Agenda and minutes

Councillor representatives on the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) are asked to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2025-26 Municipal Year.

In accordance with the JCC Constitution, the nominee for position of Chair in 2025-26 should be from amongst the Council members appointed by the London Borough of Brent. The nominee for Vice-Chair should be from amongst the Council members appointed by the London Borough of Barnet.

The Governance and Scrutiny manager (Brent Council) welcomed members of the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee to the meeting and introduced the first order of business: the election of a Chair for the 2025/2026 municipal year.

Councillor Krupa Sheth (LB Brent) was elected as Chair and Councillor Chakraborty (LB Barnet) was elected as Vice-Chair.

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no declarations of interests made during the meeting.

By prior arrangement with the Chair, persons who are not members of the Committee may attend to address the Committee on a particular issue or item. Any members of the public wishing to address the committee should submit their request at least 3 days in advance of the meeting to the contact officer named on the agenda. The request will then be passed to the Chair for consideration

No deputations were received.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 20 March 2025 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:-

That the minutes of the previous meetings held on Thursday 20 March 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

There were no matters arising.

To provide an update to the Committee in relation to Council activities during Quarter 1 (Apr-June 2025/26) in respect of the Welsh Harp / West Hendon Playing Fields.

Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) was invited to introduce a report from the London Borough of Barnet on the Welsh Harp Management Plan. An update was provided regarding ongoing fly-tipping issues at the Priestly Way end of the Welsh Harp. It was reported that a member of his team was currently leading on the matter and that collaboration was underway with the Enforcement Team to explore the feasibility of deploying CCTV in the affected area. It was noted that hazardous waste had been identified at the site and, despite ongoing clearance efforts, further waste continued to be deposited. The situation was being actively monitored, and clearance was being undertaken as swiftly as possible. Efforts were ongoing to identify a more permanent resolution in conjunction with enforcement colleagues.

Members heard that a Cabinet paper was scheduled for consideration the following day, outlining a proposed phased delivery approach for the West Hendon Playing Fields Master Plan.

It was reported that improvement works were being planned over the forthcoming 12 to 18 months in and around the Welsh Harp. These works included footpath improvements, habitat enhancement and creation, baseline data capture, and community engagement initiatives. Partnerships were being formed with the Canal & River Trust (CRT), Citizen Zoo, and The Conservation Volunteers. Further details were provided in the appendices of the associated committee report. It was also confirmed that the enforcement case concerning the development at Woolmead Avenue remained ongoing, with the Planning Team continuing to progress the matter.

The Chair thanked Matthew Gunyon for introducing the report and then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the London Borough of Barnet - Welsh Harp Management Plan.

• As an initial query, Welsh Harp JCC members questioned the timeline for resolving the fly-tipping issue at Priestly Way, noting that the problem had persisted for over 10 years. In response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) acknowledged the longstanding nature of the issue and explained that access to the waste had posed a significant challenge. Work was underway with contractors to facilitate clearance, including the use of specialist contractors for hazardous materials. It was reiterated that the team was working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, though a definitive timeline could not yet be provided due to access and coordination constraints. It was confirmed that the possibility of installing CCTV was being explored with an updated timeline to be provided in due course.

• Welsh Harp JCC members requested clarification on the current budget for the West Hendon Playing Fields and the scope of works to be undertaken. In response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) advised that the budget had been reduced to approximately £3.5 million. Details were available in the Cabinet agenda scheduled for consideration the following day. The first phase of works would focus on playground equipment, sports courts, footway enhancements, and potential drainage improvements to address flooding. Future phases would consider the introduction of synthetic sports pitches and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report presents progress on the Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Management Plan since the last meeting of the Committee and during the 2025/26 year to date. The Management Plan is jointly managed by the three main, land-holding organisations: Brent Council, the London Borough of Barnet, and the Canal & River Trust.

Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) was invited to introduce a report from the London Borough of Brent on the Welsh Harp Management Plan. An update was provided on marshland conservation works located on the southern edge of the Welsh Harp reservoir, adjacent to Neasden Recreation Ground. It was confirmed that the works were scheduled to continue in early autumn, with project partners including the Canal & River Trust, the Welsh Harp Sailing Club, and The Conservation Volunteers.

Issues were addressed relating to site maintenance and fly-tipping. It was reported that the London Borough of Brent had experienced significant challenges with littering and fly-tipping, including incidents in the vicinity of Priestley Way. A clean-up operation had been arranged, and although signage had been installed at the site, the issue remained persistent both at Priestley Way and at other park entrances.

In relation to the new Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, members heard that the concept design had progressed to Stage 2 and was currently under discussion with stakeholders. It was noted that further updates would follow as the design process continued. Reference was also made to the Pulley Wheel Project, and it was confirmed that the sculpture, designed by Phil Neil and commissioned by the Canal & River Trust, had been unveiled on 16 May 2025 at the Welsh Harp Sailing Association base. The sculpture was expected to be relocated to its permanent site at Neasden Recreation Ground in the autumn.

The Chair thanked Leslie Williams for introducing the report and then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the London Borough of Brent - Welsh Harp Management Plan:

• Members were keen to seek details around the extent of collaboration between the London Borough of Brent and Barnet in addressing fly-tipping at Priestley Way. In response, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) reported that both boroughs were working together as far as practicable, although each operated under distinct systems, including differing relationships with contractors and service organisations. It was noted that while clearance operations could be coordinated, preventing fly-tipping remained a more complex challenge.

• Following up, concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of operating separate systems and whether a more unified approach might be beneficial. In response, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) reiterated that each council had its own contractual and enforcement frameworks, and that it was most practical to work within those existing systems. Brent’s efforts in pursuing enforcement actions were acknowledged with several borough-wide successes noted. In continuing the response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) informed the JCC that both boroughs faced similar structural and resource constraints. It was explained that Barnet’s operational model was designed to function borough-wide, rather than being site-specific, and that any divergence from this approach would require a reallocation of resources. It was noted that the same applied to Brent, and that merging resources for a single site would not be straightforward, given the broader responsibilities of the teams involved. A Welsh Harp JCC member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive an update from the Canal & River Trust.

Ben Macmillan (Canal River Trust) was invited to provide an update on from the Canal & River Trust. In presenting, details were provided on the proposed restoration works at the North Marsh of the Welsh Harp Reservoir. Plans were displayed during the meeting. It was reported that funding had been secured from the Consumer Trust, in partnership with Brent and Barnet Councils, utilising Section 106 contributions, to undertake a partial restoration of the northern marsh area. The works would primarily involve coppicing of willow trees, which had encroached upon and shaded out the reed beds that previously flourished along this stretch. In addition, dredging works were planned to restore two historical channels dating back to the 1980s. It was noted that one of the channels was currently dry and would require full dredging and reconnection to the reservoir. A second channel would also be excavated along the same stretch.

Restoration plans had evolved, and the area would be subject to comprehensive coppicing, with efforts made to remove willow stumps to prevent regrowth. Where stump removal was not feasible, eco-plug pesticide treatments would be applied to inhibit regrowth. Ben Macmillan further advised that the newly opened space would be used to establish grassland habitats, thereby enhancing the area’s suitability for wetland bird species, which formed the basis of the site’s SSSI designation. The total funding secured to date included £150,000 from the Consumer Trust, with match funding of £150,000 from Barnet Council, and an additional £200,000 being pursued from National Highways to support full implementation of the works.

The Chair thanked Ben Macmillan for the update and then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the information provided:

• Welsh Harp JCC members welcomed the restoration initiative, noting its alignment with earlier proposals under the Future Habitats Strategy for the Welsh Harp. Enthusiasm was expressed for the project and reference was made to previous site visit to the North Marsh with Councillor Alan Schneiderman (LB Barnet) and others, during which their views on the initiative was sought.

A follow-up query was then raised regarding the Silk Stream Bridge, which remained unbuilt despite having received planning permission over a decade ago. Concern was expressed that the proposed infrastructure posed a significant threat to the remaining areas of the North Marsh and could undermine restoration efforts. In response, Councillor Alan Schneiderman (LB Barnet) welcomed the restoration works and commended Barnet Council’s contribution through match funding. In relation to the Silk Stream Bridge, it was acknowledged that planning permission had been granted some time ago and that discussions had taken place with Baratt London, although no substantial new information had been provided. A desire was expressed for Baratt London representatives to meet with members of the Welsh Harp JCC and local stakeholders to review the plans and address concerns directly.

Given concerns relating to the bridge, Welsh Harp JCC members noted that alternative routing options had previously been suggested which would avoid unnecessary damage to the SSSI. It was queried  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To note the following dates for future meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee:

• Monday 24 November 2025 at 6pm
• Thursday 19 March 2026 at 6pm

RESOLVED:-

That the following dates for future meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee, all of which are scheduled to be held online, be noted:

• Monday 24 November 2025 at 6pm

• Thursday 19 March 2026 at 6pm

No business other than that appearing on the agenda shall be transacted at the meeting unless the Chair decides that it is urgent. Any member of the Committee wishing to raise an item of urgent business should provide sufficient notice to permit consideration by the Chair.

No items of urgent business were identified.