Say hello to Barratt Homes' 'Brixton Square' on Coldharbour Lane (old Cooltan site)

[Mr Bim of Bar]

Am I not allowed to have any opinion on this subject because I don't live in the area?

Yes of course you can, In a way it's almost more relevant, I love your dedication, but I was slightly shocked that after all your comments we find out that you are an outsider ( nooooooooooo that was a joke don't batter me )

 

[teuchter]

Am I not allowed to have any opinion on this subject because I don't live in the area?

You just need to remember that Brixton through the lens of U75 does not necessarily represent the view of all or even most Brixton residents, long term or otherwise. Especially if you're telling people off for not knowing about or being interested in the history of Cooltan or the nuclear dawn mural. You'll find plenty of very long-term residents of Brixton in whose life and Brixton experience Cooltan played no significant role. It so happens that U75 is largely populated by a demographic who went to all-night parties there in their youth, which is why you'll hear a lot about it on here.

 

[Mr Bim of Bar]

You just need to remember that Brixton through the lens of U75 does not necessarily represent the view of all or even most Brixton residents, long term or otherwise. Especially if you're telling people off for not knowing about or being interested in the history of Cooltan or the nuclear dawn mural. You'll find plenty of very long-term residents of Brixton in whose life and Brixton experience Cooltan played no significant role. It so happens that U75 is largely populated by a demographic who went to all-night parties there in their youth, which is why you'll hear a lot about it on here.

Here here

 

[editor]

You just need to remember that Brixton through the lens of U75 does not necessarily represent the view of all or even most Brixton residents, long term or otherwise. Especially if you're telling people off for not knowing about or being interested in the history of Cooltan or the nuclear dawn mural. You'll find plenty of very long-term residents of Brixton in whose life and Brixton experience Cooltan played no significant role. It so happens that U75 is largely populated by a demographic who went to all-night parties there in their youth, which is why you'll hear a lot about it on here.

I'm finding this obsession with Cooltan rather strange. Who's been going on about the place recently in relation to this debate? Anyone?

 

[equationgirl]

I mentioned it in one post, that's all.

 

[Manter]

Being a cat I reckon I can get under those gates.

You would have thought Barratts could have made a better effort at design. Black asphalt, wooden rails and gate make it look like some industrial site.

Lots of new builds seem to be staggeringly ugly, tbf. The ones on Tulse Hill next to Tesco look OK compared to many- I suspect is a cost thing. Standard sized windows, gates etc look really small on a block as opposed to on a single house, which they were designed for- but developers don't want to pay for better quality/more in keeping details.

 

[editor]

The Barratt Homes development on Coldharbour Lane looks like a bland office block from Milton Keynes or somewhere. It's marginally better than the Viaduct building next door, but that's really not saying much.

 

[Gramsci]

Having a go at him for his flippancy, or having a go at him for being someone fortunate enough to be able to buy a flat in London? If it's the latter, then what do people want him to do - donate his cash to charity?

What I was trying to say was I can understand why some posters can go off on one in response to his post. Trying to change things in a constructive manner has not got me very far. When one lives in an unequal society like this one a section of the population can start to feel powerless. Having a go at someone may not be nice but this is what happens.

The more unequal a society the more unpleasant it can get. I have a South African friend. In SA the well off have to live in gated and guarded communities for there own safety. This is directly related to the large gap between rich and poor.

Really do not want to see that here. But the way its going in London with the "reforms" to housing and benefits London will become less mixed. Until recently it different income brackets lived in same areas. The economic crisis is also hitting the less well of more.

 

[Mr Bim of Bar]

The Barratt Homes development on Coldharbour Lane looks like a bland office block from Milton Keynes or somewhere. It's marginally better than the Viaduct building next door, but that's really not saying much.

Agreed but inside it looks great, well until we see the snagging list

 

[Gramsci]

Lots of new builds seem to be staggeringly ugly, tbf. The ones on Tulse Hill next to Tesco look OK compared to many- I suspect is a cost thing. Standard sized windows, gates etc look really small on a block as opposed to on a single house, which they were designed for- but developers don't want to pay for better quality/more in keeping details.

Yes its the details that let it down a lot. Looks to me like cheap materials. Compare it to Clifton Mansions. Which has a much better quality look to it.

 

[Mr Bim of Bar]

What I was trying to say was I can understand why some posters can go off on one in response to his post. Trying to change things in a constructive manner has not got me very far. When one lives in an unequal society like this one a section of the population can start to feel powerless. Having a go at someone may not be nice but this is what happens.

The more unequal a society the more unpleasant it can get. I have a South African friend. In SA the well off have to live in gated and guarded communities for there own safety. This is directly related to the large gap between rich and poor.

Really do not want to see that here. But the way its going in London with the "reforms" to housing and benefits London will become less mixed. Until recently it different income brackets lived in same areas. The economic crisis is also hitting the less well of more.

Gramsci, I have broad shoulders, I can take it, believe it or not I do get it

 

[Gramsci]

Agreed but inside it looks great, well until we see the snagging list

Does not look like Barratts are good on dealing with snagging list from some of the reviews Ed put up.

 

[leanderman]

What I was trying to say was I can understand why some posters can go off on one in response to his post. Trying to change things in a constructive manner has not got me very far. When one lives in an unequal society like this one a section of the population can start to feel powerless. Having a go at someone may not be nice but this is what happens.

The more unequal a society the more unpleasant it can get. I have a South African friend. In SA the well off have to live in gated and guarded communities for there own safety. This is directly related to the large gap between rich and poor.

Really do not want to see that here. But the way its going in London with the "reforms" to housing and benefits London will become less mixed. Until recently it different income brackets lived in same areas. The economic crisis is also hitting the less well of more.

This is pretty much spot on.

The sad thing being that - while different income brackets have, and should, live in the same areas - the children go to different schools.

 

[Manter]

You just need to remember that Brixton through the lens of U75 does not necessarily represent the view of all or even most Brixton residents, long term or otherwise. Especially if you're telling people off for not knowing about or being interested in the history of Cooltan or the nuclear dawn mural. You'll find plenty of very long-term residents of Brixton in whose life and Brixton experience Cooltan played no significant role. It so happens that U75 is largely populated by a demographic who went to all-night parties there in their youth, which is why you'll hear a lot about it on here.

True..... But..... Renters often become buyers- when I moved down to London from uni I rented in Battersea and hated it- the Northerner has rented in Notting Hill and Balham on his time and hated both- we moved to Brixton and loved it. Sure, initially, we didn't know about the murals, or the local challenges or even the history of community action, squatting etc- we vaguely knew there were riots a long time ago, we could afford the rent and transport networks were decent (yeah, I know, pretty fucking pathetic of us).... We've since bought (and I know we're bloody lucky to be in a position to) and are committed to putting down roots here and becoming part of the community, rather than just commuters and parasites. Even if parts of the community want to come after us with flaming pitchforks occasionally

What is worrying though is that as gentrification gathers pace, people are being pushed out- partly because the gentrifiers have been pushed out of the last places they gentrified by rocketing prices across London, and partly because Lambeth are arrogant idiots who appear to have no concept of how to manage 'regeneration'. Brixton homogenising is a bad thing for all sorts of reasons- and I do worry, somewhat impotently, about my part in it. That may make me slightly less irritating than some of the braying hoorays moving in (please god) but I am as much a part of the problem, I guess. I don't want people to lose their homes, I want council (not ''affordable') housing, and so I try and get involved where I can to hold Lambeth to some kind of account.

Struggling to express myself (its complicated and I'm tired!) but I guess I am saying the individuals, even the irritating arrogant ones are not the problem. They are just doing the best they can with the resources they have available- the system is the issue. But the system doesn't shove past you on the way I to the market wearing designer clothes and talking crap about their latest ski holiday, so it's easier to get at the individuals.... But that just makes those individuals *less* likely to get involved in the community and try and mitigate their effect on it.

Hmm, stream of consciousness. Will shut up now and try and order my thoughts!

 

[Gramsci]

This is pretty much spot on.

The sad thing being that - while different income brackets have, and should, live in the same areas - the children go to different schools.

I have been hearing that is happening in London. Parents who went to state schools in 70s now are sometimes sending there children to private schools. Not a good sign for the future.

 

[Mr Bim of Bar]

Does not look like Barratts are good on dealing with snagging list from some of the reviews Ed put up.

Yes I saw that, but bearing in mind they are the UK. Largest house builder I am sure there are more people who are happy with their property than are unhappy, happy folk don't usually post how pleased they are. BUT STILL GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED

 

[leanderman]

I asked the columnist at the Economist why he has just moved opposite us.

He said: 'Last affordable house inside Zone 2. Plus an RC primary school.'

 

[Mr Bim of Bar]

True..... But..... Renters often become buyers- when I moved down to London from uni I rented in Battersea and hated it- the Northerner has rented in Notting Hill and Balham on his time and hated both- we moved to Brixton and loved it. Sure, initially, we didn't know about the murals, or the local challenges or even the history of community action, squatting etc- we vaguely knew there were riots a long time ago, we could afford the rent and transport networks were decent (yeah, I know, pretty fucking pathetic of us).... We've since bought (and I know we're bloody lucky to be in a position to) and are committed to putting down roots here and becoming part of the community, rather than just commuters and parasites. Even if parts of the community want to come after us with flaming pitchforks occasionally

What is worrying though is that as gentrification gathers pace, people are being pushed out- partly because the gentrifiers have been pushed out of the last places they gentrified by rocketing prices across London, and partly because Lambeth are arrogant idiots who appear to have no concept of how to manage 'regeneration'. Brixton homogenising is a bad thing for all sorts of reasons- and I do worry, somewhat impotently, about my part in it. That may make me slightly less irritating than some of the braying hoorays moving in (please god) but I am as much a part of the problem, I guess. I don't want people to lose their homes, I want council (not ''affordable') housing, and so I try and get involved where I can to hold Lambeth to some kind of account.

Struggling to express myself (its complicated and I'm tired!) but I guess I am saying the individuals, even the irritating arrogant ones are not the problem. They are just doing the best they can with the resources they have available- the system is the issue. But the system doesn't shove past you on the way I to the market wearing designer clothes and talking crap about their latest ski holiday, so it's easier to get at the individuals.... But that just makes those individuals *less* likely to get involved in the community and try and mitigate their effect on it.

Hmm, stream of consciousness. Will shut up now and try and order my thoughts!

Nope, well said I agree with 99%

 

[leanderman]

I have been hearing that is happening in London. Parents who went to state schools in 70s now are sometimes sending there children to private schools. Not a good sign for the future.

Perhaps the best-known musician in SW2 has just moved, I think temporarily, to Tooting for school catchment reasons.

 

[Gramsci]

Having just seen this thread I’d just like to add a quick response that not all (indeed I’m hoping no others) moving into this development have the same views/relationship building skills as Bim. Nothing personal Bim but your approach has done nothing but antagonise everybody in what is already a fraught situation following Lambeth’s/Barratts approach. This is ultimately blo*dy frustrating as it’s the opposite approach to mine

Good post

Well I hope its not full of buy to let landlords.

As you say Barratts have not helped matters.

There marketing suite has been pushing sales as good buy to let investment.

There attitude at about altering the affordable element was to be annoyed that anyone would object.

The Labour Council does not give existing Council tenants the support they should get.

The Labour Council does not do enough to support affordable housing.

 

[Manter]

Snip>>

Really do not want to see that here. But the way its going in London with the "reforms" to housing and benefits London will become less mixed. Until recently it different income brackets lived in same areas. The economic crisis is also hitting the less well of more.

I completely agree with this. And the loveliest thing about London has always been that everyone lived on top of each other and (mostly) rubbed along.

 

[Gramsci]

No I do not. But I am involved in fighting with my local council on various planning applications for my local area, although I haven't lived in the area long I can see the damage that will happen if every application from developers goes ahead.

You have been on the boards a long time though.

Same stuff goes on up your way?

 

[ViolentPanda]

If we truly want proper mixed communities in London, then we should put any new social housing in areas like Knightsbridge and wholly private developments in areas like central Brixton.

A fair few Labour councillors would agree with you, given their belief that Lambeth has "too much" social housing already.

 

[ViolentPanda]

That wouldn't really get you mixed communities tbh. I don't know about Knightbridge but Chelsea for example has some large council estates and I don't think there's much integration there.

Yep, Chelsea and Pimlico etc, the whole "social housing ghettos" idea is much more advanced and obvious. Enough so that it was noticable 20 years ago.

 

[ViolentPanda]

Do you live in Brixton?

 

[ViolentPanda]

Errrrr I am a nice guy x x

Self-praise is no recommendation.

 

[Manter]

A fair few Labour councillors would agree with you, given their belief that Lambeth has "too much" social housing already.

That is just infuriating. Too much badly maintained and decrepit housing, sure- some ugly and intimidating estates, sure. But that's not the fault of it being social housing, it's the fault of it being badly maintained, badly lit, badly policed and badly managed- which is their bloody fault!

 

[ViolentPanda]

Am I not allowed to have any opinion on this subject because I don't live in the area?

Of course you are, whatever your dour fellow-countryman says otherwise.

 

[ViolentPanda]

You just need to remember that Brixton through the lens of U75 does not necessarily represent the view of all or even most Brixton residents, long term or otherwise. Especially if you're telling people off for not knowing about or being interested in the history of Cooltan or the nuclear dawn mural. You'll find plenty of very long-term residents of Brixton in whose life and Brixton experience Cooltan played no significant role. It so happens that U75 is largely populated by a demographic who went to all-night parties there in their youth, which is why you'll hear a lot about it on here.

Evidence?

 

[equationgirl]

You have been on the boards a long time though.

Same stuff goes on up your way?

Yes, pretty much. My dad opposed planning applications on a regular basis when I was at uni, so I learnt most of what I know about objections from him.

About 4 years ago, Tesco (via a developer) tried to get a huge superstore built across the road from where I live, on a site that was not suitable in any way shape or form, and the local residents formed an action group and managed to get Tesco to build the store elsewhere on a better site. Didn't stop them demolishing a building that was supposed to be kept just before they pulled out though - they claimed it was dangerous and it was for safety reasons. Which was a bit rich, considering they left a massive hole in in the side of a bridge when they did so.

The same developer is now trying to get planning permission on the same site for a 729 bed student residence (no parking though). I only found out about this because the residents association put a flyer through everyone's letterbox giving a copy of the objections they'd made. The notices of the application that should have been displayed on the street have clearly been torn down (although by whom is anybody's guess) and I ended up with one evening to put my objections together. I couldn't help but feel the developer really didn't want any opposition to their plans.

Many buildings here are being deliberately left to rot so that they can be demolished rather than restored. It's scandalous considering the waiting lists.