minutes+13th+January+2004


 * Report of HFRA General Meeting,** **13th January 2004**


 * //__RA Delegates Present__//****//://** Constance Annin – **Commerce Rd R&TA, N22;** Joyce Rosser – **Warner Estate RA, N8;** Grahame Pearce – **Heron Wharf RA, N17;** Simon Fedida and Vivienne Cuming - **Avenue Gardens RA, N22;** Dave Morris – **Chestnuts Northside RA, N15;** Ole and Ulle Lefmann - **Burleigh** **Rd Area RA, N8;** Stephen Whittle - **West Green RA, N15;** Tim Wilmott - **Bruce Grove Residents Network, N17 //__Apologies:__//** Joe Winnington – **Buckingham Lodge RA, N10;** Corrinne Stevens – **Deaconness** **Ct TA, N15;** Jane Laporte – **Woodlands Park RA, N15;** John Crompton, Peter Thompson and John Hajdu - **Muswell** **Hill & Fortis Green Association, N2;** David Rennie - **Palace Gates RA, N22;** Robert Gainsborough – **St George’s Lodge RA, N10;** Jenny Chambers – **Dickenson House & Womersley TA, N8**


 * __1. Minutes of HFRA general meeting of 9th December__** Agreed to be accurate.


 * __2. Local reports__** As usual there were local reports from those present, and also from some local associations which sent news in writing (including copies of local newsletters etc). This led to discussion on many of the issues raised.


 * //Commerce Rd R&TA, N22//** Existed for many years, but recently revived to counter anti-social behaviour problems. Blocks of about 300 Council flats. Current controversy over council plans to do re-wiring on the cheap. Discussing parking and security issues.
 * //Heron Wharf RA, N17//** Monitoring local planning applications. Major redevelopment of area by Middlesex University is being mooted, including new transport links.
 * //Warner Estate RA, N8//** Successfully objected to a proposed ‘backland’ development. Local residents have clubbed together to try to buy the land themselves to benefit the local community. Want new traffic lights in Priory Rd. Upset by closure of local Post Office. Want some new trees. Concerned over uncertain future of Ally Pally.
 * //Avenue Gardens RA, N22//** Developing contacts and co-ordination with other local associations concerned with aspects of the proposed Heartlands development project. Holding regular meetings with local Cllrs and attending various LBH committee meetings.
 * //Chestnuts Northside RA, N15//** 55 members in 230 homes. Opposing a plan to demolish a local, historic pub to build a block of flats. A ‘backland’ development nearby is also causing problems due to neglect of site by the developers - Paul Simon Ltd. Campaigning for traffic calming and trees.
 * //Bruce Grove RN, N17//** Did local walkabout with LBH reps over rubbish and road-sweeping problems. LBH monitoring had declared the quality to be ‘Grade A’, but the BGRN view was that it was ‘poor’ despite their regular phone calls to Accord. 50 residents attended BGRN meeting with local MP.
 * //Burleigh//** **//Rd//** **//RA, N8//** Very concerned about rubbish and waste. Due to additional tree planting over the last few years they are trying to ensure leaves are cleared out of drains. 30 metres of their streets which border the High Rd will be swept 4 times per week. Problem with landlords who provide temporary accommodation discarding mattresses etc.
 * //West Green RA, N15//** Residents successfully campaigned against a proposed development of a green area in Ivatt Way. The Council chucked it out. But the developers may appeal, and the Council proposed in the UDP to change the status for the site to allow the development! Successfully campaigned for bollards on West Green Rd to stop pavement parking. Doing local survey of men-only social clubs, and have objected to the licencing of any more. 25 residents attended public meeting with local Street Wardens – who are sympathetic to local people and issues, effective and popular in the area. Police and Council decided unilaterally and controversially to clear shrubs on the Westbury Ave embankment due to fears of crime – this angered local residents and the WGRA intervened. After a site meeting the police apologised and greenery will be restored.
 * //Muswell//** **//Hill and Fortis Green Association, N2//** Latest members’ Newsletter (6 pages) is full of news of a very wide range of local issues and activities.
 * //Woodlands Park RA, N15 Latest 6 page//** Newsletter distributed door-to-door, packed with local information and news. Involved with traffic calming, planning applications, and helping organise Chestnuts Park festival (May 29th).

//__Note:__// We are looking for a volunteer to compile seasonal bulletins of local reports/news. Can anyone volunteer to help?

It has been recently reported that the introduction a few years back of the £15 charge for collections of bulky items has resulted in a 75% drop in the number of collections, and an increase in dumping. However, some initiatives which we proposed to the Waste Management dept in 2002 have recently been adopted.
 * 3.** **__Rubbish and waste management__**


 * //a. Community Skips//** This is a pilot scheme for temporary skips, brought into an area in co-operation with local RAs. Avenue Gardens RA reported it was a great success in their area.


 * //b. Community Clear Up days//** Dave spoke to the person co-ordinating this new street-by-street initiative, by which every street in the borough will have all bulky items collected at least once a year. She will send us details of their 3 year programme when its ready.

//__Action__// Stephen, as HFRA waste management rep, will write to LBH strongly supporting the above ideas.


 * //c. Accord//** There is quite a lot of dissatisfaction with Accord. We discussed whether better monitoring, re-drafting their contract, or cancelling their contract would improve matters.


 * __4. Public health – rats__** We agreed that Stephen would also write to LBH and the relevant Water and Sewer authorities expressing our concern about the growing rat problem around Haringey, to find out what they are doing about it, and to insist they work together to solve the problem.


 * 5.** **__Planning issues__**


 * //a//****//. Planning and Development Conference//** As agreed, Simon and Dave met up to draft a detailed proposal for a Planning & Development conference for Haringey residents, modelled on the successful Traffic Calming-Safer Streets conference last year. The draft was accepted (see enclosed sheet), and September 2004 was felt to be the best time (to coincide with consultation over the revised draft UDP). All RAs are welcome to contribute in any way they wish – please fill in the tear off slip on the sheet.


 * //b. ‘How To Oppose A Planning Application’ leaflet//** Last year we discussed drafting a leaflet for residents and residents’ groups on how to oppose unwanted local developments and projects. Well, some people involved in a local campaign in Hornsey have drafted something similar – we are hoping to turn it into a general leaflet soon.


 * //c. Council’s ‘Unitary Development Plan’//** HFRA officers had sent in a response to the Council’s draft UDP, based on the discussion at our December 9th meeting. The document was accepted as HFRA policy regarding the UDP. We are pleased to report that, thanks to the extended deadline, there were over 2050 objections sent in by a wide range of groups!


 * __6. LBH Housing Dept__**

of its 20,000 Council homes, generating quite a bit of concern and controversy. It is also re-drafting its ‘tenants compact’.
 * a.** As previously discussed, the Council is currently consulting over the future management and funding


 * b.** The Housing Dept is also re-examining how it relates to local residents and tenants associations (including looking into the council’s inter-departmental confusion over recognition of local associations). However, they have so far failed to contact most local residents associations to seek their views on this.


 * __7. Federation admin matters__**


 * //a. Affiliations//** We voted to affiliate to the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies – they produce a regular newsletter covering issues affecting Londoners in general, including GLA policies & plans.


 * //b. Finances//** The traffic calming conference cost £1085.55, most of which was covered by individual and group donations, a grant and LBH Street Scene dept paying for the venue. As always we are in desperate need of general funds. Ideas for fundraising welcome! A big thank you to the 4 local RAs who sent in subs/donations this month. Meanwhile, Dave and Simon - as the HFRA Secretary and Treasurer - have applied for a Scarman Trust grant for April – September 2004.