The Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee met to discuss the management and operation of the Welsh Harp Reservoir¹ and surrounding areas. Updates on the Welsh Harp Management Plan from both the London Borough of Brent and the London Borough of Barnet were scheduled, along with an update from the Canal & River Trust on restoration works. The committee was also expected to review the minutes from the previous meeting and discuss future meeting dates.

Welsh Harp Management Plan (Brent)

The committee was scheduled to discuss the progress of the Brent Reservoir/Welsh Harp Management Plan. The plan is jointly managed by Brent Council, the London Borough of Barnet, and the Canal & River Trust.

The scheduled agenda included discussion of:

• Marshland conservation work on the southern edge of the reservoir near Neasden Recreation Ground, with the Canal & River Trust, The Conservation Volunteers, and Welsh Harp Sailing Association.
• The Welsh Harp Centre, which is expected to provide opportunities for young people aged 16+ with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during curriculum time, with provision for community use at other times.
• The Canal & River Trust sculpture, celebrating the industrial heritage of the reservoir, its wildlife and value for recreation, which was expected to be moved to its permanent position at Neasden Recreation Ground in or after the late autumn of 2025.
• The control of Giant Hogweed and Oak Processionary Moth at the Welsh Harp Open Space.
• Investigatory works on the dam wall, enabled by Brent Council via Neasden Recreation Ground for the Canal & River Trust and their contractors.
• The preparation of interpretative maps for some of the Welsh Harp Park entrances currently without maps.
• A scoping exercise to assess the feasibility of creating a habitat bank at Neasden Recreation Ground, funded through Brent's Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL)².

The Welsh Harp/Brent Reservoir Management Plan includes an action plan. The action plan lists current year progress and actions that may require a longer timeframe and/or for the resources to be identified to undertake the actions.

Welsh Harp Management Plan (Barnet)

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the London Borough of Barnet's activities related to the Welsh Harp and West Hendon Playing Fields during Quarter 2 (July-September 2025/26).

The report pack included updates on:

• Efforts to clear riverside waste upstream of the Silk Stream trash screen, with the council working alongside the Environment Agency and specialist contractors.
• Ongoing fly-tipping issues at Priestly Way, with a commitment to rectify the situation within the next month.
• Volunteer litter picking events organised by the Friends of the Welsh Harp.
• The council's membership in the Thames21 Brent Catchment Partnership³, including efforts to eradicate invasive non-native species (INNS) like Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed.
• The phased approach to delivering the West Hendon Playing Fields masterplan, as approved by Cabinet in July 2025, with an initial focus on improvements to existing facilities.
• Work commenced on the restoration of the North Marsh area of the site, a project managed by the Canal & River Trust and partially funded by the London Borough of Barnet.
• The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have started their weekly habitat management sessions, Welsh Harp Wednesdays, every Wednesday from 10am – 3pm throughout winter.
• The ongoing review by the Council's Planning Enforcement team of concerns relating to the SSSI as a result of development from a property in Woolmead Avenue.

Regarding the development in Woolmead Avenue, the report pack noted that a retrospective application for construction work had been refused by the London Borough of Barnet Planning Dept, and a further notice was issued in November 2023, outlining a requirement to demolish and remove materials from the property. An appeal was issued in 29 January 2025, and the Council's decision was upheld. On 17th October 2025, a retrospective planning application was submitted and was pending consideration:

25/4177/RCU | Erection of a single storey rear outbuilding. (Retrospective application) | 38 Woolmead Avenue London NW9 7AY

The report pack also noted that following an initial Member briefing on 29 May, Barratt prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Delivery Roadmap in consultation with the London Borough of Barnet Regeneration team. A Socio-Economic review confirmed the continued need for the bridge to enable provision of play space in line with original planning requirements.

Canal & River Trust Update

The Canal & River Trust were scheduled to provide an update on the ongoing restoration works within the north marsh of the Welsh Harp.