Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Ray Both (Barnet Mencap).

There were none.

To agree the public minutes of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meeting held on 26 September 2022.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee held on 26 September 2022 be approved as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

A Member (Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents' Association) suggested a correction on page 9 on the section on grass management paragraph two should read, ‘in what circumstances would less than annual cutting be considered appropriate.’

To note the public minutes of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee meeting held on 5 October 2022.

(To Follow).

The Committee were informed by the Town Clerk that the draft minutes of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee were ready for distribution and would be sent outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That, the draft minutes of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee be received outside the meeting.

To receive the draft action points of the Hampstead Heath Sports & Wellbeing Forum meeting held on 28^th September 2022.

The Committee received a report of draft action points of the Hampstead Heath Sports & Wellbeing Forum.

A Member (Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents' Association), asked for an update on the Parliament Hill athletic track project regarding timings and approval processes. Members were informed that there were no significant changes since the last meeting. It was noted that a review was being considered and Members would be provided with an update at the next meeting. The Assistant Director also confirmed the London Youth Games would take place on the 19^th November 2022.

A Member (Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents' Association) asked if an update could be provided on funding improvements to cricket facilities at Parliament Hill, Highgate Woods and the Heath Extensions. The Assistant Director confirmed that the proposal is at consultation stage and key users are being contacted. 

RESOLVED – That Members receive the report and note the contents.

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

(To Follow)

The Committee noted the report was withdrawn.

Report of Executive Director, Environment.  

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environment, providing the Assistant Director’s Update.

Concerning the Sub-Divisional Plan, the Assistant Director reported that the national lottery heritage fund had been approached and they were positive about the Highgate Woods kiln restoration project, it was noted that a funding application was currently being drawn up. The Assistant Director said work had been undertaken with the Heath and Hampstead Society regarding the issue of grazing, including discussing the possibility of sheep grazing returning to the Heath. Members were also informed that the Affordable Art Fair had been moved to 6^th May to avoid a clash with the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

In response to questions raised by a Member (London Council for Sport and Recreation), the Assistant Director confirmed a team had now been allocated to deal with licence schemes and progress needed to be made on implementing licences. Regarding planning concerning Murphy’s Yard, it was noted that the no proposals have been re-submitted and the Natural Environment Department would work to feed into any new proposal. Concerning the café tendering, the Assistant Director said surveyor site visits were scheduled for the coming week. Regarding waste and recycling, the Committee were informed about the challenges of litter management during the summer and the extent of the good weather. Concerning biosecurity, the Committee were notified that the Natural Environment Department was working with DEFRA on a pilot project at Highgate Wood for pheromone disruptions concerning oak processionary moth, it was hoped that this project would assist with a nature-based solution to manage the issue rather than large-scale spraying.

In response to a question on visitor numbers at Hampstead Heath raised by a Member (Heath and Hampstead Society) the Assistant Director noted that the Natural Environment Department wanted to

Report of the Executive Director, Environment.

(To Follow)

The Committee received a presentation of the Executive Director, Environment, providing information on the Climate Action Strategy for 2020-2027.

RESOLVED – That Members receive the presentation and note the contents.

To receive the draft action points of the Hampstead Heath Sports & Wellbeing Forum from November 2022.

The Committee received the draft action points of the Hampstead Heath Sports & Wellbeing Forum from November 2022.

The Chairman asked if further information could be provided on the opening of an interpretation centre. The Committee was informed that an opportunity would be available for people to visit the Dairy and learn more about the ecology of the Heath with further information to be provided at the next Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That Members receive the report and note the contents.

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.

16 January 2023

13 March 2023

The Committee noted the dates of the next meeting.