CANADA WATER CONSULTATIVE FORUM

CANADA WATER CONSULTATIVE FORUM Minutes of Meeting of Monday, 18th January 2010 Held at Alfred Salter School, Quebec Way, Rotherhithe SE16 7LP

Forum: (attendees in bold) B Muid (BM) Cllr W Nelson (WN) R Woolford (RW) Cllr C Blango (CB) J Hellings (JH) Cllr P Noblet (PN) A Devlet (AD) Barry Duckett (BD) Cllr J Hook (JH) Mohamed Backelani (MB) L Hollamby (LH) Kath Whittam (KW) P Adenwalla (PA) J Hodge (JH) A Clayton (AC) Spencer Whitworth (SW) Volunteer 2 Disabilities Rep (tba) Older Persons Rep (tba) Young Persons Rep In Attendance:

Stephanie Lodge, Jim Lodge, Mairi Mills, Kathy Henessey, Jerry Hewitt, Philip Baker, J Simons, G Witsey, Andrew Clews, Ian Moore, Patrick Horan, Karen Date, Janice Pratt-Finnis, Barry Mason, Andrew Kekwick, David Jassby, Keith Jassby

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed all those present

2. Apologies

These were received from Derek Partridge, Cllrs Noblet, Blango, and Nelson, Jan Vincent, Kevin McKeever, Simon Hughes MP

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting dated 16.11.09

The minutes were accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.

4. Matters Arising

Southwark Park - no date had been set for the hearing of the legal agreement

Patrick Horan confirmed that he would forward to the Co-ordinator any information regarding the Downtown Surgery as soon as he received it.

CWCF had not received any feedback from Cllr CB re Lewisham Council / air quality.

The Chair confirmed that the LBS air quality report had been circulated to members. She also said that she had late that afternoon received a reply from Cllr Kyriacou to her communiqué regarding the return of the monitoring equipment at Rotherhithe Tunnel. She would circulate to CWCF. She highlighted that the Cambridge Environmental Centre did not undertake predictions based on planning applications.

Cllr JH added that the equipment had not only been removed for financial reasons but also because it was a passive form of measurement and therefore not entirely accurate. Mobile equipment via subcontractors was in use and linked with the CWCF10-02-18 1 CANADA WATER CONSULTATIVE FORUM

Cambridge data would give a more accurate picture. However, the intention was to look into this provision again.

JH queried the use of mobile units as this had not been mentioned by Bill Legassick the Department Head and Bill had said to members that the measurement were taking in Tower Hamlets.

Barry Mason added that a cleaner, greener, safer application had been submitted requesting replacement of the monitoring equipment.

Steve Cornish said that as there was so much major development going on in the area that an accurate baseline was essential to see if there is any rise in pollution. JH said that the last accurate measurements taken were in 2006. He also pointed out that the council has an obligation under the Urban Development Policy to monitor such issues and he emphasised the deep dissatisfaction in the community regarding this issue. BM added that the 2006 figures were the baseline. Jerry Hewitt asked to see evidence of the mobile data collection which could then be replaced with a model. It was evident he said and visible to all the amount of particulates covering nearby property.

Jeremy Simons said that continual measurement over time was essential as without this, key events including differing atmospheric events would be missed. He stated that he personally was very alarmed that there was no continuous monitoring and felt strongly that minor matter should be tested only this way could a full picture be obtained. JH then quoted a paragraph from the Cllr Kyriacou’s response.

Action: Chair to circulate Cllr Kyriacou reposnse on Air Quality

The Chair then introduced the first of the 3 speakers.

5. Speaker 1: Val Shawcross, of the London Assembly on Transport

Val explained that she had several GLA responsiblities. . Deputy Chair of the Transport Committee . Member of the Budget and Performance Committee . Member of the Confirmation Hearings Committee . Member of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

As a London Assembly member she explained that it is her job to scrutinise the Mayor of London and his work. As deputy chair of the Transport Committee and Labour Spokesperson for Transport she understood the need to do much to improve transport in the London area and to make it environmentally friendly. She explained that local transport, road safety and pedestrian schemes were council responsibility. The red routes/ key public transport is the responsibility of TfL.

VS then went on to refer to Network Rail which catered mostly for the overground and the PLA who were responsible for River Navigational entities such as Jetties. On the peninsula transport includes Tfl’s Jubilee line and stations; the East London Line and Buses, and the entrance to the Rotherhithe Tunnel (Jamaica Road).

The Mayor has put together a plan for the future and the consultation document is currently in draft form but can be seen on the TfL website. There is a business plan and the recommended changes in services and costs are shown. The document period runs to 2018.

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Central Government gives £39 billion which is grant aided and delegated to the major boroughs. Fares generate income. A report did criticise the Mayor for dropping schemes such as the Tram, the Thames Gateway Bridge, the intention to remove the western extension, congestion charge and fare increases. The Mayoral focus was based on 10 years but it was felt that this should be over 15-20 years plus.

However, good news was that the upgrade of the Jubilee line upgrade will complted by October and increase capacity by 30%. There will be a train every 2 minutes. Also the works on the East London Line are on schedule. VS is hopeful that with pressure from Lewisham Council the campaign for Surrey Cannel Station may ultimately be successful.

She went on to say that the cross rail east to west scheme will improve the transportation situation by 15%. There were she said various issues in the business plan for example, the plan to remove the financial subsidy from buses. She personally was against this recommendation. The reduction in subsidy of 1.5% every year would be compounded by an annual increase of 2%. There were also recommendations for a cycling superhighway but this had not yet been timetabled. The three quarters million pounds would be forthcoming from TfL which would give LBS further opportunities but they still need to decide what to do with the money.

VS said that she understood that there is a high volume of traffic in CW area and that there was significant congestion. Central London and around Heathrow also had problems. Emissions were causing London to breach to EU air quality regulations. Hence the Mayor would need to produce an air quality policy pressing for low emission zones with a move from petrol/diesel to electric vehicles. These are not only be quieter but would improve the air quality.

TfL data showed that the C10 was the 2nd worst bus service. The 381 was in the middle of the worst performing list. It was currently not possible to run more buses due to the amount of major road works, particularly around London Bridge. The situation is being closely monitored. There had been a cutback in business investment in buses. VS thought it may be possible that the income from fares has been underestimated by the Mayor. If this is the case then further improvements could be pressed for.

In response to RW’s question about a proposal to scrap freedom bus passes, VS said there was confusion regarding the London Freedom pass - which would continue - and the funding issues in relation to the national free bus travel for senior citizens. RW also stated that currently there were no facilities to dispose of electric car batteries. He also noted that at Christmas the heavily subsidised bus transport was actually very underused. Surely savings could be made here. Jesser mentioned that most bus routes had basically been set in the 1920’s. Also the 381 bus currently often terminated prior to its final destination particularly when the Jubilee line is shut.

JH said he was concerned about the Jubilee line delays but he was assured this would come to an end in September/October. He also thought that although there would be a 30% increase in the trains in 2010 this would not be sufficient to accommodate the influx of new people into the CW area as a consequence of the developments. The Jubilee Line was always overcrowded to Canary Wharf.

With reference to electric cars, VS said that currently the battery issue had not been dealt with nor the carbon dioxide issues. Although we were only talking about 100,000 cars it would help. Passenger demand for buses had risen by 10% in

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London and this provision was reviewed every 5 years. Each person is currently subsidised by 30p for each trip they take. There was also a debate going on about money for the next phase of the Northern Tube line. Dial a ride and disability access would be dealt with at a later stage but even if the Mayor implemented all the recommended cut backs there would still be a 14% shortfall.

SC said that the report referred to the local area and said that it was well served by the 225, a bus which had not run for at least 4 years. There were other incidences too of incorrect data. In the City Hall report the DLA speaker said the LBS had additional capacity and had promised another bus service to meet the development in the area ie 10,000 more people in 8 year (up by 30%) but this had not so far materialised.

VS said the demand was quite difficult to predict. TfL do a cost benefit analysis. She believed there was a strong case for an CW additional service but that the LBS must keep the pressure on. TfL she said could subsidise a pilot for a short period.

KD referred to the south London line which went through Denmark Hill to London Bridge and then to Victoria and the fact that this had been taken out due to work at London Bridge on termination platforms. There was an active campaign VS said to fight against this and as a result TfL have agreed to undertake a review and would hopefully implement a partial replacement.

JeH that pedestrians were finding it difficult to cross roads and asked whether some money could be used for this. VS said the local population was growing very rapidly and that TfL were responsible for crossings on red routes. If on a local council road. TfL provide technical service and they will make grant aid available and this should be taken up through LBS. VS offered to take this forward.

BaM said that the delivery of the CW infrastructure seemed to have come to a halt, this included the proposed crossing to link the parks in Jamaica Road. The Chair queried what had happened regarding the SUSTRANS proposal for a pedestrian / cycle link to Canary Wharf and how to reactivate the plans for a cross river tunnel / bridge as Rotherhithe, Blackwall and Tower Bridge could not cope for much longer. VS said that the SUSTRANS scheme needed funding and that the Mayor was now talking about something in Silvertown, possibly a tunnel. The chair also mentioned the community’s aspirations for a ‘green bridge’ at Jamaica Road. The South Bermondsey Bridge was on forthcoming Rotherhithe Community Council agenda.

SL raised the issue of shared streets which she personally opposed on behalf of those who are partially or non-sighted as she felt it posed a health and safety risk. In the proposed area outside Canada Water tube station and the Plaza there were approximately 90 buses per hour. VS said this was an issue where government guidance was needs and that which currently was not well defined. SC added that he felt shared space is a developer’s dream. The RNIB stopped this being implemented in Exhibition Row.

Discussion then turned to the major planning applications where the GLA is involved. JH said that the LBS are the planning authority but that the Mayor could exercise power to call in proposals over 500 units or involving a tall building. He felt very cynical that Barratts has cut down so many trees so quickly and that we should demand before and after photographs. SC reiterated that over 500 trees had been lost in the last 5 months. The loss of these trees was devastating as that apart from providing a habitat for wildlife, they helped clean the air.

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The local police station ideas had been shelved for the time being.

It had been agreed that Seven Islands would be refurbished. The fish farm would possibly be reincorporated into Southwark Park.

SC also raised his disappointment that the intended Downtown community centre was now reduced to 8 times less in size that the original proposal.

The Chair then thanked the speaker for her comprehensive presentation and introduced the next speaker.

Speaker 2: Julie Dixon , TfL, London Overground

Julie introduced herself as Head of Marketing and Communications. She spoke of the East London Line – Overground extension where Dalston to West Croydon had been the first phase. Then she moved on to Phase II Dalston to Stratford to be completed in 2011. Finally Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction which is going out to tender for construction. Work will start this year with a view to opening late in 2012. However, this was not an Olympic commitment. Negotiations were still going on with Lewisham to prepare a business case to build the Surrey Canel station.

Julie went on to say that the East London Line snagging was now underway and trial operations would be taking place until April by running a full timetable. Hopefully by 23rd May the full line would be open. Journey times examples were given such as, Canada Water to Shoreditch – 9 minutes, to New Cross – 5 minutes, to West Croydon 30 minutes.

Train performance and off peak services would improve as would the platform signage and customer information. In response to KW’s question as to whether Surrey quays station would now have disabled / buggy access, Julie said no, people would have to us Canada Water. The new trains were now in service and were of the type that one can completely walk through the carriages. CCTV has been installed and the driver’s view improved.

JHw said that he hoped the size and weight of the new trains had taken into account the fact that residents live just metres away. Julie said this had been and that as this track was continuous it would not have the clickety clack properties that the line emitted pre 1997. Also methods of noise prevention had been put in place.

RW said the Surrey Canal station was not currently financially viable despite LBL long term aspirations as the funding gap stood at over £3 million. JHew said that as neighbours LBS should do all they could to encourage its development. The Chair agreed to write to Southwark Council accordingly.

Action: Chair to write to Southwark Council to ask them to encourage LBL to promote Surrey Canal station development

The Chair then thanked the speaker for her excellent presentation and introduced the next speaker.

Speaker 3: Sally Crew, LBS

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Sally had kindly brought along with her the Micro Sim Model to highlight traffic flow and geographical changes. The various types of vehicle are shown in different colours for identification purposes and the model is validated to national standards. The visual she explained was running at three times the actual rate.

BaM asked whether this data was based on an average day as in his opinion the traffic, although slow in parts, did not seem to reflect the bottlenecks and bumper to bumper traffic that were the reality. Sally responded that this model was based on an average day and what that meant was that it excluded road works and extraordinary events. It had she said been presented at the AAP consultation.

JH asked whether it was possible to inject more into the model such as anticipated increase of vehicles from new developments. It was explained that this was possible but that it would be very costly as LBS did not own the model. Everything would have to be submitted through the Mouchel, the consultants that owned the model. SC said that the costs for the model had actually been found from S106 monies. Tim Thompson had previously assured the Forum that LBS was interacting with Lewisham and other Boroughs regarding the model and its predictions. Having approached Buchanans it was clear that this was not the case. Lewisham had not undertaken a multi-model study. With 3,000 additional cars proposed the view was that congestion could only increase and it was highlighted that the Hawkstone Triangle would probably take most of this increase.

Sally added that the model was based on how many trips people were expected to make and that known development had been factored into the various zones. JH added that he would like to see the model when the tunnel is shut. Sally then went on to show the traffic with the proposed two- way traffic change for Lower Road which all agreed would be an improvement for the Hawkstone Triangle.

This model is the first in Southwark and needs to be undertaken every 3 years. The predictions are based on l% background growth to 2021. RW said that with the South Dock Marina and Canons Wharf the model would certainly require further work. SC said that all present know that when the Rotherhithe or Blackwall tunnels are closed that traffic flow simply grinds to a halt. JH said that as the model stood at the moment it could not be used to put to developers.

JH asked a question about the decking proposal (covering over East London Line track) which many residents had suggested in the past as a way of improving the road network. He was told that this was an issue of finance.

Action: Sally agreed to send the full technical model to the group. The Chair to contact Mouchel who developed the model.

The Chair thanked the speaker for her thorough explanation of the model.

6. Site Updates

SQSC The Chair confirmed that Segro had sold 50% of its share in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre to British Land Retail Division. IM has met with BL and will get in touch with the Forum with an update in March.

Site A

GLA scheduled to consider Site A (09-AP-1870) on the 20.1.10.

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LBS transferred two thirds of the land to Barratts during 2009. The remaining third would transfer within the next two months. The Chair commented that it had been her understanding the land transfer was conditional of full planning permission.

The CW bus station would be closing in February for resurfacing to take place.

SC referred to the LDDC green links document. A view was expressed that the ward councillors could have put forward a more robust defence of the 170 plus trees and wild life habitat. The Chair and BMa had attended the LBS planning hearing 1/12/09 and spoke for 3 minutes on behalf of the objectors. Barry Duckett had spoken in support. Cllr Nelson spoke as ward councillor. The family social housing had been reduced to just 11% which those present felt unacceptable.

Site B B2 on schedule. People expected to start moving in July.

Library works progressing. Expected completion mid 2011.

It was reported that the B1 play area was still not operational as there were issues relating to the equipment’s safety collars. The outcome is likely to be that there will be less play equipment.

The trees in Surrey Quays Road adjacent to B1 have not yet been planted because the services within the pavement will firstly have to be relocated.

Site C Scheduled to come before LBS planning committee 19/2/10.

Site E No update

SQLP Scheduled to come before LBS planning committee 19/2/10.

QWIE David Jassby indicated that his blog would be ready by the end of the month.SC emphasised that it was essential that they talk to DDC every step of the way.

7. Any other business

As there were no other business items the meeting was closed. The Chair thanked all those present for their time. She was sorry the meeting had over run, but transport is a very important issue.

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