Agenda item

The Trust is asked to consider the content of this report and agree the proposed cycle path through Wormwood Scrubs.

HS2 – Wetland Mitigation Legal Agreement and Stamford Brook Sewer

Farah Rossi presented the HS2 elements of the report. She noted that the wetland migration legal agreement was with lawyers and they were waiting for the engrossments. Regarding the Stamford Brook sewer realignment – officers were meeting with engineers to discuss the proposals.

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation – Draft Local Plan

Officers reported that the consultation on the draft local plan had finished. There had been over 7000 responses that had been broken down into 28 key themes for the OPDC papers. The document will be revised with regard to the responses received and a further, final consultation (Regulation 19) will take place in Spring 2017.

OPDC Wormwood Scrubs Survey Questionnaire

Councillor Harcourt noted that the questionnaire was only sent to him and not the other members of the Trust. Officers noted that the survey raised a number of issues – and supported the idea that the Trust should have a dedicated supporting officer. It was also noted that the scrubs should be removed from the OPDC planning area. Farah Rossi said that OPDC officers would analyse the returns and we could ask for feedback to the Trust soon.

Filming and Events Update

Dave Page noted that Jem Kale had taken a secondment within the Council and recruitment to replace him was ongoing. The website was in development and should help to promote Red Gra as a filming destination - screenshots of the new site would be emailed to the Trust.

Community Safety Update

Dave Page reported that there had been no increase in incidents over the summer.

Grounds Maintenance and Site Management Update

Ian Ross noted that officers had been approached by a developer looking for translocation sites for slow worms from the Oaklands site off Old Oak Lane. Piles of mulch had been dropped to build up the slow worm population. Councillor Harcourt noted that this was a good example of information that should go on the new website to alert residents.

Officers reported that Network Rail had not been responsive to their requests for a joint approach to dealing with Japanese Knotweed. Councillor Carlebach advised officers to speak to the Office of Rail Regulation, Network Rail’s regulator, if they continued to be unresponsive on this issue. Farah Rossi noted that they had asked HS2 to consider removal of the knotweed as early works.

Introduction of Cycle Quietway between East Acton and Kensington

Richard Duffill presented proposals for the cycle quietway. The proposals were in line with H&F’s cycling strategy and TfL's efforts to get more people cycling. He explained that Quietways were routes that encouraged residents who aren't already cyclists to take up cycling. They were, as the name suggests, quiet and safe as they were located away from main roads. Consultation with residents showed that 71 percent favoured the whole route and 15 percent partially favoured the route, with minor amendments.75 percent of respondents approved the proposed new path on the Scrubs while 13 percent did not approve.

Councillor Harcourt noted that the response from the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs had been overwhelmingly negative. Many people were strongly opposed to a path cutting into the Scrubs. The Committee rejected the current proposals as they felt the cycleway constituted inappropriate usage and was a significant intrusion into the wild open space. Allowing the quietway would open the Trust to further representations from OPDC, when the Trust had refused to allow OPDC to develop cycle and pedestrian paths in the Scrubs. The Trust did however agree to allow the Council to investigate an alternative quietway route to the north of the main car park.

Electric Vehicles – Rapid Charging Station at Woodland Mews

Councillor Harcourt reported that there was a TfL proposal to turn the small car park at Woodland Mews into a rapid charging station for electric vehicles. They would also be offering general improvements to the area including paving and planters. Councillor Carlebach asked for more information on the proposals – specifically if it would mean losing revenue generating parking spaces.

Financial Forecast 2016-17

Mark Jones presented the financial forecast and noted that they had forecasted a deficit for 2016-17 of £68,520 - £13,417 worse than had been budgeted. Officers would keep the Trust updated with any developments.

UKPN Offer

Dave Page reported that UKPN had made a ‘without prejudice’ offer including back payment of rent for 6 years but with lower ongoing rents. The offer had been declined and officers would update the Trust on any developments.