Agenda and minutes

Venue: Parliament Hill Conference Room, Parliament Hill Staff Yard, Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR

Contact: David Arnold  Email: David.Arnold@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Xohan Duran (Representative of Disabled Users on the Heath) Dr Gaye Henson (Marylebone Birdwatching Society) John Hunt (South End Green Association) and David Walton (Representative of Clubs using the Heath). The Town Clerk noted that John Hunt would be represented at the meeting by John Etheridge. The Chairman welcomed Joanne Mould (London Wildlife Trust) to her first meeting.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Members' Declarations under the Code of Conduct in respect of Items on the Agenda

Minutes:

There were no declarations.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 246 KB

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on Monday 3 November 2014.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.

Minutes:

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 3 November 2014 be approved as a correct record.

 

Matters Arising

Hampstead Rugby Club Request for a Third Rugby Pitch

The Chairman reported that the request for a third pitch had been approved by the Hampstead Heath Management Committee at its meeting on 24 November 2014. Simon Taylor updated the committee that the opening date of the new pitch was planned for 19 September 2015, around the time of the Rugby World Cup.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Hampstead Heath Sports Advisory Forum Minutes pdf icon PDF 270 KB

To receive the public minutes of the Hampstead Heath Sports Advisory Forum meeting held on 9 February 2015.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 4.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Richard Sumray updated members on issues discussed at the February 2015 Sports Advisory Forum. He highlighted three issues in particular, namely the forum’s concern at the water loss at the Lido, potential habitat issues posed by the Mid-Summer Trail Run, and the support of the Forum for the establishment of a Green Gym on the Heath.

 

The Chairman noted that the Green Gym proposal was outlined in greater detail within the agenda pack. The Superintendent went on to explain that the proposal had been raised by the London Borough of Camden’s Head of Sport and Physical Activity, and the views of the Consultative Committee were now sought. He noted that the eventual location of the gym would be dependent on demographic work to be undertaken by Camden, and moreover the gym would not be aimed at serious gym users but instead persons to whom greater health and wellbeing had been recommended by their local doctors.

 

Jeremy Wright noted that he was supportive of the proposal in principle but concerned over where the gym would be located. It should not be located in Duke’s Field or the space around the pentanque area where it would likely affect the recently planted orchard and create an area vulnerable to erosion. He understood that the gym equipment would require hard paving, therefore he recommended the gym be sited near the Trim-Trail, the Lido, or in the corner of the cricket field behind the old garage.

 

Richard Sumray noted his support for the proposal due to its health and wellbeing benefits. He suggested that the gym would need to be located somewhere where it could be seen and readily accessible. He added that he would like to see similar proposals for Golders Hill Park and the Heath Extension. The Chairman noted that this was more

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Superintendent's Update

The Superintendent to be heard.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 5.

Minutes:

The Superintendent provided an update on recent activity and issues affecting the Heath.

 

Savings

By the 2017/18 Financial Year, the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces Department would be required to find £2.2m of savings. A more detailed paper on proposed savings would be submitted to the Consultative Committee at its July 2015 meeting. To inform the decision to be made on savings, seven themes were being developed to help prioritise the work undertaken by the Open Spaces Department. These included a Learning Programme that would review the education ‘offer’ of the Open Spaces, looking at outcomes around education and play activities. This programme would include an application to The City Bridge Trust. The review would affect several activities and services across North London Open Spaces, such as the One O’Clock Club, Golders Hill Park Zoo and Queen’s Park Children’s Farm, and the Heath Education Centre.

 

A Sports Programme would be a similar piece of work that sought to evaluate the ‘offer’ provided across North London Open Spaces, inherent in which was an exercise to gather baseline information on current services and performance, including customer service surveys.

 

A Various Powers Bill would be submitted to Parliament seeking changes to legislation governing Open Spaces to give clarity and flexibility to management of Open Spaces, enabling more efficient and effective services. The Superintendent noted the proposed Bill was a substantive item on the agenda.

 

Greater effort would be made across City Corporation Open Spaces to promote services, to raise awareness of the range of services provided, their cost, and any opportunities for income generation.

 

Savings would be sought through greater energy efficiency in departmental business and management plans, in order to reduce utility consumption, promote renewable energy and, through a linked theme reduce fuel consumption.

 

Linked to the energy efficiency savings

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Provisional Additional Works programme 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 94 KB

Report of the City Surveyor.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced a report of the City Surveyor on the Additional Works Programme (AWP), noting that the works for 2015/16 had been fully funded. He added that whilst AWP projects had been fully funded for the past few years, this would not necessarily always be the case in future years. The Assistant Director added that the 2016/17 AWP proposals featured 99 projects on the Heath totaling £1.4m. These proposals would require the approval of the City Corporation’s Corporate Asset Sub (Finance) Committee at its meeting in July 2015 before final approval granted by the City Corporation’s Resource Allocation Sub (Policy and Resources) Committee at the end of 2015. The 2016/17 tranche of works were planned for a three-year cycle, with 60% of the projects taking place in the first year.

 

The Chairman noted that he had received notice of a question from Dr Gaye Henson, who had submitted her apologies for the meeting. Dr Henson queried why £50,000 had been allocated to the paddling pool. This amount seemed unnecessarily high, more so given doubts over its long term future. The Assistant Director replied that the costs were indicative only, and the provision for the paddling pool was made in the absence of any firm decision on its future simply to ensure the capacity existed to ensure it could be brought up to standard if need be. Should a decision be made that meant the £50,000 was not needed, this could be reinvested in other AWP projects.

 

Colin Gregory noted that it was difficult for the Consultative Committee to give guidance over how to prioritise the proposed projects given there was little context with which to judge the relative importance of each project.

 

Jeremy Wright noted the proposed £250,000 budget for the resurfacing of the Parliament Hill Athletics Track, and

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Hill Garden Pergola pdf icon PDF 3 MB

Report of the City Surveyor.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

Minutes:

The Senior Building Surveyor introduced a report of the City Surveyor on the Hill Garden Pergola. He noted that the proposed work was mainly to address issues of damp and water damage. He added that the proposed budget of £200,000 would require an increase, likely to be achieved through the Additional Works Programme.

 

Michael Hammerson noted that the previous repair works to the Pergola had not weathered well. The Operational Services Manager agreed that the render had not been properly sealed and this issue was being addressed with the contractor. In response to a further question from Michael Hammerson, the Operational Services Manager agreed to investigate how long the original Hill Garden timbers had lasted. Colin Gregory added that it would be worthwhile establishing the opinion of relevant societies such as the Victorian Society, English Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society on how best to replace the pergola timbers giving consideration to conserving a number of the original timbers.

 

In response to a query from Ellin Stein, the Chairman replied that English Heritage was unlikely to co-fund repairs to the Pergola.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Hampstead Heath Ponds Project Update pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

Minutes:

The Superintendent updated the committee on recent activity undertaken as part of the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project. He noted that site clearance work had started during February 2015 and that felled timber had predominantly been removed from the site, but some had been kept in situ to prevent tractor damage to the ground surface. The timber was being used to create deadwood habitats, or was being milled.

 

He went on to note that he had met with the Ponds Project Stakeholder Group (PPSG) at the Stock Pond to hear their concerns at the felling of a group of trees on its south west corner. The PPSG had requested the decision be reviewed in favour of a box culvert which, whilst allowing five trees to be retained, would entail the construction of a visible concrete structure which would not be in keeping with the character of the pond or the Heath. The request had been submitted to the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project Board which reviewed the pros and cons of each option and decided to continue with the original proposal of felling the trees to create a grass lined spillway to the west of the dam, and a decision letter had been issued to that effect.

 

The Superintendent went on to add that the Community Working Group (CWG), a forum established by the section 106 agreement, had met for the first time on 23 February, and that a member of the Highgate Society was now a CWG member. The CWG would meet monthly, with the next meeting being held on 23 March. Going forward it was likely Monday evening meetings would be avoided as this clashed with Camden Council meetings that local ward Councillors were obliged to attend.

 

The Superintendent noted that the aim was to keep two ponds open at

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Open Spaces Legislation pdf icon PDF 87 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of the Remembrancer’s Affairs introduced a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath on Open Spaces Legislation. He explained that the City Corporation proposed to submit a private Bill to Parliament in order to update the legislation that governed the City Corporation’s Open Spaces. He noted that the varying characteristics of each of the City’s Open Spaces meant that some of the proposed amendments were more relevant to Open Spaces such as Epping Forest, than they were to Hampstead Heath.

 

He went on to add that the proposed changes focused on three main areas, namely the general management powers governing the Open Spaces; the ability to raise revenue, for example from persons using the Open Spaces for profit; and enhanced enforcement which, he noted already existed on the Heath, except for the ability to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). He concluded by noting that ideas and feedback from those present would be welcome so that this could be incorporated into the private Bill ahead of its November 2015 submission date.

           

Colin Gregory commented that the devil would be in the detail, and that the paper before the committee provided an outline of the proposals only. He queried to what extent the private Bill offered a single package of powers, and whether the three themes could be taken forward separately of one another. He felt that the theme of enhanced enforcement was the least controversial of the three, followed by revenue raising powers and powers of general management. He queried whether it would be more sensible to pursue greater enforcement powers by other means. The Director of Remembrancer’s Affairs replied that the passage of a private Bill was a complex process, and that if some aspects proved too controversial they would be removed to allow passage of the Bill.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Annual Report on Hampstead Heath Constabulary for 2014 pdf icon PDF 285 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Constabulary and Queen’s Park Manager introduced an annual report on the Hampstead Heath Constabulary for 2014. Richard Sumray commented that it was an excellent report and queried the reason why the byelaw offences had seen a significant increase in public nuisance, particularly dog control. The Constabulary Manager replied that this was largely due to improved reporting processes and the Dog Control Action Plan being introduced in March 2014.

 

On the issue of dog control, Mary Port commented that there were too many dogs and commercial dog walkers on the Heath and queried whether numbers could be restricted. The Constabulary Manager replied that he did not have any powers to restrict, but guidelines did exist for the management of dogs on the Heath. He added that the Constabulary would continue with the Dog Control Action Plan in order to educate persons walking dogs on the issues involved.

 

Jeremy Wright referred to a paragraph within the report which he felt had been phrased poorly. It read as if poor dog control on the Heath was being associated with commercial dog walkers. He felt the two issues were distinct: instead the two issues were persons exercising poor dog control with one or two dogs, as well as persons walking large groups of dogs. Susan Nettleton added that, in her experience, persons walking large groups of dogs were exercising more control of their dogs of late.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Update Report on Hampstead Heath - Public Sex Environment Outreach Work pdf icon PDF 232 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Minutes:

The Constabulary and Queen’s Park Manager introduced an update report on public sex environment outreach work and noted that he was seeking the Consultative Committee’s endorsement of continued partnership working with the Terrence Higgins Trust and associated stakeholders.

 

Colin Gregory commented that the report showed that the current arrangements and relationships between various parties were working well. Jeremy Wright noted that the report focused on the area of West Heath, but that public sex activity took place on other areas of the Heath as well.

 

The Constabulary Manager agreed that outreach work focused on West Heath, and that the Constabulary worked with their colleagues in the Keeper/Ranger Teams to identify other areas where public sex took place so that appropriate education could take place.

 

Jeremy Wright referred to a paragraph within the report which referred to ‘users’ and ‘stakeholders’ – he suggested that greater effort should be made to engage with wider users of the Heath to establish their views on the use of areas of the Heath for public sex.

 

In response to a question from Ellin Stein, the Constabulary Manager replied that a rough analysis of social media suggested that the number of persons using West Heath was on a downward trend. In response to Jeremy Wright’s earlier observation, he emphasized that the Constabulary sought to engage with all users of the Heath.

 

RESOLVED, that the Consultative Committee support the continuation of partnership work on Hampstead Heath during 2015 by the Hampstead Heath Constabulary, Terrence Higgins Trust, and other stakeholders and partners.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Landscape improvement works at the North End Road Entrance into Golders Hill Park pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Consultative Committee considered and agreed the proposals outlined within a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath regarding landscape improvement works at the North End Road Entrance into Golders Hill Park. The Chairman noted that members had visited the area in question during their recent walk across the Heath and Golders Hill Park.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Landscape improvement works at Parliament Hill (Kite Hill), Hampstead Heath pdf icon PDF 207 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Operational Services Manager introduced a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath on landscape improvement works at Parliament Hill (Kite Hill). He noted that the summit of the hill was a popular venue for views over London and was therefore heavily compacted. He noted that the proposed response was not to use hard surfaces in order to cope with the areas heavy use, but instead seek to manage the wear of the site in such a way that was sensitive to the natural aspect of the Heath – this would be done using seven principles outlined within the report. He concluded by outlining proposed works, including relocation of bins (and the provision of additional temporary bins at busy periods such as New Year Eve and Bonfire Night); decompaction of soil on a rolling basis; and updating and resiting of interpretation boards.

 

John Etheridge commented that he did not wish for the trees on the southern slope of Kite Hill to be cut back. Mary Port replied that, instead, she agreed with the views expressed on the Saturday Walk that the trees in question should be cut back and restricted in order to open up the vista across London. Jeremy Wright agreed, and suggested that the view opened up should be wider than that set out within the Strategic View adopted by the Greater London Authority.

 

In response to a question from Susan Nettleton regarding a new sign, the Superintendent replied that the current sign would be updated using a modern photograph accompanied with a QR code to be used by persons with smart phones. He added that the Heath and Hampstead Society had kindly agreed to fund the new signage.

 

Richard Sumray commented that he would not welcome additional benches on Kite Hill. The Operational Services Manager replied that

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Update on Tree Safety Management at the North London Open Spaces Division pdf icon PDF 754 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Conservation and Trees Manager introduced an update report on tree safety management at the North London Open Spaces Division. In response to a question from Colin Gregory, he replied that there were limited access implications arising from any outbreak of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) given that areas of current outbreaks tended to be municipal parks where the OPM could be easily monitored. However, he noted that if OPM were to appear within heavily wooded areas such as Highgate Wood it would be necessary to impose some access restrictions for public safety. He added that central government funding for the treatment and management of the outbreak was continuing but was becoming increasingly prioritised as the problem grew.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Eleven years of plant monitoring on Hampstead Heath pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Hampstead Heath Ecologist introduced a report on monitoring activity undertaken primarily on native species which, although invaluable to wildlife, had the potential to spread to an unwanted degree. She noted that invasive species such as creeping thistle, ragwort, hogweed and bramble were all spreading on the Heath. She noted that whilst there was no legal requirement to manage the spread of such plants, a balance had to be struck between encouraging biodiversity and enabling public access. In response to a question from Colin Gregory on the potential use of herbicide, the Heath Ecologist replied that she was reluctant to utilize it too soon.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Questions

Minutes:

Restoration Work (Public and Sporting Events)

John Etheridge commented that he would welcome a restoration plan on the agenda each year detailing how the City Corporation restored the Heath to its natural aspect following major sporting and public events, such as Cross Country races. The Superintendent replied that he was happy to consider the request, and noted in the meantime that cross country routes were carefully selected in conjunction with the Conservation Team, and that restoration work was put in place immediately after each race and event. He noted that some restoration work was dependent on the ground conditions.

 

Planning Brief for Ivy House

Michael Hammerson queried whether a planning brief existed for Ivy House overlooking Golders Hill Park – the Superintendent agreed to contact the London Borough of Barnet.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

Minutes:

Park Champions

The Chairman noted that the Hampstead Heath Management Committee had considered a recent report of the Heritage Lottery Fund on public open spaces, one recommendation of which was the adoption of Park Champions, typically local politicians who were in a position to act as advocates of their local open spaces. He added that the management committee felt it best the local ward Councillors among its membership were best places to fulfill such a role for the Heath, with similar appointments for Queen’s Park and Highgate Wood from among their consultative committees.

 

Chairman’s Last Meeting

The Chairman noted that this would be the last Consultative Committee meeting he would Chair - before he stood down as Chairman at the end of his three year term in April 2015. He thanked members of the consultative committee for their role as an essential source of advice and guidance.

 

Jeremy Wright

The Chairman then noted that it was also the last meeting of Jeremy Wright, who had represented the Heath and Hampstead Society on the Consultative Committee for many years. He thanked Mr Wright for his comments and guidance during that time and called on him to accept, on behalf of the Committee, a framed print of the nineteenth century Heath as a small token of the Committee’s thanks.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Date of Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting to be held on Monday 6 July 2015.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Minutes:

The date of the next meeting on Monday 6 July at 7.00pm in the Parliament Hill Conference Room was noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.