Concerns persist over a retrospective planning application at Woolmead Avenue and its potential impact on the Welsh Harp Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The issue was a key discussion point at the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on Monday 24 November 2025. According to the Public Reports Pack, the council was alerted to concerns in April 2023 regarding development from a property in Woolmead Avenue and its potential impact on the SSSI. The Planning Enforcement team and Natural England have been working to review and resolve matters.
The London Borough of Barnet's Planning Enforcement team, in collaboration with Natural England, is actively reviewing the situation and monitoring compliance with regulations. They issued an enforcement notice in May 2023.
The initial enforcement notice in May 2023 was followed by the refusal of a retrospective application (23/2569/RCU) for construction work. A further notice in November 2023 required the demolition and removal of materials (ENF/0522/23). An appeal against this decision was dismissed on 29 January 2025 (24/00031/ENF) because the council's decision was upheld, with a deadline of 29 July 2025 for compliance.
However, on 17 October 2025, a new retrospective planning application was submitted (25/4177/RCU) for the erection of a single-storey rear outbuilding at 38 Woolmead Avenue, London NW9 7AY. This application is currently pending consideration, and the council has stated it will continue to monitor the situation.
The Welsh Harp, also known as the Brent Reservoir, is a vital green space and a designated SSSI. It is managed jointly by Brent Council, the London Borough of Barnet, and the Canal & River Trust. The Welsh Harp's ecological importance is recognised in various strategies, including Brent Council's Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy 2021-23, Flood Risk Management Strategy, and Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2027.
