Agenda item

To provide an annual review of the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club Mobility Impaired Parking Scheme on Epsom and Walton Downs and to request permission for the scheme to be granted on a permanent basis.

The Conservators received an annual review of the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club (EDMAC) Mobility Impaired Parking Scheme on Epsom and Walton Downs and a request for permission for the scheme to be granted on a permanent basis.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Model Aircraft development. A Member of the Conservators raised concerns about the potential evolution of Model Aircrafts, to become more drone-like, and potentially interfere with the training of racehorses. This concern made them hesitant to give permanent permission to EDMAC. The Chair informed Conservators that the recommendation could be amended if needed. The Chair suggested that a question could be raised to EDMAC at Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee.

b)            Report recommendation. A Member of the Conservators raised that the recommendation could be amended to say, ‘subject to there being no serious concerns raised with the Council’, as this adds a helpful proviso if issues are raised and allows Conservators to deal with them quickly. The Chair raised that the recommendation could be changed to give permission for another year but not permanently, so the report comes again to Conservators next June.

c)            No issues. A Member of the Conservators pointed out that this parking arrangement has been proposed to be granted permanently because there have been no issues or complaints since the inception of the scheme. Another Member echoed this comment.

d)            Suspend. A Member of the Conservators asked if an issue did arise, do the Conservators have the power to suspend without notice. The Chair informed the Committee he would take the question away and ask legal officers. The Chair explained that EDMAC have been very positive users of the Downs and have not caused any problems but always work productively with other users of the Downs.

e)            Report. A Member of the Conservators highlighted that paragraph 1.4 of the report sets out that ‘it is proposed the scheme is granted on a permanent basis, with the caveat that it will return to be reviewed by Conservators if any issues arise,’ which covers the Conservators if any problems do arise and need addressing. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare assured Conservators that if any issue was to arise with any stakeholders, they would be informed and the problem addressed immediately.

·                     Councillor Frost proposed that the wording in paragraph 1.4 was added to the end of recommendation 2. This would mean recommendation 2 would read as ‘Grant permission for the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club Mobility Impaired Parking Scheme on a permanent basis, with the caveat that it will return to be reviewed by Conservators if any issues arise.’

Councillor Spickett seconded the motion.

Conservators agreed (7 for and 1 abstention) in favour of the amendment to the recommendation.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the success of the scheme.

(2)      Grant permission for the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club Mobility Impaired Parking Scheme on a permanent basis, with the caveat that it will return to be reviewed by Conservators if any issues arise.