Decision details
Broad Oak Way (public open space), Up Hatherley
Decision Maker: Director of Planning & Building Control - Tracey Birkinshaw
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decision:
To undertake basic maintenance of monthly
grass mowing over the growing season of the land parcels identified
on the attached plan. Funded from budget OPS002 Open Spaces.
Reasons for the decision:
The parcels of land in question (see attached plan) visually reads as one continuous grass space along with the greater part which is owned and maintained by the Borough Council. Recognising the current land ownership uncertainties, bringing the area into maintenance consistent with adjacent grass areas maintained by the Council will regularise the situation with negligible effect on maintenance costs until such time as ownership responsibility can be clarified with The Crown Estate (the current landowner).

Alternative options considered:
Do not maintain the spaces. Further to full
engagement with Cabinet portfolio holders and Director of Finance
and Assets this option is rejected because it fails to provide the
local community with a solution at a time when maintenance is
required and view the long grass as a hazard.
Finance Comments: Approved, 02.06.2025
Declarations: None.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
• Up Hatherley Parish Council are
supportive of the recommendation
• There has been detailed exchange with One Legal and this
continues in respect the landownership issues.
• Engagement with the Director of Finance and Assets in
respect of budget and assets.
• Engagement with Environmental Partnerships Manager on Ubico
costs and mowing schedule
• Engagement with Parks and Public Realm Manager on budget
management and wider land management.
Contact: Tracey Birkinshaw, Director of Planning and Building Control Email: [email protected].
Publication date: 02/06/2025
Date of decision: 02/06/2025