Agenda item

Joint report of the City Surveyor and Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a joint report of the City Surveyor and the Director of Open Spaces on the Conservation Statement for the heritage landscape of Eagle Pond. The Superintendent explained that key lessons had been learned from a similar project at Highams Park and that the Statement included 19 policies to protect the landscape. Also noting that all aspirational projects were clearly described as being subject to further Committee approval and external funding.

A Member requested clarification on the ownership of Eagle Pond and questioned if the City of London Corporation held responsibility for the maintenance of the Large Raised Reservoir. The Superintendent confirmed that the statutory undertakers included the City Corporation who hold in trust the Pond and the west bank; Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service who own the dam and the south bank and the London Borough of Redbridge who own the Snaresbrook Road frontage.  Currently only Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service contributed to the maintenance of the dam. A Member questioned whether, as a fellow statutory undertaker, the City could request more public access to Snaresbrook Crown Court gardens. The Superintendent confirmed that the City Surveyor had a policy regarding more public access which needed to be balanced with the security requirements of Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service.

Replying to a question from a Member of the Committee the Director of Open Spaces confirmed that legal advice from the Environmental Agency had been received regarding the joint responsibilities of statutory undertakers and could be shared with Members.

RESOLVED- That Members approved the draft Eagle Pond Conservation Statement for public consultation.