Issue - meetings

This report summarises the position of Nonsuch Park in respect of “Green Belt” status, in light of the recent Green Belt Study undertaken on behalf of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

The Committee received a report summarising the position of Nonsuch Park in respect of ‘green belt’ status in light of the recent Green Belt Study undertaken on behalf of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.  Initial investigations had revealed that a 1939 deed entered into by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey County Council, London County Council and Sutton & Cheam Borough Council had referred to the intent that Nonsuch Park should be green belt land, although the land had not appeared as such on maps.  No further evidence had come to light to suggest the green belt status has been changed.

The Committee was advised that a wider area than that specified in the deed had been designated as Strategic Open Space which had given it a high degree of protection.  It was noted that should the park’s green belt status be confirmed it would not detract or lessen the degree of protection associated with Strategic open space/site of nature conservation (SNCI), however it would engage the relevant national planning policies and would come before the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee for consideration. The Committee were assured by Councillor Graham Dudley, Chairman of the Licensing and Planning Policy that the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee and Nonsuch Watch would be included in any consultations arising from proposed changes in the designation.

Accordingly, the Committee noted the status of Nonsuch Park and agreed that Officers be instructed to undertake further investigations, and take such further action as they consider appropriate.