Public Consultation - Green Lanes Road Safety Scheme

The Council are proposing changes to the junction of Gloucester Drive and Portland Rise with Green Lanes that will provide a safer, accessible, more user-friendly and attractive street environment for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.


The proposals include:

• The removal of the segregated turning lane between Portland Rise and Gloucester Drive.
Recent traffic surveys have shown only a very small number of vehicles use this facility
• Making Portland Rise two-way at the junction with Green Lanes to improve access options for local residents and cyclists
• Allowing contra-flow cycling on Gloucester
Drive to improve access for cyclists
• Providing an extended area of pavement at the junction with new street trees. This will result in the loss of one parking space along the northern side of Portland Rise, nears its junction with Green Lanes.
• The construction of speed tables at the junction of Green Lanes with both Gloucester Drive and Portland Rise. This will improve road safety by reducing vehicle speeds and also allow easier pedestrian access.
• Road marking changes on Green Lanes to encourage lane discipline.

The public consultation on these proposals is open until 14th December.

If you would like to contribute your views on the changes, all the details are available here.

The consultation document and questionnaire for return are here.

November update

Parkwood School


Pat Cardis the Headteacher has finally decided to retire after an extraordinary 43 years of service at the school. Pat started at the school as a newly qualified teacher on its opening day in 1969, became deputy head in the 1990’s and head in 2000. The governors which include Brian and Oli, now have the task of finding a successor.

Under her leadership the school has become the best in Hackney and nationally outstanding. Last year 100% of 11 years olds reached the required standard in English and 95% in maths. This year it was 100% in maths and 96% for English. Parkwood’s intake tends to be more deprived than even the Hackney average with one of the highest level of special educational needs. One of the most encouraging developments this year is the more than doubling of the level of development during the early years stage.

With the reopening of the Alexandra National House and the regeneration of Kings Crescent moving forward, we need to begin a debate about how best to provide new primary places in the area. -

October report

Kings crescent masterplan approved
The masterplan for the regeneration of the estate was approved unanimously at the planning committee on 12th September - Planning applications . It will see the estate rebuilt in probably 4 phases, each consisting of new build and refurbishment of the existing stock so that the eventual design is tenure-blind. The architects for the first two phases and the landscapers for the whole of the development have now been appointed. At the conclusion it will provide 274 (36%) units for social rent, 117 (15%) for shared ownership and 374 (49%) for private sale. Respectively 26%, 39%, 23% and 11% will consist of one to four bedrooms. A new community centre, play facilities, shops and café are proposed. The next stage in engagement is via a street party from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday 13th October. Consultation is now much wider then the estate. The second stage of the refurbishment which includes replacement of the electrical mains, all lifts, the installation of two tier door entry systems, and new roofs and windows for Weston and Lemsford, is almost complete. All the new doors are installed but delays with the electrics meant some are only now being activated.

Hackney Play Streets

A groundbreaking scheme has just started in Hackney that will close selected streets to through traffic, turning them into “play streets”.

Hackney has become the first London

borough to introduce Temporary Play Street Orders (TPSOs) as a one-year pilot project.
TPSOs which allows parents to apply to close their street for a few hours per week or month for children to play safely outside.

The scheme was initiated following an approach to the council by resident and mum of three Claudia Draper who said 'hopefully playing out in the street will now be a normal part of kids' lives as well as being something that brings the community closer together'.

Oldfied Road

in Stoke Newington closed for the first time on 9th September allowing 70 children to play together and older residents to meet and chat.
Residents of play streets can still drive on closing days and are guided by volunteer stewards stationed at the ends of the street.

The scheme is open to any residential road where there is sufficient support for the idea.
If you wish to apply for a TPSO you will first need to consult with neighbours before submitting an application. Major routes or streets with a bus route are unlikely to be suitable.

To find out more about this innovative project contact Gavin Best at Hackney Council or call 020 8356 3023.
The scheme has the support of the Hackney Play Association who has more information on children's play in the borough on their website.

August Update

GCSE results- You’ll have heard that nationally results are down for the first time, but Hackney bucked the trend big time. This year, 60.5% of students achieved five good GCSEs including English and Maths – a 3.5% increase on last year and our best ever results. Ten years ago the number of pupils getting five good GCSEs was 31 per cent.

New Ward Boundaries?

New ward boundaries? The Local Government Boundary Commission have now published their draft proposals. Follow this link http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/greater-london/hackney-fer to see them and comment. Consultation closes on 24th September Essentially they propose a two member Brownswood consisting of parts to the west of Green Lanes and Portland Rise. And a two member Woodberry Down ward consisting of that estate with Portland Rise and Amwell Court.

July update

Councillors Report – July 2012 Hackney’s changing … ... at an unprecedented rate. Shoreditch as well as being host to a vibrant night life, is the biggest hub in the country for IT and creative industries. New clubs and housing have spread up through Hoxton and Haggerston towards Dalston, which is now becoming fashionable in itself. The far east of the borough has been changed completely by the Olympic park and development at Stratford. Locally the completion of Woodberry Down and Kings Crescent estates will transform large parts of the ward. But reputation tends to lag behind reality. The Radio 1 Hackney Weekend on 23rd and 24th June was organised by the BBC and the council, to help transform some of those attitudes. It was the BBC’s biggest event of the summer of 2012, and Hackney’s biggest event ever. About a third of the free 100,000 tickets went to local residents. The legacy of the event goes beyond this weekend and the performances. The Radio 1 Academy ran from 1-22nd June at the Hackney Picturehouse offering workshops and practical experience on fashion, music, film, radio, digital communications, journalism, comedy and business. More than 7,000 young people have been though the Academy, more than half of them from Hackney.

Brownswood Ward Forum: Your ward, your say

The Music Room, Parkwood School

Queens Drive

London N4 2HQ

7 pm on Monday 2nd July 2012

  

Meet your local councillors, raise local issues and explore opportunities to improve our area!

Your local Ward Councillors Brian Bell, Oli de Botton and Feryal Demirci warmly invite you to the first Brownswood Ward Forum.

At this first meeting we will be discussing:

§        

Kings Crescent

redevelopment plans

§         Environmental projects in our ward

We’d also like to hear from you about some of the small things we could do together to help improve our local area and the best way of shaping future forum meetings.  Brownswood Ward residents are all welcome, we would be grateful if you could also publicise this in your community and your organisation

Email us on Brownswood@hackney.gov.uk

Your ward, your say!

Brian Bell, Oli de Botton and Feryal Demirci

Our May/June report

Councillors Report – June 2012 Local Government Boundary Commission Review
The boundary commission have now accepted our arguments for the overall number of councillors to remain the same. However our latest proposals for wards and boundaries have had to take into account population change and projections in Woodberry Down and elsewhere. The LGBC will review the proposed ward schemes and publish their final proposals by 17th July 2012. There will then be a 10 week consultation phase. Final decisions will be made in October/November 2012.

Education Next month the Learning Trust will pass back into the direct control of the council after a successful 10 year contract. The aim is to retain the excellent practice that has seen Hackney's schools improving year on year, and the transition plans have emphasised stability in terms of staffing and approach.

Kings Crescent masterplan out for consultation/refurbishment continues The masterplan for the future estate is now out for consultation until the 11th of June. Link here - . If that doesn't work go to the planning part of the council website and search for application no 2012/0676. The second stage of the refurbishment includes replacement of the electrical mains and lighting, all lifts, the installation of two tier door entry systems, and new roofs and windows for Weston and Lemsford Courts. The first of the new doors has been installed at Lemsford. It is anticipated that all blocks will have had new windows installed, where deemed necessary, by the end of this year. External cladding of existing blocks will be carried out in conjunction with each phase of the new build, to ensure integration of new and existing buildings. At this stage, it is anticipated that the new build will be carried out in four phases, starting next Spring, with the programme continuing for 5-6 years. The installation of new digital television aerials has been a major cause for concern.

Policing and community safety Our safer neighbour team was recently down to one PC, one PCSO and a half-time sergeant rather than the six members it was originally meant to provide. Although all some of the turnover may have been bad luck, the fact that replacements weren’t being recruited is down to Boris Johnson’s cuts to the MPS. We have raised this with the borough commander.

Woodberry Down regeneration Construction on “the old school site” is now almost complete. Riverside Apartments is the final private block at the eastern end of the West Reservoir and was occupied from the end of March 2012. “The Residence” tower (175 units) is being fitted out with residents moving in between July and October 2012. Both blocks at 268 Green Lanes are now complete, and have been handed over to Genesis HA who will allocate tenants. The April planning committee reluctantly approved a 2nd tower block immediately to the north east of the current one. Berkeley Homes argued they needed this further income stream to allow them to proceed with Phase 2 (which includes the rest of Brownswood). As well as tying it in to a review of the masterplan which would bring forward further community benefits, Brian and the chair of planning argued for an overage or claw-back clause which would allow us to get further social housing or a financial contribution, if Berkeley’s make a higher than forecast profit from this tower. The local labour target of 20% has now been achieved.

Finsbury Park Accord On Friday 1st June, the Leaders of Haringey, Islington and Hackney signed the Finsbury Park Accord at the Park Theatre. It is designed to co-ordinate planning of and improve services in, the area which is split between three boroughs. Aims include more social housing, enhanced economic activity, and safer and cleaner streets.

Alexandra National site Construction of the framework is now complete, with the cladding having begun.

London Elections Sadly Ken Livingstone was beaten by Boris Johnson, but by a much smaller margin than predicted in all the polls. Labour in London had a great result winning 4 more seats on the assembly. Jennette Arnold substantially increased her majority getting over 100,000 votes in N E London. Hackney got the second best % vote for Ken in London, after Newham. In Hackney Labour “won” every ward, and Ben Hayhurst is the new councillor for Hackney Central winning the byelection with a 1,893 majority. In Brownswood we had a good result with Labour Green Tory Lib Dem Mayor 1314 254 448 97 Constituency 1285 511 252 153 List 1257 449 273 158 Our next roving surgery and canvassing session is on Saturday 16th June starting from the Brownswood Tavern on the corner of Brownswood Road and Green Lanes. These events are becoming more and more focused on the need to build the campaign towards the elections in 2014 & 2015. Please come if you can.

Councillors Brian Bell, Feryal Demirci and Oli de Botton

Our April update

Councillors Report – April 2012

Parkwood School

Pat Cardis, headteacher at Parkwood received a well deserved lifetime achievement award at the Educators Awards in March – photo attached. Pat is an extraordinarily talented, hardworking and committed teacher who has been at Parkwood since it’s opening day in 1969. It is Hackney’s most successful primary despite have an intake more deprived than the borough average.

Local Government Boundary Commission Review

The boundary commission have now accepted our arguments for the overall number of councillors to remain the same. However our latest proposals for wards and boundaries have had to take into account population change and projections in Woodberry Down and elsewhere.

£11.5m refurbishment of Kings Crescent continues

The second stage of the refurbishment includes replacement of the electrical mains and lighting, all lifts, the installation of two tier door entry systems, and new roofs and windows for Weston and Lemsford Courts. The style of the new roofs to these two have now been agreed with residents. Window replacement works have been completed at Lemsford and moved on to Weston. The first of the new doors has been installed at Lemsford.

Following the installation of the new roofs on Weston and Lemsford, it is intended to replace windows in the remaining blocks and it is anticipated that all blocks will have had new windows installed, where deemed necessary, by the end of this year.

Officers expect the masterplan application shortly to go forward for a 13 week plus consultation period. Estate residents and those in neighbouring streets will be invited to comments on the proposals.

External cladding of existing blocks will be carried out in conjunction with each phase of the new build, to ensure integration of new and existing buildings. At this stage, it is anticipated that the new build will be carried out in four phases, starting next Spring, with the programme continuing for 5-6 years.

If estate roads are built to adequate standards and they are subsequently adopted as public highway, they become part of the surrounding controlled parking zone and residents will have to buy parking permits. In this case, roads would be maintained at public expense. At some stage, residents will need to decide whether this is their preferred option. The alternative is to not have roads adopted, and maintenance and any parking scheme deficit costs would be met through rents and service charges.

Big Lottery Fund win for Manor House and Woodberry Down

A consortium led by the Manor House Development Trust, has won the first stage of a project to explore ideas to address the consequences of climate change. £10k is available to work up a detailed bid for up to £1million for a fuller implementation. The consortium comprises the MHDT, Berkeleys, Groundwork London, LB Hackney, LB Haringey, London Sustainability Exchange (LSx), and Transition Finsbury Park.

Policing and community safety

Our safer neighbour team is now down to two police constables and a half-time sergeant rather than the six members it was originally meant to provide. Although all the PCSO’s leaving at once was co-incidental, the fact that replacements weren’t being recruited is down to Boris Johnson’s cuts to the MPS budget. We have had this raised with the borough commander.

Woodberry Down regeneration

Construction on “the old school site” is now almost complete. Riverside Apartments is the final private block at the eastern end of the West Reservoir and is scheduled to be occupied from the end of March 2012. “The Residence” tower (175 units) is being fitted out with residents moving in between July and October 2012. Photos attached.

Both blocks at 268 Green Lanes are now complete, and being handed over to Genesis HA who will allocate tenants. Photos also attached.

The planning committee last month reluctantly approved a 2nd tower block immediately to the north east of the current one. Berkeley Homes argued they needed this further income stream to allow them to proceed with Phase 2 (which includes the rest of Brownswood). As well as tying it in to a review of the masterplan which would bring forward further community benefits, Brian and the chair of planning argued for an overage or claw-back clause which would allow us to get further social housing or a financial contribution, if Berkeley’s make a higher than forecast profit from this tower.

The local labour target of 20% has now been achieved.

Hostel application

As a result of pressure from local residents and councillors, the large hostel extension planned for 350-356 Seven Sisters road was rejected at the first stage. We are also pushing to ensure that the new development management development plan currently being discussed, makes appropriate provision for hostel development. For further details go here and search for 2011/2395.

Alexandra National site

Construction of the framework is now complete, with the cladding of the northern blocks having begun.

And finally

Feryal is running the London Marathon on 22nd April in support of the Anthony Nolan Trust. To support her, go here http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FeryalDemirci


Councillors Brian Bell, Oli de Botton and Feryal Demirci

Our March update

Councillors Report – March 2012


Local Government Boundary Commission Review

The boundary commission appear to have now accepted our arguments for the number of councillors to remain the same. However they will still have to make changes to bring the ratio of residents to councillors back into line, so the threat of boundary changes and two member wards still exists. We have provided full details of projected population growth in Brownswood and elsewhere as part of our case.

£11.5m refurbishment of Kings Crescent Estate continues

The second stage of the refurbishment (which includes replacement of the electrical mains and lighting, all lifts, the installation of two tier door entry systems, and new roofs and windows for Weston and Lemsford Courts) is progressing well though inevitably causing some disruption. The installation of entryphone systems starts on 4 March. The current programme is being reviewed to move Bramfield Court forward, in view of the ASB problems being experienced there, and to condense the programme to bring the completion date forward from the end of August.

Works to prepare for the digital TV switchover should be completed by 4 April.

The window replacement works have been completed at Lemsford Court and the contractor has now moved on to Weston Court.

Officers have had initial meetings with the planners and expect the masterplan application to go forward once one final document is supplied. There will then be a 13 week plus period for the outline application to be considered. Estate residents and those in neighbouring streets will be invited to comments on the proposals.

A major issue remaining is whether the remaining blocks to be refurbished will get flat or pitched roofs. Residents are generally opposed to flat roofs because of their experience of leaks over the years. The Design Code, which forms part of the planning application, makes no pre-emption on the design of roofs and states that “roofs may be pitched or flat”. In the meantime, Weston and Lemsford are to be given shallow pitched roofs which will be concealed by parapets. It is intended to arrange visits to schemes elsewhere where “green” roofs have been installed to allow residents to see if modern ones work better.

Finsbury Park Accord

A draft Finsbury Park Accord has been drawn up between Haringey, Hackney and Islington to deliver further regeneration of the Finsbury Park Area. The draft document, which is being finalised, highlights the need for more co-operation amongst the boroughs, a focus on town-centre improvements including on Blackstock Road, and a drive to improve the local economy. The accord may also highlight recent steps forward on the Hackney side, including the building of additional housing. The next step is to draft Supplementary Planning Guidance for the area.

Hostel expansion

Oli and Feryal have been active in supporting residents raising concerns about the expansion of one of the hostel at 350-356 Seven Sisters Road. Their worries are based on the perceived proliferation of such establishments in the area.

Woodberry Down regeneration

The first five KSS1 blocks are now complete and fully occupied. Riverside Apartments is the final private block at the eastern end of the West Reservoir and is on schedule to be occupied towards the end of March 2012. “The Residence” Tower (175 units) is being fitted out and residents will be moving in between July and October 2012.

Basic construction of both blocks at 268 Green Lanes is now complete, with fit out and landscaping to the external areas due to be finished soon.

Berkley Homes are continuing to pursue a further tower block at Woodberry Down. The TRA, WDCO, will only accept this in the context of a review of the overall masterplan which brings additional benefits to residents.

A new health centre will be built as part of the Phase 2A development on the former Pewsham site. The site is cleared, with the exception of three detached properties on Woodberry Down. Work was originally due to begin in March 2012 and be complete by March 2014. However there has been a delay in purchasing leasehold properties as Berkeley Homes, the developer, has not been able to agree terms with some of the leaseholders. Berkeley Homes have put negotiations on hold until more progress has been made with obtaining a Compulsory Purchase Order for all of Phase 2. Berkeley Homes anticipate being on site in October 2012 with a completion date in late 2014.

The council is still in negotiations with the PCT to take a lease on the property. The PCT will then sub-lease some of the building to local GP practices. If the council is unable to reach an agreement with the PCT or GPs, it could directly market the health centre to other providers. These would include GP practices, dentists and pharmacies.

The Castle

The Castle climbing centre on Green Lanes has applied inter alia, to expand their cafeteria space and add a conservatory to the eastern side and a greenhouse to the southern elevation. For further details go the planning section of hackney.gov.uk and search for 2012/0162.

Alexandra National site

Construction of the framework is now complete, with all the new council housing already allocated to returning tenants.

Council budget

The council is due to set its budget and council tax at the meeting on 29th February. We are proposing to freeze the council tax for a 7th year.


Councillors Brian Bell, Oli de Botton and Feryal Demirci

The Castle Climbing Centre, Green Lanes - planning and listed building consent applications

Please comment by 26th March via the Planning section of the LBHackney website.

Application Number: 2012/0199

Date Received: 16/01/2012
Validation Date: 08/02/2012
for Listed Building Consent

Agent: Cook Townsend Architects
Agent Tel: 02084440330
on behalf of The Castle Climbing Centre Green
Lanes London N4 2HA

Development Case Officer: Evie Learman

Description:
Internal alterations to the existing building
comprising new escape provision; additional
cafeteria space; relocation of existing utility
space and refurbishment of existing internal
building fabric. External works comprising
new lean-to conservatory on the eastern
elevation and new greenhouse on the
southern elevation; alterations to external
building fabric; provision of new external
sports activity space and modifications to
existing road and pedestrian access including
new access door on western elevation facing
Green Lanes.

All this work is in connection
with an associated planning application
reference 2012/0162.

February Councillors Report

Clissold Park and House refurbishment complete

The £9m project funded by Hackney and the lottery, to improve the park and bring the house fully back into use, was completed on time and budget. Feedback has been very positive. http://www.hackney.gov.uk/Assets/Documents/park-wide-masterplan.pdf This month also saw the opening of the new Dalston CLR James Library.

Finsbury Park Regeneration Conference

We were pleased to support FinFuture’s Your Finsbury Park conference, on Saturday 28th January. The next stage is the development of the “Finsbury Park Accord”, an agreement how the three councils will work jointly to regenerate and promote the area.

Local Government Boundary Commission Review

As previously reported the commission are carrying out a review which may change the number of councillors, number of wards and ward boundaries. The council’s position is to maintain the overall number as broadly what we have now, maximise 3 member wards, and oppose 1 member wards. The other local parties generally agree.

£11.5m refurbishment of Kings Crescent Estate underway

The second stage of the refurbishment has begun including replacement of the electrical mains and lighting, all lifts, the installation of two tier door entry systems, and new roofs and windows for Weston and Lemsford Courts. Works are progressing well though inevitably causing some disruption.

Following a series of consultation and amendments, there was broad support from residents for the final proposed masterplan. Officers are working on submitting an outline planning application which they hope to have validated next month. The issue of flat roofs on the remaining blocks to be refurbished remains to be resolved. We also remain concerned that they have not properly addressed the GLA’s reservations.

Amongst management issues, letters to some residents requiring them to remove gates which blocked access to their flats in the blocks affected by prostitution and associated ASB had caused concern. We got Hackney Homes Chief Executive Charlotte Graves to personally visit them and agree a compromise. The late planning for the installation of new digital TV aerials has also led to some confusion and stress.
Woodberry Down regeneration

The first four KSS1 blocks which were for social rent or shared ownership, are now complete and fully occupied. “Waterside Apartments” (67 for private sale plus 8 shared ownership) are now complete and the first resident moved in on Friday the 20th January 2012 which is another key milestone reached. All units here have been sold. The hoarding line has now been moved back and “Goodchild Road” which allows access to the basement parking, created. Some photos are available.

Riverside Apartments is the final private block at the eastern end of the West Reservoir and is on schedule to be occupied towards the end of March 2012. “The Residence” Tower (175 private units) is being fitted out and residents will be moving in from July 2012 with the remainder by the end of October 2012.

Basic construction of both blocks at 268 Green Lanes is now complete, with fit out and landscaping to the external areas due to be finished by the end of February 2012.

Demolition works at Pewsham, Peak & Petherton are now complete with all materials crushed and stockpiled to be used later in the development. Construction works will begin on the first 180 affordable units as soon as the 3 houses have been vacated.
Berkley Homes are continuing to pursue a further tower block at Woodberry Down.

Alexandra National site

Construction is back on schedule with all the new council housing already allocated to returning tenants.

Community safety and policing

We attended the CAP meeting at the Redmond Centre on Woodberry Down on 12th January where we met new members of our police team. This saw increased concern about vice and burglaries. We pressed to ensure that policing would be maintained during the Olympic period. After the meeting we received data about local vice operations. Last month there were 21 prostitute cautions in total. The police now have 12 prostitutes who are on two cautions and can be arrested on the next occasion. As before, we want to ensure there is also appropriate support available for the women.

Manor TRA

Issues raised included parking on Amwell Court and youth engagement. There was a positive response to some of the work done by the new SNT team on Amwell.

St Johns Court TRA

The inaugural AGM was held this month and there were a number of issues raised. In particular we were keen to ensure that the Decent Homes funding secured for half of the estate is delivered in this financial year. We have also pushed to ensure flats not included in this round are at the very least surveyed in the near future. Other issues related to general tidiness of the estate and we will continue to monitor this.

Hackney school success

A new report from the Centre Forum think tank highlighted that Hackney was now one of higher achieving authorities in the country. On measures related to closing the achievement gap and overall attainment, we were in the top ten in London. London LEAs overall were found to be out-performing those in the rest of the country.

Planning application for new 108 bed hostel at Royal Park Hotel, 350 - 356 Seven Sisters Road

Details here - http://apps.hackney.gov.uk/servapps/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=160003&XSLT=/servapps/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/SiteFiles/Skins/Hackney/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/servapps/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/SiteFiles/Skins/Hackney/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

Cut and paste the web address into your viewer if necessary.

http://apps.hackney.gov.uk/servapps/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/PLComments.aspx?pk=160003

Comments are invited until 30th January 2012.