Content

9.1

The Sub-Committee considered a report of, the
Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which requested
approval to install temporary facilities for a period of up to 18
months, at High Hazels Park to ensure the continued operation of
the golf course and the provision of essential welfare amenities
for park users during detailed structural surveys and investigative
work on High Hazels House.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED: That the Charity Trustees
Sub-Committee:-

(a) 
Notes the contents of the report;

(b) 
Approves the proposal to allow the installation of temporary
accommodation on the carpark at High Hazels Park for a period of up
to 18 months from the date of this
decision;

(c) 
Approves the progression of essential investigative work at High
Hazels House; and

(d) 
Notes that a further report will be brought back to this Committee
to seek the necessary approvals for any future work at High Hazels
House once options have been fully
explored.

 

 

 

 

9.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

9.3.1

The decision to
install temporary accommodation at High Hazels Park is a necessary
and strategic measure that directly supports the charity’s
core objectives of maintaining safe, accessible, and high-quality
recreational amenities for the public. This provision ensures the
safety of staff, volunteers, and park users by allowing essential
structural investigations to be carried out on High Hazels House
without risk to health or disruption to services. These
investigations are critical to informing a long-term investment and
restoration strategy for the site, safeguarding its future as a
community asset. Without temporary facilities, key
services—particularly golf operations and welfare
provisions—would face significant disruption, undermining the
charity’s mission to enhance quality of life through
inclusive leisure opportunities. The proposal is financially
viable, falling within the scope of the Council’s previously
approved Leisure Investment Budget, and has been developed in
consultation with stakeholders. The existing car park has been
identified as the most practical and least disruptive location for
the temporary units, ensuring continuity of service while balancing
operational needs, public safety, and long-term planning with the
objectives of the High Hazels Charity

 

 

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

9.4.1

Option 1: Take
No Action - Not recommended. Allowing the current condition of High
Hazels House to persist would lead to further structural
deterioration. This poses increasing safety risks and could
ultimately result in the closure of both the park’s central
facilities and the golf course clubhouse, significantly undermining
the charity’s objective to provide accessible recreational
space for the community.

9.4.2

Option 2:
Continue Operating from High Hazels House During Further Surveys -
Discounted. While this would maintain short-term access, the nature
of the required intrusive structural surveys necessitates vacating
the building. Continued use during this period would expose staff,
volunteers, and visitors to health and safety hazards, conflicting
with the charity’s duty of care and long-term sustainability
goals.
 
(NOTE: The
result of the vote on the resolution was FOR - 4 Members; AGAINST -
1 Member; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members.