Silk Stream Bridge

The bridge was approved in 2013 with the hybrid planning permission for the development. The key planning need was to give suitable access to play space for children of 12+ years within the required 800m walking distance of the site.

Other benefits were also noted at planning such as lessening the impact of a large population in direct proximity to the SSSI. At the time the number of homes for the development was 2,000, which has subsequently risen further in the revised phases 5&6 applications meaning the need for the bridge has only increased.

The playing fields already have an established range of sports and play facilities and Barnet Council are also undertaking works to provide improved facilities for the community. The planned development and enhancement of this area have been approved by LB Barnet to be undertaken on a phased basis:

• Phase 12025/26: Works include the refurbishment of the tennis courts, the creation of a new children's playground, and landscape improvements such as footpaths, wayfinding and sustainable drainage.
• Phase 22026/27: Subject to securing additional funding, this phase includes the installation of up to two all-weather (3G) artificial grass pitches with lighting, pedestrianisation, drainage systems along with change and toilet facilities.
• Phase 3On hold subject to funding.

There will also be a review of the potential to provide facilities within the West Hendon development, potentially related to the Community Hub, which can be accessed via the bridge to assist the playing fields while financing to develop facilities on the playing fields site is decided.

The team is working on Detailed Design of the bridge and submission of the planning conditions ahead of construction. The first four conditions were submitted for discharge in February 2026.

Site investigation works started on 16th February 2026 for three weeks — outside of the main bird nesting season — to finalise the detailed design ahead of submitting the last two conditions for discharge.

The bridge will be manufactured off site over Summer 2026 with a view to installation occurring in Autumn/Winter 2026–2027, outside of the main bird nesting season. The bridge is being designed to ensure a large portion of the works are done off site to minimise disturbance to the SSSI.

Barratt Metropolitan LLP will be responsible for the maintenance of the bridge for a minimum of three years, after which point the intention is to offer the bridge to the Council for adoption, with conversations ongoing. The bridge has been designed with maximum longevity and minimal ongoing maintenance costs in mind.

Meetings have been held with the Design Out Crime Officer (DOCO) regarding the safety of the public whilst using the bridge. Advice has been received in respect of lighting the bridge and the exclusion of security gates, as advice is that keeping the bridge open is safer than locking it.

A specialist, experienced lighting company has developed a lighting strategy in accordance with the DOCO's recommendations. This lighting will ensure a semi-cylindrical illumination (set by British Standards) to make sure people coming towards each other are recognisable and visible. This is one of the main points to make people feel reassured when crossing the bridge. The uniform lighting level on the ground plane will ensure legibility and wayfinding.

Extensive consultation took place during the RMA design process back in 2018, when the bridge was being designed. As part of the ongoing detailed development of the proposals, we will be updating the public on progress of the conditions sign off and detailed design.

There are over 2,500 new homes being built at West Hendon, and there is a clear importance of connecting the areas to the north and east of the development with the West Hendon playing fields.

Under planning requirements, the route via the A5 is not suitable for children to access the play space due to the walking distance involved, which must be a maximum of 800m for children 12+. While this may seem a negligible difference, it is an important factor in ensuring children have enough safe access to play space near to their residence.

The improved connectivity will also enhance access to open space for the wider community, improving health and wellbeing. Further socio-economic work was conducted in 2025 which determined that the need for the bridge to connect the development to suitable play space has only increased since planning was approved due to the increase in homes on the site.