Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. Rick Jewell (Cabinet Member for Environment) and Marcus Harvey (Head of Parks and Open Spaces).

Apologies for absence were also received from Robert Wilson (Hadley Wood Conservation Area Study Group & Hadley Wood Association) and Paul Hutchinson (Grange Park Conservation Area Study Group).

Members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests relating to items on the agenda.

There were none.

To receive and agree the minutes of the previous Environment Forum meeting held on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th June 2023 were Agreed.

The updated work programme will be included with the minutes.

To receive an update on Town Centres.

Clare Moloney (Place Shaping Team Lead/ Creative Enfield Manager) and Richard Eason (Programme Director – Journeys & Places) provided the Board with a presentation capturing the latest activity, opportunities, engagement activities and local support within the Boroughs primary Town Centres.

The Committee Members raised various questions in response; litter and recycling post events, ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the public art/murals, how will the proposed development of Enfield Town impacts current plans, cobbles at Market Square, Pocket Parks and what efforts are there for the rest of the borough, in particular the northeast - Brimsdown, Enfield Lock and Ponders End.

In response to committee members questions the following answers were given:

-         Richard Eason (Programme Director) confirmed the Enfield Town design Plans sit outside the proposed development of Enfield Town and that it is a coordinated effort between the freeholders and Enfield Council. The aim is to ensure the pedestrian spaces line up with the proposals as the designs evolve.

-         The Enfield Town mural is designed to lighten the alleyway making it feel more pleasant to walk through. Concerns raised around feeling claustrophobic and overpowering were noted along with comments on the use of moving water as part of the Enfield Town Arts Trail.

-         In response to comments on the Market Square cobbles and maintaining the heritage, Richard Eason reiterated that the design is still evolving and will need to go to Planning Committee.

-         It was also confirmed that the movable seating planned for Fountain Island is in fact semi-permanent removable seating that cannot be moved at will by the public, only with a kit in certain instances.

-         In relation to the arts trail being created in Palmers Green for Curate Enfield, celebrating the local cultural and biodiversity was paramount. This can link to the plans for the development of Devonshire Square, as more greenery was requested for the square.

Recommendation: The Chair advised Richard Eason will inform the Forum on the best way to make contact with further ideas, and any other areas that would benefit from pocket parks.

To receive an update on Street Scene & Public Art.

The Planning Decisions Manager, Sharon Davidson provided an overview of the report which highlighted the key issue, the remit is tightly controlled. Planning consent is not always required but tall masts should seek prior approval.

In response to concerns raised about the report, Sharon advised that any feedback on the need for additional policy should be fed back through the consultation process on the Local Plan.

Sharon advised that the request for supplementary planning guidance was noted and would be fed back for consideration by the Service.

The Chair thanked Sharon and Paul for the report and answering questions.

The report was Noted.

David Taylor (Head of Highways, Traffic and parking) introduced Darren Bryant (Principal Engineer) from Highway Operations who would answer any technical questions on highway maintenance.

The Forum received a presentation from David Taylor who discussed the departments duties, responsibilities, and criteria for works.

The following arose as part of the discussion on resurfacing, gully cleaning, carbon footprint, schemes and repairs:

• David Taylor advised that he was conscious that some gullies in Clay Hill were not being cleaned frequently and will seek a reason for this.

• David Taylor with his team will seek to improve signage for footpaths and cycle lanes within a Cul-de-Sac.

• David will liaise with Richard to see if improvements can be made in waymarking and meet the standards imposed by TFL.

The report was Noted.

In absence of Marcus Harvey ( Head of Parks and Open Spaces) Highway Verges will be deferred to a future date.

To note the date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 5^th December 2023.

Tuesday 5^th December 2023