minutes+10th+May+2005


 * __Report of HFRA General Meeting – May 10th 2005__**

Note: We agreed the May 10th meeting should focus mainly on local reports, planning issues and the June 11th AGM/Networking Day. There were reports from all 15 groups present (and some extra ones sent in, in writing) about some of their most recent activities and concerns. These were educational and inspirational, and we struggled as always to prevent the reports lasting the whole meeting! Some groups helpfully also brought their recent Newsletters or minutes to pass around. As usual, some of the issues raised led to general discussion. On 19th April, the UDP Public Inquiry started with a special ‘roundtable’ discussion about the lack of sustainability of proposed house-building policies, and affordable housing. HFRA, Ave Gdns RA and other objectors put their views strongly to the Inspector and the Council. The Inquiry continued, but there were serious problems with the organisation of it. The government-appointed Inspector running it had left a week before it was due to start, and the preparations and paperwork were in chaos. A new Inspector had to be drafted in at the last minute, but had other responsibilities elsewhere and little or no time to read all the relevant documentation. The Schedule was completely re-organised, with various versions of the timetable being produced and only circulated patchily. Many objectors were unclear about whether and when to attend. However, the Federation and other residents’ groups reported some successes. In the face of the Council's promotion of development and house-building at the expense of defending the interests of Haringey's residents and the local environment, successes have so far included: - the Council confirmed at the Inquiry that they have withdrawn their highly controversial proposal to allow schools to annex parts of local parks for development. - the Council confirmed that they had accepted the HFRA's proposed amendments to the 'spacial objectives' for the East, Centre and West of the borough (UDP pp27-31). For example they agreed that 'Protecting the area's heritage and green spaces' and 'Improving the quality of life' (should apply to all 3 regions of Haringey, not just the Western areas. The HFRA Secretary was __asked to send out__ an update about the Inquiry to all our contacts. [Now done]. It was __agreed__ that the HFRA would have a policy against the building of residential tower blocks in Haringey. Also, that we would request RAs to pass on any contacts they may have for anyone with specialist expertise on planning design (architects, keen activists etc) who may be able to volunteer to help local groups facing planning issues. At our AGM / Networking Day on June 11th we will have a special map showing local planning and development sites around Haringey. The meeting then debated housing densities and design, affordable housing and homelessness.
 * //__RA Delegates Present__://** Annie Bebington – **Seacole Ct RA, N15;** Ibilola Campbell – **Tiverton Tewkesbury RA, N15;** Joyce Rosser - **Warner Estate RA, N8;** Joyce Oyeyi Effiong – **Suffolk Road RA, N15;** Laurie Owen - **Parkside Malvern RA, N8;** Alex Irvine - **Bowes Park Community Assoc., N13;** Dave Morris - **Chestnuts Northside RA, N15;** Peter Hall **- The Sandlings RA, N22;** Robert Gainsborough - **St George’s Lodge RA, N10;** Matt Danaher - **Woodlands Park RA, N15;** Roy Jensen – **Keynes Close RA,N2;** Peter Thompson - **Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Assoc, N2;** Vivienne Cuming and Simon Fedida - **Avenue Gardens RA, N22;** Bob Maltz - **Gladwell, Landrock & Cecile Pk Residents Action Group, N8** //__And:__// Kit Grieveson – Crouch End for People, N8 **//__Apologies:__//** Simon Hewitt – **Cromwell Area RA, N8;** Sue Hessel – **Haslemere Rd RA, N8;** Carmel Cadden – **Arnold Rd RA, N15;** John Waller - **Bounds Green & District Assoc, N11;** Colin Marr – **Methuen Park Association, N10;** Stephen Whittle - **West Green RA, N15;** Grahame Pearce - **Heron Wharf RA, N17;** Pat Ayinde - **Bruce Grove Residents Network, N17;**
 * __1. Minutes of last meeting__** The minutes for the April 12th General Meeting were agreed.
 * __2. Local reports from RAs present__**
 * __3. Planning and Development__**
 * a. LBH Unitary Development Plan** - **Public Inquiry**
 * b. Planning Applications** There was a long discussion about various controversial planning and development applications around the borough which were being taken up by local associations. This included Lordship Lane N22 ‘two-towers’ over-development; inappropriate Bruce Castle area N17 / Roundway flats; Tiverton Estate N15 threat to green space; and the Oakdale Arms N4 threat to demolish a much loved local pub.
 * __4. Federation Business__**
 * //a.//** **//__Community Action__//** **//bulletin//** Still some copies left for local distribution.
 * //b. HFRA AGM//** – This was discussed in detail, and an agenda agreed enabling discussion and informal sharing of news and views as well as the AGM formalities. We’re also, of course, looking to strengthen the growing influence of the Federation by asking people to volunteer to take on various posts and responsibilities. As well as the usual main officers (Chair, Sec, Teasurer), also contacts needed for campaigning issues (Waste Collection, Traffic Calming, Planning Issues etc) and specific tasks (HFRA Website manager, Community Action editor etc).
 * //c. LBH community groups’ database//** As you may know we have been lobbying the Council to compile an accurate, up-to-date database of local groups, as it was refusing to add all the RAs who wished to be on the database. We decided at the last meeting that we’d waited long enough and would go to the press if nothing was done. Following contacts with Cllr Reith [LBH Exec Member for Community Engagement] the Council have now agreed to include all RAs who want to be on the list. In our last mailing we posted out the relevant forms to all RAs. Contact: __pat.o'meachair@haringey.gov.uk__ If you have any queries or problems, contact us.
 * //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 have decided to compile a list of public contact details for RAs. All those present at the last 2 meetings 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 Morris and Joyce Rosser to organise this.
 * //e. HFRA Website//** We’re looking for a volunteer or two with technical expertise to work with the HFRA Secretary to manage our website. Please contact Dave on 8211 0916 if you can help.
 * //f. 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. Annie Bebington (Seacole Ct RA, N15) volunteered to attend a planning meeting on our behalf.
 * //g. Haringey Compact//** We noted that there are discussions over a new ‘Compact’ for the way the Council relates with community groups. Details were passed around at the meeting.
 * //h. Free Computers//** The Council had written to the HFRA and local RAs explaining that they were upgrading their computer systems and that therefore they could offer some free computers to those interested. Information was passed around at the meeting.
 * //i. HFRA Stalls and Info at Summer events//** We’d like information about local RAs and the Federation at all local summer events (in parks etc). Groups who can distribute //__Community Action__// and/or basic leaflets at events in their area are asked to contact Dave on 8211 0916.