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.

New ward boundaries? As previously reported, the Local Government Boundary Commission have published their draft proposals. Follow this link http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/greater-london/hackney-fer. Consultation closed on 24th September. Essentially they proposed 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. The branch felt that Green Lanes formed a more natural boundary and that the Portland Rise estate should stay in Brownswood. We expect a final decision towards the end of the year. Separate proposals to reorganise parliamentary constituencies seem to have stalled for the moment.
Woodberry Down regeneration Work on the Old School Site is almost complete with the hoarding in front removed and the paving installed. The new retail units are now well under way having had the new shop front glazing mounted and will hopefully be open by mid October. We have completed the construction of the two new roads surrounding Block E (the “3Ps site”) which will provide 180 homes. The three large houses will be vacated and demolished by the end of September. In order to safely carry out demolition works, parts of Spring Park Drive will be closed for some of October 2012. Concerns about inadequate soundproofing to the Redmond Community Centre as noise is transmitting from the centre to residents living above, were raised. Residents also complained about hire charges for the centre, compared to the discounts in the old Robin Redmond Centre. MHDT responded by stating that the running costs are high, and that discounts are available at particular times only. It was reported that 5 residents have objected to the council CPO of their properties in Spring Park Drive and a public enquiry is to take place, possibly early in 2013.

Audit Brian chairs the council’s Audit Committee. which at it’s meeting on 26th September was able to sign off the accounts for last year. This is by far the earliest we've ever completed this process, and clear evidence of how the organisation continues to become more efficient. The District Auditor gave unqualified approval to both the main accounts and pension fund, as well as an unqualified value for money judgement.

2013/14 council budget Our group meeting in September agreed approx £5m further savings which allow us to balance the budget. However further government policy changes including the top slicing of business rate, reductions in the New Homes Bonus, the Early Intervention Grant, and of support to LEAs with the academies, may cost us up to £11m more.

Parkside Youth Club Last Saturday saw a consultation on what both young people and their families want from the new centre once it’s open.

Policing and community safety The attendance at CAP meeting was lower than usual. The cuts to the safer neighbourhood teams, the changes in personnel and the venue could have all contributed to the decline in the no. of people attending. However there was a visible unhappiness with the current SNT team and their lack of understanding of the resident’s issues and effective action on issues in the ward. Complaints were raised around lack of meaningful information, meeting notifications and resident engagement. We have raised this with the council’s community safety team and the police.

Alexandra National site Although construction is now almost complete, there have been errors regarding connecting the water supply which will delay moving in.