Agenda item
Planning Issues (if any)
The committee is asked to consider and discuss any planning issues affecting the Welsh Harp.
Minutes:
Planning Application - Tower
The committee considered the following planning application: (Ref 17/4597) - Installation of a 25 meter high lattice tower to be situated adjacent to the south-western corner of the Welsh Harp reservoir, Embankment South of Welsh Harp Sailing Club, Birchen Grove, London, NW9.
A number of concerns were raised by the committee, including:
· A tower had already been erected next to the Welsh Harp Sailing Club, though not in the location stated. It was unclear whether this was a temporary measure. This tower stood out, was unsightly and was not sited within tall trees as the planning application stated.
· The application was poorly worded and implied through lack of clarity that it was submitted by the Welsh Harp Sailing Club who had subsequently received complaints.
· The impact of the tower on birdlife and wildlife in the area. This was not adequately addressed by the application.
The committee noted that a petition had been established to object to the erection of a tower in a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
RESOVLED: That the concerns of the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee be sent to the relevant Planning Department.
West Hendon Estate Regeneration
Eric Holroyd (Barratt Metropolitan Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)) advised that the reserved matters planning application regarding Phase 5, Phase 6 and the Silk Stream Bridge was currently being prepared. Construction on these phases was not due to commence until 2022/23; however, it was necessary to submit the reserved matters planning application within three years of the approval of the outline planning application, which had been granted in 2013.
Eric Holroyd informed the committee that a consultation event had been held on Wednesday 22 November at the Community Hub on the West Hendon Estate. The committee received a detailed overview of the information provided at the event and copies of the display boards were tabled for the committee’s consideration.
In response to queries raised by the committee, Eric Holroyd advised that an ecologist was employed by Barratt Metropolitan LLP to monitor the impact of construction and overall development on wildlife. The Silk Stream Bridge had been placed in dense wetted woodland, away from the water. The bridge would be made from noise-minimising materials and the edges had been designed to shelter movement. The bridge was not located near a breeding site. The reserved matters application, would include a detailed technical note from the ecologist setting out enhancements that had and would be made to improve the biodiversity of the area. These included removing invasive plant species and adding signage to provide information on the wildlife of the area. A series of approvals from the Environment trust, Natural England and the Canal and River Trust would also be required to move forward with the detailed proposals. As part of the planning permission granted in 2013, Barratt Metropolitan LLP was obliged to monitor the impact of construction on birds and wildlife and it was found that the greatest disturbance for birds was caused by large packs of dogs being walked in the area. The roof space of the new properties was divided between solar panels and green or brown roofs. In addition, bird and bat boxes and bricks were embedded in the development, as agreed with Natural England. Barratt Metropolitan LPP also funded the Warden position for the SSSI. Discussions were also being held with the London Wildlife Trust regarding the development of an overall strategy for the Welsh Harp.
Eric Holroyd further responded that a new public square and six new retail units to include a supermarket and coffee shop would be built as part of the phase of development currently underway. Major highway works had also been undertaken, including the provision of new paving, street furniture, lighting and 65 pay and display parking bays. Work was being done with existing traders to explore how to diversify the public offer. £30k funding had been secured by Barratt and this would be matched by Barnet Council to support this work. The possibility of accessing further funding from the GLA would be explored.
A number of queries regarding parking were raised. Eric Holroyd advised that the number of parking places provided for the development complied with Barnet’s policy and the surrounding roads would be designated CPZ for residents. Councillor Langleben advised that the low take up of parking spaces provided for the residents of the development could in part be due to the significant initial charge made for the parking space. Eric Holroyd advised that he would explore this issue with Barnet Council.
During the discussion, the following actions were agreed:
i) Eric Holroyd to share with the committee:
· the results of the monitoring of bird and bat boxes and green roofs with the committee.
· information on the rafts installed
· a note from the ecologist appointed by Barratt Metropolitan LPP regarding the habitat provided in the buildings.
ii) Eric Holroyd to feedback to Barrett homes regarding councillor access to the residents in the development.
The Chair thanked Eric Holroyd for his contribution to the meeting.