Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Burnham Beeches, Stoke Common & City Commons.

The Superintendent of Burnham Beeches, Stoke Common and City Commons introduced a report requesting approval of the proposed Dog Management Strategy that would guide the enforcement, administration and monitoring of Dog Control Orders (DCOs) at Burnham Beeches. He noted that the report recommendations had been amended to reflect advice received from the Comptroller and City Solicitor, and that interested parties had been largely positive regarding the introduction of DCOs.

In response to a question from an Alderman, the Superintendent replied that officers would employ an element of forewarning and education before pursuing straightforward enforcement of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). He added that, despite there being no formal appeal process, that the City Corporation had nevertheless introduced an informal process of appeal.

In response to a question from a Member, the Superintendent confirmed that refusal to pay a FPN constituted a criminal offence. The Member noted therefore that Officers should place an emphasis on forewarning and education to avoid, potentially, burdening people with criminal records too readily.

RESOLVED, that City Corporation Members:

·         Approve the Dog Management Strategy for Burnham Beeches so that it may be advertised according to DEFRA requirements and used to guide the administration of Dog Control Orders on the site;

·         Provide delegated authority to the Director of Open Spaces to authorise officers at Burnham Beeches for the purpose of issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for offences under each of the Dog Control Orders and giving directions under the Dogs on Leads by Direction (Burnham Beeches) Order 2014;

·         Approve the level of Fixed Penalty for breach of a Dog Control Order at £80, with a reduction to £50 if paid within 10 days;

·         Note the site signage arrangements.