The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is proposing to spend around £55k on installing roof top bird netting.

Located on Hampton Road, the laboratory is a public sector research establishment which develops and maintains the national primary measurement standards.

The application, submitted 20 September, proposes to install roof top bird netting to prevent the perching and nesting of pigeons on the buildings, whilst maintaining roof access for staff.

A spokesperson from NPL said: "This proposal is part of our plan to maintain safe access to the roof areas of our new quantum laboratories for maintenance as well as utilising our rainwater harvesting system."

Aerial view of the lab with proposed netting. (Photo: Richmond Council)

Describing the pigeon issue, a Design and Access report states: "As well as the droppings being harmful to maintenance staff, the contamination of air close to ventilation in-takes poses a health and safety risk to all building users."

It adds the "bird droppings pos[e] a high contamination risk to the building's grey water harvesting system (rainwater collection)."

According to the planning document, there has been an "ongoing problem" with the bird on this building and numerous alternative options have been tried.

Proposed roof plan for netting. (Photo: Richmond Council)

Nearby Bushy Park, NPL has discussed the issue with Royal Parks and concluded the netting colour should be "easily visible to birds" and "the installation should be regularly checked to release any trapped birds".

A 50mm netting has been advised after NPL's consultations with a plethora of experts over the design. According to the planning document, the size "importantly targets pigeons by preventing them from perching or gaining access to rooftop areas".

It adds: "This netting size will permit smaller birds that are not problematic to not become trapped inside the netted areas and larger birds will be prevented from perching or gaining access to rooftop areas."

Existing roof layout and design. (Photo: Richmond council)

The site does not contain any national heritage assets but is immediately adjacent to Bushy House, a Grade II listed 18th century mansion.

The site is abutted by the Grade I listed Bushy Park immediately to the south, and is adjacent to the northern border of the Bushy Park Conservation Area as designated by the Richmond borough.

In conclusion, the Heritage document stated the proposal would not negatively affect the appearance of the buildings or have a "detrimental effect" on Bushy Park conservation area.

It added the intended development would have a "neutral effect" on the buildings within the Conservation area due to its location and aesthetic, but not directly affecting the grasde II listed Bushy House.

Detailing the proposed plans, the document states: "On the B2 building it is proposed to install galvanised steel supports behind the parapet walls to fix the netting up and over existing rooftop plant and maintenance walkways.

"The rooftop to the B210 building is a single ply membrane and green roof which requires galvanised steel support posts weighted down on the roof with the netting covering the small plant area and atrium roof.

"The proposed steel posts, stainless steel wires and netting are to be installed to minimise any physical harm to the existing structure and aesthetic appearance of the buildings.

"[…]The scope of netting would include the whole of the roof, a vertical section across the internal corner of the building that forms an alcove (this has been significantly problematic in the past from nesting and perching pigeons) and the east section of the roof.

The NPL aim for the works to be completed between December 2023 and February 2024, prior to nesting season.

The application has been validated and a planning officer has been assigned, the decision is due 15 November 2023.