Agenda item

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for information.

Councillor David Skelton introduced the Opposition Priority Business paper on the Future of Whitewebbs which contained a number of recommendations.

 

Councillor Skelton highlighted the importance of Whitewebbs Park to residents and the importance of preserving the natural environment, improving the quality of life in the borough and, crucially, maintaining trust in those who govern the Council.

 

Concerns were expressed that the proposal for the future use of Whitewebbs by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) would not permit Whitewebbs to be fully open to the public. It was noted that there were strong concerns over the lack of suitability of THFC to run the park as it has not demonstrated competence or experience in running a public space. Further, it was felt that the payments of £2m over 25 years would not offer a good return for the Council.

 

It was alleged that the engagement with residents had been poor, and this impacted on the public’s confidence in the Council’s ability to involve local residents, particularly as there had been no public consultation in the bidding process. There was a criticism that a statutory notice had been posted on the back of a toilet door and that consultation had commenced just before Christmas.

 

Councillor Caliskan acknowledged that there will be some residents who will wish to object to any plans for Whitewebbs because they believe the golf course should have remained open, regardless of the cost to the taxpayer. Councillor Caliskan advised that the Council is seeking a future for Whitewebbs golf course that is financially sound but equally enhances the green space, maintains the beautiful woodlands, and increases access for more Enfield residents.

 

It was suggested that Whitewebbs park is one of the most important public spaces in the borough and is a hub of biodiversity for 78 species of birds, ancient woodlands, and a variety of plants but that the renovation of the park would require major earth moving and re-landscaping which would have a negative impact on the biodiversity.

 

In response, members noted that the proposals would allow for the re-wilding of Whitewebbs park and investment in the woodlands. Despite the Whitewebbs woods being excluded from the lease, the responsibility of improving, paths, fences, and bridleways is part of the proposal. This would make the park more accessible for walking, cycling and horse riding as well as providing jobs and opportunities for the residents of Enfield and investment in grassroots sport for young people across the borough.

 

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 15 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

 

Following the extended debate, a procedural motion was moved and seconded under paragraph 13.20 (v) of the Council’s Procedure Rules that the question be now put which was put to the vote and AGREED.

 

Councillor Caliskan said that the Administration would not sign the lease of Whitewebbs before there is a public consultation on the plans proposed by Tottenham Hotspur. She confirmed that had been, and was still, her position on the issue. Councillor Caliskan advised that detailed plans for the site were still being worked up and that, as mentioned in the Cabinet report, a statement which she stands by, the procurement process would not see the signing of the lease until there is a public consultation on the proposals. Councillor Caliskan went on to say that such proposals would go through planning, and it would be for the planning committee to decide. Councillor Caliskan confirmed that it was only once the proposals had gone through the public consultation exercise and had been granted planning permission that the local authority would be in a position to sign the lease.

 

A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, and another 11 members of the Council having stood in support of the request, the response from the Majority Group was put to the vote and was APPROVED with the following votes recorded:

 

For (31)

Abdul Abdullahi

Josh Abey

Nicki Adeleke

Gunes Akbulut

Mahmut Aksanoglu

Nawshad Ali

Kate Anolue

Mahym Bedekova

Sinan Boztas

Alev Cazimoglu

Nesil Caliskan

Mustafa Cetinkaya

Hivran Dalkaya

Guney Dogan

Elif Erbil

Ergin Erbil

Susan Erbil

Thomas Fawns

Margaret Greer

Ayten Guzel

Nelly Gyosheva

Ahmet Hasan

Mohammad Islam

Rick Jewell

Tim Leaver

Sabri Ozaydin

Bektas Ozer

George Savva MBE

Nia Stevens

Doug Taylor

Eylem Yuruk

 

Against (23)

Maria Alexandrou

Lee Chamberlain

Chris Dey

Hannah Dyson

Peter Fallart

Reece Fox

Alessandro Georgiou

Patricia Gregory

Adrian Grumi

James Hockney

Stephanos Ioannou

Chris Joannides

Joanne Laban

Andy Milne

Elisa Morreale

Tom O’Halloran

Paul Pratt

Julian Sampson

Ruby Sampson

David Skelton

Edward Smith

Emma Supple

Andrew Thorp

 

Abstention (1)

Suna Hurman