Darren has called on both Mayor Ken Livingstone and Barnet Council to work together to make sure the Pastures are formally listed.
“I am very pleased Cllr Brian Coleman has confirmed that the council will not be selling off Long Lane Pastures. However, we need to ensure that in future the site is properly protected as an important green space that local people can enjoy.
I am calling on Mayor Ken Livingstone and Barnet Council to work together so that Long Lane Pastures is formally listed as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation, “ said Darren.
Darren tabled a formal question to the Mayor of London but Ken Livingstone has stated that the responsibility for listing the site rests with Barnet Council. He did however state that,
“My biodiversity staff will be happy to work with the London Borough of Barnet to determine whether Long Lane Pastures meets the criteria for identification as a Site of Local Importance.”
Set it the built up suburbs, Long Lane Pastures is home to many different grasses, flowers, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Many different kinds of birds depend on the rough open space for feeding, nesting and roosting. Rare birds such as goldfinch and linnets (now identified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan) have been frequently recorded.
Greens believe that the wide range of species on Long Lane Pastures is particularly valuable given its urban setting and it should be protected.
Darren Johnson said, “Over the last ten years we have seen the equivalent of 1,500 football pitches being lost to development in London. We can’t afford to lose any more. Barnet Council and the Mayor need to work together to protect Long Lane.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The transcript of Darren’s question and the Mayor’s answer is reproduced below.
768 / 2003 – Long Lane Pastures, Barnet
Darren Johnson
I understand that developers Fairview have withdrawn their application to build upon the public open space that once formed part of the historic Finchley Common, Long Lane Pastures. This is a cause where the Mayor can use his influence to preserve wildlife and open space and protect London’s biodiversity. Wildlife consultant Andrew Waller, stated, "The fact that so many species are supported by such a relatively small site is itself of some importance in the wider context of local urban ecology." Will you work with the London Borough of Barnet to place Long Lane Pastures on your list of sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation"?
Ken Livingstone
I have stated in my Biodiversity Strategy and Draft London Plan that the responsibility for identification of Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation rests with the boroughs. My Biodiversity Strategy gives details of the procedures and criteria which I expect them to use, and offers assistance with the application of these procedures. My biodiversity staff will be happy to work with the London Borough of Barnet to determine whether Long Lane Pastures meets the criteria for identification as a Site of Local Importance, but the final decision on whether to designate it as such, and therefore to protect it for nature conservation in the Unitary Development Plan, quite properly rests with Barnet.
I have adopted a list of Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, and will review this regularly. Long Lane Pastures does not meet the criteria for inclusion in this list.