Agenda item

Approval to Consult on a Draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy

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.

Minutes:

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 trees this financial year. Therefore, the Council is not wholly dependent on local residents through the resident funded sponsorship programme of trees, contained in the Tree and Woodland Plan, but considers this as a good initiative to top up funding. Those contributions are welcomed and would continue to be sought.

-       The information in Appendix 5, under proposed charging policy, for tennis courts to become chargeable at peak times was incorrectly worded and would be amended. The wording would indicate that there was no charging for use of tennis courts in the borough at any time in accordance with the previous commitment made to residents.

 

Subject to amendments to Appendix 5, making clear that there would not be a charge for use of tennis courts in the borough,

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To approve the draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and the other plans identified in para 1.1 for consultation.

 

2.    To delegate authority to the Assistant Director Direct Services, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Life, to make minor amendments to the draft documents and to agree the final consultation materials.

 

3.    To note that the consultation period will commence in the week beginning the 26th September 2022 and end at least eight weeks later on Sunday 27th November 2022.

 

Reasons for decision

 

Previous strategic documents have all expired and therefore this means the borough has no agreed strategy for the management, improvement and enhancement of the parks and greenspaces in the borough.

 

The documents have the support of many stakeholders who collaborated with the Council to identify the priorities, needs and aspirations which are embodied in the new Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans, policies, and standards.

 

The Parks and Greenspaces Strategy is aspirational, seeking to make the parks and greenspaces in the borough truly inclusive for the whole community in Haringey. If achieved, then everyone will have the opportunity to benefit from the uplift in their wellbeing, have spaces that have adapted to climate change and enjoy a quality experience for all.

 

Funding and sustaining the outcomes hoped for in this strategy will always be a challenge in the current local government climate. However, as has been witnessed in Haringey on numerous occasions, starting from a position of collaboration can achieve much greater outcomes.

 

Alternative options considered

 

The only other option would have been to not produce a new strategy or the supporting plans. This would have weakened the Council’s position. There would have been no clear policy framework within which Councillors and officers could work. Decisions and opportunities would have to be weighed against their merits and not in relation to the agreed strategic aims and objectives. Without a strategy, the Council is in a weaker position to bid for external funding.

 

Supporting documents: