Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologies for absence were received from Cllr Mahmut Aksanoglu, Neil Paddon-Smith (Meadway Conservation Area Study Group), Robert Wilson (Hadley Wood Conservation Area Study Group), Ann Bishop-Laggett (Federation of Enfield Residents and Allied Associations).

It was agreed that item 4 ( Trent Park Update) be taken before item 3 (Update on COP26).

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.

The minutes of the meeting taken on the 19^th October were agreed and the following matters arising were noted:

1.  As discussed at the previous meeting, Andrew Newman (Clay Hill Study Group) provided a summing up of the Forum which took place on the 27^th July 2021 in respect of the Local Plan, including some views collectively.  This document was sent to the Chair who will send this to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Sarah Cary and other relevant officers.

2.  Enforcement - Sarah Cary confirmed that there have been some staffing capacity issues in the Council’s enforcement team albeit the service is functioning.  Cllr George Savva (Cabinet Member, Licensing and Regulatory Services) to be invited to the Forum to provide an update. ACTION: Koulla

To receive a verbal update on recent government policy and spending announcements in respect of COP26 (COP stands for Conference of the Parties, and the summit will be attended by the countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – a treaty that came into force in 1994).

RECEIVED an overview on COP26 from Dominic Millen, Head of Climate Action and Sustainability.

The following information was noted:

A. COP26 - is the Annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference, which includes the Conference of Parties. It  started in 1995 so this was the 26^th edition.

B.  The focus of the Conference was looking at progress since the Paris Agreement in 2016 which aimed to keep the rise in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally less than 1.5.  Negotiations took place between government officials, political representatives and heads of state with a particular focus on adaptation and resilience, alongside mitigation measures which led to an agreement called the “Glasgow Climate Pact”.  The key elements of the Pact were:

·         Unabated” coal power to be phased down and “inefficient subsidies” for fossil fuels removed.

·         Nations urged to set new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2022.

·         No climate reparations but there should be support for a just transition and adaptation.

International carbon trading should deliver “real, verified and additional” emissions removals.

C.  Government Net Zero Strategy - to be implemented by 2050, with the UK leading global race and “green and growth” theme. 4 main principals include: biggest polluters pay most, deep cost reductions in low carbon tech, most vulnerable are protected by the government and consumer choice is retained.

D.  There are various pathways to achieving this including entirely “clean” electricity and increased hydrogen production. Oil and gas sector to be regulated to reduce emissions. Carbon capture technologies enhanced and UK Emissions Trading Scheme established to be set up..

E.  For buildings there is an ambition that no new gas boilers will be sold by 2035, with support for heat pumps as a low carbon alternative.

F.  There is a 2030 commitment to end fossil fuel vehicle sales, including moving freight and public transport to zero emission technologies.  Also half of all journeys to be walked or cycled by 2030 with funding for bus networks. There is also reference to zero emission flights..

G.  Other areas include low carbon farming support, peat and woodland restoration, as well as funding for free separate food waste collections for all households by 2025.

H.  Estimate is that an average of £50 to £60 billion is required per annum, most of which from the private sector, with the government creating an attractive investment environment, taking a strategic approach. Analysis shows benefits far outweigh costs and doing nothing leads to economic meltdown.

I.  Underpinning the Strategy are various principles including retaining consumer choice, while making the green choice the easiest and most affordable.

J. The Strategy also recognises the important role that local authorities have in delivering national ambitions, with examples of what this entails. It was noted that the Council is already delivering against these.

The following comments were received:

1.         A suggestion was received to encourage best practice, starting in schools with tree planting events, improving recycling advice, encouraging children to collect plastic bottles etc.

            In response,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

RECEIVED an update on Trent Park from Marcus Harvey (Head of Parks, Open Spaces and Leisure).  The following topics were discussed:

Showground: - this 10-acre space is situated adjacent to Limes Avenue and is utilised for events programme for Parks.  Remedial works have been necessary after public events this summer and return to public use expected February 2022.

Thames Water: currently redirecting water project taking place.  There is a temporary pipeline erected with a permanent underground installation due by July 2022 outside the memorial gardens.

Car Parks:  There are two accessible car parks at Cockfosters Road entrance, the main one has a 60-car capacity and repairs to which started 23^rd Nov 2021 in three phases to allow continued use, works anticipated to take four weeks. The Woodland car park having a 70-car capacity, with 4-week repair schedule (full closure) proposed for early 2022 start, subject to planning permission. 

·         Remaining car parks at Hadley Road (repairs to be completed by early 2022, directly by LBE) and Snakes Lane (closed to public during Berkley Homes development and owned by Berkley homes also).

Improved cycle storage and security will be considered as part of the overall scheme, of repairing the car parks at Cockfosters entrance

Natural England (Higher Level Stewardship): Trent Park has a shrubland maintenance in place with the current agreement with Natural England which ends in 2021 with a review meeting scheduled for 6^th December. Other locations included in agreement include Oakwood, Forty Hall and Hillyfields and with the support of Natural England we will look to expand on the agreement

IN RESPONSE, the following comments were received:

1.  Following the public events on the showground area of the Park this summer, when remedial work has been necessary, the future events schedule has not yet been agreed. Although the event’s organisers paid for the damages, it has meant the area has been out of use for many months now. The Council’s focus has been to get the ground back to a reasonable condition, weather permitting.

2.  In respect of Thames Water, it was noted that the reservoirs were based underwater near the water tower. Driving a temporary road under the water tower did not account for enough arboriculture surveys to determine the damage that might be caused.  Enfield to speak to Thames Water and provide a thorough reporting line, with tree stocks to be replaced.  Action: Marcus

Water Tower needs screening from industrial equipment. Dennis Stacey to share consultation report with Marcus. Action: Dennis Stacey

3.  Marcus Harvey to address any issues with the cleaning and restocking of the toilets.

4.  It has not been decided yet how many cycle storage areas are to be installed. The areas have been confirmed as adjacent to the toilets or Cockfosters Car Park.

5.  In the Parks Consultation, the document shows events policy is still in place. This is because Natural England provide a small fee and small income for Enfield and focuses on best practice.   The Parks management  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note the date of the next meeting of the Environment Forum as 12^th January 2022.

To note and agree the updated work programme.

The next date for Environment Forum meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 12^th January 2022.

The updated Environment Forum Work Programme was noted and agreed.