minutes+April+10th+2007


 * __Report of HFRA General Meeting – April 10th 2007__**


 * //__RA Delegates Present__//****//://** Marian Janes – **CASCH, N6;** Peter Thompson **- Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Assoc, N10/N2;** Dave Morris - **Chestnuts Northside RA, N15;** Vivian Cuming and Simon Fedida - **Avenue Gardens RA, N22;** Candida Amsden and Judith Hanna - **Clyde Area RA, N15;** //__And:__// Wendy Keenan – Kirkton Rd Area RA (in formation), N15 **//__Apologies:__//** Sue Hessel – **Haslemere Rd RA, N8;** Joyce Rosser – **Warner Estate RA, N8;** Bob Maltz - **Gladwell, Landrock & Cecile Pk Residents Action Group, N8;** Laurie Owen - **Parkside Malvern RA, N8;** Matt Bradby – **Tower Gardens Residents Group, N17;** Lloyd Davis – **Chesnuts Area RA, N17;** Nazar Alikhan – **Gardens RA, N4;** Dan Evans – **Queens Rd Action Group, N11;** Sue Secher – **Wood Vale CA, N10;** Adam Coffman – **Fairfax Rd RA, N8;** Stephen Whittle - **West Green RA, N15;** John Waller - **Bounds Green & District RA, N11;** Pat Ayinde – **Bruce Grove RN, N17;** Kate Huddie - **Noel Park North Area RA, N22;** Ulla & Ole Lefmann - **Burghley Rd Area RA, N8**


 * 1.** **__Minutes of March 13th General Meeting__** Agreed.


 * 2. __Community Action: The Film__**

We watched the first ever showing of our new documentary film, __Community Action__, about Haringey’s residents associations (due to be publicly premiered the following week at Wood Green Library). The showing was followed by a discussion. The general feeling was that the film was an excellent showcase for the work of RAs, although obviously it was only possible to focus on a few local associations and some of the key issues – people felt that it had done this in a such a way as to provide a good ‘snapshot’ of a wide range of groups and activities. It really was positive and inspiring! All credit to Barry who had worked very hard, unfunded, for over 18mths to make the film in his spare time – supported by Dave, the HFRA Secretary. Thanks also to all those who were interviewed or helped in other ways.

Comments about the film were noted to be passed on to Barry for some final amendments, and after the premiere the final version will be made freely available to all RAs for showing throughout Haringey.


 * 3. __Local Reports__** These were mostly postponed to the next meeting due to lack of time. But it was reported that a new RA was being set up (with the active support of the Federation) in the Kirkton Rd area, N15. A couple of new local Newsletters were handed around.


 * 4. __HFRA AGM / Networking Day__** We agreed that the event on Sat 19th May will be 10am – 1pm, and will include discussions on: the various ways RAs spread information and publicity in their areas (including the growing use of websites); and about living streets and traffic calming. We’re hoping that all RAs will try to send a rep or two if possible.


 * 5. __Planning and Development__**


 * //The 2006 Unitary Development Plan//** A year after being agreed this very important planning document has finally been printed. Following discussion with the Federation it has been agreed that all RAs should be able to get a copy free on request. It is a large document. If your RA wants a copy the easiest thing might be to phone or email to arrange to pick a copy up at the Planning Office reception - contact: UDP Team, 639 High Rd, N17 tel: 020 8489 1479 e: udp@haringey.gov.uk It is also on the web: //__www.haringey.gov.uk/written_statement.pdf__//


 * //Application for extension to Shopping City//** We discussed local RAs’ views about the proposed extension to Shopping City just off the High St near Wood Green Library: re. the design, the need for ‘people-friendly’ facades at the back, improved open space adjacent to the library and restrictions on heavy goods vehicle usage times . These views will be put to the Planning Sub-Cttee.


 * //Over-development scam?//** Chestnuts Northside RA, N15 reported that Paul Simon Ltd had gained planning permission for a controversial backland (over-)development crammed behind homes in their area. Despite permission being given for mainly 2-bed homes, Paul Simon Ltd had bumped up the prices of the completed homes by constructing and marketing them as 3-bed… CNRA have raised strong objections with the PASC. Is this scam happening elsewhere?


 * //Loss of front gardens//** It was noted that the year-long campaign, conducted mainly by a network of RA activists (co-ordinated by a member of Methuen Park Association, N10), had succeeded in convincing the Council to do what they can to protect front-gardens from being paved over as car parks. The aim is to help protect greenery and the street scene, reduce flooding, reduce danger to pedestrians, and save on-road parking spaces.

Car Wash controversy Clyde Area RA, N15 reported long-running problems over anti-social activities (noise nuisance etc) of a local business in a residential street, and the Council’s failure to take effective enforcement action to protect residents. They have made a complaint to the local govt. ‘ombudsman’ as they believe this raises issues of concern affecting the whole borough.


 * //Complaints//** Concern was expressed that that the Council has been considering erasing a backlog of 4,000 complaints about planning and enforcement issues. An update is needed on this.


 * 6. __Heritage and conservation__**

Joyce, as the Federation’s heritage and conservation rep, reported on three heritage campaigns:

- to prevent a developer turning the Botany Bay pub in the Clyde Area Conservation Area into a supermarket - to ensure the Clissold Arms continued to keep its Kinks (1960’s rock group) connection - to save the impressive frontage of the old Hornsey High St baths

7. __Health Services__

The Stop Haringey Health Cuts Coalition organised a successful anti-cuts protest over the visit of the Secretary of State for Health to Wood Green Library, which received extensive local and national publicity.

The Coalition is organising a major public meeting about the future of St Ann’s Hospital – on Thursday 17th May, 7pm @ Chestnuts Community Centre, St Ann’s Rd (opposite the hospital).


 * 8. __Sustainability issues__**


 * //Sustainable Haringey conference//** 110 residents from 44 community organisations (including many RAs) took part in the community conference on Sat March 31st . Many RA reps helped run the event, including the workshop discussions. Those who had attended reported that they felt the event had gone very well, helping generate public debate over what needs to be done about long term sustainability issues which we all need to address for the good of ourselves and future generations. It was felt that the outcome was particularly impressive – a Sustainable Haringey network was launched with a range of long term goals, and a follow-up gathering had been arranged for 29th April.


 * //Recycling & Waste//** We were pleased that recycling was gradually improving across the borough. However, we wanted to be sure that all the materials were to be sorted and recycled in the UK.


 * 9. __Federation Business__**


 * //- HFRA Finances//** In the light of the loss of £1,500 funding due to matters beyond our control we agreed that we need to have reliable, independent sources of funding. Please can all RAs send in their subs for 2007/8. Individual donations or regular standing orders from residents are also welcome. Cheques to be made out to ‘Haringey Federation of Residents Associations’.


 * //- LBH relations with, and support for, new RAs//** Agreed to defer this discussion (again!).