Agenda item

Any Other Business

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed an update from Mr Nathan Smith from Barratt’s. 

Mr Smith stated that they are delivering 300 new homes between 2016-mid 2018.

They are in the process of submitting a planning application for the pedestrian and cycling bridge which is envisaged to be built in 12-18 months from now.

 

Ms Murphy asked when the consultation for the bridge would take place.

Mr Smith responded that this would take place in autumn time since the planning application has not been submitted yet. The Chairman added that if it was a wider consultation then that would probably take place during November-December.

 

Mr Smith explained that they were having further discussions with the environment agency regarding the bridge design that was previously presented as it would not meet the 100 year requirement. 

Also their ecologist is preparing a report and will be submitted to the Committee. There is no evidence that works or the demolition would have any consequences on the species. The ecologist has noted that dog walking has been a disturbance which has been recorded.

Mr Cohen asked whether Barratt’s intended to design a bridge that would be sound proofed and whether they were advising the residents who are going to be living in these flats on activities (e.g. fireworks etc.) which would cause disturbance to the wild life in that area. Mr Smith stated that the new bridge would create much less noise than the current one. They envisage informing existing and new residents of any issues.

It was agreed that Mr Smith or Mr Eric Holroyd will be attending from Barratt’s to the next meeting.

 

Mr Cohen mentioned that in a previous meeting there was a suggestion that a report could be provided informing the committee of unusual species sighted at the Welsh Harp.

He also asked whether there is an ongoing rat control and if it exists in what form does it exist in because rats cause considering problems. Chairman agreed to follow up on those points and report back to the next Committee.

Mr Chung mentioned that residents in Ramsey Close have asked for help regarding rough sleepers who can be heard closer to their homes and is causing anxiety among the residents. Ms Sawyer agreed to inform Sergeant Tuffing regarding this so they can include this area during their operations. Mr Chung agreed to email the incidents he has noticed to Ms Sawyer. Mr Chung also mentioned that there has been littering in the stream flowing from the sailing base under the A5 Edgware Road bridge behind Sainsbury’s. He mentioned of a stench that could be from items thrown in the water blocking the flow. Ms Sawyer agreed to get in contact with the environment agency and inform Mr Chung.

 

Chairman agreed to check whether the 2015 report from the Welsh Harp Conservation Group has been circulated to Committee members.

 

Mr Langdale asked what the amount of dogs allowed in one group was. Ms Sawyer said it was six. Mr Langdale responded that he observed ten dogs in the Barnet area of the Welsh Harp and sometimes with two walkers.

Ms Sawyer noted that she would inform the local SNTs. She also stated that they will update the signage in the Welsh Harp but in the meantime she will contact local SNTs.

Mr Langdale mentioned that he has observed dog walkers on a Thursday, he also added that he has seen someone fishing and that there were no ‘no fishing’ signs.

 

Ms Sawyer confirmed that there are signs in place across the Welsh Harp for no swimming and no fishing and that signs will be replaced with new ones in a few months.

 

Mr Cohen asked what was the procedure of tackling illegal fishing and Ms Sawyer responded that the police assist them in tackling both rough sleepers and illegal fishing.

The Chairman reminded members that the next meeting would take place on 29 November and invites would be sent out early.