We're still waiting for more clarity on preferred route for High Speed 2, and hopeful of course that the new government's support for Crossrail will mean that the alternative route to Heathrow rather than Euston is a possibility.
We welcome the extension of the consultation period on the exceptional hardship scheme to June 17 and continue to urge people to write in to comment on the scheme and to object to the Euston route.
Meanwhile, the new Secretary of State has today issued a written statement, which effectively says that while the consultation has been extended, work is ongoing on a shadow scheme so that those most affected can then be helped as soon as possible.
High Speed Rail - Exceptional Hardship Scheme
Statement by:
The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP
27 May 2010
The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Hammond): The Government believes that high speed rail has the potential to bring significant and long-lasting benefits for Britain’s economy and society. But we also recognise that there can be unavoidable consequences for those who live closest to any route put forward for such a network, particularly when they urgently need to sell their property.
It is for this reason that the Government is of the view that an Exceptional Hardship Scheme is absolutely necessary to help those who are most directly and immediately affected.
Details of such how such an Exceptional Hardship Scheme might operate were published for consultation on 11 March. In order to limit the delay for those in most urgent need of financial assistance, this consultation was due to run for ten weeks, ending on 20 May.
However, having received representations which argued that ten weeks is not sufficient to allow all those with an interest to have the fullest possible opportunity to comment on these proposals, I announced last week that the deadline for that consultation would be extended by four weeks to 17 June.
In taking this decision, I have been aware of its implications for those in the most urgent need. Therefore, without prejudice to the outcome of the consultation, I have asked my officials to put shadow arrangements in place so that, should a decision be taken to proceed with the Scheme, applications can begin to be considered immediately.
By bringing forward the timescale for applications in this way, I hope to minimise uncertainty for those affected and ensure that payments can be made as quickly as possible wherever appropriate.
Of course, anyone whose application is considered under such shadow arrangements will also have a right of appeal once the formal scheme is up and running.
Furthermore, once a route is chosen and safeguarded by the Government, eligible property owners will have access to statutory blight compensation.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Progress on Dispersal Zone
Roger and I were at a constructive public meeting tonight about the Swiss Cottage dispersal zone. Not as well attended as the previous meeting, but a useful sharing of information between the police and local residents. Key points:
Since January when the dispersal zone was extended for six months, 116 people (often the same people) have been "dispersed". About 166 people were dispersed in the previous year of operation.
The problem really is around 5-6 young people who act as ringleaders around antisocial behaviour, with two gangs or groups ("Sin City" and "ASA") being active in the area.
The police and council officers are building a case for several ASBOs against some of the key troublemakers, who are already criminalised through other convictions, so there is no fear that an ASBO will criminalise them. They need a few more months to made progress on ASBOs and isolating ringleaders.
The dispersals have been from across the dispersal zone, and we've emphasised to the police that while there is clearly a big problem on the Alexandra & Ainsworth and Abbey estates, the problems of youths on the Hilgrove estate (smoking cannabis in stairwells) should not be forgotten.
It looks certain we will get an extension of the dispersal zone (which runs out in July) for another six months to give the police and council community safety staff the time to crack this.
Since January when the dispersal zone was extended for six months, 116 people (often the same people) have been "dispersed". About 166 people were dispersed in the previous year of operation.
The problem really is around 5-6 young people who act as ringleaders around antisocial behaviour, with two gangs or groups ("Sin City" and "ASA") being active in the area.
The police and council officers are building a case for several ASBOs against some of the key troublemakers, who are already criminalised through other convictions, so there is no fear that an ASBO will criminalise them. They need a few more months to made progress on ASBOs and isolating ringleaders.
The dispersals have been from across the dispersal zone, and we've emphasised to the police that while there is clearly a big problem on the Alexandra & Ainsworth and Abbey estates, the problems of youths on the Hilgrove estate (smoking cannabis in stairwells) should not be forgotten.
It looks certain we will get an extension of the dispersal zone (which runs out in July) for another six months to give the police and council community safety staff the time to crack this.
Trees being removed on Swiss Cottage Open Space
Council officers have just highlighted the following:
"Unfortunately it has become necessary to remove several trees at Swiss Cottage Open Space. The first is a Chestnut in front of the climbing wall on Adelaide Road. There is major crown dieback, and we suspect this is due to Leopard Moth. We have found samples of wood with larval tunnelling etc which is indicative of this. As a result the crown of the tree is dying. There are also signs of stem damage, which could indicate that the tree has a possibility of falling. Due to the proximity of the footpath, this tree will have to be removed to mitigate any further risk to the public.
The other trees are in the grassed area inside the open space, at the north end of the area adjacent to the Hampstead theatre. Several of these trees have been affected by dog damage vandalism, and others may have been affected by the re-landscaping. The trees affected were monitored over the winter to see if they would regenerate this spring. Unfortunately this has not happened and so we must now remove these trees.
Public signage advertising our intentions to fell the trees will be posted in and around the open space as soon as possible. The works are scheduled to start on Monday 7th June 2010.
We will add the sites to the coming years’ planting list to replace the trees."
We as ward councillors don't have the knowledge to second guess council tree specialists, the key thing is that the replanting on this major open space is done quickly.
"Unfortunately it has become necessary to remove several trees at Swiss Cottage Open Space. The first is a Chestnut in front of the climbing wall on Adelaide Road. There is major crown dieback, and we suspect this is due to Leopard Moth. We have found samples of wood with larval tunnelling etc which is indicative of this. As a result the crown of the tree is dying. There are also signs of stem damage, which could indicate that the tree has a possibility of falling. Due to the proximity of the footpath, this tree will have to be removed to mitigate any further risk to the public.
The other trees are in the grassed area inside the open space, at the north end of the area adjacent to the Hampstead theatre. Several of these trees have been affected by dog damage vandalism, and others may have been affected by the re-landscaping. The trees affected were monitored over the winter to see if they would regenerate this spring. Unfortunately this has not happened and so we must now remove these trees.
Public signage advertising our intentions to fell the trees will be posted in and around the open space as soon as possible. The works are scheduled to start on Monday 7th June 2010.
We will add the sites to the coming years’ planting list to replace the trees."
We as ward councillors don't have the knowledge to second guess council tree specialists, the key thing is that the replanting on this major open space is done quickly.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Saracens 10,000 seater stadium for three weeks in Regents Park?
Update 1630 - just heard from Royal Parks that article in Standard was not accurate. Saracens approached Royal Parks a year ago with ideas about rugby in Regent's Park, but was firmly told that a stadium in this location was not appropriate or feasible. Matter is closed. Good.
I was amazed to read this report in the Evening Standard about Saracens Rugby Club building a temporary stadium to play matches in Regent's Park for at least three weeks next season. I very much doubt that this will be acceptable to local people, not least since they are suggesting this might be a 10,000 seat stadium. Saracens seem to be offering use of this for "community 7s" matches to sweeten the pill, which seems pretty peripheral to me.
Depending where it might be in the park, it would need Camden or Westminster planning or licensing permission. We'll look at the detail if the proposal is advanced and will certainly represent firmly local concerns about the negative impacts this may have and what is really the misuse of this wonderful park.
As always, the Friends of Regents Park and Primrose Hill are already on the case and you can see their post here.
I was amazed to read this report in the Evening Standard about Saracens Rugby Club building a temporary stadium to play matches in Regent's Park for at least three weeks next season. I very much doubt that this will be acceptable to local people, not least since they are suggesting this might be a 10,000 seat stadium. Saracens seem to be offering use of this for "community 7s" matches to sweeten the pill, which seems pretty peripheral to me.
Depending where it might be in the park, it would need Camden or Westminster planning or licensing permission. We'll look at the detail if the proposal is advanced and will certainly represent firmly local concerns about the negative impacts this may have and what is really the misuse of this wonderful park.
As always, the Friends of Regents Park and Primrose Hill are already on the case and you can see their post here.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
BAM appointed as preferred bidder for BSF programme including Academy
Under a decision delegated to top council officers, BAM PPP was appointed as the preferred bidder for the Council's Building Schools for the Future programme. You can see the report here.
The Council's new (Labour) Executive will take a final decision on 21st July confirming this. The process involves designs on two detailed schemes - for the UCL Academy/Swiss Cottage Special School and for South Camden Community School, but the idea is that the selected partner, in what is effectively a joint venture PPP, will be involved with the BSF programme across all Camden's secondary schools.
The detailed planning application for the UCL Academy will go in on or around 26th May. As ward councillors we will look at this carefully as undoubtedly will many local people. We will make sure that those of the three of us not on the new Development Control Committee will firmly represent residents views and concerns on the planning application.
BAM PPP (www.bamppp.com) is a major European construction company (Dutch HQ) with a lot of experience of public-private-partnership development projects, including 12 schools projects. We've heard good things about BAM and we had heard some concerns about the other bidder, Bouygues, so we're comfortable about this selection. The new school (remember the previous Labour administration didn't want a new secondary) will provide much needed new secondary places in the north-west of Camden, and many parents are already excited about the school as the September 2007 opening date looms closer. Clearly however the planning process now rightly moves centre stage.
The Council's new (Labour) Executive will take a final decision on 21st July confirming this. The process involves designs on two detailed schemes - for the UCL Academy/Swiss Cottage Special School and for South Camden Community School, but the idea is that the selected partner, in what is effectively a joint venture PPP, will be involved with the BSF programme across all Camden's secondary schools.
The detailed planning application for the UCL Academy will go in on or around 26th May. As ward councillors we will look at this carefully as undoubtedly will many local people. We will make sure that those of the three of us not on the new Development Control Committee will firmly represent residents views and concerns on the planning application.
BAM PPP (www.bamppp.com) is a major European construction company (Dutch HQ) with a lot of experience of public-private-partnership development projects, including 12 schools projects. We've heard good things about BAM and we had heard some concerns about the other bidder, Bouygues, so we're comfortable about this selection. The new school (remember the previous Labour administration didn't want a new secondary) will provide much needed new secondary places in the north-west of Camden, and many parents are already excited about the school as the September 2007 opening date looms closer. Clearly however the planning process now rightly moves centre stage.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Serving Swiss Cottage - and a new leader for Camden Conservatives
Roger, Don and I thank all those in Swiss Cottage who voted for us last Thursday and for the many kind messages from residents. We look forward to working to represent Swiss Cottage ward over the next four years.
Labour regained control of Camden Council - a disappointing result for us, but we wish the new Council leadership well and will act as constructive opposition councillors at the Town Hall.
In these new circumstances, I decided to stand down as the leader of the Camden Conservative group to enable a fresh leader to take the group forward. Martin Davies, who represents Frognal and Fitzjohns, was elected as the new group leader last night, please see press release below.
Camden Conservatives elect new leader
On Monday night at their AGM, Camden Conservatives unanimously elected Councillor Martin Davies as their new group leader following Councillor Andrew Marshall’s decision to stand down.
After the recent Camden Council elections, when Liberal Democrat losses handed control of the Council back to Labour, Councillor Andrew Marshall, Conservative group leader and deputy leader of the Council for the last four years, decided to stand down.
At the same meeting, Councillor Andrew Mennear was unanimously elected as deputy leader.
Councillor Martin Davies said “Andrew Marshall has done a marvellous job over the past four years steering us through a coalition running the Council. We are entering a new era and I am delighted that the Conservative group has chosen me to lead them. I see my role as leading the robust challenge of the new Labour administration, whilst building the broad conservative consensus with the people of Camden as the foundations for our future success.
"Andrew Mennear and I have been fellow Councillors for the past 12 years and I believe we present a strong and formidable Conservative leadership team in Camden. The new Conservative group has a superb breadth and depth of talent from our experienced Councillors to our newly elected colleagues, like Claire-Louise Leyland, Jonny Bucknell and Laura Trott.”
Councillor Andrew Marshall commented: “In a completely new political situation, I decided this was the right time for me to stand down and allow a fresh leader to build on what was actually a strong Conservative vote in many parts of the borough. Martin Davies is exceptionally well qualified to lead the group and has a track record in particular of caring for those in Camden who are deprived or left behind by society in some way.
"I will remain an active councillor, representing Swiss Cottage and continuing to work for Conservative success in Camden. It has been a huge privilege to lead the Conservative group and to serve as Deputy Leader of the Council. The partnership administration has a strong record of achievement in which the Conservative group played a very full part. Through a responsible approach, we showed - against many expectations - that we could work with the decision of the electorate and make a coalition work well over four years."
For further information please contact
Councillor Martin Davies
Leader of the Conservative Group
London Borough of Camden
07909 894105
cllr.mjdavies@btopenworld.com
http://martindavies.yourcllr.com/
Labour regained control of Camden Council - a disappointing result for us, but we wish the new Council leadership well and will act as constructive opposition councillors at the Town Hall.
In these new circumstances, I decided to stand down as the leader of the Camden Conservative group to enable a fresh leader to take the group forward. Martin Davies, who represents Frognal and Fitzjohns, was elected as the new group leader last night, please see press release below.
Camden Conservatives elect new leader
On Monday night at their AGM, Camden Conservatives unanimously elected Councillor Martin Davies as their new group leader following Councillor Andrew Marshall’s decision to stand down.
After the recent Camden Council elections, when Liberal Democrat losses handed control of the Council back to Labour, Councillor Andrew Marshall, Conservative group leader and deputy leader of the Council for the last four years, decided to stand down.
At the same meeting, Councillor Andrew Mennear was unanimously elected as deputy leader.
Councillor Martin Davies said “Andrew Marshall has done a marvellous job over the past four years steering us through a coalition running the Council. We are entering a new era and I am delighted that the Conservative group has chosen me to lead them. I see my role as leading the robust challenge of the new Labour administration, whilst building the broad conservative consensus with the people of Camden as the foundations for our future success.
"Andrew Mennear and I have been fellow Councillors for the past 12 years and I believe we present a strong and formidable Conservative leadership team in Camden. The new Conservative group has a superb breadth and depth of talent from our experienced Councillors to our newly elected colleagues, like Claire-Louise Leyland, Jonny Bucknell and Laura Trott.”
Councillor Andrew Marshall commented: “In a completely new political situation, I decided this was the right time for me to stand down and allow a fresh leader to build on what was actually a strong Conservative vote in many parts of the borough. Martin Davies is exceptionally well qualified to lead the group and has a track record in particular of caring for those in Camden who are deprived or left behind by society in some way.
"I will remain an active councillor, representing Swiss Cottage and continuing to work for Conservative success in Camden. It has been a huge privilege to lead the Conservative group and to serve as Deputy Leader of the Council. The partnership administration has a strong record of achievement in which the Conservative group played a very full part. Through a responsible approach, we showed - against many expectations - that we could work with the decision of the electorate and make a coalition work well over four years."
For further information please contact
Councillor Martin Davies
Leader of the Conservative Group
London Borough of Camden
07909 894105
cllr.mjdavies@btopenworld.com
http://martindavies.yourcllr.com/
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
HS2 Consulation deadline coming up
A reminder that 20th May is the deadline for responses by individuals to the Government's consultation on the High Speed 2 route.
Technically this is a consultation on the rather limited "Exceptional Hardship Scheme", but we urge people to respond more generally on the local impact of this proposed new tunnel.
Below is the link to the Department of Transport consultation page, and the email address to send comments:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-18/
EHSconsultation@hs2.gsi.gov.uk
See previous posts on this for more detail.
Strong local opposition to this route will be critical in stopping it - please add your voice.
Technically this is a consultation on the rather limited "Exceptional Hardship Scheme", but we urge people to respond more generally on the local impact of this proposed new tunnel.
Below is the link to the Department of Transport consultation page, and the email address to send comments:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-18/
EHSconsultation@hs2.gsi.gov.uk
See previous posts on this for more detail.
Strong local opposition to this route will be critical in stopping it - please add your voice.
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