Terms of reference for the

Amenity Land (AL) Committee

COUNCIL PROPERTY

1. Responsibility for the Council’s amenity areas, commons, village greens, open spaces, ponds, rivers and woodlands, included those rented and leased.

2. The regular maintenance of such property including grass cutting, fencing, boundary walls, gates, buildings, shelters,  paths, structures, public utilities, parking facilities, seats, litter bins, dog bins, picnic facilities, landscaping, trees, hedges, shrubs, plants and any other maintenance function. To maintain designated and permissive footpaths and bridleways passing over such land. To consider and recommend improvements.

3. Permitting the use of such facilities for activities that will benefit the community. Letting such land and recommending terms of occupation.

4. Granting easements and way leaves across such land. Reviewing byelaws and property regulations and making recommendations, where appropriate, to the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

5. Ensure public safety and all aspects of maintenance work, including any work undertaken by contractors, is undertaken in accordance with safety requirements as determined by the Finance and General Purposes Committee, which has the overall responsibility for formulating the Council’s Health and Safety policy, procedures and working practices.

6. To consider and introduce conservation schemes wherever appropriate.

7. To ensure that Kings Wood is protected as an amenity wood for the benefit of neighbouring residents and to ensure public access. This is to include the replanting and regeneration of a diversity of natural trees and plants, conservation schemes and the protection of all wildlife and flora. To undertake the forestry management of Kings Wood through a suitable qualified Forestry Consultant. To ensure the Forestry Commission and Wycombe District are consulted and where appropriate approve such forestry management. To seek grant aid and support.

8. To consider specific proposals relating to the Committee’s responsibilities arising from Village Appraisals.

REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED AND CONSULTATION

9. To consider representatives made and to consult with residents, individuals and appropriate organisations, when necessary, about the Committee’s responsibilities and service delivery.     

FINANCE

10. To regular review the approved income and expenditure budget of the Committee. To advise the Finance and General Purposes Committee of major variations to the approved budget, not to enter into any financial commitment that exceeds the total of the approved budget without the approval of the Finance and General Purposes Committee or a meeting of the Council.

11. To prepare the Committee’s annual estimated budget for submission to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for consideration. To include proposals for forward planning and the use and setting aside of funds to specific earmarked reserves.

12. To regularly consider and review service delivery. To consider Best Value principles as directed by the Finance and General Purposes Committee. To apply any financial directive introduced by the Council.

13. To seek grant aid and support.

GENERAL

14. To apply any policy adopted by the Council to the functions of the Committee such as making as much information freely available to the public as possible and ensuring that any form of discrimination does not take place.