Tell me about BrixtonGreen - a "community led development" on Somerleyton Road

[Gramsci]

Then there's perhaps a need for a 'Community Development' board on here then? Something with slightly more 'refined' rules on behaviour? I like that this place can turn into the occasional popcorn bunfight (e.g. the ongoing hipster debate of yesterday), but unless you are a bit more internet exposed, that's going to be off putting.

Both Ovalhouse and Social Life have used these boards well.

I notice that the Social Life workshop report uses comments from these boards. It does acknowledge U75 as a source. Social Life listened to people.

Open boards can be difficult to use as you cannot easily control how a conversation goes.

The recent thread on the Somerleyton road project on U75 were constructive. So main boards can be used as "community development"

They have died a death as the Council is trying to evict me and I am not getting info on the project now.

I think I will resurrect that thread for the Social Life report.

The recent Council and Social Life Somerleyton road consultations were structured.

The plus point of this is that you do not get "bunfights". The minus point is that a structured consultation can be guided in a way that does not give credence to views that are considered "unfeasible".

To there credit Social Life did put in the pros and cons of the "deliberative" consultation process they used for the recent workshops. Also the limitations of there report.

Saffron

 

[Vibrant-Hubb]

I find it shocking and saddening that after Gramsci has been so engaged with so many council initiatives, his willingness to help and his intelligent and measured responses over many years are now being rewarded by Lambeth with enormous stress and an attempt to remove him from his home. The first tenet of a "vision for Brixton" should be humane.

 

[ViolentPanda]

I find it shocking and saddening that after Gramsci has been so engaged with so many council initiatives, his willingness to help and his intelligent and measured responses over many years are now being rewarded by Lambeth with enormous stress and an attempt to remove him from his home. The first tenet of a "vision for Brixton" should be humane.

It should be, certainly, but the reality is that:

a) officers can claim to be constrained by law and by-law from acting other than in the manner they act, and
b) councillors of all stripes in Lambeth have a vision that tends toward the gentrification of the borough, not a humane tolerance of people who refuse to toe the council line.

Personally, I'd like to string many of the borough's councillors up, especially those whose main electorate are people in social housing, and yet whom are somewhat sniffy about social housing. A "vision for Brixton" should be humane, just as it should be first and foremost considerate of the needs and wishes of the residents and tenants, not of the ambitions of councillors.

 

[CH1]

Brixton Green AGM:

Further to my earlier post about the audit exemption proposed for the BG accounts, I attended the AGM and picked a set of accounts up. Here they are as downloadable pdf files:
Cover Index Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8
The audit exemption was passed unopposed 24:0., and seems uncontentious given the relative small amounts involved.
The accounts are prepared by an accounting firm, and the only unusual features are:
1. they are on a going-concern basis dependent on £49,000 of GLA funding confirmed after the year end.
2. there has been a gradual build-up of an accrued deficit - £15,058 as at March 31st 2013, but this seems reasonable for an organisation with low overheads but no explicit funding over the last 2 years.
3. The director seems to be running a (small) expenses tab to be reimbursed in future.

The picture provided by these accounts is historical, presumably if the plans get off the ground there might be higher income and also staffing and office accommodation costs.
This was not asked about or commented on at the meeting.

 

[CH1]

FYI here is the timeline for Brixton Green plans as presented at the AGM

Site visits 29th June - 1st July
Further Social Life workshops 16/18 July
Interim report to Lambeth Council cabinet July 2013
Key "fixes" set for developers bids October 2013 - January 2014
Contracts to be awarded February 2014
Feb 2014 - August 2014 Secretary of State to give approval
Pre planning application process May 2014 - November 2014
Planning Application Nov 2014
Target for Town Planning decision May 2015
Work to begin on site (theatre end of Somerleyton Road) August 2015

I noted this down when Dinah Roake (trustee) gave the meeting a briefing on the proposed schedule for implementing Brixton Green's plans during the counting of the votes in the trustee election at the AGM. I hope I have noted it down accurately - and I don't think I'm duplicating anything in the various consultation reports.

 

[leanderman]

FYI here is the timeline for Brixton Green plans as presented at the AGM

Site visits 29th June - 1st July
Further Social Life workshops 16/18 July
Interim report to Lambeth Council cabinet July 2013
Key "fixes" set for developers bids October 2013 - January 2014
Contracts to be awarded February 2014
Feb 2014 - August 2014 Secretary of State to give approval
Pre planning application process May 2014 - November 2014
Planning Application Nov 2014
Target for Town Planning decision May 2015
Work to begin on site (theatre end of Somerleyton Road) August 2015

I noted this down when Dinah Roake (trustee) gave the meeting a briefing on the proposed schedule for implementing Brixton Green's plans during the counting of the votes in the trustee election at the AGM. I hope I have noted it down accurately - and I don't think I'm duplicating anything in the various consultation reports.

This could take decades

 

[CH1]

This could take decades

They really were giving the impression that they are on track on that timetable.
If I've got it right there must a a council report coming up which would give more details.
Ms Roake stressed that after February 2014 things went dead on the council due to forthcoming council elections, so that is the reason for targeting the award of contracts by then.

 

[Gramsci]

FYI here is the timeline for Brixton Green plans as presented at the AGM

Site visits 29th June - 1st July
Further Social Life workshops 16/18 July
Interim report to Lambeth Council cabinet July 2013
Key "fixes" set for developers bids October 2013 - January 2014
Contracts to be awarded February 2014
Feb 2014 - August 2014 Secretary of State to give approval
Pre planning application process May 2014 - November 2014
Planning Application Nov 2014
Target for Town Planning decision May 2015
Work to begin on site (theatre end of Somerleyton Road) August 2015

I noted this down when Dinah Roake (trustee) gave the meeting a briefing on the proposed schedule for implementing Brixton Green's plans during the counting of the votes in the trustee election at the AGM. I hope I have noted it down accurately - and I don't think I'm duplicating anything in the various consultation reports.

Brixton Green plans? Was that the actual phrase used?

As its inaccurate. This is a Council led project. Brixton Green are not going to acquire the land and develop it. The Council are leading the project.

Ovalhouse in conjunction with the Council are developing plans for the theatre. They have there own architects. So that part of it is not Brixton Green plans.

There should be various times when those not in BG but in local area can have input. The interim report for Cabinet being one. The second in how a "development partner" will be chosen.

The choice of a "Development partner" will be crucial. The developer will take on the risk of building out the whole site. So a developer who is sensitive to the needs of the local community is needed ( wishful thinking). It will also depend on how well the Council officers negotiate and keep the developer to original plans. Lambeth do not have good track record on this. The contracts will be between Lambeth and the developer. Not between BG and developer.

Brixton Green are one of the community groups that the Council have consulted to develop plans. The finished plans will have input from Brixton Green but will not be there plans.

The Council gave them status of being on the "Core Group". Which consists of Council , Ovalhouse and Brixton Green (there to represent the community).

Wonder what the Site visits are about? ( first on list)

 

[CH1]

Brixton Green plans? Was that the actual phrase used?

"Brixton Green plans" and "Brixton Green's plans" is my imprecise reportage.
If you substitute "the development" for both those phrases you get a non-loaded alternative wording.

I was trying to convey information - not boost Brixton Green's status as such or put words in Dinah Roake's mouth.

 

[Winot]

What is the GLA funding for?

 

[CH1]

Wonder what the Site visits are about? ( first on list)

I'm not sure - she may have said a few more words of explanation about this, but I didn't catch it.

 

[CH1]

What is the GLA funding for?

Gramsci found a link on this here

 

[Winot]

Gramsci found a link on this here

Sounds like a (potential) gravy train.

I am uncomfortable about Brixton Green being the voice of the community. Lambeth may use this as an excuse not to consult more widely.

 

[CH1]

Sounds like a (potential) gravy train.
I am uncomfortable about Brixton Green being the voice of the community. Lambeth may use this as an excuse not to consult more widely.

Lambeth do nothing BUT consult. They consulted so widely about a bit of art to be placed on the grass outside the Barrier Block corner of Somerleyton Road/CHL that they have failed to deliver the art!

As for being uncomfortable with Brixton Green - I am sure many people share your view. Brixton Green seems to be organised somewhat top-down.

However if it was a choice of Brixton Green or Barratts/Bellway Homes etc coming up with a scheme what then? We didn't get any say in the design of Brixton Square - and the council have allocated the section 106 money on their priorities (mainly education I think) without consulting the local community either AFAIK.

 

[Winot]

Fair points. Perhaps it's the democratic "style" that grates.

 

[editor]

Sounds like a (potential) gravy train.

I am uncomfortable about Brixton Green being the voice of the community. Lambeth may use this as an excuse not to consult more widely.

I spoke to someone who had paid their £1 a year or so ago. She said she'd had no recent contact or updates from Brixton Green and so had no idea what their current planes are - yet I've been at meetings where they've been quick to remind people that they are representing the views of their 'shareholders'.

 

[Gramsci]

What is the GLA funding for?

Also this is informative

Part of the Localism Act that came into force last April, the CRB allows communities to grant planning permission for new buildings, sidestepping the normal planning application process.
However, the proposals must be independently examined and receive the backing of more than 50 per cent of voters in a local referendum before they are approved.
Applications to the fund are handled by housing and regeneration quango the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and the Greater London Authority (GLA), outside and inside the capital respectively. The HCA manages £17 million of the funding, with the GLA managing the remaining £3 million.
Both organisations told Planning they have received only two applications each, though they would not reveal the identity of the four applicants or the bid values.

Two groups bidding for the funding
Brixton Green
London-based Brixton Green, which registered as an industrial society in 2009, is understood to have submitted a bid to the Community Right to Build order fund. Its proposals include 250 homes and a creative hub for three arts organisations, as well as a children's nursery, training facilities for young parents and an integrated health centre. The organisation says it wants to develop a large neglected site near the town centre. A Brixton Green spokesman said: "I confirm that we have submitted our application to the GLA and we continue to be in active co-production with Lambeth Council."

As the scheme is now Council led I am not clear if BG are going to try to go all the way beyond these two milestones.

 

[Gramsci]

However if it was a choice of Brixton Green or Barratts/Bellway Homes etc coming up with a scheme what then? We didn't get any say in the design of Brixton Square - and the council have allocated the section 106 money on their priorities (mainly education I think) without consulting the local community either AFAIK.

Sorry if I am sounding pedantic here but the Council are coming up with a scheme. This is not BG development.

It is Council owned land unlike Barretts Brixton sq. Barretts acquired the land. So that limits what say local people have.

The Council have said they want to do this scheme differently to me. ie not just get officers to draw up plans but consult people.

The builder of the Somerleyton road development will have to work to a brief. So a lot hinges on that. The design brief should consulted on as it develops imo.

There is an issue of Section 106 not being consulted on. I did say on this scheme the Council should ask people what Section 106 money should be spent on. If there is a section 106 that is.

The plans are based on previous Ovalhouse work on the theatre, the Brixton Masterplan and BG plans. A lot of Brixton Green ideas come from the Brixton Masterplan.

What is necessary is that the aspirations of the Brixton Masterplan are written into this scheme.

 

[Gramsci]

What is the GLA funding for?

http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ADD17 BrixtonGreen - Milestones PDF.pdf

 

[Winot]

http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ADD17 BrixtonGreen - Milestones PDF.pdf

Thanks - that's the first clear indication I've seen of what Brixton Green is for.

 

[Gramsci]

What is the GLA funding for?

I cant find anything on the BG website about the funding.

 

[Gramsci]

Thanks - that's the first clear indication I've seen of what Brixton Green is for.

And it took me rooting around on the internet for a bit to find this. Would have thought it was something that BG would have wanted to tell people about. Its hardly something to be afraid of telling people about.

 

[Gramsci]

Sounds like a (potential) gravy train.

I am uncomfortable about Brixton Green being the voice of the community. Lambeth may use this as an excuse not to consult more widely.

Council are relying on BG to consult community. As Council reckon they do not have the resources to do it widely themselves. So yes BG are the voice when it comes down to dealing with key decision makers in the Council.

 

[Gramsci]

I spoke to someone who had paid their £1 a year or so ago. She said she'd had no recent contact or updates from Brixton Green and so had no idea what their current planes are - yet I've been at meetings where they've been quick to remind people that they are representing the views of their 'shareholders'.

I have heard the same.

 

[CH1]

I spoke to someone who had paid their £1 a year or so ago. She said she'd had no recent contact or updates from Brixton Green and so had no idea what their current planes are - yet I've been at meetings where they've been quick to remind people that they are representing the views of their 'shareholders'.

Did she register? I paid for one of the scratch-cards 2 years ago and only recently found it and registered on the internet. Since when I have had occasional emails.
Obviously if you pay the £1 and don't register they can't get in touch.

 

[CH1]

Sorry if I am sounding pedantic here but the Council are coming up with a scheme. This is not BG development. It is Council owned land unlike Barretts Brixton sq. Barretts acquired the land. So that limits what say local people have.

At the AGM it was mentioned (by the chair) that there was a small part of the site which was privately owned, and they were trying to get the owner to co-operate in the scheme. Know anything about that and whether it is a done dealt, or a possible block?

 

[Gramsci]

At the AGM it was mentioned (by the chair) that there was a small part of the site which was privately owned, and they were trying to get the owner to co-operate in the scheme. Know anything about that and whether it is a done dealt, or a possible block?

The Council are aware of this. I think they are dealing with the owner. It is substation or connected with the underground. Cannot remember which.

I think they are going to build around it.

 

[Rushy]

I spoke to someone who had paid their £1 a year or so ago. She said she'd had no recent contact or updates from Brixton Green and so had no idea what their current planes are - yet I've been at meetings where they've been quick to remind people that they are representing the views of their 'shareholders'.

I have heard the same.

I purchased a share and receive email updates advising of meetings, etc..
I'm pretty sure the first email was junked so that I had to add it to a "safe senders" list. Maybe the recipient's spam filters needs checking.

 

[editor]

I purchased a share and receive email updates advising of meetings, etc..
I'm pretty sure the first email was junked so that I had to add it to a "safe senders" list. Maybe the recipient's spam filters needs checking.

I've spoken to a few people who said they've had no updates - and, of course not everyone has email. When was the last update you received and did it mention their current/changing plans?

 

[leanderman]

The Council are aware of this. I think they are dealing with the owner. It is substation or connected with the underground. Cannot remember which.

I think they are going to build around it.

I think it has something to do with London Transport.

Pretty sure Brad told me that some kind of financial organisation had put up a £60million bond to back the project.

But I was very drunk and can't remember the details. And, in fact, may have just dreamt this up.