Agenda item

The Committee is asked to note the current situation on issues raised previously and other items of interest.

Marking out boundaries of the Old Palace

Councillor Mike Teasdale outlined the progress to date as follows:

·                 It had been suggested that the rubble from the original palace stored in the basement could be used with a mixture of chalk to mark out the boundary of the original palace.  The Museum of London, who own the rubble had been approached with the proposal to use only the small pieces of stone that they were willing to give up.  It was agreed that a Committee representative would write to Professor Biddle who was involved with the original project in 1959 to mark the stones, to inform him of the proposals and reassure him that no pieces of stone would be destroyed or crushed to use in the project.

·                 The cost of constructing the boundary markings was also being investigated, however it was not possible to obtain any quotes until the materials to be used had been confirmed.  The Committee noted the progress to date, and it was agreed that a report detailing the options for construction and the estimated costs would be provided at the next Joint Management Committee meeting.

·                 Nonsuch Watch were given assurances that no trees would be destroyed as a result of marking out the boundaries of the Old Palace.

Linking with Historical Palaces

The Committee was informed that a response had been received to a letter of enquiry advising that as the original palace was no longer standing the current site/buildings could not demonstrate a relevant connection with its former ‘royal use’ required to fit in with the charity’s main cause ‘to help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society in some of the greatest palaces ever built.’   

Children’s Play Area in the Dog Free Zone

The Committee noted the progress to date, and it was agreed that in order to consider the project further, a report would have to be submitted detailing the equipment costs and options (with supporting literature), maintenance costs and project timetable, bearing in mind that planning permission would have to be granted prior to commencement.  It was also suggested that naturalistic equipment would be more suited to the park environment and that a park adjacent to Vauxhall Bridge was a good example.

Assurance of the demand for a children’s play area was given and supported by the 2014 Nonsuch Park visitor survey that placed this type of project at the top of the list of requests. 

Flying Drones in Nonsuch Park

Due to a growing concern regarding the use of drones in Nonsuch Park, the Committee was asked to consider the displaying of posters on the park notice boards outlining people’s responsibilities when using drones in public places.  The Committee was informed that the existing byelaws governing Nonsuch Park did not cover the use of drones and officers were seeking legal advice regarding the viability in terms of cost and timescales of banning the drones. 

Members discussed the implications of displaying the drone code.  Councillors voted and agreed to put up posters on the noticeboard whilst continuing to investigate a long term solution.  An update will be provided at the next meeting.

Sponsorship Proposal

The Committee was informed that with the Chairman‘s and Clerk’s approval officers were currently in discussion with a company called Agriframes about a sponsorship proposal.  It was explained that Agrifrmaes were the suppliers and manufacturers of the metal Rose Arbour in the Formal Gardens, which was purchased some years ago for the benefit of the Park by the Friends of Nonsuch.  The Company were keen to use photographs in their advertising literature and display a small plaque in exchange for £3,000 worth of products from their catalogue and a 25% discount on future purchases for the duration of the agreement.

It was noted that an agreement had been drawn up by Epsom & Ewell’s legal team was currently with Agriframes to sign.

South and South East in Bloom

The Committee noted that officers and Nonsuch Voles were keen to progress with this year’s entries following a meeting with Peter Holman who had given good advice on how to prepare for this years judging.  It had been decided to enter more than one category to reflect all aspects of the Park and the contribution of its thriving volunteer community.

Epsom & Ewell Green Belt Study

Councillor Graham Dudley informed the Committee that Epsom & Ewell had recently published a study of their green belt and four sites had been highlighted for consideration to be included in the green belt, one of which was Nonsuch Park.  A public consultation would be taking place and the Councillor Dudley had requested that the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee be a named consultee.  It was agreed that members would be notified of the timetable for consultation to ensure that they had a chance to comment prior to any decision being made.  It was noted that the study was available to view on the Epsom & Ewell website. 

Vandalism in the Park

It was noted with regret that vandalism in the park was on the increase and Nonsuch Voles gave several examples of recent incidents.  It was agreed that the Committee would receive a full report at the next meeting and a police representative would be invited to attend.