Agenda item

ES20027

The Committee was presented with the Draft Open Space Strategy report and also the Open Space Strategy document 2021--2031 that had been drafted by Idverde. An introduction to the report was provided by the Assistant Director for Environment. It was noted that the strategic document set out the principles and general direction for the future of the Portfolio’s various land holdings.

The Assistant Director informed Members that the Strategy covered 168 parks and that the Strategy was for ten years. The contract for maintaining and developing parks and green spaces had been awarded to Idverde in April 2019. The production of the strategy document was part of the contractual agreement and was in line with the Council’s objectives.

He explained that the objectives were set out in the draft strategy document and the objectives were supported with case studies. The Strategy was broken down into review stages, and the annual contract performance reports would be provided by Idverde.

A Member drew attention to a section in the report that referenced a 10% increase in income, and she hoped that no small groups or charities would be penalised as a result. It was confirmed that the Council would not be looking to penalise smaller groups in any way--rather they would be looking at the Events Management Portfolio and would not be looking to penalise local residents.

A discussion took place as to the criteria that would qualify a park for new play facilities; it was explained that Idverde had identified suitable sites, and these had been included in the site management plans which were now being developed.

A Member remarked that the incorporation of case studies into the document was useful, and there was a discussion as to what groups should be involved in the consultation process. The Assistant Director stated that other bodies would be consulted. The Chairman asked who would be able to respond to the consultation, and the Assistant Director replied that the document had identified particular stakeholders who would be consulted. The Assistant Director said that consultation could also involve the public if that was recommended by the Committee.

A Member commented that detail was missing and not much had been factored in with respect to sports facilities. The Assistant Director responded by saying that it was not the purpose of the report to provide granular detail, but the Strategy would identify where gaps existed. Progress on the Strategy would be updated upon annually in the annual report.

The Chairman expressed the view that parks were critical and was glad to see that exciting projects were planned—he hoped the plans would be ambitious. The Chairman recommended that a public consultation of some form should take place in addition to the consultation with stakeholders and this was seconded by the Vice Chairman. 

RESOLVED that

1)  The Portfolio Holder agreed to undertake a consultation with the Stakeholders that had been identified within the Draft Open Space Strategy, plus that residents and visitors to the borough would also be able to comment on the Strategy.

2)  The Portfolio Holder would expect to approve an Open Space Strategy Policy following a future ECS PDS meeting after receiving a report on the results of the consultation.

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