Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a mid-year update report of the Superintendent for Keats House Charity 2019/20 and the following points were made.

·         The Principal Curator tabled a Licensing Decision letter regarding the House and noted that, in summary,

o   It would now be possible to deliver 50 indoor events per year between the hours of 6.00pm – 9.30pm for 100 persons.

o   It would now be possible to six outdoor events per year between 2.00pm – 9.00pm for 200 persons. The Principal Curator had noted 200 persons was not an excessive number as this was in line with the summer Much Ado About Nothing event that had attracted over 100 persons.

o   It would now be possible to sell a small line of Endymion wine in the House shop, which was felt to be appropriate given the link to Keats. Shop opening hours would be between 11.00pm – 5.00pm, or in line with evening events as appropriate. Draught beer would not be available.

o   In response to a question, the Principal Curator noted that the original application had been phrased in the broadest terms of 10.00am – 10.00pm seven days a week as the online planning application portal did not offer options to qualify timings further.

o   The Principal Curator confirmed that the restrictions related to the sale of alcohol only and that there were no restrictions on non-licensable events.

·         In response to a question, the Principal Curator confirmed there was CCTV provision within the House which was now operational subject to two cameras being upgraded – he would confirm to Members once this had been completed. The Principal Curator acknowledged that more signage highlighting CCTV would be appropriate from a GDPR perspective.

·         In response to a question, the Principal Curator confirmed that scaffolding had been erected outside the House to facilitate restoration and redecoration works. No listed building works were taking place.

·         A Member noted that the Keats House Activities plan should refer to reaching people not just locally and in the UK, but around the world.

·         Members suggested that a longer term lease (rather than licence) should be offered to the Keats Community Library for the use of 10 Keats Grove.

·         In response to a suggestion, the Principal Curator agreed to consider highlighting City of London Corporation branding on Keats House signage.

RESOLVED, that

·         the report be received.

·         The views of the Committee be conveyed to the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.

·         The following revised priorities for April 2020 onwards be included in the Plans for the Future Periods section of the annual report when submitted in April 2020:

o   Deliver access to building maintenance projects at Keats House

o   Deliver Keats200 bicentenary programme

o   Implement Keats House Activities Plan for 2020/21

o   Consultation, finalisation and implementation of the Keats House Management Plan 2020-23.