Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of the Commons.

The Superintendent of the Commons provided Members with an update regarding work and activity taking place on the Commons. The Committee noted that sadly the Grade 2 listed building (Officers Mess) was destroyed by fire on Thursday 28th February. Arson was suspected but had not been confirmed has been confirmed, as the police were continuing with their investigations. Members queried whether the land would now be sold; however, Officers were unsure about its future and agreed to update Members once they had further information.

The Chairman said that planning issues would be a more prominent feature of updates to the Committee in future, due to the demand for local authorities to provide more housing. There was pressure on South Bucks District Council, Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to provide further housing and this may impact the area around Burnham Beeches. The Superintendent would keep the Committee updated via his regular updates at meetings.

Members also noted that the Kenley Revival project was progressing well, with a Project Manager and Learning and Volunteers Officers having been appointed.

In respect of the proposed pedestrian crossing on the A232, Members were informed that Transport for London was not yet in a position to submit their report to this committee. A contractor has been appointed to manage the project and there were on-going discussions regarding the specification of materials. Thames Water would now need to be involved as the work required them to relocate a district meter and pressure reduction valves in order for the works to proceed.

Resolved – that the update be received.