Published: 13 November, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

CONTROVERSIAL new plans to re-shape Hampstead Heath’s ponds have been severely criticised.

The City of London, which manages the Heath, says changes are needed to meet legal demands to protect homes in neighbouring Gospel Oak and Dartmouth Park from floods. It is feared that a severe storm could cause the 300-year-old ponds to breach, sending gallons of water into residential areas.

The Heath and Hampstead Society has filed lengthy objections to the £15m dams project, stating it will be “unnecessarily obtrusive and damaging to the wild and natural state of the Heath”.

Floods in 1975 were not caused by the ponds being breached, the society notes, but were due to sewer drains overflowing. It feels that its views on earlier designs have not been taken on board.

The Hampstead Heath Anglers Association has also raised concerns.

Heath superintendent Simon Lee said it would be cheaper to build concrete dams on the three reservoirs which need improving, but the City was pouring an extra £7m into the scheme for habitat improvements. 

He said: “We have to preserve the natural aspect but, for example, the boating pond could be greatly improved. 

“We want to leave something better for future generations.”