Agenda item

The Superintendent of Burnham Beeches, Stoke Common and City Commons to be heard.

The Committee received the following update from the Superintendent of Burnham Beeches, Stoke Common and City Commons:

New City Commons structure commenced 2^nd April

·        Two Ranger vacancies had been filled by internal candidates: Livestock Ranger at City Commons and Ranger at Ashtead Common

·        Personal Assistant post filled by internal candidate

·        Recruitment had commenced for a ‘City Commons wide’ Information Ranger on a temporary contract

·        Assistant Ranger post filled by external candidate

·        Early retirement of Head Ranger of West Wickham and Spring Park: Support Service Manager post was being considered as direct replacement.

·        Temp Admin Assist post contract extended for 6 months – Ashtead Common

·        Reviews of health and safetey procedures, staff rotas and vehicle fleet were programmed for the coming months

·        Two vacant posts at City Commons had been put on hold pending SBR decisions

·        Assistant Information Ranger recruited at Burnham Beeches

Proposed road crossing A 232 - West Wickham Common.

•        A long standing issue for residents with a recent ‘near miss’ bringing a new focus

•        Issue previously brought to member’s attention but the issue had not been resolved

•        Meeting with TFL who have new proposals – these would require loss of Open Space.  New proposals had requested.

•        Residents Association AGM in June and would require sensitive handling

Dog Control Orders at Burnham Beeches

•        Kennel Club sent another list of queries – response sent and notes would be circulated to Members

•        Formal Consultation letters sent to Primary and Secondary Authorities

•        Timetable for public, formal consultation had drawn up and would commence post LM visit and by mid-June

Burnham Beeches Local Development Plan

·        Synthesis report bringing together all the soil, air, lichen, hydrology, recreation and dog research had concluded that: Viewed together the combination of urban effects is currently impacting on the SAC interest of the site.  New development will add to this impact, as such new development will have a likely significant effect on the site.

·        Now Officers must consider how best to mitigate further harm from future developments. The Synthesis report would be presented to Members in July. 

·        A proposal to create a Free School 1km from the boundary of the Burnham Beeches SAC and within the green belt had been received. Officers were concerned by loss of greenbelt and air quality and traffic concerns. Superintendent had objected on grounds of ‘likely significant harm’ to the SAC.  .

Volunteering

·        1062 hours at Burnham Beeches including an administration volunteer and reptile survey volunteers

·        949 hours recorded at City Commons with new groups at Ashtead focussing on estate work and wildlife monitoring

Incidents

·        City Commons - Nesting Peregrines disturbed by trespassers with pellet gun.

·        Ashtead Common - Member of staff bitten by dog and one serious dogs on dog attack

·        Burnham Beeches - 52 dog incidents reported since the March Committee date