Lib Dem Environment Spokesperson and Highgate councillor Bob Hare has welcomed alterations to the planned Northern Line Control Centre in Highgate Woods. However he says more needs to be done.

Cllr Hare’s comments come following a site visit to inspect design alterations earlier this month along with representatives from the Highgate Society and the Corporation of London, which manages the wood.

Following pressure the wood’s consultative committee, local residents, Lynne Featherstone MP and local Lib Dem councillors secured an agreement to replace the planned lightweight pitched roof with a heavy concrete flat roof that will be able to support a shallow layer of soil and create what is called a ‘brown roof’ which will be able to allow plants and flowers to grow on it.

However despite this success there is concern that the designs for the boundary fencing that will surround the Control Centre will be both visually and physically intrusive to the wood.

Due to the need for high security, a tall, double wall of fencing will make an outer barrier, with an inner single wall closer to the new building and a ‘sterile zone’ between the outer and inner barriers.

The consultation group has expressed its desire to see any outer fence camouflaged with climbing plants, and have asked for action from Tubelines.However, Cllr Hare believes there is little doubt that if a fence of this high density is installed, it will be very visible from a large area of Highgate Woods.

Something of this density will also significantly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the ground at the fringes of the wood, affecting ground plants and undergrowth which until now have benefited from the less shaded conditions at the wood fringes and have been useful habitat for a range of insect species that need a lighter environment.

Tubelines has agreed to return to the wall issue next year when the construction stage is reached.

Highgate Woods is classed as an ancient woodland, and has a unique ecology of trees, plants, insects, birds and bats and other small mammals. Cllr Hare says that it is essential they be protected.

Cllr Hare (Highgate) comments:

“We welcome the numerous steps which have been taken by Tubelines in response to everyone’s concerns to protect the sensitive ecological site of Highgate Woods.

“Nevertheless, on the walls of the building, and particularly on the boundary security fencing, we have many concerns about visual impact, and some ecological effects. We will be pressing Tubelines to work with us to find solutions that meet their aims of security without creating a problem for the woods.”