Agenda item - Rewilding of Waterhall Golf Course

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

RESOLVED – That Committee:

1.    Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.

2.    Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.

3.    That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to

facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its

replacement by a new building near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and

cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices,

or similar.

4.    That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above

5.    That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee

on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as

statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.

6.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to implement the recommendations 2 to 5.

27.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture which sought approval to lease the former Waterhall Golf Course site and for Cityparks to undertake rewilding at the Waterhall site. In addition that a marketing exercise is undertaken of the remaining land and buildings not required for the rewilding to seek alternative uses. The report was provided by the Head of Sport and Leisure.

27.2    On behalf of the Labour Party, Councillor Appich moved a motion to amend the wording preceding the recommendations as shown below in strikethrough, to replace recommendation 2.3, insert a new 2.4 and 2.5 and to renumber the existing 2.4 so that it became 2.6 and to further amend it as shown in strikethrough and bold italics below:

That the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee recommends to the Policy & Resources Committee that it:

2.1       Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.

2.2      Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.

2.3       Agrees to a marketing exercise being undertaken of the buildings located on the site as per 3.12 and conclude lease agreements with preferred leaseholders,

who will undertake activities which complement re-wilding.

2.3      That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its replacement by a new  building  near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices, or similar

2.4      That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above

2.5      That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.

2.42.6 Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to implement the recommendations 2.2 and to 2.53.

27.3    Councillor O’Quinn formally seconded the amendment.

27.4    Councillor Nemeth enquired if it was known that the preferred leaseholder was already registered with the rural agency.

27.5    The Head of Operations – City Parks confirmed that joining land was registered with the Rural Pavements Agency.

27.6    Councillor Nemeth enquired if BHCC had already reached the maximum limit of the available Basic Special Premium.

27.7    The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that BHCC had not yet reached the maximum limit and that there were no restrictions on applying for this at the moment.

27.8    Councillor Nemeth enquired if neighbours had been consulted on this and sought further clarification as to the status of the golf club’s possessions.

27.9    The Sports Facilities Manager stated that access had been provided to the premises to collect belongings during the Covid lockdown.

27.10  The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that the farmer in local vicinity along with the National Trust had been consulted. It was clarified that the adjoining land was owned by BHCC.

27.11  Councillor O’Quinn requested evidence regarding changes brought about by the sheep grazing programme implemented in 2010.

27.12  The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that information as available on certain sites being monitored.

27.13  A vote was taken on the amendment was passed.

27.14  RESOLVED – That Committee:

1.    Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.

2.    Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.

3.    That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to

facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its

replacement by a new building near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and

cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices, or similar.

4.    That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above

5.    That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee

on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as

statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.

6.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to implement the recommendations 2 to 5.