Brent Council places Tree Preservation Order on trees at Reservoir Cottage, Welsh Harp

 

Reservoir Cottage after removal of vegetation

 

The cottage and surrounding trees (Google Earth)

 

Wembley Matters drew attention to what looked like possible preparations for development at the Georgian Reservoir Cottage back in December 2022. LINK Some vegetation had already been cleared. There was concern at the possible loss of green space and habitat at the site.

Earlier this month Brent Trees Officer, Julie Hughes, made a Tree Protection Order (TPO) on a number of trees on the site. The Order said:

• We have made this order because the trees are of significant amenity value and:
• Contribute to the attractiveness of the area adjacent to Welsh Harp Open Space and car park.
• Are important for their contribution to biodiversity directly adjacent to Welsh Harp SSSI.
• These trees should be retained in any future redevelopment of the site.
• Enhance the value of the street scene of Birchen Grove, views from the Sailing Club and the Welsh Harp car park. 

The temporary order remains in force for 6 months during which the Council will decide whether it should be given permanent status.

The Order means that no one is allowed to cut down, top or lop without Brent's permission any of the trees described in the 1st schedule of the order and include a willow, yew tree and 9 oak trees.

 

 

What's happening at Reservoir Cottage, Welsh Harp?

 

Reservoir Cottage om Birchen Grove, next to to the Wembley Sailing Club and the Welsh Harp itself, has been hidden from view for many years by trees and vegetation.

In fact on the way to my Birchen Grove allotment I have in the past found delivery people wandering around searching for the entrance.

That changes in July ths year when the cottage was sold by auction. The first bid was £425,000 but that quickly rose to £50K and £60k finally being sold for £644,000.

The cottage itself from pictures on the auction site LINK is not in very good condition but the site is quite large as this image shows - the border is in red.

 

The clue may be in this statement on the auction site:

This property / site may be suitable for redevelopment subject to obtaining the necessary consents. Prospective purchasers should rely on their own enquiries with Brent Council: 0208 937 5210 or https://www.brent.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning

 

Work has already started on clearing the trees and vegetation. Compare the picture above with this view taken today:

 

 Brent Council told me on Friday that removal of vegetation did not require planning permission but it appears that trees are involved. The Council also said that no planning application had been received for the site.

The cottage is a locally listed building. This designation has not saved other Brent buildings. In fact, Symal House redevelopment is coming up at Planning Committee next week. Despite being noteworthy for its 20th century construction method officers are recommending acceptance of the planning application that will see it demolished.

The entry in Brent's Local List recognises Reservoir Cottage's historical importance:

The 'dam keeper' would monitor water levels and operate the sluice gates on the dam as needed.

Any development has the potential to impact on this currently quite green space which is opposite the Birchen Grove allotments and the entrance road to the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre and the Garden Centre, and the side road to the Welsh Harp Open Space car park.