Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the Burnham Beeches Management Plan. The report explained that the ‘draft’ management plan had been carefully matched to the City’s commitments underNatural England’s ten-year Countryside Stewardship Scheme that providessignificant funding to support conservation activities throughout the draft plan and that extensive consultation had been undertaken with a wide range of stakeholdersprior to the production of the final draft version. Members commended Officers on the report and commented on the quality of the Burnham Beeches Management Plan.

Replying to a query from a Member of the Committee the Director of Open Spaces clarified that the Management Plan had received predominately positive feedback in the public consultations conducted.

A Member of the Committee questioned how the success of the Management Plan would be determined with particular importance on the link with the Departmental Budget. The Director of Open Spaces confirmed the review of the previous plan, including whether the aims within it had been achieved, is a central component of the production of each Management Plan. In addition, it was explained that there were still some outstanding issues regarding the future budgeting of the Burnham Beeches management costs but that clarity was expected in the Fundamental Review process.

RESOLVED- That the final draft plan be approved so that it can be submitted to Natural England to grant consent prior to 31st March 2020.