CONSULTATION STATEMENT SPD 10 June 2013 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Consultation Statement for Brixton area Supplementary Planning Document

1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Background 3 3.0 Executive summary of feedback 4 4.0 Who was involved 14 5.0 How people were involved 17 6.0 Participation and evaluation 25 Appendix 1 Thematic overview of consultation feedback and responses

1/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

1.0 Introduction

This Consultation Statement describes how the council has worked with the local community, businesses and other stakeholders to develop and consult on a supplementary planning document (SPD) for the Brixton town centre area. As a cooperative council, we wanted to give local people more involvement in and control of the places where they live. Consequently, the draft SPD taken out to consultation was the result of a co- drafting process, further detail of which is in the Consultation Statement that accompanied the draft SPD (available to view online at www.futurebrixton.org).

Engagement objectives

1. To engage community and business organisations in order to coproduce the draft SPD and consultation on it. 2. To agree on shared principles that will determine what type of development we want to see in the area. 3. To proactively consult with the whole community on the draft SPD 4. To facilitate a partnership approach to the regeneration of Brixton

The development of the SPD has complied with Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2012 and with the additional recommendations set out in ’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) adopted in April 2008, and our cooperative ethos to ensure that the SPD is a reflection of the community’s aspirations for the area.

2.0 Background

The development of the SPD was seen as a continuation of the work to agree the Brixton Masterplan (2009). The starting point for the SPD was the two key themes of sustainability and enhancing Brixton’s unique character that were identified through the extensive masterplanning process that took place during 2007 and 2008.

The Brixton SPD has been developed to support the Future Brixton programme which aims to use council- owned assets in the town centre to support positive change in Brixton – providing new homes and jobs, as well as better public spaces and facilities. Consultation and engagement was careful to set the context of the programme and to position this work as part of an ongoing conversation.

Community involvement and engagement in the drafting of this SPD falls into four phases:

• Phase 1: The Brixton Masterplanning process (August 2007 to March 2008) • Phase 2: Development of draft principles (February to August 2012) • Phase 3: Co-drafting of the Brixton SPD (September 2012) • Phase 4: Statutory consultation on draft SPD (4 February 2013 to 15March 2013)

This report will discuss the methodology and provide feedback for phases 2 and 3. Feedback will be discussed according to method and theme and reports on individual phases and activities (see below) are available on the . A general summary of feedback is provided as an appendix (see appendix 1).

2/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Roadshow during Brixton Masterplan consultation Workshop during phase 2 of Brixton SPD

Reports available on the website (www.futurebrixton.org)

• Mini consultation report on roadshows • Mini consultation report on mole events and exhibition • Mini consultation report on questionnaire • Mini consultation report on digital engagement • List of organisations for consultee mailout • Consultation Statement for draft Brixton SPD (January 2013)

3.0 Executive summary of feedback

This section outlines the key themes arising from the statutory consultation (phase 3) on the draft Brixton SPD, 4 February to 15 March 2013. Appendix 1 contains a table summarising the feedback from the statutory consultation phase in themes. Appendix 2 contains a table of the written submissions and how these have been responded to in the final SPD.

3.1 Overview of feedback from all methods

As in phase 1, the character and heritage of Brixton was again running through much of the feedback for phases 2, 3 and 4. People praised improvements that had taken place since the masterplan consultation, but change was also a cause for concern. Two key issues were:

• People felt development should reflect and build on the unique qualities and successes of Brixton and there was a fear that Brixton would lose its identity if the wrong kind of development took place.

“It is important to consider Brixton’s history and culture when planning improvements/new developments. This will keep Brixton unique among other high streets beyond phone shops/coffee shops that are ultimately characterless.” Questionnaire respondent, unemployed Brixton man, aged 45-59, mixed ethnic background

• There was concern that large-scale development in the town centre would contribute to rising housing and business rents that would price many existing residents and businesses out of the town centre and in turn change Brixton’s identity.

3/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

“We must support the businesses and locals who have always been there – don’t price them out!” Questionnaire respondent, white female, aged 20-29 and living in Brixton

“it's ok [the draft SPD] but it's designed to encourage people to the area to shop and party and live. it doesn't seem designed to make the lives of those who live here and have investment (time, money, work, life) easier - unless you're a business owner or developer. It seems clear to me that Future Brixton is not designed with my needs in mind, nor the needs of Brixtonites who are worried about how they are going to continue to live in the area.” contributor

Feedback from phase 2 led to the identification of 10 community statements or aspirations:

1. People love Brixton 2. Brixton should support a diverse economy 3. The importance of social infrastructure 4. Improve access and connections 5. Respect local character 6. Keep it safe 7. Sustainable Brixton 8. Use every space 9. Make it happen

These were incorporated into the draft SPD and comments made during the consultation in phase 3 have been analysed under these 10 headings.

3.2 Response by theme

People love Brixton

A genuine and deeply felt affection for Brixton was evident through the majority of the comments throughout all consultation activity, whether people were trying to protect what they loved or improve the bits that annoyed them.

• People loved the Brixton ‘vibe’ – which included creativity, independent businesses and the community. • The key places people singled out were the markets and Brixton Rec and there were also a number of comments in praise of Windrush Square.

“I love Brixton and any regeneration should be sensitive to the community vibe of Brixton - supporting independent shops and the markets rather than encouraging major high street chain retailers so that it looks like any other town centre.” Female Brixton owner occupier, aged 30-44

Brixton should support a diverse economy

This was a popular theme for people to comment on and 139 of the questionnaire respondents addressed issues around the town centre, business and jobs. People were particularly concerned about:

• Getting the right mix of retail in the town centre - including protecting the markets and the independent businesses that make Brixton special. • The affordability of employment space. • Providing jobs and training, particularly for young people.

“Encourage businesses to take on young people to train and give them Saturday/ weekend jobs otherwise where do they get experience and money from invest in economic programs aimed at the young there

4/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD should be work based workshops in the arches where they can pick up construction skills etc” Questionnaire respondent, not resident in Brixton

“It talks about encouraging more high street retailers - I'm not 100% against that but I think there should be a cap to how many we let in so as to keep the diversity of the area.” Urban75 contributor

Some respondents commented on the type of businesses that have done well in Brixton and which should be encouraged:

“Space for arts generally: arts related enterprises have been a major source of employment locally for the past dozen years. Workspace needs to be affordable, in order to retain creative enterprises in the area and encourage long-term economic revival…” Written representation by Brixton Neighbourhood Forum

The importance of social infrastructure

Comments on this theme were made by 66 of the questionnaire respondents and many of these were in support of Brixton Rec and the proposals for a new theatre (the new theatre was a separate discussion thread on Urban75). A number of comments focused on things for young people to do – some of these in praise of the temporary ice rink and asking about its future. Four comments from the questionnaire respondents were made about the need for more and better schools. An overview of the comments is:

• People, particularly young people, needed things to do and there was significant support for Brixton Rec, proposals for a new theatre and the temporary ice rink. • Social infrastructure, particularly school places, needs to be thought about in context of new residents and visitors that will be encouraged to the area,

“[I] don't often post here but would like to add my support for Oval House, who are a genuinely ethical organisation and have supported for decades local people and poorer people with an interest in theatre. I'd be thrilled to see them on that corner. Any ethical organisation working with locals and local young people needs all the support we can muster these days.” Urban75 contributor

“Focus is needed in dealing with gang crime, and to give young people with issues at home support. Funding should be focused on support groups and the Rec centre which has lots of activities which prevent them from getting in gangs and should be supported so they can keep them going.” Questionnaire respondent, female Brixton resident aged 16-19

Provide homes for all

There were mixed views on providing new homes and there were a large number of comments about how overcrowded Brixton felt already. The provision of affordable housing so that local people wouldn’t be priced out of Brixton was a key concern across all the consultation activity. The majority of people supporting additional housing were keen to prioritise genuinely affordable housing – with some specifying council housing. One query raised at the Brixton area Housing Forum was whether infill sites had been identified for additional housing.

• People who supported providing new homes wanted these to be affordable and were concerned about existing residents being priced out of Brixton. • People were concerned about Brixton being overcrowded as it is and keen to make sure that existing homes and social infrastructure were improved. • Empty homes and brownfield sites should be considered for the provision of new homes. • Existing homes need to be brought up to a better standard.

5/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

“I think that more homes would have a significant impact on the already overcrowed public transport and serivces so needs to be thought about carefully.” Questionnaire respondent, Black female owner occupier, aged 45-59

“I also see a big need for social housing and for truly affordable housing and renting. Brixton property prices and rents are going through the roof and the community is suffering as private developers and landlords can charge what they like. The diversity we are all so proud of is slowly being squeezed out.” Questionnaire respondent, unemployed female, renting privately

“I've lived in the area for over 20 years. I feel population density has reached saturation point.” Questionnaire respondent, white Brixton owner occupier, aged 45-59

Improve access and connections

This was the most popular theme to comment on for questionnaire respondents (165) and about half of comments included support for better cycling provision. Discussion about cycling provision also took place on social media.

• More detail needs to be provided as to how we can encourage cycling by making it easier and safer. • Improving access to and the attractiveness of the stations is important but improvements to the overground service (i.e. connecting with the Overground) would do more to encourage people to go by train. • Views were divided over the need for more town centre parking to support business against the need to encourage more sustainable transport. • Congestion was another big issue – on the roads and pavements. • Clear support for a high level platform at rail Station so that trains can stop at Brixton.

“It was foolish to allow Overground to be run between Denmark Hill and with no platforms built at Brixton for interchange to the . Installing such a facility should go hand-in-hand with a total refurbishment of the existing rail station to make Brixton a more inviting destination. I of course welcome the proposal to open up a more convenient entrance into the tube station.” 30-44 year old male Brixton visitor

“@FutureBrixton Your SPD is outdated and driver-centric. Make Brixton safer to cycle instead and end the insane daily private car gridlock.” Gwa_C via twitter

Respect local character

Sixty questionnaire respondents provided comments around this theme, which chimed with what people loved about Brixton.

• People were anxious that developments didn’t price existing residents or businesses out of the area or deliver benefits they could not take advantage of. • There was a fear of losing Brixton’s individuality and of the area becoming a generic town centre or a town centre with a transient population and no community. • Protecting Brixton ‘icons’, e.g. the market, Brixton Rec and the nuclear dawn mural were important demonstrations of respecting local character

“Brixton is still very culturally divided. Recent expansion of Brixton Village is attracting a lot of visitors with money to the area, but doesn’t seem to be used much by local people. Don’t let it expand any further, as it is pushing out the traditional market.” Questionnaire respondent, white female who lives and works in Brixton, aged 45-59

6/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

“I like the idea of the theatre moving to Brixton. If it were to move to that corner, I’d like it done in a way that doesn’t ruin the view of the mural. The mural is very important to lot of local people and is part of Brixton’s cultural history.” Urban75 contributor

Keep it safe

Included within this theme were comments about keeping the area clean and pleasant as well as comments about antisocial behaviour and crime. There were 58 questionnaire comments made under this theme.

• Antisocial behaviour, e.g. noise, street drinking and dog fouling, was a frequent complaint and a deterrent to people enjoying the town centre – solutions included better lighting and more police. • People still felt that crime or fear of crime in Brixton, particularly gangs and drugs may still put people off coming. • If everyone respected the local environment more and kept it cleaner and more attractive this would benefit businesses, residents and visitors and encourage people to keep it nice.

“Safer streets – especially at night – is really important to making people want to stay in Brixton.” Questionnaire respondent, male Brixton resident, aged 35-44

Sustainable Brixton

Sustainability in its broadest sense ran through many of the comments made. Those analysed under this theme were restricted to specific comments on use of energy, water and waste, as well as pollution. A relatively small number of very detailed comments were received from questionnaire respondents and sustainability was a key theme at the Transition Town Shared Space Event on 11 February 2013.

• More needed to be done to deter car use and encourage sustainable transport throughout the town centre, which would also have a positive impact on congestion, road safety, pollution and well being. • Green spaces, trees and space for allotments would help with pollution, water drainage and providing fresh food. • New developments need to be to highest sustainable standards, be carbon neutral and consider local integrated CHP systems. • Need to see innovation and sustainability in build quality of new buildings – ensuring highest standards.

“I would be thrilled to see more emphasis on "green" issues and less about major development. I think a magnificent idea would be to develop the idea of anaerobic digestion and which could create bio gas and electricity for the community of Brixton. This would reduce landfill, reduce green house gases, and create power for the community just by using the millions of tonnes of household and commercial food waste that we produce every year. It seems mad not to do this.” Questionnaire respondent, female part time worker, aged 45-59

Use every space

This theme covered the use of empty buildings as well as better use of public spaces. People generally liked the improvements to Windrush Square but felt there was still not enough open space, especially green space in the town centre. .

• There was support for bringing empty properties back to use, providing much needed space for homes and businesses and making the town centre more attractive.

7/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

• There were calls for more and better open spaces – these could be greener and better used for community events. Greenery didn’t need to be limited to open spaces and grass, however, and suggestions were made for hanging baskets and green rooftops.

“There isn't enough greenery either. There's a general impression of misuse and disrepair, whcih could be greatly improved with vertical gardens, trees etc...” Questionnaire respondent, 16-19 year old female

Make it happen

Comments considered under this theme included those concerning the area-specific proposals, community involvement and the boundary of the SPD itself.

• There were a number of comments asking for regeneration initiatives to cover areas outside the SPD boundary, including Acre Lane, Rushcroft Road, and . • There was some support for the regeneration ambitions but concern for more detail, including how things would be financed. • People wanted to know how the community could be involved.

“Future Brixton document is a bold vision, but it is just that, with few concrete proposals or timescales, or indeed indications of what funding is available.” Questionnaire respondent, white male, aged 30-44

Other

There was some discussion about tall buildings in relation to higher density living, urban design and access to light issues.

In addition, some comments criticised the content and format of the questionnaire. These felt that the questions were leading and offered no meaningful opportunity to comment. Comments on this issue will be useful in considering how best to consult on future planning policy.

3.3 Responses to individual questions

During the consultation 555 questionnaires were returned by freepost and online. The questionnaire formed part of a consultation booklet, which highlighted how we got to the draft SPD and the main proposals within it.

Whilst more open questions and engagement techniques had been used during the earlier stages of the development of the draft SPD, the 15 statements made as part of this questionnaire were designed to express the proposals in the draft SPD and to see whether people agreed or disagreed with them. There was also an opportunity to complete a freefield comment box and almost 70 per cent of respondents did supply additional comments.

In general, there was widespread agreement with the majority of statements (between 80 and 96% of respondents agreed with 9 out of the 15 statements).

8/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Fig 1. Overview of responses

The markets

Celebrating and investing in the markets; making sure everyone can enjoy Brixton safely in the evenings; and supporting independent businesses were the statements receiving most support (96%, 95% and 95% respectively).

"I am very happy with the proposals and am delighted by the development of Market Row at Brixton Village plus the Farmer’s Market and the Crafts Market. I hope that rents can be kept reasonable.” Questionnaire respondent, retired female owner occupier

Affordable rents in the market was a common theme and there was also suggestion that more attention should be given to the uses of individual stalls so that the market retained a retail-led core offer.

“There is nothing wrong with having some bars and cafés in a market area; they can add some variety and vibrancy. However, Brixton’s unique market character can only be preserved if it remains essentially a retail market. That is what needs to be clearly stated here in the vision for the markets.” Written response from Brixton Society

The high street

The most contentious statement was whether we should encourage high street retailers along Brixton Road. This statement had the highest percentage of people who disagreed with the proposal (36%) and seemed to go to the heart of a debate about Brixton’s identity.

9/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Fig 2. Q6 – Brixton needs to compete with other local town centres and needs a shopping area that encourages major high street retailers, particularly along Brixton Road

Base: all respondents (548) This issue polarised opinions and even within many of the sub groups views are evenly split for and against (see next diagram).

More than 100 additional comments were made on the subject by questionnaire respondents. Older residents, those renting from the council and from BME groups were more likely to support this proposal. Those renting privately, younger and working in Brixton were less likely to support this proposal. Those making providing additional comments were more likely to disagree with the proposal.

“It's vital that investment and support is given to local and independent business. If not. the major brand manes will move in and Brixton becomes Bromley, losing its character and it's creativity.” Brixton father, aged 45-59, mixed ethnic background

“Brixton is a great place to live in and visit. It needs to retain its cultural heritage and traditional connection with the Arts World. As well as the ethnic diversity of its people. These make Brixton attractive and this is why people come to shop or visit Brixton, its original character (see Dulwich, Clapham). Large retail outlets will destroy this orginality, Brixton cannot compete with Oxford Street…” Female Brixton resident aged 30-44 and renting from council

10/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Fig 3. Q6 by respondent profile

Base: various – those showing significant variation from the average *% agreeing/disagreeing not significant difference

Parking

Respondents were least likely to agree with providing additional town centre parking (52% agreeing) and comments were split on whether additional parking was needed to support the success of the town centre or whether sustainable transport solutions were needed as a longer term solution.

This issue led to a lot of variation in views (see graph below). Younger people and those that rent privately are least in favour of this measure with more disagreeing than agreeing. There seems to be evidence to suggest that the younger people were the less likely they would be to support this proposal. Social renters, people from BME groups, older people and those with an illness or disability are more in favour.

There were more than 30 people who provided additional comments about cars and parking and these were fairly evenly split between those who felt the success of the town centre depended on providing adequate places for shoppers to park and those who felt that the reliance on motorised transport had to be reduced.

“Brixton needs more car parking for visitors and shoppers. Local businesses are suffering since the multi- storey car park was closed.” Female Brixton owner occupier, aged 60-74

“I realise that a lot of residents and traders were unhappy about losing the car parking when the temp ice rink was built, but the market has coped fine without it. PLEASE resist the pressure to create more parking, it will only encourage car use. people must change their unsustainable habits.” Brixton businessman, aged 30-44

11/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Fig 4. Q5 – Increased off-street short stay parking will encourage more visitors to shop in the town centre

Base: various – those showing significant variation from the average More homes

Overcrowding was one reason for questionnaire respondents to disagree with new homes. The 56 per cent of respondents who agreed with the provision of significant levels of new housing were likely to prefer these to be affordable homes, many asking specifically for social rent. Those living in social housing and from BME groups were more likely to support proposals for new homes, whilst owner occupiers were less likely.

“I have put strongly agree around housing but only if this is affordable housing - the private market is too expensive even for those who work.” Woman working in Brixton and renting privately, aged 30-44

Access and connections

Overcrowding and congestion throughout the town centre were seen as significant barriers for getting around. Improving cycle parking and introducing a bike hire scheme to encourage cycling received agreement from 86 per cent of respondents. However, more than 80 respondents wrote additional comments about cycling and the majority of these suggested that the proposals hadn’t gone far enough or that they lacked detail.

“There is a strong need for better cycle provision - not just parking spaces. By this I mean clearly defined, traffic free cycle lanes to make it easier and safer for people like myself to come in to, and out of Brixton town centre. It's not good enough to have somewhere to leave a bicycle if there's no safe way to get in to the area in the first place.” Male Brixton visitor, aged 30-44

12/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

4.0 Who was involved

4.1 Community stakeholders

Community stakeholders, including tenants and residents associations, amenity groups and community groups, worked with urban design consultant, AMUP, and council officers to develop the thinking that underpins the SPD during phase 2. Forty local organisations were approached directly for initial comments and following this, three workshops were held (including a specific sustainability workshop) plus a feedback workshop. Over 60 people attended these workshops, representing a number of Brixton’s key local community and business organisations.

Community stakeholders were also more likely to attend the co-drafting workshops during phase 3 and a community stakeholder mailing list was kept informed of all activity around the SPD and asked to help promote the opportunities for people to get involved. Community stakeholders involved in the development of the SPD included:

• Brixton Society • Transition Town Brixton • Guinness Trust • Porden Road Residents Group • Brixton Pound • Brixton Neighbourhood Forum • Brixton Green • Brixton Rec Centre Users

Following concerns about the development of the Brixton Recreation Centre, regeneration officers attended a public meeting for Brixton Recreation Centre Users on 10 December 2012.

Community stakeholders were also asked to suggest meetings for us to attend as ‘mole events’ to discuss the draft SPD during the final consultation phase. We attended the following meetings:

• Young People’s Working Group – Tuesday 5 February • Brixton Area Housing Forum – Wednesday 6 February • Transition Town Brixton Shared Space Event – Monday 11 February

4.2 Ward councillors

As well as being important community stakeholders, ward councillors were also offered member briefings during the development of the SPD. Briefings took place on 6 March and 19 June 2012.

All members received the consultation mailout at the start of the statutory consultation period and many attended the stakeholder workshops during phase 2.

4.3 Businesses

The Future Brixton programme aims to create more jobs, training and business opportunities. Local businesses and business organisations were important stakeholders for the development of the SPD. A number of business organisations worked with AMUP and council officers to develop the draft principles for the SPD. Some of these also attended the general workshops in phase 3 and the co-drafting workshops in phase 4. These included:

13/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

• • Brick Box • Groupe Geraud • Lambeth Enterprise • Brixton Market Traders’ Federation

The consultation booklet and questionnaire was delivered to all businesses within the Brixton wards and flyers and posters were distributed to businesses in the town centre. Some businesses also agreed to let us have roadshows on their premises – Tesco, Morley’s and the Ritzy.

4.4 Harder-to-reach groups

Engagement with traditionally harder-to-reach groups, such as young people and older people, focused on face-to-face engagement activity – going to where people congregate and attending meetings where possible.

Roadshow at Tesco supermarket, Acre Lane

Two roadshow sessions were specifically designed to target older people – the Ritzy during the silver screenings afternoon and a Warm and Well Event at the Accord Centre, part of a programme to ensure older people are looked after during the winter.

The Warm and Well event was organised by Lambeth Resolve which is an advocacy service provided by four local charities: Disability Advice Service Lambeth (DASL), Age UK Lambeth, Royal Association for Deaf People, and Mencap The advocates work with disabled and older people to help them to obtain the services, support and safeguarding necessary to lead the lives they want to lead and to be a part of their local communities.

Church groups invited to meet with us did not request any further information or specific meetings.

During the formal consultation we arranged to attend a Young People’s Workshop through the Young Lambeth Cooperative, and discussed the SPD with nine young people between the ages of 10 and 19. The roadshow session at Morley’s took place by the MAC concession counter on Friday 8 February between

14/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

3pm and 6pm. This was designed to target teenagers leaving school and before they went out. The roadshow session during half term at the Brixton Recreation Centre was also designed to target schoolchildren and their families.

A variety of digital engagement tools were used to encourage wider engagement, particularly among younger people, during the consultation. We had a twitter account (@FutureBrixton), a facebook page, and a dedicated website (www.futurebrixton.org). The website received 6,634 views during the consultation and received 16 comments. The @FutureBrixton tweets reached a potential audience of 34,157. We also monitored local online forums and twitter mentions and included comments made as consultation feedback (total of 32 comments).

With both roadshow events and online engagement it is difficult to collect accurate demographic data. Anecdotally we spoke to 950 people at roadshow events during the formal consultation, which represented a good mix of demographic groups. Roadshows at Tesco, Brixton Recreation Centre and the Warm and Well Event were considered most successful for engaging harder-to-reach groups.

Although visitors to roadshow events and online were all encouraged to complete questionnaires, the respondent profile is not representative of the Brixton SPD area. Overall the questionnaire findings should be seen in the context of the respondent profile, which had a high proportion of White British people (60%), home owners (61%) and people living in Brixton (66%).

4.5 Residents

A range of events and other engagement opportunities were developed and promoted to local residents and businesses. Community stakeholders were asked to help with the promotion of these opportunities and anyone was welcome to invite us to a community meeting to attend – as Transition Town Brixton did. What we did and how successful it was is discussed in the following sections of this report.

The dedicated website – www.futurebrixton.org – was the hub for all information during the formal consultation period, hosted the online questionnaire and provided space for people to comment directly on the draft SPD. Prior to this, we published a googledoc on the Lambeth Council website for people to help us draft the SPD online (as well as at co-drafting workshops).

A door drop delivery of more than 30,000 summary booklets was the starting point for informing residents of the formal consultation and included a questionnaire with a freepost address.

In addition, the council uses a database to regularly update interested parties on regeneration in Brixton and provides a mechanism for feedback on an ongoing basis. Over 900 people were registered on this database.

4.6 Landowners and developers

Major landowners in Brixton Town centre were informed and some involved in the development of the Brixton SPD, meetings and drafting workshops included representation from some landowners.

4.7 Strategic partners

Various meetings were held with strategic partners to discuss the Brixton SPD. Greater London Authority, Network Rail and are keen to pursue joint working with Lambeth council. The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum welcomed a presentation about the SPD and provided further comments and suggestions during the coproduction the SPD.

15/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

5.0 How were people involved?

5.1 Phase 1: The Brixton Masterplanning process

Full details of the Brixton Masterplanning process are contained in the Brixton Masterplan Consultation and Engagement Summary Report (June 2008). Activity included questionnaire, workshops, market stall events, roadshows, vox pops film, schools creative workshop and focus groups. Over 1,500 completed questionnaires were received (525 of these through on-street interviews).

5.2 Phase2: Development of draft principles (February to August 2012)

Meetings A series of one-to-one meetings between AMUP and internal and strategic stakeholders and landowners.

Stakeholder correspondence An email and letter was sent to strategic stakeholders and landowners setting out the background and scope of the SPD and outlining emerging principles. Recipients were asked to provide comments via email.

Workshops Five workshops were held during this phase: • 2 x general community workshops – 28 June and 4 July 2012 • Sustainability workshop – 20 June 2012 • Youth Group workshop – July 2012 • Stakeholder feedback workshop – 1 August 2012

The workshops during this phase were aimed at key local community and business organisations. They provided an opportunity to review how Brixton is changing, the draft principles agreed by Cabinet in February and to begin to identify the issues and opportunities for regeneration in Brixton.

Market stalls Three separate market stall events were held in Brixon town centre during the summer of 2012: • Thursday 19 July at Tunstall Road • Saturday 21 July at Windrush Square • Tuesday 24 July at Electric Avenue

These market stall events were arranged as an opportunity to engage the general public and provide an opportunity to hear views on what local people thought about the future of Brixton, what they already loved about the town centre, what needed addressing and where change should be focused.

16/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Market stall at Windrush Square

5.3 Phase 3: Co-drafting of the Brixton SPD (August-September 2012)

Online drafting of the Brixton SPD A form of online co-drafting was requested through the general workshops. On 23 August 2012 a work-in- progress googledoc was uploaded to Lambeth Borough Council’s SPD web pages. This allowed anyone to add comments and express their views on the on-going SPD process. It provided a space for conversation and review that could reach many more people than could attend the workshop sessions.

More than 170 comments were received through the googledoc (although it should be noted that some individuals made a number of comments). As the document developed these comments were logged and helped to guide the evolution of the SPD.

Drafting workshops Two workshops were held on 11 and 18 September 2012 at the Karibu Centre on Gresham Road. The workshops were open to all members of the public, were advertised on the Council’s Future Brixton website and notice was given of these workshops to all parties on the Council’s Future Brixton database. More than 20 people attended these workshops, the purpose of which was to review the emerging SPD document and reflect on the overarching strategy.

The workshops were specifically designed as an opportunity for those who were not able to access the online co-production document to be able to contribute. A large format draft of the then SPD content was spread out across tables and participants were invited to annotate and comment on the draft content.

17/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

5.4 Phase 4: Statutory consultation on draft SPD October to November 2013 (4 February 2013 to 15 March 2013)

Summary booklet and questionnaire The draft SPD was summarised in a 10-page booklet, which was distributed to all households and businesses in the four Brixton wards touched by the draft SPD area - Coldharbour, Ferndale, Brixton Hill and – along with , which is also a Brixton ward. This was a total of 30,174 addresses.

A self-completion questionnaire was attached to the booklet and a freepost address provided. The questionnaire tested people’s attitudes to 15 key propositions contained within the SPD. These were designed to highlight the key themes and prompt discussion. A free field section was also provided and people were encouraged to complete this or send written responses separately by email or freepost.

Posters, flyers and copies of the booklet were distributed to cafes, shops and community spaces in the Brixton area including Brixton Recreation Centre, Costa, Starbucks, KFC, Carphone Warehouse, San Marino, Mothercare, TK Maxx, Bernardo’s corner and Ferndale Centre.

555 completed questionnaires were received, 175 of these were completed online. Move than 67% of questionnaire respondents (372) provided additional information in the free field section of the questionnaire. Some of the top level findings are included in Section 3 of this report and a separate report detailing feedback is available online.

Front cover of consultation booklet and questionnaire

18/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Statutory consultation mailout In accordance with regulations, a mailout was sent at the start of the consultation period to a range of statutory consultees, who had been asked whether they were prepared to accept correspondence via email.

In accordance with regulations, a mailout was sent at the start of the consultation period to a range of statutory consultees. In total 2,199 notifications were sent to consultee groups (1,281 of these were via email) and 347 notifications were sent to individual consultees (81 of these were via email). A list of groups and organisations is published online. In total, 49 written responses were made to the consultation not via the questionnaire. The comments received have been organised by theme and included in the table in Appendix 1.

The mailout contained a letter outlining the consultation, a copy of the summary booklet and questionnaire, and a survey to update their contact information. The emails contained the same information using links.

Copies available at local libraries According to statutory regulations, copies of the SPD and supporting documentation were available to read and view at the following locations: • All Lambeth libraries • Lambeth Town Hall • Council office reception, Phoenix House • Online at www.futurebrixton.org

Printed copies were distributed on request.

Copies of the summary booklet and questionnaire were also available at each of the locations above. Exhibition material was provided for Lambeth Town Hall and Phoenix House, posters and a posting box were also provided at Brixton Library to draw people’s attention to the consultation and to make it as easy as possible to respond.

Advertising A public notice was published in the Lambeth Weekender on 8 February 2013, in accordance with statutory regulations. A display advert was also published in the February edition of the Brixton Bugle which is a hyperlocal newspaper distributed at Brixton tube station and across the town centre. An online advert was displayed on the home page of Brixton (which had almost 49,000 unique visitors during the consultation period).

Display advert published in Brixton Bugle

19/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Exhibition and drop in sessions Regeneration officers were available to discuss the draft SPD at four drop-in sessions, which took place in Lambeth Town Hall at the draft Brixton SPD exhibition:

• Tuesday 12 February, 3pm to 5pm • Thursday 14 February, 6pm to 8pm • Wednesday 27 February, 6pm to 8pm • Thursday 28 February, 1pm to 3pm

These were publicised in the summary booklet, on the website and through the other promotional material identified below. Visitors were encouraged to make written representations and complete questionnaires but notes were also taken of any discussions to feed into the consultation.

The timing of the sessions was varied to allow for people who were working in Brixton and could come on a lunch break, who might be working further afield and would need to come in the evening or who might be able to come after collecting children from school.

Fourteen people took advantage of the drop-in sessions and these were from a spread of ages and backgrounds. A separate report detailing feedback is available online

‘Mole’ events We took advantage of a number of pre-arranged community and residents meetings to raise awareness of the consultation and engage with local people. We identified three meetings and used the mailing lists to ask people to let us know if they wanted us to attend any other meetings during the consultation period. Transition Town Brixton took us up on this offer and the list of ‘mole’ events attended is as follows:

Approximately 43 people attended were engaged through the ‘mole’ events and a separate report detailing feedback is available online.

Roadshows

Roadshow at Brixton Recreation Centre

20/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Roadshow locations were chosen to be in areas of high footfall and at a variety of times to appeal to a wide variety of audiences (both geographical and demographic). In addition, we wanted to target some audiences highlighted by the Equalities Panel – such as older people and younger people.

• Friday 8 February, Morley’s department store (3pm to 6pm) • Monday 11 February, Tesco, Acre Lane (11am to 2pm) • Thursday 14 February, Ritzy (12 noon to 3pm) • Wednesday 20 February, Brixton Recreation Centre (2pm to 5.30pm) • Thursday 21 February, Accord Well and Warm Event (10.30am to 3pm).

Roadshows were staffed by officers working on the project who could respond to queries and encourage people to respond to the consultation via the questionnaire or general written comments. Comments made through discussion during the roadshows were also noted more generally and anecdotal feedback is included in this report.

Each roadshow involved two or three officers next to a Future Brixton pull-up banner. At the final two events a large Future Brixton banner that displayed a map of the SPD area was used also. Each roadshow also included copies of the SPD itself and lots of summary booklets.

About 950 people were engaged with overall through the roadshows and, although based on anecdotal evidence, this formed a good balanced cross section of local people. A separate report detailing feedback is provided as available online.

Future Brixton website The Future Brixton website was the primary resource for our digital engagement and it provided all the documentation for the draft SPD, an online questionnaire, an opportunity to comment direct and further information about the Future Brixton programme. Providing links to various , forums and partner sites, the website was intended as a hub for discussion about the draft SPD.

The website had a total of 6,634 views during the consultation period and averaged 162 views per day. Sixteen comments were made directly onto the website and 175 people chose to complete the questionnaire online. A separate report on digital engagement is available on the website.

Future Brixton website homepage

21/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Other digital engagement The @FutureBrixton twitter account tweeted 49 times during the consultation, mainly to promote consultation events. Set up just prior to the start of the consultation, it managed to attract 243 followers by the close of the consultation. Twenty-one followers re-tweeted information, which extended its reach to 34,157 (this is the combined number of followers of the 21 accounts who re-tweeted). In addition, @FutureBrixton referred 221 people to the website.

Facebook was mainly used as a presence so that we would be there if people looked for us and could refer visitors to the website. In total 120 people came to the Future Brixton website from the facebook page.

Four Future Brixton email updates were sent to the mailing list during the statutory consultation. This list contained 995 recipients.

Monitoring and linking to other online forums and blogs was another method used to promote the consultation and encourage a conversation about the draft Brixton SPD. We had a paid for online advert on the Brixton Blog homepage throughout the consultation and the blog covered the SPD itself. Three discussions were held on Urban 75 and links were made to Brixton Green and Brixton Society . In total 483 referrals came to futurebrixton.org from these sites.

All comments from any of the above media were taken and analysed as consultation feedback and further detail is available in the digital engagement report, which is available online.

Promotion Raising awareness and promoting the consultation was critical if we were to achieve a high rate of involvement. The mass mailout of the summary booklet was the primary ‘push’ method and, based on the resident survey, still the most popular way for residents to find out about the work of the council.

In addition we tried to use community networks and digital tools, such as twitter and email, as much as possible – to get people talking about the issues.

The Future Brixton website (linked to from the council’s website) was the focus for information and frequent email updates, tweets, and online news stories sought to drive people to the website.

The range of promotional activity included: • The futurebrixton.org website • The Future Brixton facebook page • Tweets from @FutureBrixton @LambethRegen and @Lambeth_council • Email updates to the Future Brixton mailing list, linking to online detail of all activity. • Online banner advert on Brixton Blog • Article and advert in February edition of Brixton Bugle • Public notice in The Weekender • Article in February edition of Lambeth Talk • Plasma screen adverts in Lambeth Council customer centres • News item in Enterprise enewsletters • Flyers distributed around the town centre

22/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

Public notice in The Weekender

6.0 Participation and evaluation

It should be remembered that the development of the draft SPD started with the masterplanning process in 2007 and is part of an ongoing conversation with Brixton residents, businesses and visitors.

The more recent engagement started with a focus on key stakeholders (through a number of workshops in phase 2) and opened this out into a collaborative drafting process (phase 3). These methods relied on people being aware and interested and so the market stall events and communication activity attempted to broaden interest and promote the formal consultation in phase 4.

During the formal consultation, there were 555 completed questionnaires received by the closing date. This represented a response rate of 1.84% given that 30,152 were distributed through letterboxes in the five Brixton wards. For a self-completion questionnaire, this was a comparable, response rate than for the draft SPD consultation undertaken in Autumn 2012.

Although response rates are a useful indicator of participation, it may be argued that a quality response (one that is well considered) is more useful for the consultation. More than 370 questionnaire respondents (67%) supplied additional comment. These have allowed us to analyse issues of obvious concern in greater detail than would otherwise have been possible.

In addition, approximately 1,000 people were engaged through face-to-face methods during the consultation and 32 online comments were harvested from various social networks.

One of the aims for the consultation was to ‘to proactively consult with the whole community on the draft SPD’. Although the questionnaire was one of many methods used during the consultation it was the only one whereby we could accurately collect demographic data to see whether respondents did represent people living in the SPD area. Almost 95% of questionnaire respondents completed all demographic questions.

23/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD

For the purposes of this analysis ‘Brixton’ is made up of Coldharbour, Ferndale, Brixton Hill and Tulse Hill wards. The ward data used is from the 2011 Census. Overall, the respondent profile did not reflect the demographic profile of Brixton, although it should be remembered that 34% of respondents did not live in Brixton.

The sample differs from the age profile of the area in terms of over representing people age 30 to 74 and under representing younger people age 16 to 29. For example, 45 per cent of respondents were aged 30- 44, whereas this age group represents 29 per cent of Brixton residents. Eleven questionnaire respondents were aged 19 or under.

The sample is very over represented in terms of White British people and underrepresented in terms of Black or Black British African or Caribbean people, who are underrepresented by about half. White ‘other’ was reasonably well represented (17% of sample and 19% of Brixton population). This group is made up of Europeans and North Americans.

There is a big disparity between the number of owner occupiers responding to the questionnaire (64%) and the number living in Brixton (24%). Conversely those renting were under represented, particularly those renting from the council or a housing association.

The sample is slightly under represented in terms of people with a disability or long term illness (53 respondents). For the reasons given above, the findings should be seen in the context of the respondent profile, which had a high proportion of White British people (60%), home owners (61%) and people living in Brixton (66%).

Overall, a high percentage of all respondents agreed with the majority of the statements reflecting the proposals within the draft Brixton SPD. Respondents were less sure about the area-specific proposals and the three most contentious issues concerned new homes, high street retail and town centre parking.

Interestingly, within these three contentious issues there were different views between some of the demographic groups that were under represented.

Those living in social housing and from BME groups and renting privately were more likely to support proposals for new homes. Although it should be noted from the comments that people supporting new homes were likely to prefer the provision of affordable homes.

Those living in social housing and from BME groups were also more likely to support proposals for additional town centre parking and encouraging major high street retailers.

Those with an illness or disability were much more likely to support proposals for additional town centre parking and encouraging major high street retailers.

In terms of those groups that were over represented in the sample, owner occupiers were less likely to support proposals for new homes and White British people were less likely to support proposals for additional town centre parking.

Outreach work consisted of a number of roadshow events that, anecdotally, engaged almost 1,000 people, many of whom would not traditionally engage in planning policy consultation. Notes were made so that conversations could feed back into the consultation, but visitors were encouraged to complete questionnaire. This obviously had limited success in ensuring the respondent profile in this instance was representative.

For more contentious issues and particularly as projects develop it will be important to ensure the views of groups under represented in this consultation are heard.

24/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Appendix 1: Thematic overview of consultation feedback and responses by theme

Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD People love People loved the Brixton ‘vibe’ – The Vision Statement in the SPD states that: Brixton will be proud of its history, Brixton which included creativity, independent comfortable with its present and ambitious for its future. It will reject the ordinary, the businesses and the community lower quality and standard forms of new development. The key places people singled out were the markets and Brixton Rec Brixton will be a thriving town centre that meets the aspirations of all its inhabitants, and there were also a number of providing a wide range of high quality and affordable housing, access to a mix of retail comments in praise of Windrush and leisure facilities, high quality public realm, and open space. Its rich cultural Square diversity and heritage will drive the expansion of the arts and creative industries.

The re-energising of its cultural spaces, attractions, business space, and markets together will transform Brixton into an iconic destination that is welcoming and safe for all. Brixton will prosper economically for the benefit of its local community. What can be done to celebrate the The area's unique heritage will be explored further through the ongoing work contribution from African and associated with Lambeth’s Community Hubs, the opening of the Black Heritage Centre Caribbean communities and the at Raleigh Hall and Brixton's current Heritage Lottery Bid. unique offer of the outdoor market? Need to celebrate heritage more generally Brixton should Need to get the right mix of retail in The Economic vision in the SPD states that: Brixton will consolidate its role as one of support a the town centre and prevent clusters London’s most distinctive town centres, realising the economic value of each of its diverse (e.g. of phone shops or money unique selling points. A buoyant retail and cultural offer will generate employment for economy lenders or estate agents) local people whilst new visitors will be attracted to the area’s facilities.

New business space will allow businesses to flourish, whilst new education facilities will reinforce Brixton’s reputation as one of London’s most dynamic locations; a new type of metropolitan centre for London.

Interventions to support Brixton’s key shopping streets alongside the growth in larger multiple retailers should be matched by growth in independent retail. Through improvements to existing streets, improved shop fronts, better visual marketing and more effective use of railway arches, smaller retailers should be encouraged to locate and grow in Brixton. Need to protect the markets and the The Economic Strategy in the Brixton wide strategies section states that Brixton's independent businesses that make Street Market is a very important feature in the town which is fundamental in Brixton special – don’t want a generic, establishing the unique character of the town. The Council will work with relevant bland town centre partners to continue to manage the success of the street market - but its role in attracting visitors to the town and in creating job opportunities for local people, and in meeting the day to day shopping needs of the local population are all recognised

25/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD The SPD emphasises the importance of protecting the character of the town centre and the unique contribution which the markets make to this character.

The covered markets are listed buildings and therefore have considerably more protection that most other buildings in the town centre. The important role the markets play as an incubator for new businesses – opportunities to further emphasise this role and encourage business startup and development through the markets will be supported. Big brands may disrupt this balance The Economic Strategy in the Brixton wide strategies section states that a balanced and price out the independents and local economy is one of Brixton's strengths with a healthy mix of local businesses and destroy Brixton’s character established high street names. The SPD acknowledges this and seeks to protect and build on these existing strengths. Brixton Road is the town’s commercial high street and is the focus for larger national retailers.

Large retailers are important to the economic success of Brixton town centre and opportunities to provide additional more appropriate spaces to accommodate them will be important. Where possible larger existing floor areas capable of attracting these retailers should be protected and maintained. Need affordable retail and business The SPD has an emphasis on the provision of affordable workspace throughout, rents – particular concern about including as part of the vision and the economic strategy, as well as a site-specific market rents – what can the council proposal, at section 4.4.2, for new flexible and affordable floorspace within the SW2 do and how can we ensure space in Enterprise Centre and surrounding area new developments is affordable Need to provide jobs and training, The Economic Strategy para 3.3.4 states: Targeted intervention to enable particularly for young people participation and wellbeing Supporting economic growth and the participation of the local population should not be seen as a mutually exclusive activity. It is important, that partners recognise that there is a sizeable cohort of the population in and around the town centre who will need support to participate in the opportunities Brixton clearly provides.

By encouraging locally derived economic activity and addressing some of the fundamental and on-going issues of deprivation and worklessness within the Brixton’s hinterland, development should deliver higher quality, more sustainable outcomes for local people and the economy as a whole. Need to retain existing space for The benefits of these uses and positive contribution that they have made to the local artists and creative in the town centre, economy and character of the town is acknowledged. Support for their retention in any particularly the arches redevelopment proposals coming forward on the land between the viaducts is included in the SPD para 4.2.4. The importance People, particularly young people, The Vision states: the re-energising of its cultural spaces, attractions, business space, of social need things to do and markets together will transform Brixton into an iconic destination that is welcoming infrastructure and safe for all. Brixton will prosper economically for the benefit of its local community.

26/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD

The SPD Principle g explains a commitment to delivering improved community, leisure and cultural facilities Opportunities will be explored to improve leisure and community facilities, which are beacons for culture and sport and where all ages can come together and access a range of opportunities. Increasing local school capacity is also important in meeting the infrastructure needs of a growing population.

Economic Development strategy - The role of the markets in the evening economy needs to be fully explored with discussion around how these activities can support the dual aims of a vibrant, lively centre and one which is family-friendly.

Support for the Rec – where it is but SPD principle "g" says "Opportunities will be explored to improve leisure and desire for improvements community facilities…." The area strategy for Brixton Central key issues point 3 states: "The need to improve and enhance leisure and community facilities in the centre of Brixton including the need to improve access for all communities. The historical and cultural importance of the present Brixton Recreation Centre to the community is recognised and it will be retained and refurbished"

The strategy" point 4. states "Ensuring leisure, cultural and community provision in the centre of Brixton is enhanced to continue to provide a high quality and wide ranging offer for all ages, people and communities meets the needs of a growing population".

The SPD underlines the Council's ongoing commitment to retaining the Brixton Recreation Centre. This important and popular leisure facility in the heart of Brixton will be refurbished. A number of the issues that will be explored over the coming year with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Ward Councillors and the local community will include:

• How the existing site contributes towards the growth of culture, creative and leisure based enterprises • Increasing the visitor economy • The physical regeneration opportunities at the vacant Popes Road site.

Support for the temporary ice rink and The temporary ice rink was opened as a temporary provision whilst construction of the some people wanting it to stay in permanent ice facility was taking place on the Streatham Hub site. This structure is due Brixton to be decommissioned when the permanent structure formally opens to the public.

Core Strategy Policy PN3 supports development on this site and surrounding land to provide mixed use residential, retail, food and drink, town centre car parking, cycle storage and community uses and public realm improvements. The site is suitable for

27/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD commercial and community uses appropriate in this town centre location. Support for a new theatre, particularly 4.3.2 The strategy for the Somerleyton Road area Ovalhouse, with its work with local The key components are: 1. Introduce a major new cultural facility at the northern end residents and young people of Somerleyton Road, addressing Coldharbour Lane and Brixton Village. This would generate new activity and create new opportunities for local employment. Social infrastructure, particularly SPD principles include "g - Delivering improved community, leisure and cultural school places, needs to be thought facilities. Increasing local school capacity is also important in meeting the infrastructure about in context of new residents and needs of a growing population". visitors that will be encouraged into the area SPD has been prepared in consultation Children and Young People's Services within the Council who have provided advice relating to the position which should be taken regarding school places. The issues are identified under Principle 1.5g. This issue is being addressed as the Borough prepares for the introduction of a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) regime. Provide homes Most people who expressed support Affordable housing policies are contained in the Core Strategy and will be relevant for all for new homes wanted these to be in the management of new development proposals in Brixton. The SPD can only genuinely affordable – with calls for supplement and not alter policy and therefore reflects the current adopted policy social and council housing position on affordable housing. People were concerned about Brixton Section 3 Brixton wide strategies address growth, increasing capacity and being overcrowded already and with infrastructure, through the Land Use Strategy, underutilised land in Brixton is a scarce infrastructure not able to support resource. It is important to ensure the best use is made of development sites as they increased density come forward. This land use strategy identifies a number of character areas within Brixton and puts forward the most appropriate land uses for these areas. The following strategies in the SPD address growth & capacity: Area Strategies, Economic Development Strategy, Public realm & Cycling Strategy, Transport & Movement Strategy, and the Energy, Waste and Water Strategy. Empty homes and brownfield sites Area Strategies in the SPD consider brownfield sites and empty homes for should be considered first for the development as land in Brixton is a scarce resource. provision of new homes Existing homes need to be brought up Lambeth’s Housing Strategy 2012 – 2016 includes the Lambeth Housing Standard to better standard first this aims to will improve the quality of Lambeth homes. Has the council considered smaller The council has a Small Sites Programme; currently there are no identified sites in infill sites within estates as places to Brixton. put new homes? Improve access More detail needs to be provided as Area Strategies - LBL will be preparing a brief to progress a public realm strategy for and to how we can encourage cycling by Brixton town centre in the coming months. connections making it easier and safer. Suggestions included better and Public Realm & Cycling Strategy states that a priority for this Public Realm & separated cycle lanes, improved Cycling Strategy will be the delivery of improvements orientated towards cyclists and junctions (particularly Coldharbour pedestrians in the town centre. Lane/Acre Lane), reducing car access

28/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD to side streets. The Council has considered restricting vehicular access to certain streets in order to give greater priority to walking and cycling. The preparation of the SPD has given the opportunity to consider an area wide strategy and it is proposed, as noted, that Atlantic Road be closed to some vehicles at certain times. These opportunities will be considered further in the forthcoming dedicated Public Realm Strategy for Brixton.

Improving access to and the The Public Realm & Cycling Strategy states that entrance, attractiveness of both stations is arcade and platforms improvements will consider re-paving pedestrian surfaces, important. significant enhancements to the arcade including new lighting and better access to platforms, and modern train user facilities on the platforms.

The Council recognises the need for developers to contribute towards transport infrastructure improvements such as these, and ongoing partnership work with Network Rail and Transport for London. Lots of support to connect Brixton This is an issue acknowledged in the draft SPD under 4.2.4 Brixton Railway Station. station with London Overground – This is a long term aspiration which the Council continue to hold. Progress on this why hasn’t this been done already opportunity will be through close and ongoing joint working with Network Rail which is and need to lobby for a much better reflected in the SPD. connected service to encourage people to use train. Many people wanted more town The Economic Strategy - The importance of parking is supporting the economic centre parking to support businesses, vitality of the centre is acknowledged. A range of comments have been made relating particularly the market to parking and other transport issues and a range of amendments are being proposed Many people did not agree with extra to take account of these comments. No specific changes are proposed in light of this car parking and wanted to encourage comment but greater priority will be given, through amendments to the SPD, to the more sustainable transport promotion of sustainable modes of transport. The Public Realm & Cycling Strategy states that - The Council will consider car parking to meet identified needs. Town centre parking is recognised as important for town centre vitality and viability, as supported by London Plan Policy 6.13, and a lack of town centre car parking space has already been recognised as an issue for Brixton town centre. It is important to get the balance right between providing for the public parking needs of the town to support shops and other businesses and promoting sustainable modes of travel. Congestion on the roads was The issue of bus stops and their relationship with the pavement and nearby businesses highlighted, particularly with all the will be considered in greater detail through the preparation of a dedicated public realm bus stops & cycling strategy. Location and impact of congestions at bus stations to be included in the brief for the Public Realm & Cycling strategy Congestion on the pavements was Section 3 Brixton wide strategies - A coherent and co-ordinated public realm highlighted, particularly for disabled strategy is proposed to improve the environmental quality of the town centre. Key and elderly. The bus stops seemed to principles include quality and sustainable design and materials; removing street clutter;

29/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD be the most identified problem and improved and clear way finding signage (cf Legible London) including to key suggestions to resolve this included attractions; safety enhancing measures including street lighting; creative lighting; the longer bus stops and queue lanes. introduction of street furniture including seating, where appropriate; rapid response graffiti removal and deterrents; greening, including street tree planting (where possible); traffic calming measures; and so on.

The aim is to facilitate movement; improve the visitor experience and attract further investment. Respect local People were anxious that Economic Development strategy – encourages new partnerships for targeted character developments didn’t price existing delivery and states the need to: work with RSLs and civic society partners to engage residents or businesses out of the and re-engage with the local population in Brixton and . Seek to deliver area or deliver benefits they could not targeted one to one and whole family interventions to address persistent barriers to take advantage of. work and participation in training. Brixton would lose its character if it Economic Development strategy 3.3.2 Actions and interventions – cross cutting lost its community – don’t want a principles -As projects are delivered within Brixton, it will be important that this is done transient community (i.e. just buy to in line with the objectives of the SPD as a whole. Specifically, there are a number of lets) principles which should be borne in mind as projects are developed: Brixton’s unique image should be at the heart of its economic development – the aspiration should be to create a business and visitor location of genuine individuality. There was a fear of losing Brixton’s All development that takes place within the SPD area should consider any likely impact individuality and of the area becoming on the historic environment and enhance the setting and appearance of individual or like a generic town centre groups of heritage assets, both within and adjoining the area. Protecting Brixton’s ‘icons’ – e.g. the The Brixton central area strategy 4.2.1 states that the historical and cultural market, Brixton Rec and the nuclear importance of the existing Brixton Recreation Centre to the community is recognised dawn mural and it will be retained and refurbished

4.3.2 The strategy for the Somerleyton Road area recognises the history of the area, in particular the locally listed Carlton Mansions and Nuclear Dawn mural and consider how this building can be part of any new development. Keep it safe Antisocial behaviour and street crime Area Strategy 4.1.1 - The Council encourages early engagement with the local Crime was raised as a deterrent to people Prevention Design Advisor and reference should be made to the guidance available on enjoying the town centre – solutions the www.securedbydesign.com website. Economic Development strategy included better lighting and more police Problems relating to increased Area Strategies – The Council recognises the importance of managing evening and nigthtime economy, e.g. noise, night time uses and protecting residential amenity. Economic Development strategy drunkenness and litter, were - The role of the markets in the evening economy needs to be fully explored with complained about. discussion around how these activities can support the dual aims of a vibrant, lively People still felt that crime or fear of centre and one which is family-friendly. crime in Brixton, particularly gangs and drugs may still put people off

30/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD coming. Litter and dog fouling was a common Public Realm & Cycling Strategy 3.4- the issue of refuse and the management of complaint and some people felt that if trade waste will be considered as the brief emerges for a dedicated public realm everyone (including business owners) strategy for the town centre. respected the local environment more and kept it cleaner and more attractive then this would benefit everyone and encourage people to keep it nice. Sustainable More needed to be done to deter car Transport & Movement Strategy Objectives- The transport and movement strategy Brixton use and encourage sustainable aims to promote sustainable travel in Brixton through: • Making walking and cycling to transport throughout the town centre, and through Brixton as safe and pleasant as possible by improving the network of which would also have a positive streets and footpaths; Upgrading the mainline railway station and improving impact on congestion, road safety, interchange between the various forms of public transport; and.• Providing short stay pollution and well being car parking to meet identified Green spaces, trees, flowers and Energy, Water and Waste Strategy under Section 3.6 outlines a number of issues space for allotments would help with and opportunities which address many of the points made here and will be relevant as pollution, water drainage and key sites come forward for development. The Council recognises that all these issues providing fresh food are important, not only in Brixton but across the Borough.

New developments need to be In line with Lambeth's Sustainable Design and Construction SPD and in the spirit of the innovative and of highest build One Planet Living principles, the SPD aims to promote self sufficiency in terms of the standards energy, water and waste. This will help to maintain the town as a thriving commercial Need to consider local energy centre. The SPD outlines a framework for the infrastructure required to underpin this solutions – e.g. CHP aspiration. Use every Support for bringing empty properties The SPD encourages the use of upper floors, including for residential use. This is space back to use, providing much needed something that will be a particular focus for the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for Brixton space and making the town centre town centre. more attractive Calls for more and better open Public Realm & Cycling Strategy 3.4 - improvements to open space, including green spaces – these could be greener and space, as part of any public enhancements and a dedicated public realm strategy for better and used for community events Brixton will be forthcoming Greenery and planting shouldn’t be Energy, Water and Waste Strategy - The Council recognises that all these issues are limited to open spaces – need to important, not only in Brixton but across the Borough. consider hanging baskets, green rooftops, etc. Support for green roofs is included under 3.6.2 Make it happen A number of comments asked for The boundary of the SPD was agreed at Cabinet at an early stage and is considered to SPD to cover Acre Lane, Rushcroft be appropriate given the distribution of the major development opportunities in an Road, Loughborough Junction and around the town. Areas outside of the SPD boundary such as Acre Lane and Streatham Loughborough Junction may be considered to be appropriate for Neighbourhood Plans.

31/32 20130529 Consultation Report for Brixton SPD Theme Comment overview Response and reflection in the SPD Need more detail on ambitions and Delivery Mechanisms – para 5.5 The emphasis for delivery of the SPD and, in projects, including how things would particular, the Future Brixton programme, will be on the basis of partnership and be financed collaborative working. Site specific projects will be developed with coproduction opportunities, awareness raising, promotion, consultation, with the Future Brixton website as the primary resource for digital engagement.

Given the long term nature of the strategy, it remains important that the SPD has the flexibility to respond to changing market circumstances, particularly as initial phases of development are brought forward, and perceptions of (and values within) the Brixton area begin to change. How can the community be involved – 5.2 Key principles for partnership working - The Council is keen to continue to e.g. cooperative council explore with its partners, other key stakeholders and the local community, the potential benefits of looking creatively at how other key locations could be brought together to help deliver the wide range of potential improvements outlined in this SPD.

Lambeth Council is a cooperative Council and is committed to working collaboratively and in partnership with Lambeth’s local communities. The SPD will be used as the basis for partnership working between public agencies, landowners and local community stakeholders in Brixton, setting out a shared vision and direction for the area.

Other Are we going to see tall buildings in Area Strategy - guidance relating to tall buildings is included at 4.1.2. Rights of light the central area and concerns about issues will be a material planning consideration in the determination of relevant implications, particularly access to planning applications. light A number of visitors to mole events, Public Realm & Cycling Strategy 3.4- the issue of refuse and the management of exhibition and roadshows suggested trade waste will be considered as the brief emerges for a dedicated public realm prioritising the area of Brixton Road strategy for the town centre. between Town Hall and Brixton Station Road re cleaning, de- cluttering, maintenance etc. as it’s the highest profile

32/32 Planning, Regeneration and Enterprise Lambeth Council Pheonix House 10 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2LL lambeth.gov.uk/FutureBrixton