Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Michael Hudson, Deputy Clare James, Ruby Sayed, Rachel Evans and Graeme Smith.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee meeting held on 15 May 2017.

The public minutes and summary of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee meeting held on 15 May 2017 were approved and agreed by the committee as an accurate record.

To note the draft minutes of the Highgate Wood Consultative Group meeting held on 31 May 2017.

Members noted the minutes of the Highgate Wood Consultative Group meeting held on 31 May 2017.

To note the draft minutes of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group meeting held on 14 June 2017

Members noted the minutes of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group meeting held on 14 June 2017.

To note the draft minutes of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meeting held on 19 June 2017.

Members noted the minutes of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meeting held on 19 June 2017.

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces which focused on the developments within the Department during the period 2016/17.

In response to a question relating to the missed percentage performance target of H&S accidents investigated within 14 days, Members were informed that the figure, having been referred to the Health & Safety group, was[MA1]  not an area of concern. Whilst the performance target had been missed, it was suggested that there was a need for nuance in the reporting of H&S incidents.

In response to a question relating to the missed target on consumption and what work was being done to ensure that the target is met in the future, Members were informed that consumption would need to be considered in further detail and would be reported on at the next meeting.

RECEIVED

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members noted the report from the Director of Open Spaces. It is proposed that consultation takes place from autumn 2017 to early 2018 with the local Consultative Groups which would allow the Events Policy to be considered by each Committee prior to the spring. 

RECEIVED

Report of  the Chamberlain & the Director of Open Spaces.

Members noted the joint report from the Chamberlain and the Director of Open Spaces, which compared the revenue outturn for services overseen by the Committee in 2016/17 with the final agreed budget for the year. Members noted the revenue outturn report for 2016/17 and the consequential implications for the 2017/18 budget.

In response to a question relating to the final agreed budget and having a breakdown of what the monies had been spent on Members were informed that[MA1]   estimates would be made available in December identifying how any monies would be spent.

It was agreed that the Chamberlain would meet with one of the Members to look at the format of the report with a view to separating income and expenditure.

RECEIVED

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces which outlined details of the Hampstead Heath Ponds.

In response to a question relating to how the carry forward from an existing project fitted with this project, Members were informed that the Learning Programme had received a grant from City Bridge Trust to assist with the budget. In addition, there had been an ‘uplift’ to the budget from transferred funds. 

In response to a question relating to links made with other schools conducting STEM engineering work, Members were informed that no links had yet been made. However, a combined and flexible approach would be taken. In addition, it was suggested that links were made with Knowledge Quarter.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members support an application to the Policy Initiatives Fund to extend the STEM & Policy Education Programme for a further year.

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

It was noted that item 8 was a duplicate of agenda item (7) above and therefore this report was withdrawn.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a joint report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which provided an update to Members on the management and operational activities across the Division since May 2017.

The following updates were given:

Eruv

Members received an update on the proposals. It was noted that the applicant had revised the proposal to use the existing lamp columns along Hampstead Lane to support the Eruv. The updated proposal therefore, avoids the need for sections of fencing on Hampstead Heath but poles to support the Eruv over the access to Athlone House Gardens and the Kenwood Nursery Yard would still be necessary with the Highway pavement.

The Superintendent confirmed there were no changes to the proposal for the Eruv at Wind Mill Hill.

Drone Guidance

Members discussed the Drone guidance and whether a byelaw should be applied for. It was considered that whilst it would be beneficial to commence research into implementing a byelaw, there is work being carried out by the Government, and therefore the process could be duplicated.

It was considered that if a byelaw is implemented those needing to use drones could apply for a license. Were this to be implemented, the guidance should clearly set out how to apply for a license.

Tennis Regulations

Members were informed that the regulations had been updated to include information about ClubSpark, an online booking system.

‘Give It A Go’

Members were informed that the ‘Give It A Go’ event which took place on 16 July was a success with a number of individuals attending to take part in a range of games, sports coaching, dancing, health and well-being and children’s activities. 

Cycling

Members were informed of the intention to combine the cycling group and ‘Heath for Feet’ into a Pedestrian and Cycling Working Group and for there to be an

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which informed Members of the options for resurfacing the East Heath Car Park.  It was noted that the project is currently going through the Corporate Gateway Approval Process and it is estimated the works will cost in the region of £365,000.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members agreed with the proposal in relation to Option 2 – Asphalt and Chip finish. It was noted that the finish was in keeping with the preferred path surfacing finish across the Heath. In addition, a comprehensive positive drainage system will be installed to manage surface water run-off from the Car Park.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which provides a review of the performance and effectiveness of the Hampstead Heath Constabulary during the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.

In addition, the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath provided a verbal update of recent court cases and fines which had been issued. Of the 28 processes submitted to Court, 26 had been upheld. It was noted that the fines are means tested and the success of convictions demonstrates that the Courts take incidents occurring on the Heath seriously.

In response to a question relating to the partnership working with the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and what the Heath achieves from the partnership working, Members were informed that THT is able to engage with users of the Heath and provide an understanding of the impact of actions on the environment and therefore continued partnership is beneficial.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members noted the report, and, in particular, recognised the continuous development and improvement of the Hampstead Heath Constabulary’s performance across a range of activities.

(b)  Members noted the role the Hampstead Heath Constabulary plays in helping to ensure that Hampstead Heath remains a safe, appealing and enjoyable place for millions to visit each year, by reducing the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

(c)  Members supported the continuation of partnership work on Hampstead Heath during 2017 by the Hampstead Heath Constabulary, Terrence Higgins Trust and other stakeholders and partners.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which outlined the engagement and consultation exercise which was carried out in relation to the café provision at Queen’s Park. A total of 391 responses were received. The feedback received suggests that the café is valued as a community hub and an important asset in the Park. The quality and cost of food, along with the ambience were factors that were considered important by the public.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members noted the outcomes of the public engagement and consultation;

(b)  Members noted the views of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group following the June meeting;

(c)  Members agreed the Superintendent’s proposed option regarding the Café Lease.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which outlined the Queen’s Park Farm Vision which had been developed to promote greater public engagement.

In addition, the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath provided a verbal update and informed Members that the Farm receives approximately 80,000 visitors per year. There is a donation box within the farm area which generates approximately £2k per annum. This money is reinvested back into the farm.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members noted the views of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group following the June meeting.

(b)  Members agreed the Vision and Outcomes; and

(c)  Members agreed with option 2 in relation to the Queen’s Park Farm Visualisation Drawings.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath, which provided an update on a scoping exercise which had been carried out for the development of an additional public toilet to be provided at the Children’s Sand Pit. The additional toilet would give access from one side only and would be accessible for wheelchair users, and would contain a baby changing table.

In addition, the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath provided an oral update and informed Members that the indicative cost for the exercise is around £44k and would take approximately six – eight weeks to complete. If approval were to be given, consideration would need to be given as to the appropriate time for the works to be completed. 

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Members noted the views of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group following the June meeting; and

(b)  Members approved the Outline Design Proposals and approved Option 3.

Report of the City Surveyor.                             

Members considered a report of the City Surveyor regarding the provisional list of cyclical projects being considered for properties under the management of Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queens Park Committee under the “Cyclical Works Programme”.

The draft cyclical project list for 2018/19 totalled approximately £1.68m and if approved would continue the on-going programme of maintenance of the City’s property and infrastructure assets.

In response to a question relating to the Queens Park Play Area Toilets and why it was not listed within the schedule of works, Members were informed that the works would be recorded under ‘minor’ improvements and would be funded from local risk.

RECEIVED

There were no questions.

The Chairman directed Members to a letter, which outlined the revised dates and times of future meetings. The Chairman sought member’s views as to any difficulties in attending meetings moving forward.

The overall consensus was that the alteration to the dates and times of future meetings was appropriate. It was therefore agreed that the revised dates and times of meetings would be circulated to Members and future meetings would take place as follows:

27 September 2017 – 16:00

15 November 2017– 16:00

21 February 2018 – 16:00

23 May 2018 – 16:00

28 November 2018 – 16:00

MOTION: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  Under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2017 (copy attached).

RESOLVED – That: -

(a)  The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2017 were agreed as an accurate record.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

To note the date of the next meeting is 13 November 2017.

To note the date of the next meeting is 27 September 2017.