Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of The Commons.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of ‘The Commons’ which provided an update on the issues across the nine sites within ‘The Commons’ division. The Superintendent of the Commons informed members that there had been considerable interest in the Burnham Beeches Café letting but confirmed that more information would need to be provided in the non-public session. In addition, the Superintendent informed Members that specialist contractors will be sought to reduce risks associate with rock fall within the Riddlesdown Quarry site. A Member queried whether there was public access to the quarry and, if so, were any measures in place to mitigate the safety issues caused by loose rocks. The Superintendent confirmed that there was no public access to the quarry although a business (Optical Surfaces) operates there under license.  They are aware and car parking is restricted until further notice and agreed that public safety on the City Common was a vital aim of the Open Spaces Department.

A Member queried if there had been engagement from the Open Spaces Department and related Committees with the City of London Corporation’s Cultural Strategy. The Director of Open Spaces confirmed that there had been engagement and reference to open spaces, within and outside of the square mile, was present within the Cultural Strategy. A Member commented that monthly email Members received from ‘The Commons’ team were highly appreciated and useful for keeping the public informed of the work of the Commons team. Further to this point the Superintendent informed the Committee that a male calf had successfully been delivered on the morning of the 14th of January.

A Member queried if the Ancient Monument referenced in report had the appropriate signage present and if the contractors work had affected the monument. The Superintendent informed Members that Officers had sought consent form Historic England to allow works to the ditch and bank within the Ancient Monument that clear signage was present at the site. A Member noted the student placement a Burnham Beeches and asked if learning about the City of London was included in their studies. The Superintendent explained that the placement was connected to a university course and therefore was essentially based on land management and agricultural matters.

It was noted by Members that air quality was a fundamental concern and queried what action Officers had taken to address the issue within the City Commons. The Superintendent explained that the City of London Corporation engaged with and encouraged the relevant local authorities to address the issue of air quality within their local plans.

RESOLVED- that the updated be noted.