens be noted.

(b)   That the proposed investigatory survey and repair works be approved.

(c)   That the allocation of £110,000 from the Special Revenue Reserve to meet the cost of the proposed works be approved.