Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath regarding the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project. The report advised Members that progress towards a final scheme for the Ponds Project was continuing alongside Camden’s consideration of the planning application and the Judicial Review.

The Ponds Project and Management Support Officer advised that the remaining Ground Investigations (GIs) at Hampstead No.1, Catch Pit and Stock Pond, which had been delayed due to nesting birds, were carried out successfully in early September 2014. Members were also advised that an underwater assessment of the 1950s slab supporting the Ladies’ Bathing Pond changing facilities found that it was not in good condition and a future report would likely recommend its replacement.

In response to questions from Helen Payne and Jeremy Wright, the Ponds Project and Management Support Officer advised that tree works would be scheduled for early 2015 ready for enabling works to start in April 2015, subject to successful outcomes to the Judicial Review and the planning application in November and December respectively. Jeremy Wright added that the Judicial Review would take place on 13 and 14 November 2014 at the Royal Courts of Justice and noted that the hearing was open to the public.

In response to a question regarding the Ponds Project Stakeholder Group, the Superintendent advised that arrangements for sharing information during the works had been discussed with the PPSG. He also explained that the consultation phase had been completed and the next priority was to share information with visitors, neighbours and stakeholders about what was happening on the Heath and to promote routes around the work sites. Updates and tours of the site would be available to members.

The Chairman concluded this item by advising members that the Ponds Project and Management Support Officer would provide a further update at the next Consultative Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.