Present: James Slattery-Kavanagh (Chair), Pat Fisher, Ann Ridley, Andy Brown, Rod Brown, Graham Little (Platform), Barbara Malcolm (Ujima Education Service), Clover Williams, Everton Blythe, Bernie Bulbrook, John Macdonald, Jeff Avis, Richard Moore, Jane Pickard, Helen O'Brien
1. Apologies
Gerry Slaughter, Jeremy Baker, Jeremy Galloway, Michael Grimwood.
2. Minutes and Matters Arising from the January Meeting
6.2 Rod Brown said he is not seeking NAG nomination to the Board due to being unable to attend meetings and that he has done two years. JSK thanked him for his work.
5.5 Norwood should be compared to other parts of London with similar problems rather than simply to other parts of Lambeth and be resourced accordingly.
3. St Luke's Gardens
Pat Fisher reported in Simon Berlyn's absence. Ian Bolton (Lambeth Council) has suggested funding sources.
Rev Luke Wickings is awaiting answers from the Diocese regarding ownership of the gardens.
There is no actual target date. Funding is the next issue facing the Gardens Group.
There are no plans for further consultation a the original consultation still exists.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd March.
4. School Playing Fields – St Julians Farm Road
RB said that people whose houses back onto the playing fields want the land to be used for housing rather than for public access.
RM commented that the land is recognised in the UDP as an open space and registered concern over the loss of another green space. The land is owned by the Girls Public Day School Trust and pressure is on them to achieve as high a price as possible from the sale.
There is need for further information from Cllr Geraldine Evans before any further action can be taken by NAG. There should be further discussion at the next meeting with an update from councillors.
5. Proposals for the Nursery in Knights Hill Park
Graham Little (Platform) addressed the meeting.
5.1 Since the November NAG meeting there have been developments to the plans
The ground plan has been reduced from 700 sq m to 230 sq m
The building will be one storey rather than 2.
The building will now sit at an angle in the space.
A study has been undertaken regarding car parking.
There have been funding pledges for the building from Surestart (£360,000) and the NNT (£200,000).
5.2 There were several mistakes on the minutes of the November meeting:
- The nursery will offer 33 places (not 30)
- A traffic study was undertaken.
- The current facilities in Norwood Park are too small and badly equipped.
- The Old Library was suggested as an alternative site but is not appropriate
- There is intention to meet the Friends of Norwood Park.
5.3 There is funding for the first phase of building which will act as a catalyst for further development. Alastair Johnson supports the project and has written a report for the Planning Authority.
5.4 Everton Blythe commented that it is good to do something with what is now a derelict building – it will bring life to the area and benefits to community such as security and lighting. The inhabitation of the building will make the park safer. He supports the project.
5.5 B.B. asked why Platform have not yet met with Friends of Norwood Park and why there have been no discussions with the police regarding the designing out of crime. G.L. responded that the building will have shutters and good lighting and security strategies are in place. He intends to meet with police.
5.6 J.P. welcomed a promising development. It would be good to see the park used.
5.7 J.MacD raised the issue of maintaining the park. G.L. replied that the building in the park will attract other users and therefore become a greater priority in terms of maintenance. Surestart will bring maintenance money for 5 years and attract further funding.
5.8 P.F. asked who would hold the Lease. The Committee for Knights Hill United Centre will hold the Lease.
5.9 C.W. asked whether the scheme provided anything for older children. It is intended solely for young children.
5.10 J.S.K. asked about security of the building in holiday time. Barbara Malcolm replied that the building will be in use all year round. G.L. added that the after school club will be held at another site.
5.11 R.M asked whether the Board has taken up this project.
6. Proposal that NAG should become an Amenity Group
6.1 Richard Moore suggested that NAG should change status and become an Amenity Society.
Benefits would be
- to be consulted by statutorily by the Council.
- belonging to a national and local network of Amenity Societies
- attracting more funding.
He cited The Dulwich Society as a good example of an Amenity Society.
6.2 R.B. asked whether there would be conditions attached to funding. R.M. replied that there would be greater opportunities for seeking funding.
6.3 R.M. suggested that he get further information from the National Association of Amenity Groups.
6.4 J.P. proposed that we should look further into this, discuss it at a further meeting and bring it to the AGM.
7. Any Other Business
7.1 The Planning Committee has approved plans for the Old Library. The report is posted on the website and is available at the Town Hall.
7.2 B.B. reported on the Consultative Group Meetings. There is co-operation between the four boroughs. The three wards under the Gipsy Hill Police Station are represented. There will be a Norwood Sector Working Party Committee in three months time.
7.3 Jeff Avis presented on DataLink – an emergency information scheme for use by elderly people in their homes. R.M. suggested that NAG look at this in more detail at a later date.
