Agenda item - Events in Parks and Open Spaces 2019

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)            That the committee grants landlord’s consent for the events listed in Appendix 1.            

2)            That the committee authorise officers to enter into formal agreements with event organisers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate.

3)            That the committee authorises the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture, after consultation with the Chair of the committee and opposition spokespersons, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy.

48.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that sought approval from Members for landlord’s consent for the proposed programme of events in parks and open spaces in 2019.

48.2      Councillor Cattell expressed concern for events that led to sections of Preston Park being closed that often led to a level of correspondence received by residents and asked how long the closure would be for.

48.3      The Events Manager clarified that the comedy festival event was of small scale that would only take up a small area of Preston Park and would be closed for 7 to 10 days.

48.4      Councillor Norman asked who would be responsible for clearing up the area after the event.

48.5      The Events Manager answered that it was the responsibility of the event organisers and the council received a bond that could be withheld if the clean-up was not to a satisfactory standard.

48.6      Councillor Druitt noted that the committee had agreed in the previous year to consider other aspects in the Events Policy such as a requirement that organisation pay a living wage, that single-use plastics be used and an environmental improvement levy made and asked upon the current status of that proposal.

48.7      The Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture explained that organisers were already required to complete a sustainability checklist adding that the new Events Strategy was being drafted and would be considered by the committee at a future meeting.

48.8      RESOLVED-

1)            That the committee grants landlord’s consent for the events listed in Appendix 1.            

2)            That the committee authorise officers to enter into formal agreements with event organisers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate.

3)            That the committee authorises the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture, after consultation with the Chair of the committee and opposition spokespersons, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy.