Agenda and minutes

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Welsh Harp Consultative Committee held on 15 November 2013 be approved as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Harbhajan Singh, Councillor Roxanne Mashari, Mr Clive Cohen (London Wildlife Trust, Barnet Group), Mr Roy Beddard (Welsh Harp Conservation Group) and Ms Molly Savage (Agenda 21).

None receive

Ben Lee from Barratt Metropolitan LLP thanked the Chairman and the Committee for the opportunity to present the proposed planning application within the West Hendon regeneration scheme to the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee.

The Committee therefore received an overview of the proposals which will be determined by the London Borough of Barnet Planning and Environment Committee. 

The Committee heard of Barratt Metropolitan LLP’s intention to promote the Welsh Harp Reservoir site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  The Committee learned of Barratt Metropolitan LLP’s objective to present a planning application which establishes a framework of solid proposals which will outline:

·         Retention and encouragement of wildlife

·         Appropriate landscaping which will benefit the urban design

·         Planting of 300 trees

·         Materials to be considered that will enhance the character of the site whilst enabling a sound habitat for wildlife, including bats

·         To create a consistent infrastructure that promotes the street scene

·         To promote pedestrian and road safety

·         That the proposed development can offer a good and healthy living environment

The Chairman thanked Barratt Metropolitan LLP for providing the presentation.  During the discussion of the item the Committee raised some concerns which included:

·         That the site did not offer enough amenity given the number of residential properties

·         That residents were not keen on the regeneration of the site

·         That a health centre should be considered within the application to provide services for the population growth

·         That parking would become problematic

·         That a highways assessment be thoroughly conducted and an investigation be made to establish the status of Hendon over-ground station.

·         That the proposal should not have a detrimental impact to the wildlife and species within the site and the materials should be carefully considered in order to have a beneficial effect the environment.

·         That the site is overdeveloped

·         That the height of the building was unacceptable and would overbare the SSSI site and disturb nesting birds  

Following the discussion and consideration of this item the Committee:

Resolved:

That the Committee note the contents of the presentation provided by Barratt Metropolitan LLP 

Leslie Williams, the London Borough of Brent’s Council Strategy and Service Development Officer presented the London Borough of Brent’s Welsh Harp Management Plan.  During his presentation he noted that there was a programme of Health Walks and offered the details of this. 

The Committee considered the officer’s report and appendix A of the report which outlined the Action Plan for 2012/13. The Strategy and Service Development Officer noted that the Norfolk reed led to a good environment and provided a haven for wildlife.

Resolved:

That the Committee note the contents of the report.

Committee Member Councillor Julie Johnson informed the Committee that the owner of the water had conducted a shooting exercise, which led to a cull of the ruddy duck within the location.

The London Borough of Barnet’s Greenspaces officer noted that the cull of the ruddy duck was supported by Government Legislation.  However neither, the London Borough of Barnet nor any other Member of the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee was informed that this was to take place.  

Committee Members were saddened by this action and expressed concerns of the detrimental impact this lack of communication had coupled with the unsightly attendance of people carrying guns on the Welsh Harp Reservoir. 

Committee Member Councillor Julie Johnson also noted that tents have been seen erected.  It was noted that London Borough of Barnet’s Priority Intervention Team and the Police were aware of this and therefore are addressing the issue. 

Councillor Geoffrey Johnson, Woolmead Resident Association noted that access to the nursery was poor due to lorries spreading mud across the road.   The London Borough of Barnet’s Greenspaces officer noted that the Borough’s enforcement officers were aware of the situation and investigating.   

There were no urgent items.