Public Document Pack
Coulsdon and West Wickham Commons
Consultative Committee
Date:
MONDAY, 23 JANUARY 2017
Time:
7.00 pm
Venue:
MERLEWOOD ESTATE OFFICE, NINEHAMS ROAD, CATERHAM, CR3 5LN
Members:
Philip Woodhouse (Chairman)
Graeme Smith (Deputy Chairman)
Sylvia Moys
Barbara Newman
Jeremy Simons
Verderer Peter Adams
Rachel Adams (Croydon
Conservation Volunteers)
Cllr Adele Brand (Chaldon Village
Council)
Richard Carter (South London
Harriers)
Alan Clifford (Old Coulsdon RA)
Gwyneth Fookes (Bourne Society)
Cllr Jean Hooper (Caterham Hill
Parish Council)
Brian Hudson (Open Spaces
Society)
Malcolm Jennings (Association of
Croydon Conservation Societies)
Graham Lomas (Chair of Friends of
Farthing Downs)
Brian Longman (Riddlesdown RA)
Sarah Lovatt (New Hillbillies)
Dr Jane McLauchlin (Croydon
Natural History & Scientific Society)
Cllr Stephen O'Connell (LB of
Croydon)
Enquiries:
Phil Rathbone (Croydon Conservation
Volunteers)
Cllr Celia Rudland, (Whyteleafe Village
Council)
Jane Sidell (English Heritage)
Avril Sleeman (British Horse Society)
Cllr Donald Speakman (LB of Croydon)
Cllr Hilary Turner (Tandridge DC & Friends
of Kenley Airfield)
Dr Ian Waite (Kenley & District RA)
Cllr Chris Wright (LB of Croydon & Friends
of Farthing Downs)
Cllr Nicholas Bennett JP (LB of Bromley)
Gladys Edmonds (Wickham Common RA)
Cllr Hannah Gray (LB of Bromley)
Peter Hodges (Hayes & Coney Hall Police
Community Advisory Panel)
Bridget Hogan (West Wickham and Spring
Park Volunteer's Group)
Chantal Lane (Bromley Bridleways Access
Group)
Geoff Newton (West Wickham Police
Community Advisory Panel)
Cllr Tom Philpott (LB of Bromley)
Val Polydorou (West Wickham RA)
Cllr Neil Reddin (LB of Bromley)
Sue Short, (Heartsease Girl Guide Camp)
Sam Wheatcroft (Wickham Common
Residents' Association)
Fern Aldous
[email protected]
John Barradell
Town Clerk and Chief Executive
AGENDA
1.
APOLOGIES
2.
MEMBERS' DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT IN RESPECT OF
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
3.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
For Decision
a)
Minutes of the Coulsdon Common Consultative Committee (Pages 1 - 6)
To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2016.
b)
Minutes of the West Wickham Common Consultative Committee (Pages 7 - 12)
To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2016.
4.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE
The Superintendent of the Commons to be heard.
5.
REVIEW OF ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME 2016/17
The Head Ranger for West Wickham and Coulsdon to be heard.
For Discussion
For Discussion
6.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND PRIORITIES FOR 2017/18
The Head Ranger for West Wickham and Coulsdon Common to be heard.
For Discussion
7.
KENLEY REVIVAL PROJECT UPDATE
The Kenley Revival Project Manager to be heard.
For Discussion
8.
QUESTIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE CONSULTATIVE
COMMITTEE
9.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS URGENT
10.
DATE OF SUMMER WALK
Date and time to be agreed.
For Decision
Agenda Item 3a
COULSDON COMMONS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Minutes of the meeting of the Coulsdon Commons Consultative Committee
held at the Guildhall EC2 at 7.00 pm
Present
Members:
Alderman Gordon Haines (Chairman)
Sylvia Moys
Barbara Newman
Verderer Peter Adams
Councillor Adele Brand (Chaldon Village
Council)
Richard Carter (South London Harriers)
Alan Clifford (Old Coulsdon Residents'
Association)
Gwyneth Fookes (Bourne Society)
Brian Hudson (Open Spaces Society)
Malcolm Jennings (Association of Croydon
Conservation Societies)
Officers:
David Arnold
Andy Barnard
Hadyn Robson
Allan Cameron
-
Steve Wise
-
Maria Traynor
-
1.
Graham Lomas (Friends of Farthing
Downs)
Sarah Lovatt (New Hillbillies)
Dr Jane McLauchlin (Croydon Natural
History & Scientific Society)
Phil Rathbone (Coulsdon & Kenley
Volunteer Group)
Councillor Celia Rudland (Whyteleafe
Village Council)
Avril Sleeman (British Horse Society)
Councillor Hilary Turner (Tandridge District
Council & Friends of Kenley Airfield)
Councillor Chris Wright (London Borough
of Croydon)
Town Clerk's Department
Superintendent, The Commons
Support Services Manager, The Commons
Head Ranger, West Wickham & Coulsdon
Commons
Senior Ranger, West Wickham & Coulsdon
Commons
Support Services Officer, West Wickham &
Coulsdon Commons
APOLOGIES
Barbara Newman took the Chair at the start of the meeting.
Apologies for absence were received from Rachel Adams (Croydon
Conservation Volunteers) and Councillor Stephen O’Connell (London Borough
of Croydon).
2.
MEMBERS' DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT IN
RESPECT OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations.
Page 1
3.
MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the public minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2015
be agreed as an accurate record.
4.
THE COMMONS DIVISIONAL PLAN 2015-18
At this point, Alderman Gordon Haines (Chairman) arrived to take the Chair.
The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of The Commons,
accompanied by a presentation that outlined The Commons’ Divisional Plan
2015-18. Members were advised that the new Plan had been produced by the
Senior Management Team, which included the Superintendent, Head Rangers,
Conservation Officer, and Support Services Manager. The Plan would be
updated at three year intervals. The Superintendent added that the collective
name for the Division had recently changed ‘The Commons’ for communication
purposes to help provide a unified identity across all commons. Members noted
that the names of the individual Commons, i.e. Coulsdon or West Wickham,
would continue to be used locally at each site.
RECEIVED.
5.
OPEN SPACES BILL
The Committee received a verbal update and presentation from the
Superintendent of The Commons regarding the City of London Corporation
(Open Spaces) Bill. Members were advised that the Bill had been deposited to
Parliament in November 2015 and it would be considered in the House of
Commons and the House of Lords.
The Superintendent advised that, to his knowledge, the Bill had received one
petition since it was deposited but this was not regarding The Commons
Division. He added his thanks to Consultative Committee members for the
helpful and constructive feedback received during the consultation process in
2015.
RECEIVED.
6.
SERVICE BASED REVIEW
The Committee received a verbal update and presentation from the
Superintendent of The Commons regarding the financial savings to be
delivered as part of the City Corporation’s Service Based Review. Members
were advised that £162,000 worth of savings per annum were currently
anticipated to be delivered by the Division by 31 March 2018 through increased
operational efficiencies and income generation.
Projects to deliver savings across the Division included a reduction in the use of
consultants to save £17,000 per annum, the rationalisation of the vehicle fleet,
machinery and equipment to save £15,000 per annum, and increased income
generation through voluntary donations, wayleave charges, and the letting of
office premises and increase or introduction of car park charges where
possible. Members noted their concern for the introduction of charges in small
car parks such as the one at Riddlesdown Common, as car users may simply
Page 2
park on surrounding roads instead, which would disturb and disrupt local
residents.
Members noted that some income was already being generated through the
increased sale of charcoal. A member also added that small grants were
available from local District and Parish Councils that could fund specific
projects.
RECEIVED.
7.
PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
AND SITE VISITS
The Committee considered a report of the Superintendent of The Commons
that examined the impact of the re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Commons Consultative Committees upon the frequency and nature of
consultative meetings/site visits and seeks to reduce demand on the Members
and Officers involved whilst ensuring that effective governance and community
engagement is maintained. The Superintendent advised that the Burnham
Beeches and Stoke Common Consultation Group had agreed to reduce the
frequency of its meetings as per the recommendations in the report.
Members noted that a re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Commons was a useful suggestion due to their proximity and the similarities
between both sites. Evening site visits in spring or summer would remain useful
to enable members to familiarise themselves with both sites. The
Superintendent added that informal Special Meetings could take place amongst
available members at relative short notice to discuss certain issues.
RESOLVED – That the re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Commons Consultative Committee be supported, subject to a review two years
after the re-merger.
8.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND PRIORITIES
The Committee received a presentation from the Head Ranger of West
Wickham and Coulsdon Commons regarding the upcoming management
issues and priorities for Coulsdon Commons. Members received updates
regarding the following matters:Volunteering
Volunteers had contributed 697 days’ worth of man-hours towards conservation
work during 2015, including three corporate volunteer days. Volunteers had
also helped to prepare and then sell charcoal, which had generated
approximately £1,700 worth of income in 2015. Such income would not have
been generated if the work had been carried out by Rangers instead of
volunteers.
Meet the Ranger Events
An event to promote the work carried out by Rangers was scheduled for
February. The frequency of these types of events would look to be increased to
Page 3
engage further with the local community and develop local users’ knowledge
about who owns, manages and funds the site.
Awards
Kenley Common and Farthing Downs had both earned Green Heritage Awards
and Green Flags had been awarded to all sites across the Commons. An
application had been submitted for Riddlesdown Common to be considered for
the 2016 Green Heritage Award.
Environmental Stewardship Scheme
The Scheme was currently in its sixth year and was due to end in 2021. The
footpath network and general access around the sites had been improved
through a programme of scrub clearance. Clearance had also been carried out
in areas surrounding The Grove junction. Cattle had recently moved into the
cleared area.
Incidents
44 incidents had occurred on the Commons during 2015, including 2 car
accidents. A site meeting regarding the blocked water drain on Stites Hill had
taken place on 17 December 2015. A programme of work to address the issue
had now been created by Surrey County Council and Thames Water. Details of
the works to be carried out could be reported to the Committee during February
2016 once they had been agreed. In response to a member’s question, the
Head Ranger advised that the overflow did not represent a health hazard so the
Environment Agency had instructed the local authorities (London Borough of
Croydon and Surrey County Council) to deal with the issue.
The Head Ranger reported several incidents of fly-tipping on roads through and
surrounding the Commons during 2015 but thanked the London Borough of
Croydon for their quick response times. In response to members’ requests, he
added that figures regarding the level of fly-tipping being carried out could be
calculated and provided at a later date.
Kenley Revival Project
The Project had received Heritage Lottery Funding to be delivered within the
next three years with a budget of £1.1 million. Two Project Officers were
currently being recruited to carry the project forward.
RECEIVED.
9.
REVIEW OF ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME 2015/16 AND PRESENTATION
OF THE 2016/17 PROGRAMME
The Committee received a presentation from the Head Ranger that previewed
the upcoming 2016/17 Annual Work Programme. Members noted the following
matters:Farthing Downs
Fence replacement, boundary work, and work to reduce the amount of mature
scrub in the Site of Special Scientific Interest would be carried out.
Page 4
Coulsdon Common
Thinning of understory vegetation, fence replacement for animal containment,
and work in Rydons Wood would be carried out.
Kenley Common
Coppicing, replacement of the old fence at Stumps Lane, and work to secure
and protect the boundary edge would be carried out.
In response to a member’s question, the Superintendent advised that he would
contact the Friends of Kenley Airfield to enquire whether there were any plans
to hold an event to celebrate the anniversary of Kenley Common’s ‘aircraft
acceptance park’ status. He added that he was currently unaware of any plans
for a Kenley Airshow during 2016.
Riddlesdown Common
Removal of Birch from the quarry, scrub work, and tree safety work would be
carried out. In response to a Member’s question, the Head Ranger advised that
access to the quarry site could be arranged for members through him.
In response to members’ questions regarding the sale of logs and wood
chippings, the Head Ranger advised that it was a possibility but the work and
delivery costs would have to be considered.
RECEIVED.
10. QUESTIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
In response to members’ questions regarding Tandridge District Council’s Local
Plan Review, the Superintendent explained that there were many other similar
Local Plan Reviews currently active across the Division, most with extremely
short response periods. The Superintendent added that he was not sufficiently
resourced to provide full comments to each consultation. Members expressed
some concerns that the plan for developments on the green belt and in the
towns surrounding the Common would increase footfall, including dog-walkers.
The Superintendent reassured members that the City Corporation would
maintain a positive relationship with the surrounding local authorities and deal
with Local Plan issues as resources allowed. He added that the Director of
Open Spaces was co-ordinating a strategic response to the Government’s
latest greenbelt proposals and would continue to influence at this level and as
required. A member representing the London Borough of Croydon added that
he had responded to the initial consultation on behalf of the local Croydon
Councillors.
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS URGENT
Members noted that photos and a leaflet about Farthing Downs were now being
displayed in the ticket hall of Coulsdon South Train Station, with the largest
picture measuring 18 x 4 ft. The Chairman added his thanks the Friends of
Farthing Downs for organising the display.
Page 5
The Chairman also took this opportunity to thank all Committee Members for
their hard work and support during his term as Chairman, which was due to
expire in April 2016. Members thanked the Chairman for his contribution to the
Committee and Coulsdon Commons during his term.
12. DATE OF SUMMER WALK
RESOLVED – That the date of the summer visit be circulated by the Town
Clerk once it had been agreed by the Chairman, Superintendent, and Head
Ranger.
The meeting closed at 8.55 pm
Chairman
Contact Officer: David Arnold
[email protected]
020 7332 1174
Page 6
Agenda Item 3b
WEST WICKHAM COMMONS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
Minutes of the meeting of the West Wickham Commons Consultative
Committee held at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club, BR2 at 7.00 pm
Present
Members:
Barbara Newman
Sylvia Moys
Gladys Edmonds (Wickham Common
Residents' Association)
Peter Hodges (Hayes & Coney Hall Police
Community Advisory Panel)
Chantal Lane (Bromley Bridleways Access
Group)
Officers:
David Arnold
Andy Barnard
Hadyn Robson
Allan Cameron
-
Barry Gutteridge
Maria Traynor
-
Val Polydorou (West Wickham Residents'
Association)
Cllr Neil Reddin (London Borough of
Bromley)
Sam Wheatcroft (Wickham Common
Residents’ Association)
Town Clerk's Department
Superintendent, The Commons
Support Services Manager, The Commons
Head Ranger, West Wickham & Coulsdon
Commons
Senior Ranger, West Wickham Commons
Support Services Officer, West Wickham &
Coulsdon Commons
Barbara Newman in the Chair.
1.
APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Alderman Gordon Haines
(Chairman), Philip Woodhouse, Verderer Peter Adams, Cllr Nicholas Bennett
(London Borough of Bromley), Bridget Hogan (West Wickham and Spring Park
Volunteer’s Group), and Sue Short (Heartsease Girl Guides Group).
2.
MEMBERS' DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT IN
RESPECT OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations.
3.
MINUTES
RESOLVED – That the public minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2015
be agreed as an accurate record.
4.
THE COMMONS DIVISIONAL PLAN 2015-18
The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of The Commons,
accompanied by a presentation that outlined The Commons’ Divisional Plan
Page 7
2015-18. Members were advised that the Plan would be updated at three year
intervals. The Superintendent added that the collective name for the Division
had recently changed ‘The Commons’ for communication purposes to help
provide a unified identity across all commons. Members noted that the names
of the individual Commons, i.e. Coulsdon or West Wickham, would continue to
be used locally at each site.
The new member representing the Bromley Bridleways Access Group would be
added to The Commons newsletter circulation list.
RECEIVED.
5.
OPEN SPACES BILL
The Committee received a verbal update and presentation from the
Superintendent of The Commons regarding the City of London Corporation
(Open Spaces) Bill. Members were advised that the Bill had been deposited to
Parliament in November 2015 and it had already had its first reading. The
second reading was due to take place on 1 February 2016 and the petition
period had been extended until 15 February 2016. The Superintendent added
his thanks to Consultative Committee members for the helpful and constructive
feedback received during the consultation process in 2015.
In response to members’ questions regarding enforcement, the Superintendent
advised that City Corporation Officers would be trained and authorised to issue
penalty notices for certain offences.
RECEIVED.
6.
SERVICE BASED REVIEW
The Committee received a verbal update and presentation from the
Superintendent of The Commons regarding the financial savings to be
delivered as part of the City Corporation’s Service Based Review. Members
were advised that £162,000 worth of savings per annum were currently
anticipated to be delivered by the Division by 31 March 2018 through increased
operational efficiencies and income generation.
Projects to deliver savings across the Division included a reduction in the use of
consultants to save £17,000 per annum; the rationalisation of the vehicle fleet,
machinery and equipment to save £15,000 per annum; increased income
generation through voluntary donations, wayleave charges; and the letting of
office premises. In response to members’ questions, the Superintendent
advised that it was possible to block access to the Common if wayleave
charges remained unpaid.
RECEIVED.
7.
PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
AND SITE VISITS
The Committee considered a report of the Superintendent of The Commons
that examined the impact of the re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Page 8
Commons Consultative Committees upon the frequency and nature of
consultative meetings/site visits and sought to reduce demand on the Members
and Officers involved, whilst ensuring that effective governance and community
engagement was maintained. The Superintendent advised that the Burnham
Beeches and Stoke Common Consultation Group had agreed to reduce the
frequency of its meetings, as per the recommendations in the report, for a one
year trial period. Members of the Coulsdon Commons Consultative Committee
had supported the re-merger and suggested a two year trial period.
Members supported the proposed re-merger and requested that meetings and
site visits alternate between West Wickham and Coulsdon Commons. Members
also noted that they would be consulted regarding the agenda items in advance
of each meeting to ensure that the most important issues at each site were
considered.
RESOLVED – That the re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Commons Consultative Committee be supported, subject to a review two years
after the re-merger.
8.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND PRIORITIES
The Committee received a presentation from the Head Ranger of West
Wickham and Coulsdon Commons regarding the upcoming management
issues and priorities for West Wickham Commons. Members received updates
regarding the following matters:Pedestrian Crossing on the A232 at Hartfield Crescent
The principle of dedicating a small part of Commons land to Public Highway
alongside Hartfield Crescent and the A232 was approved by the Epping Forest
and Commons Committee in March 2015. Transport for London (TfL)
proceeded to carry out a formal public consultation on the crossing proposal,
which 155 out of 168 respondents were in favour of.
TfL and the contractor were currently consulting with Commons staff to reach
an agreement regarding the final detailed design and Commons land
dedication, which would be submitted to the next appropriate Epping Forest
and Commons Committee meeting for consideration. If approved, it was hoped
that construction would be carried out during summer 2016. The Senior Ranger
advised that the final design that he was currently consulting on would suit the
needs of the Commons. In response to a member’s question, he added that TfL
funds for the project were secured beyond March 2016.
Volunteering
Volunteers from the West Wickham and Spring Park Volunteer Group
(WWaSPs) had contributed 227 hours of work during 2015. Volunteer days
were held approximately twice a month and a Ranger was always present to
provide supervision and expertise.
In response to a member’s request, the Superintendent advised that he would
ask the Information Ranger to incorporate a six week rolling events programme
into the monthly e-newsletter to improve the amount of notice given for certain
Page 9
events. In response to a member’s question, the Head Ranger added that the
content of all on-site interpretation boards were currently being reviewed with a
view to update during summer 2016.
RECEIVED.
9.
REVIEW OF ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME 2015/16 AND PRESENTATION
OF THE 2016/17 PROGRAMME
The Committee received a presentation from the Head Ranger of West
Wickham and Coulsdon Commons that reviewed the 2015/16 Annual Work
Programme and previewed the upcoming 2016/17 Programme. Members noted
the following matters:Conservation
The first five years of the ten year Environmental Stewardship Scheme to
enhance certain habitats with agricultural benefits had been successfully
completed. The Small Leaved Lime Project to conserve and protect the national
rarity at Spring Park had entered into its third and final year. Chestnut and
hazel coppicing was also being carried out at Spring Park as part of the
Woodland Code.
West Wickham Common was home to the only area of heathland habitat within
The Commons Division, so restoration was being carried out to increase
heather seed spreading and collecting.
Events
40 educational events had taken place during 2015, including guided walks,
stargazing events, Fungal Forays, and Meet the Ranger events. The frequency
of Meet the Ranger events would look to be increased to engage further with
the local community and develop local users’ knowledge about who owns,
manages and funds the site.
Awards
West Wickham Common and Spring Park had both achieved Green Flag
Awards and West Wickham Common had achieved a Green Heritage Award.
Incidents
A traveller community had moved onto an area of Spring Park on one occasion
during 2015, whilst incidents of fly-tipping, abandoned cars and fires continued
to occur across both sites. Dragon’s teeth would be added to the City
Corporation / London Borough of Bromley (LBB) land boundary at Spring Park
to prevent travellers from moving vehicles from one side to the other. The Head
Ranger added that the LBB currently took responsibility for the removal of
abandoned cars in the Spring Park Car Park but he would investigate whether
or not it would be more cost-effective for removals to be carried out by City
Corporation staff.
Oak Processionary Moth (OPM)
Surveys were continued to be carried out and further monitoring for OPM would
be led by the Senior Ranger during summer 2016. There had been no
Page 10
infestations found during 2015 but Spring Park was within two kilometres of an
OPM nest site. Close contact was being maintained with officers from LBB and
the Forestry Commission, who were coordinating the response to the threat of
OPM across London. Information notices would be installed at the Commons
soon.
Spring Park 2016/17
Chestnut and Hazel coppicing would be carried out in the Park.
West Wickham Common 2016/17
Heathland restoration, hazel planting, and holly and tree clearing would be
carried out across the Common.
The lumps, bumps and ditches on West Wickham Common were last
excavated in 1931 but their origin was unable to be determined. The Head
Ranger advised that he planned to invite local amateur archaeologists to reopen the case in an attempt to confirm their age and purpose. A member noted
that she would provide Rangers with the details of a local archaeologist who
may be interested in taking part.
RECEIVED.
10. QUESTIONS ON MATTERS
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
There were no questions.
RELATING
TO
THE
WORK OF THE
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS URGENT
There was no other business.
12. DATE OF SUMMER WALK
RESOLVED – That the date of the summer visit be circulated by the Town
Clerk once it had been agreed by the Chairman, Superintendent, and Head
Ranger, following the proposed re-merger of the West Wickham and Coulsdon
Commons Consultative Committees.
The meeting closed at 8.20 pm
Chairman
Contact Officer: David Arnold
[email protected]
020 7332 1174
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