Decision - Rewilding of Waterhall Golf Course

RESOLVED – That Committee:

1.    Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.

2.    Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.

3.    That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to

facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its

replacement by a new building near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and

cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices,

or similar.

4.    That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above

5.    That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee

on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as

statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.

6.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to implement the recommendations 2 to 5.