Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4456)

(Report No.9)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Councillor Daniel Anderson (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Regeneration and Environment and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.9).

NOTED

1.               An amendment to paragraph 6.2.3 of the report with the deletion of the words “the Street Works Enforcement and Prosecution Policy” and insertion of “the Parks and Open Spaces Events Strategy”.

2.               That four Cabinet Members had been involved in various aspects of the Strategy, as detailed in the report.

3.               Councillor Anderson highlighted the main aspects of the review that had been undertaken and the recommended way forward. The Strategy covered a breadth of issues and aimed to strike a balance with all aspects of the events strategy going forward. The increasing demand for events of various sizes, the commercial aspects and the needs of local residents and park users had all been taken into consideration. A detailed consultation exercise had been undertaken, as outlined in the report. A range of consultation methods had been followed with various stakeholders. The review had been comprehensive and a number of concerns previously raised had been mitigated. The need for events to be well-managed was recognised. Income generation was important to support the Borough’s parks and open spaces; this was balanced against any concerns expressed by local stakeholders and residents. The Strategy set out clear structures and processes to be followed and provided clear guidance on moving forward. The creation of the Strategy with majority support; would now provide the foundations to deliver events that provide community, social and economic value to the council but balance the impact they might have on stakeholders and residents.

4.               Councillor Taylor (Leader of the Council) advised Members that he had received two written representations today from representatives of the Trent Park Conservation Committee (TPCC) and the Chalk Lane Area Residents Association (CLARA). Copies of the representations were provided to Cabinet Members at the meeting for their consideration in advance of reaching their decision on the adoption of the Strategy. In addition, Councillor Robert Hayward also wished to address the Cabinet; he had received further written representations from the Friends of Trent Country Park, copies of which were also provided to the Cabinet.

5.               Members discussed in detail the issues raised within the three written representations and Nicky Fiedler (Assistant Director – Regeneration and Environment) responded to the points outlined for Members’ consideration. Members were reminded of the licensing conditions that were applied to events and the processes that had to be followed and adhered to. The Events Strategy was a policy that covered the delivery of all events across 124 parks. It was the Council’s responsibility to determine which events were suitable for which parks within the borough, but work was undertaken with stakeholders to determine the measures and controls to be put in place to limit the impact of events on local residents. It was felt that the new Strategy was a significant step forward.

6.               Councillor Robert Hayward was invited to address the Cabinet. Councillor Hayward took this opportunity to highlight his views regarding the need to ensure that comprehensive and adequate security measures were in place for large scale events. In response, Councillor Derek Levy outlined the role undertaken by the Licensing Committee and the representations made by responsible authorities in the consideration of licensing applications. Councillor Taylor recognised the need for comprehensive risk assessments to be undertaken whilst also ensuring that events could continue as normal. Further reassurances were provided by Councillor Fonyonga and officers present. Police were consulted and, the Safety Advisory Group carried out comprehensive risk assessments on an individual event basis. Councillor Fonyonga undertook to ensure that Councillor Hayward’s comments were highlighted to the Group in their future considerations.

7.               Nicky Fiedler provided further reassurances regarding security measures and the continued involvement of stakeholders in moving forward. Comprehensive responses were provided to Members in their consideration of the written representations which had been received. Information was provided on the number of established events held at Trent Park and the Strategy followed for events held in school holidays.

8.               Councillor Yasemin Brett highlighted the potential biodiversity impact and proposed that consideration be given to a biodiversity audit being undertaken at a future stage. Councillor Brett praised the Strategy and recognised the considerable work that had been undertaken in reaching this stage.

9.               Councillor Vicki Pite praised the comprehensive consultation process that had been undertaken.

10.           Councillor George Savva highlighted the positive aspects of the events in bringing local communities together and, noted the Council’s continued work with stakeholders including the Friends of the Parks.

11.           Following Members’ detailed consideration of the written representations which had been received and the representations made by Councillor Hayward at the meeting, Members expressed their support of the new Strategy.

12.           Councillor Taylor concluded that Members were not dismissive of the points that had been raised, the representations which had been made were acknowledged and officers would continue to have dialogue with the stakeholders in going forward. The value and benefits provided by the Borough’s parks and open spaces was recognised. Any income generated by the events was reinvested for the future benefit of the parks.

Alternative Options Considered: Not to develop a new strategy and miss the cultural, economic, social and financial benefits that park events bring to borough. Not to adopt a new strategy and risk challenge from the community that there was no framework under which park events could be managed and governed. Adopt a new strategy that had no framework and offers the community no reassurance of the number, size or frequency of events within the Borough’s parks and open spaces.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to adopt the new strategy and use the framework set out within the strategy to guide the delivery of events in parks and open spaces going forward.

Reason: A new strategy was required to guide the effective delivery of events within the Borough’s parks and open spaces. The strategy was required to set out the framework under which events could be delivered to allow the enrichment of the cultural offering within the Borough, support economic growth and generate income that would help the Council maintain our parks and open spaces, and protect those residents who were most affected by events happening within their local park. It was believed that the proposed strategy provided a good balance between facilitating park events and protecting residents.

(Key decision – reference number 4456)