Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th November 2014 be approved as a correct record.

The following apologies for absence were received:

·         Councillor Mashari

·         Richard Bennett, Canal and River Trust

·         Roy Beddard, Welsh Harp Conservation Group

·         July Shepherd, West Hendon Forum

There were none.

There was none.

Lesley Williams, London Borough of Brent, introduced the report. An update on rough sleepers was provided, and it was noted that there had been a number of issues regarding rough sleepers on the Brent side of the reservoir

He clarified that at 3.3.1 the Welsh Harp Environmental Centre is to be closed at the end July, as opposed to April, 2015.

The Committee asked questions relating to rough sleepers and the closure of the Environmental Centre.

-       The Committee requested that Lesley Williams circulate the minutes of the London Borough of Brent meeting of Full Council where the details of the closure of the Environmental Centre are laid out.

-       The Committee noted the report.

Matt Gunyon, London Borough of Barnet, introduced the report. An update on rough sleepers – with specific attention to rough sleeping locations – was provided.

It was noted that the London Borough of Barnet are drafting an illegal encampments policy.

Matthew Gunyon explained that Greenspaces had been unable to establish the owner of the billboards around the reservoir, but that they would endeavour this fact.  

Mr Husband raised concerns over pollarding treed, and Ms Johnson raised concern regarding the possibility of installing a Hoggin Path – as detailed in Appendix 1 – as it could possible encourage, rather than dissuade, rough sleepers.

-       The Committee requested that Matt Gunyon would investigate dumping around the reservoir and provide an update to the committee.

-       The Committee noted the report.

Terry Garner, London Borough of Barnet, introduced the report. The Committee discussed issues relating to light pollution and how light spillage – from balconies of new builds in particular – would be contained.

The Committee noted the report.

Nathan Smith, Barratt Homes, delivered a presentation to the Committee regarding the ecological aspects of the West Hendon regeneration and the Welsh Harp Reservoir.

The Committee discussed issues relating to protecting wildlife and trees around the reservoir, and also construction contractors using roads that they are not permitted to use.

-       The Committee requested Terry Garner to provide an update regarding the removal of swales at the next meeting.

-       Nathan Smith clarified that they are aware of the issue relating to contractors using prohibited roads, and taken measures to monitor the movement of certain vehicles. The Committee requested Nathan Smith to provide a status report to the next meeting of the Committee regarding this issue.

Ms McGeown, who was due to present to the Committee, was unable to attend and therefore was unable to present.

1.    The Chairman provided an update regarding the Compulsory Purchase Order of the West Hendon Estate.

2.    Arising from the minutes of the last meeting, the Chairman provided an explanation to the absence of the Canal and River Trust.

3.    The Chairman noted that the Phoenix Canoe Club were recently awarded a grant of £10,000 at the most recent meeting of the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee.

4.    Terry Garner noted that the recruitment of the SSSI Warden is to commence shortly.

5.    Clive Cohen raised concerns relating to regular monitoring of water quality at the Welsh Harp Reservoir – Terry Garner noted that there are currently no identifiable funding streams to achieve regular water quality monitoring.