Boris Johnson refuses to intervene in destruction of Welsh Harp

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has ignored the concerns of local residents regarding Barnet Council’s West Hendon Planning Application, despite strong objections. The development launched by Barrett Homes is set to build 2000 new dwelling units, including four large tower blocks next door to Welsh Harp, one of London’s biggest and most significant nature reserves. Residents and campaigners are concerned that this development will destroy permanently the natural landscape which contains a wildfowl reserve and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A cross party joint letter from Brent and Barnet campaigners was issued to the Mayor detailing their concerns regarding the planning application asking him to reject the application. 

The Mayor has decided that he is content to let Barnet Council decide the application, subject to any action the Secretary of State may take,  and does not want to exercise his right to refuse the application or take over as the planning authority.

Local London Assembly Navin Shah AM said:

‘’This is an outrageous decision by the Mayor of London which will obliterate the beautiful landscape, tranquility and ecological values of a site which should be protected for its special scientific interest. The Mayor has ignored the policies of his own London Plan and given Barnet Council the green light to vandalise this site of  great value.

‘’340 people have written to the Mayor asking him to refuse this application. Furthermore, there has also been a submission of two petitions that have been signed by 987 people. It is disgraceful that the Mayor has yet again refused to listen to local communities in Brent and Barnet. People will never forgive him for signing off the destruction of this site’’.  

 

Consternation as Welsh Harp development go ahead

Today's Wembley and WillesdenObserver

Jenny Jones, Green London Assembly Member, who made a submission opposing Barratt's West Hendon development, criticised the Barnet Planning Committee's approval of the West Hendon development:

This is a short-sighted decision that will damage the integrity of the Welsh Harp SSSI. We should be protecting this space for the enjoyment of future generations and for the sake of the other species that live there.

Further consultation on West Hendon Welsh Harp development after developer submits amendments

Further consultation will take place with a closing date of Tuesday July 9th after the developer, Barratt Homes, submitted new documents and addendums to the Barnet Planinng Department.

The documents can be found at the developer's site www.west-hendon.co.uk or www.barnet.gov.uk/planning-applications  The reference number is H/0154/13. Comments bye-mail should be sent to westhendon@barnet.gov.uk

The council state:
 Should this application be required to go before a Committee, members of the public may speak at the meeting, subject to certain rules. If you wish to speak to the Committee YOU MUST STAE CLEARLY IN BOLD AT THE TOP OF YOUR CORRESPONDENCE 'REQUEST TO SPEAK AT THE PLANNING COMMITEE'.  Unless you indicate to the contrary your contact details will then be passed to the other speakers so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

The history of the Welsh Harp Reservoir

This illustrated article about the history of the Welsh Harp Reservoir was written by Wembley History Society member Philip Grant for the Brent Archives on-line "Local History Resources", but followers of this blog are welcome to share and enjoy it too

Welsh Harp petition presented but still (just) time to object

Outside the Town Hall this morning

Supporters of Save Our Welsh Harp including residents and councillors from Brent and Barnet, and environmentalists and community activists, presented a petition of more than 850 signatories to Barnet Council this morning, opposing the proposed 'skyscraper city' on the banks of the Welsh Harp at West Hendon.

There is still time to put in a submission by tomorrow's 4.30pm deadline:(NB amended from previous posting in light of further infromation)

See the Brent Planners' submission (right) for ideas on what to say but also make it personal - what does this development mean to YOU? You need to give planning reasons  for why you object so do read the plans yourself. Also see pages on the left for additional information.
 

You should get an acknowledgement in the post from Barnet Planning. If nothing arrives after 14 days, please chase them!

ONLINE
Go to the Barnet Planning site LINK and type H/01054/13 into the Search Box. Make sure you give a name and postal address and email address to get an acknowledgement.

E-MAIL
email the Barnet Planning Officer dealing with this application quoting the above reference number:

tom.wyld@barnet.gov.uk  Make sure you give your name and postal address and email address to get an acknowledgement. 

The petition steps all the way to the Town Hall door

Cllr Roxanne Mashari (Brent lead member for Environment)hands in the petition

Summing it up

The bank of the Welsh Harp at West Hendon

URGENT: SAVE THE WELSH HARP THIS WEEKEND

If you do just ONE thing this weekend apart from football, gardening, clubbing, drinking, eating and amusing the kids THEN make it submitting an objection to the Barratt Homes planning application to vandalise the wonderful Welsh Harp SSSI, nature reserve and bird sanctuary.

See the Brent Planners' submission (right) for ideas on what to say but also make it personal - what does this development mean to YOU? You need to give planning reasons  for why you object so do read the plans yourself.
 

You should get an acknowledgement in the post from Barnet Planning. If nothing arrives after 14 days, please chase them!

 


ONLINE
Go to the Barnet Planning site LINK and type H/01054/13 into the Search Box. Make sure you give a name and postal address and email address to get an acknowledgement.

E-MAIL
email the Barnet Planning Officer dealing with this application quoting the above reference number:

tom.wyld@barnet.gov.uk  Make sure you give your name and postal address and email address to get an acknowledgement. 

CLOSING DATE MAY 14TH

Save Our Welsh Harp in Kilburn Times

Save Our Welsh Harp in Barnet Press