The Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee is scheduled to discuss future access options for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. The committee will consider a report detailing the outcomes of a public consultation on the matter, alongside proposals for improvements to the bathing pond facilities.

Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds Future Access Options

The primary topic scheduled for discussion is the future access arrangements for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, specifically the Highgate Men's Pond and Kenwood Ladies' Pond. A comprehensive report, compiled by the Executive Director, Environment, and the Comptroller & City Solicitor, will be presented for discussion. This report, available in the Public Reports Pack, outlines the findings of a formal public consultation undertaken to inform a review of the existing access arrangements.

The consultation sought views on six potential options for the operation of the Men's Pond and the Ladies' Pond. These ranged from maintaining the current trans-inclusive model (Option 2), which allows biological men and trans men access to the Men's Pond and biological women and trans women to the Ladies' Pond, to proposals for strictly single-sex facilities based on biological sex (Option 1), hybrid approaches, or mixed-sex spaces (Option 6).

The report details the outcomes of this consultation, which involved over 38,000 respondents. It highlights that a significant majority of respondents supported Option 2, favouring the continuation of the current trans-inclusive arrangements. The report also includes an appraisal of other options, considering legal implications, equalities impacts, safeguarding, practicalities of enforcement, and financial considerations.

Alongside the discussion on access, the committee is also scheduled to consider proposed improvements to the changing, showering, and toilet facilities at all three Bathing Ponds: the Highgate Men's Pond, Kenwood Ladies' Pond, and the Hampstead Mixed Pond. These improvements are intended to address concerns raised by some respondents regarding privacy and facility quality, and are estimated to cost between £730,000 and £1.08 million. The report indicates that funding for these improvements will be subject to further decisions by relevant committees.

The agenda also includes a section for questions on matters relating to the work of the committee and any other business that the Chairman considers urgent. The meeting will conclude with a motion to exclude the public for the consideration of non-public agenda items.