Paul Bayley, Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services presented the report to the Committee.
The Committee was advised that in 2021, the council became aware of some parcels of amenity green space it maintains which were being marketed for sale on the open market.
Following a wider review, 547 parcels of land were identified as being maintained by but not in council ownership. Some of this land might simply not have been registered or there had been an agreement (e.g., closed cemetery).
The Committee was given the opportunity to ask questions, clarity was sought as to ensuring this did not happen again in light of new house builds across the borough.
The Committee was advised there were two options, either land was transferred, or the developer established a management company.
The Committee was advised that Environmental Services was trialling different ways of managing green space, including re-wilding to enhance the biodiversity.
RESOLVED (Unanimously) That:
a) Within 12-months a review of those plots of land not in the ownership of the Council that it has historically maintained to identify options for future management and maintenance be approved; and
b) the continued maintenance of those plots of land it has historically maintained until the review is completed unless the landowner withdraws permission for the Council to maintain it be approved.