Route of new bridge across north marsh wetlands as they were in 1990s (IMAGE: COOL OAK)
Ben Watt, founder of the the Cool Oak group (Welsh Harp) has written a disturbing blog post LINK about the proposed 200 metre long steel and concrete footbridge across the Welsh Harp from the private estate that has replaced the West Hendon estate.
This goes straight through the north marsh threatening breeding species and may also endanger the area's SSSI (Site of Special Scientic Interest Status).
Ben Watt points out that this undermines the Joint Vision for the Welsh Harp that Barnet Council and Brent Council and other agencies have recently signed.
Brent Parks Forum is urging everyone to write to Barnet Council along the lines below:
Email Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change for Barnet Council at cllr.a.schneiderman@barnet.gov.uk, and Anne Clarke, London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden at anne.clarke@london.gov.uk
Dear Cllr Schneiderman and Cllr Clarke,
We object to the new bridge due to be built over the North Marsh of the Welsh Harp by Barratt PLC. We understand Barnet Council has statutory powers under s.97 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to stop this. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 clearly states: "It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage the listed features of a SSSI or disturb its listed fauna, without reasonable excuse".
Unless the bridge is cancelled or the route altered, all of the signatories to the newly published Joint Vision for the Welsh Harp - which includes Barnet Council - will be party to the partial destruction of one of the oldest and most famous SSSIs in the UK.
Sign off with full address for your objections to be lodged with the Councillor. Keep a record of the email.
It is also important that Brent Council, as a signatory to the Joint Vision, also opposes the plans.
21 comments:
This is appalling. Why do they want to do this when it would affect nature so badly?
A new footbridge sounds great. What is the problem making the area more accessible?
Yeah. Agree. They could do the same in the Amazon Rain Forest. What would be the problem with that? Would bring in the tourists and not damage the environment for the wildlife at all.
What a stupid idea, love to know who the idiot is that dreamed this one up. Clearly they have no respect whatsoever for nature.
Do some research on the subject. It will cut the land in half, the creatures that live their will be significantly affected. Small creatures will not cross the bridge therefore their land will be halved in size. This may also mean they may be cut off from critical access to particular nutrients.
It’s like if I made a foot bridge through the middle of your house and you couldn’t get to the other side of your house because of it.
Shouldn’t be building anything on SSSI anyway but depends on how much the bribe was
Not all about you, honey. How would you like access be built right through your home cos someone thought it’d be “nice”? We are decimating wildlife at an alarming rate for no-good reasons like this.
"the bridge will get little use, and gates to it will have to be locked at dusk to avoid security risks. A cheaper, easier, non-destructive crossing option has also always existed" - why destroy natural habitat for a bridge that's not needed???
It is not the amazon is it. Kew Gardens has a beautiful footbridge and it enhanced the area like this will.
Dear anonymous at 10:05. It is called a “footbridge” not the berlin wall. Animals will pass under it and humans will pass over it being able to enjoy more of the area
As a passionate advocate for Labour's values and a vision of progress that benefits all members of society, I firmly believe that the construction of the proposed footbridge across the Welsh Harp is a step in the right direction. While I understand the concerns raised by conservationists, it's essential to approach this matter with a holistic view that considers both environmental preservation and the well-being of the community.
The replacement of the West Hendon estate with a private estate brings about opportunities for positive change in the local area. Introducing a wealthier population to what was once predominantly social housing provides a greater mix of people and contributes to the reduction of crime. Alongside this, gentrification of the area brings more diversity in local shops and businesses and this must be reflected hy enhanced recreational facilities. Just look at the positive change we have brought to Wembley, Hendon will benefit from such a vision too.
The construction of a bridge can facilitate better connectivity and accessibility for residents, enabling them to enjoy the natural beauty of the Welsh Harp and fostering a sense of community. It aligns with Labour's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals, particularly those in historically underserved areas.
Furthermore, this project can create jobs for local residents, boosting the local economy and providing opportunities for the working class to thrive. As a long time Labour member, I firmly believe in the power of responsible development that balances economic growth with environmental conservation. By adhering to strict regulations and environmental impact assessments, we can ensure that the construction process minimises disruption to the marshland and its species.
While we should always be vigilant about protecting our natural habitats, it's also vital to recognise that responsible development can coexist with conservation efforts. The bridge can serve as a symbol of progress, connecting communities and embodying the ideals of unity and shared prosperity that the Labour movement champions.
Let's work together to find a solution that harmonises the interests of the community, the environment, and the principles of social justice that we hold dear.
Kew Gardens is a botanic garden.
The Welsh Harp is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the open water and associated natural habitats supporting an unusually large selection of wetland birds and plants. There is no valid reason to build this bridge at the Welsh Harp which will seriously impact on wildlife. There are already footpaths that members of the public can use to walk around the Welsh Harp.
As a passionate advocate for Labour's values and a vision of progress that benefits all members of society, I firmly believe that the construction of the proposed footbridge across the Welsh Harp is a step in the right direction. While I understand the concerns raised by conservationists, it's essential to approach this matter with a holistic view that considers both environmental preservation and the well-being of the community.
The replacement of the West Hendon estate with a private estate brings about opportunities for positive change in the local area. Introducing a wealthier population to what was once predominantly social housing provides a greater mix of people and contributes to the reduction of crime. Alongside this, gentrification of the area brings more diversity in local shops and businesses and this must be reflected hy enhanced recreational facilities. Just look at the positive change we have brought to Wembley, Hendon will benefit from such a vision too.
The construction of a bridge can facilitate better connectivity and accessibility for residents, enabling them to enjoy the natural beauty of the Welsh Harp and fostering a sense of community. It aligns with Labour's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals, particularly those in historically underserved areas.
Furthermore, this project can create jobs for local residents, boosting the local economy and providing opportunities for the working class to thrive. As a long time Labour member, I firmly believe in the power of responsible development that balances economic growth with environmental conservation. By adhering to strict regulations and environmental impact assessments, we can ensure that the construction process minimises disruption to the marshland and its species.
While we should always be vigilant about protecting our natural habitats, it's also vital to recognize that responsible development can coexist with conservation efforts. The bridge can serve as a symbol of progress, connecting communities and embodying the ideals of unity and shared prosperity that the Labour movement champions.
Let's work together to find a solution that harmonises the interests of the community, the environment, and the principles of social justice that we hold dear.
To anon 13/8/23 @ 17:32
Are you an employee of Brent Council? Be honest.
Why can't people walk on the existing footpath paths around the Welsh Harp??? Why does development and money have to destroy all of our wildlife habitats???
If this footbridge goes ahead it will surely make a great get-away route for thieves on bikes and scooters.
And it will mean extra polluting litter in the Welsh Harp reservior because yobs and street drinkers will throw their rubbish directly into the water rather than just onto the edges of the reservoir. Brent and Barnet Councils can't even manage the waste issues there already.
Clearly they work for Brent or Barnet Council but probably don't live on either borough.
Anonymous13 August 2023 at 17:32 says "The replacement of the West Hendon estate with a private estate brings about opportunities for positive change in the local area. Introducing a wealthier population to what was once predominantly social housing provides a greater mix of people and contributes to the reduction of crime. Alongside this, gentrification of the area brings more diversity in local shops and businesses and this must be reflected by enhanced recreational facilities." Are they suggesting that only the 'poor' in 'social housing' commit crimes??? Is that why the Quintain development of tower blocks around Wembley Stadium have their own dedicated police team to keep the poor people out, including those pesky working class football fans? And why would gentrification result in more diversity in local shops and businesses? All communities 'rich' or 'poor' have diverse shops and businesses.
The Welsh Harp is a special habitat for nature and wildlife which must be protected - gentrification should not ruin this special place.
Read this interesting article - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/aug/13/only-ai-made-it-possible-scientists-hail-breakthrough-in-tracking-british-wildlife
Could the Cool Oak group get a similar AI survey carried out at the Welsh Harp? Would be fascinating to know exactly what wildlife relies on this important site which could help to determine exactly what protection this site needs.
Are they also suggesting that the new gentrified people are too posh to walk to the recreation ground via the existing footpaths?
WHY?
hi,
as a cyclist I am in favour of the bridge for west Hendon. obviously before when it was proposed I opposed planning and it was approved. at the cpo inquiry I opposed it citing the 1981 act. but the secretary of state allowed the large concrete flats. now the bridge will provide the infrastructure allowing young people living in the flats, to access green space, nature and active travel
Barnet council are weak on cycling and this would be a small win. you constantly tell us there is no money for infrastructure and killing this bridge would be wrong
the A5 is not safe yet as a route from the estate to the new playing fields. I regularly use it and it's bumpy, busy with heavy vehicles, and full of water leaks. I find due to this my bike gets jammed on the up hill stretch.
a bridge would be needed, possibly a wood or stone design rather than concrete.
also a foot and cycle bridge from my road across the tube line to the hospital would be good.
Ben
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