Agenda

To confirm, as being a correct record, the minutes of the Climate Change & Leisure Committee, held on 15 October 2025, and for them to be signed by the Chair.

Items of other business notified under Council Procedure Rule 30 to be announced, together with the special circumstances that justify their consideration as a matter of urgency. The Chair to rule on the admission of such items.

To receive any declarations of interest.

A new five-year management plan has been developed for Croxley Hall Woods, Croxley Green. The new plan contains management actions for the woodland over the next five years from financial year 2025/26 until 2030/31. The detailed actions relate to woodland management for biodiversity and improvements to public access and interpretation. The plan was considered by Members of the Climate Change and Leisure Committee on 15 October 2025. Following comments to the committee by Mr Barry Grant of the Croxley Green Residents Association, and questions from Cllr Mitchell, a member of the committee, the Chair proposed the following recommendation:

“That the committee acknowledge the officers for their work on the report and ensuring that all committee members, including substitutes, receive responses to the questions. The report will either be taken to the Policy & Resources Committee in November or returned to the Climate Change & Leisure Committee in January for further consideration”.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

Officers subsequently produced a written response to points and questions raised (Appendix 2 and 3). Officers have also provided a summary of consultation responses received and a response to the comments (para 2.1.5).

Officers are recommending that the plan is approved by the CCL committee and adopted by the Council. Should the plans be approved, Officers will seek to implement the actions within the plans over the next five years. Work will be completed within existing budgets or subject to external funding.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new 5-year Management Plan for Croxley Hall Woods

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

This report covers this Committees financial position over the medium term (2025 – 2028) as at Period 6 (end of September 2025).

The Period 6 comprehensive Budget Management report has already been presented to the Policy & Resources Committee at its meeting on 10 November 2025 which sought approval to a change in the Council’s 2025 - 2028 medium-term financial plan.

Recommendation

That Members note & comment on the contents of the report.

The Three Rivers Environmental Forum has operated successfully for many years. However, since meetings moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance has steadily declined. Participation is now limited to a small number of regular members, which limits the topics discussed, actions arising and networks created thus reducing value for both attendees and staff.

This report proposes a full refresh of the Forum, including a new name, updated Terms of Reference, and revised format. The aim is to create a more accessible, inclusive, and action-oriented space for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and community engagement on sustainability and climate-related issues.

Recommendation

That the Committee:

       i.          Approves the new name Three Rivers Environmental Network (TREN).

      ii.          Approves the revised Terms of Reference (Appendix 1).

A new five-year management plan has been developed for The Green & Stones Orchard in Croxley Green.

The new plan contains proposed management actions over the next five years from adoption of the plan until March 2030. The detailed actions relate to habitat and wildlife improvements for biodiversity alongside improvements to public access and signage. Should the plans be approved, Officers will seek to implement the actions using existing budgets or where necessary actions will be subject to external funding being secured.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change & Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new five-year Management Plan for The Green & Stones Orchard.

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding for actions relating to The Green & Stones Orchard Management Plan.

     iii.          That public access to the report be immediate.

This report presents an overview of the service plans, which articulate the councils’ ambitions, priorities, and performance targets, and outline how each service area is contributing to the delivery of the new Council Plan which will launch in April 2026. Each plan incorporates Key Performance Indicators, service volumes, and references to associated strategic, operational, and climate resilience risks.

Recommendation

That: the Climate Change & Leisure Committee provide any comments or suggested amends to the 2026–2029 service plans. Final service plans will be approved by Council in conjunction with the budget.

To receive the Committee’s work programme.