Agenda and minutes

The Chair paid tribute to Philippa Ingleby, who sadly passed away in March of this year.

The Chair expressed thanks for all the hard work Philippa did in initiating and developing the Epsom Downs Hack Riders Community Group and shared she will be greatly missed. These comments were echoed by the Committee.

The Committee observed a minute’s silence in memory of Philippa.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 14 October 2024 (attached) and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee held on 14 October 2024 were agreed as a true record and the Chair was authorised to sign them.

This report presents an update on the Committee Action Tracker.

The Committee received a report presenting an update on the Committee Action Tracker.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Condition of Hack Canter Ride. The Chair explained that a site visit and meeting had taken place between relevant parties and the solution agreed upon is to move the hack canter ride. Nigel Whybrow confirmed that the work is scheduled to be done. The Chair stated that this would remain on the action tracker and be updated on at the next meeting.

b)            Noticeboards on the Downs. The Chair informed the Committee that he had met with the Streetcare Manager in January to discuss the updates to the content proofs. The Chair explained that the final proof will be shared to Committee Members and Invited Representatives. The Chair stated that the final proof will be shared by the end of March 2025. The Chair explained once the proof is agreed, they will be sent off to print and put up on the boards as soon as possible. The EDMAC representative explained that an  EDMAC noticeboard was removed last June and has only just been returned. The EDMAC representative requested that in future when the boards are moved, please can they be returned as soon as possible. The Streetcare Manager noted the comment. The Epsom Civic Society representative asked if the noticeboard content would be put on the front and back of the boards or just the front. The comment was due to the back of the boards current displaying the byelaws using a sticky back plastic material, which was not working well. The Streetcare Manager stated that they would look at getting the byelaws printed onto a more durable material. The WERs representative asked if volunteers were needed to help with the maintenance of the noticeboards. The Streetcare Manager noted the comment and agreed to get the Downskeepers to check all the boards and clean off any graffiti.

c)            Spoil Heaps. The Streetcare Manager explained it has been a joint effort between Operational Services and the Jockey Club to begin clearing up the spoil heaps and fly tipping, that had accumulated in the top car park. The Streetcare Manager explained that it is a work in progress, but the site is becoming clearer. The Chair acknowledged Nigel Whybrow’s hard work on reallocating the materials in the spoil heap. The Epsom Civic Society asked what is happening with the other spoil heaps, not in the top car park. Nigel Whybrow explained that the spoil heap on Ebbisham Lane, is a project that is currently happening, and the soil will go onto the ruts along the tree line and be used. The Chair stated an update on all spoil heaps will be provided at the next meeting.

d)            Oak Trees. The Chair explained that a location has been agreed, and funding has been secured for six trees. The funding is being provided by the Epsom Tree Advisory Board and the Business Improvement District. The Chair stated the trees will be ordered shortly and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To discuss any issues raised by Invited Representatives, including the following:

·         Top Cark Park Rubbish

·         Noticeboards and Signs

·         EDMAC Runway Damage

·         Event Query

·         Grazing on Juniper Hill

·         Track and Grass Repairs

·         Noticeboards Content

·         Horse Numbers

·         Footpaths

·         Vehicles

·         Downs House

The Committee discussed the issues raised by representatives invited to attend the meeting.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Flying on the Downs. The Epsom Equestrian Conservation Team representative asked if there is a specific area where EDMAC fly their planes. The EDMAC representative explained that there is a specific zone within which EDMAC members fly their zone, it is bounded by the inner barrier of the racecourse. The EDMAC representative explained that there are noise restrictions on planes, and they can check planes, if there are any incidents, to ensure it meets the requirements of the club. The EDMAC representative explained it was probably an internal combustion engine plane that was making a lot of noise, as the electric planes are much quieter, and are the preferred choice of many members now.

b)            Runway Damage. The EDMAC representative explained that horses crossing the runway strips can cause damage and problems to planes taking off or landing. Alex Stewart explained that there is no reason for horses to be crossing the runway strips and stated that information could be shared on the Epsom Riders Facebook group to remind people where they should and shouldn’t be riding. The Chair agreed with the comments made by Alex Stewart.

c)            Hosting a family event. The EDMAC representative explained that EDMAC wish to encourage young people to join and wish to hold a family event to get young people involved and able to try it out.The Streetcare Manager explained that EDMAC need to apply to hold their event on the Downs via the normal form and process, which can be found on the Council’s website.

d)            Grazing on Juniper Hill. The Senior Countryside Officer provided an update on the feasibility study carried out regarding reintroducing grazing on the Downs. They explained that there is nothing in the act that does not allow grazing on the Downs, and shared the Conservators must agree before it is reintroduced.The Senior Countryside Officer shared that it would be sheep grazing. A report will be going to Conservators in June to seek their approval.The Senior Countryside Officer has consulted with relevant parties and the main issue would be animals getting lose and the proximity to the gallops, with solutions currently being considered. They explained that the project will be progressed through getting grants to fund it. An invited representative asked if the grazing will affect the movement of deer. The Senior Countryside Officer said it would not impact deer. A Committee Member asked if animals would be moving around or located in one area. The Senior Countryside Officer said the animals would be located in just one area. The Member suggested reaching out to NESCOT to get volunteers to help with the project. The Senior Countryside Officer noted the comment. The Senior Countryside Officer explained it would roughly cost £15K to set up the project and a key point to sort would be having a member of staff who is responsible for finding and supporting the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To identify any items which the Committee wishes to be brought to the attention of the Conservators at their next meeting, and nominate a spokesperson to present them if appropriate.

The Committee identify that the Grazing on the Downs item would be going to the June meeting of the Conservators to seek their approval before the project progresses any further.

The resurfacing of the lower track item was identified to be added to the Committee Action Tracker.