Roger Freeman attended last Thursday's Community Liaison Group Meeting to monitor construction activities at the new Swiss Cottage Academy.
At this very early stage, matters are progressing well but the tempo will pick up in the next months, especially with the decamping of the Swiss Cottage Special School at the end of February. In the second quarter lorry traffic will reach 20 lorries a day for about three months.
The next meeting is on March 24. Feel free to contact Roger Freeman for further information.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Friday, 28 January 2011
Labour's "donations from the rich" plan is a stunt, the numbers don't stack up
Camden Labour's idea to get voluntary donations from the local rich to mitigate the cuts is a stunt. Let's get some things clear.
Of course we all want to encourage people to contribute more to charities locally. Arguably the tax system should do more to support this.
If the local authority starts making a major effort to raise voluntary donations from local people to fund what are currently council activities, it will very likely end up in competition for donations with local voluntary groups - from Hampstead Theatre to community centres - who are hard at work raising funds. It will be difficult to ensure that additional donations are really additional to current charitable donations and don't cannibalise current charitable giving.
The example floated by Labour in the CNJ talked of 100 bankers paying 5p in the pound to raise £500,000. It may very well be that there are 100 bankers with £100k average bonuses who would pay this. But while £500,000 would save a couple of libraries, and I don't doubt the importance of that, it doesn't actually make a big impact in a situation where the council is looking at making savings in the revenue account of over £80m over three years, and it's wrong to give the impression it would.
A more realistic calculation would be to think about what it would take to raise £5m, year in, year out - still a small proportion of the £80-100m budget gap, but a bigger chunk of it than £500,000.
Let's say you ask "rich people" to pay, say, an average of £1,000 a year, to be funnelled by the local authority to local services like libraries and lunch clubs, Perhaps some people would pay a lot more than £1,000. But £1,000 is still a chunk of money, even for most affluent people. But if we assume £1,000, and we want to raise £5m, then that means getting voluntary donations from 5,000 households. That's about one in twenty of Camden households. How likely is that? Everybody has different financial situations, but some of those living in more expensive properties in Camden are pensioners, with property assets but lower incomes. Others have got children in private education and heavy childcare costs, and at least in their minds have got a lot of outgoings.
Remember, what we're talking of here is revenue support, where you need to bring in money every year, not as a one off exercise to raise capital for a new building. And bank bonuses, however unacceptable, are not guaranteed over future years; they are dependent, at least to some extent, on market conditions.
Whatever the challenges of council spending at present, do those most concerned about libraries, or adult social services, really want these to be funded from uncertain flows of voluntary donations?
I really don't blame Labour for raising the point. The more people donate to good causes, the better. But Labour's idea is rooted in the age-old Labour idea, that money from the rich - whether raised in taxation or from donations - can fund an expensive welfare state. The fact is, this option never existed and doesn't now. Whatever marginal tax rate you set, there simply aren't enough rich people to pay for spending. Ultimately it's the hardworking middle classes that have to pay for high state spending, and, over time, for structural deficits that aren't attended to.
So yes, our voluntary sector organisations should step up their efforts to raise more money from the local rich. But no, Camden Labour shouldn't invest significant council officer-time and resources, and the hopes of local people, in what is ultimately a chimera. The numbers just don't stack up.
Of course we all want to encourage people to contribute more to charities locally. Arguably the tax system should do more to support this.
If the local authority starts making a major effort to raise voluntary donations from local people to fund what are currently council activities, it will very likely end up in competition for donations with local voluntary groups - from Hampstead Theatre to community centres - who are hard at work raising funds. It will be difficult to ensure that additional donations are really additional to current charitable donations and don't cannibalise current charitable giving.
The example floated by Labour in the CNJ talked of 100 bankers paying 5p in the pound to raise £500,000. It may very well be that there are 100 bankers with £100k average bonuses who would pay this. But while £500,000 would save a couple of libraries, and I don't doubt the importance of that, it doesn't actually make a big impact in a situation where the council is looking at making savings in the revenue account of over £80m over three years, and it's wrong to give the impression it would.
A more realistic calculation would be to think about what it would take to raise £5m, year in, year out - still a small proportion of the £80-100m budget gap, but a bigger chunk of it than £500,000.
Let's say you ask "rich people" to pay, say, an average of £1,000 a year, to be funnelled by the local authority to local services like libraries and lunch clubs, Perhaps some people would pay a lot more than £1,000. But £1,000 is still a chunk of money, even for most affluent people. But if we assume £1,000, and we want to raise £5m, then that means getting voluntary donations from 5,000 households. That's about one in twenty of Camden households. How likely is that? Everybody has different financial situations, but some of those living in more expensive properties in Camden are pensioners, with property assets but lower incomes. Others have got children in private education and heavy childcare costs, and at least in their minds have got a lot of outgoings.
Remember, what we're talking of here is revenue support, where you need to bring in money every year, not as a one off exercise to raise capital for a new building. And bank bonuses, however unacceptable, are not guaranteed over future years; they are dependent, at least to some extent, on market conditions.
Whatever the challenges of council spending at present, do those most concerned about libraries, or adult social services, really want these to be funded from uncertain flows of voluntary donations?
I really don't blame Labour for raising the point. The more people donate to good causes, the better. But Labour's idea is rooted in the age-old Labour idea, that money from the rich - whether raised in taxation or from donations - can fund an expensive welfare state. The fact is, this option never existed and doesn't now. Whatever marginal tax rate you set, there simply aren't enough rich people to pay for spending. Ultimately it's the hardworking middle classes that have to pay for high state spending, and, over time, for structural deficits that aren't attended to.
So yes, our voluntary sector organisations should step up their efforts to raise more money from the local rich. But no, Camden Labour shouldn't invest significant council officer-time and resources, and the hopes of local people, in what is ultimately a chimera. The numbers just don't stack up.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Gold-buying con-merchants on local estates
Beware - this week con-men have been leafleting estates in the Kilburn and Swiss Cottage area, offering to buy small amounts of gold people have for cash. They come back after an hour and knock on doors, trying to buy gold at a very low price that bears no relation to the market price. It seems a couple of people may have been caught out. Please keep an eye out and report any sightings to the local police team.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Well attended Swiss Cottage Community meeting
We'd around 60 people at the inaugural meeting of the Swiss Cottage Area Action Group tonight. A very diverse group across the ward, though fewer younger people. While there's obviously always a worry that such meetings can be talking shops, people seemed to find it useful and there is a great desire to get access to good relevant information on council and TfL policies.
We covered the broad outline of the financial challenges the Council faces. There were considerable concerns about cuts and a desire to protect above all services for young people and for vulnerable elderly people. Comments included using school buildings more effectively outside school hours, and having more out of school activities at reasonable cost for children over five.
It was interesting that nobody seemed concerned at the reduction in rubbish collections to once a week, but on the other hand there were a lot of specific comments and complaints about how the recycling system is now working. We'll do some digging with Environment managers on these points and get back to people.
Camden Transport officers gave an excellent presentation on both the new Camden transport strategy, which is currently out for consultation, and some of the specific transport issues around Finchley Rd. Officers are taking up a number of issues with TfL, including the phasing of lights at the end of Goldhurst, better crossing at the top of Greencroft, and timing of pedestrian lights on Finchley Rd by the library. We heard that TfL is going to look properly at options for improving pedestrian crossings at each of the three corners of the Swiss Cottage gyratory system.
We covered the broad outline of the financial challenges the Council faces. There were considerable concerns about cuts and a desire to protect above all services for young people and for vulnerable elderly people. Comments included using school buildings more effectively outside school hours, and having more out of school activities at reasonable cost for children over five.
It was interesting that nobody seemed concerned at the reduction in rubbish collections to once a week, but on the other hand there were a lot of specific comments and complaints about how the recycling system is now working. We'll do some digging with Environment managers on these points and get back to people.
Camden Transport officers gave an excellent presentation on both the new Camden transport strategy, which is currently out for consultation, and some of the specific transport issues around Finchley Rd. Officers are taking up a number of issues with TfL, including the phasing of lights at the end of Goldhurst, better crossing at the top of Greencroft, and timing of pedestrian lights on Finchley Rd by the library. We heard that TfL is going to look properly at options for improving pedestrian crossings at each of the three corners of the Swiss Cottage gyratory system.
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Swiss Cottage Area Action Group meeting on Wednesday 26th January - come along and have your say
On Wednesday 26th January there will be a public meeting of the new Swiss Cottage Area Action Group, giving residents the opportunity to discuss the implications of the Council’s spending plans and local priorities for Swiss Cottage with your three ward councillors and your neighbours. These replace area forums. With money tight, it’s more important than ever that what the Council does reflects genuine community need wherever possible. While we know there is cynicism that such meetings can be talking shops, they will help us do a better job as ward councillors in pressing for what are considered top local priorities. The meeting will be at the Crossfield Centre, 8 Fairhazel Gardens from 7-8.30pm on the 26th, with refreshments from 6.30pm. If there is a specific topic you will be raising at the meeting, do get in touch with us beforehand if possible, so we can do some research!
One issue we know will be coming up, and which we have been involved for a long time, is flytipping and rubbish on the service road running off the top of Fairfax Rd - see photo below.
View Larger Map
One issue we know will be coming up, and which we have been involved for a long time, is flytipping and rubbish on the service road running off the top of Fairfax Rd - see photo below.
View Larger Map
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Local roads and pavements getting repaired this year
The Council has now decided which roads and pavements will see planned maintenance in the 2011/12 municipal year as £6.88m (this also includes street lighting).
The assessment and prioritisation is based on an annual independent survey, third party claims, other works undertaken by utilities, and engineers site visits. Below is the initial programme; further condition surveys will be undertaken in February/March to see what impact the winter has had, after which the priorities will be fine-tuned. In Swiss Cottage ward the programme for 2011/12 is:
Footways
Aberdare Gardens
Compayne Gardens – from West End Lane to Priory (in fact this is mainly in West Hampstead ward)
Carriageway
King Henry’s Rd – Adelaide Rd to Lower Merton Rise
Canfield Gardens– Broadhurst to Fairhazel
Harley Rd
There will also be bridge assessment and strengthening work on the Loudoun Rd bridge.
In neighbouring wards, footways work will take place in the following roads: Cotleigh, Dynham, Adelaide, Fellows, Kylemore, Solent. Carriageway works will include Boundary Rd, and parts of West End Lane
Full details of the Council plans here.
In addition to this planned maintenance, the Council does aim to tackle dangerous potholes and pavement problems wherever possible – please let us know of any problems and will take these up.
The assessment and prioritisation is based on an annual independent survey, third party claims, other works undertaken by utilities, and engineers site visits. Below is the initial programme; further condition surveys will be undertaken in February/March to see what impact the winter has had, after which the priorities will be fine-tuned. In Swiss Cottage ward the programme for 2011/12 is:
Footways
Aberdare Gardens
Compayne Gardens – from West End Lane to Priory (in fact this is mainly in West Hampstead ward)
Carriageway
King Henry’s Rd – Adelaide Rd to Lower Merton Rise
Canfield Gardens– Broadhurst to Fairhazel
Harley Rd
There will also be bridge assessment and strengthening work on the Loudoun Rd bridge.
In neighbouring wards, footways work will take place in the following roads: Cotleigh, Dynham, Adelaide, Fellows, Kylemore, Solent. Carriageway works will include Boundary Rd, and parts of West End Lane
Full details of the Council plans here.
In addition to this planned maintenance, the Council does aim to tackle dangerous potholes and pavement problems wherever possible – please let us know of any problems and will take these up.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
A great play at Hampstead Theatre
Just back from the press night of Tiger Country at Hampstead Theatre (in Swiss Cottage ward!), written and directed by Nina Raine (author of Tribes at the Royal Court).
A very enjoyable play about life and death in the NHS, with a lot of funny lines throughout and a slow build in terms of the characters and the issues they face. Big cast and well staged. Do go and see it, here's the link. On until Feb 5, certainly deserves some strong reviews and a West End run.
A very enjoyable play about life and death in the NHS, with a lot of funny lines throughout and a slow build in terms of the characters and the issues they face. Big cast and well staged. Do go and see it, here's the link. On until Feb 5, certainly deserves some strong reviews and a West End run.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Camden Community Investment Programme/Placeshaping - Swiss Cottage sites
The Council is preparing plans for different areas of Camden, both to get improvements/efficiencies in public buildings and spaces, to assist with social housing needs, and to sell or develop surplus assets to raise money towards the Council’s capital spending (schools, roads etc). You can find more detail in the council report here. For Swiss Cottage, the key identified sites are outlined below:
Woolworths site/Chalford - 177 Finchley Road
This contains 29 units of Council housing, as well as the retail unit and an open residents car park to the rear. Possible redevelopment opportunities range from ‘small scale infill residential development upon the underused car park to potentially a major mixed-use redevelopment of the site with new modernised retail and enhanced residential development. A larger scheme could not only generate larger receipts, but also help improve the Finchley Road streetscape and..deliver an additional housing supply. Network Rail has extensive property holdings adjacent to this site and there may be opportunities to explore a joint approach between the two organisations to invest in the area to deliver.’
Finchley Road Commercial Units
‘The Council owns a small number of properties along, Finchley Road, Lithos Road and Rosemont Road, with retail units at the ground floor and residential accommodation above. The properties may be viewed as primarily commercial assets which may be disposed of at a suitable time.’
Hilgrove Garages
‘Located between Hilgrove and Dobson Close, close to the Finchley Road, this site is dominated by a large ground and underground garage block which has been vacant for several years. Its redevelopment in connection with the reconfiguration of surrounding facilities could deliver a mixture of housing types, new play and open space facilities.’
Broadfield End, Broadhurst Gardens
‘Located on the edge of the Broadfield Estate, not far from Finchley Road, this is an open site between two large existing buildings both with blank flanks. The estate has significant areas open space and this site makes little contribution to resident amenity. The site’s development would be likely to strengthen the street scene, linking the estate building and Victorian Mansion block.’
194 / 194a Goldhurst Terrace, NW6
‘Number 194 is a residential property currently occupied by residents with autistic special needs and 194a is a vacant former day centre. There are a range of options that could be explored to improve the accommodation either by refurbishment or by providing it elsewhere, thereby releasing this site, with potentially high residential value for alternative use or disposal.’
In addition, the report discusses a possible redevelopment of the Council’s 156 West End Lane site (the Travis Perkins lease runs out in 2012). A major redevelopment here is likely and would unlock much-needed capital funds.
The report also looks at all the various properties forming part of the Abbey area regeneration study (in Kilburn ward), including the Langtry Walk shopping parade, Belsize Priory Health Clinic, Abbey Road Car Park, Abbey Community Centre, Langtry Children’s Centre, and Abbey Hive Community Centre.
It’s important to emphasise that in Swiss Cottage all these ideas are at an early stage and feasibility is being explored – there would certainly be much more consultation before any of them starting moving forward, including with any affected council tenants, who would ultimately of course be rehoused in better homes. We will be keeping a close eye and representing local views.
The Abbey area plans are at a different stage, after several years of consultation with tenants and residents on the Abbey area estates, and a planning application may be forthcoming shortly. Don Williams, who is not a member of the Planning Committee, has expressed residents’ concerns about the plans and will lead on representing local views.
Woolworths site/Chalford - 177 Finchley Road
This contains 29 units of Council housing, as well as the retail unit and an open residents car park to the rear. Possible redevelopment opportunities range from ‘small scale infill residential development upon the underused car park to potentially a major mixed-use redevelopment of the site with new modernised retail and enhanced residential development. A larger scheme could not only generate larger receipts, but also help improve the Finchley Road streetscape and..deliver an additional housing supply. Network Rail has extensive property holdings adjacent to this site and there may be opportunities to explore a joint approach between the two organisations to invest in the area to deliver.’
Finchley Road Commercial Units
‘The Council owns a small number of properties along, Finchley Road, Lithos Road and Rosemont Road, with retail units at the ground floor and residential accommodation above. The properties may be viewed as primarily commercial assets which may be disposed of at a suitable time.’
Hilgrove Garages
‘Located between Hilgrove and Dobson Close, close to the Finchley Road, this site is dominated by a large ground and underground garage block which has been vacant for several years. Its redevelopment in connection with the reconfiguration of surrounding facilities could deliver a mixture of housing types, new play and open space facilities.’
Broadfield End, Broadhurst Gardens
‘Located on the edge of the Broadfield Estate, not far from Finchley Road, this is an open site between two large existing buildings both with blank flanks. The estate has significant areas open space and this site makes little contribution to resident amenity. The site’s development would be likely to strengthen the street scene, linking the estate building and Victorian Mansion block.’
194 / 194a Goldhurst Terrace, NW6
‘Number 194 is a residential property currently occupied by residents with autistic special needs and 194a is a vacant former day centre. There are a range of options that could be explored to improve the accommodation either by refurbishment or by providing it elsewhere, thereby releasing this site, with potentially high residential value for alternative use or disposal.’
In addition, the report discusses a possible redevelopment of the Council’s 156 West End Lane site (the Travis Perkins lease runs out in 2012). A major redevelopment here is likely and would unlock much-needed capital funds.
The report also looks at all the various properties forming part of the Abbey area regeneration study (in Kilburn ward), including the Langtry Walk shopping parade, Belsize Priory Health Clinic, Abbey Road Car Park, Abbey Community Centre, Langtry Children’s Centre, and Abbey Hive Community Centre.
It’s important to emphasise that in Swiss Cottage all these ideas are at an early stage and feasibility is being explored – there would certainly be much more consultation before any of them starting moving forward, including with any affected council tenants, who would ultimately of course be rehoused in better homes. We will be keeping a close eye and representing local views.
The Abbey area plans are at a different stage, after several years of consultation with tenants and residents on the Abbey area estates, and a planning application may be forthcoming shortly. Don Williams, who is not a member of the Planning Committee, has expressed residents’ concerns about the plans and will lead on representing local views.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Greencroft traffic problems
We've raised with Camden officers a couple of matters that residents have raised.
Firstly the phasing of the crossing across Goldhurst by Waitrose - lack of pedestrian phasing means people take risks crossing on red.
View Larger Map
Secondly we have pressed -again - for a crossing at the back of Waitrose by the top of Greencroft. Given the speed at which cars swing round in this one way, it is very dangerous crossing here as pedestrians have to.
Thirdly there still seems to be a problem with cars going down the main bit of Greencroft the wrong way (ie turning left from Fairhazel). We'll see if better signage is possible.
Firstly the phasing of the crossing across Goldhurst by Waitrose - lack of pedestrian phasing means people take risks crossing on red.
View Larger Map
Secondly we have pressed -again - for a crossing at the back of Waitrose by the top of Greencroft. Given the speed at which cars swing round in this one way, it is very dangerous crossing here as pedestrians have to.
Thirdly there still seems to be a problem with cars going down the main bit of Greencroft the wrong way (ie turning left from Fairhazel). We'll see if better signage is possible.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Adelaide Rd Schools development - Notes of Community Liaision Group meeting
We thought it worth posting these notes from the recent meeting, which Cllr Roger Freeman attended. The plan is to have a more 'public' meeting every quarter, with a smaller group representing residents groups meeting with the contractor and the council as a liaison group monthly.
Notes of Adelaide Road Community Liaison Group Meeting
Thurs 25 November 2010, 6.30pm at Swiss Cottage School
The following documents were available at the meeting and continue to be available as downloads from Camden.gov.uk/bsf
• The Construction Management Plan
• The terms of reference for the Community Liaison Group
• A newsletter for residents produced by BAM
Attendees:
BAM construction (6); LB Camden officers (3); Roger Freeman, ward councillor; Kay Bedford, headteacher of Swiss Cottage school; 12 local residents including 3 reps from residents’ associations.
Introductions:
The meeting was opened by Avril Rogers, LB Camden Programme Manager.
Kay Bedford, headteacher at Swiss Cottage special school gave an introduction.
Contractors BAM introduced their team members and gave a 20 minute presentation.
Issues raised by residents:
How will lorries arriving be managed?
- as per the Traffic management plan. ‘Just in time’ system so no waiting
- Site times are 8am – 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am – 1pm Sat
Which way will lorries come in?
From Adelaide Road. They won’t go down Harley, Elsworthy or Winchester Roads
Removal of Frank Barnes asbestos – is this being done by a specialist?
Yes, by licensed specialists
Where will the skips be?
In the car park of Frank Barnes, sealed
8am – 6pm seems like a long time?
This is a planning condition
Won’t traffic be horrendous with all the extra children? Where are the drop-off points?
On the plans - similar to where they are now. A transport study was carried out. UCL Academy has a school travel management plan and will walk/cycle use the buses. TfL requires Camden to contribute to the cost of providing adequate buses. A new crossing point is being created. The key priority is safety.
What is the start date for the demolition of Frank Barnes?
7 Feb – work on the main site starts soon after.
Where will the 3 cranes be that you mentioned?
These are shown on the plans of the site. None will over reach any surrounding buildings.
I live right next to the access point in Harley Road – how will you make sure it’s safe with so much site traffic?
A qualified ‘banksman’ will be employed to safely manage access. Gates and barriers will protect pedestrians. Gates will always be closed unless there’s a vehicle coming in.
Will the water supply/drains be affected? No
What hours will lighting be used?
Only when needed in winter and will go off at 6pm. All lights will be pointing inwards towards the site.
Will the site be alarmed? Yes
Will damage to the roads be repaired?
Yes, we agree a dilapidation report with the council.
Where are the hard play areas?
These are indicated on the plans. These won’t be floodlit for out of hours use.
Where will the site offices be?
In the current Frank Barnes parking lot. Two small offices will be appearing there soon.
What about the trees? How will these be preserved? Who is responsible?
A full arboricultural survey has been done. The trees will be fully protected during works. There will be some trees coming out but they will be replaced. There will be no net loss of trees.
There are landscape consultants working on the scheme who will ensure no loss of amenity or biodiversity. LB Camden has a tree section which is part of the Culture and Environment directorate.
What are the busiest dates for work on the site? How will we be kept informed of when heavy works are taking place?
Peak times are mid 2011 to the end of 2011. BAM is producing and circulating regular newsletters to residents, these will provide advance information. The monthly CLG will also be kept informed. Wider public/open engagement meetings will be held quarterly.
Notes of Adelaide Road Community Liaison Group Meeting
Thurs 25 November 2010, 6.30pm at Swiss Cottage School
The following documents were available at the meeting and continue to be available as downloads from Camden.gov.uk/bsf
• The Construction Management Plan
• The terms of reference for the Community Liaison Group
• A newsletter for residents produced by BAM
Attendees:
BAM construction (6); LB Camden officers (3); Roger Freeman, ward councillor; Kay Bedford, headteacher of Swiss Cottage school; 12 local residents including 3 reps from residents’ associations.
Introductions:
The meeting was opened by Avril Rogers, LB Camden Programme Manager.
Kay Bedford, headteacher at Swiss Cottage special school gave an introduction.
Contractors BAM introduced their team members and gave a 20 minute presentation.
Issues raised by residents:
How will lorries arriving be managed?
- as per the Traffic management plan. ‘Just in time’ system so no waiting
- Site times are 8am – 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am – 1pm Sat
Which way will lorries come in?
From Adelaide Road. They won’t go down Harley, Elsworthy or Winchester Roads
Removal of Frank Barnes asbestos – is this being done by a specialist?
Yes, by licensed specialists
Where will the skips be?
In the car park of Frank Barnes, sealed
8am – 6pm seems like a long time?
This is a planning condition
Won’t traffic be horrendous with all the extra children? Where are the drop-off points?
On the plans - similar to where they are now. A transport study was carried out. UCL Academy has a school travel management plan and will walk/cycle use the buses. TfL requires Camden to contribute to the cost of providing adequate buses. A new crossing point is being created. The key priority is safety.
What is the start date for the demolition of Frank Barnes?
7 Feb – work on the main site starts soon after.
Where will the 3 cranes be that you mentioned?
These are shown on the plans of the site. None will over reach any surrounding buildings.
I live right next to the access point in Harley Road – how will you make sure it’s safe with so much site traffic?
A qualified ‘banksman’ will be employed to safely manage access. Gates and barriers will protect pedestrians. Gates will always be closed unless there’s a vehicle coming in.
Will the water supply/drains be affected? No
What hours will lighting be used?
Only when needed in winter and will go off at 6pm. All lights will be pointing inwards towards the site.
Will the site be alarmed? Yes
Will damage to the roads be repaired?
Yes, we agree a dilapidation report with the council.
Where are the hard play areas?
These are indicated on the plans. These won’t be floodlit for out of hours use.
Where will the site offices be?
In the current Frank Barnes parking lot. Two small offices will be appearing there soon.
What about the trees? How will these be preserved? Who is responsible?
A full arboricultural survey has been done. The trees will be fully protected during works. There will be some trees coming out but they will be replaced. There will be no net loss of trees.
There are landscape consultants working on the scheme who will ensure no loss of amenity or biodiversity. LB Camden has a tree section which is part of the Culture and Environment directorate.
What are the busiest dates for work on the site? How will we be kept informed of when heavy works are taking place?
Peak times are mid 2011 to the end of 2011. BAM is producing and circulating regular newsletters to residents, these will provide advance information. The monthly CLG will also be kept informed. Wider public/open engagement meetings will be held quarterly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
