Agenda and minutes

The Chair, Cllr Nicki Adeleke, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from John West (The Enfield Society) and Dave Cockle (Enfield Transport Users Group).

Apologies for lateness were received from Cllr Chris James and Cllr Stephanos Ioannou.

Members of the Forum are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests relevant to items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest registered in respect of any items on the agenda.

To agree the draft minutes of the meeting held on the 20th July 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 20^th July 2022 were agreed and the following requests were received.

It was noted that “Any Other Business” was not added on the agenda as it was explained at the last meeting that this item is no longer relevant on agendas and any specific items to be discussed should be added to the agenda for the next meeting, time permitting.   To manage expectations, Officers need a description of what agenda items are required.  The Chair offered a 5-minute slot at the end of each meeting to go through these for the benefit of the attendees and the Officers and welcomed any emails directly to her in this respect also (Cllr.Nicki.Adeleke@enfield.gov.uk).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

To receive an update on Forty Hall.

Received an update report from Marcus (Harvey Head of Parks, Open Spaces and Leisure) on Forty Hall.

The following comments were received:

·       What future proofing of grass is in place now that the winter months are upon us and damage caused from extreme weather conditions?

·       Biodiversity discussions are still ongoing and due to the challenges faced over the summer with the extreme heat, a reduction in cutting the grass is deemed necessary at present as the grass is continuing to grow.  This will be further reviewed and monitored in line with growth once the growing season has finished.

·       In terms of Encroachment, to restore the characteristics of the area, further work is required to remove saplings and cut down the canopy growth.  This additional work is labour intensive and there is heavy reliance on volunteers to support this extra work.

·       Discussions were held about the vastness of the overall project at Forty Hall in relation to the entirety of the estate in relation to maintenance of the two listed buildings, parks and the home farm, vineyard, orchard, food production, the four residential properties, the football academy, and the fishing lake. 

·       A more detailed management plan was requested, and it was agreed that this would be put in place once Officer discussions in this regard are held at the early party of October.

·       Regarding smaller animals such as goats on the estate for the future, advice was received that a practical view on cattle is in place to consider risk to the public, especially children visiting the estate.  Also, there are regular fires and tree cutting which could in turn frighten wildlife although newts are still evident locally, but this does not pose a threat.

·       A question was asked as to whether Forty Hall is currently running positively or negatively in terms of its total operation.  

·       In response the management plan details the pressures to be focussed on in terms of urgent maintenance and overall upkeep.  Heritage sites are often seen as requiring maintenance although they are not necessarily in deterioration mode, although the huge footfall should be considered.  Contractors are tendered depending on their expertise of work, and heritage sites are viewed differently due to the nature of the restoration work necessary.  Therefore, the budget implications cannot be compared for both.  The management plan allows for prioritisation of the site, with the driving force being always health and safety. 

·       An update on the anti-social behaviour at Forty Hall was requested, to include the car park issues, closure of the main white gate.  A revisit of the management plan was requested to include updates from the Antisocial Behaviour team. This was agreed.

·       With the increase of events at the site, litter issues were discussed, as Friends of the Forty Hall Park are heavily involved in this aspect, especially over the summer months up until 8pm. 

·       In response, many areas have seen improvements in this respect and the was management policies are currently being reviewed to consider management of waste more efficiently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive an update on the Climate Action Plan.

The Environment Forum received an update on the Council’s Climate Action Plan from Officers, which included the Council’s Climate Action Plan revision and timetable for engagement.

The following comments were received and noted:

·       There would be a focus on consultation, communication, and community engagement across the Borough, and with schools, as these were paramount to Climate Action Plan moving forward. 

·       To have an impact on climate change all London Boroughs would need to work together.

·       There were many factors to be considered when developing the Climate Action Plan, such as decision making, the Local Plan, construction and maintenance of buildings and the implications of the proposals on organisations. 

·       The Climate Action Plan and the proposals contained therein would need to be robust and sustainable.

·       Everyone had a role and needed to believe in and be committed to the Climate Action Plan.  Everyone needed to be conscious of the effect of global warming and their contribution towards it.  Actions taken by an individual would affect the whole world.

·       The role of Officers was to gain an understanding behind the current position, what was happening and why, then undertake a review of what was needed and how to achieve it. 

·       Officers would then assess what needed to happen in the short, medium, and long term to affect change.  This would be by identifying actions needed and setting new targets, which would be fully costed.

·       Enfield Borough Council would not develop the revised Climate Action Plan in isolation.  It would include over bodies, including the relevant government departments and the Mayor of London. 

·       Where necessary business cases would be made for funding to reduce emissions.

·       It must be recognised that there were some areas over which Enfield Council had no direct control or influence over.  The Council’s role would be reach out to communities to support and help them where possible.

·       Members would be invited to engagement workshops and consultation events separate the Environment Forum meetings.

To receive an update on Parks Maintenance.

The Environment Forum received a verbal update on the management of waste from Officers, having noted that an incorrect report had been circulated ahead of the meeting.

In response to comments received, Officers advised that there were seasonal variations in the amount of refuse left in parks, particularly after events which was subject to an overall review.

To confirm the date of the next meeting on Tuesday 25^th October 2022.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Environment Forum was scheduled to place on Tuesday, 25 October 2022.