Received - this email from John Ward - Chair of Governors at Emmanuel School
February 2010
Dear parents, friends and neighbours
Emmanuel School Development Project – application for planning permission
Our application for planning permission to develop the school has now been submitted to Camden’s planning control department. As you know, the proposal is to develop our school on the footprint of the houses at 152-158 Mill Lane and on part of the site at 160 Mill Lane, and to make some changes to our existing site at 101 Mill Lane. More details can be found on the school website at www.emmanuel.camden.sch.uk.
Parents, friends and neighbours now have until 18 March 2010 to make comments on our planning application. The Governors believe that the development will bring major benefits for young people in West Hampstead. Our current facilities are very restricted and there is a shortage of school places in our part of the Borough. Developing the school would allow us to take an extra 15 pupils in each year group, as well as develop a new nursery. We would have first class facilities for both school and community use. We believe our designs are attractive, exciting and also appropriate for Mill Lane.
The Governors would urge you to submit your comments on our planning application as soon as possible. You can do that via the planning and built environment section of the Camden website. Click here, www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/environment/planning-and-built-environment/ and then search for our application using the reference number 2010/0720/P. Alternatively, you can email Camden at env.devcon@camden.gov.uk or write to the Development Control Customer Services Team, 5th Floor, Camden Town Hall, Argyle Street, London WC1H 8ND. Please make sure your comments arrive before 18 March 2010.
FORTUNE GREEN LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Sunday, 21 February 2010
The Community Hall
Pleased to see lots of work being done to renovate the Community Hall in Broomsleigh Street. They really are getting on and it looks as if it will soon be fit for occupation - temporarily by Sington Nursery downstairs and the new Community Association (CAWH) upstairs. CAWH has their AGM on 9th March in West Hampstead Library and we shall all be interested to hear thjeir plans for the coming year.Meanwhile Camden are about ready to go out to consultation on plans to upgrade and improve the Fortune Green PlayCentre where Sington Nursery will eventually have purpose built accomodation alongside play facilities and an imporoved sports area. Finally the bits of the jigsaw seem to be coming together!
West Hampstead a No Go area?
OK - we've been grumbling for months now about the weekend Jubilee closures, the Overground closures - but it was still possible, with a bit of careful plannng, to get about - however this weekend it became totally impossible!
Transport for London, in its infinite unwisdom, decided to resurface and close Finchley Road southbound for the weekend. All the Finchley Road traffic then diverted to Fortune Green Road (see pic for the amazing site of buses nose to tail opposite the police station!)I tried my usual escape route in time of crisis - bus to Golders Green and then the Northern Line - wrong decision! No Northern Line and replacement buses crawling all the way up past the Bull and Bush to Hampstead (and then to Euston)!
Add to this Thames Water's Stop/Go lights in West End Lane and almost everything was at a standstill! Definitely a weekend for staying at home! Is someone punishing West Hampstead for something? If this carries on I shall be forced to move south of the river!
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Tesco complaints
The Fortune Green Councillors inboxes are bulging with emails complaining about Tesco/parking/traffic/the "Alfred Court" (Sager) building/ allegedly incompetent Council officers ( many of them based on inaccurate information.) We try to keep to date answering them but its hard work!
FACT Camden Council and local residents opposed the Sager building and it was turned down
FACT Sager appealed. A Government Planning Inspector overrode Camden and gave the development planning permission -lock, stock and barrel! (Flats, gym shops and all)
FACT - At this point Camden had no say over the permission except to ensure it was carried out as planned. Part of the permission's conditions, (accepted in advance by Sager) was that residents would NOT be allowed to apply for residents parking permits as there is an integral garage.
FACT - Sager has the right to lease the retail to anyone they want to - no-one has any control over that and do not need to impose conditions on loading/unloading etc
FACT Tesco has opened and is already blocking traffic with its deliveries
FACT Their shop opening hours are 6.0 am- 11.0pm They applied for a license to sell alcohol for the same hours
FACT This application was not properly advertised, so the application was declared invalid and they'll have to do it again. So at present - they CANNOT legally sell alcohol.
WHAT CAN BE DONE? Choices are limited - certainly at present
1) you can object to the renewed license application when it appears (check Council website)
2) We can all check they aren't selling alcohol at present
3.) We are looking at solutions to the unloading and traffic problem - send any photos of traffic congestion to David.jenkins@camden.gov.uk
4) We are about to call a public meeting - details tba shortly
You could display the "no to Tesco poster" (see earlier blog) and continue to shop at small local independent shops.
FACT Camden Council and local residents opposed the Sager building and it was turned down
FACT Sager appealed. A Government Planning Inspector overrode Camden and gave the development planning permission -lock, stock and barrel! (Flats, gym shops and all)
FACT - At this point Camden had no say over the permission except to ensure it was carried out as planned. Part of the permission's conditions, (accepted in advance by Sager) was that residents would NOT be allowed to apply for residents parking permits as there is an integral garage.
FACT - Sager has the right to lease the retail to anyone they want to - no-one has any control over that and do not need to impose conditions on loading/unloading etc
FACT Tesco has opened and is already blocking traffic with its deliveries
FACT Their shop opening hours are 6.0 am- 11.0pm They applied for a license to sell alcohol for the same hours
FACT This application was not properly advertised, so the application was declared invalid and they'll have to do it again. So at present - they CANNOT legally sell alcohol.
WHAT CAN BE DONE? Choices are limited - certainly at present
1) you can object to the renewed license application when it appears (check Council website)
2) We can all check they aren't selling alcohol at present
3.) We are looking at solutions to the unloading and traffic problem - send any photos of traffic congestion to David.jenkins@camden.gov.uk
4) We are about to call a public meeting - details tba shortly
You could display the "no to Tesco poster" (see earlier blog) and continue to shop at small local independent shops.
Monday, 15 February 2010
More Fortune Green news!
Have just heard Camden plan three weeks or so of consultation pre planning application on the rebuilding of the Fortune Green Play Centre which will have dual use as for play and for the Sington Nursery which will move off the Mill Lane Open Space later this year. Part of the scheme will be to do up the football/multi sport pitch and make it more accessible for local young people. But quite a lot of thought will need putting into a plan for the carrying out of the building works. Access is limited to the play centre and consultations will need to be held with the Friends of Fortune Green and the Friends of the Cemetery as well as other local/neighbouring residents.
Also we have asked that as plans are already underway for the Jester Festival the first weekend in July, we can be assured that it can go ahead - preferably not on a building site! We have also suggested a public meeting to discuss any proposals. More soon!
Also we have asked that as plans are already underway for the Jester Festival the first weekend in July, we can be assured that it can go ahead - preferably not on a building site! We have also suggested a public meeting to discuss any proposals. More soon!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Tesco is actually HERE!
Spotted this morning! The signs are now up including - on the window - opening hours of 6am- 11pm. And already there is parking outside!!
Tomorrow I am talking to a journalist who is doing a story about our intrusive Tesco - anyone else want to join in? Call me on 7431 6753
Emmanuel School - expansion plan
The Council has just sent out this press release:
Plans to expand Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, in West Hampstead, which would enable the oversubscribed school to expand from just over 100 pupils to 210 and to open a new nursery, have this week been submitted for planning approval.
The proposed new building in Mill Lane would mean Emmanuel can admit 30 pupils a year instead of just 15 - so the scheme would boost Camden Council_s drive to provide more local primary school places.
Ten of the 15 new places would be based on the admissions criteria used in Camden_s community schools - giving priority to siblings and those living closest to the school. A new nursery would also be created in the current school building, meeting demand for local early education places.
The proposal is to replace the houses at 152 _ 158 Mill Lane with a new school building as well as to refurbish the existing school building at 101 Mill Lane to house a new school nursery and reception class. It would also mean the relocation of Sington Nursery, currently at 160 Mill Lane.
The site has been earmarked for a new school for about 40 years but funding has only now become available after Camden Council_s successful bid for funding from the government_s Primary Capital Programme. It is estimated the new Emmanuel school will cost between £7 million and £8 million to build.
Public open space at 160 Mill Lane would be preserved and enhanced as part of the proposals.
The planning application for the new school, submitted by the London Diocesan Board for Schools on behalf of the school, is due to be considered by Camden Council in June this year. The aim would be for the school to admit the first group of 15 extra pupils from September 2012.
Emmanuel chair of governors, John Ward, said: _An enlarged school would better meet the needs of our local community and our young people. To continue providing an outstanding education and better provision for extended services, the school needs more modern and extensive facilities than we can offer at the moment._
Details of the Emmanuel expansion project are on the school_s website at http://www.emmanuel.camden.sch.uk/project-expansion.htm
Plans to expand Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, in West Hampstead, which would enable the oversubscribed school to expand from just over 100 pupils to 210 and to open a new nursery, have this week been submitted for planning approval.
The proposed new building in Mill Lane would mean Emmanuel can admit 30 pupils a year instead of just 15 - so the scheme would boost Camden Council_s drive to provide more local primary school places.
Ten of the 15 new places would be based on the admissions criteria used in Camden_s community schools - giving priority to siblings and those living closest to the school. A new nursery would also be created in the current school building, meeting demand for local early education places.
The proposal is to replace the houses at 152 _ 158 Mill Lane with a new school building as well as to refurbish the existing school building at 101 Mill Lane to house a new school nursery and reception class. It would also mean the relocation of Sington Nursery, currently at 160 Mill Lane.
The site has been earmarked for a new school for about 40 years but funding has only now become available after Camden Council_s successful bid for funding from the government_s Primary Capital Programme. It is estimated the new Emmanuel school will cost between £7 million and £8 million to build.
Public open space at 160 Mill Lane would be preserved and enhanced as part of the proposals.
The planning application for the new school, submitted by the London Diocesan Board for Schools on behalf of the school, is due to be considered by Camden Council in June this year. The aim would be for the school to admit the first group of 15 extra pupils from September 2012.
Emmanuel chair of governors, John Ward, said: _An enlarged school would better meet the needs of our local community and our young people. To continue providing an outstanding education and better provision for extended services, the school needs more modern and extensive facilities than we can offer at the moment._
Details of the Emmanuel expansion project are on the school_s website at http://www.emmanuel.camden.sch.uk/project-expansion.htm
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Changes to Countdown
Countdown is the system which tells you - often inaccurately - when your next bus
is due. (Otherwise known as RTI - Real Time Information)
London Buses have just announced the system is to be upgraded:
Through the advances in information technology, TfL is now able to provide a
more complete information service showing bus arrival predictions for every
one of London’s 19,000 bus stops through a number of different methods (or
channels), including mobile phone text messages, fixed and mobile web, as well
as providing a new generation of bus shelter mounted signs.
This new Countdown service allows TfL the opportunity to provide RTI across its
entire bus network for the first time. New media channels and formats allow TfL to
reach more passengers than ever before, in a cost effective way.
The introduction of internet and text messaging services will secure access to
bus RTI for Londoners both at and away from a bus stop. These services will be
complemented by a new generation of Countdown signs which will provide RTI at
around 2,500 key bus stops in London.
The Internet and text message services are scheduled to be available in 2011. The
roll out of 2500 new Countdown signs will commence in spring 2011 and will be
completed by summer 2012.
Well - sounds like good news - except only one of the two existing signs in Fortune Green ward will remain - at the end of Garlinge Road. (The other, further back on Shoot up Hill near Minster Road is to go)
This is what I have written in response to the consultation:
As hardly any of the existing or proposed lie within my ward of Fortune Green - I don't really have any precise locational comments. Except for the proposed removal of the sign at Shoot-up-Hill/Minster Road which is a fairly isolated stop and not one I would like to wait twenty minutes at at night without knowing if a bus was coming!
This really brings me to the point I have always made re countdown. When one is waiting at a stop with several routes which are parallel for at least the next section of the journey (eg Finchley Road) and it is in a brightly lit, well populated area with frequent services, Countdown is nice to have, but when the route is infrequent or irregular and stops are isolated (eg many parts of the C11 - both in NW6 and in Highgate) Countdown can be VITAL in deciding whether to wait at the stop in a state of some anxiety, or start to walk. I do somehow think they have the whole idea wrong!
But perhaps such a stranded passenger will be able to text in for the info!
is due. (Otherwise known as RTI - Real Time Information)
London Buses have just announced the system is to be upgraded:
Through the advances in information technology, TfL is now able to provide a
more complete information service showing bus arrival predictions for every
one of London’s 19,000 bus stops through a number of different methods (or
channels), including mobile phone text messages, fixed and mobile web, as well
as providing a new generation of bus shelter mounted signs.
This new Countdown service allows TfL the opportunity to provide RTI across its
entire bus network for the first time. New media channels and formats allow TfL to
reach more passengers than ever before, in a cost effective way.
The introduction of internet and text messaging services will secure access to
bus RTI for Londoners both at and away from a bus stop. These services will be
complemented by a new generation of Countdown signs which will provide RTI at
around 2,500 key bus stops in London.
The Internet and text message services are scheduled to be available in 2011. The
roll out of 2500 new Countdown signs will commence in spring 2011 and will be
completed by summer 2012.
Well - sounds like good news - except only one of the two existing signs in Fortune Green ward will remain - at the end of Garlinge Road. (The other, further back on Shoot up Hill near Minster Road is to go)
This is what I have written in response to the consultation:
As hardly any of the existing or proposed lie within my ward of Fortune Green - I don't really have any precise locational comments. Except for the proposed removal of the sign at Shoot-up-Hill/Minster Road which is a fairly isolated stop and not one I would like to wait twenty minutes at at night without knowing if a bus was coming!
This really brings me to the point I have always made re countdown. When one is waiting at a stop with several routes which are parallel for at least the next section of the journey (eg Finchley Road) and it is in a brightly lit, well populated area with frequent services, Countdown is nice to have, but when the route is infrequent or irregular and stops are isolated (eg many parts of the C11 - both in NW6 and in Highgate) Countdown can be VITAL in deciding whether to wait at the stop in a state of some anxiety, or start to walk. I do somehow think they have the whole idea wrong!
But perhaps such a stranded passenger will be able to text in for the info!
Monday, 8 February 2010
Tescos - win some - lose some!
First - the good news! After complainng to Council officers that there was no site notice covering the the alcohol license application, I received the following email from the head of Public Protection:
"Whilst we have evidence that the applicant placed an advert in the CNJ on 14 January 2010, the applicant is not able to prove that they have displayed a notice on the premises site for a period of 28 consecutive days. The applicant contends that the notice was displayed but a visit by one of our enforcement officers to the site on 3 February 2010 established that there was no notice on display. The applicant has failed to comply with the statutory requirements of the Act and this effectively invalidates the application. We have informed the applicant and will also write to those residents who have submitted representations to inform them of the status of the application.
It is likely that the applicant will resubmit the application almost immediately and we shall ensure that all residents are written to as soon as a further application is made. Any person who has already made a representation will not need to resubmit their representation but will need to confirm that they would like the representation to be considered in respect of the new application. We will also consult with all residents living within a 50m radius of the premises. Our records show that this extends to residents of Weech Hall on Fortune Green Road, odd numbers 65-67 Fortune Green Road, even numbers 82-118 Fortune Green Road, and 41-50 Ingham Road, a total of 76 residential properties.
So we have longer to put in our "representations"! So get writing \(see earlier post for details
The bad news is that there is no requirement for internal servicing - so it does mean lorries on the road. Next stop for me is highways department and parking officers. I shall ask for a site visit!
"Whilst we have evidence that the applicant placed an advert in the CNJ on 14 January 2010, the applicant is not able to prove that they have displayed a notice on the premises site for a period of 28 consecutive days. The applicant contends that the notice was displayed but a visit by one of our enforcement officers to the site on 3 February 2010 established that there was no notice on display. The applicant has failed to comply with the statutory requirements of the Act and this effectively invalidates the application. We have informed the applicant and will also write to those residents who have submitted representations to inform them of the status of the application.
It is likely that the applicant will resubmit the application almost immediately and we shall ensure that all residents are written to as soon as a further application is made. Any person who has already made a representation will not need to resubmit their representation but will need to confirm that they would like the representation to be considered in respect of the new application. We will also consult with all residents living within a 50m radius of the premises. Our records show that this extends to residents of Weech Hall on Fortune Green Road, odd numbers 65-67 Fortune Green Road, even numbers 82-118 Fortune Green Road, and 41-50 Ingham Road, a total of 76 residential properties.
So we have longer to put in our "representations"! So get writing \(see earlier post for details
The bad news is that there is no requirement for internal servicing - so it does mean lorries on the road. Next stop for me is highways department and parking officers. I shall ask for a site visit!
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Community Association for West Hampstead etc
Good to see picture of new manager Lawrence and new administrator Julia in last week's Ham & High. The new Association "CAWH" is keen to get going and restart community activities in the area. I met Lawrence a couple of days ago to fill him in on all sorts of local background and issues. He's got lots of good ideas and I'm sure he will soon feel at home in West Hampstead. Julia is a local girl already - her dad was a former Mayor of Camden!
Have been catching up with a number of water leaks - all around the Greek Streets - seems some of them are so "minor" they won't receive immediate attention - its just as well there's been lots of rain and snow otherwise they'd be telling us there was a drought in a couple of months time! If there's a water leak near you, you can report it to:
highwaysmanagement@camden.gov.uk
and /or
denise.dyer@camden.gov.uk
Finally - good news for residents in Ebbsfleet, Manstone and Richborough Roads - your pavements are on schedule to be repaved this year!
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
No to Tesco!
APP\PREMISES-NEW\000876
Premises name:Tesco
Premises address: 37-63 FORTUNE GREEN ROADLONDONNW6 1DR.
You can contact Camden's website: www.camden.gov.uk/elicensing and go to "make a representation" and object online (or you can email : ppp@camden.gov.uk quoting the above reference number) but please do it BY Feb 4th so you still have time!
We went on at the meeting to discuss ways of supporting our independent local shops and the idea of a "loyalty card" - like they have in Hampstead and Belsize Village.
Finally a local resident went away and designed a wonderful "No to Tesco" poster which we will try and upload later.
Here is the text of our objection as local Councillors:
"As ward councilors we would like to oppose the above application primarily on the grounds of increase in public nuisance. We believe that the sale of alcohol by Tesco's will increase noise at unsocial hours and we expect will lead to public nuisance, antisocial and disruptive behaviour.
This area is primarily residential and is not a high street. Selling alcohol at these hours is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the peace and quiet of the existing community and, in addition will not be welcome by the potential new residents in the rest of the block immediately above the retail units.
The streets in this area are also not suitable for additional cars to park and deliveries will put pressure on existing busy roads (where there are already existing problems of access).
We represent the view of numerous other residents who we hope will express their views independently to you as discussed at a packed local meeting last night.
We also understand that not only was there limited street consultation but that no site notice was displayed.
We would like to attend and to make representations at the panel meeting
Yours sincerely
Cllrs Flick Rea, Nancy Jirira and Russell Eagling"
Monday, 1 February 2010
Water leaks - again - and road repairs
The last few really cold days seem to be taking their toll of all our old pipes and road surfaces - last evening I was told by a local resident that parts of the bottom end of Agamemnon Road had turned into a glacier and iced a couple of cars into position! On checking I found a small water leak further up the road which I will report in the morning. Can't think what is the matter with all our pipes - it seemed that Thames Water had replaced all our ageing pipes - well - they said that's what they were doing while they've been digging up roads all over the place! Looks as if they missed out on West Hampstead! We'd be pleased to know of any other local leaks.
Meanwhile we are delighted to hear that some of the places we and you have been grumbling about are on schedule for repairs this year - this includes several of the side roads off Fordwych Road! Full list available shortly.
Meanwhile we are delighted to hear that some of the places we and you have been grumbling about are on schedule for repairs this year - this includes several of the side roads off Fordwych Road! Full list available shortly.
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