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| Reservoir to be saved for rare
wildlife |
Nature lovers celebrate ruling
Doris Lessing: ‘very pleased’ |
A DISUSED reservoir that has become a haven for wildlife is to
be protected from development under the latest planning guidelines.
Shoot-Up Hill Reservoir, at the back of Mill Lane and Gondar Gardens
in West Hampstead, was taken out of use by Thames Water two years
ago.
According to residents, including novelist Doris Lessing, the covered
sanctuary has become home to endangered species in the last 50 years,
including slow worms, stag beetles and migrating birds.
The land is protected under Camden Council’s draft Unitary
Development Plan (UDP) as private open space, but Thames Water applied
to the Town Hall last year for it to be reclassified for development.
A report by a government inspector on the council’s draft UDP
has concluded that the land should remain as private open space
– to the delight of residents.
Inspector Terrence Kemman-Lane said: “This site is undoubtedly
a green space, which has a function as an area for nature conservation
and biodiversity, acts as a stepping stone from one habitat to another
and is a green lung.”
He made his ruling despite acknowledging that the land had been
“previously developed”.
Mr Kemman-Lane recommended that the area east of the reservoir should
be designated a Grade 2 nature conservation site to protect the
slow worm population.
Ms Lessing, like many of her neighbours, kept wildlife diaries on
the animals and birds inhabiting the area as evidence for the inspector’s
inquiry.
She told the New Journal she was “very pleased” with the
inspector’s ruling.
Ms Lessing said: “At the moment there are so many birds and
species there. It should definitely remain an open space.”
Hugh McCormick, of Gondar Gardens Residents’ Association, called
for more scientific surveys to be done of the habitat “in accordance
with the inspector’s recommendations”.
He said: “We are continuing to record sightings of wildlife
on the site under the direction of a conservationist. But, as we
have been denied direct access, we would welcome support from Camden
Council and Thames Water for more formal surveys being carried out
throughout the year.”
A Thames Water spokeswoman said the company would study the report
in detail and then consider its next move.
A Town Hall spokeswoman said: “We will pursue the inspector’s
recommendations by seeking access to the site from Thames Water
and arranging for an ecologist to visit at an appropriate time of
year.” |
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DO you enjoy or endure Christmas? It isn’t only that we’re
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