Issue - meetings

To review the provision of cafes in parks and open spaces.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Approved the proposals for provision of cafes in parks as set out in section 6 of the report.

(2)          Agreed that once applications are received and the initial review process is complete that the final decision on preferred operators be delegated to the Head of Operational Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Community and Wellbeing Committee.

The Committee received a report reviewing the provision of cafes in parks and open spaces, and proposing suitability and viability considerations which would be taken into account when evaluating future applications.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Review of existing provision. Officers had reviewed both Council operated café facilities and privately owned and managed facilities within Council parks/open spaces to provide a comprehensive understanding of the options available. The review had focussed on Bourne Hall café (Council operated) and Auriol Park café (privately owned and managed), and the report detailed the arrangements for both of these sites.

b)            Considerations for future proposals. The Committee noted the considerations which would be taken into account when evaluating future applications, including: the length of lease to ensure viability of the operation versus the protection of the Council’s asset; additional permissions required (such as planning consent or approval from Fields in Trust); provision/upkeep of sheltered seating; provision/upkeep of toilet facilities; pressure to provide more/improved facilities, activities or events. It was noted that proposals for new fixed café facilities would only be accepted for temporary structures which could be removed if the business discontinued for any reason. If a viable proposal for a permanent fixed café facility were received, it would be presented to the Committee for consideration.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Approved the proposals for provision of cafes in parks as set out in section 6 of the report.

(2)          Agreed that once applications are received and the initial review process is complete that the final decision on preferred operators be delegated to the Head of Operational Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Community and Wellbeing Committee.