Dear Deansbrook neighbours and community,

Did you know about these plans?
Most of us didn’t. If this is the first you’re hearing of it. Then you’re not alone.

We are calling for an immediate pause to the proposed wetland at The Meads (in particular the area directly opposite 39–49 Crispin Road) until residents are properly informed and consulted.

Residents living directly in front of where this wetland is planned, with works expected to start soon — only became aware in the last 2 weeks.

So the question is simple:
If the residents directly in front of the development were unaware, how can the wider community have been properly informed or consulted?

The Reality of the “Consultation”
Barnet states that between 27 February 2025 – 20 March 2025:
1,400+ properties were contacted
Only 6 responses were received (0.4%)
A 0.4% response rate is not meaningful engagement. It’s clear the vast majority of residents were unaware.

This doesn’t reflect support or opposition — it reflects a failure to properly reach people.
It shows awareness was extremely limited and the process hasn’t reached residents in a clear or accessible way.

As a community, we deserve decisions that are made transparently. Not in a way that feels like they’ve gone ahead without us knowing.

Key Concerns

• Lack of Awareness & Proper Consultation
The consultation data alone shows residents were not properly informed.
With plans looking to start from May 2026, it’s concerning and frustrating to only be finding out now - when our opinions matter!

• Flood Risk – Where Is the Evidence?
Flooding is the main justification, yet no clear, localised data has been shared.

• Construction, Timeline & Parking
Works are expected to start from May, yet there is no clear plan for construction parking in an already overcrowded area.

There is also no clear timeline — what hours will work take place? Will roads, paths, or green space be closed? None of this has been clearly communicated.

• Reduced Visibility & Safety
Plans include new trees and landscaping in what is currently open, visible space. This reduces natural surveillance and raises safety concerns for children, dog walkers, and residents who use the area daily.

• Unclear Maintenance Responsibility
It is unclear who will be responsible for maintaining the wetland long-term.

• Alternative Solutions Not Explored
Options such as improving the existing stream or using larger nearby parks do not appear to have been prioritised.

What We Are Asking
Thames21 to pause the plans immediately
Direct engagement with residents most affected
Clear, transparent evidence and communication
Barnet Council to reopen the consultation now that residents are actually aware

Sign This Petition If:
This is the first you’re hearing about these plans
You believe a 0.4% response rate is not acceptable
You have concerns or questions
You want decisions made with proper community input

If information isn’t accessible, awareness stays low, and decisions move forward without people properly knowing what’s happening.

If you didn’t know about this then that’s an issue.
As a community, please share this with anyone local who cares about The Meads.

Sign and share - Thank you :)

Important
This petition focuses on the section directly opposite 39–49 Crispin Road (image provided).
However, these proposals are part of a wider scheme. Residents are encouraged to review the full plans via the official link but it was effort just to find clear information. https://www.barnet.gov.uk/directories/all-closed-consultation-and-engagement/meads-and-lyndhurst-park-flood-alleviation