Barnet Friends of the Earth submission

Re: Planning Application H/01054/13

For the attention of Tom Wyld

I am writing   to object to the proposed development on the Welsh Harp which will have a devastating impact on the area. This is currently an area of recreation for the residents of West Hendon , and is a SSSI of invaluable importance for wildlife.

I also object to the fact that the more luxurious housing will be situated nearer to the Welsh Harp, whereas the social housing will be nearer to the Edgware Road . Pollution on main roads in London are already consistently above EU limits.

There would also be a risk of flooding for property constructed near the Welsh Harp..

I object to this planning application for the following reasons:

·        Buildings of up to 29 storeys  are  to be proposed. This contravenes Barnet’s Core Strategy which only considers buildings of up to 20 storeys  to be acceptable, and also the London Plan.

Any new development should be constructed according to the highest energy efficiency standards possible, so that with rising energy costs, large sections of the population will not be trapped into fuel poverty.

·        Section 7.7e of the London Plan states that “the impact of tall buildings proposed in sensitive e locations should be given particular  consideration”.

·        Section 7.7d states that tall buildings must not “affect t their surroundings adversely in terms of microclimate, wind turbulence, overshadowing, noise, reflected glare, aviation, navigation, and telecommunication interference” and “should not impact on local or strategic views adversely”.

Furthermore, section 7.8e states that New development should make provision for the “protection of archaeological resources, Landscapes and significant memorials”.

Effects on Wildlife

There has been insufficient research into the  existing wildlife, and its national and local importance.

The construction oof footbridges across the Welsh Harp, in what is an SSSI would greatly disturb wildlife, as would the whole construction process.

The felling of trees is proposed, that contain colonies of bats. The additional lighting would also disturb them.

At present the largest breeding group of the great crested grebe in the UK is on the Welsh Harp. There are also large numbers of waterfowl. The plan simply  does not give sufficient consideration to the impact on the wildlife which live on the4 Welsh Harp.

The footbridges crossing the Welsh Harp are bound to have an adverse effect on the wildlife there.

The closer proximity of buildings to the edge of then Welsh Harp would have a detrimental effect on wildlife. The applicant’s report metions wildlife, but tends to play down its significance.

Transport

It is alarming that, in section5.2.1 it is proposed that “ the new layout (of the A5) will provide a fully linked signalised layout with 2 lanes for all traffic, north and southbound on the A5 which results in the removal or the short sections of bus lanes currently providing some bus priority along this corridor”.

As 2000 new homes are to be built, I do not think that enough attention has been given to have a transport system whereby all road users (including cyclists and pedestrians) are equally considered.

The resulting increase in transport appears not to have been taken into consideration. Extra volumes of traffic along cool Oak Lane and surrounding  roads would create gridlock during the rush hour.

The increase in traffic will exacerbate air pollution. London has, on average, the highest pollution of any capital city in Europe .

Other infrastructure

Schools. The plan mentions just one additional 2 form primary scholl. This would not be sufficient to c ater for the extra population.

Health Services.

Already local surgeries are struggling to cope with the existing population.  There is no mention in the plan of additional health services.

Kind Regards

Phil Fletcher (Barnet Friends of the Earth)