KOV Forum

Spring Mews Planning Application submitted

2012-01-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

CLS Holdings have confirmed that a planning application has been submitted to Lambeth Council (16 December 2011) for a £50m mixed-use scheme. Spring Mews comprises:

* New community centre and cafe
* 120-bed mid range hotel
* Flexible business/studio space facing onto Tinworth Street and Spring Mews
* Small convenience foodstore
* 402 student rooms and communal facilities.

CLS expect around 85 additional jobs to be created across the site, and to secure the existing jobs at The Spring Community Centre. Tinworth St is expected to be resurfaced, footpaths around the site to be upgraded and new street trees, furniture and lighting will be introduced.

Approximate Timescale (dependant upon a positive planning decision by Lambeth's Planning Committee)

Spring/Summer 2012
The planning decision could be made by Lambeth Council

Autumn 2012
Tenants vacate the site. Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre move to temporary accommodation at 5 Glasshouse Walk

Autumn/Winter 2012
Potential demolition/construction start on site

Summer 2014
Potential completion

Visit www.springmews.co.uk for further information.

Change of venue - Forum meeting 25 January 2012

2012-01-17T16:02:00.001-08:00

The venue for the next Forum meeting (Wednesday 25 January 2012, 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm) has changed. It will now be at St Anselm's Church, 286 Kennington Road (Kennington Cross), SE11 5DU. Free refreshments will be available.

On the agenda:

Meet the purchasers of the Beaufoy and hear what's proposed
Grant information for local organisations from Capital Communities Foundation
Much more

All welcome!

Community Hub Open Day 19 November 2011

2011-11-14T16:11:00.001-08:00

Black Prince Trust and its partners invite you to an Open Day on Saturday 19 November 2011, 11 a.m. to 2.00 pmat the former Lilian Baylis School: entrance in Lollard St, SE1111.30 am: Kate Hoey MP and Brian Dickens introduce the Trust and its partners Opportunity to ask questions and contribute to future planning12 noon: Join in a youth football session1.00 pm: All-age keep fit with PhilipRefreshments, exhibition boards and an opportunity to meet trustees and partner organisations available from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm

Open Days 24 and 25 November - Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) opportunity area

2011-11-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Have your say about London’s largest area of central riverside redevelopment

Local residents and businesses are invited to have their say about the most innovative area of riverside redevelopment in London. Two open days on November 24 and 25 will focus on the Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea (VNEB) redevelopments, providing residents and businesses with a great opportunity to speak with key decision makers and to discuss how they would like to see their local
area change.

The multi-million pound redevelopments that make up VNEB form one of London’s largest
regeneration programmes – second only to the Olympic site. Over the next twenty years major investment will transform the area bringing with it new businesses and jobs, public spaces, homes and leisure facilities.

This is a complex and long term project with different types of improvements taking place over a number of years. The open days on 24 and 25 November will bring the key people from each area of expertise into one location, making it as easy as possible for local people and local groups to find the information that interests them most.

These free open-to-all events will offer – amongst other things:
• the latest information about the VNEB redevelopments
• an update on the Northern line extension that will link the whole area to the tube network
• a chance to learn more about proposed improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and local public transport users
• information about planned improvements to existing streets and a new linear park
• a 3D model of the whole VNEB area
• an opportunity to discuss the proposals with the VNEB strategy board.

Cllr. Steve Reed, leader of Lambeth Council said: “This is an exciting and ambitious series of redevelopments, and the proposals will bring huge benefits for people who live and work in Lambeth – including a new tube station at Nine Elms, jobs, homes, and leisure facilities. I would strongly urge local people to visit one of these events to find out more and to have a say about the plans”.

Cllr. Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council said: “Vauxhall Nine Elms has begun an extraordinary transformation. Hundreds of acres of underused land are being redeveloped and a brand new residential and business quarter is now taking shape.
“The process will yield thousands of badly needed new homes and jobs for local communities alongside two new Northern Line stations and London’s first linear park. If you want to find out more about these exciting changes then I recommend you put a note in your diary and come to these events.”

The VNEB open days will be held at the Market Towers building, 1 Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, SW8 5NQ on Thursday November 24, between 3pm and 8pm, and on Friday November 25, between 8am and 6pm.
For more information about the VNEB regeneration project, visit; www.lambeth.gov.uk/vneb or
www.wansdworth.gov.uk/nineelms

KOV Forum meeting 16 November 2011

2011-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Next Forum meeting

16 November 2011,
6.30 for 7.00 pm
at the
Tea House Theatre,
139 Vauxhall Walk,
SE11 5HL

All welcome. Free tea and sample cake

The agenda will include updates on:
Lambeth Libraries – latest position
CLS displays on Vauxhall Square proposals and overview presentation
Northern Line Extension
Lilian Baylis (former school site) and Black Prince Trust – latest

Vauxhall Square Public Exhibition 3rd and 5th November 2011

2011-10-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Public Exhibition on Vauxhall Square proposals on:

Thursday 3rd November from 5pm – 8pm and on
Saturday 5th November from 11am – 2pm
at 80-84 Bondway SW8 1SF

where developers CLS will be presenting their proposals for Vauxhall Square to the public. This will include all available models and presentation boards. They and the architects will be able to talk through all the various elements of the plans, showcase their models, answer any questions and obtain your feedback. The deadline for feedback is 21 November.

FREE Scottish Ceilidh Sat 22 October 2011 - 7.30 - 11.00

2011-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Scottish Ceilidh
at
St Anselm's Church, Kennington Cross
on Saturday 22 October 2011
7.30 pm to 11 pm
Admission Free

Snow wardens wanted!

2011-09-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

This winter Lambeth council is looking for community-minded volunteers to help clear snow and ice from local streets and help keep the borough moving during periods of bad weather.

They are looking for individuals as well as members of community groups to become Lambeth’s first ever snow wardens and make Lambeth pavements and footpaths safer for everyone.

During the winter months Lambeth's focus is on keeping public services and main transport routes running. They're continuing with their usual winter maintenance service this year, but this still means that many quieter residential roads won’t get gritted. This is why you are being offered an opportunity to get involved and make a real difference in our local area.

Lambeth will provide snow wardens all the training and tools they will need, including;
o a shovel
o hi-visibility jacket
o gloves
o grit bin
o a supply of grit.

Community groups will be provided with additional equipment which can be shared amongst members.

Training sessions will be held during the weeks beginning 10 October and 24 October 2011, with some sessions during the early evening and some during the day. The sessions will be a great opportunity to meet and mix with other snow wardens in your area.

To sign up as a volunteer or to simply find out more about the scheme please email Richard Easthope - reasthope@lambeth.gov.uk or telephone 020 7926 0524. Up to date information on the scheme can also be found at www.lambeth.gov.uk/snowwarden.

Launch of a South Lambeth Market - 17 September 2011

2011-09-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, 17 September 2011, 10.00 – 4.00 pm, at the Cavendish Arms, 128 Hartington Rd, South Lambeth Road SW8 2HJ a new market for South Lambeth is launching.

Foodies market, plants, flowers, crafts, retro clothing, upcycled furniture, gifts, barbeque and delicatessen.

The market will then open on the second Saturday of each month – 8 October, 12 November, 12 December. Please visit: www.southlambethmarket.com

Harare North - 17 September 2011 at Durning Library

2011-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean writer and musician, Brian Chikwava, reads from his novel, set in Lambeth where he now lives.

A great tale of scams, scrapes and survival in a city of immigrants, it focuses on one of Mugabe's Green Bombers: a young man trying to earn money in a land far from home.

6.45 for 7.15 at the Durning Library

167 Kennington Lane, SE11 4HF

(at Kennington Cross, just east of Kennington Road)

Light refreshments

Everyone welcome

No admission charge, but a £2 donation towards costs is invited.

A Friends of the Durning Library event

Discussion with the Mayor about youth violence in Lambeth

2011-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Mayor Boris Johnson invites you to discuss with him on

Wednesday 28 September 2011
6pm - 8pm (registration from 5pm)at

Lilian Baylis Technology School
323 Kennington Lane
SE11 5QY

Let's talk about youth violence. Join the Mayor to find out what's being done about youth violence in Lambeth, and to share your ideas.

Registering your place

To register your interest and submit questions in advance call 020 7983 4100 or visit www.london.gov.uk/ccp

Places are limited for this free event, so register early to avoid disappointment. If you have any special requirements please let us know in advance.

Bookings will be confirmed via email.

Shelley School site

2011-09-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

As many of you will know the council has recently been consulting on the future of the old Shelley School site. You can find some information on the consultation by visiting: http://se11actionteam.blogspot.com/search/label/Shelley%20site

At the Children and Young People's Service Scrutiny Sub-Committee last Tuesday the council announced their plans for the site. They have decided to “use the site in the short term to provide a bulge class (or classes) through Archbishop Sumner Primary School, to help address the projected serious shortage of places across the borough in 2012. This will allow further analysis and a further year’s trends to assess the optimum solution and not preclude any of the other options.”

Cllr Pete Robbins said: 'This year Lambeth has received a record number of applications for places at our primary schools, including a huge number of late applications which make expansion planning very difficult.

The huge government cuts to school capital funding mean Lambeth is increasingly reliant on temporary 'bulge' classes. While the rise in demand is again concentrated in the south of the borough, there are an increasingly limited number of schools in Norwood and Streatham with sites that are suitable for bulge classes. Therefore, given Archbishop Sumner's ambition to expand, and the strong local desire to see the Shelley site retained for educational use, it was decided that it would be appropriate to make the site available to Archbishop Sumner to provide a bulge class in 2012.

Our first priority continues to be securing the £50m we need to provide a permanent place for every child in Lambeth, and we will continue to make our case to education secretary Michael Gove to provide the investment local children deserve.'

You can view the minutes from the committee meeting here - http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgAi.aspx?ID=15559

If you have any questions about this decision or would like more information the council officer responsible can be contacted at:

Chris Sipidias Regeneration Manager Children and Young People’s Service, 020 7926 5570, csipidias@lambeth.gov.uk

Market Towers Redevelopment - Public Exhibition Saturday 17 September 2011

2011-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

All are invited to a public exhibition on Saturday 17th September where proposals
to redevelop the Market Towers site in Vauxhall will be on display. The site is currently occupied by a 22 storey office tower built in the 1970s. The developers say the proposal would contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Vauxhall and Nine Elms by providing a gateway to the proposed Nine Elms linear park through high quality public spaces.

They say their proposals will create an urban oasis at the heart of Vauxhall, deliver new homes, jobs and local amenities such as cafés, restaurants and shops as well as exciting new cultural and community spaces.

TimescalesThe developers intend to submit a planning application to the London Borough of Wandsworth later this year and the views of local residents are wanted in advance of submitting the
proposals.

Public exhibition
Date: Saturday 17th September
Time: 10am to 2pm
Venue:
Ground Floor
Market Towers
1 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW8 5NQ
ConsultationThe public exhibition will be the first opportunity to view
our proposals and speak to members of the developers' team about any issues you may have. If you are unable to attend the exhibition, you will be able to view the proposals at www.onenineelms.co.uk from Thursday 15th September. At the exhibition, there will be a response form which will also be available online to allow as many
people as possible to comment. You are encouraged to take part form your own opinion of the new proposals and stay informed as the application progresses.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the developers in writing:
Freepost RSRG-LHZA-JULZ
Public Consultation (Cascade)
25 Floral Street
LONDON
WC2E 9DS
T: 020 7868 5531
E: onenineelms@cascadepr.co.uk

Stockwell Festival, Saturday 17 September 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm

2011-09-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Stockwell Partnership and Oasis Play invite you to join them for a packed day of activities on Saturday 17 September, 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm in:

Larkhall Park, Courland Grove, Stockwell, SW8 2PX and
Oasis Children's Venture, Larkhall Lane, Stockwell, SW8 1PD

Main Stage
Children's Village
Nature Garden
Sustainability Zone
Adventure Playground
Marketplace
Go Kart Track

Music, dance, magic and storytelling plus circus, drumming and facepainting, also Dr Bike, Giant Peace Wall and larkhall's brand new Urban Gym.

for more information please visit@ www.stockwell.org.uk, call 07973 711 173 or email:stockwellfesty@live.co.uk

Public Meeting - Our Voice Counts - Thursday 29 Sept 2011

2011-09-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Have your say on health and social sepending plans in Lambeth

All welcome at public meeting:
Thursday 29 September 2011, 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Montgomery Hall
58 Kennington Oval
Lambeth SE11 5SW

Speakers:
Service users
Cllr Jim Dickson, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing
Adrian McLachlan, Chair, Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Collaborative Board

Topics
The effects of the spending cuts
Lambeth Budgets for 2012
Improving Health and Quality

Meeting organised by the Lambeth LINk team on 020 7274 8522, email: info@lambethlink.org.uk

KOV Forum 19 September 2011

2011-09-08T04:26:00.001-07:00

The next Forum meeting will be on Monday 19 September, 6.30 for a 7.00 pm start, at Montgomery Hall, 58 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW (close to Oval tube station). On the agenda - meet the proposed owners of the Beaufoy, a neighbourhood infrastructure enhancement (public realm) project, Vauxhall Memories - an oral history project, and more updates. All welcome. Free refreshments!

Lambeth Libraries - consultation - comments by 16 September

2011-08-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lambeth has begun consulting on what people would like from libraries in the borough.

They are asking local people, staff and community groups to engage with them over the coming months in order to decide what a modern and effective service can look like.

You can access details of the consultation and a questionnaire for your views from the council's website www.lambeth.gov.uk/LibrariesHaveYourSay http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/LibrariesHaveYourSay

How can you get involved?
There are a number of ways in which local residents, organisations and groups can take part.

1. You can complete a questionnaire
Complete an online questionnaire from the council's website www.lambeth.gov.uk/LibrariesHaveYourSay .

We have also provided paper copies in all Lambeth libraries, which people can either complete and post into one of the "Libraries - Have Your Say" comments boxes in each library, or send back to the Freepost address given below.

2. Come along to a public meeting
If you would be interested in coming along to a public meeting, we will be organising further dates in September 2011 which will be publicised shortly. You can also register your interest using the questionnaire or using any of the contact details given below. We will also be holding a series of focus groups.
3. Other ways you can tell us your comments, or get further information about the consultation:

• Send an email to: LibrariesHaveYourSay@lambeth.gov.uk

• Text us on: 07772 103 628
• Phone us on: 0800 013 1497 or 020 7926 6397

• Write to us at:
Freepost RSKJ-YSKA-AUSA
ACS Consultation
Lambeth Adults' and Community Services
Phoenix House
10 Wandsworth Road
London SW8 2LL

Please could you let us have your comments by Friday 16 September 2011.

What will happen next?
All of your ideas will be fed into the Library Commission, will use your comments and ideas in order to draw up a set of proposals. These will then be submitted to Lambeth Council Cabinet for them to consider in November 2011.

Planning application 8 Albert Embankment and land to rear - comments by 30 Aug

2011-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

For all enquiries regarding this application please contact Mr David Smith on 020 7926 1256

This application is submitted under the:
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990.
(and associated legislation)

Proposed Development: 8 Albert Embankment And Land To Rear Bounded By Lambeth High St, Whitgift St, The, Railway Viaduct, Southbank Hse Together With Land Corner Of Black Prince Rd And Newport St, London

For: Refurbishment, alteration and extension to the grade II listed fire station to provide a fire station and associated functions for the London Fire Brigade (sui generis) on part basement and ground floors, with residential (class C3) above, including demolition of the communication mobilising centre. Demolition of the brigade workshop/office buildings to the rear of the fire station. Construction of 7 new buildings ranging in height from 5 to 15 storeys for mixed use purposes, including residential dwellings (class C3); office/business space (class B1); ground floor units for shops, financial and professional services, restaurants and cafes, and/or drinking establishments (classes A1, A2, A3 and/or A4); and ancillary facilities. Refurbishment and internal alterations to the grade II listed drill tower associated with the new fire station. Construction of basements to provide servicing, parking, energy centre, plant and storage. Creation of areas of open space and alterations to the existing vehicular and pedestrian accesses and highway arrangements within and around the site.

The development would provide a total of 276 residential units, a 2,721 sqm fire station, 8,554 sqm of commercial floorspace (use Class B1), 696 sqm of retail/A Class floorspace and 161 car parking spaces.

Applications received for planning permission (10/04473/FUL), listed building consent (10/04475/LB) and conservation area consent (10/04476/CON).

This application is a departure from the adopted Development Plan for the London Borough of Lambeth because it seeks to introduce a residential use into a designated KIBA.

This application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) that is available for viewing with the application documents or which can be obtained form Kirsty Weston of Waterman Energy, Environment and Design tel. 020 7928 7888 at a cost of £15. A non-technical summary can be obtained free of charge.

RECONSULTATION FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Applicant: Albert Embankment LLP _ London Fire And Emergency Planning A

As a group with an interest in local amenities you may wish to comment on this proposal before any decision is made. If so, please write and let me know by 30 August 2011. Your views will be taken into account when the application is being considered.

Under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, any comments made are open to inspection by the public, and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.

Finding out more
Details of planning applications, including the drawings and any other related documents can normally be viewed on the council’s website (www.lambeth.gov.uk/planningdatabase). Our website provides detailed information about the planning process, a frequently asked questions page, details of council policies relating to development (Unitary Development Plan) and links to other useful Planning websites.

Commenting on the application
Comments may be submitted online through our Public Access database, by email to lambethplanning@lambeth.gov.uk, or in writing using the enclosed response form. When submitting comments by email or letter, please remember to quote the reference number, 10/04473/FUL, and your name and address. Please ensure that we receive your comments by 30 August 2011.

Should you need more information about the proposal, the full application and associated documents will be available for viewing online via our website www.lambeth.gov.uk/planning or at:
Town Planning Enquiries, Phoenix House,
10 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LL

by appointment only
Tel. 020 7926 1180

or at

Durning Library 0207 926 8682
during normal opening hours.
(viewing only)
Please telephone first.

Your Case Officer is Mr David Smith who may be contacted on 020 7926 1256.

DC/10/04473/FUL/DC_DSM

Message from Lambeth Police

2011-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Message from Lambeth Police:

All our focus at Lambeth remains with providing a visible presence on our street and bringing to justice those responsible for the violence last Sunday (7 Aug). This weekend we have support from external resources and central departments and all leave is still cancelled for police officers and Staff. Officers are being held on 12hour shifts and this has meant that some aspects of our normal functionality have had to be adapted. The process of dialogue with our communities has begun and Safer Neighbourhood teams have been tasked with a number of engagement tactics targeted at local residents, businesses and key partners.

Please encourage people to contact their SNT via the met police website if they have any concerns or wish to speak to an officer.

Lambeth officers have continued to make arrests and recover property from the disorder on Sunday and a number of arrests and charges have followed. We will be working closely with our partners to ensure that all enforcement measures are considered including tenancy and ASB legislation.

We would like to thank all those who have supported the local community, police and businesses in restoring normality and calm to our neighbourhoods.

Message from Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council

2011-08-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

From Steve Reed

I am sure like me you have been shocked and upset by the incidents taking place across London and here in Lambeth over recent days.

I've spoken to many people from all sections of the community and they have all said the same thing – that there is absolutely no justification for the kind of vandalism and looting. They are shocked and appalled by what they have seen in Lambeth and elsewhere and are united in condemnation of this type of behaviour, which has no place in our community.

Let's be clear - this was opportunistic criminal behaviour by a tiny minority intent on causing disruption and stealing from businesses. This will not undermine the huge progress made over the past decade to build trust and respect. Lambeth has a strong and united community and over recent years we have benefited from strong community relations and sensitive policing.

On Monday I went on a walkabout around Brixton first thing and saw the clean-up operation in full swing. We know that there has been activity elsewhere in the borough including parts of Streatham and Clapham and we are working with businesses and the police across the borough to make sure all town centres and areas affected are restored to normal working as quickly as possible. We will also offer all the support we can to the police with their investigations, and to local residents and businesses that have been affected to get them back on their feet.

The main clear up of Brixton High Street has now been done, but if you still want to do something to help you could speak to local shop owners to see whether they need any assistance. I think it is important to be thinking about neighbours and friends, particularly older residents who may be feeling vulnerable, now is a good time to pay them a visit to check they are alright. You can find further safety advice is available on our website at: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/CommunityLiving/CrimePrevention/StaySafe.htm.

I think it is also really important at this time that we recognise the really positive activities and events going on in Lambeth. A great time was had by all at the 2011 Lambeth Country Show despite the wet weather. And the Brixton Splash and the Streatham Festival were also excellent events organised and run by local people. These are just a few examples of why Lambeth is a great place to live and visit.

One of the things that we are focused on is not allowing these recent events to prevent the good work that so many officers and residents are involved with. Our vision for Lambeth is about working differently with you so that you can help to decide the way services are delivered and run and where there is an appetite, to give more control to you.

Please get in touch with me if you have any concerns, my email is sreed@lambeth.gov.uk.

With best wishes

Steve Reed

Leader of the Council

Volunteering event 17 August 6 pm to 8 pm

2011-08-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Time:6pm to 8pm

Venue: Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall

Following the many offers of help that the Council has received after the recent public disorder, everyone is invited to a drop in session on Wednesday 17 August between 6 to 8pm at the Town Hall.

Come along to find out how you can help to support activities in your local community: for example by helping out at a local project for a few hours a week, signing up as a mentor or befriending an elderly neighbour.

There will be a chance to speak with others and discuss local concerns. The community in Lambeth is strong and resilient and by working together we can make a real lasting difference to life in the borough.

If you can't make Wednesday but want to get involved contact cooperativecouncil@lambeth.gov.uk or @lambeth_council on twitter.

Cinema Museum Awarded a Happy Museum award

2011-07-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to KOV members the Cinema Museum, who have won a HAPPY MUSEUM award of £6575.

The Happy Museum Project, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, was launched in March 2011 with the paper The Happy Museum co-written by the New Economics Foundation and leading museum commentators. Its concluding ‘manifesto for well-being’ argues that museums have innate qualities which can inspire a re-imagining of a society which values co-operation and stewardship of our surroundings as much as it does economic well-being.

The awards will go to:

• Manchester Museum for The Playful Museum
• Lightbox in Woking, Surrey for Landscapes of The Mind,
• The Cinema Museum, London for Creative Community Curators,
• London Transport Museum for The Conversation Hub,
• Godalming Museum for Collecting Connections
• The Story Museum, Oxford for Happy From the Beginning

Robert Dufton, Director of Paul Hamlyn Foundation says:

“These new commissions explore how the principles of happiness and well-being can leave a legacy of cultural change within the museum and galleries’ organisations or communities. Museums offer spaces to consider the past, and through that to understand our lives today, and help shape our future. The Happy Museum proposes a way for them to serve our communities by helping them to become more resilient for the future.”

The Happy Museum scheme attracted over 40 applications demonstrating the readiness of the UK museum sector to respond to challenges presented by the need for creating a more sustainable future with a focus on well-being and social change.

The awardees will form a community of practice stimulated by a series of activities taking place between 2011-13, including a 2 day symposium in January 2012 which will introduce commissioned projects and leading thinkers from museums to people with a psychology and social policy background developing work around subjective well-being along with climate scientists, environmentalists and energy specialists.

The six commissioned projects and reports from the Symposium will be disseminated via the Happy Museum website, connecting people interested in this radical approach to re-imagining the purpose of museums. The project concludes with a Conference in January 2013 which ‘rounds up’ the commissioned projects, establishing a way forward to further embed principles of happiness within the sector.

Creative Community Curators, The Cinema Museum (£6575), based in The Lambeth Workhouse (once home to Charlie Chaplin) invites local people to explore the museum’s international collection of cinema memorabilia to become ‘community curators’. ‘Everyone who comes here loves it’ says Martin Humphries, director, ‘And it’s because of that love we’re still here. We can reward our fantastic volunteers for their commitment and reach out to our local community in Elephant and Castle so they can tell us how to curate.’

Walcot grant information - low income parents

2011-07-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

A message from the Daycare trust is below:

The Walcot Foundation are offering a generous grant this academic year of up to £5,000 to low income parents in Lambeth who would like to study or train as a pathway into employment but who cannot afford childcare.

Daycare Trust is working with the Walcot Foundation to promote this grant and to advise parents on their childcare options and on other help with their childcare costs. This is a really exciting opportunity for parents

Quick eligibility checklist for Lambeth students – parent must answer yes to each of these questions

§ Do you currently live in Lambeth and have lived there for at least one year?

§ Are you receiving out-of-work means-tested benefits, earning very low wages or not entitled to state benefits?

§ Will you be occupied for at least 21 hours each week with a combination of education, training (this does not include study time), employment, work experience, voluntary work, personal development or job search?

Please refer all parents who you think might be eligible for the grant to our helpline number 020 7940 7533 and the Daycare Trust will discuss it with them in more detail and send them an application form if they meet the criteria. If assistance with completing the application form is required, the Walcot Foundation have an advice worker who can help with this, the contact details are on the application form.

The Walcot Foundation are looking for goal setting and an associated action plan to get there. Walcot have a careers adviser who can help with the action planning / goal setting and it may be a condition of the grant that the applicant attends a meeting with them. The careers adviser will contact them directly to arrange this if this is the case.

The Walcot Foundation aim to process applications within 6 weeks but this may be longer during busy periods.

Please feel free to call us if you would like us to send you some promotional materials to distribute to parents or require any further information about the project.

from: Jan Burt
Information & Training Officer
Daycare Trust
2nd Floor, Novas Contemporary Urban Centre

73 – 81 Southwark Bridge Road

London SE1 0NQ
Tel: 0845 872 6260

Visit our website www.daycaretrust.org.uk and our parent-dedicated website www.payingforchildcare.org.uk

SPRING MEWS (GLASSHOUSE WALK) PUBLIC EXHIBITION: 14-16 JULY 2011

2011-07-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Spring Mews is a proposed new mixed-use scheme including student accommodation with retail, hotel, and a new community centre and cafe. The proposed new development is sited on land bounded by Tinworth Street to the North, Vauxhall Street to the east, Glasshouse Walk to the south and the railway line to the west.

Proposals have been, and continue to be, developed in discussions with Lambeth Council and in liaison with the Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre; the latest proposals are being presented to the public for consultation on the dates below.

Public exhibition

Thursday 14 July 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Saturday 16 July 11am to 2pm

Exhibition venue Westminster Towers, 3 Albert Embankment

About the existing site and proposals

The site is underutilised at present and has been identified for redevelopment in Lambeth Council’s Local Plan for some considerable period of time. The much loved community centre is tired and the overall run-down site only provides around 20 jobs with most of the site used for coach parking.

CLS (the developers)' proposals provide for a modern community centre to be built in the same location and the provision of over 80 jobs on the site with new commercial uses. In addition, by providing student accommodation CLS is supporting the delivery of the Council’s affordable housing provision by reducing the demand on the private rented sector that would otherwise be available for family housing. New retail and a public mews will also add to the local amenity and setting with better pedestrian links through to local green spaces and architecture sensitive to the area’s heritage.

Quote from CLS is below:

'Investing in Vauxhall

As you may already know, CLS Holdings plc (CLS) is both the largest property company in Lambeth and is based in Vauxhall. We have been investing in the area for over 20 years and very much look forward to discussing our proposals with you.'

Vauxhall Gyratory - from Val Shawcross

2011-06-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

For many years now, a regular subject of the letters and emails I receive – particularly from cyclists, is the matter of the Vauxhall Gyratory, or to be more precise the mini-motorway looping round what should be the gateway to South London! These multiple lanes of fast moving traffic are off-putting to cyclists and pedestrians and add nothing to the charm of the area.

Lambeth councillors in the area and I have been pressing Transport for London for start developing proper long term plans for the Vauxhall area Some of you will remember that in fact, the gyratory was only meant to be a temporary measure, yet it has now been in place for some eight years. Ultimately, myself and the council would like to see the gyratory removed and a return to two-way working at this junction along with improvements to make life more comfortable and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. However, I am concerned that Mayor Boris Johnson’s policies of ‘smoothing the traffic’ for motorists will hamper calls to restore two way traffic at Vauxhall.

My colleagues and I will be continuing the press for the best outcome for all road users at Vauxhall, as well as achieving a more attractive streetscape for Vauxhall’s residents, workers and visitors. If any readers have any comments about the gyratory I would be happy to hear from you - please write to me at City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA or Valerie.Shawcross@london.gov.uk

Yours faithfully
Valerie Shawcross AM
London Assembly Member for Lambeth & Southwark.

Valerie Shawcross AM
LONDON Assembly Member
Lambeth & Southwark
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 2AA

Shelley School - Extension to consultation about future of the site requested

2011-06-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

An extension to the deadline for responding to consultation about the future of the former Shelley School site, Wincott St, SE11, has been requested, on the grounds of poor distribution of the consultation document in the area surrounding the site. The deadline is still 15 July 2011. News of any extension to that deadline will be posted here.

The consultation document, dated May 2011, from Cllr Pete Robbins is below, followed by comments from the governors of Archbishop Sumner School, with further comments from the Counci.

From Cllr Pete Robbins:

We would like to hear your views on the future of the site in Wincott Street SE11, which used to house the Shelley School, but has now been out of use for about a year.

One of the biggest priorities in Lambeth is to ensure we are able to meet the growing demand for school places in the borough.

In the north of the borough, where this site is, there is sufficient capacity in the schools and overall demand for places is lower than the number of places available. This has been the situation for several years. All children in Kennington can be offered a place in a good local school within walking distance of their home.

By contrast, there is currently a critical demand to provide additional primary school places in Norwood and Streatham. To meet this demand Lambeth is building a new school, expanding existing schools, and providing temporary ‘bulge’ classes where necessary – adding an extra eight forms of entry (240 places) this September. However much more is necessary.

The Shelley site is not big enough to accommodate a stand-alone primary school but we have been made aware by the governors at the Archbishop Sumner CE Primary School that they are minded to pursue the expansion of their school, and wish to do this on the former Shelley site, subject to certain criteria being met. A brief statement from the governors of the school is attached to this letter, together with some comments from the local authority.

The council cannot expect government funding for such a scheme when there are sufficient school places locally and cannot justify diverting its own very limited resources on creating new primary places in an area where there are already enough places.

We have to prioritise scarce resources to ensure that every child in Lambeth is offered a place at primary school. In order to fund the expansion of schools in the areas of high demand we have to sell assets which are surplus to our immediate requirements. As there is no projected demand for an educational use for the Shelley site we propose to sell the site to raise funds to help every child in Lambeth have a primary school place in the future. The future use of the site would be dependent on the wishes of any purchaser and subject to planning consent.
May 2011

We would be interested in receiving your comments on this proposal. All written comments should be received by 15th July 2011. If you would like to comment please contact:

Chris Sipidias,
Regeneration Manager,
6th floor, International House
6 Canterbury Crescent
Brixton SW9 7QE
Tel. 020 7926 5570
csipidias@lambeth.gov.uk

You can find out more about the need for primary school places in Lambeth at
www.lambeth.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces

Yours sincerely

Councillor Pete Robbins
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

10210 CY (5.11)

Views of the Governors of Archbishop Sumner CE Primary School (ABS)

As you may be aware the governing body of ABS has recently been considering the potential for becoming a two-form entry school. This assessment is something that has been undertaken in the light of the strong view held by some members of the local community that ABS should expand. In this regard, the governing body consulted with councillors earlier this year and formally requested that Lambeth Council delay any decision on the disposal of the Shelley site for a year, to allow for governors to more fully assess the opportunity for expansion onto the site. The governing body is aware that Lambeth Council has since agreed to dispose of the site pending consent to do so from the Secretary of State for Education.

Governors have been very carefully considering (and continue to consider) the possible effects that expansion (or remaining one-form entry) could have on our school and our local community. The governing body resolved on 4th May 2011 that it is minded to pursue expansion to two-form entry onto the Shelley site provided that the satisfaction of specific criteria can be achieved. I include these below to avoid any potential for misinterpretation of ABS' recently agreed position
on school expansion.

The governing body has resolved that it is minded to pursue expansion to two-form entry provided that the following conditions can be satisfied:

• the governing body is satisfied throughout any process towards expansion that expansion continues to present ABS with the best opportunity to continue to raise standards and is fully consistent with our ethos, mission and values
• that expansion is onto the Shelley site and
• that the Shelley site is established as suitable for a full extra form of entry
• that sufficient funding is available for expansion and that sourcing funding for expansion does not require ABS to reconsider its previous decision to not pursue academy status
• that the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education is supportive of the pursuit of expansion under these conditions throughout the process

The governing body has not voted in favour of expansion in general but rather that it is minded to expand only under the conditions outlined above. If during any process towards expansion it is established that any of these conditions cannot be satisfied then the governing body reserves the right to not pursue expansion to two-form entry any further.

Comments from the local authority

Archbishop Sumner CE school (ABS) is a well regarded and popular school, rated outstanding by Ofsted, and as such would be a prime candidate for expansion were there a shortage of spaces in the area. Projections of demand indicate there will be sufficient places in this part of Lambeth for at least the next five years. It is possible that there will be a significant increase in demand in the Vauxhall and Nine Elms area after this time, with the proposed developments in the area, but initial investigation has shown that the potential new housing created as part of this development is further away than Lambeth’s target maximum travel distance. In addition, there is a new two form of entry primary school proposed for Lambeth and a new four form of entry primary school proposed for Wandsworth as part of this development.

Lambeth officers are involved in ongoing research and planning to ensure that the pupil places that will be required as part of this, and other local developments will be met, either as part of developer contributions toward education or via lobbying government for additional funding for the expansion of schools, in areas where additional places are needed.

The buildings on the Shelley site are in poor condition and unsuitable in their current form for use as a primary school, which is the reason why the site is no longer used as a school. It is very unlikely that government funding criteria would be met for such new buildings in the foreseeable future. In addition, a short review of a feasibility study commissioned in 2007 has shown that although the school has recently built an extension onto its playground, if there were a need to expand the school to provide additional pupil places in the medium term future, this could be accommodated on the existing site, with some reconfiguration. This may affect the current buildings on the site, though some of them could be retained.

Since the potential for funding to be released via government sources is severely restricted, the Council has to look for ways to raise additional funding to invest in its ongoing, borough wide expansion programme. Release of assets which are not currently used, and which cost the Council money to maintain, is one way of doing this. The Council is of the view that disposal of the currently unused Shelley site is the most appropriate way of raising additional capital to support the provision of additional pupil places, in parts of the borough where this is urgently needed.

Business Meetings - 16 and 17 June

2011-05-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

The future of Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea – Business Opportunities

Meetings - 16 June 18.30–20.30 and 17 June 8.00– 9.30am
Two meetings have been arranged for businesses to learn more about the regeneration of the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Battersea (VNEB) area. The development proposals emerging will transform the area and have positive implications for your diverse business community. To meet the needs of a range of businesses two sessions are avaiable; one evening meeting with drinks and light refreshments and one morning meeting with breakfast.

You may already be aware of the major development proposals for the area over the coming years. The purpose of the meeting is to:-

(a) update you on the developments and proposals in the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea area;

(b) give you access to advice and support for your business; and

(c) establish a Business Group for the area to act as a focus for your ideas and any business issues and opportunities.

The events will also provide an excellent opportunity to network with the teams leading the developments and to meet local businesses large and small in a relaxed environment

Covent Garden Market Authority has kindly agreed to host the event in the New Covent Garden Flower Market meeting room. To attend the meeting you will need to register online at www.wandsworthbestbuy.org.uk/june2011 or ring 0208 871 7693/7807. Spaces are limited to 100 at each event and are exclusively for the business community. We anticipate high demand for places, so please register early. For further details of the Nine Elms Vauxhall regeneration programme visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/vneb or http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/nineelms.

We look forward to meeting businesses, including those running businesses from home, on 16 or 17 June.

Launch of David Coke and Alan Borg's new book Vauxhall Gardens: A History

2011-05-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Please come along to the launch of David Coke and Alan Borg's new book about the fascinating history of Vauxhall Gardens.

7.00 PM on 27 June at the Tea House Theatre, Vauxhall Walk SE11 5HL. FREE, donations welcome.

Visit www.vauxhallcivicsociety.org.uk and

RSVP to this address: vauxhallcs@gmail.com.

Volunteering opportunities at Oasis, Stockwell

2011-05-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Oasis has an exciting opportunity to obtain a new building, get the indoor space we desperately need and save a piece of London's architectural history from a landfill site.

To do this your help is urgently need.

Coin Street Community Builders have donated their former office space, a pioneering, bolt together Walter Segal building currently situated on Upper Ground near the National Theatre, to Oasis. We have two weeks to systematically dismantle the building and move it to Oasis where it will be re-built and begin its new life in the heart of Stockwell at the centre of our vibrant community.

Here's how you can help:

Sign up for one of the two volunteer weekends on 4th & 5th June and 11th & 12th June

Give some time during the week (Between 1st June and 17th June) to help the team of skilled workers

Tell as many people as possible about the project and how to get involved

Please call Jess on 020 7720 4276 or email jess@oasisplay.org.uk

Your support is needed to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, rescue a building and strengthen a community.

Digital Bazaar - Tate South Lambeth Library, 4 June 10.00 - 12.00

2011-05-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

The next DIGITAL BAZAAR is on on SATURDAY 4th JUNE, 10.00 to 12.00 at Tate South Lambeth Library.

All the basics like how to make best use of your mobile phone, send email, search the internet, set up a blog, use Facebook etc will be covered, plus more advanced subjects too, like how to add soundtracks and music to your home movies, use an i-phone, find cheap flights and holidays online, make your own Google map and how to use RSS to keep up with your favourite websites. We also have special advice for those with visual impairment, taught by an experienced technology user who is blind.

You can bring along your own phone, laptop or other digital equipment if you need help with using it more efficiently. Please be sure to charge them beforehand as the library only has a few powerpoints available.

Do bring a friend if you think they might benefit. Everyone who lives/ works in Stockwell and Vauxhall is welcome!

For more information, visit www.digitaltuesdays.co.uk or call Christina on 020 7793 7740

TFL community cycling grants available - till 3 June

2011-05-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

TfL community cycling grants to boost cycling projects across the Capital

· Twenty-five grants of £5,000 available for London-based cycling projects

· Any community group wishing to apply for funding can do so between 20 May and mid day on 3 June

Transport for London (TfL) is offering 25 grants of £5,000 to groups and organisations to help increase the number of cyclists in their communities.

The grants are part of the Community Cycling Fund for London (CCFL), a scheme funded by TfL and administered by the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) to support home grown initiatives that enable people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the benefits of cycling.

Any community group wishing to apply for funding can do so between 20 May and 3 June. Funding may be used to help to run local rides, events, bike maintenance or other small scale projects that encourage cycling and build the confidence of new and infrequent cyclists.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “This is all about helping the smaller cycling groups within London to pass on their enthusiasm for cycling to local people. There is an army of potential cyclists within the boundaries of our great capital and the smaller community groups this funding is meant for have the local know how that will help them encourage other Londoners to take to two wheels.”

Ben Plowden, Director of Better Routes and Places at TfL, said:

“London’s cycle revolution is moving at a remarkable pace, with a huge rise in the number of journeys being made by bike and more and more people from all walks of life giving cycling a go.

“The Community Cycling Fund is a great way to create opportunities for people who may never have considered cycling to get on a bike and discover the benefits of cycling in London.”

Matt Mallinder, Deputy CEO of the London Cycling Campaign, says: “These grants are an excellent catalyst to get more people on bikes, which in turn opens up communities and provides health benefits and employment opportunities.”

Last year, a broad range of groups including schools, residents’ associations, mental health charities, and youth organisations received funding from the CCFL to encourage cycling in their communities.

For more details on the CCFL application forms and for eligibility criteria, visit www.lcc.org.uk/community . For all media enquiries please contact the TfL press office on 0845 604 4141.

The CCFL is part of the huge programme to promote cycling in London. The Mayor and TfL are introducing a wide range of initiatives to help increase the number of people cycling in the Capital, including:

· Barclays Cycle Hire - with more than four million journeys made since the scheme launched last summer

· By Spring of 2012, Barclays Cycle Hire will be extended eastwards as far as Bow while hundreds more docking points are being added in central London

· Barclays Cycle Superhighways, the first two of which were introduced last summer to make it easier and safer for cyclists to commute into London on direct and continuous cycle routes. The number of cyclists using the routes has increased up to 70 per cent with increases of 100 per cent or more seen during peak hours. Work on the next two routes is underway and the remaining eight routes will be introduced by 2015.

· Free or subsidised cycle training is available in most London boroughs.

· Earlier this month, the Mayor announced London’s thirteen biking boroughs who have been awarded a total of £4 million of funding to create cycle hubs and cycling communities in outer London. London’s biking boroughs for 2011 are: Barking and Dagenham; Bexley; Brent; Bromley; Croydon; Ealing; Haringey; Havering; Hillingdon; Hounslow; Kingston; Merton and Redbridge.

More information:
1. The Community Cycling Fund for London (CCFL) is a grant scheme funded by Transport for London and co-funded by the Big Lottery

2. A total of £125,000 is available for funding in 2011

3. Successful applications will be announced by 10 June 2011

Aircraft noise and night flights - campaign

2011-05-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Concerned about aircraft noise and night flights?

HACAN (a campaigning organisation) will be having a stall at the Oval Farmers' Market this Saturday 21st May.

This will be an opportunity to find out what the government is doing, what the current developments are on the issues of night flights and aircraft noise many miles from Heathrow, and how to help to add pressure on the government to resolve these issues.

KOV Forum AGM and Nominations to Board, 7 June 6.30 for 7.00 pm

2011-05-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Kennington, Oval & Vauxhall – our interlocking villages
The Kennington, Oval & Vauxhall Forum's Annual General Meeting will be held on 7th June 2011 at 6.30 for 7.00 p.m, at Montgomery Hall, 58 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW (near Oval tube station). Agenda will be on website (meetings page) one week before the meeting, otherwise please phone 07506 072 307 or email forumkov@gmail.com.

The ongoing developments at Vauxhall will affect all residents and businesses in one way or another so, this year, more than at any other time, there is a need for wide representation on the Board.

To reflect and needs and wishes of the whole area, we need active participation from a cross-section of community organisations, Friends’ groups, Tenants & Residents Associations (TRAs), Residents’ Associations, schools and local businesses.

Please consider representing your organisation on the KOV Board which currently meets no more than four times a year.

Elections will be held if we have more nominations than places available. Please contact forumkov@gmail.com for a nomination form and return it by Friday 27 May. For any queries please contact 07506 072 307.

Maureen Johnston MBE

Chair

Lambeth Walk Group Practice - Learning Day - Thursday 19 May from 10.00 onwards

2011-05-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

At Lambeth Walk Surgery,
5 Lambeth Walk,
SE11 6SP on
Thursday 19 May from 10 a.m. onwards

FREE activities and refreshments

Sittercise (exercises you can do whilst sitting)
reading group, book club
bread baking
Free seeds from the gardening group
FREE drop in computers and internet workshop
Spelling and maths - Free help

Bring family and friends!

Get active and learn for a healthier life

Contact Ed Rose, 07908 834 203 for more information
From Lambeth Walk Group Practice, London South Bank University

Roots and Shoots 5 June 11.00 - 16.00 FREE admission

2011-05-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Join Roots and Shoots,Spread the Word, Incredible Edible Lambeth, to celebrate Lambeth's Living Roots

Sunday 5 June | 11am - 4pm | FREE admission | Roots and Shoots, Fitzalan Street or enter off Walnut Tree Walk, SE11
Enjoy the wonderful wildlife garden, 'Grow Your Own' green workshops and 'My Old China Fun Day' with Spread the Word.

My Old China, a community history project made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been exploring the social, cultural and industrial heritage of the area. Poet Steve Tasane has been ‘in residence’ on Lambeth Walk collecting memories from local people.

Most activites free:

Storytelling, live music, guided walk, face painting, jellied eels, pottery, tea and cakes, vegetable plants for sale, pearly king.

For more information, contact www.rootsandshoots.org.uk or 020 7587 1131

Open Day POSTPONED Lilian Baylis, Lollard St

2011-05-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately we have been informed by the Sports Action Zone that the Open Day scheduled for May 2011 has been postponed "at the request of the local authority". We'll be informed as soon as it is rearranged.

Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Battersea - Lambeth Community Forum meeting 17 May

2011-04-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of Lambeth's VNEB Community Forum meeting is scheduled for 17 May, 18.30 to 20.30 at the Lost Theatre, 208 Wandsworth Rd, SW8 2UP. Building on the work of the first community forum meeting in January, it will be an opportunity to hear what is happening within the VNEB area, particularly the start of the Northern Line extension consultation.

Draft agenda is:

1. Opening remarks about VNEB

2. Update from officers on Nine Elms (VNEB) Strategy Board

3. Proposal for community engagement

4. News in Lambeth / current proposals

5. Update on the business improvement district (BID) for Vauxhall

6. Information about the Northern Line Extension Consultation

Royal Wedding Party - Tea House Theatre presents...

2011-04-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

A Royal Wedding Street Party

Location: Vauxhall Walk, outside the new Tea House Theatre (formerly the Queen Anne Pub) on the Vauxhall Spring Gardens

Date: 29th April 2011
Time 9am – 6pm

Ladies and gentlemen, in celebration of the nuptials of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, Tea House Theatre invite you to join them at a quintessential London street party in the beautiful Vauxhall Spring Gardens park, within earshot of the bells of Westminster Abbey.

The traditional celebrations will include all the usual festive trimmings; bunting, toasts, refreshments, dancing and games. As well as the tea, cake and sandwiches on offer, courtesy of Tea House Theatre and Blueberry Hill Cakes, guests are encouraged to enter into the spirit of things, bringing a culinary offering of their own and a generous prize will be awarded for the best cake, judged by Fleur de Guerre and Hal Iggulden. The wireless will be tuned to the BBC for uninterrupted audio coverage of the wedding itself.

We have a wonderful special guest Vintage and pin up model Fleur de Guerre and music from DJ Fruity spinning his wheels of slate, sending appropriately celebratory and swinging music over the park. Then its eyes down for a full house, that’s right, Bingo with professional caller Jimmy Ash, with top prizes afternoon tea for two at the Tea House Theatre and a meal for two at the Black Dog.

Joining us for the celebrations will be ponies and small animals from Vauxhall City Farm and representatives of The Friends of Spring Gardens will be there to promote and discuss the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens regeneration. VGERTA will also be there to let everyone know about their plans.

Get in early gents and watch your googlies. Sign up for the Tea House Theatre vs The Black Dog cricket match on the Queen Anne Field in the afternoon.

Attendance at the Street Party will also entitle guests to free entry to the “Royal Wedding Afterparty” and barbeque at the beautiful Black Dog public house,
conveniently located opposite the Tea House, for the purchase of fine draught ales and intoxicating liquors throughout the day.

Ladies and Gentleman this promises to be a glorious day. You are all invited to don your gladdest of rags, pack a picnic, bring a bottle and your sporting gear and join us to toast the newlyweds in style.

If anyone would like to run a stall, help with organisation or generally just chat to me, please get in touch with Freddie on 07870 564 777 or at Freddie@teahousetheatre.co.uk

Wheatsheaf AGM 27 April at 19.00

2011-04-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Wheatsheaf Hall AGM takes place on 27th April at 7pm at Wheatsheaf Hall, Wheatsheaf Lane, SW8 2UP.

The Management Committee comprises representatives from Wyvil and Mawbey Brough Estates, user groups of the hall and local people who have an interest in this beautiful Grade 11 listed building.

Anyone who lives within a half mile of the hall falls within the catchment area and is welcome to attend the meeting. They are also invited to stand for election on to the Management Committee.

Next Forum meeting 7 April 2011

2011-04-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

A reminder about the Forum meeting, 7 April 2011, 6.30 for 7.00 pm at St Anne's Resettlement Hall, Harleyford Road, entrance in Vauxhall Grove SW8 1TD.

All welcome!

On the agenda - Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Planning area, the Black Prince Trust for Lilian Baylis (former) school site, Covent Garden Market Authority on their plans, the Tea House Theatre and lots of community updates. Free refreshments (served by the Cafe at 383 Kennington Road) from 6.30.

There will be spare copies of the agenda and previous minutes at the meeting.

Forum meeting 7 April 2011 in Vauxhall

2011-03-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

The next Forum will be held on Thursday 7 April, 6.30 for 7.00 pm, at St Anne's Resettlement Hall, 40-46 Harleyford Road. Please note the entrance is in Vauxhall Grove, at SW8 1TD. Free refreshments (catering provided by the Kennington Lane Cafe) available from 6.30.

Further details will be circulated nearer the time; we hope to have the latest on:

* Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area,
* the Black Prince Trust being created to run the part of the former Lilian Baylis
school site which is for community use,
* the latest news on Lambeth as a Co-operative Council, together with
* local news.

Digital Bazaar - Tate South Lambeth Library, 26 March 10.00 - 12.00

2011-03-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET!

Digital Bazaar for the digitally challenged! Sat 26 March, 10-12am.

Baffled by your computer, mobile phone, digital camera – or anything else digital that you want to use, but somehow can't? Wonder if you could benefit from email, internet shopping, Facebook, Skype etc?

Or can you help explain some of these baffling subjects to your neighbours?
Come to our Digital Bazaar, Saturday 26 March, 10-12am, at Tate South Lambeth Library, South Lambeth Road, SW8

A friendly, informal gathering of local people who between them can probably answer your questions, and will help you try out some of these very useful - but often baffling - inventions.

Just drop in!

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park Public meeting 28 March 7.00

2011-03-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you value Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, surrounding the Imperial War Museum, please sign the petition to keep our Ranger/Gardeners.
Southwark Council wish to remove them.

The petition can be found in the Sports Pavillion.

Public Meeting 28th March 7 – 9 p.m.
The Crypt, St Jude’s
St George’s Road, SE1

PLEASE COME

For further information contact either Nicola.barton@indigopi.co.uk or tmtjohnston@hotmail.com

Vauxhall Square - Architects' Designs on website

2011-03-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

KOV Forum has been informed that designs from each of the five shortlisted architects are now available on www.vauxhallsquare.co.uk. One design is in two phases. The CLS (developers) judging panel may make their preferred recommendation by the end of this month, subject to discussions with the various public bodies.

Police Operation Hannah

2011-03-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

Lambeth Police have introduced Local Policing Teams (LPT), each consisting of at least 16 Police Officers, who directly police a cluster of ward areas. Lambeth has been divided into 6 clusters, each led by an Inspector. Response Teams continue to provide 24 hours cover to answer emergency calls, and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNT) still police ward priorities as set by their panel.

LPTs are responsible for most of the non urgent calls from the public, assisting the SNTs with problem solving, policing and supporting the response teams when required. In addition to existing SNT ward panel arrangements, which we have been assured remain the same, public cluster meetings will be held every three months to identify priorities within the clusters.

For more information, please visit www.met.police.uk/lambeth

New Covent Garden Market - Three developers taken forward

2011-03-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has today announced the completion of the next stage of its OJEU procurement process to select a private development partner to lead the regeneration of the site and create modern new market facilities for its 200 tenant businesses.

The 57 acre site next to Vauxhall Cross forms a key part of the Nine Elms area and is one of London’s largest development opportunities.

The news follows the launch of the final stage of pre-application community consultation on 3 March, where new images and details of The Garden at New Covent Garden Market were displayed to key stakeholders and the public. An outline planning application covering the entire site will be submitted to Wandsworth Council this Summer.

The Garden will be developed at no expense to the tax payer and will be entirely self financing from CGMA’s land assets, with the potential to generate a gross development value of around £1 billion.

The three developers are:
- Barratt Developments plc & Kier Group plc
- Bouygues UK Ltd
- St. Modwen Properties plc & Vinci plc

Baroness Brenda Dean, Chairman of Covent Garden Market Authority said:

“We were delighted with the calibre of our original shortlist and this interest has been borne out in the high standard of outline solutions which were submitted.

“The three short-listed parties are all committed to this process and able to deliver. It has given us great confidence in the deliverability of the project as a whole and our ability to create modern new facilities for our tenants and their customers whilst also contributing to the wider regeneration of the Nine Elms area.

“This is one of the most exciting development opportunities anywhere in Europe right now and we look forward to engaging further and selecting a preferred partner later in the year.”

Jan Lloyd, Chief Executive of Covent Garden Market Authority said:

“This is a significant milestone for the project and we will now be working through the design and financial details with each bidder, as part of a competitive process to arrive at the right outcome for the Authority.

“Our priority rightly remains the Market itself and with the expertise of those on the short list we are confident we will get a Market we can all be proud of, delivered without any call on Treasury Funds.

“Coming so soon as it does following the start of the final phase of pre-application consultation, our momentum is building as we also work towards the submission of a planning application to Wandsworth Council this Summer.

Nigel Durman, Director of Drivers Jonas Deloitte said:

“The evaluation process has been rigorous as we considered each of the outline solutions against our detailed criteria and the quality of bids submitted has re-enforced the real desire which exists from the development sector to partner with CGMA to deliver this project.”

The competitive partner selection process is being undertaken in accordance with the competitive dialogue procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2006. CGMA is being advised on the procurement process by Drivers Jonas Deloitte (Property), Turner & Townsend (Project Manager), KPMG LLP (Financial) and Eversheds LLP (Legal).

For further information, please contact:· Suzi Lawrence, London Communications Agency, 020 7612 8480, sl@londoncommuniations.co.uk · Jonny Popper, London Communications Agency, 020 7612 8480, jp@londoncommuniations.co.uk · Helen Evans, Covent Garden Market Authority, 020 7501 3487, Helen.Evans@cgma.co.uk
· Nigel Durman, Drivers Jonas Deloitte, 020 7303 3573, ndurman@djdeloitte.co.uk.

The current anticipated timetable for the procurement process is:
· March 2011: Short list of developers reduced to enter final stage
· Summer 2011: Final tenders by the shortlisted potential private development partners
· Summer 2011: Planning application to be submitted to London Borough of Wandsworth
· Summer - Winter 2011: Planning application negotiations
· Autumn 2011: Final selection of private development partner
· Winter 2011: Planning application considered at Planning Committee Meeting
· Early / Spring 2012: Planning application decision by London Borough of Wandsworth
· Early/ Spring 2012: Private development partner awarded contract

About The Garden at New Covent Garden Market
· The plans consolidate all market activities onto the main market site, in a phased redevelopment which aims to move tenants only once. By redeveloping – rather than refurbishing the existing 1970’s buildings – a much more efficient site layout can be achieved with more space in the new market than is currently let.
· It will deliver five new buildings for wholesale and catering distributors, alongside a dedicated new flower market building, relocated from its current location at the Northern Site.
· Plans also include a new building, called The Garden Heart as a new Centre for new food and flowers in London. This will be a hub of activity outside of the Market, open to the public and providing a base for a host of facilities such as exhibition space, education facilities, cafes and possibly a public market.
· Four development plots are freed up by these plans with the money raised by CGMA releasing this land to be used to deliver the new market and facilities.
· The largest is the Northern site, 400 yards from Vauxhall Cross, which will include 1,750 new homes arranged around a new park which will also act as the start of the new ‘linear park’ for the area connecting Vauxhall at one end to the Entrance Site and Battersea Power Station at the other, linking with the proposed US Embassy public plaza along the way. Alongside the new homes will also be a hotel, serviced apartments, commercial space, shops including a new supermarket, cafes and restaurants.
· Along Thessaly Road – the South-Western boundary of the Market – there are currently homes on only side of the street, with a large brick wall on the other side. CGMA proposes to move this market boundary further back from the road, removing the current brick wall and building around 200 new apartments built around communal gardens and play spaces.
· At the College site, at the South Eastern end and opposite Lambeth College, around 100 new apartments are proposed arranged in four main blocks with improved pedestrian access from Wandsworth Road.
· At the current entrance to the Market along Nine Elms Lane, a further 450 homes are proposed arranged in three new buildings ranging from 9 - 11 storeys, including one new landmark 19 storey building to act as a marker for the site opposite Battersea Power Station. These would also be located at the Western end of the new linear park.

About New Covent Garden Market
· New Covent Garden Market is the largest fresh produce market in the UK. It plays a vital role in supplying London’s hospitality and food service sectors with fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.
· New Covent Garden Market annual turnover is some £584 million, broken down as follows between the different trading areas:
- £154 million fruit & vegetable wholesale
- £183 million food service & wholesale distribution
- £47 million flower wholesale
- £80 million other food related activity
- £120 million (estimated) importer, agents and other services
· Over 350 varieties of fruit and vegetables are sold along with flowers and foliage from around the world.
· Its customers include leading chefs, restaurants and hotels in London and throughout the UK.
· Over 2,500 people are employed across 200 companies and the central location provides ready access to the West End, City and all parts of the Capital.
· New Covent Garden Market has over 800 years of history and has been located at Vauxhall since 1974.

About Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA)· CGMA is a statutory corporation responsible for running New Covent Garden Market and made.
· CGMA is responsible to Defra for the ownership and operation of New Covent Garden Market.

About the redevelopment project
· Launched in September 2006 by former Food & Farming Minister Jeff Rooker, the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market is being led by CGMA with full Defra and Government support.
· Initial tenant consultation and design conception took place to establish a base case model for the Market. This was tested in summer 2007 and established as financially and functionally viable.
· CGMA recognised that private sector involvement will be needed to develop the new market and secure maximum value from any surrounding development.
· In October 2008 Government approved the business case for the redevelopment allowing CGMA to proceed with more detailed work that will lead to the selection of a private development partner.
· This procurement process, which is being conducted via the OJEU process, began in March 2010 and will provide one of the largest development opportunities in London. It will be complete later this year with the selection of a preferred partner.
· The Garden is located within the Vauxhall / Nine Elms / Battersea Opportunity Area (VNEBOA), identified in the London Plan as an area of potential growth and regeneration.
· The planning framework for the VNEBOA area specifically supports the delivery of a new market as well as homes, jobs and open spaces. This document was published for consultation in November 2009 and it is anticipated that the final version of the OAPF will be published later this spring.

Kylun Towers / Vauxhall Cross Island Site Development

2011-03-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Planning Application 10/02060/FUL
· Plot Bounded By Parry Street And Bondway And 7 To 93 Wandsworth Road

KOV has just been notified by Lambeth Planning that the planning application (ref: 10/02060/FUL) has been taken off the agenda of the Planning Applications Committee of Tuesday night (15 March 2011) at the request of Councillor Steve Reed and Councillor Morris. The site visit planned for Saturday 12 March will proceed (see earlier news item for details.

Lambeth Case Officer contact details:
David Smith
Planning Officer, (Majors Team)
Development Control
Planning Division - Housing, Regeneration & Environment
London Borough of Lambeth
phone: 020 7926 1256
fax: 020 7926 1171
email: dsmith1@lambeth.gov.uk
website: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk

Lambeth Planning
Phoenix House
10 Wandsworth Road
London SW8 2LL

Lambeth Freegive

2011-03-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

The goal of Lambeth Freegive is to reduce waste by connecting people in the London Borough of Lambeth who are giving and getting unwanted items for free in their own community. It's all about reuse, recycle and keeping good stuff out of streets and landfills. Whether you're looking to discard or acquire an item, Lambeth Freegive is the place to do it. Working or easily repairable goods such as furniture, clothes,appliances, computers, toys, televisions, beds, books, baby stuffs, sofas or anything that is taking up space can be passed on to someone else in your community. This group is open to all residents of Lambeth in London who want to recycle their unwanted items. Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. It's completely free to join and everything posted must be free. Lambeth Freegive Website Link: http://www.freegive.co.uk/p/lambeth.htm

How Lambeth freegive group works:
1. You have a television or clothes or furniture or printer or toys you were going to throw out.
2. You join Lambeth Freegive group.
3. You post an offer on Lambeth Freegive group.
4. People respond to you if they are interested.
5. You pick a recipient and arrange for them to collect the item.
6. They take the item away.
7. You let Lambeth freegive group know that the item is no longer available by posting an item TAKEN message to the group.
8. If you need an item you can request one on your local freegive group in the same way by posting an item WANTED message to the group and if someone has what you’re looking for they will contact you to offer it.

This is a great idea. Encouraging people to reuse and recycle things by giving them away and not sending them to the rubbish bins, streets and landfills. If we all try to recycle, we will make a difference.

Football leagues in/near Kennington: 5, 6 and 7-a-side

2011-03-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Football 567 has got some spaces in their local floodlit football 5, 6 and 7-a-side football leagues. You can join as a team or as an individual, and they provide bibs, balls and FA qualified referees. There are charges but Football 567 says it tries to make them as competitive as possible.

Locations in Stockwell and Kennington include:

Kennington 6s – Wednesdays (6th April 2011) – 2 spaces left (Team Reg) (Individual Reg)
at Archbishop Sumner School on Reedworth Street, Kennington

Stockwell 7s – Saturdays Women's (26 March 2011) – 3 spaces left (Team Reg) (Individual Reg)
at Durand Academy on Hackford Road, Stockwell

Stockwell 7s – Sundays (27 March 2011) – 2 spaces left (Team Reg) (Individual Reg)
at Durand Academy on Hackford Road, Stockwell

Stockwell Park 5s – Mondays (Spring 2011) – 5 spaces left (Team Reg) (Individual Reg)
at Stockwell Park School on Stockwell Park Road

Please find more information at www.football567.com

Kylun Development - Site visit 12 March 2011, 10.15

2011-03-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Kylun Development/Vauxhall Triangle/Island site. There is to be a site visit on Saturday 12 March 2011 at 10.15, meeting outside Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LL.

The planning application will go to the Planning Committee on 15th March at 7p.m. in Room 8, Ground Floor, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW (Acre Lane entrance). Recommendation at the moment is: Pending Consideration.

Prince's Ward Safer Neighbourhood Panel Meeting

2011-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Prince's Ward Safer Neighbourhood Panel Meeting is on Thursday
17th March 2011 at 6.30 p.m. It will be held at the Riverbank Plaza Hotel, Albert Embankment. If you have any issues to raise but cannot attend, please contact the team on 020 8721 2627

The Garden at New Covent Garden Market

2011-03-03T03:42:00.000-08:00

NEW IMAGES AND SCHEME DESIGNS RELEASED AS FINAL

PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION GETS UNDERWAY - Press release from Covent Garden Market Authority:

· Covent Garden Market Authority leading the regeneration of 57 acre site, a core part of the Vauxhall / Nine Elms / Battersea Opportunity Area

· Planning application to be submitted to Wandsworth Council this Summer

· Market plans will deliver a modern new market and new Centre for food and flowers (the Garden Heart)

· Development plans for 2,500 new homes alongside shops, cafes, restaurants and commercial space

· Major public open spaces proposed to begin and end the ‘linear park’ to run across the whole opportunity area

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has today launched its third pre-application public exhibition for its regeneration of The Garden at New Covent Garden Market, displaying designs prepared by Foster + Partners and Neil Tomlinson Architects for the 57 acre central London site.

Following the positive response received to the first public exhibitions held in November 2009 and February 2010, CGMA has undertaken further technical studies, detailed consultation with tenants and work with neighbouring landowners as well as with planners from the GLA and Wandsworth Council.

The plans on display today show a detailed layout for the entire site, with a modern new market providing increased trading space built onto a single site and four development plots, the most significant of which is the Northern Site next to Vauxhall interchange where the current flower market is located.

Speaking about the public consultation, Baroness Brenda Dean, Chairman of Covent Garden Market Authority said:

“We are delighted to be presenting our updated plans today which will provide the beating heart for Nine Elms and create a new city quarter, centred around a magnificent new park.

“For too long New Covent Garden Market has lacked investment in its facilities and these plans will allow us to create a modern new market for our traders and their customers alike and hugely strengthen London’s food supply.

“We also have the capacity to turn our vision into reality, with the procurement process for a private development partner well underway and our planning application to be submitted to Wandsworth Council later this year.”

Jan Lloyd, Chief Executive of Covent Garden Market Authority said:

“Our priority has always been the delivery of a new market for our tenants, but our vision is much broader than this.

“The Garden at New Covent Garden Market will become a new centre for food and flowers in London. Alongside the Market itself we are looking to encourage the provision of cafes, restaurants, education facilities, training rooms, business support initiatives and possibly a public market as well.

“We will help open up the site to the local community, and the Northern Site will act as the gateway to the wider Nine Elms area and the start of a magnificent new London Park throughout the area.

“I would encourage people to take the opportunity to engage with our plans and let us have their views.”

The plans for The Garden at New Covent Garden Market consolidate all market activities onto the main market site, in a phased redevelopment which aims to move tenants only once. It will deliver five new buildings for wholesale and catering distributors, alongside a dedicated new flower market building, relocated from its current location at the Northern Site.

By redeveloping – rather than refurbishing the existing 1970’s buildings – a much more efficient site layout can be achieved with flexible trading units created taking into account practical issue like standard pallet sizes, loading, unloading, utilities, food hygiene standards, storage and cooling. Tenants will be able to chose their own fit out requirements from a catalogue of interchangeable components.

The Garden Heart will be a new building, closest to Vauxhall interchange, as a new Centre for new food and flowers in London. This will be a hub of activity outside of the Market but provide a base for a host of facilities supporting the Market and be open to the public with exhibition space, cafes and possibly a public market.

Development plots are freed up by these plans and the money raised by CGMA releasing this land will be used to deliver the new market and facilities. CGMA is therefore currently in middle of an OJEU procurement process to select a private development partner to deliver the works in return for the surplus land. The initial short list of six parties will be reduced down to two or three within the coming weeks, with a selected partner identified later this year. This process is being led by Drivers Jonas Deloitte on behalf of CGMA.

The development plans at the Northern site will include 1,750 new homes arranged around a new park which will run throughout the site, with seating areas, play areas and other amenities. This will act as the start of the new ‘linear park’ for the area connecting Vauxhall at one end to the Entrance Site and Battersea Power Station at the other, linking with the proposed US Embassy public plaza along the way.

Around the parkland will be six new residential buildings ranging from 8-15 storeys, with three buildings of between 25-46 storeys to the East of the site, where planning policy specifically supports taller buildings. The tallest of these will include a hotel and service apartments on the lower floors with residential apartments above.

Alongside new shops, cafes and restaurants, a new supermarket is also proposed with access off Wandsworth Road offering more choice for local people and to support the growing population in this area. Two new junctions will help traffic move into and out of the site, linking to both Nine Elms Lane and Wandsworth Road.

Three smaller development plots are also proposed.

· Along Thessaly Road – the South-Western boundary of the Market – there are currently homes on only side of the street, with a large brick wall on the other side. CGMA proposes to move this market boundary further back from the road, removing the current brick wall and building around 200 new apartments built around communal gardens and play spaces.

· At the College site, at the South Eastern end and opposite Lambeth College, around 100 new apartments are proposed arranged in four main blocks with improved pedestrian access from Wandsworth Road.

· At the current entrance to the Market along Nine Elms Lane, a further 450 homes are proposed arranged in three new buildings ranging from 9 - 11 storeys, including one new landmark 19 storey building to act as a marker for the site opposite Battersea Power Station. These would also be located at the Western end of the new linear park.

New Exhibition on Updated plans for the Garden at New Covent Garden Market 3-5 March

2011-02-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has announced the dates for the third public exhibition of their plans for The Garden at New Covent Garden Market.

The exhibition will provide local residents and businesses with an opportunity to see CGMA’s updated plans for the redevelopment of The Garden which will see the UK’s largest fresh produce market transformed after over 35 years in Nine Elms.

CGMA say they have been incorporating comments received from a wide range of stakeholders as well as from the tenants on the Market.

This third exhibition will therefore display new information and images about all the elements of the site as part of CGMA’s final pre-application consultation activities before they submit a planning application to Wandsworth Borough Council. Visitors will have the chance to meet the project team and give their comments on the updated plans.

The exhibition itself will be based in the Yvonne Carr Community Centre, 2 Thessaly Road, SW8 4HT and will be open at the following times:

· Thursday 3 March, 4.00pm – 8.00pm
· Friday 4 March, 4.00pm – 8.00pm
· Saturday 5 March, 10.00am – 5.00pm

Jan Lloyd, Chief Executive of Covent Garden Market Authority, said:

“We have come a long way with our plans and received very positive responses to our previous exhibitions. Over the last year we have been incorporating the feedback we have received and engaging in further consultation with our tenants to ensure that we deliver a new Market that works for their businesses now and in the future.

“We have also introduced a major redesign of our plans for the Northern Site to provide a greater proportion of open space to benefit the local communities in the wider area.

“We hope that lots of people will come along to this third exhibition to see these updated plans and let us know what they think before we submit a planning application later in the year."

If you are unable to visit the exhibition but want to know more about the plans you can request a leaflet by emailing thegarden@cgma.co.uk or calling the dedicated hotline on 0800 977 8794. More information will also be available from Thursday 3 March on the New Covent Garden Market website - www.newcoventgardenmarket.com.
.............................................................................

Exhibition for Sainsbury's Nine Elms Development proposals

2011-02-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

Sainbury's Development Proposals for their store site in Wandsworth Road, Nine Elms, are being displayed at a public exhibition on:

Friday 4th March : 2.00pm – 8.00pm
Saturday 5th March : 10.00am – 4.00pm

Venue: Sainsbury’s Nine Elms
62 Wandsworth Road
London
SW8 2LF

If you are unable to attend and require any further information at this stage, please do not hesitate to contact Nicholas Vose on 0870 626 9081 or via email at sainsburysnineelms@fourcommunications.com .

42 storey tower block rejected for Vauxhall

2011-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the fight put up by Maureen Johnston (KOV Forum Chair), the Kennington Association, Viva Vauxhall, Friends of Vauxhall Park and many others at the public enquiry in summer of 2010, Lambeth Council's original decision to reject the planning application for a 500 foot tall skyscraper has been upheld by the Secretary of State. So that one won't be happening now. The grounds for the rejection were that there would be insufficient opportunities for pedestrian movement in the area, and the tower would erode the function and character of nearby Vauxhall Park.

Spring Gardens and Statue of Basaweshar

2011-02-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

From the Chair of Friends of Spring Gardens:

Lambeth Council welcomes proposal, as do Friends of Spring Gardens, to erect a statue of Basaweshar in Spring Gardens. See below for Lambeth's position statement, addressed to Friends of Spring Gardens:

'Thank you for your deputation at the Lambeth Council meeting of 19 January.

'The Council welcomes the proposal to erect a statue of Basaweshar in Spring Gardens and for the generous donation of £250,000 towards the regeneration and improvement of Spring Gardens. We note the support of the Friends of Spring Gardens who will be the recipients of the Donation.

'The Council has identified a site for the statue but this will of course be subject to the necessary planning approvals.

'Officers of the Council have met with Dr Neeraj Patil to discuss the formal administrative arrangements required for this project to proceed.

'The Council notes that the full cost of the design and project management and construction as well as future maintenance costs will be met by a Trust to be established by Dr Patil and his associates.

'Arrangements are currently being made for a further meeting between the Council, the Friends of Spring Gardens and Dr Patil to progress this project.'

Letter signed by:
Derek Prentice
Interim Head of Sport and Recreation
Cultural Services
Adults' and Community Services
London Borough of Lambeth

Tel: 020 7926 2642
Fax: 020 7926 6201
Email: dprentice@lambeth.gov.uk
Web:www.lambeth.gov.uk

Public Exhibition, A new public square for Vauxhall

2011-02-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

CLS Holdings plc are proposing a major new public square in Vauxhall as part of a development which will include new shops, offices, restaurants, bars, a hotel, a cinema, student housing and residential apartments. In addition, they are proposing an aerial Linear Walk, which they believe will provide a solution tot he pedestrian problems at Vauxhall Cross.

The free public exhbition will be held at:

Market Towers, 19th floor
1 Nine Elms Lane (junction with Wandsworth Road)
London SW8 5NQ

on Friday 11 February, 10.30 am. to 8.00 pm and
Saturday 12 February, 10,00 am to 2.00 pm

Former HQ of London Fire Brigade, 8 Albert Embankment

2011-02-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

London Fire Brigade and their Planning Consultants,Native Land, are hosting a public exhibition of the latest proposals for the site at 8 Albert Embankment.

This will be held at:

Lambeth Fire Station,
8 Albert Embankment,
SE1 7SP

on

Friday 11 February between 2 pm and 6 pm and
Saturday 12 February between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm

If you would like to give comments, other than at the exhibition,please contact Azizun Choudhury on 0870 066 8734 or E: azizun.choudhury@fourcommunications.com. Written comments can be sent Freepost to:

8 Albert Embankment SE1 Consultation
FREEPOST RLSX-KHXT-BGSR
Four Communications
48 Leicester Square
London
WC2H 7FG

Save Our Libraries Day 5 Feburary 2011

2011-02-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 5 is national SAVE OUR LIBRARIES day

Local people are demonstrating their support for their libraries – so please come along, sign the petition, help us make a fuss and have some fun...

11-12.30am, Tate South Lambeth Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1QP. If you can, pick up a petition form in advance from the Friends' box inside the library, get some signatures and bring it on Saturday.

11am-4pm Durning Library, 167 Kennington Lane, SE11 4HF. Sign the petition, find out what's happening.

If you're going to Brixton on Saturday...
12am-4pm, Brixton Tate Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ (next to the Ritzy): the main event, with petitions, local authors, balloons and general ballyhoo. But visit your local library first!

Centre for Independent Living

2011-02-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

Centre for Independent Living:

Lambeth Council’s Elaine Aherne is currently facilitating some consultation about what a CIL for Lambeth could look like. The next session will be held on 29th March at Lambeth Accord, 336 Brixton Road. Registration is from 10.30 onwards. Please pass on to your networks.

If you would like to attend this meeting you need to book a place by either calling Elaine Aherne on 020 7926 4704 or email: elaineatlambethaccord@yahoo.co.uk by Monday 7 March.

Community - Police Consultative Group for Lambeth

2011-01-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

Community - Police Consultative Group (CPCG)for Lambeth

Public Meeting Tuesday 1 February 2011

6.00 pm at Stockwell Resource Centre
Studley Road, SW4 (behind Stockwell Tube station)

On the agenda:

Trident report
Report from Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave
Policing Protest
Brixton Ice-Rink Proposal

Tel 020 7733 0978
E: admin@lambethcpcg.org.uk

Next meeting Tuesday 1 March 2011, Lambeth Town Hall, 6.00 pm

What's the Future for Health and Social Care?

2011-01-28T15:20:00.001-08:00

Lambeth LINk Public Meeting, jointly organised by Age Uk Lambeth and others:

Monday 31 January 2011, 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm
5.30 - 6.00 pm: Registration and refreshments

Karibu Education Centre (opposite Brixton Police Station)
7 Gresham Rd
Brixton
SW9 7PH

Speakers:

Cllr Jim Dickson: Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
"Spending Cuts: Lambeth Council's Budget Proposals for 2011/12 and Beyond"

Caroline Hewitt: Chair of NHS Lambeth
"Changes in the NHS"

Followed by Question and Answer Session

For further information contact the Lambeth LINk Team on 020 7274 8522.

E-mail: info@lambethlink.org.uk
www.lambethlink.org.uk

KOV's submission - Vauxhall Island Site/Kylun application

2011-01-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

20 August 2010
Dear Mr Smith

PLANNING APPLICATION 10/02060/FUL: PLOT BOUNDED BY PARRY STREET, BONDWAY AND 7-93 WANDSWORTH ROAD

We wish to submit the following observations on the above application and to urge that it be refused for the reasons stated below.

1. The KOV Forum was established in 2000/2001 by local representative groups and individuals, including residents’ and tenants’ associations, community organisations and local businesses, at the instigation of Lambeth Council to strengthen community involvement in Council programmes, policies and plans. The area represented by the Forum is the whole of Prince’s and Oval wards and a small corner of Bishops ward south of Lambeth Road.

2. During discussions at numerous Forum meetings it has been evident that there is widespread and general concern regarding the new high-rise developments that are proliferating at or close to Vauxhall Cross; also about the concentration and very high densities of these developments. We understand that this approach to the development of this area has been promoted and encouraged by the Government and the Mayor’s London Plan and the identification of Vauxhall/Nine Elms as an Opportunity Area. But we feel developments completed and currently proposed have been allowed to happen in too piecemeal a way, with highly damaging effects on the character and amenity of the area. Concern has always been that no plans have been put in place to ensure the development of a sustainable community.

3. Vauxhall Cross offered real opportunity to provide attractive new buildings and street patterns that would link the near hinterland (east of the railway viaduct) with the Thames. Those opportunities were lost completely with the approval of the St George Wharf development. Not only have the assurances given by the developers at the time, in the face of public concern, proved meaningless; the incremental planning permissions since then have made them even less relevant. Local residents argued that the scale and character of that development would in effect create a bulky and ugly ‘wall’ between the river and the Vauxhall Cross area and an oppressive and dominating environment. That is exactly what has happened.

4. The St George Wharf development is relevant to the above current application because the land plot concerned is the only small area of open space left near the transport interchange and major road network dominating the area between the riverside developments and the railway viaduct. Air quality is already very poor (see the statistics in the Mayor for London’s Vauxhall & Nine Elms Opportunity Area report). It will only deteriorate further.

5. Both British Rail and TFL state that transport links are at capacity and do not foresee any way to improve them. Permission for so many homes, especially with limited parking, on the island site will put more pressure on the transport system, further reducing the quality of life for residents and office workers alike.

6. Very tall buildings, approved and proposed, are generally more suited to office accommodation than to housing, yet the proportion of housing being provided is large. There is a mismatch between the type of residential accommodation that can be provided in very tall buildings and the housing needs of significant sections of the local population. High-rise flats do not provide suitable accommodation for families. In this case there is far too little amenity public space to prevent the area feeling overcrowded and oppressive, for daytime office workers as well as for local residents.

Specifically, there is a deficiency of open and green space in line with Lambeth’s own policy and taken with other developments such as Bondway, the building on the island site would reduce the effective space to half the recommended area of 1.6 hectares per thousand of the population.

The application statements refer to ‘a new landscaped public square’ – a totally fanciful description given the modest space available – and ‘cultural uses, improved public realm and community benefits’ – all big words for what we regard as token gestures.

7. There is also a deficiency of playspace. Development for families should include a MINIMUM of 10 square meters of DEDICATED children’s playspace per child, preferably indoors. This is the equivalent of a small children’s playground. Presumably there will be children in the development.

8. The applicants admit (in their Design and Access statement) that they ‘recognise that these provisions [of amenity space attached to the development] will not satisfy Lambeth Borough Council’s requirements for providing public amenity space. Kylun have entered into S106 discussions . . .’ It is our view, however, that no S106 payments for (as is being proposed) public amenity space improvements elsewhere will alter the fact that there would be inadequate public amenity space on and around the island site. The proposed development does not add any adequate open space. It would reduce existing open space.

To sum up, our main reasons for opposing this application are:
(i) It is clear from KOV Forum meetings that there is widespread public concern about the concentration and very high densities of high-rise developments at and near Vauxhall Cross.

(ii) Recent, planned and proposed new development in this area has largely resulted in a lost opportunity to upgrade an area that cried out for sensitive re-use of redundant and neglected industrial land and a riverfront with great potential.

(iii) The combination of excessive densities and over-development of land, with virtually no open ground space between buildings is creating a hostile environment.
(iv) There is a mismatch between need and supply of family housing.

(v) The planning application for the island site describes in misleading terms its proposals for an extremely small amount of ground-level public amenity space. In context that small area would be dominated by the two tower blocks, with no sense of the open space residents and office workers should reasonably expect when they approach or leave their building.

(vi) The development would put further pressure on transport links already at capacity.

(vii) The amount of amenity space proposed in relation to this development does not meet the Council’s planning requirement and is acknowledged by the applicant.
If the proposed development provides too little amenity space on a small land plot surrounded and enclosed by high and bulky buildings, the railway viaduct and a major road network and junction, it is surely per se an unacceptable development.

Yours sincerely
Maureen Johnston MBE
Chair of Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall Forum

Vauxhall Island site/Kylun Planning delay

2011-01-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Message received from Lambeth Planning:

Planning Application 10/02060/FUL
Plot Bounded By Parry Street And Bondway And 7 To 93 Wandsworth Road

'Lambeth Planning Officers had been intending to refer the application to a Planning Applications Committee on 25th January, but a number of outstanding issues has meant that this will not be possible.

'Pending resolution of those issues, the application will be reported to Committee at a later date - probably in either February or March.'

Lead officer: David Smith, Planning Officer, (Majors Team), Development Control, Planning Division - Housing, Regeneration & Environment, London Borough of Lambeth, phone: 020 7926 1256, fax: 020 7926 1171 Email: dsmith1@lambeth.gov.uk

Airplane noise

2011-01-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Have your say in the Future Airspace review

Below are some of the actions you can take to influence future airspace arrangements. It is necessary to understand that the adverse noise environment made by Heathrow arrivals is a result of concentrating these flights along a narrow corridor – and that there is no reason why this cannot change.
Why airplane noise has become so bad: The reason aircraft noise has become so bad is because there has been a significant and adverse increase over the past 10/15 years in the number of airplanes flying over central/south London. This is a direct result of a deliberate policy to concentrate the arrivals airplanes bound for Heathrow over narrow corridors. Arrivals are now beginning their alignment with the runways 30 miles away from Heathrow in Hackney and the East End, and overflying central/south London including Greenwich, Southwark, Westminster, Pimlico, Vauxhall, Kennington, Clapham and Chelsea. It is this concentration, and the resulting numbers of flights over a restricted area, which has caused the airplanes to become such a noise problem. The situation is described on the HACAN website at www.hacan.org.uk
In Vauxhall, for instance, 40 planes an hour have been recorded in one fixed spot. This concentration is not necessary: flights used to be more dispersed 20 years ago and can be so again – reducing the noise for everyone so that it is below the annoyance threshold. With dispersion or route alternations for flight arrivals everyone would get periods of respite and the burden of noise could be spread sufficiently thinly as to no longer cause annoyance. A more equitable and just arrangement for arrivals is both viable and possible.
The Civil Aviation Authority (The CAA) is currently drafting airspace policy for the next 20 years. You can have your say. You can view the consultation documents on the HACAN website. Most importantly, they acknowledge for the first time that noise may be an issue outside the vicinity of Heathrow on the arrivals flight path. You can influence the outcome of the new policy.
You can influence the outcome of the new policy:
1. Write to the CAA, telling them the area you live in and describing how the noise of airplanes affects you. Ask for a more equitable and just arrangement for arrivals at Heathrow and City airports in Future Airspace arrangements. Write to: fas@caa.co.uk or send your letter to Policy Coordinator, Directorate of Airspace Policy, CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE
2. Become a member of HACAN (if you are not already a member), which is dedicated to reducing the impact of the noise from Heathrow and City airplanes. By becoming a member of HACAN you strengthen its hand (it’s only £13.00 p.a.). The more members it has who do not live in the vicinity of Heathrow but are nonetheless adversely affected by the noise of arriving aircraft, the more weight HACAN’s arguments will bear with politicians and policy makers. Visit HACAN’s website at www.hacan.org.uk, and the membership tab is on the left hand side of the home page.
• To date HACAN has commissioned the Vauxhall video mentioned above. It has also commissioned a photograph to show the number of airplanes flying over a single location in Vauxhall. The photograph is shown below.
• In addition, HACAN has commissioned a report from the Aviation Environment Federation to look at the concentration of arrivals and recommend viable changes or alternatives. This report can be seen www.hacan.org.uk/resources/reports/flight.paths.report.pdf
3. Write to your MP: not just to complain but also to ask what he/she is doing about the getting the noise burden more equally shared over London. You can find your MP’s email address at findyourmp.parliament.uk/
4. To get sufficient momentum, anybody who is directly affected or has experienced the noise while in your area, should take action. So please pass this email on to any neighbours, friends or relatives.

You can find more information on the HACAN website at www.hacan.org.uk

Open Space and Vauxhall developments

2011-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Comments from the Chair of Friends of Spring Gardens:

"Although Spring Gardens is being invested in, it is in practice too far from the new developments in Vauxhall for any of the activities described above."

Just to set the record straight, Spring Gardens is struggling to gain investment of any sort and heavily dependant on 106 monies to advance it's Framework Plan
which only moves slowly and with very small amounts of finance directed to us by Lambeth Council.

Our park is quite literally a one and a half minute walk from Vauxhall Park and in the shadow of some of the tallest buildings in The Vauxhall / Nine Elms proposals
and what Ghislaine (see earlier post from the Oval Partnership) hasn't stated is that these proposals go all the way up to Lambeth Bridge, with Vauxhall City Farm acting as the boundary, which places Spring Gardens slap in the middle of developments between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges.

I agree whole heartedly that we all need to fight for more parks and public open spaces in these plans, and our Framework Plan has taken this into account since it's inception five years ago.
We have proposed that the Albert Embankment be reduced to a two lane road (in parts it is eight lanes wide !!) and that the land gained should be incorporated into Spring Gardens on the river side of the park. This would significantly increase our open green space on the embankment side of the Vauxhall Cross Gyratory System.

Indeed the Vauxhall Cross Gyratory System needs to be looked at seriously in these plans and abolished if possible to be replaced by a pedestrian/cycle friendly system that will 'green' the area
and make all our parks more accessible and if possible linked up with 'green' corridors that will encourage better use of parks and less traffic.

Thank you Ghislaine for bringing this issue to the attention of KOV members I support you 100% but please press for improvements for all our parks which
are affected by the Vauxhall/Nine Elms proposal.

Octave Tower, Bondway

2011-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Message from the Vauxhall Society:

Please email the Secretary of State for Communities, Mr Eric Pickles, asking him to rule against the building of the 42-storey Octave Tower in Bondway, Vauxhall Cross.

If, that is, you support the decision of the committee of The Vauxhall Society to oppose the Octave. Our reasons (set out in full on the website, www.vauxhallcivicsociety.org.uk and below) are that the structure is so high and so wide that it will throw into shadow the surrounding streets and Vauxhall Park; the Octave will also worsen the district’s existing traffic congestion, poor air quality and overloading of public transport.

Now really is the time for you, your friends and neighbours to act. See below for email addresses and suggestions for what you might include in your message.

Ross Davies
Chairman

How to reach Mr Pickles

The email address of the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government is: eric.pickles@communities.gsi.gov.uk

It would be polite, and effective, to copy in Mr Pickles’ Director-General, Housing and Planning, who is Richard McCarthy: richard.mccarthy@communities.gsi.gov.uk

The same goes for the Minister’s two ‘Special Advisers’, Giles Kenningham and Sheridan Westlake:
giles.kenningham@communities.gsi.gov.uk
sheridan.westlake@communities.gsi.gov.uk

….but it doesn’t stop there...

The Vauxhall Society is apolitical, and we urge you to email any councillor or MP that you think Mr Pickles might listen to.

Assuming that Labour is against Octave Tower because Lambeth Borough Council opposed it, one councillor politician the Minister might take notice of (and so is worth your while emailing), is John Whelan, Leader of the Conservative Group on Lambeth Borough Council: conservatives@lambeth.com
Since Mr Pickles is a Conservative member of a Coalition government, you might also copy in Cllr Ashley Lumsden, leader of Lambeth Lib Dems:
cllrashleylumsden@lambethlibdems.org.uk

What to say in your email
It is not the business of The Vauxhall Society to tell anybody what to say, not even our members, but the points below may inspire you.

The committee of this apolitical society decided unanimously earlier this year to oppose the Octave Tower.

The thing to get over to the Minister and his team is that bad headlines are ahead in the national media for him and the Coalition if he says ‘Yes’ to the Octave Tower.

Why?

• Because there was unprecedented all-party opposition in Lambeth to this monstrous project- one community group after another lined up to oppose the scheme
• The decision landed in Mr Pickles’ lap only because a developer and his battery of expensive lawyers chose to go over the heads of the council and people of Lambeth
• By saying ‘Yes’ Mr Pickles follows in the footsteps of John, now Lord, Prescott and Ken Livingstone, in nodding through another skyscraper Lambeth did not want, The St George Tower – now under construction
• Lots of media people live in or have lived in Lambeth, and newspapers - among them the Evening Standard, The Independent and i group - are following the Octave story.
• A ‘Yes’ decision would be a gift to headline writers, who will interpret it as a pointer to the Coalition behaving much the same as New Labour, and the headlines will have fun with Mr Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ meaning big buildings whether people want them or not
• The phones will be ringing asking local celebrities what they make of a ‘Yes’ decision – would Mr Pickles risk a ‘Woolas Moment’ with Vauxhall’s Joanna Lumley if she hears he’s agreed to a cut in sunshine for one of the poorest wards in Vauxhall because of Octave’s shading of Vauxhall Park?
• Vauxhall Park won a Green Flag Award for excellence for the fourth time in 2010; Mr Pickles’ department sponsors the Green Flag award

Open Space and Vauxhall developments

2011-01-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

A message from The Oval Partnership:

The Oval Partnership is concerned that there is a real lack of additional open green space for all the proposed developments in Vauxhall. The proposed density of building and population is not balanced by an appropriate supply of green open space. As the proposals for Vauxhall/Nine Elms are still in the development stage, everyone concerned needs to ask their local councillors to press Lambeth to make provision for some proper green space.

The problem and green spaces promised so far: The greenery proposed to date is decorative and aptly called 'parsley' by ecologists. For instance, the linear 'park' in Nine Elms turns out to be no more than front gardens for the new buildings, and the Sainsbury's site's proposed open spaces are small and paved. The Bondway, Vauxhall Cross and Wyvil Road developments are not offering new green open space of any substance at all.

Why we need green open spaces neighbouring onto the new developments: Green open spaces need to be close to the new developments, so that new residents can use them for (for instance) walking the dog, family picnics and sending children put to play football or family cricket. It is London's parks and green spaces that make this such a great city to live in, and without adequate provision of green open space Vauxhall will risk looking like Canary Wharf rather than a place designed for living.
Although Spring Gardens is being invested in, it is in practice too far from the new developments in Vauxhall for any of the activities described above. Spring Gardens will not be the park of choice. It is quite far to walk if you have any encumbrance or not much time. Instead, the park that will be used for family picnics, walking the dog and sending children out to play football, will be the one closest to the Vauxhall developments - Vauxhall Park. The same applies to lunch hours and office workers - of which there will also be a considerable increase in Vauxhall. This means that we are looking at standing room only on sunny weekends and busy lunch hours in the summer in Vauxhall Park.

The overall lack of additional green open space to counterbalance the proposed increase in density of building and population will have a negative impact on the Vauxhall area and its vicinity. The purpose of allowing new development is to produce a general improvement of the area. Without adequate green open space the hoped for improvements will not be forthcoming.

What you can do: Please can you contact your local councillors and ask them to lobby for additional and substantial green open space.

Ghislaine Stewart, Chair, The Oval Partnership

Volunteers and Volunteering in Lambeth

2011-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Help Wanted?

If you are working on a project or campaign and need an extra hand or two, why not appeal to your fellow active citizens. Remember, active citizens registered with LVAC’s ACH come from a range of backgrounds and most have attended training giving them skills to improve their community.

Email active.citizen@lambethvac.org.uk with details of what you are working on, the type of person you need, and we will spread the word via our ebulletins.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fill the Gap
If want to play an active role within your local community but are not quite sure what you can do with your new skills, then look no further than Fill the Gap!

We will link you into organisations that are looking for trustees just like you to help grow their organisation. If you care about organisations working in Lambeth achieving their aims and have a few hours to spare each month, help us to Fill the Gap – It’s another great way to be an active citizen!

This service is FREE to join!!!

Individuals that join get:
• Information and news on Active Citizens opportunities in Lambeth
• Access to FREE Training
• Use of the Active Citizens Hub Desk

Organisation who sign up:
• An up-to-date network of Active Citizens looking for roles!
• Information and news updates!
• Access to FREE training for staff and Volunteers!

For further information and to see the roles in more detail contact active.citizen@lambethvac.org.uk / 020 7737 9467

Active Citizens' Hub Desk - FREE and open for you to use

2011-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Active Citizens Hub Desk –IT’S FREE!!!!!!!Do you want to influence positive change in Lambeth that you know will benefit your community? Are you facing a few stumbling blocks?

• No access to a computer and / or the internet?
• No landline or mobile phone to make calls from?
• No one to ask advice about who to contact and how best to contact them?

No more excuses!!!

The Active Citizens Hub Desk is now ready and open for you to use. If you are an active citizen registered with Lambeth Voluntary Action Council, you can use this desk to:

* Browse the internet to research new laws and information relating to your area of interest
* Access a computer / printer to type up meeting notes
* Use the telephone or email

To find out more, or to book a session, please contact active.citizen@lambethvac.org.uk / 020 7737 9467

Lambeth LINk Public Meeting 12 January

2011-01-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

“Giving Us a Voice”
(Voicing the effects of the Health and Social Care cuts)

Wednesday 12 January 2011, 11.30 to 2.30 pm at
Karibu Education Centre
7 Gresham Rd
Brixton
SW9 7PH (opposite Brixton Police Station).

Lambeth LINk Public Meeting, jointly organised with others.

Speakers: Nick Clarke, London Development Officer, Disability Law Service
Sabina Laher, Lambeth Mencap and speakers from Lambeth Save Our Service and Vital Link

For more information contact the Lambeth LINk Team on 020 7274 8522 E info@lambethlink.org.uk
www.lambethlink.org

Octave Tower, Bondway

2010-12-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

At the request of our members, the Vauxhall Society:

Please email the Secretary of State for Communities, Mr Eric Pickles, asking him to rule against the building of the 42-storey Octave Tower in Bondway, Vauxhall Cross. If, that is, you support the decision of the committee of The Vauxhall Society to oppose the Octave. Our reasons (set out in full on the website, www.vauxhallcivicsociety.org.uk and below) are that the structure is so high and so wide that it will throw into shadow the surrounding streets and Vauxhall Park; the Octave will also worsen the district’s existing traffic congestion, poor air quality and overloading of public transport.

Now really is the time for you, your friends and neighbours to act. See below for email addresses and suggestions for what you might include in your message.

Ross Davies
Chairman
Vauxhall Society

How to reach Mr Pickles

The email address of the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government is: eric.pickles@communities.gsi.gov.uk

It would be polite, and effective, to copy in Mr Pickles’ Director-General, Housing and Planning, who is Richard McCarthy: richard.mccarthy@communities.gsi.gov.uk

The same goes for the Minister’s two ‘Special Advisers’, Giles Kenningham and Sheridan Westlake:
giles.kenningham@communities.gsi.gov.uk
sheridan.westlake@communities.gsi.gov.uk

….but it doesn’t stop there...

The Vauxhall Society is apolitical, and we urge you to email any councillor or MP that you think Mr Pickles might listen to.

Assuming that Labour is against Octave Tower because Lambeth Borough Council opposed it, one councillor politician the Minister might take notice of (and so is worth your while emailing), is John Whelan, Leader of the Conservative Group on Lambeth Borough Council: conservatives@lambeth.com
Since Mr Pickles is a Conservative member of a Coalition government, you might also copy in Cllr Ashley Lumsden, leader of Lambeth Lib Dems:
cllrashleylumsden@lambethlibdems.org.uk

What to say in your email
It is not the business of The Vauxhall Society to tell anybody what to say, not even our members, but the points below may inspire you.

The committee of this apolitical society decided unanimously earlier this year to oppose the Octave Tower.

The thing to get over to the Minister and his team is that bad headlines are ahead in the national media for him and the Coalition if he says ‘Yes’ to the Octave Tower.

Why?

• Because there was unprecedented all-party opposition in Lambeth to this monstrous project- one community group after another lined up to oppose the scheme
• The decision landed in Mr Pickles’ lap only because a developer and his battery of expensive lawyers chose to go over the heads of the council and people of Lambeth
• By saying ‘Yes’ Mr Pickles follows in the footsteps of John, now Lord, Prescott and Ken Livingstone, in nodding through another skyscraper Lambeth did not want, The St George Tower – now under construction
• Lots of media people live in or have lived in Lambeth, and newspapers - among them the Evening Standard, The Independent and i group - are following the Octave story.
• A ‘Yes’ decision would be a gift to headline writers, who will interpret it as a pointer to the Coalition behaving much the same as New Labour, and the headlines will have fun with Mr Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ meaning big buildings whether people want them or not
• The phones will be ringing asking local celebrities what they make of a ‘Yes’ decision – would Mr Pickles risk a ‘Woolas Moment’ with Vauxhall’s Joanna Lumley if she hears he’s agreed to a cut in sunshine for one of the poorest wards in Vauxhall because of Octave’s shading of Vauxhall Park?
• Vauxhall Park won a Green Flag Award for excellence for the fourth time in 2010; Mr Pickles’ department sponsors the Green Flag award

The 'F' word at St Anselm's

2010-11-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

The ‘f’ word - a photographic exhibition with stories from around the world, from individuals discussing their journey through forgiveness, runs from 29th of November to the 3rd of December - 10 am to 8 pm, daily at St Anselm’s Church, Kennington Cross, London SE11 5DU.

For details of the launch on 29th at 6.00 pm, with guest speakers Mary Foley, mother of East London murder victim and Maria Cantacuzino, Founder of the Forgiveness Project, please contact tom.sanderson8@gmail.com
http://theforgivenessproject.com/

Free workshops on Winning Contracts - for London organisations

2010-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Winning Contracts – Free Workshops January 2011

The Big Opportunity helps the London Voluntary and Community Sector make the most of the opportunities provided by the London 2012 Games and gives them a voice in shaping a sustainable legacy.

CompeteFor is a free service that enables businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to the London 2012 Games and other major public and private sector buying organisations, such as Transport for London (TfL), Crossrail, City of Westminster and the Metropolitan Police. Most of LDA and GLA funding for the voluntary and community sector is also managed through CompeteFor.

The Big Opportunity, LVSC and London Civic Forum are now delivering a series of free workshops to help voluntary sector organisations and social enterprises understand the benefits of CompeteFor and compile mandatory Health & Safety, Environment, Equal Opportunities and Quality policies. The next workshop will take place on Thursday 20 January 2011 at LVSC offices in Old Street London EC1

Following each workshop participants can stay to complete their on-line registration and receive one- to- one advice. Places are strictly limited to organisations based in Greater London. To book your place please e-mail Karin Podschun at Karin@lvsc.org.uk

Art Exhibition at Beaconsfield

2010-11-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Mark Dean
The Beginning of the End

24 November 2010 – 13 February 2011
Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm
Beaconsfield, 22 Newport Street, London SE11 6AY

Help develop a new employability service

2010-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Do you earn less than £10 an hour?
Would you like to contribute to the development of a new employability service that is relevant to you?

Participle, a social enterprise, is looking to build a new kind of employability service. They want to meet people who usually earn under £10 per hour who are either in or out of work to help make sure their new service meets people's needs.

To take part you must be a Lambeth or Lewisham resident, or take part with a friend who is. Discussions will be conducted by someone from Participle's EmployAbility team. Each conversation will last no longer than three hours and participants will be rewarded for their time. The meeting can take place either at your home or at a local place convenient to you.

Closing date: Friday 17 December 2010

Please email/ call/ drop call/ text Rabya Mughal with your name and contact details if you are interested. rabeyam@participle.net 07719 214 909

About Participle
Participle creates future services with and for the public. Participle starts from the individual and their community, unlocking a unique set of insights and motivations, which are then applied to the problems that need to be addressed.
More details at www.participle.net

Flight paths over London - meeting 16 December

2010-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

Meeting on flight paths over London on Thursday 16th December at City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2AA, Committee Room 4, from 5.30 pm to 7pm. The meeting, organized by HACAN, will be hosted and chaired by Val Shawcross, the GLA Assembly Member for Southwark and Lambeth and the Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee. Two expert speakers will outline why, in recent years, aircraft noise has become a London-wide problem and look at possible solutions to minimizing it. There will be a lot of time for questions and discussion. Light refreshments available.

The meeting is timely as the Civil Aviation Authority is consulting on a new airspace policy for the UK which is expected to feed into the review by the Government of aviation policy starting next year.

Speakers at the Meeting:
Tim Johnston, Director Aviation Environment Federation
Max Dixon, former GLA Noise Officer; part-time adviser to the Mayor on noise issues

HACAN has published a new pamphlet on flight paths which will available at the meeting.
For more details about the meeting and/or HACAN, please contact John Stewart, Chair of HACAN on 07957385650
To plan your journey, go to http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/

All visitors to City Hall are security searched on entry to the building

Limited accessible blue-badge parking is available and must be booked in advance
Full directional information and maps can be found on the Greater London Authority website www.london.gov.uk

Community based newsletter - contributions wanted

2010-11-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

We received this from Andrea Stewart, regarding contributions to the next ‘Up Your Street’ round:

I am working on the local area newsletters – ‘Up your street’ - the next editions of which are due out in January. There are separate editions covering the town centre areas of Norwood, Clapham, Streatham, Brixton, Stockwell and North Lambeth.

We would really like to include some community based stories in these next ones, as we are aiming for the newsletters to become a community resource where different organisations and groups can promote their successes, events and initiatives to each other. This could be to let their neighbours know of important local issues or to encourage them to go along to events within their area. The fact that each household receives a copy of the tailored newsletter makes it a great way to get exposure to local residents. Those living in Lambeth will have received a copy back in September and hopefully found them a good read… We believe including some more community focussed stories would make them even more useful for our residents!

It would be great if organisations / contacts could contribute to these newsletters. We are looking for contributions to be with us by 15 November in order to put the newsletters together by the Christmas break. I would just ask that any article offers are not Christmas/New Year holiday related as these will be going out in mid-January.

I am more than happy to be contacted directly by anyone who would like to contribute to discuss any ideas or offer help in any way. The email address / phone number below are the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks for your help

Andrea

Andrea Stewart
Campaigns and Marketing Manager (CYPS)
Campaigns and Communications
Office of the Chief Executive
London Borough of Lambeth

t 020 7926 9765 | f 020 7926 9778
e astewart1@lambeth.gov.uk | w http://www.lambeth.gov.uk
7th Floor | International House | 6 Canterbury Crescent | London | SW9 7QE

Culture in Lambeth - consultation

2010-11-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Please visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/cultureconsultation to give your views and comments on a draft culture strategy. This includes sports and leisure facilities, tourism, parks and open spaces, heritage, museums, the arts, media, libraries, community buildings and creative industries.

New docking spaces for London Cycle Hire scheme

2010-11-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

A further 100 docking points (spaces for bikes, not necessarily 100 docking stations) are wanted by late November this year, within the existing year. TfL say the the scheme works best when stations are approximately 300m from other docking stations. Please let Dawn Haines, Transport Policy Manager (dhaines@lambeth.gov.uk, 020 7926 9003) and your local councillor have your suggestions. Please note that before any sites can be implemented they have to go through both planning and traffic regulaton processes. Formal consultation is carrired out with those living in close proximity to sites.

Vote 3 B for Waterloo Action Centre!

2010-11-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Waterloo Action Centre, the buzzing community centre at the junction of Lower Marsh and Baylis Road, SE1, has been shortlisted for a £50,000 grant to revamp the building, in the Your Borough, Your Budget, Your Choice competition, organised by Lambeth Council. The decision will be made by public vote, closing 30 November. No other groups north of Brixton have been shortlisted, other than the London Nautical School, in Band 4.

Waterloo Action Centre is the only organisation in the competition providing activities for older people, and the only organisation in the competition providing FREE general advice, and FREE legal advice, and the service is available to Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall residents. Much much more is available at the centre, see www.waterlooactioncentre.co.uk or 7261 1404.

Let's help Waterloo Action Centre secure this funding! You can vote:
a) online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/yourchoice,
b) by texting 'Lambeth, your name, postcode/school and your choices e.g. 1b, 2c, 3b,
4a' to 07786 206 955,
c) by completing the FREEPOST voting card enclosed in Lambeth Life, delivered first
week in November or
d) call in at the community centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA where spare voting cards are available.

Remembrance Day event 11 Nov 2010

2010-10-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

Got a favourite poem of Remembrance?

Like to read it out or have it read for you?

Then email vauxhallcs@gmail.com about your choice ASAP, and next, come along to a Vauxhall Society event on Armistice Day, Thursday November 11 at 7pm.

You’ll also get a peek inside the historic Brunswick House, named after a former owner, the Duke of Brunswick, who was killed on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The Vauxhall Society’s Remembrance Evening is being held in the Salon Room of Brunswick House, where Naomi Lourie Klein, Philippa Owen and Ross Davies will present a programme of poems and stories with a Vauxhall connection.

Admission is free, and open to non-members of the Society although a contribution towards Society funds is welcome.

Refreshments are available at the Brunswick House café before or after.

Brunswick House is now the London HQ of architectural antiques specialists LASSCO, and The Vauxhall Society’s Remembrance event is being held there through the generosity of LASSCO’s proprietor Adrian Amos.

Adrian, a Vauxhall Society member, is the saviour of Brunswick House, which had been on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register until he bought and renovated it.
www.vauxhallcivicsociety.org.uk

Forum meeting 1 November 2010

2010-10-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

KOV Forum's next meeting will take place on 1 November, 6.30 for 7.00 pm start, at Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre (The Spring), 100 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5EL.

Agenda items include news about the former Lilian Baylis school site, improvements planned for Vauxhall overground station, and what a Co-operative Council means in practice.

All welcome! Free tea, coffee and biscuits! The meeting will end by 9.00 pm.

Changing Vauxhall - Your Opportunity

2010-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Changing Vauxhall - Your Opportunity
The 2010 Community Expo
11th September 2010
12 – 5.00 p.m. Spring Gardens, Vauxhall

Kennington, Oval & Vauxhall Forum, together with the Friends of Spring Gardens and Vauxhall City Farm, are organising a community fun day with entertainment, exhibitions demonstrations and a market place for voluntary and community organisations. We would like you to take part.
We are celebrating the change of name of Spring Gardens back to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. But also we are celebrating Vauxhall City Farm Open day. The gardens are undergoing change – the new entrance from Kennington Lane is under construction.

HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The theme for the event is Changing Vauxhall - how it has changed, how it might change, and how you would wish it to change. Changing the environment, health, housing, educational opportunities etc. Tell officers what you would do with the S.106 money from any developments.
The event will provide opportunities for:

• promoting local volunteering,
• networking and information sharing
• engaging with the community
There will also be grants of £500 to North Lambeth organisations, to be decided by public vote at the event.

If you would like to be involved by:
• Taking a pitch
• Providing entertainment
• Applying for a grant
• Sponsoring the event
• Promoting the event to your members
• Family competitions
... then please let us know, ideally by 13th August, by email to forumkov@gmail.com

Kennington Oval and Vauxhall Forum
Organising the 2010 Expo in Vauxhall

Our June meeting and AGM

2010-05-08T07:14:00.001-07:00

Lambeth Police Borough Commander, Chief Inspector Nick Ephgrave, will be attending the next Forum meeting to outline police work in the Kennington Oval and Vauxhall area, and to listen to local concerns. The meeting will be at:

6.30 for 7.00 pm till 9.00 pm
on
8 June 2010
at
The Spring Community Centre
100 Vauxhall Walk
London SE11 5EL

The meeting will also be our AGM, where we elect a new Board. Nomination forms will be emailed/posted within a few days. Completed forms need to be returned by 28 May 2010. Although you can join KOV at any time, 8 May is the last day to join and be able to vote in the AGM.

Meet the Candidates - Oval and Prince's Wards

2010-04-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

All welcome at our “Meet the Candidates” evening on:

Thursday 29th April at
The Spring Community Centre
100 Vauxhall Walk
SE11 5EL

from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The format will be 60 minutes of informal chatting, followed by 60 minutes in the form of a traditional hustings event. Members of the public will put questions to a panel formed by a max of one candidate per party.

The panel will be chaired by Maureen Johnston, Chair of the Kennington Oval and Vauxhall Forum.

Free microchipping for local cats and dogs 15 April, 4-6 pm

2010-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Lambeth Living working in conjunction with the RSPCA London South East Branch has arranged a

Free Microchipping Day

(CATS AND DOGS ONLY)

Clapham Housing Office

Worsopp Drive

London SW4

On Thursday 15 April 2010

4 pm to 6 pm

Micro-chipping will be done free of charge

(All donations gratefully received by RSPCA)

No appointment required

Please contact 07952 680 522 if you have any queries about micro-chipping

This project is supported by Lambeth Council Environmental Services

www.rspca-london-se.org.uk www.lambeth.gov.uk

www.lambethliving.org.uk

Farmer's Market at the Oval Churchyard

2010-04-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

From the Oval Partnership:

The Farmers' Market in the Oval Churchyard may be muddy but it's thriving and providing great produce for local people. If the bad weather's put you off for a while, now's the time to get back in the Saturday shopping habit. You'll find the ever popular coffee stall, crepes and cheese toasties, along with very fresh fish, meat, vegetables, bread and cakes and other produce. Why not make the market a habit - and bring your friends and continue to help build our neighbourhood.

Oval Partnership's been busy working on plans to improve the Farmers' Market site along with the rest of the Oval Churchyard. We want the area to become a welcoming focus for our area, not just for the market, but for the rest of the week too. We've raised initial funds and appointed specialist landscape architects who will advise us on how to make the most of the space. They're just starting work now.

We want to hear what you think of the market and how you would like to see the space develop - your ideas will be useful to the architects. We'll be around the coffee stall at the Farmers' Market on Saturday 17 April from 10.30 to 1pm so come and find us for a chat or email your ideas and comments to contactovalpartnership@googlemail.com.

See you there!

Forum's June 2010 meeting

2010-03-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Forum's AGM will be on Tuesday 8 June, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. Venue to be confirmed nearer the time. All welcome. Please put date in your diaries!

Next Forum meeting 13 April 2010

2010-03-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

The next KOV Forum meeting will be on 13 April 2010, 6.30 for 7.00 pm at:

The Spring Community Centre
100 Vauxhall Walk
SE11 5EL

Items to be covered include:

* Vauxhall Island Site - an outline of proposals. Views wanted about key issues locally

* Octave Tower - application rejected

* Beautifying the Beaufoy - Project Dirt's proposals

* Status Dogs - Lambeth Council's proposals for action

* Planning Department' consultation database

Everyone welcome!

KOV's submission on Vauxall Planning Framework

2010-03-29T09:22:00.001-07:00

A number of excellent detailed responses have already been made by several local organisations. Maureen Johnston MBE, as Chair of KOV Forum, has submitted this summary of points made by local people at our two public meetings:

Vauxhall & Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area Framework Consultation March 2010

Kennington, Oval & Vauxhall (KOV) Forum is a non political umbrella group bringing together local organisations, businesses and residents in the North Lambeth area (between Lambeth Road, Kennington Park Road, Camberwell New Road, Harleyford Road and the river Thames.

The Forum hosted two public consultation meetings in January and February 2010 which were attended by approximately 200 people. Outlined below are the main areas of concern and support identified by community organisations, residents and businesses at the meetings, in response to the presentation by planners from the Greater London Authority.
Concerns
• Tall buildings would cast Vauxhall Park and existing homes into shade, particularly if located as proposed.
• Lack of blue collar jobs and training opportunities for local people.
• Much too dense – Not enough open space. Overcrowding when fully developed.
• The number of planning applications already granted without the appropriate infrastructure in place i.e. transport, health care, recreational facilities and education and utility services.
• No plans to tackle the current high level of air pollution around Vauxhall Cross, which will only increase.
• Extension of Northern Line will not serve those currently using it and will only add to existing overcrowding. It is already difficult to get on trains at Oval and Kennington.
• No apparent attempt to integrate the area with land to the East especially Vauxhall Park. All connections are to the river and towards Westminster instead of towards conservation areas such as the Duchy Estate. No tie in with the congestion boundary along Kennington Lane which needs regeneration.
• Concerns that there will be traffic restrictions because of the location of the American Embassy and heavy handed policing.
• Concerns that access to the river will be denied, especially around the American Embassy.
• Lack of basic green recreational space – gardens on roof tops will not help a family with small children.
• No planning for extending the cultural activities of the Southbank down to Vauxhall and no cultural hub
• Real need for a swimming pool in the area
• Concentration on workforce at the expense of the family
• Not enough affordable housing proposed in good locations.
• No regard for biodiversity and ecology

Support

• Green corridor, in principle, but it must be public space rather than private gardens, and of sufficient size for recreational purposes.
• Renewed look at the Vauxhall gyratory system, which is currently unfriendly to pedestrians, residents and cyclists alike.
• Redevelopment of Vauxhall Station.
• Renewed look at the bus station.
• Redevelopment of Covent Garden Market.

Cycle stands at Kennington Cross

2010-03-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Good news!

The six bicycle stands requested by KOV for Kennington Cross have been fitted today and are available now, outside the Dog House pub.

VNEB Opportunity Area Planning Framework

2010-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

from Viva Vauxhall:

This has crept up on us a bit with all the furore over the Octave Tower, but it's still not too late to object! (Deadline 29 March).

If the GLA's VNEB (Vauxhall, New Elms, Battersea) Opportunity Area Framework is adopted, this will open the floodgates not just for a few tall buildings, but effectively a new town on the edge of Central London with the highest population density in the UK.

There will be an anticipated 16.000 additional dwellings and approx. 20.000 office workers coming into the area over the next 15 years with no extra public funds for infrastructure such as transport, schools, green spaces etc. other than what can be generated from planning gain - some of which the Mayor will want for Cross Rail (this will not even service this area).

Local Council Planning Laws appear to either being watered down or superseded by the new GLA Framework, which doesn't even meet the Mayor's own Plan Objectives!

There is a frightening lack of absence of any coherent strategy, seemingly allowing a complete 'free for all' for developers!

Object to the Framework by Monday, 5pm, by e-mailing mayor@london.gov.uk with "VNEB OAPF" in the subject line.

Octave tower comes crashing down...

2010-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

By Pete Morris of Viva Vauxhall

The planning application for the 149m Octave tower on the Bondway storage site was rejected last night. In a stunning victory for local campaigners, the planning committee slammed the bulk and height of the tower, the negative impact on the Vauxhall Conservation Area, loss of amenity for residents and loss of local employment space.

There was an impressive turnout of objectors, including Viva Vauxhalls¹s Jimmy and Andrea as well as contributions from Cllr Sawdon, Kennington Association, Waterloo Community Development Group and the Friends of Vauxhall Park.

Councillors accused the developer - which has already announced it¹s intention to appeal - of giving ³two fingers² to residents and the planning committee in its macho response, and its refusal to tone down the scheme after an earlier critical meeting.

The decision appears to mark a fight-back against the drift towards a Œhigh-rise¹ Vauxhall, and the planning committee said that it was concerned that developers did not appear to be taking into account the social impact of their schemes.

The application will now be heard later in the year at a full public planning inquiry.

Octave Building, Planning Committee 24 March 2010

2010-03-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Andrea from Viva Vauxhall has rung Democratic Services to request to speak at the planning meeting for the Octave on 24 March, and was told that everybody who requested to speak at the meeting will be allowed to do so.

They also said that the position on the agenda depended on how many people had requested to speak, so the more people do, the further The Octave moves up the agenda.

This is the number to ring if you wish to speak: 020 7926 2183; quick and easy, no fuss (only an out-of office reply to my e-mail so far).

You don't have to say much, just one sentence will do - and you can still make a real difference!

2010-03-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

From Viva Vauxhall:

As you may have heard there is a planned proposal to build a 150m high tower in Vauxhall (Bondway Commercial site next to the bus station).

Letters have gone out to those who objected to the original planned proposal giving notice that the date for the planning decision by the Lambeth Planning Application Committee has now been set for 24 March.

The recommendation for this application is to 'Minded to Grant Permission'.

The proposed Octave Tower is yet another major high rise development to be granted planning permission before the end of the consultation period for the VNEB Opportunity Area Framework, which proposes clusters of tall buildings (benchmark 150 m) of the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea area.

One has to suspect that despite the limited public consultation regarding the Octave Tower this is yet another foregone conclusion.

However, the Planning Application Committee meeting is open for anyone to attend. Objectors who wish to speak at the meeting can request to do so by contacting mmannion@lambeth.gov.uk or 020 7926 2183 (Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW).

Speakers get three minutes to speak, if anyone feels that way inclined; it is also possible to propose a representative to speak on behalf of a group, who may get more time allocated to them.

But it's the people in the public gallery that can make a real difference by making their feelings known.

There is also still time to sign Viva Vauxhall's petition against the Octave Tower.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-to-octave-tower.html

Vauxhall Planning Framework

2010-02-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

Comments on the Vauxhall Planning Framework, otherwise known as the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Battersea Opportunity Area Planning Framework, can now be submitted to mayor@london.gov.uk up to 5.00 p.m. on 29 March.

Petition against the Octave Tower, Vauxhall

2010-02-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Viva Vauxhall has set up an online petition against the proposed Octave Tower (to be built on the Bondway site, next to the Vauxhall Bus Station).

Link: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-to-octave-tower.html

Public Exhibition : The Garden, at New Covent Garden Market

2010-02-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA)is hosting a second exhibition about its plans for The Garden at New Covent Garden Market.

The exhibition will be in a dedicated marquee located at the Market close to Vauxhall Station and will be open at the following times:

Thursday 25 February 6.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Friday 26 February 5.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Saturday 27 February 6.00 a.m. - 4.00 pm

This is your chance to see the latest designs, ask any questions you may have and let CGMA know what you think of the plans. These include new homes, shops, offices and community facilities, all built on the current Market site.

For more information, or to request a leaflet about the plans:

Visit: www.newcoventgardenmarket.com
Email: the garden@cgma.co.uk
Call : 0800 977 8794

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea - Opportunity Area Planning Framework -

2010-01-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/oapf-nine-elms/index.jsp

The consultation deadline for comments on the GLA's draft planning framework has been extended till 5.00 pm on 28 February.

Here's the extract from the GLA website.

"Have your say

"The consultation draft Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area Planning Framework is open for public comment until 28 February 2010. Please get back to us in writing, and make sure you explain which paragraph and page of the document you are referring to in your comments.

"You can send your views by email or by post:

"by email to mayor@london.gov.uk with 'VNEB OAPF' in the title. If you send in a response by email it is not necessary to also send us a hard copy.
by post (no stamp required) to:
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
(VNEB OAPF)
FREEPOST LON15799
GLA City Hall, post point 19B
The Queen's Walk
London SE1 2BR
All responses (emails and letters) must be received by 5:00 pm on 28 February 2010."

Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall Forum will be holding a special meeting to discuss this at 7 pm, 10 February 2010 at St Peters' Church, 310 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY (corner of Tyers St). All welcome!