Agenda and minutes

Peckham and Nunhead Community Council - Monday 24 September 2012 7.00 pm

Venue: Harris Academy Peckham, 112 Peckham Road, London SE15 5DZ

Contact: Beverley Olamijulo, telephone 020 7525 7234 email  beverley.olamijulo@southwark.gov.uk 

Items
Note No. Item

1.

Introduction and welcome

    • Share this item

    Minutes:

    The chair welcomed councillors, members of the public and officers to the meeting.

2.

Apologies

    • Share this item

    Minutes:

    There were apologies for absence from Councillors Chris Brown, Mark Glover, Catherine McDonald and Althea Smith.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Gavin Edwards and Barrie Hargrove.

3.

Disclosure of members' interests and dispensations

    • Share this item

    Members to declare any interests and dispensation in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting.

    Minutes:

    None were disclosed.

4.

Items of business that the Chair deems urgent

    • Share this item

    The chair to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

    Minutes:

    The chair informed the community council that the following item would be accepted as late urgent business at the meeting:

     

    • Item 6 – Deputation report, Starlight Music Academy.

5.

Minutes from the previous meeting

7.10 pm

6.

Deputation request

    • Share this item

    The chair to advise on any deputations or petitions received.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the deputation request from Starlight Music Academy be heard.

     

    The deputation spokesperson, Shanice Duffus, a representative of the Starlight Music Academy addressed the meeting.  She mentioned the board of trustees and had worked in partnership with other agencies and the Council.  She also spoke about the work they do with young people in the borough.  During her address Shanice referred to the Starlight Music Academy being made homeless due to the closure of Peckham Settlement after the centre went into administration.  This affected the operation of the Starlight Music Academy and other community groups that used the centre.  They asked the community council to assist them in finding alternative accommodation.

     

    In response to questions, the Chair, Councillor Cleo Soanes outlined that the Council were not aware of the situation and were not involved in the decision to close the centre as they were independent from the Council.

     

    The group were advised to contact the Peckham Volunteer Sector Forum for help and advice.  Officers held discussions with groups that were affected by the closure (e.g. Southwark Travellers Action Group (STAG) and Hourbank) who asked for assistance to help find suitable alternative premises.

     

    The chair thanked the deputation for their presentation and commended Starlight Music Academy for the work they do with young people.  The chair suggested the group contact the council about finding alternative premises which the group agreed to do. 

7.20 pm

7.

Community announcements and presentations

    • Share this item
    • Feedback on workshops: Priority items for future meetings

     

    • Community Restoration Fund – youth element

     

    • An announcement from a local author

     

    • An announcement on the Peckham and Nunhead Community Council Fund – underspend 2012 – 13

     

    • Community safety and enforcement issues:

    A community safety officer for Peckham and Nunhead will be present at each community council meeting to talk residents and councillors.

     

    • 2012 Tenant and Leaseholder satisfaction survey

     

    • Attendance monitoring forms - community councils

     

    • Coach Stirling – Olympic Torch.

    Minutes:

    The following announcements were made:

     

    Feedback on workshops: Priority items for future meetings

     

    Marian Farrugia, Community Council Development Officer provided feedback on the workshops which were held at the previous community council meeting.  The workshops discussed themes and topics for future meetings and people were asked how they could make their community council meetings better?

     

    The chair, thanked those who participated in the workshops at the previous meeting and stated the following priorities were highlighted in the order set out below:

     

    ·  Older people: Activities, service, support and community engagement

    ·  Children and young people

    ·  Environmental issues including recycling

    ·  Housing

    ·  Transport – including buses

    ·  Health and wellbeing 

    ·  Crime

     

    It was noted that the themes identified in bold would be discussed at future community council meetings.

     

    South London Apprenticeship Fair

     

    The event took place on 25 October 2012 at Liberty House, 9 – 11 Cottage Green, London SE5 7ST.  This was an apprenticeship and recruitment fair for young people run by young people. 

     

    More details at http://www.southlondonapprenticeshipfair.co.uk . 

     

    Community Restoration Fund - a scheme supporting young people

     

    The Council’s cabinet agreed to set up a funding scheme of £100,000 across the borough.  Peckham and Nunhead community council were allocated £21,000.  The aim would be to fund local projects, invest in increased opportunity for young people.

     

    For more information contact Hannah Edwards, Specialist Youth Work Team Manager on 020 7525 1710 or email hannah.edwards@southwark.gov.uk .

     

    Local Playwright, Bola Agbaje

     

    Local author, Bola Agbaje who grew up in Peckham was present at the meeting to talk about the play she wrote called “Gone too far”.  The play which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in February 2007 received positive reviews.  Bola explained that the play would be made as a film that focussed on her experiences whilst growing up in the borough. The concept of the film was to celebrate Peckham and would not be based on negativity. 

     

    Destiny (film director) and Rob (producer of the film) were also present mentioned that “Gone too far” was being funded by the British Film Institute (BFI).

     

    Most of the scenes would be filmed in Peckham and other scenes filmed elsewhere.  It was announced the filming would start in November 2012.  The BFI asked for ‘Film extras’ from the local area to take part in the production.

     

    Community Council Fund under spend 2012 – 2013

     

    The chair announced that the sum of £1000 which was under spend from the community council fund 2012 – 2013 had been allocated to the following projects:

     

    • £500 to the Arts Forum and
    • £500 to Odd Man Out Productions

     

    Monitoring Forms

     

    Marian explained that the community engagement team were in the process of updating their monitoring forms to improve participation and attendance at community council meetings. 

     

    The monitoring forms survey consisted of a number of information sheets which residents were encouraged to complete.

     

    Community safety and enforcement officer

     

    Tanya Barrow, the Community Safety and Enforcement Officer introduced herself to the meeting and outlined that she would be the dedicated community safety officer for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

7.30 pm

8.

Local council tax support scheme (Formerly council tax benefit)

    • Share this item

    “How will this impact on you if you are in receipt of council tax benefit?”

     

    There will be an officer from revenue and benefits to highlight:

     

    • Feedback on consultation
    • Early findings / analysis of the results.

    Minutes:

    Akinola Daisi from the Revenue and Benefits team was present at the meeting to highlight changes to the council tax system in light of changes to the welfare system. 

     

    .

     

    Akinola said although the national benefit was introduced to help low income families central government wanted to abolish the council tax benefit.  They have asked local councils to come up with a new scheme.  The changes would mean a cap for those in receipt of council tax benefit.  During the months of July 2012 until September 2012 council officers had been around the borough and attended housing forums and TRAs (Tenants & Residents Associations) to inform them of the changes.

     

    What are the changes?

     

    Those in receipt of council tax benefit could lose £15 of every £100 of council tax benefit received. In short, everyone of workable age would be affected.

     

    The council’s cabinet would be considering a report in November 2012 and the same report would be considered by council assembly by the end of the year.

     

    Akinola responded to questions and heard the views of residents which were noted as the following:

     

    One resident stated that taking £15 of every £100 seemed to be a huge amount to take for those families that are on low income.  The resident felt that the council should look at other alternatives or retrieve the savings from elsewhere. 

     

    Akinola said although the council needed to maximise discounts and exemptions, of the council tax benefit scheme, these issues would be explored further.  It was noted that people with disabilities might be exempted from these changes.  People would be signposted to other agencies so they could provide assistance.

     

    Councillor Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for resources and community safety explained that central government decided a large share of cuts had to be from those that were in receipt of benefits with further cuts being proposed for the next coming years.  He said since the Government introduced these cuts the council are expected to be at a loss of £9 million. 

     

    Akinola mentioned that the council were devising an additional welfare scheme which went out to consultation a few months ago.  Various agencies had been notified and feedback provided by the housing forums.

     

    In response to questions, the officer explained that no particular group could be identified as being worst affected under the new scheme, it could be a mixture of groups.

     

    The chair thanked Akinola for his presentation.

7.40 pm

9.

Launch of the Cleaner, Greener Safer (CGS) funding programme

    • Share this item
    • Presentation and ‘before’ and ‘after’ slides of the Cleaner Greener, Safer (CGS) schemes.

     

    • The launch of CGS capital funding programme 2013 – 2014.

    Minutes:

    Michelle Normanly from the Cleaner Greener Safer team explained that this year’s programme had been launched. The meeting was shown power point slides of the cleaner greener safer projects that were completed in the Peckham and Nunhead area over the last two years. 

     

    Representatives from the Pelican Estate and Bonar Road Allotments talked about their completed schemes and thanked the community council for the funding which they received. 

     

    Bonar Road Allotments: This was for an extension cabin where classes are held for primary school children and adults.  The Pelican Estate has used its CGS funding for fencing around a children’s allotment on the estate.

     

    The deadline for applications was 30 November 2012. Contact: cgs@southwark.gov.uk or telephone 020 7525 1259.

7.55 pm

10.

The Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

    • Share this item
    • Officer presentation on the Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 

     

    • Workshops by ward on the area action plan.

    Minutes:

    Alison Squires from the planning policy team presented the Peckham Area Action Plan.  She thanked those who had taken part in the consultation and submitted comments on the action plan.  During the consultation officers met with fifty six community groups and attended various events setting out the Plan’s policies and what the Peckham Town Centre should look like.

     

    The Area Action Plan would now be in the formal stage of consultation and only factual changes would be made.

     

    Southwark’s Community Infrastructure Levy

     

    Following on from the previous meeting when this item was introduced during community announcements it referred to the replacement of the old system currently known as ‘S106 planning obligations’.

     

    The community infrastructure levy was about charging new developments in the borough so the money could be used for infrastructure.

     

    At this stage meeting went into workshops an officer was assigned to each group.

8.35 pm

11.

Feedback from workshops on the Peckham and Nunhead area action plan

    • Share this item

    Minutes:

    Alison Squires thanked those that took part in the workshops.

     

    The consultation period for Peckham Area Action Plan would be until 5 December 2012 (5.00 pm).  For further information contact Alison Squires email alison.squires@southwark.gov.uk or futurepeckham@southwark.gov.uk Telephone number 020 7525 1259.

8.45 pm

12.

Peckham Road south parking consultation

    • Share this item

    To comment on the plans for a parking consultation.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Tim Walker, Senior Engineer, presented the consultation report contained in the agenda pack.  Tim explained the council wanted to seek the views of members and residents on the proposed consultation methods and boundary for Peckham & Nunhead and Camberwell in relation to parking.  Tim said any changes needed would be implemented through this process.

     

    The two stage consultation would be information like occupancy surveys, on what people think most affects the area, for example would it be commuter parking?

     

    Officers would come back to a future community council meeting with the council’s findings before a final decision is taken on the layout of the scheme.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the community council noted the information in the report and supported the recommendations for a proposed parking consultation along with the methods to be used in that consultation.

8.55 pm

13.

Public question time

    A public question form is included at page 34.

     

    This is an opportunity for public questions to be addressed to the chair.

     

    Residents or persons working in the borough may ask questions on any matter in relation to which the council has powers or duties.

     

    Responses may be supplied in writing following the meeting.

     

    Feedback on previous public questions and questions raised during agenda items are contained after the public question form.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Update on public questions from previous the meetings

     

    The chair referred to a public question that was first raised in April 2012 which required a response from the GLA office.  It referred to the funding of the Olympic Games.  The chair explained it was difficult to formally respond at the time due to the GLA elections.  A response to this question was circulated at the meeting and is attached to the agenda pack.

     

    The meeting were asked to note that TfL sent a response on the issue of the guard railings along Peckham Hill Street and junction of Peckham High Street set out in the agenda.

     

    Public questions

     

    Question 1:

     

    Could the Peckham Town Centre Manager be invited to attend a community council meeting to address the concern expressed by some residents about many of the shops located in the area and explain why they are not from a wider community? 

     

    Would the Peckham Town Manager confirm what shops should be there and not what he thinks should be there?

     

    Response: The community council would look into this and ask the Town Centre Manager to attend a future meeting.

     

    Question 2:

     

    Investment in street lighting in the North Nunhead area and around Nunhead Station was done successfully.  However Evelina Road had the worst lighting in that area, would this road be considered under devolved budget for highways and lighting?

     

    Response: Follow up response to be given at a future community council meeting.

     

    Question  3:

     

    Peckhamplex Cinema although was not a thriving business, the owners decided to keep the place going as part of local culture in the area.  Could we ask the council to support us in whatever they can?

     

    Response:

     

    Councillor Livingstone explained that there were no immediate plans for the building at the moment but discussions concerning its development are still ongoing with the property team.

     

    Councillor Livingstone agreed to follow this up with officers on the long term investment of the building and a response given at a future community council meeting.

9.05 pm

14.

Local parking amendments

    • Share this item

    Note: This item is an executive function

     

    Members to consider the recommendations contained in the report.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Members considered the information in the report.

     

    Note: This is an executive decision.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the following local parking amendments, detailed in the appendices of the report be approved for implementation subject to the outcome of any necessary statutory procedures:

     

    • Heaton Road and Elcot Avenue installation of one disabled persons (blue badge) parking bay at each location

     

    • Astbury Road installation of at any waiting restrictions (7.5 metres approximately outside entrance to No. 35 Astbury Road.

9.15 pm

15.

Cleaner Greener Safer (CGS) Funding Reallocation

    • Share this item

    Note: This item is an executive function

     

    Members to consider the recommendations contained in the report.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Members considered the information in the report.

     

    Note: This is an executive decision.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That £3,300 of the unallocated £17,410 of Cleaner Greener Safer capital fund be reallocated to the following project: 14 – 19 Mortlock Close, Cossall Estate, SE15 railings to eradicate anti social behaviour.

     

     

    1. That £10,000 of the unallocated CGS funding be added to an existing award of £29,000 for Trent Frome and Welland car park resurfacing, 2012 – 2013 CGS project.

     

    1. That the reallocation of the remaining £4,110 be considered at a future meeting.

9.30 pm

16.

Strategic transport S106 release report

    • Share this item
    • To note and comment on the release of strategic transport s106 contributions to support key projects across the borough.

     

    • Members to consider the Peckham Rye station scheme detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Members considered the information in the report.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That Members noted the information in the report and supported the release of section 106 funding for the following projects:

     

    ·  Elephant and Castle - £857,203

     

    ·  Camberwell Town Centre - £155,603

     

    ·  Lower Road - £266,533.