Comment on TfL's plans for Cycle Superhighway 5

Transport for London is proposing to introduce a new cycle route between New Cross Gate and Victoria. Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 5 (CS5) would run via Peckham, Camberwell, Kennington and Vauxhall.

View the proposals and have your say:
Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cs5 to see details of the proposed route and have your say. There are some significant changes planned for Vauxhall Cross and Oval junction.

Public Exhibitions:
TfL invite you to one of their three public exhibitions so you can view the proposals and speak to members of the project team:
Saturday 8 December 11:00-15:00, Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR
Tuesday 11 December 15:00-19:00, Oval House Theatre café, 52-54 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW
Wednesday 12 December 15:00-19:00, Parnell House, 25 Wilton Road, SW1V 1LW

About the proposed new route:
Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 5 would bring substantial changes to the road layout to improve safety for cyclists, including:
More space for cyclists and buses, through reallocation of road space
New mandatory cycle lanes
Improvements for cyclists at 52 junctions, including new Advanced Stop Lines, cycle feeder lanes, and speed reduction measures
An innovative cycle ‘early-start’ facility at Vauxhall Bridge Road/Millbank to help cyclists get ahead of traffic
Banning some turns for cars and lorries to reduce conflict with cyclists
Extension to the existing 20mph speed limit in New Cross

The new route would also include a comprehensive package of supporting measures, including:
Over 3,000 new cycle parking spaces along the route
Cycle safety checks
Free cycle training
Industry-recognised safety training for drivers of large goods vehicles

Construction work:
TfL plan to start work in late spring 2013. They will write to local residents and businesses before undertaking work. The route is planned to open later in 2013.

Temporary Closure of Lambeth Community Care Centre for urgent repair works

As part of the annual planned maintenance programme, work was scheduled to upgrade the water pipes at the Lambeth Community Care Centre (LCCC). However an existing leak in the pipework on the first floor of the LCCC has significantly worsened. Due to the size of the leak and the location of the pipes embedded in the concrete flooring, it is impossible to do a temporary repair and therefore necessary to urgently bring forward the repair work. Until the extensive repairs are completed, which includes excavating the concrete floors to replace all the water pipes, the building is vulnerable to sudden loss of heating and water supply. The scale of the works now requires the building to be temporarily closed for six weeks due to the amount of noise, debris and disruption the work will cause. The closure date for the building is 7 December with work commencing on 10 December.

During this time, all intermediate care inpatient admissions will be at The Pulross Centre, Brixton. The unit will operate at its full 20 bed capacity with the additional medical, nursing and therapy this level of activity requires.

Ground floor community outpatient services are being temporarily relocated during this time to other health centres nearby. These changes are being communicated directly to patients who have booked appointments during this period. The services affected are:
• Gateway Acupuncture Clinic
• Physiotherapy
• Foot Health
• Heart Failure Clinic


The temporary closure comes at a crucial time for the future of the Centre. The local NHS plan to close the intermediate care inpatient beds on the first floor and convert the Centre into a specialist centre for people recovering from amputations. At a meeting of the Friends of the LCCC last Wednesday opinion was divided as to whether the Friends should support the plans. The Committee recommended support for the plans, but the majority of members at the meeting wanted intermediate care for local people to continue.

Photo: Edward Cullinan Architects

Vauxhall One's Christmas tree unveiled

Local business group Vauxhall One has arranged for a fantastic Christmas tree to cheer up the entrance to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens over the festive season.

Kate Hoey MP switched the lights on at a ceremony on Wednesday evening. She was joined by Richard Tice, Chair of Vauxhall One, and councillors Jackie Meldrum and Mark Harrison.

Support your local pubs this Christmas

The Ship on Kennington Road emailed us asking to help support them by publicising their Christmas offering.

We thought we would help the other pubs in the ward by getting their Christmas offerings as well!

Below are details of all the pubs in the ward and links to their websites/Christmas menus.

The Duchy Arms, 63 Sancroft Street SE11 5UG

The Grand Union, 111 Kennington Road SE11 6SF

The Prince of Wales, 48, Cleaver Square SE11 4EA

Tamesis Dock, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP

The Black Dog, 112 Vauxhall Walk SE11 5ER

The Old Red Lion, 42, Kennington Park Road SE11 4RS
The Rose, 35, Albert Embankment SE1 7TL

The Ship, 171, Kennington Road SE11 6SF

The Tommyfield, 185 Kennington Lane SE11 4EZ

The Black Prince, 6 Black Prince Road SE11 6HS
020 7582 2818

Little Apple, 98 Kennington Lane SE11 4XD
020 7735 2039

The White Bear, 138 Kennington Park Road SE11 4DJ
020 7793 9193

The Windmill, 44 Lambeth High Street SE1 7JS
020 7820 1802

The Dog House, 293 Kennington Road SE11 6BY
020 7820 9310

Zeitgeist, 49-51 Black Prince Road SE11 6AB
020 7840 0426

Comment on Henley Homes' plans for Old Lilian Baylis

Henley Homes' planning application for the northern part of the Old Lilian Baylis site is now open for comments.

They plan to convert most of the old school buildings into residential properties, with a couple of new infill buildings. Several buildings to the west of the site will be demolished and replaced with new medium-rise blocks. These will not overshadow existing flats on Gibson Road like in previous plans. There will be a terrace of houses along Lollard Street. 40% of homes in the development will be affordable.

You can see all of the plans and comment on the application here.

2012 SE11 councillor update hits the doormats

Prince's ward's Labour councillors' latest leaflet is being delivered by volunteers in our area over the next couple of weeks.

It contains updates about the Durning Library and some of the local issues we have been working on over the past year. It also asks for residents' ideas for how money from the sale of the Beaufoy Institute should be spent.

If you could lend a hand with delivering some leaflets please let Steve know.

Two way cycling on one way streets

After consulting with residents, the Council is preparing to introduce two way cycling on certain one way streets on our area. They are Cardigan Street, Sancroft Street, Tyers Street and Wincott Street.

Here are the details from the officer's report:


Cardigan Street 

Objectives: Allow cycle access in both directions on Cardigan Street between Kennington Lane and Courtenay Square. Reduce road danger and improve access for people on bicycles through the existing cycle gap at the junction with Kennington Lane by removing 5m of parking bay. A cycle gap is already in place at Cardigan Street’s junction with Kennington Lane (implemented by Transport for London in the 1990s) to allow cycles into Cardigan Street northbound but access is completely blocked by cars parked in the formal shared-use parking bays (see fig. 1. in  appendix 1). The link forms important east-west access connecting cycle routes into central London and avoids the need for a difficult right turn on a bend on Kennington Lane into Courtenay Street.  It is also an important local link that fits with future proposals to make Ravensdon Street and Cleaver Street two-way for cycling.

Outcomes: Two-way cycle access indicated by appropriate signing and road markings. Removal of 10.15m of formal shared use permit holders/pay & display  parking bay.

Traffic orders/ notices required:
a) Exempt pedal cycles from the one-way system on Cardigan Street between the existing ‘cycle plug at the junction with Kennington Lane and Sancroft Street. This would be achieved by replacing the current ban on all vehicles traveling in a northern direction on Cardigan Street with a ban on motor vehicles only, and providing appropriate signing and advisory cycle lanes at certain points on Cardigan Street.
b) Removal of 12.8 metres of shared use permit holders/pay & display parking bay and replace with 12.8 metres of double yellow lines from a point starting 11m from the northwest kerb of Kennington Lane.


Sancroft Street 

Objectives: Allow cycle access in both directions on Sancroft Street between Kennington Road and Vauxhall Street.

Outcomes: Two-way cycle access indicated by appropriate signing and road markings. Removal of 12.8m of residential parking bay.

Traffic orders/ notices required:
a) Exempt pedal cycles from the one-way system on the section of  Sancroft Street between Cardigan Street and Kennington Road. This would be achieved by replacing the current ban on all vehicles entering Sancroft Street  at its junction with Cardigan  Street  with a ban on motor vehicles only, and providing appropriate signing and advisory cycle lanes at certain points on Sancroft Street.

b) Exempt pedal cycles from the one-way system on the section of Sancroft Street between Newburn Street and Vauxhall Street. This would be achieved by replacing the current ban on all vehicles entering Sancroft Street  at its junction with Newburn  Street   with a ban on motor vehicles only, and providing appropriate signing and advisory cycle lanes at certain points on Sancroft Street.

c) Removing 12.8m of Permit Holders only parking bay on Sancroft Street and replacing with 12.8m of double yellow lines starting from a point 6.75m from the western kerbline of Vauxhall Street and extending for 12.8m.


Tyers Street 

Objectives: Allow cycle access in both directions on Tyers Street. Calm traffic at the junction with Black Prince Road.

Outcomes: Two-way cycle access on the entire length of Tyers Street indicated by appropriate signing and road markings. Construction of flat-top table on Tyers Street at the junction with Black Prince Road.
Traffic orders/ notices required:

a) Exempt pedal cycles from the one-way system on Tyers Street. This would be achieved by replacing the current ban on all vehicles entering Tyers Street at its junction with Black Prince Road and all side roads with a ban on motor vehicles only, and providing appropriate signing and advisory cycle lanes at certain points on Tyers Street.

b) Notice for a flat top raised speed table on Tyers Street at the junction with Black Prince Road, extending from the southern kerbline of Black Prince Road for a distance of 14.5 metres.


Wincott Street

Objectives: Allow cycle access in both directions on Wincott Street between Gilbert Road and Kennington Road and improve visibility and safety for pedestrians by constructing  a build-out at the corner of Wincott Street and Kempsford Road.

Outcomes: Two-way cycle access on Wincott Street indicated by appropriate signing and road markings. Improved local permeability.

Traffic orders/ notices required:
b) Exempt pedal cycles from the one-way section on Wincott Street between Gilbert Road and KenningtonRoad .This would be achieved by replacing the current ban on all vehicles entering Wincott Street at its junction with Gilbert Road with a ban on motor vehicles only, and providing appropriate signing and advisory cycle lanes at certain points on Wincott Street.
c) Remove 5.8m of parking bay and replace with double yellow lines to allow the construction of a build-out.



Consultation responses 

Cardigan Street

As explained in section 2 of this report, the infrastructure already exists to permit pedal cycles into the one-way system on Cardigan Street but is physically impossible due to the presence of formal shared use parking bays which block the cycle gap (see fig. 1, appendix 1); hence the consultation was for the removal of these parking bays.
There were just six responses to the consultation on Cardigan Street – this is a very low response rate.  Two people were against the removal of parking bays, one person was in favour, and three had no view either way. (See appendix 2.)
In contrast, there was broad support from the wider community to improving the cycle access by removing the parking bays. (See appendix 2).

Recommendation: It is understandable that local residents would not want to lose car parking from their street. Some respondees also pointed out that vehicles from a local minicab firm are often parked in residents’ bays unenforced, putting pressure on parking.
It must be taken into account that the response rate to the consultation on Cardigan Street was extremely low: two people objected to the proposals to remove x2 parking bays and three had no objections. Several users in the wider area were in favour of the proposals.
Some weighting should be given to the two objections from Cardigan Street, however, it should also be taken into account that the area has a wealth of alternatives to car use and ownership: Cardigan Street has the second highest possible PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) score of 6a, there are four Car Club bays within a five minute walk, a dense network of hire cycles and cycle routes, and most retail and leisure facilities are accessible by public transport or on foot or cycle.
Lambeth’s CPZ engineer, after considering the proposals, supports the removal of 10.15 metres (x2 parking bays) for safety reasons these bays be removed bay be, and that consideration is given to the introduction of new disabled bays so that those less able to walk, cycle or use public transport are assured a parking space.


Sancroft Street 

Ten responses were received. Respondents are in favour of both proposals to permit two-way cycling on the entire length of Sancroft Street between Vauxhall Street and Kennington Road. There was also support to remove two parking bays on Sancroft Street at the junction with Vauxhall Street. There was broad support from the wider community.

Recommendation: Proceed with the proposals outlined in section 2 of this report.


Tyers Street 

The response was low but this may be because respondents did not feel strongly about the proposals. There was unanimous support from those who did respond: all of them supported the proposals to implement a flat top speed table on Tyers street at the junction of Tyers Street and Black Prince Road.
The information letter about two-way cycling did not elicit significant responses; residents will have further opportunity to comment at the statutory consultation stage.

Recommendation: Proceed with the proposals outlined in section 2 of this report.


Wincott Street 

25 responses were received.
The majority of respondents were in favour of both aspects of the scheme.  Some respondents expressed reservations about the behavior of cyclists in general. Some respondents pointed out the difficulty that large vehicles have in negotiating the corner of Wincott Street and Reedworth Street because of recently introduced parking bays.

Recommendations: Proceed with the proposals outlined in section 2 of this report. Consider a review of parking on the corner of Wincott Street and Reedworth Street.

Nominate roads and pavements which need renewing

Lambeth's highways manager has asked us to nominate roads and pavements in our area which need renewing.

Please email us to let us know if you think your road or pavement should be resurfaced.

We've already nominated several roads and pavements which officers have already inspected and added to the backlog list:

Roads:
Wigton Place
Jonathan Street
Walcot Square
Chester Way
Brook Drive
Vauxhall Walk
St Mary's Walk
Glyn Street
Newport Street
Monkton Street
St Mary's Gardens
Oakden Street

Pavements:
Kennington Road
Denny Street
Walcot Square
Sancroft Street
Denny Crescent
Vauxhall Walk


Pictured: Mark pointing out a pothole on Stannary Street, which was resurfaced after pressure from SE11 councillors

Park Plaza Riverbank plans to grow taller

The Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel is inviting residents to a public exhibition about proposals for a forthcoming planning application to add further floors and a new frontage to the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel on the Albert Embankment.

Where:  Plaza Suite 10, Park Plaza Hotel Riverbank, Albert Embankment

When:  Monday 26 November, 1pm to 8pm

The scheme will have a particular impact on residents of 9 Albert Embankment. You can find out more at their website.
       

Follow up Northern Line Extension meeting

Lambeth Council held a public meeting on the 10 September where residents  were invited to raise any queries or concerns they had related to the proposed extension to the Northern Line. At that meeting officers undertook to take those comments away and investigate them further and to provide answers once they had them.

Lambeth officers and the council’s technical consultant Ramboll have been working through the issues raised and are proposing a follow-up meeting to give an update on where they are and allow residents to engage in discussion on outstanding issues. The meeting will be from 6pm – 9pm on Tuesday 4 December in the South Lambeth Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1QP. An agenda will be circulated prior to the meeting and it is likely that it will take the same format as the September meeting with each different area dealt with in turn.

You do not need to register to attend this meeting but to help estimate numbers in advance it would be useful if you could email transportplanning@lambeth.gov.uk to indicate whether you will be attending.

Ramboll's work and the meeting are focused on some of the practical issues around the construction and operation of the project. However, some residents have been questioning whether the Northern Line Extension is the best transport option to be pursuing. Lambeth officers have provided the following briefing explaining some of the reasons why TfL is pursuing the Northern Line Extension:



Reason for Choice of the Northern Line Extension

The NLE has been identified by TfL as the only viable option that will provide enough public transport capacity in the long term to accommodate the scale of development proposed for the VNEB Opportunity Area. This note explains the rationale behind this decision.

Background

Five development scenarios were initially investigated for the VNEB Opportunity Area ranging from low levels of development to significant increases in jobs and residents. A transport study was commissioned by TfL in order to identify the level of public transport provision that would be required to support the amount of development proposed for each of these scenarios.

This transport study identified a range of public transport improvements that would be required ranging from a series of bus based improvements for the low level scenarios to proposals that provided significant amounts of additional capacity for the high level scenarios.

It was eventually decided that a revision of Scenario 5 with 16,000 new dwellings and 24,000 new jobs would be pursued. The transport study had identified that the only 2 interventions that would provide enough capacity to accommodate this level of development were tube or tram-based options. These would provide direct, high speed connections to central London with much more capacity than could be accommodated by additional bus routes. Without this route the public transport system would be unlikely to cope with the additional demand.

Tube based option

The tube based option forms an extension to the Northern Line from Kennington. This is the easiest option to deliver because of the terminating tracks on the Charing Cross branch which allow an extension to be delivered without directly affecting the rest of the line.

Four initial route options were proposed. These were:

1. A direct line from Battersea to Kennington,
2. A mid-station at Vauxhall to allow interchange with the Victoria Line,
3. A station close to the proposed US Embassy, and
4. A station on Wandsworth Road (Sainsbury’s).

The first two options were discounted by TfL as not providing effective relief for Vauxhall station to accommodate significant levels of additional trips relating to developments at the northern end of the OA such as New Covent Garden Market, Sainsbury’s, CLS, etc.

In particular, although the second option would have provided interchange between the Northern and Victoria Lines TfL has always raised significant concerns that Vauxhall station would be unable to cope with additional numbers of passengers. This relates both to those entering the station to use the Northern Line at peak times leading further congestion within the station, and those interchanging onto the Victoria Line which would be likely to have implications for capacity before trains reach the more strategic part of the line at Victoria. For this reason, TfL has never supported this option.

Of the remaining options, that which provides most benefit for Lambeth residents is the 4th option with a station at Wandsworth Road (Sainsbury’s). This option provides the best improvements to public transport accessibility levels in Lambeth compared to the US Embassy option which would have been on the western side of the railway viaduct. This was also the most supported option in the public consultations that were undertaken in 2010 and 2011.

The possibility of creating a branch from the Victoria Line was considered but dismissed due to operating concerns. The Victoria Line is congested north of Vauxhall in the morning peak and the addition of additional passengers would lead to capacity problems on more strategic parts of the line further north from Vauxhall. The existing service to Brixton would have been affected by the loss of services as the trains would have had to alternate between Brixton and Battersea.

Tram based option

The tram-based option was originally devised as a connection from Battersea Power Station along Nine Elms Lane to Vauxhall, Albert Embankment and Waterloo where it would connect with the Cross River Tram (CRT). The CRT was, however, dropped from the TfL business plan following the Mayoral election in 2008.

The two main reasons why this is not supported by TfL are:

1. Impact on Vauxhall gyratory.

The tram route was proposed to run through the gyratory which is already operating close to capacity and the impact on traffic flow was deemed unacceptable by TfL. One of the Council’s key aims is the removal of the gyratory, with significant improvement to the public realm, and officers are currently in discussions regarding this. It is unlikely that a tram route could be accommodated in these proposals due to the impact on capacity. It is likely that the provision of a tram route would compromise the Council’s aim.

2. Interchange implications.

The tram was proposed to connect with the CRT at Waterloo which would have provided a direct route into central London without the need to change at Waterloo.  Without the CRT, all those using the tram would arrive at Waterloo and need to change to alternative modes of transport. Waterloo is the busiest station in London and there are already issues relating to interchange from train to tube and bus. For example, there are currently long queues for buses at peak times and it is likely that the interchange could not cope with the additional passengers.

TfL also raised concerns about potential interchange implications at Vauxhall station, with a potential increase in passengers looking to change to the Victoria Line.

Other Public Transport Improvements

The transport study identified that either a tube or tram based option would be the only solutions to provide the long term public transport capacity required to accommodate additional development trips. However, the Council has always stated that a wider transport strategy, with a significant emphasis on bus improvements, is required and that this would link the new developments to existing residents and businesses in Lambeth. Such improvements formed a key part of the Council’s initial support for the NLE.

The VNEB transport study showed that bus improvements would be required in the short to medium term, until the high capacity improvements were constructed. Given the number of developments that have now obtained planning permission TfL is currently undertaking an initial study into short term bus improvements and the Council will feed into this study to ensure that the proposals provide the required level of improvements to Lambeth residents.

Issues raised on the NLE

The Council has received a lot of correspondence from residents regarding the NLE. In order to be able to respond to these issues and ensure that TFL, as scheme promoter, takes them on board the Council has engaged consultants Ramboll to act on its behalf and provide advice. At present Ramboll are reviewing the work done to date on behalf of Treasury Holdings and latterly TfL. It is hoped that they will continue to advise the Council on the Environmental Impact Assessment that TFL is required to submit in support of the Transport and Works Act application.

Conclusion

The need for the NLE is development led, with significant additional transport capacity being required to accommodate the additional trips that will be generated by all developments in the VNEB OA. The Planning Framework concludes that in order to enable and support a revised scenario 5 development a package of strategic transport measures, supported by a series of more local transport improvements will be required to support growth and development of the OA. These include:

• An optimum package of bus service enhancements including the introduction or extension of bus routes
• An extension to the Northern -Line, from Kennington to Battersea Power Station, with an intermediate stop in the Nine Elms area
• Improvements to the National Rail, Underground stations and interchange facilities at Vauxhall and Battersea Park stations
• A step change in the walking and cycle environment both within and to/from the OA and ensuring improved legibility and connections
• An approach to development which reduces the need to travel by car/reduces the number of private vehicle trips within the OA
• Improving conditions for taxis, coaches, freight and river services within and to/from the OA
• Private investment to enable these improvements to be secured and delivered in line with the future development of the area

It can be seen, therefore, that the NLE is not the only transport improvement that will be delivered. The Council has always supported and promoted additional bus enhancements in the area that will be of benefit to Lambeth residents.

Christmas tree for Vauxhall courtesy of Vauxhall One

Local business group Vauxhall One are sponsoring a 10 metre Christmas Tree to be sited outside the Royal Vauxhall Tavern at the entrance to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The tree will be in place for the festive season with the lights being switched on by a very important local person.

Come and see who it is at 7:15pm on Wednesday 28 November and celebrate the start of Christmas with Vauxhall One.

This is just one of many improvements introduced by Vauxhall One - which include refurbished railway arches, hanging baskets, and patrolling street wardens.

Kennington won't be left out - the Tree of Hope continues to be lit up outside St Anselm's Church during the dark evenings. The Tree of Hope was set up in 2009 by the Kennington Association, with help from local councillors' 'Ward Purse' fund.

Photo from Freefoto.com

Join local people to improve 'Bird Walk'

This Saturday and Sunday local volunteers will be planting and tidying in the alleyway between Wincott Street and Oakden Street. Local residents are welcome to join the volunteers between 10am and 3pm - donations of plants, bulbs and seeds very welcome (hardy plants which like the shade would be most suitable).

The alleyway has recently been resurfaced with new planting beds, to coincide with Archbishop Sumner School's reception classes' move to the Oakden Street site.

The planting is a resident-led initiative to help improve the alleyway. We are also looking into naming the alleyway and getting it properly 'adopted' by the Council. The frontrunner name is 'Bird Walk', as nearby Monkton Street used to be called 'Bird Street'. The school is also investigating whether mural painting might be a way for the children to help brighten up the route.

Lambeth Labour freeze council tax for another two years

Labour in Lambeth will commit to freeze local council tax for the next two years running at the Cabinet meeting on 12 November.

With living costs rising and the price hikes recently announced by the energy companies, the Labour group of councillors want to support residents. Labour has frozen Lambeth council tax levels since 2008 – in total a six year freeze.

Labour cabinet member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Paul McGlone said

'The economic failure of the Coalition Government means the cost of living is increasing and many local people are now struggling to make ends meet.

'We are doing what we can to help residents and the council tax freeze is part of that. It is a historic decision that means council tax will have been at the same level for six years running.'

Exciting times for the Ethelred Estate

Ethelred Estate Tenant Management Organisation held its AGM this evening, where there was an update on developments during the year.

It's been a momentous year, as the Estate has transferred ownership from Lambeth Council to Watmos, the only tenant-owned housing association in the country. The transfer has unlocked a multimillion pound investment into the estate, which begins next week. Builders and Resident Liaison Officers will be based in a shop in Lambeth Walk to help residents with questions about the works programme, which will last for five years.

At this evening's AGM residents emphasised that window replacement work should be prioritised first.

There has been a big increase in new members of the TMO, which has raised the quorum needed for a valid AGM. Unfortunately there weren't sufficient residents at this evening's meeting, so the AGM business will need to be run again - residents will be informed and encouraged to attend!

Councillors learn more about proposed key worker housing at Newington Butts

This evening local councillors Lorna, Mark and Steve met the Dolphin Square Foundation to find out more about their proposed development at Newington Butts (at the junction of Kennington Lane and Kennington Park Road).

The Foundation's aim is to develop affordable (below market rent) housing, primarily for people who work in Westminster. Almost all the accommodation in the new development would be affordable housing, prioritised for people who currently live in Lambeth and work in Westminster.

The development would consist of a main block facing Newington Butts, with a supermarket/ cafe on the ground floor. There would be a back block and houses accessed from Holyoak Road at the rear. You can view and comment on the plans at Lambeth's Planning Database. The developers hope the plans will go to committee in January.

Archbishop Sumner opens on Oakden Street site

This morning saw the formal opening of the Oakden Street site of Archbishop Sumner Primary School.

The site used to be home to the Michael Tippett School, and then the Olive School, but has been empty for the past year.

Archbishop Sumner have now taken an additional reception year class this year, and moved the reception classes to the refurbished building.

Guests at this morning's ceremony were impressed by the bright and spacious new classrooms and hall.

Lambeth Council will be keeping a close eye on projections for pupil numbers in our area over the coming years, and discussions with the school are ongoing about whether there is sufficient demand to permanently expand the school in the future.

Formal consultation on Vauxhall and Wyvil Primary school federation

Since 2009 Vauxhall Primary School has been working together with Wyvil Primary School in a 'soft federation' - enabling Vauxhall to benefit from Wyvil's strong leadership and make big improvements. Vauxhall was most recently inspected by Ofsted as being 'good' with 'outstanding capacity to improve'.

The governing bodies of both schools are now proposing that the federation be formalised, with the schools sharing a governing body but preserving their unique characters.

Parents should have received a consultation document about the proposal. If oresidents have comments or would like more information please email Peter Compton from Lambeth Council and he can help. The consultation closes on 16 November.

See the latest plans for Old Lilian Baylis

Developer Henley Homes are holding a drop in event on Thursday 25 October, 5:30pm - 8pm to display their plans for redeveloping the northern part of the site. The event will be in the Dance Studio - accessed via Lollard Street.

They will shortly be submitting their plans for planning approval. The southern part of the site (with the sports facilities) has been given to the Black Prince Trust for sports, leisure and community use.

Plans to demolish house on Tyers Street

The owner of 111 Tyers Street (the white house on the corner of Tyers Street and St Oswald's Place) has applied for planning permission to demolish the Victorian building and replace it with a new house.

The building has repeatedly been struck by lorries attempting the tight turn at the junction of St Oswald's Place, which the owner says has seriously damaged the building. The owner also states that the building is leaning out towards Tyers Street.

You can view and comment on the application here (number: 12/03702/FUL)

Update from this week's KOV neighbourhood forum

Community groups and residents from across Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall were represented at Tuesday's KOV Forum meeting.

There was good news for residents of the Wincott Street area from the West London Mission charity, who own the St Luke's hostel at the corner with Gilbert Road.

Over the past six months the building has been the temporary home to a hostel from Waterloo, and West London Mission acknowledged and apologised for the fact that some of the very challenging residents have caused problems and behaved in an antisocial way. That hostel will be returning to Waterloo in two weeks' time. Over the next few months the West London Mission will be consulting on a future use for the building, which promises to be far less disruptive to residents. Their favoured option is a convalescence centre for homeless people recovering from operations - which should allow them to recover from hospital treatment properly and prevent readmissions to hospitals.

The majority of the meeting was devoted to a presentation on the Vauxhall Supplementary Planning Document - the key planning policy for the future of Vauxhall. The Council is currently consulting on the policy document - the deadline for representations is 26 November. The plan is that the policy should be in place by January, so it can guide planning applications for new developments which are racing forward as part of the VNEB regeneration. The latest version of the SPD received a pretty positive response from people at the meeting - in particular most residents are pleased that the Council has an ambitious plan to transform Vauxhall Cross from a inhospitable gyratory system into a thriving town centre which is pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists.

Support the Lambeth Giving Fund

This week the Archbishop of Canterbury helped launch the Lambeth Giving Fund. The scheme aims to encourage Lambeth residents to make a regular donation to help charities which operate in the borough.

The charities include two which help young people at risk (Ebony Horse Club and YourStory), two which give people with mental ill health the chance to thrive (Mosaic Clubhouse and Acre Lane Hostel) and two which help improve the quality of life for our older neighbours (Basaira Elderly Centre and Stockwell Good Neighbours).

You can give a one-off donation, but those who are able to do so are being encouraged to set up a regular monthly donation of at least £10 to ensure the Giving Fund can provide sustainable support to these deserving local charities.

The Fund has been set up with cross party support from Cllr Peter Truesdale (Liberal Democrats), Cllr Julia Memery (Conservatives) and Cllr Sally Prentice (Labour).

Photo from LondonSE1.co.uk

Improvements to Lambeth Bridge Westminster roundabout

Transport for London are planning safety improvements at Lambeth Bridge's western roundabout.

The proposals include:
·         Extending footways and traffic islands to reduce traffic speeds and provide more space for pedestrians
·         Raising the zebra crossings to the same level as the footway on all four roundabout approaches in order to reduce traffic speeds
·         Converting the footway around the roundabout to ‘shared space’ for pedestrians and cyclists, meaning it can be used by those cyclists who prefer to use the zebra crossings instead of the roundabout

You can also view and respond to the proposals at TfL's website. the deadline for comments is Friday 26 October.

The improvements are part of TfL’s Better Junctions programme.

Whilst supporting the proposals, your local Labour councillors have also asked TfL to repave the footways over the bridge, which are dangerously uneven.

Picture © Copyright Danny Robinson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Future looking bright for the Durning Library

Wednesday saw a highly successful public consultation day at the Durning Library.

Hundreds of residents gave their views about what they would like to see at the Library in the future.

The day finished with a meeting rounding up the themes from the day. Chair of the Friends of the Durning Library Priscilla Baines said she was feeling positive about the future and felt the consultation was actually going to lead to improvements in the services.

Officers promised to come back in four weeks' time with firm proposals for changes to opening hours and responses to some of the creative ideas for new services and uses for the building.

Pictured: The Library Commission's visit to the Durning Library, where they saw how well-used and valued Durning Library is by residents.

Glasshouse Walk playground plans submitted

VGERTA and Lambeth Living have submitted a planning application for the playground at Glasshouse Walk. The plans will transform the dilapidated playground into a green and welcoming new facility. The plans have been drawn up after extensive consultation with the local community, and the funding has been secured thanks to VGERTA's hard work.

Support or comment on the planning application here.

Watch a video on the case for change at the playground.

Dates announced for Fire HQ planning appeal

The Planning Inspectorate have now set the dates for the London Fire Authority'a appeal against Lambeth Council's decision not to grant planning permission to their scheme for the Albert Embankment, Whitgift Street  and Black Prince Road.

The dates are:


23 October 2012 - deadline for comments from interested parties (residents)

26 February 2013 – date of the inquiry.

The case is now on the Planning Inspectorate's website.


Your councillors objected to the plans - read our objection here.

Costa Coffee proposes 25m hopper for Old Paradise Street

Costa Coffee have submitted a planning application to increase the capacity of their roasting facility next to the railway on Old Paradise Street.

The plans include a 25 metre high hopper for roasting coffee - about the same height as the police building and Sugden boilerhouse chimney on the same street.

The plans have the potential to affect residents of Gabriel House, and users of Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground (Old Paradise Gardens).

You can view and comment on the plans here.

Big changes proposed for Lambeth Community Care Centre on Monkton Street

The Lambeth Community Care Centre has been providing intermediate care for people recovering from operations since the 1980s. It's a peaceful, comfortable and attractive facility; with a large and stunningly beautiful garden and a loyal Friends' group.

The local NHS is now proposing changing the Centre into a specialist facility for people recovering from amputations. This a major change and the Friends are concerned that everybody with an interest in the centre is made aware. They are holding a special meeting at the centre on 2 October - please contact us for more details of how to attend and how to join the Friends.

The NHS Consultation document about the proposed changes is here.

Photo: Edward Cullinan Architects

Kennington Park masterplan on display

Lambeth Council have commissioned a ten-year masterplan for Kennington Park.

It is on view in the Durning Library (167 Kennington Lane) this week - 17-22 September.

Lambeth have prepared a questionnaire, to get the views of park users on where priorities should lie.

The Friends want to get the views of park users to influence future developments - please fill in a questionnaire at the Library.

Council listening to residents' Northern Line Extension concerns

Lambeth Council have appointed tunnelling experts Ramboll as independent technical consultants to examine Transport for London's plans for the Northern Line Extension, which are are progressing quickly.

At an exhaustive three hour meeting this evening, chaired by London Assembly Member Val Shawcross, experts from Ramboll listened to the detailed concerns that residents have about the construction and operation of the Northern Line Extension.

Issues included:
- the exact location of the construction shaft in Radcot Street (not yet decided)
- the effect on adjacent properties
- air quality next to the shaft
- parking during construction (the gin distillery was suggested as a possible site for parking)
- traffic circulation through 'Methravia' during construction
- size and quality of the construction vehicles
- hours of construction work
- noise - construction of tunnels and operation of the trains
- capacity of Kennington station - for additional trains and additional passenger interchange
- boundary issues - discussions with Southwark
- process for monitoring any settlement or damage caused by tunnelling
- the need for maximum noise mitigation around the 'Kennington Loop' - where the NLE will meet the existing track and be at its most shallow - and the need for the existing track on the Loop to be upgraded to reduce noise disruption.
- how to manage Kennington Park during construction, reproviding the dog exercise area and ensuring community projects aren't forced to close.
- which shaft site has been decided for Kennington Green - the distillery is preferred and residents want the trees protected
- the proposed permanent shaft at Claylands Green which is fiercely opposed by local residents there and TfL are now examining whether other options are possible.
- what noise and effect the permanent ventilation shafts will have.

There was a clear consensus from residents and councillors that
- Lambeth Council must demand the minimal construction disruption to residents possible.
- Lambeth Council must insist on the highest possible noise mitigation work for the operation of the trains.
- Lambeth Council must specify construction techniques which are least noisy and least disruptive to residents.
- Ramboll need to examine TfL's plans in great detail and not be afraid to challenge them to improve the project's effects on Lambeth's residents.

Councillor Mark Harrison said 'the meeting was a really useful and detailed airing of all the many concerns that Lambeth residents have about the Northern Line Extension. Now independent experts Ramboll can go away and examine TfL's plans in detail and get answers to the questions raised'.

Duchy Arms and Area licensing reviews because of noise disruption

 The Council's Noise Service has applied for reviews of the licence for two separate premises in our area because of disruption to residents caused by noise.


The Duchy Arms, 63 Sancroft Street


Grounds for review:

Lambeth Noise Service is making this REVIEW as a result of noise complaints received from residents and following an inspection of the premises.

Complaint History

A total of five complaints have been received this year from four different complainants:

22.1.12 at 00:42 hours - loud amplified music & bass - complainant lives in Newquay House, Sancroft Street SE11 5UN. Officers called back but received no reply.

6.5.12 at 00:46 hours - loud music and shouting - complainant lives in Courtenay Street SE11 5PH. Call cancelled by complainant before officers arrived.

26.5.12 at 01:43 hours - loud music from a non-amplified musical instrument - complainant lives in Newquay House, Sancroft Street SE11 5UN.

14.7.12 at 02:27 hours - loud shouting outside pub, 6-12 people drunk since 23:30hours.
Complainant lives in Newquay House, Sancroft Street SE11 5UN.

21.7.12 at 12:32 hours (Email to Cllr S Morgan) - loud amplified music, over 40 people drinking in the street, singing, shouting, smoking, arguing, swearing. Police attended having been called by another neighbour.
No statutory nuisance has been substantiated by noise officers due to the noise being lowered, stopped, or no visit being made.

Noise Officers visited the premise on 31.7.2012 at 17:25 hours and spoke to the Designated Premises Supervisor. Officers were advised that there is no automatic noise control device installed at the premises to control amplified music. There is a juke box connected to five loudspeakers and DJ's bring in there own sound equipment. There is a small wall-mounted volume control device which is manually operated and can be easily tampered with by staff. Officers do not consider that the wall mounted device is an appropriate means of controlling amplified music noise on the premises.
There is only one A4 sized public notice displayed on the rear exit door to the car park asking customers to leave quietly. Officers recommended that further signs should be placed on each of the other two exit doors.

Officers are of the opinion that the failure to install a sound-limiting device which is set to officers' satisfaction is a breach of the licence condition under Annex-2, No.2 the prevention of public nuisance. .

Furthermore, the failure to display 'quiet' signs on all the exit doors is also considered to be in contravention of Annex-2 condition (No.2) the prevention of public nuisance.

To prevent public nuisance, officers recommend the following:

1. The terminal hour be reduced to 23:00 hours.

2. A suitable automated sound limiting device be installed at the premises to control all amplified music and/or speech. The device shall be set at a level determined and approved by the Licensing Authority (Noise Officers) and thereafter maintained at the approved level for the duration of use.

Please direct any queries in respect of this application to the following case officer: Sarah Williams
Telephone: 020 7926 6141 Email: SGWilliams@lambeth.gov.uk

Area - 67-68 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP  

Grounds for review:

This Review is being made on the grounds that the premises generate noise complaints from local residents. Officers believe the activities at these premises engaged the public nuisance element of the licensing objectives.

Noise officers visited Albert Embankment on 26.8.12 at 08:00 hours and observed loud amplified bass music emanating from the premises known as Area. Officers visited a complainant living in St Georges Wharf and clearly heard loud bass music while standing in the complainants bedroom. The officers reported that although the bass was clearly audible it did not amount to a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act.1990. However, the officers believe that the degree of interference and annoyance caused by the bass music noise did engage the public nuisance element of the licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003.

At 08:33 the officers revisited Albert Embankment and confirmed the source of the noise as being Area night club. Officers observed that the main entrance door was kept wide open white the inner lobby door was closed. Officers met Mr Ryan Elder, the Licensee and together they inspected the music sound system & DJ console. Officers believe that there is no automatic sound limiter in place to satisfactorily regulate and control the volume of the music. Officers believe that a compressor unit is connected to the sound system but they are not satisfied with the settings as bass noise continues to emanate from the premises into the surrounding area and remains audible in residential premises.

Officers consider the following conditions should be applied to the premises licence.

1. A suitable automatic sound limiting device shall be installed at the premises to control all amplified music and/or speech. The device shall be pre-approved by noise officers and the acceptable level of noise shall be determined and set to officers' satisfaction and thereafter maintained at the approved level for the duration of use.

2. Both lobby entrance doors should remain closed while regulated entertainment takes place and that the doors should be operated one at a time to allow patrons to enter and leave the premises with minimal noise escape.

Officers additional concerns or comments:

Noise officers are concerned about the opening hours of the venue and would prefer to see terminal hours brought back to a more reasonable time, for example 03:00 hours.

Please direct any queries in respect of this application to the following case officer: Mrs Sarah Williams
Telephone: 020 7926 6141 Email: SGWilliams@lambeth.gov.uk





Deadline for representations for either case is 28 September 2012

Read our guide to licensing

Feel free to contact us for advice about making a representation.

Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre is moving and applying for a new licence

Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre is moving from its current home (pictured) to a building at 5 Glasshouse Walk, round the corner, facing Goding Street. They are applying for a new premises licence for 5 Glasshouse Walk:

Applicants Name: Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre
Premises Address: Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre - 5 Glasshouse Walk London SE11 5ES

Activities/times requested:

Plays
Friday & Saturday   09:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   09:00  - 23:00
Sunday   09:00  - 00:00

Films
Friday & Saturday   09:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   09:00  - 23:00
Sunday   09:00  - 00:00

Live Music
Friday & Saturday   09:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   09:00  - 23:00
Sunday   09:00  - 00:00

Recorded Music
Friday & Saturday   09:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   09:00  - 23:00
Sunday   09:00  - 00:00

Performances of Dance
Friday & Saturday   09:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   09:00  - 23:00
Sunday   09:00  - 00:00

Late Night Refreshment
Friday & Saturday   23:00  - 02:00
Sunday   23:00  - 00:00

Supply of Alcohol
Friday & Saturday   12:00  - 02:00
Monday - Thursday   12:00  - 23:00
Sunday   12:00  - 00:00


Please direct any queries in respect of this application to the following case officer:
Esther Jones
Telephone: 020 7926 6144
Email: licensing@lambeth.gov.uk

Deadline for representation is 18 September 2012

Read our guide to licensing

Feel free to contact us for advice about making a representation.

What environmental issues need sorting by the Council's Freshview?

It’s time to start thinking about the September Freshview which takes place in Oval and Prince’s Ward.

This year the Council is focussing its attention on issues that are of importance to local residents and businesses, so they are asking you to tell them about anti-social behaviour, burglary, litter and rubbish, street drinking and any similar problem.

Email Freshview@lambeth.gov.uk and let officers know specific details about the issues. This feedback will then form the basis of the operation.

Please send your ideas to Freshview@lambeth.gov.uk, by the end of Monday 3 September 2012.

Have your say on cuts to Council Tax Benefit

Next year Council Tax Benefit (CTB) will stop being a benefit which Lambeth pays out on behalf of the Government, and will become a Local Council Tax Support Scheme set up by the council.

The Government are giving councils less money to pay for the new Local Council Tax Support Scheme than they have paid out to residents in past years.

In 2013/14 Lambeth will receive £2.6 million less to give out in support to claimants. This means Lambeth must save money through the new scheme - not everyone will get as much benefit as they do at the moment. Only pensioners are guaranteed to receive the same amount (because the Government has told councils they have to protect the level of support they receive). Because pensioners are protected there will be even less money for working age people receiving the benefit.

Lambeth wants residents' views on how the new Local Council Tax Support Scheme should operate.

Visit the Council's website for details of the consultation and the online questionnaire.

Pictured: Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles is cutting Council Tax Benefit for working age people.

Mansion House pub tries to push back opening hours just weeks after licence compromise

Most residents were pleased to hear that the Mansion House pub is being brought back into use, but were unimpressed by the owners' attempt to sneak through a licence allowing them to open till 4am every morning.

After many residents objected, at a Licensing meeting on 17 July the Committee agreed a sensible compromise, allowing the pub to be open till 12:30am every day, and 1:30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Now the owners have returned to the Licensing Committee with a new application attempting to push back the opening time by another half hour every morning.

The full application for a variation is as follows:


To remove the condition imposed by the licensing sub committee restricting use of the outside frontage to a terminal hour of 22:00.

Late Night Refreshment
1. To add 30 minutes consumption time at the end of each trading session.
2. To submit a new plan to allow the use of the area now marked in red on the plan to the front of the premises as a consumption area for alcohol and food between 07:00 and Midnight all week. This is to correct an omission on the pavement licence granted until midnight every day.

Supply of Alcohol
1. To add 30 minutes consumption time at the end of each trading session.
2. To submit a new plan to allow the use of the area now marked in red on the plan to the front of the premises as a consumption area for alcohol and food between 07:00 and Midnight all week. This is to correct an omission on the pavement licence granted until midnight every day.

Opening Hours

Proposed Hours:
Monday 07:00 - 01:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 01:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 01:00
Thursday 07:00 - 02:00
Friday 07:00 - 02:00
Saturday 07:00 - 02:00
Sunday 07:00 - 01:00

Current Hours:
Monday 07:00 - 00:30
Tuesday 07:00 - 00:30
Wednesday 07:00 - 00:30
Thursday 07:00 - 01:30
Friday 07:00 - 01:30
Saturday 07:00 - 01:30
Sunday 07:00 - 00:30


Queries and representations: licensing@lambeth.gov.uk, 020 7926 6144

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

• Preventing crime and disorder;
• Public safety;
• Preventing public nuisance; and
• Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 28 August 2012

Your local councillors can advise and help with your objection - please read our guide to licensing or email us.

Pictured: Mark, Steve and Lorna outside the Mansion House earlier this summer.

Northern Line Extension residents' meeting

Plans for the Northern Line Extension are progressing quickly.

In order to ensure that Lambeth Council secures the best possible outcome from the NLE and minimises any negative impact on residents and businesses both during the construction phase and once it is operational the Council has appointed technical consultants. Ramboll have extensive experience on major tunnelling projects including Crossrail and will advise on all issues related to both design and implementation.

Ramboll are undertaking a review of the design work completed up to this point by TfL and Lambeth Council has asked them to give particular consideration to some key areas such as noise and vibration, shaft locations and construction methodology.

To ensure that Ramboll are able to concentrate on the right areas the Council has organised a meeting with residents and resident groups on Monday 10 September in the Ashmole Tenant’s Hall, Meadow Road, SW8 1AA.

As the NLE route covers a large area and spans three Wards it is proposed that the agenda of the meeting would be divided geographically between Prince’s, Oval and Stockwell allowing people to come and go for the parts that concern them.  It will run from 6pm to 9pm with roughly an hour given to each Ward with Prince’s dealt with first followed by Oval and then Stockwell. Prince's ward issues will be dealt with between 6pm and 7pm. An agenda will be circulated in advance of the meeting giving the exact timings and these will be based on the relative interest shown for each area.  Please note that TfL have not been invited to this meeting.

Please bear in mind that this meeting will have a clear focus on detailed issues such as noise and vibration, shaft locations and construction methodology - not the overall principle of whether or not to go ahead with the NLE.

If you would like to attend this meeting please email William Howe.