2011: 24 February; 12 May; 13 July; 29 September (AGM); 15 December.
(minutes for previous years are stored offline; please get in touch if you would like to see them)
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2011
PRESENT : Joan Moffatt (Chair), James Earl (Vice-Chair), Sue Measures (Treasurer); Patricia Cook, Tricia Mutton, David James, Trevor Winchester, Jackie Japhet, Jane Evans (Secretary), and Cllr Russell Eagling.
1). Apologies for absence:
Andrew Verrell, Rob Thompkinson, Isabel Woodruff, Heather Thompson, Sylvia Gascoigne, Chris Catton, Suzanne Pawaroo, Cllr Flick Rea & Cllr Nancy Jirira.
2). Minutes of the last meeting – 29thth Sept. & 3.) Matters Arising:
(a). It was noted that various members, including Joan on behalf of the FRA, had represented their views to the Boundary Commission, and it was agreed that we have to await the outcome.
(b). West Hampstead & Fortune Green Safer Neighbourhood Team: James advised that Sgt Dave Timms has been given a temporary promotion to Inspector and has been moved off the ward for the next few months; Sgt Danny Hewitt is standing in for him. Joan reported that there had been an attempted break-in at Davina House.
(c). The pavement works have been largely completed. Sue Measure reported that the surface around a manhole outside her house had already been damaged, and proposed that a contact is put onto the FRA website for residents to use to report snagging before the works are finished.
(d). David James mentioned a house on the western corner of Maygrove Road & Fordwych Road that has a dripping pipe discharging water onto the pavement, which will present a hazard in freezing conditions. Russell asked David to pass on the details he has and he will follow up.
(e). Sue reported that the West Hampstead Community Centre have received some new funding which will see them through to March 2013, and she hopes will enable them to transition from premises funding by Camden Council.
Sue also announced that the Sidings Community Centre have been awarded full funding for their youth project until March 2013.
4). Planning Issues:
(a) 187- 199 West End Lane:
Following the recent forum/meeting with the developer Ballymore/Network Rail, James reported that there are around 200 homes/units proposed for the site; the format is for about 6 blocks varying in height up to a maximum of 12 storeys, with a public square fronting onto West End Lane. The proposed square is adjacent to the Overground station entrance which has possible potential to be extended, as funding has been made available to develop the Overground.
The development will be a mix of private and affordable homes - 80% private/30% affordable, with zero parking except for 5 car club and 5 disabled parking spaces. There will also be 8 small & medium retail units and some local business premises.
James said that the general response of the residents who attended the meeting was pretty hostile, especially to the proposed height of the development. He said that Ballymore want to get their planning application through the planning process by April 1, 2012. If they fail to do so, they will have to make a contribution to the Crossrail scheme, so we expect the application to be made in the near future.
There was a discussion in general of “the area of intensification” around the West Hampstead interchange, which is tasked to produce 800 – 1,000 new units across a variety of sites situated around the railway interchange. Sue suggested that if that area were deemed to include other developments in West Hampstead happening along the railway corridor, such as 59 Maygrove Road and others, then it might present an argument in favour of reducing the number of units on the Ballymore/Network Rail development.
James asked Sue whether this would inevitably require lobbying the Mayor. Russell noted that the counter argument against the proposal would be that to get 800 + units out of “the area of intensification” shouldn’t preclude other development.
Jackie pointed out that No. 13 Minster Road, hitherto owned by the Notting Hill Housing Trust, is up for sale and asked what will happen to it. It was suggested that whoever buys it will immediately apply for permission to develop the car park!
(b) 163 Iverson Road:
38 units proposed for this site. James stated that the FRA would oppose plans to develop this site if and when they come up.
Prompted by a discussion about the merits of allowing residents parking or not, Russell stated that on average, only 50% of Camden residents own a car. Sue made the case for key workers, and Trevor suggested that a Schedule C permit might suit such situations. Russell said that most new developments in Camden are zero parking for residents, with an allowance for visitors parking.
(c) 65 Maygrove Road (Handrail House)
The architect/agent is Daniel Smith, who had the same role in the first stage of the planning approval for the 1 Mill Lane development. The scheme includes underground parking with a car lift – something that was changed on the Mill Lane scheme when the site changed ownership. James thinks the number of storeys will be the same as in the 59 Maygrove Road scheme. Russell noted that this application also needs to be through the planning process by April 1st, 2012 to avoid an obligatory contribution to Crossrail. Sue referred to certain incentives that are under consideration for the S106 agreement on this development, such as a small café for the Maygrove Peace Park and refurbishment of the Sidings sports pitch.
(d) 59 Maygrove Road
Sue & James attended a meeting in November with One Housing Group. The development is due to be completed by the end of February. The private units will be marketed after Christmas, and the affordable supported units will be designated to people with mental health support needs. The supported units are long-term temporary, for assistance on the way to recovery.
Sue advised that Sidings has been approached by Voluntary Action Camden, who have made funds available for accredited mental heath training. A series of courses will be offered in the New Year, free of charge, available to attend in a combination of 2 days or 4 evenings on weekdays or at weekends; 4 groups, up to 15 in any group; accreditation will be based on a risk assessment.
(e) Gondar Garden Reservoir
Russell explained that Camden Council rejected the initial application before it even got to committee because of 1.) No provision for affordable housing, and 2.) A substantial impact on a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). It’s possible that Wates/Linden Homes could appeal this scheme, but meanwhile they’re proposing a smaller 4-storey development on the front edge of the site on Gondar Gardens. He said that there now seems to be 3 prevailing opinions among residents - those who are against any form of development on the site; those who now favour the original scheme as it was lower in height, and those who are pragmatic about the inevitability of having to accept something on the site. The proposals include a green space that is not open for public access – restricted perhaps to a once-a-month opening for school groups like the green space at 1 Mill Lane. The FRA will await the confirmed plans and see what they offer.
(f) 1 Mill Lane development – green space:
James reported on the meeting held on Nov. 17th with Camden’s Nature Conservation Officer. The developer is paying £277,000 to the council for maintenance of the green space - the Area of Nature Conservation (ANC). The council would be in favour of the setting up of a ‘friends group’ to assist the council with site maintenance. There will be a 2.5 metre high gate at Minster Road. Open/regular access is ruled out. Proposed use would include one-off events for schools and volunteer groups, with possible key access given to various local residents. The status of the ANC as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) was raised and James referred to the information given in the meeting with the Nature Conservation Officer that this status is periodically reviewed. Jane referred to the fact that it was the pre-existing SNCI status of part of the land on the 1 Mill Lane site that led to the “land swap” and the final present configuration of the site, with part of it being transferred to Camden’s ownership.
Sue mentioned the idea of setting up a “Friends of West Hampstead” group with Mark Stonebanks - a borough-wide skilled green labour workforce that could assist with the maintenance of this and other sites like it. Jane said that the status of the site as a SNCI is the priority for the adjacent residents – a refuge for wildlife with minimal intrusion. Residents bordering the site fully support the use of the ANC for educational purposes and recognize the need to maintain it, provided that these activities do not extend to recreational use.
(g) The Neighbourhood Development Plan:
James expects to be circulating further information via e-mail in January.
5). Planning Applications:
(a) 34 Shoot Up Hill:
Trevor Winchester had been encouraged by neighbours to attend the meeting to raise an issue with this property that he sold with planning permission for 4 townhouses. It is is now configured as 20 studios, contravening the planning permission that he acquired and sold with it, and Trevor believes that Camden Council should enforce the terms of the planning application approval. He voiced criticism of the way the current owner has failed to meet his responsibilities, citing drainage issues as one example. He also raised concerns about potential drug-taking and prostitution on the premises, and the fact that there may be evasion of council tax. Russell took note of the details and will refer it to Building Control.
(b) 65 Maygrove Road
Sue reported that at the recent Area Forum, it was mentioned that the agents are hoping to submit the application before Christmas.
(c) Gondar Gardens Reservoir
It was noted at the same meeting that they will not try to meet the April 1st Deadline, so it is assumed that they will make the contribution to Crossrail.
6.) Chair’s Report
Joan proposed making a modest Christmas gift to the warden of Davina House – all in favour and FRA expressed thanks. Jane was welcomed as Secretary.
The Kilburn Festival was mentioned, also the Christmas Market last Saturday in West Hampstead. Russell reported that it certainly brought more people out to do their Christmas shopping. Sue mentioned that some feedback had indicated that some of the commodities on sale were considered a bit pricey.
Russell also mentioned that the Business Forum that Cllr Risso-Gill runs is taking a keen interest in the new pavement area outside the Thameslink station entrance in Iverson Road. All agreed that it should host a Farmer’s Market.
7.) Vice-Chair’s Report:
James reported that the FRA now has 71 followers on Twitter, which exceeds the number of FRA members.
In January there will be a consultation on Visitors Parking, to simplify the system with one hourly charge of £0.90 across the borough. James suggested that the FRA review the consultation and oppose attempts to make large increases.
8.) Any other business:
Many thanks to James and all involved for donating food and beverages for the Christmas social.
9) Date of next meeting:
Wednesday February 29th, 2012 – 7.30 pm at Davina House.
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MINUTES OF AGM HELD ON THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2011
PRESENT
Joan Moffatt (Chair), James Earl (Vice-Chair), Sue Measures (Treasurer); Suzanne Pawaroo, Patricia Cook, Mark Oxlade, Heather Thompson, Tricia Mutton, Jane Evans, Barbara Knowles, Lola da Costa & Cllr Nancy Jirira.
1). Apologies for absence:
Jody Graham, Chris Catton, Jackie Japhet, David James, Isabel Woodruff & Cllr Flick Rea.
2). Minutes of the last meeting – 13th July:
Following on from the discussion about waste issues, it was noted that things seemed to have improved recently. Sue raised the issue of rubbish being dumped in the front garden of 69 Fordwych Road.
3). 1 Mill Lane development:
Graham Cook from the developers, Taylor Wimpey & Russell Lane, the project manager for the contractors Willmott Dixon, had been invited to the meeting.
Graham said TW were now the landowner and freeholder of the site and will be selling the flats; they bought the site with the planning permission granted by the Planning Inspector (39 flats, 5 storeys, basement car park). About half the development has been sold. The developer’s website is here:
http://www.millapartmentshampstead.co.uk/
18 of the properties will be affordable units, mainly on the ground floor; they’re being sold by the Origin Housing Association:
http://www.originhousing.org.uk/
It’s hoped the development will be completed by the end of 2012. TW have contracted out the building of the site to WD, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the site – including health & safety, site security and traffic management. Both TW & WD have had meetings with the local SN police team to discuss security issues.
There was a question about the proposed ‘green space’ at the back of the development. TW currently own all the land; when all the units are sold, the green space will be transferred to Camden Council as an ‘area of nature conservation’. The developers will pay £270,000 to Camden Council under the terms of the section 106 agreement for the planting of the ANC.
Sue welcomed the ANC but said local people should be involved in determining how it should be developed. It was recommended the example established at Westbere Copse is followed. It will be up to the Council as to how this area is fenced & gated.
Russell said the contractors had come up with a security plan for the site after meeting the police. New hoardings are now in place and more will follow. The Council will be putting in a new cross-pavement shortly. WD are putting up a temporary 8ft chain link fence where the site boarders Fordwych Road gardens. When the development is complete, this will be replaced by a substantial timber security fence. The police say burglars are using the site as a cut through to escape along the railway line (where the police can’t follow them); Russell has witnessed this.
A crane is due to be brought onto the site on Monday 24 October. This will involve the closure of Mill Lane for one day; although this date is during half-term, so there should be less disruption.
There were some early problems with subsidence at 21 Minster Road, but these are being addressed – no large lorries will use the Minster Road entrance to the site. The railway wall has been surveyed by Network Rail and is accessed to be stable. Sue asked about the square footage of the development; Graham said he would find out.
As part of the transport plan a gantry will be constructed over the pavement on Mill Lane to assist with deliveries to the site. Five car parking spaces will be suspended. Sue warned of the danger of potential accidents.
Nancy asked if TW would pay for the repainting of the Mill Lane railway bridge. Network Rail has refused this request as there is toxic lead paint which would have to be removed and could cause problems on the overhead electric wires below the bridge.
Russell & Graham were thanked for their time; further questions can be passed on via James.
4). 187-199 West End Lane & other developments:
Brigid Shaughnessy & John Eastwood from the newly formed West Hampstead Gardens & Residents Association had been invited to the meeting to discuss their concerns about the proposed development between the railway lines at WEL. WHGARA represents residents in the Sheriff Road area.
Brigid (and Sue) had attended meetings hosted by the developer in July & September. After initial positive comments, it now seems the developer is proposing to build 200 flats on the site, in seven blocks, the highest of which could be up to 11 storeys. The land was sold by Network Rail to the Irish developers, Ballymore – examples of their work can be seen here:
http://ballymoregroup.com/developments/pan-peninsula
WHGARA are concerned about access to the site on WEL and the disruption the building work will cause. This will be a huge development.
James said the land had been identified for development by the Council some years ago and was also in the Mayor of London’s development plan.
Brigid said WHGARA were not opposed to any development of the site. But they wanted a maximum of 6 storeys with varying height levels. They are interested in an umbrella group of RAs to oppose the proposals as they are.
Sue said she was very worried about a number of developments proposed around WH – which has already been declared an area of ‘intense development’ by the planning authorities. She said the buildings being proposed could destroy the character of WH & FG.
Areas cited for development include 65 Maygrove Road; Liddell Road (possible school & residential development); West End Lane (both council buildings & railway land), Iverson Road (former garden centre), Blackburn Road (student block) & the O2 centre car park.
Recent ‘place shaping’ events saw local residents call for a village feel to the area, less cars on the roads & more green/open spaces. All these requests were the opposite of what is now being proposed for the area.
Jane said the FRA had learnt hard lessons from the 1 Mill Lane development – and would recommend being wary of both developers and the Camden Council planning department.
Nancy proposed that under the provisions of the Localism Bill (currently going through parliament) groups of 21+ residents can come up with ‘neighbourhood development plans’.
James said he welcomed the suggestion and would send out an email to local councillors & residents groups asking for the formation of a coalition of RAs to draw up such a plan. This could start at the Area Forum due later in the autumn; with a draft document in place by the end of the year.
This was unanimously agreed by all present.
5). Boundary Commission changes – Fortune Green ward:
James said the Boundary Commission’s proposals for new Westminster constituencies had been published. They suggest that Fortune Green becomes the only Camden ward in an expanded Finchley & Golders Green constituency. A map of the proposed new constituency can be seen here:
http://tinyurl.com/6bz3e7c
Members present said they felt this was a strange proposal and won’t have the support of FG residents. People living in our area don’t feel part of Finchley, Golders Green or Barnet. Sue suggested that an MP for such an area wouldn’t be very interested in FG and this might make people in FG less inclined to vote in a general election. Both the Conservatives & Liberal Democrats in our area are expected to oppose the plans.
Comments can be made until 5 December at Boundary Commission website:
http://tinyurl.com/63zwyjs
Public hearings for north-west London will be held at Brent Town Hall on 20 & 21 October – details here:
http://tinyurl.com/5vz2ddl
It was agreed that the FRA should oppose the plans; Joan will write on behalf of the FRA to object.
6). Other issues:
(a). There had been a meeting of the police teams for Cricklewood earlier in the week. The 3 policing priorities for the area were set – to tackle street drinking, drug dealing & prostitution. The police will now go away and write a plan for these priorities. There is also a bid for Home Office funding for crime reduction initiatives.
(b). The West Hampstead & Fortune Green Safer Neighbourhood police teams are now sharing a sergeant - Dave Timms. The FG team still has a dedicated team of 2 PCs & 3 PCSOs to police the ward priorities.
(c). Pavement works will take place on Fordwych Road between Minster & St Cuthberts Roads between 24 October and 16 December.
(d). The FRA is now on Twitter and can be followed @FordwychRA
(e). Glenda Jackson is holding a meeting with the Leasehold Advisory Service at Old Kilburn Library at 6pm on Thursday 3 November.
(f). The West Hampstead Community Centre is having an open day and public meeting on Tuesday 18 October. Camden Council has withdrawn the Centre’s funding from next April. Nancy said she was not happy with the decision, which was unfair and a waste of the money recently spent to upgrade the building. Sue pointed out that many Fordwych residents use the Sidings Community Centre. It was agreed that the FRA would support the WHCC’s role as an important community facility.
(g). Joan submitted this Chair’s report for the past year: She thanks James & Sue for their help in running the FRA, especially the website, minute taking, the treasurer's report and the informal meetings between the three of us. I wish to thank the residents of Davina House for the use of the common room for free for our meetings. I also wish to thank our three ward councillors for their support during the past year. We are represented at WHAT (West Hampstead Amenity and Transport) and KOVE (Kilburn Older Voices Exchange). I helped at the Kilburn Festival in July & will be involved in the running of the one in 2012 as I am going to a meeting on 4 October. I hope we can increase our membership in the coming year.
7). Finance Report & Accounts 2010/1:
The FRA ends the year with a balance of £1,224.64
Income from membership fees is slightly down in 2010-11, probably due to the increased number of “life” membership fees. The total amount currently held in “life” membership fees is £240 – representing 12 residents who have paid life fees.
At present we have no need to consider how to apportion annual expenditure against these due to the amount of funds in the deposit account. However, in the event of FRA spending a significant amount of funds held in the deposit account, we may have to consider this. It must be noted that there was a previous indication to spend some of this balance in Jubilee year, on activities such as – (re)publication of updated FRA Booklet, production of other promotional materials and social activities to assist in future capacity building for FRA, bringing residents together to strengthen community spirit.
In deciding to spend any significant amount of the funds held, FRA must have regard to leave the amount held for membership, plus sufficient funds to sustain future activities and minimal admin/running costs – eg website, stationary, and some small miscellaneous costs incurred during the course of FRA business.
FRA must also note the continued kind offer by Davina House of free use of their common room and would as always wish to extend our heartfelt “thanks” on behalf of all our members. This makes a huge difference towards minimising our running costs, as well as offering a meeting space on Fordwych Road. If that were to change in future, and the FRA has to pay for meeting venues, this could have a significant effect on the finances.
The low level of financial turnover, however, does not reflect the level of activity, which over the last year or two has focussed on FRA executive and other member’s involvement in:
Representation in local community action groups
Attendance at meetings (eg local Forums)
Support and active participation over local planning issues
Participating in consultation exercises (eg West Hampstead Interchange)
Engagement in the emerging Cricklewood Town Centre initiatives
Writing to the council to take up issues of concern by FRA members
Attending Training Events at VAC
Building our involvement in local networks
Such activity is undertaken on a voluntary basis and has supported members in individual cases or group cases for local issues of concern, and enables FRA members to be better informed of emerging or continual issues affecting the community
The website continues to be an extremely valuable means of communication to our members and potential members – minimal cost of hosting website but much thanks due to the voluntary input of James.
Depending on ideas for future events and fundraising, our income & expenditure levels during the next 12 months may increase. Membership fees continue to play a vital role in ensuring our general survival – SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP (IF NOT ALREADY A LIFE MEMBER)…..AND ENCOURAGE OTHER FRA RESIDENTS TO JOIN!!!
8). Election of Officers:
(a). Chair: James proposed Joan, seconded by Lola. There were no other candidates. Joan was re-elected.
(b). Vice-Chair: Joan proposed James, seconded by Jane. There were no other candidates. James was re-elected.
(c). Secretary: Nancy proposed Jane, seconded by Sue. There were no other candidates. Jane was elected.
(d). Treasurer: Lola proposed Sue, seconded by Tricia. There were no other candidates. Sue was re-elected.
9.) Any other business:
(a). Nancy mentioned that with possible parking suspensions due to the pavement works & 1 Mill Lane building, it might be worth asking the Council to allow parking by CA-Q residents in the neighbouring CA-P area.
(b). Barbara said a professional graffiti artist and painted a mural on Billy Fury Way in West Hampstead. A community garden area is proposed next to the path.
(c). It was mentioned that Transition West Hampstead often meet on a Monday evening to discuss local environmental initiatives. The FRA could invite the group leader, David Abrahams, as a future speaker.
10). Date of next meeting:
The Christmas social will be on Thursday 15 December, 7.30pm at Davina House.
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13 JULY 2011