Issue 51 Summer 2008 Price £3 newsforum The London Forum working to protect and improve the quality of life in London The London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Founded 1988 w www.londonforum.org.uk

In this issue 2 The Mayor’s new planning Changes to empty property 12 The Planning Bill powers reliefs 13 Round the Societies Spotlight on 3 News from the new Mayor 8 Spotlight on Ealing Civic 15 News briefs: key issues and Ealing Civic Society 4 Increasing capacity at Heathrow Society concerns to note 6 Hands off the Green Belt 10 Flooding in London 16 London Forum AGM Page 8 7 What future for Smithfield? 11 The cultural Olympiad

Pollution dodge at Heathrow Boris Johnson’s appointments “A disgraceful GLA elections start a new era act of bad Boris Johnson sets up his team and publishes his intended actions. London Forum Chairman faith” Peter Eversden reports

hat is how John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, The new GLA emerges Implications for the London Forum Tdescribed the government’s plan to Labour Assembly members have formed a There is a lot of work for the London Forum apply to the European Union for limits on air coalition with the Liberal Democrats and the to do in building new relationships, seeking pollution to be suspended to allow Green party to fill most of the posts decided by clarification on the mayor’s new powers, Heathrow to expand. the Assembly. Jennette Arnold, the Labour pursuing changes in policies or their The reference, buried in a paragraph on member for the North East, is chairman of application and liaising with the Assembly page 88 of the DfT report Adding Capacity the Assembly. Members have exercised new committees on their activities and scrutinies. at Heathrow Airport - was revealed in The powers under the GLA Act 2007 to conduct Feedback from our members has been Times on June 14. confirmation hearings on the mayor’s nominations sought on key issues and we are analysing However it has not gone unnoticed. A for some jobs. Those include Brian Coleman the survey returns to prioritise those. delegation of leaders of local authorities as chairman of London Fire & Emergency representing more than two million Planning Authority, Harvey McGrath and Peter London Forum’s planning concerns residents around Heathrow plan to go to Rogers for the LDA and David Ross to the London Forum’s planning issues were put to Strasbourg next month to ask the Olympic Games Organising Committee board. the mayor’s senior adviser for planning, Sir Commission to block the Government's plan Simon Milton. They include concerns about by refusing to grant a five-year exemption. The Mayor’s team the way tall buildings and the maximisation Darren Johnson, a Green Party member The mayor set up a strong team of deputy of housing densities were promoted in the of the London Assembly, said: “Burying this mayors, directors, special appointments and past. We are seeking clarification on how the clause deep in the consultation document is advisers. Richard Barnes, Assembly member mayor’s pledges on protected viewing a sign that the Government is embarrassed. for Ealing and Hillingdon, was appointed as the corridors will be implemented. Also, how the It goes against the whole spirit of statutory deputy mayor; Tim Parker has the title mayor’s aim for 50,000 new affordable consultation to effectively try to hide that of first deputy mayor and will chair Transport for homes by 2011 can be achieved now that he fact from the public.” London and run City Hall as Chief Executive. intends to scrap the 50% affordable housing Ian Clement, former Leader of Bexley target. The mayor’s new planning powers More about Heathrow on page 4 Council, is deputy mayor for relationships raise questions about the processes for his with Government and the boroughs and is to direction to refuse planning permission and deal with the Mayor’s planning decisions. for taking over cases for his own determin- Deputy mayor Ray Lewis will lead on the ation. There must be procedures for hearing mayor’s manifesto commitments for children and responding to representations from third The Mayoral elections resulted and young people. A new Assembly member, parties, boroughs and the community. in over a million votes for the Kit Malthouse, is deputy mayor for Policing Full details of the Mayor’s appointments, pledges and new mayor, Boris Johnson and first deputy chair of the Metropolitan priorities are at Police Authority. Andrew Barry-Purssell has w www.london.gov.uk/mayor/team/ taken over as Head of the London Plan team. w www.london.gov.uk/mayor/priorities/

newsforum Summer 2008 1 Mayor’s new planning powers 2008 London Forum opposes unprecedented ‘call-in’ powers for the Mayor Chairman, Peter Eversden, gave this talk to borough planning officers and GLA staff at City Hall on the changes in the Mayor’s powers introduced in April 2008

e originally opposed the proposed Careful consideration will need to be given to Mayor’s ‘call-in’ powers in the latest The proposed Mayor’s ‘call-in’ the application of the policy test by the Mayor WGLA Bill which are unprecedented for taking control of development decisions in the UK and a departure from the normal powers are unprecedented in based on a borough’s past performance. requirements of propriety. With the new We would expect any concern by the Mayor powers, the Mayor must meet the standards the UK and a departure from about the performance of a borough was of propriety expected for quasi-judicial normal propriety requirements published and dealt with in advance of any decision making by a local planning authority consideration of a specific planning and not give his support to a scheme. application, to avoid unnecessary call-in. The intention is that a discretionary power form that a development should take, The London Forum wants to see the way be used sparingly because, and I quote, ‘only not the Mayor. in which the Mayor applies his new planning a small number of cases’ are expected per • we strongly support the Density Matrix powers to be open and fully democratic and year, since ‘few cases will raise issues that in the London Plan – it sets an to be conducted on an accurate and justify taking over the application’. ‘appropriate density range’ for each site complete basis of assessment against the and is the basis for setting the capacity London Plan and associated strategies. Concern over what is ‘strategic’ of sites that makes up the Borough Finally, the Government’s changes in Our main concern is that there is too great a Housing Targets. planning have to be taken into account and scope for defining applications as ‘strategic’ • in practice, for two years two-thirds of we will all need some clear interpretation and there is no provision, other than judicial permissions for schemes over 10 units when the Planning Bill has been processed. review, to appeal against the Mayor’s exceeded, often greatly, the upper end of decision to take over an application. There is the ‘appropriate density range’ for site. London Forum Open Meeting on the an absence of any clear method of reviewing • these excessive densities, that fail to Mayor’s New Planning Powers the Mayor’s decisions, although call-in by the conform to policy, are unacceptable as they Also in April, Giles Dolphin, GLA Head of Secretary of State is still possible. are not sustainable, often lack infrastructure the Planning Decisions Unit addressed a The new Order defines ‘Applications of facilities and may provide a poor quality of London Forum Open Meeting. He explained Potential Strategic Importance’ as only life for those crowded into them. how the new planning system will work and those that are genuinely strategic and may went through details of changes to the be taken over only if they pass a ‘stringent’ How is ‘strategic’ to be assessed? referral criteria. policy test and thresholds for such We do not understand when a housing He attempted to assuage the fears applications have been amended, especially: scheme between 150 and 499 units would expressed about the new system in a lively • raising thresholds in the City of London be ‘strategic’ if: questions and answer session. It would to exclude office development less than • the principle of housing was agreed; and mean only a relatively small number of 100,000 sq metres and those less than • a density in the appropriate density cases would be called in although it was not 150 metres tall – fewer schemes will be range was acceptable, but not one clear how Policy tests would turn out. The notified by City of London which could significantly above it; and procedure will be kept under review, and is affect contributions for public transport • the proportions of affordable housing likely to change. or affordable housing were acceptable He nevertheless gave a startling warning • lowering the threshold for notification of London Forum is concerned about intervention that people should be vigilant as there was a housing schemes from 500 to 150 in cases which are not ‘strategic’ - and the threat of the loss of the planning system housing units. resulting conflict with local communities. itself, as a result of the Planning Bill. London Forum believes that few if any housing The following month Boris Johnson was schemes with 150 units are likely to be Issues of governance elected as Mayor and we wait to see how strategic in terms of undermining the imple- In considering Governance Issues, we are his administration will deal with these mentation the strategy of the London Plan. concerned that the Mayor’s decision to matters. London Forum is pursuing the intervene should be subject to scrutiny; points above and seeking an acceptable Our concerns are: reliance on judicial review is too high a hurdle. GLA call-in process. • few schemes under 300 units are a. we expect the Mayor to hear ‘strategic’ at borough level, let alone representations before making decisions sub-regional or London-wide. Giles Dolphin’s power point presentation is available on cases where he intervenes – this and can be emailed to members on request. • the debate on these schemes is usually should include civic and amenity societies, about how many units (density) or the not just the applicant and the Borough. Stephen Thornton’s full report of the meeting can height – the difference between b.the Mayor will need to be careful about be seen on the London Forum website: whether a site has 250 units or 200 units meetings with developers and w www.londonforum.org on a site or the height are not strategic. statements about developments. • it is the borough that should decide the

2 newsforum Summer 2008 News from the Mayor News from the new Mayor, Boris Johnson Issues of concern to Londoners

ne of Mayor Boris Johnson’s Waste Reduction Pilots election pledges was to introduce a The new Mayor has OCabinet system at City Hall, and he Select Committee announcement on has made cutting crime his top priority committed to amend the refuse collection There has been much controversy London Views London Plan to recognise the recently over Government plans for He has pledged to restore protected views need for a Post Office within refuse collection charging schemes. The that were altered by Ken Livingstone. Communities and Local Government walking distance for residents Select Committee has criticised as a The Olympic budget and to do everything in his “messy compromise” plans for five He is closely examining the assumptions of Waste Reduction Pilots projects to test the London 2012 organisers, warning that power to protect them refuse collection charging schemes. their plans are too vague. He has cut his It finds that the Government appears official Beijing Olympics budget by more than to lack the courage of its previous £1 million after discovering a Ken Livingstone office, nearly a mile away. The “Consultation” convictions that local authorities are best plan to fly 18 Gordon Ramsay chefs to China period was a derisory 6-week charade during placed to decide what will work in their and to have an expensive GLA entourage. It which it became clear that the decision had own areas and that recycling incentive is part of a cost reduction pledge that could already been taken: despite vigorous schemes can contribute towards a result in the original £4.6 million Olympics bill campaigns by angry communities, only seven genuine measurable reduction in the for the GLA cut by more than a quarter. were reprieved. And the Government volume of waste being sent to landfill. wonders why the public has just given them A reprieve for police stations? a massive thumbs-down for, among other Pilot schemes inadequate Boris Johnson is to examine plans by reasons, not listening to their concerns? MPs conclude that the five pilot Scotland Yard to close up to 60 London police The previous Mayor undertook to seek a schemes will not provide the evidence stations. The deputy in charge of policing, Kit Judicial Review to overturn this unpopular and needed to judge whether all authorities Malthouse, is to conduct the study. flawed decision. Boris Johnson continued the should be able to offer such schemes legal process but the High Court refused the and the timescale for their introduction, Tightening up on private hire drivers review. He has committed to amend the after April 2009, will have no discernible 40,000 private hire drivers can only carry London Plan to recognise the need for a Post effect on local authorities’ ability to meet pre-booked passengers, but some are Office within walking distance for residents and European Union landfill targets before breaking the rules by touting on the to do everything in his power to protect them. penalties are due. streets. Unlicensed drivers, who are also The Committee remains to be uninsured, also routinely tout. The Mayor is Solutions for young people convinced that proposed incentive, or introducing an immediate 12 month ban for At the State of London Debate on June 25th charging schemes would work well in those caught touting. the Mayor proposed a 'tough love' approach England and wants the Government to to dealing with unruly teenagers. He called for reconsider devolving the power to Water fountains parents to be held to account, discipline and introduce charging schemes to local Water fountains could be placed in parks boundaries to be applied and more support authorities themselves, rather than and public spaces across London under and activities for young people made available. taking forward proposals for pilot plans being developed by Boris Johnson schemes in the Climate Change Bill. who wants to reduce the buying of plastic Drinking ban on public transport The Chair of the Committee, Dr Phyllis bottles of water. The Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, Starkey, accused the Government of and the Mayor imposed a ban on carrying mounting “a wholehearted retreat from London Post Office Closures open containers of alcohol on the transport even the limited policy outlined last May.” In the past four years, London has lost over network from 1st June 2008. 300 post offices, with numbers cut from New Waste and Recycling Board 1,175 to 849. It was therefore with incredulity In the capital Mayor Boris Johnson will that Londoners learned of proposals to cut a chair London's new Waste and Recycling further 169 branches by June 2008, including Board, members of which will be some which, like Abbeville Road in Clapham, London Forum Survey appointed both by London's Boroughs is profitable, and those such as Highgate, will help us to refine the issues to and by the Mayor." So, London Forum which serves, by the post office’s own figures, raise with the Mayor and Assembly. would expect decisions to be taken a population of 49,000, and where some local which reflect Londoners' expectations business owners will now have to close down There is still time to return your and needs. for over an hour a day to visit the nearest post completed form. See back page. newsforum Summer 2008 3 Opposition to increasing capacity at Heathrow Increasing Capacity At Heathrow? Opposition to the Government’s plans is coming from some unexpected directions. London Forum Chairman Peter Eversden summarises London Forum's response to the Department for Transport's consultation. See also comments from an article in the Sunday Times, by Bob Ayling former chief executive of British Airways

ondon Forum opposes the building of a should ban them rather than considering 2,200m third runway at Heathrow; it is “The expansion plans are a what to do about the amount of alternation at Lnot necessary and there is no case for night, used to spread the unacceptable noise Government to have increased the length of “costly mistake”and “against misery amongst those trying to sleep and be the runway since the Aviation White paper. The fit for work the next day. Government consultation paper admits that Britain’s economic interests” more easterly operations would increase the Bob Ayling former chief executive of British Airways A misguided policy number of people affected by 57dBA Leq noise Finally, we think that the Government should levels, surely a good enough reason to make be managing and constraining air travel, not no change to current westerly preference. The operating a 'predict and provide' policy. paper gave no opportunity to oppose the could be offset by cleaner car and lorry 78% of businesses in London oppose the expansion of Heathrow. The questions dealt engines. Airlines may not be able to afford third runway, according to the London mainly with how it could be achieved. Our to switch their fleets to new aircraft. Chamber of Commerce. The GLA, Mayor and feedback to the DfT covering each of the ten Assembly Members have opposed question topics, is summarised here. Damage to quality of life increased capacity at Heathrow and have We object to the potential damage to decided that London’s growth in the Spatial Incompatibility with Government policies people's quality of life at home, in open Development Strategy of the London Plan It would result in pollution levels that lock spaces, at work and in buildings that may will not need expansion at Heathrow. Their Britain into extra carbon emissions just at not all be soundproofed by the time of policies and reasons should be accepted by the time it needs to reduce them at the rate implementation of the Heathrow expansion Government. of 8% annually to achieve commitments proposals, or even afterwards. Government should commit to the new undertaken. It would also be incompatible There is a likelihood of creating HS2 rail line and other transport improve- with the government’s policies for the conditions of noise that could drive away ments and promote rail travel within the UK housing shortage as it would mean the loss from London and southeast England the and to Europe to reduce many hundreds of of homes, villages and listed buildings businesses and skilled professional people flights a week at Heathrow and thereby between the A312 and the M25. on which the UK's prosperity, reputation provide extra capacity. A third runway is not achievable within the and growth depend. Heathrow should be a high quality airport noise contour limit of 127 sq km and the for business and long distance travel and Government's assessment of harmful noise Runway alternation must stay does not need to be a hub airport attracting levels is too high. It has failed to accept London Forum does not agree that mixed over 20 million passengers a year who arrive recommendations of its own commissioned mode working could be introduced within only to change aircraft. NASE noise study on the levels of noise that the noise limits set out in the White Paper. are significantly annoying. It has not, The twin approach to two runways, initially Ayling attacks expansion plans apparently, accepted the World Health at two different levels of entry into the Organisation's levels of the noise limits that approach path, with no relief by alternation for The concentration on hub-and-spoke should be set for impact on people and for those affected would add to the cumulative element of the the proposals was vigorusly conditions suitable for children to be educated. noise experienced by those near to the flight attacked by Bob Ayling, former chief paths and increase the potential stress they executive of British Airways in an article for ‘Benefits’ unachievable. would feel. It would remove the opportunity The Sunday Times. He warns that BAA’s The Government assumes benefits from for low noise enjoyment of parks, gardens hub-and-spoke policy will lead to yet more lower road vehicle emissions and cleaner and open spaces that is possible with the increase of transfer passengers, and is a aircraft engines which we conclude to be present alternation runway usage. flawed business model which is “against unachievable. In fact noise and pollution Full mixed mode working would add more Britain’s economic interests” . would affect a greatly increased number of road traffic and congestion with more air So far from being, as the Government people; would exceed required limits; and pollution, and would not be compatible with claims, essential for the country’s would be damaging to children's education, compliance with air quality limits. Emissions economy, he calls it a “costly mistake” and adverse for business employee productivity and pollution are near to limits now and there points out that transfer passengers and harmful to the quality of life of existing is no 'headroom' for such an increase in the spend no money in Britain. Government residents. The increased number of flights number of flights, or the increase in vehicle policy is creating perverse incentives from 480,000 to 800,000 annually would movements in the vicinity of the airport that which encourage increased congestion more than offset any benefits of technology more flights would attract. and leave little room for operational error. improvements and would result in extra Alternation of preference at night is How the airport will cope with 135m emissions. There would be far more pollution required only because there are flights passengers a year and 702,000 flights from the extra number of vehicles predicted arriving after 04:30 from the Far East and after 2030 is not explained. by Government for the delivery of goods, North America. We oppose all arrivals before He damns it as “ a classic exercise in passengers and workers to Heathrow than 06:00 and believe that the UK Government misguided central planning”.

4 newsforum Summer 2008 A Landmark Case The Garden House - a cautionary tale Final victory for the Heath & Hampstead Society in their epic battle to get planning law adhered to, following a return to court after the developers were granted leave to appeal. Martin Humphery, Vice President of the Society, reports

he Garden House is an undistinguished one it replaced, was a “threshold question”, but unobtrusive four bedroom 1950’s We are left disturbed by the which a planner had to ask and answer Thouse in the Vale of Health, a small, before he could take into account other historic enclave in the middle of hugely difficult and costly task considerations as to design and the effect on Hampstead Heath. It overlooks the Vale of the MOL or its surroundings, and the like. Health pond on one of its most beautiful faced by representative groups Only if this question could be satisfactorily verges. Over the years there have been when attempting to question answered could the proposed development several attempts at development here, be “appropriate” and therefore allowable on which have successfully been resisted. decisions by Planning Authorities MOL. The question of a “material” increase In January 2006 a planning application in size calls solely for a mathematical was made to Camden to demolish the calculation and cannot involve other house and replace it with one four times is not a straightforward process. We had to subjective considerations of suitability. larger. As London Forum members may go through four rounds of high court The other side argued that it was open to know, there is a legal presumption, set out hearings over a period of two years, each a Planning Authority to interpret the word in the former Planning Policy Guidance 2 fraught with anxiety and financial risk. In “materially” in a much wider sense as (PPG 2), against development on MOL, order to safeguard Society funds, pleas had meaning materially larger in planning terms, which enjoys the same protection as Green to be made to members on two occasions and that this allowed a planner to consider Belt land. Only “appropriate” development for pledges to support the potential costs. such questions as the effect on the openness is allowed. Amongst the categories classed We were hugely encouraged and gratified of MOL, the perceived impact or prominence as “appropriate”, are replacements of to receive about £ 50,000 of pledges from of the building when seen from its existing buildings provided they are not over 300 individuals in amounts varying from surroundings and its effect on the character “materially larger” than those they replace. £10 to £1,000 or more, and from members of the surrounding Conservation Area. The Camden officer’s report not just in London, but further afield. We In both courts, the judges held that such recommended the granting of permission, also had generous support on fees for a matters were not relevant to the “threshold” concentrating on the merits of the new second opinion from a leading planning silk. question of relative size governing building and its supposed positive Our first application to the High Court “appropriateness” and that no reasonable contribution to the character and for permission to bring the case to trial was person could hold that the proposed very appearance of the Conservation Area. refused, on the grounds that we had no large increase in size was not “material”. Despite the Society, and other local arguable case! We appealed this decision Since “inappropriate” development is by amenity groups, pointing out that it in open court, opposed by Camden and by definition harmful to the MOL, it cannot be contravened the provisions of PPG2 and the “Interested Parties” (the developers) allowed, despite any merits it may display. Camden’s own planning policies, and a joint who had both briefed QC’s. This time we We are delighted at the outcome of deputation to the Planning Committee, were rewarded by a strong opinion in our what is, in our view, a landmark decision. planning permission was granted. favour and permission to go ahead. Had it been decided against, it would have The actual judicial review was a two day resulted in opening the way for similar An important test of principle hearing before Mr Justice Sullivan, who gross enlargements on MOL and, Readers will be aware that one of the great delivered a very strong judgment in our nationally on Green Belt. failings of our planning law is that there is no favour saying inter alia that there had been But we are left disturbed by the hugely provision for appeal against a grant of a serious misdirection of the Camden difficult and costly task faced by residents planning consent. The only available route is Planning Committee leading it to arrive at and their representative groups when by way of a costly application to the High an unlawful decision. He refused an attempting to question decisions by Court for Judicial Review and our barrister application by the developers for leave to Planning Authorities, which vitally affect warned us of the well-known reluctance of appeal, saying that their case was their interests. Without the generous the courts to interfere with decisions of “hopeless”. Nevertheless the developers support of our members, we could never elected councils. This is in stark contrast to were, after all, granted leave to appeal and have embarked on a process, which has a developer’s right to appeal a refusal to the yet again we had to defend our judgment in resulted in an important definition of the government’s Planning Inspectorate. It is the High Court. Appeal judges, Lords law. One is left wondering whether quite daunting for people not used to Justices Waller, Sedley and Carnwath, conservation societies in less prosperous litigation to realise that their vital interests took only half a day to dismiss the appeal neighbourhoods could ever get justice for and a lot of money will ride on the decision and uphold the order quashing Camden’s their communities. of a single judge and that two opposing planning permission. QC’s will be trying their utmost to persuade The Queen on the Application of the Heath & him to decide against you. Interpretation of the law on ‘materiality’ Hampstead Society v London Borough of Camden We felt that this was such an important The case hinged on the interpretation of and Messrs Vlachos test of principle that we must pursue it but, “matreriality”: whether the replacement as we discovered, going for a judicial review house, being “materially” larger than the newsforum Summer 2008 5 The Green Belt Hands Off The Green Belt The CPRE Surrey message - "Hands off the Green Belt"- needs to be heard loud and clear. The future quality of life of literally millions of people depends on our resolute defence of this policy. Tim Harrold, Chairman CPRE Surrey, reports

he Government economic strategy, the appointment of Regional Ministers, dictated by the Treasury, wants three It is not an exaggeration to say undefined new scrutiny arrangements for Tmillion new houses to be built across RDAs, or proposals for Parliamentary select Britain in the next 20 years, largely that we are facing a period of committees for the Regions. regardless of the environmental consequences. To achieve this well proven planning chaos Volunteers needed policies and planning processes based on So what can be done to safeguard our local democracy are being put at risk by Metropolitan Green Belt?. Fortunately, the legislative change and local government The key issue delay in Government response and the “reform”. Campaign for Rural England For us in Surrey, the key issue in the Panel Spatial Strategy turmoil around the South (CPRE) is particularly concerned by the report is the proposal for a 20% higher rate East Plan and the preparation of Local threat to the Metropolitan Green Belt that of house building which will require the Development Frameworks, has given more has protected open space and the sacrifice of important parts of the time for public protest to strengthen at grass countryside around London so well for over Metropolitan Green Belt. The ominously roots level. During the spring and summer 50 years. This most successful land use named "London Fringe" Sub-region in CPRE Surrey’s recently updated website will policy was established for the benefit of Surrey, which covers two thirds of the feature details of the action supporters may London inhabitants just as much as for county and much of our best and most wish to consider taking around the residents of the Home Counties. beautiful countryside, is to be transformed forthcoming consultation. It is hoped also to by the Panel recommendations from an make available a range of flyers, posters and Future quality of life depends on resolute area of growth constraint into a priority car stickers to help increase the visibility of defence of this policy location for development. Whereas in the this "Hands off the Green Belt" campaign. The general public has a high regard for the draft South East Plan, Guildford, Redhill and If you would like to volunteer to help, Metropolitan Green Belt and its role in Woking were described as "transport hubs", please make contact with CPRE Surrey at preventing ribbon development and urban now they are to become major centres of the address given below. Letter writing to sprawl. There is a good understanding that housing increase and further economic your MP and to locally elected Councillors such policies are necessary in the heavily expansion. Moreover, this proposal is made remains an effective means of indicating populated country areas close to London. without any commitment to meet the your support for the Green Belt. Writing to It is ironic that the Government is poised to additional infrastructure support needed. the Secretary of State for Communities & undermine the Metropolitan Green Belt The Government is expected to call for an Local Government expressing your concern heritage whilst claiming that it still supports even higher rate of housing growth in its at Government policy in this context is National Planning Policy 2 with its emphasis delayed consultation document now essential. CPRE Surrey believes that this is on open space, countryside protection and scheduled for publication just before the an issue on which the public feels strongly urban renaissance. Formal consultations on Parliamentary recess in July. and on which compromise is not the Regional Plans and Spatial Strategies have answer. After all it is everyone's quality of become so technical and remote that the A Democratic deficit life that is at stake in London and the Home general public and many amenity and civic It is not an exaggeration to say that we are Counties! societies often feel excluded. facing a period of planning chaos. None of the Regional Spatial Strategies for England Useful Addresses The CPRE role have yet been signed off by the Government, CPRE played a prominent participatory role a situation which contrasts strangely with its CPRE Surrey, The Institute, 67 High Street, throughout the 42 day Examination in Public repeated calls for more rapid decisions on Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8AH of the draft South East Regional Plan which planning. Instead, they have issued a hastily Tel: 01372 362720 was produced under great time pressure prepared Sub-National Review of Economic against a constant background of new E-mail: [email protected] Development and Regeneration (SNR) w www.cpresurrey.org.uk policy announcements from the announcing that Regional Assemblies will Government. Having obtained a "seal of not continue in their current form beyond The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State approval" from the Panel Report on 11 of the 2010, and that they will be replaced by the for Communities & Local Government, Eland 12 tests of soundness, it was anticipated Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU that the Government would respond formerly only concerned with economic E-mail: [email protected] without delay. But to the contrary, there has priorities and not spatial strategy issues. been no momentum forward and a great These Government-appointed quangos Colin Byrne, Regional Director, Governmental deal of credibility in the process lost as a include no elected councillors from local Office for the South east, Bridge House, 1 Walnut result. It is as if we have all been walking in authorities and so we are faced with a Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4GA the wilderness for 40 days but there is still "democratic deficit" and accountability E-mail: [email protected] no sight of the promised land. problem which cannot be adequately met by

6 newsforum Summer 2008 Planning Green Belt What future for Smithfield? Policy and Can the historic buildings be retained? Statistics

A report on statistics from the Department English Heritage’s barrister Robert proposals unviable, but makes retention for Communities and Local Government, McCracken QC, delivered some damning and repair of the existing building more The statistics for England in 2007 shows comments at the Inquiry into financially attractive. The alternative, that total Designated Green Belt land redevelopment proposals for the according to English Heritage, would be to amounted to 1,635,670 hectares, about Smithfield Market Building by Thornfield leave a vacant site in the heart of the area 13 per cent of the land area. and the Corporation of London: for the foreseeable future. “These applications are an attempt to The London Green Belt drive a bulldozer, preceded by a ball and For more details, see At 554,240 ha. the London Green Belt is by chain, through national and local heritage w www.englishheritage.org.uk/smithfield far the largest, straddling London, the East policies.” of England and South East regional “This decision will be a test of the boundaries. By comparison the next largest Government’s commitment to its heritage Smithfield Market, City of London. Interior view of are the West Midlands at 268,770 ha. and policies and a development plan led Grand Avenue with red K2 and K6 type telephone Yorkshire and Humber, at 264,450 ha.; system of planning and of its commitment kiosks. In 2006 there was a real increase in to participatory decision making. It raises Bromley (20 ha.) and a real decrease in the question of whether the City is in Brentwood (60 ha.) effect… a plan free office zone. It… will be closely watched by landowners and The report states the aims as being to: developers. - check the unrestricted sprawl of large “If a… landowner.. can, with impunity, built-up areas; flout national and local policies, then local - prevent neighbouring towns from authorities throughout the kingdom, most merging into one another; of whom are subject to far greater - assist in safeguarding the countryside financial pressure, will seek to do the from encroachment; same... Landowners will neglect historic - preserve the setting and special buildings in the hope of enjoying similar character of historic towns; and benefits.” - assist in urban regeneration, by Much of the evidence focussed on the encouraging the recycling of derelict and financial viability of the proposed other urban land. redevelopment, and English Heritage's demands that the General Market Full information is obtainable from Building be retained and refurbished for Housing Markets and Analysis Division, new uses. It emerged that the developer, Communities and Local Government, 2/A5, Thornfield, bought the basement car park Eland House, Bressenden Place, London beneath the building for £12 million in SW1E 5DU. Tel. 0207 944 5507 2007; this additional cost makes the

Changes to Empty Property Reliefs

Changes to empty property reliefs • Making owners take action to clean up on their empty properties. announced by Local Government Minister any derelict or semi-complete building if The proportion of commercial properties John Healey came into force on 1 April. they are 'adversely affecting the amenity lying empty in 2004-05 in London (11%) is of the local area'. Councils are higher than the national average (9 per Empty commercial property encouraged to use this power cent), and Hackney has the highest The 100% relief from taxation for empty proactively. proportion empty in the country (28%). The commercial property for the first three • Order the completion of a development changes remove perverse incentives to months remains but thereafter will be liable if it is causing an adverse affect on its keep buildings empty, and encourage for the full business rate (formerly 50%) surrounding and the planning owners to bring them back into use. The Empty warehouses and factories formerly permission period has expired. (Section minister promised further measures if received a permanent exemption from 94, 1990 Act) evidence suggests deliberate dereliction of rates. This will now be only six months. properties is taking place. Remaining exemptions Local authority powers Charities, community amateur sports clubs Local authorities’ existing powers to tackle and companies in administration will be avoidance already include: granted a complete exemption from rates newsforum Summer 2008 7 Spotlight on Ealing Civic Society Spotlight on Ealing Civic Society Civic Society, 40, sees old challenges coming round a second time by Tony Aldous

here seems to be a certain circularity in railway; the council, despite an expensive society. Large trees were a valued part of the history of local amenity societies. study by consultants, still lacks an effective the street scene, ecologically more TThe founders of Ealing Civic Society, master plan for the centre of Ealing or an valuable, and simply needed a cleverer which last year celebrated its 40th birthday, effective policy on high buildings; and the management regime. Councillors agreed. must have a strong sense of déjà vu. In 1967, need remains to reconcile redevelopment More recently a row blew up over Ealing’s they were faced with a new London-wide with the statutory requirement to protect distinctive street lamps – stately brown-and- authority, the GLC, whose proposals for a and enhance adjoining conservation areas. cream former gas lamps converted series of “metropolitan centres” encouraged As the society’s chairman Robert Gurd piecemeal to electricity but not well developers to come forward with proposals points out, “One person’s enhancement is maintained over the years (Ealing once won for a huge and out-of-character new buildings. another person’s desecration”. Glenkerrin the accolade of “worst lit London borough”). have now gone back to the drawing board The council, not able to afford to upgrade Threat of a 41 storey tower and it is widely expected that revised plans them from its own current resources, Forty years later – once more with a new and will be submitted later this year. followed the presently fashionable path of powerful pan-London planning authority – doing it on the “never-never” – in other Ealing Civic Society has been in the van of An exemplary consultation by contrast words, a PFI contract. But some Ealing opposition to ambitious but over-dense and One senses, however, an underlying people, supported by the society, felt overbearing redevelopment proposals – confidence among Ealing’s conservationists. strongly that these lamps were part of their notably proposals by an Irish developer, In the 1960s and early ‘70s they fought heritage. So strong was the pressure that the Glenkerrin, for redevelopment of the Arcadia successfully to transform the proposed Ealing council’s leader “found” an extra half million shopping centre just opposite Ealing Broadway Centre from a brutalist concrete- pounds. By a mixture of refurbishment and Broadway station and overshadowing faced monstrosity out of character with its replica replacement, Ealing’s heritage Ealing’s central public open space, Haven surroundings into the present brick-clad lampposts will now largely survive. Green. This developer’s initial proposal building, whose scale is not overbearing and included six tall blocks including one of 26 which knits into the established street scene. A borough-wide remit storeys. In the face of criticism from the Some developers have learnt from In principle the society looks after the whole Commission for Architecture and the Built experience. Ealing’s other big redevelopment of Ealing, but the borough is a large one, Environment (CABE) and English Heritage, scheme, Dickens Yard, adjoining the Arcadia generating some 3,000 planning applications Glenkerrin engaged Foster & Partners to site, has been the subject of exemplary and a year. Where an active and effective local design a new tower – this time of 41 storeys timely consultation by developer St George society exists, as in Bedford Park, the ECS is and curiously named “the Leaf”. and has so far avoided the huge public outcry more than happy to let it get on with the job. The society, wisely, joined a coalition of that Glenkerrin provoked. But the civic Its committee members and activists come more than 30 local organisations, including society still considers it too dense and in mainly from the leafy C19 and early C20 residents' associations and other amenity parts too tall, and believes that where, as suburbs of the original Middlesex borough of societies, which was formed to fight the here, the council is the landowner, there is a Ealing, “retired civil servant” being probably proposals under the banner “Save Ealing case for having someone else decide the the commonest description – though the Centre”. At a packed public meeting last planning application. present committee includes, most usefully, year, the developer and its architects were one retired local authority planning officer. left in no doubt what the people of Ealing The great strength of Ealing Civic Society Conscious, no doubt, of the danger of an thought of their plans. One of the great strengths of Ealing Civic amenity society being dubbed “those But none of the critics was much Society, as with other amenity societies people who always say No”, Ealing Civic impressed. The tower is far too tall, the throughout Britain, is that they often know Society has for almost two decades run an whole development too dense, over-bearing more than the experts. Planning officers, annual design award scheme. Lately this and out of character with adjoining highway engineers and other local has covered landscape and urban design as conservation areas; its 700 flats have little government officers come and go, following well as buildings; but, less happily, for the amenity space; and – as the Mayor of peripatetic career paths; so too do last few years judges have felt able to give London’s planners have pointed out - it fails politicians. Civic society stalwarts know only commendations which do not attract to connect with development on an what happened earlier, what claims and the society’s official plaque. adjoining site or provide for a much-needed promises were made, what key pieces of The sense of déjà vu comes not only with transport interchange. And while there is information stopped ruinous changes and redevelopment proposals but licensing issues. general agreement that Ealing needs a can do so again. Something a council officer When in the late 1980s pubs and restaurants shopping centre with more muscle if it is not may present as the only rational, affordable were brought into the same A3 use class, to be drained of trade by the new White City answer turns out to be nothing of the kind. Ealing suffered an explosion of the so-called development, there are complicating Take that avenue of lime trees – “messy, “night-time economy”, with family friendly factors. Development depends on an impossibly expensive to manage; should be restaurants transformed into pubs and wine expensive rafting over of the main line replaced by smaller trees”. Not so, said the bars; drunkenness and anti-social behaviour

8 newsforum Summer 2008 Society profile – Ealing Civic Society Ealing Civic Society

Contact: Robert Gurd email: [email protected] w www.ealingcivicsociety.org

Robert Gurd took over the town centre and spilled into surrounding residential areas. Ealing was dubbed “the One of the great A restored lamppost Las Vegas of West London”. The society campaigned strengths of Ealing Age: 40; born 1967 successfully for the council to Civic Society, as take a firm line under the Circumstances of birth: Threat of an unsympathetic and planning and licensing laws and with other amenity damaging redevelopment of the town centre. the situation was brought more societies throughout under control. More recently a Biggest successes: (1) Fighting off the original redevelopment new Licensing Act with its Britain, is that they proposal and seeing them replaced by the much more acceptable regime of flexible drinking hours often know more shopping centre which exists today. (2) Persuading the council to has been causing concern. The take effective action on the increase of drinking places and society has successfully argued than the experts. drunkenness in the town centre. for the establishment of a “saturation zone” to limit further Biggest disappointments/ frustrations: (1) That (1) and (2) proliferation, but the jury is still above are again to some in extent in question, with new and out on how effective this will be potentially damaging redevelopment schemes to be battled over, in curbing the problem. and the ground gained on alcohol licensing control having to be fought over again. (2) Failure to attract new blood into the society Other activities and on to its committees, especially from among younger people While the society concentrates and the ethnic groups in which the borough is so rich primarily on planning and development issues, it does run Present preoccupations: (1) Two big redevelopment proposals some other activities: conducted at the heart of Ealing: the Glenkerrin scheme for a site opposite walks to show people parts of Ealing Broadway station (opposed by CABE, English Heritage and their own patch they have not the Mayor of London as well as by the society; and a large but previously discovered; occasional much better scheme by developer St George for the Dickens Yard social events; and an annual site at the back of the town hall. (2) Lack of an effective master lecture. This year’s speaker, the plan for central area redevelopment. (3) Concern that the huge eminent town planner and shopping and leisure development at White City will suck life out geographer Sir Peter Hall, is an The proposed Leaf Tower of Ealing’s shopping centre. (4) Refurbishment rather than Ealing resident and the society’s “One person’s enhancement is another replacement of the distinctive brown-and-cream street lamps president. His students from the person’s desecration”. which are an important part of Ealing’s distinctive character. Bartlett school of planning have Chairman Robert Gurd recently been cutting their teeth Working details: Membership: about 250 households plus on the area’s planning problems. corporate members; annual subscription £8 (£7 by standing order). Committee structure: executive committee meets six The future times a year; chairman retired civil servant Robert Gurd. Sub- What of the future? Where is committees: Communications (including PR); Environment Ealing Civic Society headed? Its (including planning); Licensing. Publications: newsletter; leaflet chairman, Bob Gurd, says: “Our for householders on building alterations; picture postcard of mission remains the same: to Ealing sights. Website: good, but soon to be even better. preserve the best of our urban Activities: annual design award (in its 18th year); lectures, social environment while ensuring that evenings and occasional walks. new developments improve the quality of our borough”. He adds Special characteristics: Ealing is a borough rich in variety and “I would hope that I could pass buildings and places, ranging from Southall with its large Asian the society on in fine fettle to and Somali communities to the ring of green and affluent suburbs my successors, confident that it round Ealing town centre, and areas like Acton with a distinctly would continue to protect and “inner city” character. improve Ealing for the next 40 years as well as it has done in Last word: “Our mission remains the same: to preserve the best the 40 years since its of our urban environment while ensuring that new developments formation”. improve the quality of our borough”.– Robert Gurd, chairman. newsforum Summer 2008 9 London Forum event Flooding in London Long-term planning can minimise the risk to the Capital, according to the Environment Agency’s Rachael Hill. Stephen Thornton reports on an eloquent presentation at an Open Meeting held at The Gallery earlier this year

A large audience braved heavy rain to The different predictions include: The findings of the project so far include: attend this well-received talk. Ms Hill gave Defra: Climate change guidance, •An adaptable plan can manage rising a detailed analysis of the work the November 2006 – a sea level rise of sea levels occurring this century Environment Agency is undertaking to +0.94m •The Thames Barrier will continue to ensure that the risk of tidal flooding in protect London until the end of the London is managed to the end of the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) century, provided that the rise in sea century. She said she was very keen to Medium High – a sea level rise of +1.51m level can be restricted to +0.94m. engage with the community and •TE 2100 High (plus) – a sea level rise of •Existing flood defences have a greater welcomed comments on her talk and the +2.6m safety margin than previously thought Agency’s plans. A consultation had been •No major development is expected held which ended in March. • TE 2100 High (plus plus) – sea level rise before 2030 The Agency is also anxious to dispel the of +4.2m, which is an extreme scenario •Walls and embankments need misinformation which exists about the risk to including maximum predictions from improvement by 2050 the Capital – for example, the likelihood of accelerated ice melt and increases in •High quality spatial and ekmergency tidal flooding in London and the Thames storm surge heights. planning is essential estuary is very low. In the main estuary it is The plan was testing five options for •New inter-tidal habitats must be created very unlikely that the tidal defences would managing risk against these scenarios: to replace those lost by rising sea levels be over-topped or breached. They are •Creating space for water storage in the designed to protect against a 1:1000 flood • Traditional engineering flood plain would reduce the need to level predicted by 2030. • Flood plain storage raise the height of defences, defer the • New barrier with or without existing need for a new barrier, and create open The TE 2100 project Barrier spaces that could have a variety of uses, The main part of Ms Hill’s talk was devoted • New Barrage including recreation and agriculture. to describing the TE 2100 project on • Flood plain management ‘Planning for Future Flood Risk A new barrage would be the only way of Questions and answers Management’. It is aimed at producing a coping with a sea level rise of more than 4m. There was a lively question-and-answer comprehensive plan for submission to the Flood plain water storage was an attractive session. Some members of the audience Government by 2010, giving information on option for reducing risk, with the Thames were equally concerned by local flooding what should be done, where, when and at Barrier and Tilbury the most suitable places caused by heavy rain, and the lack of co- what cost. The project would increase for implementation. ordination between agencies. Ms Hill understanding of the Estuary and how commented that the Government had changes would affect flood risk. The plan recognised that increased co-ordination would take into account increasing flood was essential, following the report into the risk due to: Flood defences in London July floods in England. The report had also emphasised the need for the infrastructure •Climate change were the best in the country, such as water and electricity to be more •Rising sea levels resilient. Ms Hill made clear that flood •Natural ageing of flood defence being designed to protect defences in London were the best in the infrastructure against a 1 in 1000 risk, country, being designed to protect against •Changes in land levels a 1 in 1000 risk, compared to 1 in 200 •New developments in the tidal flood compared to 1 in 200 elsewhere. The insurance industry had plain elsewhere undertaken to provide cover to properties The Estuary obviously varies greatly along at a risk of up to 1 in 75. its length and solutions must be adapted to local requirements. The flood plain falls naturally into geographical areas by topography and so it is possible to plan in these areas individually.

Options for managing future sea level rise To produce a plan that is adaptable to the uncertainties relating to future sea level rise and climate change, the project is planning for a range of climate change scenarios by the end of the century. The Thames Barrier

10 newsforum Summer 2008 Olympic update The Cultural Olympiad A round up of news and concerns about the preparations for the 2012 Olymic Games by Michael Hammerson

he London Organising Committee for Useful websites Council have said that many of the the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is co- concerns raised are premature and largely Tordinating projects under the w www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/ speculative and that the organisers are Olympic-approved ‘Inspire’ mark for cmhansrd/cm080115/debtext/80115- fully committed to consulting residents on cultural initiatives. Launched in March, the 0006.htm#080115102000001 the detailed plans for the Games. projects must meet the criteria of w www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news. Westcombe and Greenwich Societies welcoming the world; inspiring people; and story.page&obj_id=142217 submitted their concerns, (see page 13) leaving a lasting legacy, with an emphasis but there is cross-party support for it on youth involvement. Sarah Barnwell is sense and carry out a full assessment of among politicians in Greenwich as it will Creative Programmer. There is no deadline the local Historic Environment. bring Olympic money to the area. for submissions; application can be made right up to 2012 and decisions should take Olympic “Live Sites” screens Campaign to protect Lottery funds 7 weeks. Once approved, a project will be English Heritage and CABE are concerned Government raids on the Lottery to fund officially a part of the Cultural Olympiad and about the siting, design and proliferation of the Games have resulted in a huge fall in the participants sent details of the rules. the propsed large permanent screens in Heritage Lottery Funding. The average Applicants must secure their funding public places, where people can see the £315 million per annum paid in grants before making an application. LOCOG is Games events, and can learn about other between 1995 to 2007 has fallen to £255 putting a funding guide together. cultural events going on. Two are proposed million for 2007-8, £220 million in 2008-9, Commercial sponsorship will be possible, for London at Romford and Walthamstow – and a sorry £180 million a year from 2009 but must be handled carefully to avoid as well as temporary sites for Trafalgar to 2017. In addition to the original budget of problems with the official sponsors. The Square and South-West London. They will £110m a further £675m has been taken LDA have a £1.4 million Cultural Opportunity need planning consent. from the lottery. Fund for small organisations who can’t go to Heritage Link and others mounted a big funders; this is administered by the Arts Archaeological damage in Greenwich successful campaign to secure a Council, who are developing the criteria and The location of temporary venues is giving commitment from Government to make will be open for applications by Summer. rise to great concern: these include the big no further raids on the National Lottery to public spaces – Regents Park, Hyde Park, fund the Games. The amount to be raised English Heritage initiatives Horseguards Parade (spilling into St. James’ by Olympic Lottery games sales will be “Access All Areas” Park), Woolwich and – most contentious – capped at £750m and Lord Davies of LOCOG has already been flooded with dance, the Greenwich World Heritage site, proposed Oldham confirmed that “We will not music and theatrical projects but heritage for the Equestrian Event even though the continue to collect funding from the projects have so far been minimal, the only equestrian world doesn’t want it there. planned Olympic Lottery game after the London applicant being the Lea Valley It will take up the whole of the Park and target of £750 million for that is reached” Heritage Museum. The “Access All Areas” the area around the Queen’s House, one of Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell MP initiative has been set up to address this the few areas of acid grassland in this part agreed to provide more regular and detailed concern. English Heritage are funding of London and the whole World Heritage financial briefings to Parliament. This will Heritage Link to employ a project co-ordinator, Area will be packed with installations. It improve scrutiny of the project’s budget and who will work with EH, The Civic Trust, etc. to could cause enormous damage to ensure that money which has been diverted develop it. This is intended to build on archaeological sites including a Roman Villa away is spent as effectively as possible. Heritage Open Days / Open House events a Saxon burial ground, and earlier Palace The campaign has significantly raised UK-wide. It must involve all community remains. All are very near the surface. The awareness that there is a big arts, heritage groups, welcome the world, involve young foundations of a proposed grandstand for and sports voluntary sector not covered by people, and leave a post-2012 legacy. 23,000 round the Queen’s House will go the ring fencing agreement for Big Lottery directly into Henry VIII’s Tilting Yard, with a Fund recipients. London Action plan “High Street 2012” cut and cover tunnel beneath it. The Conservatives announced This is an EH initiative to achieve There will also be a grandstand on the proposals to protect National Lottery good improvements to Whitechapel Road, Mile main road in and out of Greenwich, cutting off causes in future with a National Lottery End Road and Stratford, the main road route access from July to September. This is driven Independence Bill, launched in February. from London to the Olympic Park with the by the demand of the media, including the (Details on their website - see above). aim of promoting the historic environment in BBC, for good views and camera angles Heritage Link's concern over how and the build-up to the Olympics. EH have done aimed at promoting the image of London when the funds might be repaid from the a preliminary study of the many Listed forTV viewers across the world, with the sale of Olympic sites after the Games was Buildings in the area in various states of Greenwich buildings as a setting and the City also addressed. Estimates vary from decay, and the many similar unlisted of London in the background. Archaeological between £800m and £3bn but it may be 10 buildings which ought to be Listed. A full mitigation measures will have a huge cost. or 20 years before it is realised. study will look at the public realm in its widest It will require planning permission but the newsforum Summer 2008 11 Planning and sustainability The Planning Bill - a disaster in the making? The London Forum is deeply concerned that the Planning Bill may result in a deterioration in the quality of planning. A round up of the latest news

When the Financial Times reports that “The to provide greater freedom for development Government sees the bill as one of its key It will effectively take a and Article 4 Directions to restrict permitted pro-business measures”, one needs to development where greater protection is worry. It confirms what many of us have wide range of changes in needed. Permitted development rights will suspected all along. Much of its alarmingly be restricted in a similar way to the current vague wording provides that detail may, in planning law out of open rules in designated areas, such as effect, be filled in by the Minister by the Parliamentary debate conservation areas.” making of regulations which will effectively take a wide range of changes in planning Installation of microgeneration equipment law out of open Parliamentary debate. those Boroughs are urged to monitor An amendment to the Town and Country carefully how the project is working. In Planning (General Permitted Development) The Infrastructure Planning Commission particular, they should monitor the effect on (Amendment) (England) Order 1995 (the This has received most of the press coverage quality of decisions. GPDO), from 6 April 2008, provides rights and has attracted opposition from many for the installation of specified types of Labour MPs, who have criticised the Unresolved problems microgeneration equipment on or within the “inordinate and unprecedented powers” it • Will the appeals panel include Councillors not curtilage of dwellinghouses, including solar would have. They appear to have at last on the Planning Committee, and therefore photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal, ground and understood what Civic Societies have been having no planning expertise or training? water source heat pumps, biomass heating saying: that it would destroy the long • What happens if Council Members find and combined heat and power systems. established framework and would be themselves in the difficult position of Solar PV or thermal equipment wil be unaccountable and undemocratic. They have having to decide against officers whose allowed on the wall or roof of a house or a put down an amendment to the Bill to require decisions they had previously agreed; or building within its curtilage so long as the planning applications for large projects to be coming under pressure from constituents equipment does not protrude more than decided by ministers. However past to decide in their favour by, for example, 200 millimetres. Stand-alone solar PV or experience leads us not to place much hope threats of orchestrating votes against solar thermal will be permitted if its height that this will affect the final outcome. them at elections? does not exceed four metres above ground • What will be the likely effect on officer level and it is more than five metres from Changes to the local appeals system morale of having Members overturning the boundary. Restrictions apply in Less publicised are other changes such as their decisions after having agreed them; conservation areas, in world heritage sites those affecting appeals. “Minor” local appeals or of possibly having to review their own and to listed buildings. would no longer be heard by the Planning decisions, or having them reviewed by Inspectorate but by a panel of local Councillors. another colleague? Standards to control noise levels. This proposal failed to appear in the Planning In due course, the GPDO will incorporate Bill, but a subsequent Government statement Permitted development standards to control noise levels. A noise indicates that they will be proceeding with Another area of potential concern is change limit of 45 decibels will apply to wind it, despite widespread criticism: to permitted development rights for turbines and air source heat pumps, and • Appellants will be able to submit an householders. Whilst encouragement for will be reviewed after two years. However, appeal document, but energy conservation is to be welcomed, the WHO specifies a background noise no • local authorities will be unable to defend care needs to be taken about the effect of higher than 35 dBA for teaching in schools their decisions, and infrastructure on conservation areas. Iain to be effective, and the permitted 45db may • there is no apparent provision for input Wright, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, be quite irritating to a neighbour. from objectors or third parties, who are Department for Communities and Local not even listed under "all stakeholders". Government, made the following reply to a Paving front gardens question from MP Grant Shapps (Welwyn Mr Wright also announced “that planning A Fast-track appeals pilot project Hatfield, Conservative): permission will be required for paving front A "pilot project" to assess how a new “fast- “In general, forthcoming changes will gardens where the surface is impermeable. track” appeals system would work has just extend permitted development rights. This change is designed to reduce the risk been announced by the Planning Householders will have more scope to of flooding from rapid surface runoff of Inspectorate, which enthusiastically extend their homes under permitted rainwater.” welcomes the change (though they perhaps development up to maximum dimensions have little option but to do so openly, with the designed to ensure no adverse impact on Websites where details can be seen w www.info4local.gov.uk/filter/?item=629550 Government’s heel, as it were, on their necks). neighbours. There will also be a separate Six of the eight pilots are in London or on the Planning Inspectorate site at allowance for loft extensions. Local w www.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/ Boroughs: Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, authorities will be able to introduce local fast_track_householder_appeal project.htm Richmond and Wandsworth. Members in variations using Local Development Orders

12 newsforum Summer 2008 Round the Societies Round the Societies A round up of news from our member societies. By Haydn Mylchreest

A warm welcome to two new societies Congratulations to the Greenwich Society We are delighted to welcome two new Societies as members of on the celebration last year of its 50th anniversary. Unfortunately the London Forum they begin their second fifty years with anxieties over activities Tottenham Civic Society campaigns for and promotes high proposed for the World Heritage Site. standards of planning and architecture in Tottenham and Olympic plans for Greenwich Park surrounding areas, and the preservation of historically important Following the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Draft Transport Plan buildings. published in October 2006 the Westcombe and Greenwich West Hampsteas Amenity and Transport (WHAT) cares about Societies submitted concerns over the impractical and worrying local issues such as parking, open spaces, graffiti, litter, noise, plan for the Greenwich Marine events, equestrian and modern traffic congestion, local amenities, tube safety, bus routes, station pentathlon in the Museum grounds and in the Park. Where are all improvements, planning issues, too many restaurants and bars, the events going to take place? Which roads are going to be not enough shops, disabled access, children's amenities, heritage, closed? How much of Greenwich Park will be closed off to regular environment. users? The lack of many answers is offset to some extent by the good news that work is already in hand at DLR stations to take 3- Lively Lidos carriage trains by 2009 (a 50% increase in capacity), and on The lead item in the Battersea Society’s Spring 2008 Newsletter is improved signalling on the Jubilee Line which will increase a report on the World Winter Swimming Championships at capacity from 20 to 17 trains an hour. Tooting Bec Lido in February. Apparently this is the first time this international event has been held outside Finland where winter A new Ferris wheel? swimming is an old tradition. There were enthusiasts from Another threat to the World Heritage Site at Greenwich is a Finland, Russia, Latvia, Canada and Australia – and from the UK, of proposed Ferris wheel. The proposal, reported in the Greenwich course. The Tooting sky was blue and the water temperature of 6º Society newsletter, was to erect the wheel in 2007 in the grounds C induced a comment from a competitor that “after a swim you of the Old Royal Naval College. The application was refused by get an intense feeling of well-being”. Greenwich Council, the developer appealed against that decision, The newsletter also announced that the Society’s website was and the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for launched just before Christmas. The address is: Communities and Local Government allowed the appeal and this www.batterseasociety.org.uk will now apply to 2008. Friends of Brockwell Park also reported a midwinter swim on 22nd December 2007 in the Brockwell Lido. Some 70 hardy Societies campaign against airport development souls signed up to take part in the mass plunge in water The consultation period for the expansion of Heathrow may have temperature of 3º C! The oldest swimmer was 87. The original all- ended but the campaigning will go on as vigorously as ever. year swimming club was called the Brockwell Icicles. There are claims that the consultation document and questionnaire had been confusing and misleading and allegations that the claimed economic benefits of expansion are flawed. (see report on page 4) Kingston upon Thames Town Centre Vauxhall Society and Sydenham Society are among several Kingston upon Thames Society reports that the ambitious Town societies to report on their opposition to the possible increase in air Centre Plan has run into difficulties for a variety of reasons one of traffic over London. Blackheath Society also objected to the almost which was created by the decision to favour one developer and total lack of consultation in their part of London and an article in dispense with a competitive stage and all the necessary property SEBRA’s Spring 2008 newsletter states that the Government’s acquisitions were not secure anyway. Back to the drawing board, consultation process is regarded by the Association as a sham apparently. because the 220 page consultation document sought views on the proposal to build a third runway but did not seek views on whether it Sites of special value in Lambeth was necessary or not. Greenwich Society reported in January that Lambeth Council has apparently not yet prepared a Local List of 12 local authorities have joined together to form the 2M Group to buildings and sites of special historical and architectural value, so the oppose the expansion. SydenhamSociety News recently reported Streatham Society has taken the initiative and assessed some 170 that Lewisham and Greenwich Councils have also now signed up. individual buildings, monuments, estates or roads in the Streatham wards, and has prepared its own Local List. The Society will Sydenham welcomes Thameslink upgrades encourage local planners to give special consideration to property on Sydenham Society News Summer 2008 reports a £3.5 billion this list before planning decisions are made. improvement to Thamslink by 2015 that will provide a three-fold In its newsletter, ‘Pump’, (edition 188) the Society asks readers to increase to 24 trains per hour. It could provide four trains an hour be on their guard because Wandsworth Council apparently plans to along the Sydenham to London Bridge line with services to St build up to 10 hard surface five-a-side football pitches on Tooting Pancras and Luton airport. The society reports also that the East Common. The common is seen by the Society as an environmental London railway will provide four trains an hour for West Croydon treasure and the Council should not regard the land as theirs do with and six per hour for Crystal Palace. as they wish. newsforum Summer 2008 13 Round the Societies (continued) Round the Societies

A round up of news from our member societies.

Museums libraries and arts centres Green spaces Wandsworth Museum closed in December 2007 in spite of a The Mill Hill Preservation Society’s Spring 2008 ‘News’ reminds well-supported plea for it to continue. However, there is a new its readers of the wide-ranging and substantial changes to rights of Museum Board and the hope is that the museum collection will way law under ‘Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000’. again be exhibited in new premises with generous financial backing After a two-year struggle, the Society’s application to the local from the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation. Council to have Simmond’s Mead registered as a Village Green has Battersea Society reports that the future of the Battersea Arts been approved. Although the land is owned by the local Council, it Centre has been secured for the next 100 years after fears that the is now protected against development and must be kept for use by lease on the building would not be renewed and that financial members of the public. The MHPS organises Spring and Autumn backing from Wandsworth Council would be withdrawn. walks and anyone can join in. Another piece of heartening news is reported by the Sydenham St. Mary Cray Action Group’s Newsletter (edition 57) carries Society: the Forest Hill library re-opened in December after a an interesting article on the creation in 1977 of the South East complete refurbishment and up-grading of this listed building. London Green Chain as the result of the combined efforts of four Opening hours have been extended. London boroughs and the GLC. There are now nearly 300 Green Chain open spaces including some of the finest landscapes in Opposition to basement excavations S.E.London. A 40 mile network of well-signposted footpaths link Several Societies including Chelsea, Bedford Park and the Heath & together many Green Chain spaces many of which have interesting Hampstead Society have expressed growing concern at the historical associations. current fashion to for digging out basements and under gardens to The Chislehurst Society recently carried an article on how build swimming pools, family rooms, home cinemas, and gyms. Petts Wood was saved and finally presented to the National Trust. Council UDP policies are not well specified to prevent such Tucked away in the interesting article describing the twists and developments. Kensington and Chelsea Council has invited turns of ownership of the years is a reference to the memorial consultants to report on the implications of deep excavations for erected in what is known now as Willett Memorial Wood to the structural damage to neighbouring properties. Bedford Park memory of William Willett (1856-1915) the originator of ‘daylight Society has achieved one appeal dismissal. saving’ who advocated the introduction of the first Daylight Saving Bill in 1908, and which led to the Summer Time Act of 1925 Conservation in action The Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association celebrates their The UK’s busiest railway junction 60th anniversary this year – congratulations! The Association Clapham Junction, reputed to be the busiest railway junction in UK mounted an experiment in March 2008 by sending the March and possibly in Europe, is the subject of proposals for commercial edition of their Newsletter to a small selection of members by e- redevelopment of the station area and of the station itself. The mail. The advantages of distribution using this method mean a Clapham and Battersea Societies have had the opportunity of savings in costs and it will be a contribution towards a cleaner, discussing the initial ideas with the developer’s team and expect greener environment. that the first planning applications will be submitted later in 2008. The Amwell Society’s November newsletter announces “Good News about Lloyd’s Dairy”: all products are being sold without Dangerous dogs using cellophane, cardboard, plastic bags or any mass-produced Is there a problem in your area? The Clapham Society reports that throw-away containers. How many businesses are thinking along last autumn two family pet dogs were killed by pit-bull type dogs on these lines? Can other Societies offer similar eco-friendly pieces of Clapham Common in unprovoked attacks. Although a national news? problem, the Society is hoping for a borough-wide response to this The Brixton Society recently carried an article from the co- problem, and asks for first-hand reports to be made to the police. ordinator of the Every Action Counts project at the Civic Trust devoted to issues surrounding climate change and energy conservation. “Some Societies have begun considering these Langton Clock saved in Muswell Hill In its Diamond Jubilee year the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green matters seriously”, says Emma Montlake, “and it requires members Association reports a successful conclusion of three years' to encourage the climate change sceptics to take personal and campaigning and fund raising to save the much loved iconic collective responsibility. Our Societies should be at the vanguard of Langton 1899 clock of Muswell Hill Broadway. Full restoration is efforts to bring about change”. now under way. East Putney tower blocks The Putney Society reports that two Victorian family villas are to be replaced by a proposed development scheme with 330 new homes plus shops and offices with 25 and a 19 storey towers. The residential density is thought to be too high and the borough does not seem to have clear policies on the future urban form for the area.

14 newsforum Summer 2008 News briefs newsbriefs Key issues of interest and concern to note.

New Secretary of State for culture CLG Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Baroness After only seven months as Culture Secretary, James Purnell has Andrews also gave a strong speech in support of conserving now moved to the Department for Work and Pensions. His historic buildings and thoughtful regeneration. 'We have as our speeches, at the launch of Heritage Counts in October, and particular responsibility the task of enhancing our built environment subsequently, encouraged us that here was a Secretary with an and our heritage to benefit all. To do this successfully it is vital that interest and grasp of heritage issues. His replacement is Andy we understand what makes communities work. And that can be Burnham, formerly chief secretary to the Treasury. He had been a explained, I hope by the notion of belonging: the power of memory; special adviser to former culture secretary Chris Smith and a a will to engage all of us and an understanding of what the past can researcher for Smith's successor, Tessa Jowell. bring to the future.' For the full text see: The effect of VAT on conservation - a campaign w www.communities.gov.uk/speeches/corporate/ourbuiltheritage Presently, VAT policy is inconsistent with policies on sustainability, being heavily weighted in favour of demolition and News from English Heritage new build: new build is VAT exempt, repair and renovation of Climate change and your home - new guidelines existing buildings is charged at 17.5%. English Heritage has published three sets of guidelines: The Civic Trust has joined with the Federation of Master Builders •Energy conservation in traditional Buildings; and others to campaign for this to be cut to 5%. •Micro wind generation and traditional buildings; and Some of the deleterious effects are: •Small scale solar thermal energy and traditional buildings. •to discourage repair work to the 700,000 empty homes in They are available at www.english-heritage.org.uk/climatechange . England and to millions of substandard houses, particularly in Parallel to this guidance are three sets of guidance notes to help low-income areas whose owners / tenants tend to be the most homeowners and domestic energy assessors to better understand and vulnerable people in society, with the elderly particularly at risk. interpret home improvement recommendations in the Energy •a threat to greenfield land. Performance Certificates, a mandatory feature of the Home Information • it is cheaper to demolish a building and rebuild than paying the Packs. They highlight that the ways to achieve energy efficiency in VAT bill to renovate the existing one. modern housing are different from those in traditional houses. They are • a threat to Britain’s national heritage because of the VAT burden available online, w www.english-heritage.org.uk/climatechange that repairs and maintenance work carries. History in Views: Seeing the history in the view: English Heritage A petition in support of the campaign can be signed online at is developing a method to help it assess the historical significance w www.cutthevat.co.uk . of views, systematically and consistently. Perhaps this work For other information, contact Hannah Mummery on should have been done before Ken Livingstone halved the width of 020 7539 7908 or [email protected] the protected viewing corridors towards St Paul's Cathedral to allow more tall buildings in Victoria? Government Historic Estates Unit guidance Details are at :- In the House of Lords in January, Lord Howarth of Newport pointed w www.english-heritage.org.uk selecting Research & Conservation, out in that notwithstanding government commitment 'to conserve then Public Policy and see the 'History in Views' link there. and find appropriate contemporary uses for historic buildings in the public sector that become redundant', the number of redundant buildings in public hands that had been allowed to deteriorate Useful websites indicated that Government guidance needed strengthening. Lord Local authority historic environment guidance Bassam on behalf of the Government confirmed that 'the English Heritage’s website, contains a valuable guide to most, if Government Historic Estates Unit is undertaking consultation on not all, heritage-related guidance produced by local authorities in that review', and agreed that government should work 'much more England: w www.helm.org.uk/server/show/nav.005005002 with local authorities to ensure that they get a satisfactory community outcome for buildings that could have a great future'. Looking for grants? w http://www.grantsnet.co.uk/search.asp is a useful website to More government commitments to heritage search for appropriate grants and funding streams. HRH The Prince of Wales gave the keynote address New Buildings in w www.justgiving.com/ site for fundraising Old Places at a joint event of the Prince's Regeneration Trust and the Vital Statistics? CLG In January. He warned that historic cities were at risk of being This website is a useful source for a wide range of local statistical wrecked by a rash of high rise office and apartment towers. He said information:- that Bath and Edinburgh were also under threat and suggested that w www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk sky scrapers in London should be confined to Canary Wharf ‘rather w than overshadowing Wren’s and Hawksmoor’s churches.’ www.myneighbourhoods.co.uk/ is a useful local information site newsforum Summer 2008 15 News briefs (continued) London Forum AGM newsbriefs

National Archaeology Week, 12th-20th July Notice is hereby given that the This presents an opportunity to promote work, engage with communities and help everyone to engage with archaeology and Annual General Meeting of the the historic environment. NAW 2007 offered over 430 events, held by museums, heritage sites, archaeology and history societies, London Forum of Amenity and Civic universities, local councils and countryside agencies. Societies More information from w www.britarch.ac.uk/naw. will be held on The London Open House weekend Wednesday 15th October, The London Open House weekend this year will be on September 21-21. For details of properties open, or of how to participate, go to 6pm for 6:30pm. w www.oepnhouse,org.uk or e-mail [email protected] The location will be advised to members with the annual report.

If you are prepared to accept the annual report by e-mail to your The 2008 London Festival of Architecture contact who receives London Forum's e-bulletins, please notify The organisers of the 2008 London Festival of Architecture have us to [email protected] asked to hear form anyone who knows of any secret or unknown roof top rooms and spaces or beautiful roofs and ceilings in Greater The guest speaker following the AGM will be London. If you know of any such hidden spaces, please contact Philip Kolvin James Bacon on 020 7 779 6199 the new chairman of the Civic Trust w www.lfa2008.org Philip is a barrister and Head of Licensing in the Chambers of Mark The London Forum’s 20th anniversary Lowe QC, Grays Inn Square, London. He is also Chairman of the The London Forum is marking its 20th year by launching a website Institute of Licensing (the national body for licensing professionals) and carrying out a survey of its member societies. and has a particular interest in the night time economy and the w www.londonforum.org.uk impact it has on local communities. His publications on the subject include Licensed Premises: Law and Practice; Gambling for Local Authorities: Licensing, Planning and The London Forum 20th Anniversary Survey Regeneration. Philip has a long standing interest Forms went out earlier this year; there is still time to send in the environment and has written a back your completed survey form to the address below, if you guide for campaigners: Saving Open have not already done so. Space. He has served as a national By letting us know how well the Forum represents your views Trustee of the Campaign to Protect you will enable the Forum to direct its efforts effectively Rural England. He has been involved during the next few years. This is your opportunity to say what in a number of campaigns, including you would like to see as the five main priorities for London the Crystal Palace Campaign which Forum over the next five years. successfully prevented the building of The results of the survey will be published later this year. a multiplex cinema on an historic park.

For information about the London Forum contact: newsforum

w www.londonforum.org.uk Editorial team Helen Marcus, Michael Hammerson, Tony Aldous, Haydn Mylchreest Peter Eversden Chairman Original design Ross Shaw London Forum, 70 Cowcross Street, Print Express Printing. Telephone 01733 230 800 London EC1M 6EJ Published by the London Forum, 70 Cowcross Street, Telephone: 020 7250 0606 London EC1M 6EJ. Telephone 020 7250 0606 email [email protected]

Haydn Mylchreest Membership Secretary Member societies are encouraged to use London Forum Telephone: 020 7720 2429 news in their own newsletters. While the London Forum is concerned that the views written in articles are relevant and email [email protected] honestly held by the contributor, the opinions stated by individuals may not necessarily be held by the London Forum Executive, who are not in a position to vouch for their factual accuracy. Registered Charity Number 1093134 16 newsforum Summer 2008