Agenda item

To consider report HCS/41 the Head of Community Services.

The Commission considered report HCS/41 and HCS/41a of the Head of Community Services which was presented by Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, the Community Services Manager and Community Safety Officer.  The report reviewed the findings of the consultation and considered the options for implementing a Public Spaces Protection Order; Keep your dog on a lead in Tilgate Park.

Councillor Jaggard spoke on the item and matters raised included that consultation had not taken place on the proposed 'Option X’, concern regarding the golf course perimeter and access, particularly from Maidenbower and how residents would be affected. It was also queried why the silt lakes had not been included in the proposal. Councillor Jones also spoke recognising it was an emotive subject, and the consultation responses had been acknowledged and it was important to consider all park users.

During the discussion with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, the Community Services Manager and Community Safety Officer, Commission members made the following comments:

·         It was noted that the proposal and potential change was for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to be considered to prohibit dog related anti-social behaviour within specific areas of Tilgate Park: the main lake, Peace Garden, lawn area and golf course. It was acknowledged that the topic was sensitive and divisive.  Yet it was important to find a balanced, fair, and reasonable approach to this emotive subject.

·         There was recognition that the many dog owners who visit Tilgate Park were responsible; keeping their dog under control and exercise it in a manner that does not cause distress to other park users.  It was important not to alienate responsible dog owners but to manage anti-social behaviour.

·         Support was offered for the Hound Ground, together with the training facility/circuit area to be provided which would offer areas for dogs ‘off lead’.  However queries were raised regarding costs and operation.  It was also noted that dogs needed to remain healthy and be exercised.

·         Queries were raised with regards to the perimeter footpaths and clarification was provided with reference to the PSPO areas.  In addition, any preservation of woodland and paths would be undertaken as necessary.  Comments were raised concerning the woodland area from both Furnace Green and Maidenbower immediately into the PSPO area.

·         Acknowledgement that at the expiration of the 3 years, the process would be reviewed to determine whether the threshold to sustain if a PSPO was still being met and repeated if deemed necessary.  It was confirmed that reviews could take place within the 3-year period if amendments to the PSPO were required. 

·         Views were expressed that the item should be unwhipped at Full Council, however this was not felt to be a discussion point to comment upon further at the Commission’s meeting.

·         Confirmation was provided on the consultees and responses received.  There was an acknowledgement that there was likely to be under-reporting of incidents and the true scale of the issue was not necessarily reflected in formal complaints and reports and that whilst the majority of formally reported and anecdotal incidents were largely focused around the lake and lawn areas, there was evidence of the issue affecting other areas of the park, particularly where wildlife was concerned.  It was however noted that whilst incidents did occur in other areas, some of these were reported less frequently. It was suggested an overlap of incidents with the PSPO map would be beneficial (particularly the golf course).

·         It was remarked that only the main lake had been included in the proposed PSPO and the Silt lake had not been included in the revised area (‘Option X’).  It was commented that wildlife existed around all lakes within the park, where dogs were walked and it was therefore moved by Councillor Lanzer (seconded by Councillor T Belben) that the Cabinet be requested to consider the inclusion of the Silt Lake within the PSPO area. A vote was taken and upon being put to the Commission, the proposal was declared to be lost.

·         Concerns were expressed that public consultation had not taken place on the proposed PSPO. Although some members also queried if subsequent responses would significantly add value and would delay the implementation. It was proposed by Councillor Lanzer and seconded by Councillor K Khan that the Cabinet be requested to consider a further consultation exercise on the proposed ‘Option X’.  Following a vote, the recommendation was declared as carried.

Having considered all the matters in detail, and as a result of the comprehensive discussion and subsequent voting, the Commission noted the report and felt that the views expressed above along with the following recommendation was appropriate to be referred to the Cabinet:

RESOLVED

That the Commission:

Requests that the Cabinet consider a further consultation exercise on the proposed ‘Option X’.