Agenda item

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

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath verbally updated the Committee on the following matters relating to Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park.

Property

Hampstead Garden Suburb Great Wall

The Superintendent advised that maintenance works had been delayed by four weeks due to an investigation into parts of the Great Wall which were leaning.

Lido

The Superintendent advised that repairs works to the Café roof would last 16 weeks between December 2014 and April 2015. As part of a separate project, the Lido wall would be re-built to original height with the addition of a fence on top to increase the level of security. The City Surveyor’s Department was aiming to co-ordinate these two projects.

Parliament Hill

Members were informed that the tennis courts had been open for two weeks since completion of resurfacing works, which was one month ahead of schedule. Temporary markings had been put in place during winter which would be re-painted in spring 2015 when the top surface was applied. This would involve a closure of the courts for approximately two weeks.

Parking

Members were advised that they may be contacted by local residents regarding a parking amendment introduced by the London Borough of Camden in North End Avenue.  The Superintendent was following up with officers from Camden.

Planning

Athlone House

The Superintendent advised that the City of London Corporation had applied for Rule 6 Status to enable the City to make a representation at the Planning enquiry in February 2015. An expert witness had been appointed to argue that the current planning application would have a negative impact on the surrounding landscape as well as a detrimental impact on Metropolitan Open Land.

Highgate Police Station

Members were advised that representations had been submitted to the London Borough of Haringey against the planning application to demolish the former Magistrates’ Court and the Highgate Police Station and redevelop the site. In response to a Member’s question, the Superintendent advised that the objections were based on the redevelopment having a negative impact on the views west from within Highgate Wood.

Highgate Wood

The Superintendent advised that a local resident had recently written to staff at Highgate Wood asking for the ban on cycling within the Wood to be lifted and to open the path running parallel to Muswell Hill Road. Members were advised that a report to consider these issues would be submitted the Highgate Wood Joint Consultative Committee in April 2015.

RESOLVED – That the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath’s update be noted.