The Wandsworth Council cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including the adoption of a revised events policy for parks, the library strategy, and the Winstanley and York Road regeneration project. They approved the corporate plan, the events in parks policy, the library strategy and contract extension, the growth plan, the Winstanley and York Road place programme, an update on damp and mold, the public sector decarbonisation scheme, a long-term lease agreement for temporary accommodation, accommodation-based services for adults with mental health support needs, equality objectives, the annual resources report, and budget variations.

Events in Parks Policy

The cabinet adopted a revised Events in Parks Policy after hearing a deputation from Peter Rommel of the Friends of Tooting Common. The policy, which does not apply to Battersea Park, aims to balance community events with the protection of green spaces.

Councillor White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the updated policy was the result of extensive consultation, with over 800 people responding to an online survey. The changes include:

• Banning events with over 10,000 attendees, except in Battersea Park.
• Prohibiting large events on Wandsworth Common for over 2,499 people.
• Strengthening ecological protections and clarifying noise controls.
• Introducing more public consultation and cabinet oversight.

Peter Rommel, representing the Friends of Tooting Common, expressed concern about the decision to exclude large events from Wandsworth Common and sought assurance that this would not lead to increased pressure for more large events on Tooting Common. He also raised concerns about the number of large events that could be held on Tooting Common, and sought clarification on the definition of increased social impact benefits in the policy.

Councillor Gasser asked about noise complaints from Country on the Common, and Councillor Ekinola asked about improvements to events moving forward. Councillor Henderson asked what would be considered an excessive number of events, and Councillor Dijk asked about access for all and targeting events for local people.

Councillor White responded that the policy tightens controls on how commons are used and ensures a balance between community events and the protection of green spaces. Councillor Deekton added that there was not a risk of displacement of events from Wandsworth Common because there are very few events on Wandsworth Common as it stands.

Library Strategy and Contract Extension

The cabinet approved the new Libraries First! strategy and a two-year contract extension with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to manage Wandsworth's library services. Councillor Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said that the strategy aims to make libraries more welcoming and accessible to all residents, particularly those who are marginalised or vulnerable. The strategy includes plans to extend library hours, introduce universal library membership for children, and develop a new library app.

Councillor Henderson gave feedback from residents of Roehampton, saying that the extension of hours at Roehampton Library had regenerated the community.

The contract extension with GLL includes an offer to increase hours at Battersea Park Library and York Gardens Library at no extra charge.

Winstanley and York Road Place Programme

The cabinet discussed the Winstanley and York Road Place Programme, with Councillor Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, outlining the commitment to deliver on the regeneration of the estate. The plan includes building more than 50% affordable housing, and moving quickly to bring down Pentafone House.

Councillor Henderson raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and crime on the estate, and asked how the development could help reduce these issues. Councillor Dikerdem responded that the delay in the regeneration had made the estate less stable, and that the council had to focus on delivery. He outlined measures to improve lighting, CCTV, and the safer neighbourhood team.

Other Business

• The cabinet approved the Corporate Plan annual refresh.
• Councillor Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the Quarter 4 Outturn Report, highlighting a 99% achievement of expected general fund capital and an overspend of less than 1% of net spend. She thanked budget holders and the finance team for their work in managing demand and mitigating cost increases. Councillor Henderson praised Councillor Ireland's stewardship of finances, and Councillor Ireland clarified that while the council will be borrowing money, it will be to invest in the borough and will have assets to show for it.
• Councillor Deekadam introduced the Wandsworth Growth Plan, which focuses on strategic planning around areas of growth in the borough, with specific recognition of Clapton Junction as a growth corridor.
• Councillor Deekadam also presented an update on the council's approach to damp and mould, formalizing the in-house damp and mould team and introducing a tablet system and NEC software system.
• Councillor White spoke about the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 Award, which will use £4.7 million from central government to fund decarbonisation projects at Putney Leisure Centre, Oakdene Residential, Gwynneth Morgan, Falcon Grove, and the Town Hall Extension. He also provided a brief resume of the council's climate change commitments.
• Councillor Dikerdem introduced a plan to purchase a purpose-built hotel in Tooting Broadway for temporary accommodation units, which is expected to save the council around £1 million a year. Councillor Akinola expressed nervousness about the plan and offered to work closely with Councillor Dikerdem to address any issues.
• Councillor Henderson introduced a paper on accommodation-based services for adults with mental health support needs, explaining that the contract for the current provider will be extended for up to three years with an annual review.
• Councillor Ekinola introduced the Wandsworth Equality Objectives 2025-2029, which set out the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of local government.
• Councillor Dikerdem outlined the core foundational reasons for some of the decisions taken by the cabinet, including the increasing demand pressure on temporary accommodation.
• Councillor Ireland presented the budget variations paper, explaining that the variations are largely being funded through underspends and levies from property developers.