Cllrs Hopkins' and Ashraf's submission on West Hendon redevelopment

West Hendon Estate today

Cllr Alison Hopkins writes:

I grew up very close to the Welsh Harp, and it was a playground for me – I was the classic small girl fishing for minnows with a bamboo pole for a rod! It’s a wonderful space and vitally important not just for Brent and Barnet but for the whole of North London. We allow it to be damaged at our peril.

I fought the last development proposals close to the Welsh Harp, and also the Brent Cross “Regeneration”, which will have major impacts on that area, too. When I was elected as a councillor last year, the one committee I was desperate to be on was the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee, of which I’m vice chair and hope to be chair this coming year. Javaid, my predecessor, feels as passionately as I do about the importance of the Welsh Harp and its value to the community.

I think it’s safe to say that almost every member of the JCC is totally opposed to these plans as they stand: both I and Cllr Ashraf, who was chair previously, have written to Barnet Council stating our opposition in the strongest possible terms.

Cllr Ashraf has written as follows:

As the former chair and member of the welsh harp joint consultative committee, I am very concerned by the Barratt developments being proposed as below.

The size and scale of this development will change the landscape and surrounding areas in numerous ways including additional congestion, pollution, noise and nuisance.   

There will be additional vehicles and traffic as well as works traffic to contend with. 

There will be more people who will rely on local services and will increase demand.   Noise levels will increase and pollution will become a particular concern. 

From the previous Barratts development, I was concerned that the consultation was poor and despite numerous attempts to arrange a site visit, there were numerous delays and none forthcoming whilst I was chair.

The SSSI will be impacted by the size and development and this will affect the natural beauty and conservation of the area, resulting in loss of wildlife, birds and other animals.   This is a unique part in this part of London and we do not wish it ends up that the welsh harp reservoir and surrounding SSSI loses its interest and becomes an empty part of land and waters with scarce natural beauty.

Whilst I expect some developments to the previous estate on site, any new ones proposed should not be bigger in size and any overspill should be well away from this location and done on other land which does not impact so much on a historic and natural site.

I’ve endorsed his comments and added:

I totally concur and agree with what Cllr Ashraf has said.

I am also very concerned about the lack of proper amenities: for example, there is no provision for a medical centre.  As was stated at the last Welsh Harp JCC, the current local facilities are inadequate at the moment, let alone once massive extra development takes place.

The amount and nature of the social housing is unsatisfactory, as is the level of affordable housing. Social tenants are being pushed away from the welsh Harp to the A5 edge, with all the implications for living in poor air quality.

Tower blocks are discredited as a means of housing in what is essentially a rural suburban setting.

This is a totally inappropriate and ill thought out plan.

In conclusion, the West Hendon Estate has been neglected for decades and must be properly improved for the benefit and well being of those who live there. That means good open space, proper community amenities and proper housing, not high density tower blocks.

These plans benefit no one: indeed, they are positively destructive.  Barnet have a history of not listening to Brent and this can’t be allowed to continue. They also seem determined to build scores of inappropriate and unwelcome tower blocks all over the borough, but especially where it borders Brent.  We can and must fight these damaging plans.

Save our Welsh Harp - Public meeting Saturday May 4th

SAVE OUR WELSH HARP

PUBLIC MEETING SATURDAY MAY 4TH

5-7pm BRENT TOWN HALL

Concern over Barratt's development from Canal and River Trust

From the Kilburn Times LINK

A national charity which looks after and protects waterways across the country has expressed concern over a major housing development on the edge of a popular reservoir.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT), which is responsible for maintaining around 2,000 miles of rivers and waterways across England and Wales, has said it is important to protect the Brent Reservoir.

The reservoir, which borders Barnet and Brent and is popularly known as the Welsh Harp, is currently under threat from a development which could see around 2,000 new homes including four tower blocks dumped on its borders.

In Brent, a campaign has been launched to stall the application amid fears it will spoil the unique view, have an adverse affect on the area’s natural wildlife and cause an increase in traffic.

Leela O’Dea, environment manager at the CRT told the Times: “The Welsh Harp is a haven for a wide range of birds, bats and other wildlife, and it’s important that it retains its special ecological status.”

Earmarked as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the area is home to both birds and other wildlife and is a popular destination for residents both in Brent and beyond.

Ms O’Dea added: “We’ve raised our concerns with the developers to ensure that they can demonstrate there’ll be no adverse impact on the environment.”

According to CRT’s official website they pledge to; inspire more people to enjoy waterways, Ensuring they are open, accessible and safe and Minimising the impact made on scarce resources.

The application, from Barrett Homes will be considered by Barnet Council.

A Barratt Metropolitan LLP spokesman said they shared campaigners’ wish to preserve and maintain the reservoir and its wildlife.

He said: “A strong green buffer will run along the entire length of the eastern shore of the reservoir with buildings a minimum of 20 metres from the SSSI boundary and, typically, 40 metres from the reservoir.

“There will be new areas of tree planting, wetland and grassland, and species-specific bird habitats will be created within the parks and gardens, and the buildings will also have a range of green and brown roofs.

“A full environmental assessment - which looks at the potential impact the development could have on views, wildlife, recreation and traffic - has now been submitted to Barnet Council.”