Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2023

The notes of the meeting held on the 26^th of September were received.

Members received a presentation on nature corridors. Volunteer groups have approached Horsham District Council to try and link sites, including those within the nature recovery network to promote pollinating species travelling between the sites. Parks and Countryside would look to change the grass mowing regime on certain sites to encourage this. Members were presented with various options for mowing regimes, though were made aware that these may change subject to the conditions at the site.

Members questioned the flexibility of the mowing regimes, if alterations to the length of certain areas could be adjusted for improved visibility and near pedestrian areas. Members were broadly supportive of the proposal.

Members received a presentation on the proposed simplified pricing structure for Warnham Nature Reserve permit scheme. The aim of the proposed pricing structure is to combine the annual membership and friends of Warnham membership. The price increase would be minimal and still in line with other nature reserves in the district.

Members asked if there was provision for those that are low income to access the nature reserve, if the pricing structure could be reviewed later and if Warnham Nature Reserve had the capacity to provide events to a projected increase in Friends of Warnham Nature Reserve, that would then have access to events that had previously been private and of a lesser number.

The Parks and Countryside Manager confirmed that holders of the Leisure Access Card can receive a fifty percent discount on admission, he also confirmed that the revised pricing structure could be revisited if it was felt that it was not working. He addressed concerns about an increase in attendees at events. Stating that additional events may be needed to meet demand should this issue arise.

The Director of Communities provided a presentation on The Capitol to Members. This presentation detailed some history of the building, projected costs determined by decisions made regarding the direction taken with works, carbon reduction targets, benefits of completing the work and timelines.

Members discussed the financial impact of the works on the Council, that the offering at The Capitol could be diversified to encourage footfall and the importance of theatre and the arts for the community. Aswell as the accessibility to the arts The Capitol provides with the cost of theatre in London rising exponentially. It was agreed that Members would benefit from a visit and tour of The Capitol in early 2024.

The Director of Communities provided a memorandum of understanding to Members regarding the Shelley Memorial Group and the project to place a memorial statue in Horsham Park. Members were provided a timeline of this report being presented to Cabinet.

Members discussed the location, the accessibility to wheelchairs, push chairs and the flow of people through the area and the risk of vandalism.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Leisure, Culture and Green Spaces portfolio

The forward plan extract was noted.