Agenda and minutes

Apolagies were received in advance of the meeting from the Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, Alderman & Sheriff Nicholas Lyons, Peter Bennett and Verderer Nicholas Munday.  

There were no declarations recived.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee held on the 13^th of September.

The Committee considered the public minutes of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee meeting held on the 13^th of September 2021.

RESOVLED- That the public minutes of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee meeting held on the 13th of September 2021 be approved as an accuate record.

Joint report of the Executive Director for Environment and the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Executive Director for Environment and the Chamberlain on the Departmental and Service Committee Budget Estimates for 2022/23.

Following a suggestion from the Deputy Chairman the Committee agreed that the damaged to Epping Forest caused by the related effects of the COVID19 Pandemic needed to be formally recognised and added to the Department’s Risk Register accordingly. The Deputy Chairman added that it was his view that the management of the Forest was currently underfunded and was not compliant with national guidelines on expenditure. Further to this it was agreed that the Chamberlain arrange a deep dive session on the budget with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the open spaces committees to discuss their concerns in further detail.

A member of the Committee noted that the City Surveyor needed to take a more long-term approach when considering the maintenance of property assets and highlighted that without expenditure in the short term there would be more serious maintenance issues in the future. A Member commented that the City of London Corporation did not have a good reputation locally for maintaining its assets.

Responding to a query from a member of the Committee the Chamberlain explained that the decision on whether the increased spending caused by inflation would be met from local or central risk would be decided by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED- That: -

             I.The Epping Forest proposed revenue budget for 2022/23 be approved for submission to Finance Committee; and

            II.That the Commons proposed revenue budgets for 2022/23 be approved for submission to Finance Committee; and

          III.That the Epping Forest capital and supplementary revenue project budgets for 2022/23 be approved for submission to Finance Committee; and

          IV.The Commons capital and supplementary revenue project budgets for 2022/23 be approved

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Epping Forest Division’s activities across August to September 2021.

Responding to a Member’s query the Superintendent confirmed that £320,000 had been spent on tackling fly tipping in the Forest. Further to this the Deputy Chairman highlighted the successful prosecutions for fly tipping which had been achieved. 

The Superintendent confirmed, in response to a Member’s question, that there were twelve vaccines for permanent positions in the Epping Forest Management Team as a result of the recruitment moratorium in relation to the Target Operating Model.

Replying to a Committee Member’s enquiry it was explained that the position regarding rough sleepers in Epping Forest was returning to pre-COVID numbers, however it was generally increasing in line with the national trend.

In response to a Committee member’s request for further information on the management of deer in Epping Forest the Superintendent confirmed that the Deer Management Strategy, as approved by the Committee, was being actioned. It was added that there was a lot of work to be done on this matter as temporary staff were required to fill the gaps of those staff retiring.

The Superintendent answered a committee member’s query by confirming that there were in the region of forty unresolved land registration issues which were to be brought to committee for consideration.

RESOLVED-That the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Wanstead Park Ponds Project.

RESOLVED- That: -

1. That the underspend of £30,000 from the Engineering Fees is reallocated to carry out further engineering consultancy is approved; and
2. That an additional budget of £51,000 is approved to reach the next Gateway; and
3. That the revised project budget of £241,000 (excluding risk) be noted; and
4. That the total estimated cost of the project at £500,000 - £1 million (excluding risk and possible external funding) be noted; and
5. That Options 2 and 3, revisor safety works and water balance interventions be approved.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.  

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment for the Provision of Staff Welfare Facilities at Chingford Golf Course Epping.

RESOLVED-That: -

     I.        the report and lessons learned be noted; and

    II.        the closure of this project be approved.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Forest Operations Path Condition Assessment February- March 2021.

The Chairman noted his displeasure about the condition of the paths but noted this was due to effects of increased visitors during the period effected by COVID. The Deputy Chairman agreed, noting that there was a need to resolve the current condition of the paths and establish a plan for management going forward. It was added that the condition of these paths needed to be added to the risk register.

RESOLVED- That the Committee approved officers progressing internal and external fundraising approaches for financing the works to undertake the path repair proposals.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment for Residents Petition opposing the return of Police Helicopters to Lippitts Hill Airbase High Beech.

RESOLVED- That the Committee approved to protect peaceful recreational activity, tranquillity, and the nature designations of Epping Forest from harm, the Charity will encourage NPAS and the MPS to support:

i.              the use of helicopter approach and departure routes west of Lippitts Hill avoiding flights over Epping Forest

ii.            The long-term relocation of the NPAS facility at Lippitts Hill to a more forward facility closer to London

iii.           The future adoption of quieter helicopter design, using innovations such as ‘No Tail Rotor’ (NOTAR) technology.

iv.           greater investment in less environmentally impactful drone replacements.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the proposals for possible Sesquicentennial celebrations of the City of London Corporation’s protection of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the proposals for possible sesquicentennial celebrations of the City of London Corporation’s protection of Epping Forest.

Following a concern expressed by a Member it was confirmed that the celebratory events to be organised would be used as an opportunity to secure income for the Epping Forest Charity rather than spending valuable funds on a simply commemorative events. Further to this it was agreed that the proposed working group needed to be properly constituted to allow committee members to provide proper oversight to the proposed events.

RESOLVED- That: -

1. The commemoration of sesquicentennial events centred on 2028, being 150 years from 1878, reflecting the focus of the previous Centenary celebration, though other important milestones could be celebrated as part of an associated narrative be approved; and
2. That an Epping Forest Working Group be inaugurated to plan the sesquicentennial celebrations.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the City of London Corporation’s Response to North Essex Parking Partnership Review of Temporary Traffic Regulations Order for High Beach Red Route.

The Committee discussed the need to balance the protection of Epping Forest with public access noting that the Forest is protected for the public’s enjoyment. It was stated by a Committee member that the Red Routes were originally enforced as a temporary measure needed to protect the Forest from the effect of increased visitor numbers during the COVID pandemic. It was added that there was little support for these Red Routes locally which was reflected at the recent meeting of the Epping Forest Consultative Committee. The Interim Director explained that a longer term approach to visitor facilities across the Forest was being undertaken which aimed to provide a more even distribution across the Forest.

RESOLVED- Approved a reserve position to protect the SAC, and associated verge restoration work, from damage by verge parking through the installation of bollards or similar infrastructure and /or signage along the most vulnerable areas of High Beach. It was noted that this will help to reduce displacement parking but may mean parking may obstruct the use of the public highway.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Conservation Grazing Action Plan for Epping Forest and its Buffer Lands.

RESOLVED-That: -

     I.        The eight key aims of the Conservation Grazing Action Plan 2022- 2027, subject to future liaison with commoners in 2022 be approved; and

    II.        That the option of winter grazing in selected parts of the Forest wood-pasture habitats for enhanced biodiversity conservation, subject to feedback from liaison with commoners and subject to Section 5(2) of the City of London (Open Spaces) Act 2018 be approved; and

  III.        That authority be delegated to the Superintendent of Epping Forest (in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Epping Forest and Commons Committee) authority to consider any liaison feedback from commoners and to determine whether the key aims and winter grazing should be approved as set out in the above recommendations having regard to any such feedback and further delegate to the Superintendent of Epping Forest (in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee), in each year winter grazing is proposed, authority to take reasonable steps to ascertain the extent to which relevant rights of common are likely to be exercised in that year and to ensure a sufficient area of land is maintained so as to allow for the exercise of those rights to the extent they are ascertained (in accordance with S.5(2) City of London (Open Spaces) Act 2018); and

  IV.        That the expansion of the GPS management under the Action Plan, as resources allow, to provide collars for each animal in the herd to allow for fenceless grazing by any animal across the Buffer Lands and Forest be approved.

To receive the public draft minutes of the meeting of the Epping Forest Joint Consultative Committee held on the 21st of October 2021.

The Committee received the draft minutes of the Epping Forest Joint Consultative Committee held on the 21^st of October.

The Town Clerk informed the Committee that there remained two places on the Joint Consultative Committee for Epping Forest and Commons Committee members and invited applications from those Committee members present. Verderer Paul Morris indicated his willingness to stand and was appointed accordingly.

RESOLVED: That: -

      I.        The draft minutes be noted; and

    II.        That Verderer Paul Morris be appointed to the Epping Forest Joint Consultative Committee.

To receive the draft minutes of the meeting of the Epping Forest Consultative Committee held on the 20th of October 2021.

The Committee received the draft minutes of the Epping Forest Consultative Committee meeting held on the 20^th of October.

RESOLVED- That the draft minutes be noted.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment. 

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Superintendent’s update for the Commons.

The Deputy Chairman noted that improved relationships with Thames Water were being established which would assist in resolving some ongoing issues.

The Committee discussed the recent vandalism which had taken place at Kenley and noted regret that this had taken place. The Superintendent explained that there was no reason to believe the instance was motivated by anything more that opportunism and that CCTV was not currently being considered for the site.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.

There were no questions received in the public session.

There was no urgent business considered in the public session.

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.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A) 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.

To agree the non-public minutes of the previous meeting of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee held on the 13th of September.

The Committee considered the non-public minutes of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee meeting held on the 13^th of September 2021.

RESOVLED- That the non-public minutes of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee meeting held on the 13th of September 2021 be approved as an accurate record.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

To follow.

The Committee considered a late report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Whipps Cross Hospital & Residential Development Mitigation Strategy.

RESOLVED- That the report was approved.

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

To follow.

The Committee considered a late report of the Executive Director for Environment on the  Great Gregories Yard Future Proofing Buildings.

RESOLVED- That the report be approved.    

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Epping Forest Cricket Club Licence.

RESOLVED- That the report be approved.  

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the request for the provision of a deed of grant easement 34 Morington Road Woodford Green.

RESOLVED- That the report be approved.  

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Commercial Wayleaves Update The Elms Caravan Park.

At 1pm Members agreed to extend the business of the agenda beyond two hours, in accordance with Standing Order 40, in order to conclude the business on the agenda.

RESOLVED- That the report be approved 

Report of the Executive Director for Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment on the Commercial Wayleaves.

The Town Clerk informed the Committee that as the Committee was no longer Quorate in accordance with Standing Order 36 (3) the formal meeting would be dissolved.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk informed the Committee that as the Committee was no longer Quorate in accordance with Standing Order 36 (3) the formal meeting would be dissolved.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk on the report of action taken outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.

To receive the non-public draft minutes of the meeting of the Epping Forest Joint Consultative Committee held on the 21st of October 2021.

The Committee received the draft non-public minutes of the Epping Forest Joint Consultative Committee.

RESOLVED- That the draft minutes be noted.

There was one questions received in the non-public session.

There was no urgent business considered in the non-public session.