Agenda item

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 whether Barratt Homes had given these alternatives due consideration. In response, Councillor Alan Schneiderman (LB Barnet) confirmed that Barnet Council had requested Barratt London to explore alternative routes. It was acknowledged that Barratt London had indicated potential constraints, but reiterated the importance of convening a meeting where members could raise their concerns directly with Barratt London and their ecological consultants.

• A further query was raised regarding the Barnet Council’s statutory powers in relation to planning permission. It was noted that the Silk Stream Bridge had received approval prior to the current administration, and reference was made to the Council’s use of statutory powers to halt the Hendon Hub development. Clarification was sought as to whether similar powers could be applied in this instance. In response, Councillor Alan Schneiderman (LB Barnet) stated that the matter was not within his remit but understood that the circumstances surrounding the Silk Stream Bridge differed from those of the Hendon Hub. Welsh Harp JCC members were advised that it was not straightforward for the Council to revoke planning permission that had already been granted and suggested that the legal and procedural context was distinct in each case.

• Frustration was expressed that a public meeting for West Hendon residents regarding the Silk Stream Bridge had not yet taken place, despite previous commitments. Concern was raised about the lack of community engagement and the strength of local opposition to the proposed bridge. In response, Councillor Alan Schneiderman (LB Barnet) acknowledged concerns around the delay and confirmed that a meeting with Barratt London and their ecological consultants would be arranged to allow residents and Welsh Harp JCC members to raise questions and receive direct responses. It was further noted that the proposal would be subject to consultation and would require approval from Natural England before progressing.

Confirmation was provided that at this stage Barratt London still intended to proceed with the bridge as per the approved plans with it reiterated that this was a matter which members could raise directly with the developer during forthcoming discussions.  Reference was made to correspondence from Natural England, dated 27 March 2018, which had outlined clear objections to the proposed bridge on the grounds of its potential impact on the SSSI. A Welsh Harp JCC member suggested that this letter be revisited as part of the planned meeting to ensure full awareness of the environmental concerns previously raised.

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 Update from the Canal & River Trust. As a result of the outcome of the discussion, it was AGREED to note the update provided with the following action identified:

(1)  Efforts be made to convene a meeting between Barratt London, their ecological consultants, residents, and members of the Welsh Harp JCC, at which matters pertaining to the proposed Silk Stream Bridge development could be raised and discussed in detail.