Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sean Birch and Clare James.

Virginia Rounding made a personal declaration in item 12 of the agenda as she had previously provided a reference for Chloe Nélkin.

Orders, Court of Common Council, 19 April 2012:-

(i) appointing the Committee;

(ii) approving the Committee’s Terms of Reference (copy attached).

The Orders of the Court of Common Council, 19 April 2012:

(i) appointing the Committee and approving the Committee’s Terms of Reference, were noted.

(ii) approving this Committee's Terms of Reference were RECEIVED.

To elect a Chairman pursuant to Standing Order No 29.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman pursuant to Standing Order No. 29. The Town Clerk read out a list of Members eligible to be the Chairman. Jeremy Simons indicated his willingness to serve if elected. As Jeremy Simons was the only Member who had indicated his willingness to serve, he was duly declared to be elected Chairman and took the Chair for the ensuing year.

To elect a Deputy Chairman pursuant to Standing Order No 30.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30 and Deputy Michael Welbank, as immediate Past Chairman, having indicated his willingness to serve pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 30 (2) (a) was duly appointed Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

Having congratulated Jeremy Simons on his election this day, the Deputy Chairman thanked the Committee and Officers for their support throughout his term of office.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:That his colleagues on the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee take very great pleasure in expressing to

MICHAEL WELBANK, DEPUTY

Their gratitude for his service since first being elected as their Chairman in May 2009.

BORN and brought up in Hampstead, Deputy Welbank’s encyclopaedic knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, Hampstead  Heath has held him in good stead. As a former member of the Heath Consultative Committee he had some inkling of the demands that would lie ahead in taking on the Chairmanship of the Management Committee, with responsibilities for the Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park.

THE recognition that, as stewards of these open spaces, the Corporation must listen to and engage with the local community that use them, has been at the heart of Deputy Welbank’s term as Chairman. Often views on particular issues can be very polarised and he has skilfully ensured that the outcomes achieved maintained a balance through which the legal requirement of “preserving as far as may be the natural aspect” of the Heath has been secured.

DEPUTY Welbank has championed the complex issues surrounding the Flood Management and Water Quality project, supporting the need for a Strategic Landscape Architect who will seek to mitigate the project’s impact on the Heath’s natural aspect and wildlife, and supporting the project’s passage through the various stages required to obtain the required approvals from  City Committees.

THE major refurbishment of the historic landmark Whitestone Pond, celebrated in October 2010, was the culmination of a significant project by the City, the London Borough of Camden and other local partners. The sight of the King’s Troop parading through the pond on horseback at the opening ceremony was a particular highlight.

THE Chairman has continued the work of campaigning for funds towards the on-going maintenance of the Heath’s assets at a time when budget reductions seemed inevitable. This has resulted in further works at many facilities including the Parliament Hill Lido, and the reopening of the Hill Garden Shelter.

FROM attending major events including “Sweden on Stage,” to local events by the Round Table, the Chairman has been a tireless ambassador for the Heath. As well as continuing to build relationships with both Barnet and Camden Council, he has also sought to develop new relationships with groups including the London Cultural Jewish Centre and the Terrence Higgins Trust.

WHILST recognising the value of the Heath in terms of its role in sport and recreation, the Chairman’s passion, above all else, is for the natural part of the Heath. His term in office will be recognised in the many new mini-management plans that have come before Committee, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these areas.

DEPUTY Welbank has also championed the often difficult issues faced by Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park resulting from generally decreasing availability of resources and the well understood wish for continuous improvement of service. He has been tireless in promoting the well-being of these important and much-valued open spaces.

THROUGHOUT his Chairmanship, Deputy Welbank has fully supported the Superintendent and his team. His hands-on approach has been really valued by staff, inspiring them to continue their work in raising the standards of the care and maintenance of the Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park.

HIS colleagues wish to record their appreciation for his invigorating leadership and wish him good health for the future. As he steps down as Chairman he can hopefully once again enjoy a stroll down Hampstead High Street without fear of being accosted about the burning local issue of the day that is taxing and causing consternation amongst all those who love the Heath.

RESOLVED - That it be referred to the Mover Alderman Robert Hall and the Seconder Alderman Simon Walsh to arrange for the presentation of the Vote of Thanks in a manner agreeable to the Chairman.

A Member believed that a recent change in practice that allowed outgoing Chairmen to choose who should read their vote of thanks had not been through the proper process. The Chairman advised him to have this matter fed into the ongoing Governance Review.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 26 March 2012 (copy attached).

The public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 26 March 2012 were approved.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:-

Review of Hampstead Heath Constabulary (item 3)

The Superintendent undertook to circulate details regarding the miscellaneous occurances recorded by the Hampstead Heath Constabulary during 2011.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee festival – Golders Hill Park (item 12)

The Superintendent confirmed that he had been in contact with the Remembrancer’s department and acquired approval to reproduce the Royal Cypher.

Report of the Town Clerk (copy attached).

A report of the Town Clerk regarding the Committee’s annual appointments to the various Consultative Committees and a Joint Consultative Group was considered.

RESOLVED: - That,

a)    the appointment and composition of the following bodies be endorsed as follows for the ensuing year:-

i)  Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee

City Members:

Jeremy Simons (Chairman)

   Deputy Michael Welbank (Deputy Chairman)

ii)   Highgate Wood Joint Consultative Committee

City Members:

Deputy Michael Welbank (Chairman)

Jeremy Simons (Deputy Chairman)

Dennis Cotgrove

Barbara Newman

Dr. Peter Hardwick

iii)  Queen’s Park Joint Consultative Group

City Members:

Deputy Michael Welbank (Chairman)

Jeremy Simons (Deputy Chairman)

Deputy Dennis Cotgrove

Barbara Newman

Virginia Rounding

b)    Tony Ghilchik be appointed as the local representative to the Open Spaces, City Gardens & West Ham Park Committee for the ensuing year.

Report of the Town Clerk (copy attached).

The report provided, in accordance with Standing Order 39, details of decisions taken under urgent action. 

Members noted the following decisions which had been taken under urgency procedures, since the last meeting of the Board:-

·      Flood Management and Water Quality Project – decision to make an appointment of a Strategic Landscape Architect.

·       Consultation on Implementation of Amendments to the Reservoirs Act 1975

          Members noted that the decision to appoint a Strategic Landscape Architect had also been approved by the Projects Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee. The Landscape Architect would be a consultant and would not be a part of the Design Team. The Landscape Institute would provide guidance in the creation of a shortlist of roughly three or four individuals.

          RECIEVED

Report of the Chamberlain (copy attached).

Members received a report of the Chamberlain that provided a summary of the key elements of the Risk Management Handbook and the City’s risk management framework as approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee in October 2011.

In response to a Member’s query, another Member, also the Chairman of the Open Spaces, City Gardens & West Ham Park Committee, advised that the Director of Open Spaces had confirmed that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the relevant Committee would immediately be made aware of any risks that became red.

RECEIVED

Superintendent of Hampstead Heath to be heard on Hampstead Heath matters.

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath was heard on Hampstead Heath matters.          

Secondary Authority Status

Secondary Authority Status had been achieved by the City of London. The Superintendents would discuss how to best pilot the status before eventually using the powers provided by the status on all sites.

Golders Hill Park Diamond Jubilee Event

On 4 June 2012 there would be a Diamond Jubilee event in Golders Hill Park commencing at 2.45pm and featuring fireworks, the lighting of a beacon and the unveiling of a Jubilee weathervane. 

Visit from the Chairman of the City Bridge Trust Committee

The Chairman of the City Bridge Trust Committee had recently visited the Heath to view progress on projects funded by the City Bridge Trust.

Christ’s Church School Visit

The Heath had recently been visited by Christ’s Church School.

Conservation

Conservation work had recently commenced on the northern Heath and Golders Hill Park.

Planning

·       An application to extend the East Heath Car Park had been approved.

·       There were ongoing issues regarding access to the Waterhouse development. The Superintendent had filmed a lorry driving along the access road, which demonstrated that on occasion there was approximately six inches space between the lorry and the verge on either side of the road. The Superintendent would speak to the London Borough of Camden regarding the matter.

Hosepipe Ban

There had been a large amount of rainfall in April 2012, however the hosepipe ban would remain in place until further notice.

RECEIVED

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members considered a report that presented a Communication Strategy for managing all communications associated with the Flood Management and Water Quality project.

A Member advised that the vision wording should be revised.

Members agreed that it was important to ensure that the project would be positively publicised.

RESOLVED: That Members approve the Communications Strategy detailed in the report that details the Vision, Aims and Key Messages for different audiences associated with the implementation of the Flood Management and Water Quality Project.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members considered a report that set out a proposal that had been received by David Breuer-Weil to install the temporary sculpture ‘Visitor 1’ into the Lily Pond at Golders Hill Park from July to mid November 2012, generating £3,500 of income to support the management of the Heath.

RESOLVED: that,

i)            the Committee approve the proposal to install the temporary sculpture “Visitor 1” into the Lily Pond at Golders Hill Park from the first week in July to mid November 2012 in return for a fee of £3,500 and enter into a Licence with David Breuer-Weil.

ii)           Authority be delegated to the City Surveyor in consultation with the Director of Open Spaces and the Comptroller & City Solicitor to settle all other necessary terms to protect the City’s interests and that the Comptroller & City Solicitor be instructed to complete any necessary documentation.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members received a report that presented detailed management work plans for the Sandy Heath ponds and Sandy Heath and Flagstaff gorse sites.

RESOLVED: That Members approve the management work plans for Sandy Heath ponds and Sandy Heath and Flagstaff gorse sites, subject to the views of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee being received and appropriately addressed.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath that reviewed the main aims and background informing the ‘Wild About Hampstead Heath’ project and the current progress of the Heritage Lottery Fund Application to support this project.

A Member queried whether the report wording and format was appropriate and believed it should be amended. The Superintendent undertook to address the Member’s concerns, but advised that there was a particular format to which the report was required to adhere.

RECEIVED

Report of the City Surveyor (copy attached).

Members received a report of the City Surveyor that set out a provisional list of cyclical projects being considered for Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park in 2013/14 and 2014/15 under the umbrella of the “additional works programme”.

In response to a Member’s query, the City Surveyor recognised that seventeen items totalling £37,500 on the additional works programme for 2014/15 had been replicated in error. The City Surveyor undertook to amend the report accordingly before submitting a final version to the Corporate Asset Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee.

RECEIVED

Superintendent of Hampstead Heath to be heard on Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park matters.

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath was heard on Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park matters.

Queen’s Park book Festival

A book festival would be held in Queen’s Park on the weekend following the meeting of the Committee.

Waste

          The Highgate Wood Manager advised that efforts were being undertaken to reduce the volume of general waste within the Wood. One option being explored was to use a process to convert general waste from the site into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF).

Staffing

The Highgate Wood Manager reported that they were currently preparing for staffing changes to accommodate budgetary reductions. Members noted that the City Bridge Trust funding would expire in March 2014. It was noted that the new staffing structure would need to be in place by April 2014.

Oak Decline Survey

          An Oak decline survey of approximately 320 trees was scheduled.

          Conservation Area

          An additional conversation area was to be established in the north of the Highgate Wood site. Once completed, there would be eight conservation areas on site.

To receive the draft minutes of the Highgate Wood Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 2 May 2012.

The Committee received the draft minutes of the Highgate Wood Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 2 May 2012.

RECEIVED

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

Members received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath. The report provided an update on progress creating the new Conservation Management Plan for Highgate Wood. A revised version of the draft Plan was attached to the report.

RECEIVED

There were no questions.

There was no urgent business.

MOTION: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows:-

Item No.                                                         Paragraphs in Schedule 12A     

22 & 23                                                                                  3

24 & 25                                                                                              -

RESOLVED - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item Nos.                                                                    Exempt Paragraphs 

 22 & 23                                                                                     3

 24 & 25                                                                                    -

There were no questions.

There was no urgent business.