Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath that provided an update regarding the management and operational activities across the Heath since January 2016. The Superintendent provided some additional information regarding the following matters:-

Planning

·         A California Bearing Ration (CBR) survey carried out in January 2016 showed that the road providing access to the Water House was not capable of receiving Heavy Goods Vehicle traffic, which would also cause damage to a veteran oak tree.

·         The planning application for the Water House was due to be considered by the London Borough of Camden’s Development and Control Committee in April or May 2016 and Planning Officers were expected to recommend that the application be refused.

Events

·         A restoration plan for the Southern Counties Cross Country Championships, held on 30 January 2016, had been put in place.

·         Problem areas along the route were being monitored carefully and new repair and recovery techniques involving compaction machinery were being looked into.

·         The route would be incorporated into the next Committee walk of the Heath.

·         In response to Members’ concerns, the Superintendent advised that the possibility of additional funding for ground repair after the popular Cross Country events would be looked into.

Ponds

·         Works at the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond were due to be completed by 30 April 2016.

·         The Ladies’ Pond would re-open and the Mixed Pond would return to a mixed male and female pond on 7 May 2016.

RESOLVED – That the Superintendent’s update for March 2016 be noted.