Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Life.

This report seeks approval to consult on a draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Life introduced the report, which sought approval to consult on a draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans.

The Cabinet Member drew attention to key aims of the new strategy – inclusion and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, and quality of service. The existing strategy was about to expire, and the attached proposed draft strategy would start from 2023 to 2038.

Noted the new strategy’s reframed approach to accessibility and inclusion, in particular response to groups that feel they have barriers to accessing the borough’s parks and green spaces.

There would be an extensive consultation starting from 26 September to 27th of November.

In response to questions from Cabinet Members, the following information was noted:

-       There would be an executive summary to support resident’s engagement with the consultation.

-       That plans in the strategy connected with the watercourse and flood risk plan, tree and woodland plan, biodiversity action plan and CINC review which designated 10 new sites of importance to nature conservation.

-       Identified funding to revisit multi-play in the Bruce Castle Park and Priory Park.

-       Recognised that children and young people engaged in water play.  The consultation on the strategy was an opportunity to discuss modernising water play delivery and this was being co - produced with park users, including families and all community groups.

-       The Council wanted to be as green as possible and there was responsibility for managing invasive species and this would need to be balanced against the desire to eradicate certain pesticides. The Council would monitor the situation, particularly relating to the EU review of the use of glyphosate, due by the end of 2022. The Assistant Director Direct Services would also be updating information in the draft documentation regarding pesticides and assurance was provided that the use of chemicals was a continual consideration with assessments completed.

-       Responding to the issue of flood risk and protecting parks from climate change, the service had the ability to discharge rainfall into existing water courses and Thames Water sewers, if a flooding situation occurred, although it was known that there was an issue with the capacity of some Thames Water sewers. There was therefore forthcoming dialogue planned with Thames Water and the Environment Agency to explore capacity issues and ensure contingency plans were effective as possible. The Council considers blue spaces in parks in conjunction with greenspaces. It is also looking to develop further sustainable drainage schemes, as set out in the Flood Water Management Investment Plan report from March 2022.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley-Harrison, the following information was noted:

-       To support the new strategy, the directorate would be applying for additional funding through the capital programme to support some of the tree planting work.

-       The Council is continuing to aim to deliver 10,000 trees by 2030 using available resources in the budget, as well as seeking support for this priority from outside agencies. The aspiration is to plant 2,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46