Agenda item

Superintendent of Hampstead Heath to be heard on Hampstead Heath matters.

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath provided the Committee with a verbal update on the following issues:

Fatality

The Superintendent outlined the circumstances surrounding the recent fatality in the Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond, highlighting that normal lifeguarding routines had been followed throughout the course of the day in question. He noted that upon the realisation that evening that the lady in question was missing, a full land and air search was mounted by the Metropolitan Police Service, leading to her discovery by police divers the following morning. He added that this was the first fatality at the Ladies’ Pond in living memory and the first fatality involving swimming facilities on the Heath since an incident at the Lido in 1975. He emphasised that an inquest had been opened and subsequently adjourned, and that a report would be prepared for the Committee once the inquest was concluded. He also noted that a range of stakeholders were involved at the present time, including the Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as well as internal teams from the Corporation of London. He made clear that the Corporation’s protocols and procedures on the various swimming facilities on the Heath had been reviewed by an external health and safety consultant. He concluded by stating that it was clear that what had occurred had affected the staff involved deeply, and evidently the family in particular. 

The Deputy Chairman expressed thanks on behalf of the Committee for the efforts of staff present on the Heath at the time of the incident, acknowledging their professionalism during difficult and tragic circumstances.

Garden House

The Superintendent noted that a planning hearing was scheduled later that week for the Garden House application, and that he had instructed the Corporation’s planning consultant to attend to make the necessary representation.

The Water House

The Superintendent noted a further planning application for The Water House, a site opposite the entrance to the Ladies’ Pond. He highlighted the large amount of disruption proposed in the Construction Management Plan and his concerns that the lane through which heavy vehicles planned to access the site was unsuitable for such use. Furthermore, he had concerns over the effect of large movements of traffic on trees along the lane in question.

Events

The Superintendent noted the staging of the Duathlon on the Heath earlier in September, with four waves of competitors in total, with a winning time of c. 29 minutes.

He went on to note issues over hot water supply to the changing rooms at the Athletics Track, which had seen him working with the City Surveyor’s Department to identify potential solutions, which may include the use of temporary facilities. He informed the Committee that he would provide more information at the next meeting of the Committee.

He reported that the Give It A Go legacy event earlier that month had suffered slightly due to inclement weather, and that a circus was currently present on the Heath. He concluded by noting the forthcoming Conker Championships on 13 October and the Greater London Cross-Country Championships on 16 November.