Minutes:
Event proposal
The Chair raised that an organisation has approached the Conservators in regard to holding a large, two-day, live-aid style, concert event on the Downs in September 2027. He asked the Committee for comments on the idea. He acknowledged more information would be needed to provide a full view on the proposal and agreed to share an event summary and any information currently held on the proposed event. He explained the event would raise funds for charity work, with some funds marked to be reinvested in the local area.
The Member from the Council raised that they, alongside other Conservators, had received a presentation from event organisers. She explained that event organisers were told that a more detailed plan and full application would need to be provided before Conservators could fully consider the proposal. She stated that because of the fundraising element of the proposal and success of the Derby festival each year, she would be minded to support the event.
The representative from the College Ward Residents’ Association asked what kind of music the concert would have. The Chair explained that the kind of music and specific acts are not known at this stage.
The representative from the Woodcote Residents’ Society asked about the cut off time for music, as the sound travels far across the Downs for local residents. The Chair said the event would likely follow the guidelines that the Jockey Club adhere to for music events, which cut off music at 11pm. The Chair assured the Committee that local groups and residents would be kept up to date with relevant information. The Chair suggested writing an article for the next Epsom Civic Society Newsletter. The representative from Epsom Civic Society stated the next newsletter will be published in December.
The Member from the British Horse Society queried if there is any intention for the proposed event to have fireworks. She highlighted that any decision to have fireworks would not be popular with many users of the Downs. The Chair explained that there is no intention at the moment to have fireworks and the impact of them is fully realised in the context of the Downs. He stated he plans to bring a motion to Full Council to restrict firework usage on Council land to no noise or low noise. The representative from EDMAC highlighted the fire risk and environmental impact of fireworks. The Chair noted the comments.
EDMAC Family Day
The representative from EDMAC raised that their September Family Day was not as well attended as the May event. They have decided to focus on just holding a May event in 2027. He explained that it will be held on a Sunday in 2027 and will not affect racehorse training.
Dog Walking
The Member from the Council asked if the signage on the Downs can be updated to say that racehorse training ends at 9.30am on a Sunday, not 12 noon. The Chair explained that the new signage, going up wc 9 November, has the correct timings on re dogs being on leads.
Drones
The Member from the British Horse Society raised the issue with people flying drones on the Downs without permission. She spoke about a specific incident with an individual flying a drone with headphones on. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare asked if people can share any specific details about the individual and the incident so the Downskeepers can look into the situation. She spoke about the rise in requests to film with drones on the Downs and explained that drones could not be flown on the Downs without written permission from the Conservators. The representative from EDMAC highlighted that drones should not be flown alone and anyone flying an unmanned aircraft on the Downs should have a spotter and should be a member of EDMAC. He encouraged people to call the police. The Chair explained that some organisations have been given permission to fly a drone on the Downs for commercial or film-making purposes and they should be able to provide evidence of that permission if challenged.