Agenda item

Hampstead Heath Ponds Project Quantitative Risk Assessment – Interim Report with accompanying Position Paper (copies attached).

The Superintendent introduced the Quantitative Risk Assessment, noting that it was an unusual document to be produced at this stage as it was not associated with the overall design process and had no statutory basis, but that the City Corporation had agreed, in the spirit of cooperation, to produce this interim document.

He noted also that many of the proposed surveys, terrestrial and aquatic, had been completed and that in particular there had been no evidence found of Great Crested Newts. He concluded by recognising that there remained, as ever, the possibility that external parties may seek a judicial review of the Corporation’s proposals for the Ponds Project.

In response to a question from a member, the Principal Legal Assistant confirmed that a meeting had taken place between the Heath & Hampstead Society, their QC, and City of London Officers and their QC on 19 September 2013. He described it as a productive meeting but that the differing positions between the Heath & Hampstead Society and the City of London Corporation were still apparent.

RESOLVED, that:

·         Members approve the approach being undertaken to proceed with the project at ‘deliberate speed’. 

·         Members receive the formal Quantitative Risk Assessment and accompanying Position Statement.