Agenda item

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 other elements, subject to funding availability.

• Following up, concern was expressed that the reduced budget might result in a less attractive redevelopment. In response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) emphasised that the proposed improvements aimed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, thereby encouraging greater use of the site. It was noted that increased activity in parks typically led to improved natural surveillance and reductions in anti-social behaviour, contributing to a safer environment.

• Questions were raised around whether the installation of astro turf was still planned for the West Hendon Playing Fields. In response, confirmation was provided that the synthetic pitch was currently proposed for inclusion in Phase 2 of the Master Plan. The exact location had not yet been finalised, but the current plan included one full sized synthetic football pitch. Following on from the previous question, Welsh Harp JCC members asked where the proposed pitch would be located, to which Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) advised that potential locations were still under review and that no definitive location could be confirmed at this stage.

• Welsh Harp JCC members sought details around the extent to which the Silver Park Jubilee Resident Association had been consulted regarding the location, or proposed locations, for the football pitch as part of the West Hendon Playing Fields Master Plan. In response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) informed that consultation to date had been limited to earlier discussions held during the development of the masterplan. It was clarified that no formal consultation had yet taken place regarding the specific location of the proposed pitches beyond what had been outlined in the spatial planning element of the masterplan, which identified a potential site. It was confirmed that, once a decision had been reached regarding the precise location of the pitches, the matter would be subject to the planning process. This process would include consultation with neighbouring properties and relevant sites, including Silver Jubilee Park. It was further noted that, should Barnet’s Cabinet approve the proposals, Phase 1 would proceed, and specific consultation would be undertaken in relation to the proposed playground element of the scheme.

• Queries were raised around whether the second stage of planning would include a more detailed assessment of the environmental implications associated with the installation of astro turf, particularly in relation to the Welsh Harp and its surrounding area. In response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) confirmed that environmental considerations would be fully addressed during the planning process. It was stated that discussions had already taken place with colleagues at the Football Foundation, during which the proximity of the nature reserve and the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) had been highlighted. Assurance was provided that these factors would be carefully managed and taken into account when determining a suitable location for the proposed works.

In seeking to bring consideration of the item to a close, the Chair thanked officers and Welsh Harp JCC members for their contributions towards consideration of the London Borough of Barnet - Welsh Harp Management Plan. As a result of the outcome of the discussion, it was AGREED to note the update provided with the following information request identified:

INFORMATION REQUEST

(1)  That an updated timeline for resolving the fly-tipping issue at Priestly Way be provided.