Decision details

Matter for Decision:  

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (BCN) Wildlife Trust have an existing single lease hold of two adjacent City Council owned Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Cherry Hinton, known as Limekiln Close LNR and West Pit LNR. The BCN Wildlife Trust have requested release from the leased area covering West Pit LNR due to perceived risks associated with the chalk face of the pit edge and the Caravan Club Site, also leased from the Council, at the base of the pit. There is a one month termination period on the existing lease. Officers proposed a change of demised area and a new twenty five year lease to the BCN Wildlife Trust covering Limekiln Close LNR only.

The management of the West Pit LNR would revert back to the City Council under the Streets & Open Spaces Asset Management team who manage the other City Local Nature Reserves. Officers proposed to initially close an informal footpath at West Pit along the edge of the chalk face whilst safety assessments and remedial works were undertaken. Public access to the LNR would remain from the layby at the top of Limekiln Hill.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Public Places:

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

       i.          Approve the change of demise area and new twenty five year lease of Limekiln Local Nature Reserve to the BCN Wildlife Trust.

     ii.          Instruct officers to undertake risk assessments for continued public access to the chalk slopes at West Pit and propose suitable future management and access to the Local Nature Reserve.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Head of Streets and Open Spaces regarding the proposed change of the Wildlife Trust lease at West Pit Local Nature Reserve.

In response to members questions officers confirmed that there would be minimal impact on the Caravan Club and public access to the site. Alternative pathways and access points would be established to ensure the safety of the public.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.