We are joining forces with local people and other local wildlife charities such as Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) to oppose an application submitted recently by Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre (HOAC) to develop a new Water Sports Centre on Broadwater Lake.
Broadwater Lake is one of England’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has been a hugely important refuge for wildfowl and other wildlife for the last 40 years. FoSL believes that, if the development goes ahead, it will cause irreversible damage to the vital habitats and the wildlife of not only Broadwater Lake but also the other lakes in the valley, including Stocker’s Lake. This is because the birds migrate between the lakes, particularly when there is disturbance or food shortages.
The HOAC plan will shift the starting location for existing sailing from the north of the lake to the south and will add additional water-based activities, namely kayaking, canoeing, rowing, paddle-boarding, raft-building and windsurfing. This will mean unprecedented levels of disturbance closer to the critical refuge area in the south. HOAC claims that its plan includes new refuge areas for birds but FoSL believes these are insufficient and that HOAC is underplaying how significant the disturbance will be. Recognising the value of an educational Water Sports Centre, FoSL does not oppose developments at other non-SSSI sites in the area.
Together with Middlesex and Herts Wildlife Trust, Natural England, RSPB, London Wildlife Trust and over 1000 individuals and organisations, we have objected to Hillingdon Council's planning application to build a new Watersports Facility and Activity Centre on Broadwater Lake. The deadline for comments on this planning application was 21 December 2023 but we have been advised that the Planning Officer will accept any comments received up to Friday 12th January 2024. So please register your objection by following this link.
To find out more and for up to date news please visit HMWT’s webpage dedicated to this issue. We will also add occasional updates to this website as things develop.