Decision

The Cabinet has decided to recommend extending the PSPO in Tilgate Park to maintain public safety and support responsible dog ownership.

Analysis

outcome: The outcome of the decision is to recommend to Full Council to extend the PSPO in Tilgate Park as outlined in the report.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Tilgate Park for up to a further three years.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to recommend extending the PSPO in Tilgate Park to maintain public safety and support responsible dog ownership.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves restrictions on dog owners in public spaces, which can be a sensitive topic for some stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["Dog owners", "Park users", "Council officers"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=783

Decision Maker: Cabinet, Full Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Agree an extension for a further 3 years upon expiring of the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO): Keep your dog on a lead in Tilgate Park.

Content: RESOLVED   That Full Council be recommended to extend (renew for up to a further three years) the PSPO in the form set out in Appendix A of report HCS/094 with the restricted area covering the main lake, peace garden, lawn area, children's play area and golf course within Tilgate Park as shown in Appendix B of report HCS/094,.     That the Cabinet resolves that the level for Fixed Penalty Notices which may be issued for a breach of the PSPO (in the event that Full Council renews the PSPO in the form of the draft at Appendix A of this report HCS/094,) be set at £100.   Reasons for the Recommendations   a)                The extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Tilgate Park provides a legally robust and proportionate enforcement mechanism to uphold the Council’s rules regarding dogs in public spaces, as published on its website. The PSPO continues to serve as an effective tool in deterring anti-social behaviour associated with dogs being off lead in areas where restrictions apply.   b)                Since its implementation in September 2022, the PSPO has enabled authorised council officers to engage with dog owners under Sections 67 and 68 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, issuing warnings, instructions, and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) where appropriate. The enforcement data demonstrates that the PSPO has been actively used and remains necessary to address persistent non-compliance.   c)                The evidence gathered over the past three years as outlined in paragraph 4.2 confirms that the statutory conditions for renewing a PSPO, as set out in paragraph 7.2 of this report, continue to be met. These include the ongoing detrimental impact of certain behaviours on the quality of life of park users, and the persistent and unreasonable nature of those behaviours.   d)                Renewal of the PSPO for a further three years, from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028, is therefore recommended to maintain public safety, protect wildlife, and support responsible dog ownership in Tilgate Park.

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025