Agenda item

To receive and consider any petitions for which notice has been provided under Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that the following petition is due to be presented at the meeting:

(a)    Opposition to installation of perimeter fencing College Green Open Space

The supporting details on the petition have been attached, for reference.

5.1   Opposition to installation of perimeter fencing College Green Open Space

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed James Hogan (as lead petitioner and Chair of the College Green Preservation Society) to the meeting, who he advised was attending to present a petition opposing the installation of perimeter fencing around College Green Open Space.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, James Hogan began by detailing the history of College Green Open space, which he advised had been established by All Souls College Oxford in 1913 and currently consisted of land for allotment, scout and open space provision as well as a nursery. He further explained that in response to continued proposals to build houses on the open space, the College Green Preservation Society had been formed in 1988 with a nursery subsequently encouraged to move to the Green as further protection albeit with clarification provided that the open space currently shared with the local scout group did not form part of the nursery site.

In noting the vulnerability of open space in the area, the loss of spaces within Willesden, Kensal Green and Harlesden were highlighted as examples and in outlining the concerns of the petitioners, Mr Hogan felt it important to remind members that when establishing the land, All Souls College had issued a legally binding covenant stating that nothing on it could be used for any purpose which could be regarded as nuisance, damage or annoyance to the vendors in the neighbourhood, or which may lessen the value on the estate.  As a result, he pointed out, local residents were opposed to the proposals being developed by the nursery in seeking to further screen their site, given the impact it was felt this would have in restricting access and blocking the view of the existing open space and associated detrimental impact on the character of the area and value of surrounding properties, with the petitioners also seeking to raise these concerns direct with All Souls College Oxford.

Given the petitioners concerns over the vulnerability of open space in the area, opposition was also expressed in relation to any land-grab by the nursery arising from the erection of the proposed screening, with the expansion of buildings on the existing nursery site and installation of a fence, alongside further appropriation of land shared with the scouts, highlighted as having already created a physical and psychological barrier and residents concerned about the impact of further potential development, should any additional screening be permitted.

Reiterating that the open space to which the screening proposal related did not form part of the nursery site, Mr Hogan pointed out that the petitioners (alongside the Preservation Society) were therefore keen to ensure that the shared space remained open reflecting its value as an important part of the community and vital aspect of the character of the area.  In concluding, he therefore called upon the Council and nursery to respect the wishes of the community and refrain from taking away one of the last remaining open spaces in the area in order to preserve its ongoing access for all to use and see.

In thanking Mr Hogan for his presentation, the Leader then invited Councillor Jake Rubin (as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action) to respond to the points raised.

Having thanked James Hogan for attending the meeting to ensure that the views of all those who had signed the petition were represented, along with the Preservation Society for the care and commitment shown in seeking to protect and maintain College Green, Councillor Rubin began by assuring the petitioners that the potential impact any additional screening could have on the open nature of the space, local amenity and wider impact on the community had been recognised.  At the same time, however, he also felt it important to recognise the need to ensure the nursery was able to maintain appropriate safeguarding arrangements for children using their outdoor space.

In recognising the balance needing to be maintained, he therefore advised that in order to address the issues highlighted, Council officers were undertaking a review of the current fencing arrangements, which would include consideration of the necessary safeguarding requirements alongside relevant legislation and Department for Education guidance.  Once that review had been completed, an assurance was provided that the findings along with any recommendations would be shared with all relevant stakeholders, including the nursery, scout group and local residents in order to enable a way forward to be identified.

As a final contribution and in summing up, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) reaffirmed the assurance provided to review the issues highlighted and engage further with all relevant stakeholders in seeking to identify a way forward.