Agenda item
Matters arising
Minutes:
The Chair clarified that if any matters of importance arose in between the meetings of the committee, the Chair and Vice Chair could be notified and that it would be helpful to do so in good time before the next meeting.
Sam Thomas (Canal and River Trust) explained that an update could be provided before the next meeting on rough sleepers in the Welsh Harp Reservoir.
The committee then discussed and noted the following points with regard to the West Hendon Development:
· It was noted that the outcome of the public enquiry regarding the Compulsory Purchase of the West Hendon Estate was due shortly and further information would be circulated to all members with the minutes of the current meeting.
· A short written update was provided by Terry Garner (Principle Planner, LB Barnet) regarding the position of SSSI Warden. It was commented that this information had been shared at the last meeting of the committee. The London Wildlife Trust (LWT) would be hosting the position and the queries regarding whether any charge would be made by Barratt London for the provision of office space remained outstanding. Dianne Murphy (Chair, LWT Barnet) advised that the job description for the position was due to be signed off imminently; the post would be advertised in the coming weeks with interviews being held in September 2015. It was anticipated that the Warden would be in position in time for the next committee meeting in November.
· Concerns were raised regarding the level of noise from the development and the impact on the birdlife of the Welsh Harp. The committee agreed with the view that the planned measures to inhibit noise were ineffective. It was further noted that the contractors were not complying with the restrictions on working hours as stipulated in the conditions of the planning permission. Roy Beddard (Welsh Harp Conservation Group (WHCG)) noted that there had been no discernable impact on bird populations as recorded by the monthly monitoring surveys conducted by the WHCG. It was agreed that the results of these surveys could be circulated to the committee and the Chair agreed to explore this issue and provide an update to the committee prior to the next meeting.
· Clive Cohen (LWT) raised concerns regarding the impact of the development on water quality and suggested that officers explore funding opportunities to enable regular monitoring to be conducted. A member highlighted that the Environment Agency (EA) did undertake monitoring of water quality. The Chair agreed to seek comment on this matter from the relevant officers.
· The committee reviewed the written update from Nathan Smith (Barratt London) regarding the use of prohibited roads by contractors. Members of the committee reported that the issue was ongoing. The Chair encouraged members of the committee to report any incidents. It was noted that it was not always practical to take down the necessary details to enable accurate reports to be made. Possible solutions were discussed by the committee including the installation of cameras by Barratt London and the continued use of banksmen as it was possible that this acted as a deterrent. It was agreed that the continuation of this problem would be raised by the Chair with the planning officers in Barnet and Barratt Homes. Representatives from Barratt Homes would be asked to attend committee meetings in the future.
· Councillor Langleben raised the issue of the impact of the Brent Cross Regeneration works on the Brent River Stream. The Chair undertook to write to Barnet Planning for an update to be provided at the next meeting.
RESOLVED:
(i) That Sam Thomas (Canal and River Trust) provide an update before the next meeting of the committee on rough sleepers in the Welsh Harp Reservoir;
(ii) That the Vice Chair pursue further information on the outcome of the public enquiry regarding the Compulsory Purchase of the West Hendon Estate and circulate this via Brent Democratic Services;
(iii) That Roy Beddard (Welsh Harp Conservation Group) circulate via Brent Democratic Services the outcome of the monthly monitoring surveys of bird populations;
(iv) That the Vice Chair seek comment from the relevant officers regarding the possibility of pursuing funding opportunities to enable regular water quality monitoring to be conducted;
(v) That the Vice Chair write to Barnet Planning Office for an update regarding the impact of the Brent Cross Regeneration works on the Brent River Stream.