News & Upcoming Events

*For more frequent updates - see the FRA's Twitter account: @FordwychRA

JANUARY 2012:

*1 Mill Lane - building work on the site is now underway. The FRA is working with the contractors (Willmott Dixon) and the developers (Taylor Wimpey) during the build (details of the plans are below). It's expected the work will take about 18 months - ending in late 2012.

*59 Maygrove Road - the planning application for a large development on the site of Maygrove Motors was approved by Camden Council - despite objections from the FRA and local residents. The plans are for a 5 storey building, with 15 x 1 bedroom supported housing units & 14 self-contained flats. Work on the site is underway and is due to be completed by the end of the year. The Vice-chair & Treasurer are members of a group who meet with the developers, One Housing Group.

*Burglary: A police operation is taking place to tackle the persistant problem of residential burglary on Fordwych Road and adjoining roads. Residents are urged to be aware of the problem and protect their property. Suspicious activity and any concerns can be reported to our local police team. Their details are here: http://www.met.police.uk/teams/camden/fortunegreen/

*There's a new health centre in Cricklewood which is open to Camden residents. It's open 7 days a week - details here: http://tinyurl.com/49244o5

*The FRA is working with a number of residents groups to improve the Cricklewood Broadway area. The Cricklewood Improvement Programme brings together residents from the three boroughs which make up Cricklewood - Camden, Brent & Barnet. More information here: http://www.cricklewoodcip.org/

*The FRA is opposing plans from the Boundary Commission to make Fortune Green the only Camden ward in the enlarged Finchley & Golders Green constituency. A map of proposed constituency can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/6bz3e7c  Comments can be made until 5 December here: 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

***********************************************************************

1 Mill Lane

A new development is proposed on Mill Lane next to the railway line (1 Mill Lane). The plan is for around 40 flats and a basement car park with spaces for around 20 cars. There is also a plan for a 'green space'.

Public meetings to discuss the plans were held on 29th April & 8th July 2008. On each occasion the artchitect/developer gave an update on the plans and took questions.

The FRA objected to the plans.

The appliation was considered by the Development Control Committee of Camden Council on 11th December. The FRA & a representative of the Mill Lane Action Group of affected residents spoke against the development at the meeting. The application was recommended for refusal due to the low proportion of affordable housing (32%, against the Camden target of 50%). Councillors on the committee supported this and the application was refused. The councillors also objected to the size of the proposed development; and raised concerns that it wasn't a car free development.

The architect appealed against the decision. The FRA has again objected to the plans.

Meanwhile, the architect submitted revised plans for the site. These consisted of a four-storey block with 28 units, but the same footprint at the original plans. The plans were approved by Camden Council on 14 May. The FRA argued for binding agreements regarding a construction management plan, the security of the site, subsidence concerns, and local input into the design of the green space.

The appeal against the refusal of the first application (39 flats, 5 storeys) was heard on 21/22 May.  The FRA again argued against these plans as too big, too bulky & out of proportion to the area. Howver, the Planning Inspector granted the appeal. This means that the original proposal (39 flats; 5 storeys) can go ahead.

Obviously, the FRA is disappointed with this ruling, having argued against this proposal from the start. Local residents have put a lot of time and effort into opposing these plans. The FRA will seek to work with the architect ahead of work starting on the development and the green space. There will be updates at our meetings in the coming months.

**********************************************************************

Local Police & Crime

The local police group for our area is the Fortune Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team. They patrol the ward and tackle crime in the area. Our Vice-Chair is our representative on the Panel which oversees their work and sets their priorities.

Recent police figures show on ongoing problem with crime in the Fordwych Road area. Most of this is burglary and car crime, including theft from inside vehicles and theft of motorbikes. Residents are advised to be on the look out. Most crime occurs Monday-Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

If you see a crime in progress call 999.  For non-emergencies call: 101.

If you want to report a crime that has happened or contact our local police, call:

020 8721 2698 - or you can email: fortunegreen.SNT@met.police.uk

Crimes can also be reported on the Metropolitan Police website: www.met.police.uk

Surgeries:

Our local councillors for Fortune Green ward have regular surgeries for local residents to raise issues of concern. You can find the times & locations of the surgeries here: http://democracy.camden.gov.uk/democracy/ward?id=e8d7ad00-7cac-11dc-837

Area Action Groups

These have been set up to replace the previous Area Forums. The aim is for the council and councillors to hear the concerns of local residents. You can find out more about Area Forums at: http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/council-and-democracy/having-your-say/area-action-groups/;jsessionid=F09304036DAC262B5D454405BA1A2FC1.node2

WHAT

Both the Chair & Vice-Chair of the FRA are on committee of WHAT - the West Hampstead Amenity & Transport group. It campaigns on services and transport issues in our area. You can find out more on its new website: www.whatnw6.org.uk

Graffiti & Rubbish & Recycling

Camden Council operate a free graffiti removal service. To have graffiti removed from your property call: 020 7974 6914.

A number of members have complained about rubbish left on the pavements in the area. To complain about this (or to arrange for free removal of white goods) - call the same number.

Recycling - further changes to the service have been made - including the separate collection of paper/card waste in blue bags. The FRA has been feeding back residents comments on the new food/garden waste collections. For more information, go to: http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/waste-and-recycling/twocolumn/new-recycling-rubbish-and-reuse-guide.en

Freecycling - FRA members recommend this site if you want to dispose of large items of furniture etc: http://www.uk.freecycle.org/

Private Tenants

The Fordwych area has a large number of private tenants. The Camden Federation of Private Tenants represents their interests. You can find out more at their website: http://www.cfpt.org.uk/

Community Centre

A new community association has been set to replace the former one which was shut down. The Community Association for West Hampstead is based at the Broomsleigh Street community hall. More information here: http://www.westhampsteadcc.org.uk/

Local Directory

You can find out names and contact details of local services and businesses by going to the Local Directories website for West Hampstead & Fortune Green:

http://www.local-directory.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=42

Cricklewood Development

A large development is planned for the Cricklewood/Brent Cross area. Although not in our area, the develpment is likely to have an impact on neighbouring areas such as ours. You can find out more about the plans at: http://www.brentcrosscricklewood.com/

The FRA has joined a coalition of local groups opposing the development. Unfortunately, Barnet Council approved the plans, and the Mayor & the government have now given the go ahead for the scheme. More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalition_for_a_Sustainable_Brent_Cross_Cricklewood

Railway Land

A Fordwych Road resident has been in touch to pass on this advice for properties with gardens backing onto land owned by Network Rail:

After Network Rail cleared the vegetation at the back of our property and installed a new fence several months ago, they left behind the evidence of many years of dumped rubbish no longer concealed by the vegetation. We contacted Network Rail to see if they intend to clear the area of rubbish - they said they will on the request of each property. They say it's too large a job to do the whole stret, but will do certain areas on request. If you need to make such a request, call Network Rail on 08457-114141 and speak to the Environmental Department.

Constitution

The 2008 AGM voted to approve a new constitution for the FRA, which has now come into force. Copies are available on request.

Membership Fees

The Association's membership fees are £3/year. Life Membership is also available - for a one off payment of £20.