Pickles to be urged to call in West Hendon-Welsh Harp development

The motion below is being put to tonight's full Council meeting by Cllr Roxanne Mashari. I understand it will have Liberal Democrat support but I don't know the position of Conservative councillors:

West Hendon development

This Council opposes the West Hendon Development plans which have recently been approved by Barnet Council and the Mayor of London.

Members note that the Welsh Harp Reservoir and Nature Reserve is the only site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in Brent or Barnet and has London wide and national ecological significance.

Members note that Barratt Homes has failed to address concerns raised by Brent Officers, community groups and wildlife organisations who have opposed these plans, which will lead to 6000 new residents moving into tower blocks up to 29 storeys high and the construction of foot bridges leading directly from the site into the SSSI. Members agree that the scale and design of this development amount to an act of environmental vandalism.

This Council notes that the scale and design of the proposed development contravenes official guidance in both the Barnet and London plans.

This Council wishes to reaffirm the value of our Welsh Harp Nature Reserve and reservoir and its belief that this site must be preserved for future generations.

This Council therefore urges the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to call in this decision with the utmost urgency. This is in light of the numerous and grave concerns raised by a number of professional and community bodies which remain unaddressed.

Boris Johnson to decide on West Hendon development on Wednesday

Following Barnet Council's referral of the West Hendon Regeneration Planning Application to the London Mayor last Friday, Boris Johnson will be making his decision on Wednesday 7th July.

He can decide that Barnet Council should make the decision, reject the application or decide to act as the Planning Authority for the application.

Navin Shah AM for Brent and Harrow; Cllr Roxanne Mashari, Brent Council's lead member for environment and Martin Francis, Brent Green Party, met with GLA planners today to put the views of those opposed to the application.

They will be circulating a letter over the weekend to go to Boris Johnson and the planners which will summarise the case against the development and urging him to reject the planning application or failing that, to act as the planning authority. The aim is to get the letter signed by members of all the main political parties in Barnet and Brent as well as all those organisations opposed to the development.

If you do not receive the letter by 9pm on Sunday evening please email Martin Francis at mafran@globalnet.co.uk to request a copy.

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

Welsh Harp Campaign launched in local press

Kilburn Times April 25th 2013

Willesden and Wembley Observer April 25th