Decision details

To approve a ten year Management Plan for Coldham's Common.

Public Question

A member of the public asked a question as set out below.

 

1.    Mr Smith raised the following points:

      i.          Referred to barbed wire on Coldham’s Common (P126 of the Officer’s report). This prevented access and was a danger to animals. Requested it be removed.

    ii.          Referred to a written statement submitted by Ms White, Vice Chair of Friends of Coldham’s Common. Queried if there had been adequate consultation on the Coldham’s Common Management Plan. Also, what was the timeframe for action?

 

The Senior Asset Development Officer said the wire was due for removal through the Management Plan, but there was a legal challenge on one section of the fence.

 

The Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places said the intention was to minimise the amount of wire on the Common and its removal would be a priority for action.

 

The Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager said recommendations in the Officer’s report would lead to dialogue then action if approved. The Management Plan would be reviewed after a year then brought back to committee if there were any issues.

 

Matter for Decision

Coldham’s Common is one of the largest open spaces in Cambridge; it is widely used by people for a variety of different activities and is important for its natural habitats and the biodiversity they support. Cambridge City Council oversaw the management of the common for the people of Cambridge.

 

The 10 year management plan seeks to deliver a vision for Coldham’s Common. Extensive public consultation had been undertaken to establish how local residents and visitors use and value the site. These views have been considered carefully when balancing the multifunctional uses and values of the common.

 

The plan collates information on important features of the common. Each feature review includes a brief description of why it is considered important, sets key objectives for the next ten years and proposes specific actions to achieve them. It also sets out a monitoring and review timetable for the actions.

 

A 5 year review of the plan is proposed to be consulted on in 2021.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

       i.          Adopted the ten year Coldham’s Common Operational Management Plan for implementation beginning April 2016;

     ii.          Instructed officers to promote the new plan amongst stakeholders and users and invite volunteer participation in appropriate activities;

   iii.          Instructed Officers to review the management plan in 12 months’ time and report back any exceptions to Scrutiny Committee on the effectiveness of the management regime.

 

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 Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.