NORWOOD ACTION GROUP
Notes of the meeting 10th October 2006
Attendance.
Jane Pickard (chair), Anne Orange (minutes), Richard Moore, Clover Williams, Rod Brown
Apologies for absence.
Pat Fisher, Jackie Meldrum
Minutes and Matters Arising
Council’s report to Area Committee on St Luke’s Gardens: Jane feels that phrases such as “poor communication between the Executive Committee and the Steering Group” indicate that there has been bad feeling between the two groups. This is not the case! Whilst communication could sometimes have been better, on the whole the two groups have worked well together. She said she would write pointing this out to the chair of the Area Committee.
Tulse Hill Railway bridge on Thurlow Park Road. Large lorries are being diverted down Lancaster Avenue to avoid going under the bridge. The road needs to be lowered in order to allow lorries underneath. Jane will e.mail Val Shawcross on this matter.
AGM
Discussion around the future of NAG. Jane argued that NAG’s strength is that it is fast on its feet and able to respond quickly to situations. AO proposed that we should try to have two projects continually on the go: one a campaigning issue (eg planning issues, York Hill crossing) and the other an initiative to implement in the area (eg St Luke’s Gardens). Richard proposed we get the “Reaching Communities” action pack re lottery funding for projects. We recognise that to include more members we need to start work on a new initiative.
We propose to hold the AGM next month (14th November). At this meeting we will also start to consider ideas for an Arts Festival in West Norwood. We will plan a meeting for January 2007 to which we will invite a wide variety of local people and groups (eg SLTC/Lambeth Orchestra) to start planning a Norwood Festival.
4. St Luke’s Gardens
Railings: The Executive Committee will meet on 11th October when a decision will be made on the tenders for the railings. (Will the Steering Group see the tenders?) RM said that English Heritage have indicated they will fund any shortfall on the cost of railings.
Lighting: Need to find money for lighting the garden. Infrastructure is in place and £15,000 has been earmarked for lighting by Community Safety. RM suggested that another £5,000 is needed.
Pillars: Some of the restorative work looks very shoddy. Need to ask English Heritage if they are satisfied with the quality of work in this respect.
Richard Moore to attend the Executive Committee meeting with the following queries:
1. Quality of work on the pillars.
2. Reason for no gravel between the grass and the boundary wall.
3. Quality of Church notice boards which currently look out of keeping with the high standard of the
garden.
4. The concrete post (from previous fencing) on the Norwood High Street side of the garden.
5. Colour of the railings NAG proposes a very dark green – the colour chosen by Norwood residents
for street furniture in a NAG survey.
5. Any Other Business
(i) West Norwood Tennis Club:
There are plans to sell the club in order to build high density housing on the site. It is understood that the development company involved has ‘offered’ the Council St Julian’s Farm Field (owned by Girl’s Public Day School Trust who are in the process of selling it to the developer) in return for permission to build on the Tennis Club site. It has put in a pre-application for various options on the club site.
Need to find out what is going on. Will the Council reject the change in use for the Tennis Club site or argue for its sale in pursuit of ‘efficient use of land for housing’?
‘High density’ would involve buildings of 6 storeys or more. Is this in keeping with the architecture of the area?
Most people argued we should object to a change of land use as sports facilities are needed in West Norwood, although some argued sports facilities should go on the site earmarked for major development in the town centre (land around Brooks laundry and B&Q).
NAG proposes that the Council hold a public meeting on this matter. JP to ask Councillors.
(ii) Norwood Hall
There is a pre-application to demolish Norwood Hall to build flats.
Norwood Hall was built by the Trust that used to run the Jewish Orphanage in West Norwood.
Are they aware of the proposals to demolish the hall?
Agreed to write to the Area Committee saying we are very concerned about it.
Date of next meeting: AGM, Tuesday 14th November 7.30pm, Lancaster’s* (basement bar)
* Corner of Lancaster Avenue and Norwood Road
