Agenda item

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath to be heard.

The Committee heard an update from Bob Warnock Superintendent of Hampstead Heath on Planning, Property, Events and the Hampstead Heath Pond’s Project

Hampstead Heath Ponds

With regards to the Hampstead Heath Pond’s Project the Superintendent told the Committee that reports on the outcome of the Ponds Project Information Sharing and Non-Statutory Consultation and the Education programme were being presented to the Committee today.

The Partnering Contract between Atkins, Capita, BAM Nuttall and the City of London had been signed on 14 March 2014.

The Panel Engineer will be completing his inspection of the Dams on the 16th April 2014.  Following this BAM Nuttall will take on the role as emergency response contractor.

Press Releases have been distributed to provide information about the Ground Investigations.  In addition an interactive map had been made available on the City’s website to show the location and timings of the different investigations.  Work commenced on the 24 March 2014 and staff at the Heath had worked closely with BAM Nuttall in relation to ecology, access and visitor liaison. The Committee heard that bore holes had been completed at the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond with particular consideration of the impact to nesting birds at the site.  Working with Heath Ecologists a number of bore holes had been moved from the originally planned locations to reduce disruption to wildlife.

Planning – Water House

The Superintendent noted that Camden have just received a copy of a Basement Impact Assessment Audit.  This will be placed on Camden’s website as a public document once they have received a revised Basement Impact Assessment from the Developer in response to the audit.  Camden has indicated further consultation will then be necessary.

Planning – Archway Tower

The Superintendent noted that a planning application has been submitted by Essential Living for a change to the external appearance of the existing (vacant) office building, which is being converted to residential use. 

The Superintendent held a meeting with Essential Living and their advisors on 27th March 2014 to discuss various details including the external appearance, proposed materials, long distance views and proposed glazing.

The proposed scheme will increase the extent of glazing although carefully selected glass will ensure that this is neither too dark nor reflective A cleaner profile is suggested, with plant from the top of the building being removed and a new stepped back profile at the highest level.

Planning – Swains Lane

The Superintendent informed the Committee that the City of London Corporation had drafted a letter of objection to the proposed plans for Swains Lane.  The City would object on the grounds that the proposals for the site were not consistent with National Planning Guidance and does not constitute a high quality proposal specific to the location, surroundings, designations and constraints.

Parliament Hill Athletics Track

The Superintendent informed the Committee that there had been substantial progress with the on-going refurbishment of the showers.  He noted that asbestos had been removed from the site, 70% of the new pipe work had been installed, a new boiler and fire alarm have been fitted and electrical work was underway.  All work was expected to be complete by early May 2014.

Lido

The Superintendent noted that the site of the wall collapse due to the winter storms had been cleared and secured.  Structural Engineers had looked at both the collapsed wall and the remaining sections and would provide  a report of their findings.  The Superintendent noted that the terraces needed to remain accessible in the summer months and it was proposed that the work on the wall should run in parallel with the work to underpin the café.

Hill Garden Shelter

The Superintendent noted that the City Surveyor’s staff had spoken with English Heritage about the graffiti problem on the Hill Garden Shelter and would work in partnership to find a method of improving the appearance of the shelter.

Network Rail

The Superintendent noted that the Network Rail have applied to replace railway boundary fence from Gordon House Road towards Savernake Bridge. The Superintendent felt that the replacement was mutually beneficial as it would involve the removal of rubbish from the boundary.

Network Rail has also been in contact regarding a project to electrify the railway between Gospel Oak and Barking.  The project involves the construction of an electrical substation on the railway embankment adjacent to the Heath.  The Superintendent noted that he would work with the City Surveyor to investigate the plans and report to the Committee at a later date.

Events

The Superintendent noted that Fairmen had arrived on site at the Heath in preparation of the Easter Funfairs.  The Superintendent also noted that in May 2014, 10,000 races would take place at the track and further events were planned including the Affordable Art Fair and GROW London.

Christmas Tree Sales

The Superintendent informed the Committee that a proposal had been received for the sale of Christmas Trees in East Heath Car Park.  The Superintendent had begun to review the proposal and would submit a report with his recommendation to the Committee in due course.

Hampstead Heath Constabulary Dogs

The Superintendent noted that one of the Constabulary Police dogs has failed the Home Office Licence and has consequently been rehomed.

An informal consultation on the restructuring of the Constabulary, which would reduce the number of Dog Handlers but retain all 12 Officers had been launched.

RESOLVED: That the Committee approve the Superintendents update.