Agenda item

Superintendent's Update

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Superintendent providing an update on matters concerning Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park. The Superintendent drew Members’ attention to the three recommendations proposed in the report.

 

Golders Hill Park Accessible Car Park

 

·         Members were advised that there had been healthy engagement with users and the next steps were to review the design of the space with safety being the most important factor. There would be consideration of whether the car park should be open during the weekend and bank holidays with the user group and proposals to the Committee would follow.  

 

·         A Member concerned that there were not resources in place to adequately police the space which had had issues in the past. The Superintendent stated that rangers/constabulary were in place to marshal the area although resources were particularly stretched during good weather.   

 

·         In response to a query regarding whether fines could be increased as a deterrent, Members were advised that the Heath received 10% from every £100 fine. Members did not feel this was a fair negotiation and requested that Officers look into renegotiating the Heath’s percentage with the enforcement company.

 

·         Members agreed with the proposed next steps.

 

Dog walking consultation exercise

 

·         Members were advised that the outcomes of the dog walking consultation exercise were presented to HHCC Members and their feedback was incorporated into the process. A Code of Conduct would be developed using the feedback and would be brought to the Committee for approval.

 

·         A Member noted that a similar process was being rolled out by London Borough of Barnet which could cause potential displacement of dog walkers at the Heath and agreed to liaise with colleagues.

 

·         Members were advised that the Heath was working with English Heritage to ensure Kenwood House was not impacted by displacement.  

 

Forest Schools

 

·         Members were advised that there had been increasing interest from Forest Schools of all sizes. This had led to a need to review the process and develop a clear set of rules.  

 

·         It was noted that compaction was being experienced as an impact of Forest Schools at Highgate Wood.  

 

·         The Superintendent advised that two significant applications for Hampstead Heath had been received along with an application to expand a school already operating.

 

·         It was noted that there was one Forest School operating at Kenwood and that other applications had not been approved.

 

·         Members were supportive of Forest Schools in principle as they encouraged education and natural play for children but were mindful that they had a clear impact on the Heath and its other users.  

 

·         Members were advised that the 2018 Hampstead Heath Act offered the opportunity to introduce licensing schemes. It was agreed the events process was not suitable to review big applications and that a policy to properly manage and control Forest Schools was necessary.

 

·         In response to queries regarding charging, Members were informed that the licensing scheme would charge based on the number students and their frequency at the Heath. Forest Schools would also be charged for inspections and maintenance would be covered under the licensing fee. This would be benchmarked based on costs of other Forest Schools in London.

 

·         A Member highlighted the difference between local schools bringing schoolchildren to the Corporation’s open spaces and Forest Schools which were commercial and competitive.

 

RESOLVED – That Members:-

 

·         agree the proposed next steps in relation to the Golders Hill Park Accessible Car Park as detailed in para 20;

 

·         provide feedback and views in relation to the outcomes of the recent dog walking consultation exercise (appendix 3);

 

·         agree the proposals in relation to Forest Schools as set out in paras 27-28.

Supporting documents: