News
AGM Minutes, March 3rd, 2026, CAS Halls
Hi everyone,
Here are the minutes from the AGM held on Tuesday 3rd March at CAS Halls on Parsons Green.
We had forty plus attendees.
We have divided them into two.
Headlines from the year and more detailed minutes for this who want a bit more detail.
Key Points from AGM
Review of the year: Headlines
We have achieved several positive results this year.
The Deed of Dedication which would have enabled the Council to use 25% of space on both commons for events has been withdrawn after our objection.
The Committee have met the Events Team. Based on legal advice we have informed them that no more than 10% of Eel Brook Common can be used for commercial enclosed events and that both commons cannot be used for events for longer than 28 days in total in any year without planning permission.
We have campaigned for better lighting on Eel Brook Common and been informed by the Council that the lighting is to be replaced with Heritage Lighting in keeping with its status as a conservation area.
Following meetings rental E-Bikes have been restricted to 8 mph on both commons. We will campaign for clarity on shared and pedestrian only paths.
The Council has been planting new hedgerows, trees and bulbs. More to do, but it’s a good start.
We have set up a volunteering group and work has begun on clearing invasive plants and improving landscaping. Please join if you are interested.
We will consult on bikes, floodlighting on the tennis courts and zebra crossings from St. Margaret’s School to Parsons Green.
We have funding, but not enough to cover costs. We will ask for further contributions.
Friends of Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting – 3 March, 2026
Dear Members,
We are pleased to share the key discussions and outcomes from our Annual General Meeting. We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended, and for those who were unable to join us. We hope this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the significant progress made over the past year and our continuing efforts to enhance our Commons. We are delighted that our membership has now grown to 300 members – a testament to our collective passion and commitment!
The committee wishes to acknowledge the tremendous effort and dedication of our volunteers and officers, whose work has led to remarkable achievements in advocating for our Commons.
1. Election of Officers
The election process was chaired by Sarah Hardy, ensuring a fair and transparent procedure. We are pleased to confirm the unanimous re-election of our committee members, reflecting the strong support and appreciation for their work:
Chair: Malcolm Joe Hunter, Secretary: Peter Knight, Ecology Lead: Caroline Marston, Treasurer: Richard Liddell
2. Chair’s Address: A Year in Review
Our Chair reflected on our first year in existence, highlighting both significant strides and areas requiring continued focus. We recognise the limitations faced by the LBH&F Council team regarding budget and time. Therefore, our strategy remains to consistently articulate our needs, ensuring that our concerns for Eel Brook Common (EBC) and Parsons Green (PG) are prioritised. Clear communication of our 'asks' is paramount to achieving the desired outcomes.
Over the past year, we have established multiple crucial interactions with the Council, engaging with Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, the Events team (a process that took 8 months to fully establish), and the Parks team. Caroline Marston has proactively begun developing detailed plans for specific areas of the Common, providing much-needed clarity on our proposals and seeking reasonable funding to support these initiatives. We are also proud of our successful volunteer engagement, an aspect highly valued by the Council.
3. Key Discussions and Achievements
We have made substantial progress on several critical fronts:
Survey Results: A survey of our members garnered around 80 responses, indicating overwhelmingly positive sentiments about the Common, alongside identifying some significant ongoing issues that we continue to address.
Deed of Dedication – A major Success: We successfully challenged the Council's proposed Deed of Dedication, which we felt contained terms overly favourable to the Council, particularly regarding the potential use of up to 25% of the Common for events. After seeking independent legal counsel (funded by the Fulham Society) and initiating robust pushback, we are delighted to report that the Deed has been withdrawn by the Council. This represents a significant victory for the protection of our Commons.
Events Policy: Following the Deed's withdrawal, we have actively engaged with the Events team to establish a clear policy. While we are open to appropriate events, we insisted they must be in keeping with a 'village in London' setting and proportional in size. Crucially, we have clarified with the Council that, as Common Land (not a park), specific policies must apply. Legally, the Council can hold enclosed events as defined by the 1967 Act, but these are restricted to no more than 10% of the space or one acre (whichever is greater). We can hold the council to 10% on Eel Brook Common and have requested specific consultation on PG due to its very small size. We will also apply the ’28-day ruling’:the total amount of time that all events (put together as a total) can take place on each common is up to 28 days per year including set up, duration, breakdown and restoration of the land. It should be noted that this ruling has been challenged by other councils. We have communicated these restrictions clearly to LBH&F and our Chair, Malcolm Joe Hunter, will follow up to ensure official acknowledgment. We reaffirmed our commitment to these rules, recognising the pressure from the Council's latest budget to raise revenue through events.
Lighting: We have made strong representations to LBH&F regarding the poor lighting on EBC, particularly the presence of four different styles and the replacement of faulty lights with cheaper alternatives. We successfully argued for EBC to be treated as a flagship space deserving of Heritage lighting, which the Council has now indicated they will provide, potentially this year. However, we are awaiting final confirmation and a detailed plan of what exactly the Council is proposing. A specific concern was raised by Maureen Murray about the dark bike area outside her home on New King’s Road, leading to safety concerns for women.
Bikes/E-bikes: This remains a significant concern. We have highlighted the current 'free-for-all' with contradictory signage and speeding e-bikes. As a result, the Council has restricted the speed of Lime and Forest bikes to 8 mph and promised clearer signage, they have committed to address this year (budgets permitting). We also created a proposed map for EBC, distinguishing between shared paths and pedestrian-only areas. Crucially, the committee and the membership believe there should be NO bikes allowed through Parsons Green. We will address this with the Council but we are aware that they have invested in cycling through the common. Concerns were raised about illegal, high-speed electric bikes, which are seen as a policing issue rather than a policy one. Charlotte Dexter informed us of an agreement with Deliveroo for riders not to use Barclay and Effie Roads; our Chair will contact Deliveroo to extend this understanding to EBC and PG generally. An audience member suggested contacting MP Ben Coleman on this matter.
Bins: The Council plans to replace existing bins with recycling/general waste bins. These will be the same as the bins in Bishops Park. While less aesthetically pleasing, they are in keeping and we anticipate limited options for variation.
4. Ecology Lead’s Report (Caroline Marston)
Caroline provided an update on our ecological initiatives, showcasing significant accomplishments:
Green Flag Status: Parsons Green achieved Green Flag status in 2021, and we are delighted that EBC followed suit in 2025.
Biodiversity Audit: A 2024 Biodiversity Audit confirmed EBC is in a very poor ecological state, underscoring the urgency of our work.
Successes to Date: Planting of new hedgerows in various areas. Introduction of apple trees on EBC. Additional hornbeams and drifts of daffodils. The Tiny Forest, featuring 19 different tree types, is flourishing and engaging local schools. The rose garden next to the tennis courts is now being actively tended by volunteers.
Ongoing Efforts: Discussions continue regarding grass management. For the Dog Park, we are suggesting bark surfacing in high-frequency areas to address flooding. Work completed at the Effie Road End in 2023, with Mayor’s Office grants, lacked a budget for planting. We are actively pushing for improved planting here, addressing concerns about poor maintenance and safety (requesting no high planting). The committee will produce plans for both.
No Mow May: While the Council supports this, we are working to balance it with EBC's use as a sports ground. The Council has committed to keeping central areas mown while leaving outer areas unmown – for the whole summer.
Play areas: We are exploring new Nature Areas, including log piles, bat, and bird boxes. The popular play area has inspired us to seek other locations for imaginative play, such as balancing logs.
5. Volunteer Support – We Need You!
The success of many of our initiatives relies on volunteer effort. Please notify us if you are interested in helping with tasks such as:
Clearing invasive Alkanet (successfully tackled by volunteers this year). Donating large shrubs for Novello Street. Litter picking. Watering young trees. Scything. Watering the meadow-type verge planting along New Kings Road (currently not done by the Council).
We also need more benches on the Common. These can be donated, and options are available on the Council website.
6. Treasurer’s Report (Richard Liddell)
We have successfully established a bank account for the group. We are grateful to the 56 households who have generously donated approximately £840 to date. Last year’s costs amounted to £740, leaving a current balance of £100. We anticipate needing further contributions this year to continue our vital work.
Action: The Treasurer will circulate a statement of accounts upon request.
7. Any Other Business (AOB)
Zebra Crossing (St Margarets): Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan raised concerns from St Margaret’s parents and staff about the lack of a safe crossing to PG. Despite a previous petition being closed, the committee confirmed its full support for establishing a zebra crossing, potentially at the existing raised crossing.
Grass Quality: Adam Ridley inquired about the poor quality of the grass and soil. Caroline Marston noted that this was partially addressed in the LBHF Ecology Report.
Tennis Court Floodlights: Simon Jones (not present) expressed interest in floodlights
for the courts. Our Chair has discussed this with LBH&F, who are supportive of tennis but noted that planning permission, ecological impact studies and budget would be required. A proper consultation with members will be conducted, taking in the support for tennis and considering the impact on local residents (Favart Road) and wildlife (bats/birds).
Closing Remarks
Thank you once again for your attendance and continued commitment. We believe we have made significant progress over the last year, largely due to your support and the dedicated work of the committee.
We will share these minutes along with detailed plans for specific areas of the Common very soon. We strongly encourage you to provide your feedback on these plans, as your input is crucial before we present them to the Council as a clear statement of our collective aspirations.
Secretary
Friends Wish List
This summary document has been prepared in response to Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Parks Department’s request for a wish list of priorities & improvements from The Friends for Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green
Information referenced to compile the wish list
• Friends of Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green residents poll March and April 2025
• LBHF Parks Strategy and Parks Improvement Programme (minutes 14 July)
• Tours with Parks Manager and Cabinet Member for the Public Realm
• Hammersmith and Fulham’s Biodiversity Audit February 2024 -Eel Brook Common
Document compiled by:
Malcolm Hunter – Chairman Friends of Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green
Caroline Marston – ‘Nature Champion’ and Tree Keeper Eel Brook Common
Peter Knight – Secretary Friends of Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green
Context Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green
Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green are two small spaces of registered common land (5.5 and 1 ha) in the south of borough
Both are open all hours and are very heavily used at all times as they serve both as destinations in their own right and cut-throughs.
They cater for a broad cross section of the community, multiple uses and user groups.
Both are highly prominent and visible spaces in the borough
Due to their small size, heavy and varied use and prominence within the borough we believe they should be a prime candidate for attention and investment.
Results of poll March /April 2025 ( both Commons)
80 responses in total
Scores out of 10
Average score 7.5. Everyone loves the spaces but they could be better looked after
What residents like
Sense of open space, greenness, informality, free, relaxing, sense of community, not exclusive, inclusive
Spaces do not feel overly officious and controlled
Concerns and issues
• Bikes and shared paths, especially e-bikes where there are young children.
• Poor lighting and mixed styles on Eel Brook Common
• Poor standard and maintenance of railings, barriers, fences, brickwork
• New areas of planting remain unfinished and/or not properly maintained
• Gaps in existing planting, holes in grass, worn and compacted grass, weeds
• Children’s playground and enclosed dog area turn to mud in winter
Events
68% in favour of events appropriate to area. 25% against any events
Type of events supported have a village feel e.g. food festivals, fun fairs and community events e.g. carols at Christmas, Eid
Not in favour of loud music and big events bringing people in from other areas
Action and investment priorities
• The priority is to preserve openness, informality and inclusiveness and improve what exists rather than any significant changes
Short-term maintenance
• Agree and review progress on existing short-term maintenance priority check list : saplings, holes in grass, bin area around restaurant, clothing and small electrical bins, muddy cut-through on Eel Brook, in-fill planting in dog-free zone.
Improve planting and maintenance
• Review and create plan to finish and maintain recent environmental projects (Effie Road, New Kings Road)
• Agree new defined zones across both green spaces for biodiverse planting, habitat improvement , informal family friendly areas, schools.
• Agree planting and maintenance programme for the zones
• Recruit local volunteering group to work with council to achieve and support the above
Improve Infrastructure
• Agree lighting plan for Eel Brook Common in keeping with conservation area
• Agree plan for railings, fencing, barriers, entrances, brickwork
• Agree policy, placing and selection of bins in keeping with conservation area
• Develop plan for children’s playground and other children’s facilities
• Develop plan for dog area in ‘The Slips’
Signage
• Agree coherent, safe cycle and pedestrian paths with new clear signage
• Develop additional signage to explain and educate on green areas, planting and trees
Events
• Agree events policy with Events and Licensing Teams
The proposed food and drink festival on Eel Brook Common which we had opposed in terms of size and appropriateness (more music and drink than food and drink) and managed to restrict in terms of frequency (one per year max) and licensing (for one year only) is no longer happening.
Minutes from the inaugural AGM.
18th Feb at the CAS Halls on Parsons Green
Introductions
§ Sarah Hardy (neutral party and resident) opened the meeting and explained how the election would work.
Committee election
§ Nominations had been called for in advance and would not be taken from the floor.
§ Caroline Marston (Treasurer), Malcolm Hunter (Chair) and Peter Knight (Secretary) stood for election
§ Each candidate introduced themselves and explained their reason for standing.
§ By a show of hands, the three candidates were elected unanimously. The election was an affirmation of the single nominations for each role.
Constitution
§ The Chair presented the aims of the Friends and headline behaviours and explained that the full Friends’ constitution (including aims, behaviours, rules) was described on the website.
Agreed to include reference to ‘the Slips’ (the green spaces between the New Kings Road and Crondace Road).
§ The meeting agreed the aims and the constitution with the inclusion of ‘common land’ into the aims.
§ The Chair expressed the intention of the group to work in a spirit of positive collaboration with the Council. Councillors stated they could act as a critical friend to ensure that the spaces were managed to a high standard for the common good.
Events
§ The Chair described the commercial pressure the council is under to monetise green spaces and concerns about the type of events that had been proposed in recent years.
Action
§ The Friends, as a key stakeholder, would contact with the events team and would agree with the Council on the appropriate type, scale, frequency and duration of public events on the spaces.
Deed of Dedication
§ The Council is in the process of agreeing a legally binding Deed of Dedication with the charity Fields in Trust. The Chair provided context on the process.
§ The chair explained that both Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green are registered common land and that the wording of the documents did not take this into consideration, nor did it recognise the Council’s commitment to consult residents.
§ The wording of the deed was important. This was especially because of:
o Clauses relating to the scale (up to 25% of the space) and duration (up to 21 days) of events permitted without consultation
o Decisions relating to new buildings and structures being solely in the control of the landowner.
§ Legal advice was needed on the wording of the deed.
§ The Fulham Society had agreed to contribute to the cost of a legal opinion.
§ It was agreed that the deed in its current wording should be opposed.
Actions
§ The Chair would write to the Council and Fields in Trust explaining the Friends position and stating that the deed and the wording should not be agreed until legal opinion and guidance had been given.
§ Councillors would offer their written support.
§ The Chair would write to Friends membership encouraging individual members to object individually. (see below)
§ Suggested points for objection would be included as guidance and the website would be updated to encourage action and give guidance. (see below)
§ Discussions would take place with other related Friends groups which are subject to similar Deeds of Dedication to see whether united action was possible.
§ A barrister specialising in this area would be briefed.
§ Draft key points to be shared with all attendees/members promptly.
§ Members were urged to vary their objections to ensure that they were treated as individual objections.
Maintenance
§ The Council had developed a draft strategy for the maintenance and improvement of both spaces and had invited the Friends to propose a wish list.
§ The Council is keen to obtain a Green Flag award for Eel Brook Common. Parsons Green already has one. This is an independently-judged award to raise standards of green spaces.
Actions
§ The Chair suggested an online survey as the most democratic and efficient way to get members suggestions. Responses would be consolidated into a wish list and offered to the Council.
§ The Chair suggested that the wish list is organised according to the Green Flag criteria.
§ As a separate initiative, the Friends would pursue the Council (with the support of the councillors) to fix and maintain Eel Brook Common lighting which is in a poor state.
Projects
§ Current Council projects include resurfacing of tennis courts on Eel Brook Common and the possibility resurfacing the football pitches.
§ The Council has said there are no new projects planned for the spaces.
Actions
§ The Chair said the Friends would hold the Council to the promises it has made on current/former projects, such as the works at the Effie Road entrance and the green verges on the New Kings Road.
Meeting ended 7.35pm
Attendance: 57 local residents plus councillors Adrian Pascu-Tulbure, Jose Afonso, Aliya Afzal-Khan.
Deed of Dedication
A very good early result.
Following personal objections and the Friends Group objection, the Council have agreed to change the wording of the Deed of Dedication.
There’s no need to make further personal objections to the proposed deed for the moment.
We have had a positive and collaborative response from the Council regarding the proposed deed of dedication for Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green.
We objected on behalf of the Friends Group and they have received a significant number of personal objections. The council team have accepted the objections and will work with us to change the wording so it is for the benefit of all.
The consultation will remain open for now and a new date will be agreed.
The Council has confirmed that the deed of dedication is a legally binding document between the Council and Fields in Trust to protect Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green for the current uses and enjoyment of the local community, in perpetuity. Their commitment is to protect and preserve what we have and what we enjoy.
The Council has agreed that, based on advice, the specific wording of the document will be amended and agreed:
To reflect the application of common land rights and regulations to events on the common, specifically enclosed events.for example, it is proposed that the existing clause concerning enclosed events taking up to 25% of the common for up to 21 days without consultation is changed to no more than 10% (to reflect common land law), for a shorter time period (to be agreed) and with consultation. Final wording to be agreed following advice.
To reflect the application of common land rights, conservation area status and planning regulations to buildings, structures and any alterations on the commons.
To include consultation with the local community where it is applicable and appropriate.
We think this is positive and constructive and would like to work with the Council to agree the wording based on legal advice which we will than bring back to you for consultation and approval.
We hope this approach is to everyone’s approval and demonstrates that a strong Friends group working in collaboration with the council can achieve positive results for all.
Not required for the moment (hold until we receive next draft)
Please object personally to the proposed Deed of Dedication for Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green.
We agreed at the AGM that the Chair would write to the Council and Fields in Trust on behalf of the Friends group explaining our objection and concerns about the current wording of the proposed Deed.
We also agreed that our objection would be strengthened if people wrote in person to the Council. We would be really grateful if you could do this.
On the face of it a Deed of Dedication is a very positive proposal : It is a legally binding document protecting green spaces for the use of the public to use for its designated purpose in perpetuity. What’s not to like?
However, read the small print and there is major cause for concern:
Clause 3.2 states that temporary events which require closure of up to 25% of the space and last for less than 21 days would not require consent.
i.e. events which close of/enclose up to a quarter of each common for up to 21 days would not require any consent or consultation.
Clauses 3.4 and 3.5 have an addendum attached stating 'decisions relating to new buildings and structures, or alterations ….. are solely in the control of the landowner '(i.e. the Council).
If the Deed, with the current wording, is signed between the Council and Fit it potentially opens the door to enclosed, commercial events that are of an unacceptable in terms of size and duration (especially as both spaces are small and very heavily used) and the Council being able to take decisions on buildings or structures with little or no consultation.
We should all object.
The people to mail are:
To
CC
We have detailed some points to make below should you want some guidance, but please make the objection in your own words. If the Council suspect it is a templated response it will be discounted.
A key point to make is about closing off or enclosing land for long periods of time for commercial purposes.
The official closing date for consultation is February 28th, so please act quickly.
As a final and very important point, we are planning to take legal advice on this matter and we will inform the Council of this.
Thanks very much.
Malcolm, Caroline and Peter
(the committee)
Points to consider for your objection
Support for a Deed of Dedication in principle
Legally binding document, therefore it is important that the wording is legally correct and respects the wishes of the local community
Both are small and very heavily used green spaces.
Problematic clauses
Clause 3.2 relating to events is unacceptable in terms of the amount of space (up to 25%) that could be closed off and duration (up to 21days) which would be permitted without consent
Addendum to clause 3.4/3.5 which put the Council in sole control of changes to buildings and structures without recourse to the local community.
· Consultation and engagement with local community on events and changes is excluded from the document.
Understand that:
Both commons are registered common land and are subject to common land rights
Both lie in a conservation area and are subject to associated regulations
The council is committed to consult the local community on events and changes to the commons
· Ask that the wording of the Deed is changed to reflect the wishes of the local community and the appropriate laws and regulations that specifically relate to both green spaces prior to any signature.