Cabinet:

1.    Agreed the draft New Byelaws for the Borough’s Pleasure Grounds, Public Walks, and Open Spaces as shown in Appendix 1 and amended Schedule of areas as shown in Appendix 2 for public consultation.

2.    Agreed that the existing Pleasure Ground Byelaws as shown in Appendix 3 and existing Schedule of Sites as shown in Appendix 4 are revoked once the final versions of the new Byelaws and Schedule of areas as set out in recommendation 1) above have been approved by Cabinet and subsequently full Council.

Cabinet considered the report in relation to the Updating of the Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws.  During the lockdown period and the Pandemic generally, Havering’s Parks have proved to be an amazing asset to the Borough and have been much enjoyed by many residents. 

The byelaws were last updated in 1983 and over time the nature of park usage has altered and the expectations of park users have also changed. The updated byelaws reflect the way in which the Borough’s parks and open spaces are used today and the reasonable expectations of users. The updating also ensures that they are easier for park users to understand.  Once approved by Cabinet, full Council will formally decide on whether to adopt the updated byelaws, as set out in  Part 1 Paragraph 4.01 (j) of the Constitution. 

This is a consultation document and was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Board in their meeting yesterday and items for further consideration were highlighted as follows:

·       The importance of enforcement of the byelaws, particularly at night.

·       That outcomes and suggestions made during the consultation exercise be given consideration for inclusion in the updated byelaws

·       That the Cabinet report and the consultation materials be distributed to all Councillors to allow them to make suggestions on the byelaws should they wish

·       That the impact of the byelaws on housing land be clarified

·       That careful consideration be given to the policy re cycling in parks

·       That the use of horse and traps in parks be controlled via byelaws.

The Leader of the Council stressed the quality of Havering’s Parks and it was noted that a further two green flags had been awarded to Parks in the Borough.  High quality open space is the pride of the Borough and it is extremely important that these standards are maintained and prized.  A refresh of the Byelaws will ensure standards are preserved.

Following discussion, Cabinet:

1.    Agreed the draft New Byelaws for the Borough’s Pleasure Grounds, Public Walks, and Open Spaces as shown in Appendix 1 and amended Schedule of areas as shown in Appendix 2 for public consultation.

2.    Agreed that the existing Pleasure Ground Byelaws as shown in Appendix 3 and existing Schedule of Sites as shown in Appendix 4 are revoked once the final versions of the new Byelaws and Schedule of areas as set out in recommendation 1) above have been approved by Cabinet and subsequently full Council.