Present: Gerry Slaughter (chaired meeting), Daphne Slaughter, Michael Grimwood (note taker), Jane Pickard, John MacDonald, Councillor Geraldine Evans, Clover Williams, Grahame Fearon-Wilson, Simon Berlyn, Helen O'Brien, Richard Moore.
1. Apologies
Gabrielle Garton Grimwood, James Slattery-Kavanagh, Pat Fisher, Councillor Robert McConnell, Anne Orange, Councillor Jeremy Baker, Jeremy Galloway, Councillor Janet Grigg. Apologies were also tendered for Richard Moore, but he was able to attend part way through the meeting.
2. Minutes and Matters Arising from November Meeting
2.1. Simon Berlyn noted that he had not received the minutes. This appeared to be the consequence of a break in the distribution chain. The minutes were agreed
2.2 Councillor Evans reported that the Ujima proposal had been substantially changed – to a single storey building offering 30 nursery places - it was still in the planning process and no traffic study had been undertaken yet. Surestart had agreed to fund a nursery manager. Gerald Slaughter wondered why it was proposed to build in Tivoli Park when there were already facilities in Norwood Park. He also thought the Old Library would be a better place for a nursery and John MacDonald wondered what evidence there was of need. Councillor Evans said that a study of need had been undertaken and agreed to ask for the papers, she added that it would not be possible to use the Old Library and the proposed facility would serve a different group of families to those served by Norwood Park. She thought the main area of concern was lack of public consultation. Jane Pickard had written to the Friends of Norwood Park sending a copy of the November NAG minutes to clarify NAG's position on the proposal as the Friends had got the impression that NAG supported Ujima.
2.3 Grahame Fearon-Wilson thought that there ought to be some planning gain to the rest of the park if the proposal went ahead. Councillor Evans said that the plans presented indicated three phases of work of which the third would be improvements to the whole park, but funding had only be sought for the first phase. Michael Grimwood thought that since, at the least, the development would replace some derelict buildings with much smarter ones with some lighting, there would be a improvement.
2.4 It was agreed that Jane Pickard would write to Ujima saying that NAG did not support the proposed development but could see a number of good and bad points about the proposal.
2.5 Jane Pickard had nothing to report on the Old Library as the group had not met, but agreed to provide feedback to future NAG meetings. Simon Berlyn said that he had many points to make. Although the Council had identified funding, no costing of the proposals had been included in the report to the Council executive meeting. He was doubtful whether the money was adequate and about how the scheme would progress. He would object to the planning application. Whereas Gerry Slaughter thought the building was at the end of its natural life and should be demolished Simon deplored this view and was in favour of refurbishment. John MacDonald was also doubtful about the cost of the project. Jane said that there had been costings, for example for the SRB bid.
2.6 Councillor Evans said that she understood the position to be that £500k would come from that available following re-development of the Dick Shepherd school (£100k from that source would go to other youth projects), £400k would come from the SRB (conditional upon certain, achievable, outputs). Building work was due to start in February for completion in October/November. In the meantime, use of the building had not been finalised though some 14 groups were involved. They would bid for funding for operating costs from many sources. There would also be income from office space let a market rents. Grahame Fearon-Wilson noted that the future of the Old Library had been discussed for years, he was thrilled that finally something positive was happening.
3. St Luke's Gardens Update
3.1 Simon Berlyn noted that the steering group had been meeting for over a year. Its accomplishments were to have agreed a basic set of proposals (also agreed by NAG and the PCC). The PCC had agreed that Lottery funding could be sought. There had also been approval in principle of the proposals and a tentative offer of some financial support from the Georgian Society. That was important as they would have the right to be consulted when it came to planning permission. Simon thought that much had been achieved, though some people felt progress was slow. In October an issue had arisen about whether there could be a church scheme affecting the memorial garden as the land had been assigned to the council (therefore any scheme would need council approval). The issue was not yet resolved as a planned meeting between Simon, Luke Wickings and the council had been postponed.
4. NAG "Shopping List"
4.1 Councillor Evans began by saying that while the Council had made progress on the issue of Kavanagh, Waylett Place was still a problem, but the Council was pursuing the issue. John MacDonald said it required co-ordinated enforcement action by all relevant agencies to deal with the range of problems (including intimidation of council staff). Grahame Fearon-Wilson thought Waylett Place (and the need for more pedestrian crossings) were the most important issues for NAG to pursue. It was agreed that NAG should write to the Council, the police and Norwood Board asking for action to clear Waylett Place.
4.2 Gerry Slaughter invited suggestions for other items to add to it and for comments on the draft list circulated for the meeting.
Health Authority Resourcing – John MacDonald suggested this. What was being done for doctors locally. He knew of problems at Paxton Green, Jane Pickard agreed, adding that Crown Dale Medical Centre had stopped taking new patients.
Parking – Jane Pickard highlighted the parking restrictions on Avenue Park Road. She thought they could be removed along one side of the road. Richard Moore said that on one side the restrictions had been imposed because of a dangerous wall. That had now been repaired. The Council had promised to review the restrictions after the repairs, but that review was now a year overdue. Simon Berlyn didn't think residents views were being reflected. Councillor Evans thought that little account was taken of the parking implications when planning applications for conversions were considered.
Community Safety – Richard Moore thought that on crime related issues Norwood lost out in comparison to the rest of the borough.
Lighting – John MacDonald suggested adding this to the list.
Additional Pedestrian crossings – it was suggested that NAG should identify specific sites for additional crossings eg between Hannen Road and Auckland Hill. Simon Berlyn thought it important to be clear about what type of crossing was wanted. He drew attention to those at Tulse Hill where, he thought, pelican crossings had slowed things down for pedestrians.
5. Former school playing field St Julians Farm Road
5.1 Grahame Fearon-Wilson said the site had been cleared. It was agreed to carry the item forward to the next meeting agenda.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 Jane Pickard drew attention to an invitation to an equalities consultation group 28 January.
6.2 Jane Pickard invited NAG to consider nominating a representative to stand for the Norwood Board, Rod Brown would not be able to undertake the role. Richard Moore said he was in total confusion about the future of the Board and Area Committees. Councillor Evans said that (unconfirmed dates for Area Committee meetings were 27 February, 31 March and 1 April). It was agreed to nominate Jane for the Board.
6.3 Richard Moore said he thought NAG's committee should consider changing its status to an "amenity group". He thought this would give NAG more influence and might give access to funding. Gerry Slaughter suggested Richard should produce a report on the idea for the next meeting. Richard agreed to do so. The item would be put on the agenda for the February meeting.
