minutes+12th+April+2005


 * __Report of HFRA General Meeting – April 12th 2005__**


 * //__RA Delegates Present__://** Ibilola Campbell – **Tiverton Tewkesbury RA, N15;** Carol Ingram – **St Ann’s Residents Group, N15;** Joyce Rosser - **Warner Estate RA, N8;** Laurie Owen - **Parkside Malvern RA, N8;** Dave Morris - **Chestnuts Northside RA, N15;** Pat Ayinde - **Bruce Grove Residents Network, N17;** Peter Hall **- The Sandlings RA, N22;** Richard Tayler **– Hornsey Lane Assoc., N6** [and The Highgate Society]**;** Jane Laporte - **Woodlands Park RA, N15;** Vivienne Cuming and Simon Fedida - **Avenue Gardens RA, N22;** Bob Maltz - **Gladwell, Landrock & Cecile Pk Residents Action Group, N8;** John Waller - **Bounds Green & District Assoc, N11;** //__And:__// Gary Hoffman – Hornsey Vale Community Centre, N8; Kate Huddie – Wood Green Residents Against The Towers, N22
 * //__Apologies:__//** Ismail Niazi – **Braemar, Culvert, Victoria and Russell RA, N15;** Joyce Oyeyi Effiong – **Suffolk Road RA, N15;** Sheik Thompson – **Chesnuts Area RA, N17;** Colin Marr – **Methuen Park Association, N10;** Ule & Olle Lefmann - **Burleigh Rd Area RA, N8;** Peter Thompson - **Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Assoc, N2;** Paul Burnham – **Partridge Way RA, N22;** Stephen Whittle - **West Green RA, N15;** Grahame Pearce - **Heron Wharf RA, N17;** Alex Irvine - **Bowes Park Community Assoc., N13;** Robert Gainsborough - **St George’s Lodge RA, N10;**

There were reports from all groups present (and some sent in, in writing) about some of their most recent activities and concerns. Some groups brought their recent Newsletters or minutes to pass around. As usual, some of the issues raised led to general discussion (eg. pavement parking around the borough; planning issues etc). Our Secretary also reported that he had been invited to the launch of a new RA in South Tottenham, which resulted in the setting up of the Braemar, Culvert, Victoria and Russell RA. He passed on the Federation’s support and encouragement to the residents present, citing many examples of the positive activities of other associations around the borough. presentation to a special ‘call-in’ meeting of the LBH Overview & Scrutiny Cttee, calling for sustainability assessments to be carried out on some of the key UDP policies – particularly on whether the proposed policies promoting a massive increase in high-density house-building are sustainable without overcrowding, effective protection for community interests and the improved social infrastructure needed. However, the Cttee decided to forge ahead with the Council’s agreed policies, procedures and the UDP Inquiry as scheduled. On April 9th we’d held a joint HFRA / Haringey Agenda 21 special UDP ‘sustainability’ networking session for UDP objectors, including members of the Friends of Parks Forum. It was clear that even the most determined local organisations were struggling to work out the implications of the policies and procedures surrounding the UDP Inquiry, and how to respond. On 19th April, the UDP Public Inquiry was due to start with a special ‘roundtable’ discussion about the sustainability of proposed house-building policies, and also about housing needs and affordable housing. HFRA delegates discussed these issues at length, and reaffirmed the Federation’s existing policies. It was also reported that there were serious problems with the organisation of the Inquiry. The government-appointed Inspector running it had resigned a week before it was due to start, and the preparations and paperwork were in chaos. Many objectors were unclear about whether and when to attend. More next month… The ballot for the proposed ‘Arms Length Management Organisation’ to take over the day to day running of Haringey’s council housing has now been completed. Ibi Campbell, a member of the Stock Options Appraisal Cttee who had been working with the Council on this, reported a close result: on a 35% turnout, 54% of LBH tenants and leaseholders voted for, and 46% against. She now hoped that the government would release money set aside for improvements, which it had been with-holding from the Council. However, things were far from clear, and the Haringey Defend Council Housing campaign were continuing to object to the way the ballot had been promoted and conducted by the Council, and any future steps towards privatisation. A number of delegates present reported on the overwhelming success of the March 19th event at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre. 40 people from 19 residents associations in Tottenham attended and shared their news, experiences, thoughts and visions for the future. It was generally agreed to have been very positive and empowering. More detailed report from:  was also agreed to adopt the successful March 19th ‘Networking Day’ format so that the event would enable greater discussion and informal sharing of news and views as well as the AGM formalities. Reith (LBH Exec. Member for Community Engagement) that the Council is failing to compile an accurate, up-to-date database of local groups, and refusing to add all the RAs who wish to be on the database. We decided that we’d waited long enough and would go to the press if nothing was done. //__Update__// Following further contact with Cllr Reith, the Council have now agreed to include all RAs who want to be on the list. We have since posted out the relevant forms to all RAs. Contact: __pat.o'meachair@haringey.gov.uk__ If you have any queries or problems, contact us.
 * __1. Minutes of last meeting__** The minutes for the March 8th General Meeting were agreed.
 * __2. Local reports from RAs present__**
 * __3. Planning and Development__**
 * a.** **LBH Unitary Development Plan** - **Public Inquiry** On March 17th, the HFRA Secretary made a
 * b. Design of buildings** There was a discussion about some of the awful designs for some of the modern buildings and developments which have been built around the borough in recent years. This is not just the look of the buildings, but also how they may impact on an adjoining street, or how they may be like to live in. If anyone has any views on the borough’s ‘Worst/Best Architectural Horrors/Triumphs’, email Simon on 
 * 4.** **__Council Housing__**
 * 5. __Tottenham Area Residents Associations Networking Day__**
 * 6.** **__Federation Business__**
 * //a.//** **//Community Action//** **//bulletin//** 3,000 of our paper have been printed, and are being distributed through local RAs. Everyone seemed to think it was a good issue and an inspiring read. All groups are urged to pass on copies to their members, and give out at public events etc.
 * //b. HFRA AGM//** – This was agreed for Sat June 11th 2005, 10.30 – 2.30pm at our usual venue. It
 * //c. LBH community groups’ database//** There was no progress on our objection to Cllr Lorna
 * //d. Public list of RAs//** In order to ensure that RAs can contact each other effectively, and that interested residents and others can find out their nearest group, we decided to compile a list of public contact details for RAs. All those present at the meeting were happy to be included. Obviously we need to check with each RA first to see if they have a publicisable phone, email or address. Dave to look into…
 * //e. HFRA summer fun/fundraising event//** As we weren’t sure if we could organise this in time, especially due to other current commitments (AGM, UDP Inquiry etc), we decided to drop the idea this year.
 * //f. HFRA Website//** The website has been updated. A member of Bounds Green & District Association has offered to help with technical improvements if needed. //__Update__// The website has been managed by a member of Tower Gardens Residents Network for the last 2 years. He has told us he will soon be unable to continue. To be discussed at the Federation meeting in May.
 * //g. Haringey Agenda 21//** The Federation had been invited to do a presentation to the AGM of the HA21 local sustainability organisation. As no rep was able to attend, our Secretary sent in a short written statement.
 * //h. Week of Peace – September 11th to 18th.//** Haringey Peace Alliance have invited us to support the annual Week of Peace, focussing on opposing violence, and promoting friendships, family and community safety issues. We agreed to support.