19 February 2007
Towards a Plan for the Heath - consultation begins
Towards a Plan for the Heath is the first step in a
three-stage process, which will form a Management Plan for
Hampstead Heath. The Plan will create a long-term vision for the
Heath and will be an important tool for the City of London
Corporation in successfully managing the Heath for the next 10-plus
years.
As part of this first step The City of London is inviting a wide
range of interested parties, including in particular local people,
to take part in a three-month public consultation on the vision and
objectives, which make up Towards a Plan for the Heath.
The City of London has produced the draft Plan for the Heath
with the help of representatives of some of the local interest
groups on the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee. It is now
seeking the views of the wider community.
Some of the potential improvements to the Heath which could
result from the plan include:
- Improved habitats for wildlife
- Cleaner pond water, to benefit the ecology and swimmers
- Increased areas of heathland
- Improved provision of education and activities for a wide range
of people
- More effective use of sports facilities by surrounding
communities
- Improved standard of public toilets
- Improved welcome to the Heath, with more attractive entrances
and better provision of information.
Alderman Bob Hall, Chairman of the Hampstead Heath Management
Committee at the City of London, said: "The plan aims to protect
the many aspects of the Heath that visitors most cherish.
"It recognises that people’s ability to enjoy contact with the
natural world in the city is the Heath’s greatest asset."
The City of London is working with specialists The Environment
Council and Resources for Change to carry out focused consultations
with local communities over the next three months. There will be a
range of opportunities for local people to share their vision and
aspirations for the Heath, including online and paper-based
surveys, consultation stalls and discussion groups. Consultation
opportunities will be publicised and updates will be available on
this website.
Copies of the full document and summary Towards a Plan for the
Heath can also be downloaded here. Hard copies of the
summary document are available from Heathfield House by calling 020
8348 9908.
This initial consultation will lay the foundations for an
ongoing dialogue with local people which will inform later stages
of the management planning process.
Ends
Press enquiries to The City of London Press Office 020 7332
1906.
The City of London provides local government
services for the Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of
Britain, and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the status
of the business City as the world's leading international financial
and business centre through its policies and services. Its
responsibilities also extend far beyond the City boundaries and
include management of the Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court
at the Old Bailey, 10,000 acres of open space including Hampstead
Heath and Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets, as well as
acting as the London Port Health Authority.