Agenda item

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Minutes:

Members considered an update report of the Superintendent and the following points were made:

 

Planning

 

·         The Water House, Millfield Lane, 2017/3692/P. The Superintendent advised that planning permission had been granted subject to a S106.

 

·         Parliament Hill William Ellis School, 2018/1270/P. The Superintendent advised that planning permission had been submitted.

 

·         South Fairground Site. Members were advised that the owner appealed against the notice by London Borough of Camden and a hearing will be planned. The team have instructed Counsel and given evidence in this case.

 

·         North Fairground Site, 2017/4346/P. Members were advised that London Borough of Camden did not determine the case quickly enough, so an appeal has taken place. The team will instruct Counsel and submit more evidence.

 

·         Jack Straws Castle, 2017/2064/P. The Superintendent advised that London Borough of Camden still have not yet made a decision.

 

·         Chester Court, Lissenden Garden, 2017/1353/P. The Superintendent advised that the owners appealed against the decision and was denied which was the best outcome.

 

·         Members were advised that the Superintendent attended a residents meeting regarding a proposed development at 55 Fitzroy Park. It was noted that the team planned to request support as this development was in contradiction of the 2017 Local Plan.

 

Trees and Oak Processionary Moth (OPM)

 

·         Members were provided with an update on the management of OPM across the Heath and were shown a live map of the identified nests in trees.

 

·         Members were advised that the tree team would be inspecting nests throughout May to August which was a huge undertaking as 441 nests have been identified across 196 trees on Hampstead Heath. A specialist contractor will carry out nest picking on high risk trees and remove in late June to early July.

 

·         It was noted that a nest had been found on the floor causing concern for dogs, grass cutters and high-risk areas. Members were advised that local vets and doctors surgeries were being canvassed so they were aware of what symptoms to look for.   

 

·         Members were advised that the Heath was currently under a plant health notice, but it was hoped that this would be changed to a less severe category soon. It was noted that the law might be changed next year making local authorities responsible for the management of OPM.

 

·         The Director of Open Spaces advised Members that he was the Chair of the Forestry Commission’s OPM Committee and that there was no quick fix to eradicate this pest but that a programme to manage and slow the spread was being developed.

 

·         A Member noted that the signs concerning OPM on effected trees were small and suggested bigger signs at the entrances to Hampstead Heath including information regarding the netting.  

 

·         Members queried why some countries took the threat of OPM more seriously than others and asked what the plan for the future was for the UK. Members were advised that blocking off areas of trees temporarily was an approach but that research looking for a biological response/control was the main focus.

 

Capital Projects

 

·         The Superintendent advised Members that the Adventure Playground (Divisional Plan Project 3.10) was currently being designed and would go out to tender.  

 

Swimming

 

·         The Superintendent advised that the recent hot weather had had a huge impact on the swimming facilities due to the huge numbers coming to the Heath. It was noted that the ponds had been closed four times due to overcapacity but that extra lifeguards and security had been appointed.

 

The Chairman thanked the team for their hard work over the busy summer period.

 

A Member queried what the City of London Corporation planned to do regarding dog licensing and drones now it had powers. The Superintendent advised Members that reports regarding both would come to the next Committee meeting and that the Divisional Plan would be updated to include dog licensing powers.

 

A Member queried whether the public could be urged to take their litter home and suggested adding a notice to the website on this matter. Members were advised that this suggestion had been tweeted but bins were simply not being cleared quick enough. It was noted that a review project would take place looking at waste.

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