Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Transport and Public Realm seeking approval of the adoption of the Southampton Common Plan and governance arrangements for the future engagement with the Southampton Common Forum

Modified recommendations:

(i)  To approve recommendation (ii) below, subject to amending page 2, bullet 2 from ‘increase the variety of activities enjoyed by users, including family and community events’ to read ‘increase the variety of activities enjoyed by users, including family, commercial and community events.’

(ii)  To adopt the Southampton Common Plan 2019 – 30.

(iii)  To delegate to the Service Director Transactions & Universal Services the power to work with the Southampton Common Forum to establish a charitable foundation.

1.  Adopting the Plan will give a clear way forward for the enhancement of Southampton Common enabling a framework for future management and governance to be delivered.

2.  This will enable us to provide a robust governance and management system for Southampton Common.

1.  Do Nothing – This would leave Southampton Common without any clear management plan for the future or effective governance arrangements. Working with the SCF would continue in an ad-hoc way with no terms for engagement.

2.  Complete a detailed management plan covering all aspects of the maintenance and use of Southampton Common – this was considered to be too onerous as a one off project. The Southampton Common Plan is designed to facilitate a framework of more detailed plans to be written in a timely fashion, enabling engagement of stakeholders at the appropriate time and reducing the risk of non-adoption due to disagreements over minor/detailed points.