Agenda item

5.1  The chair opened the meeting and asked everyone present to introduce themselves. He then asked the Principal Environmental Health Officer to give a environmental view on the report.

5.2  The officer reported that joint work is expected to start with Lambeth, Wandsworth and Transport for London (TfL) in the near future. Members were then informed that the relevant officer from planning was unfortunately not available to attend this evenings meeting

5.3  The Head of Community Safety & Enforcement undertook to investigate why the sub-committee had not been made aware of the officer change prior to the meeting.

5.4  The chair with the agreement of the sub-committee undertook to hear from Chris Porter and Jon Kirkup representative of TfL.

5.5  The TfL representatives reported that they were awaiting a final decision from the Secretary of State for Transport who is considering whether a local public inquiry should be held to look at the application. If there is an inquiry, case papers would be submitted by the end of August.

5.6  The Secretary of State will appoint an independent inspector to run it. It would probably take place between November 2013 and January 2014 and would last four to five weeks.

5.7  Members were informed that TfL were presently in discussions with Southwark, Lambeth and Wandsworth with a view to agreeing solutions to any arising issues.

5.8  In response to a question raised by the chair, the representatives informed the sub-committee that construction noise affecting local residents would be addressed with a noise constraints agreement including all 3 authorities and imposed on the contractors.

5.9  Members were also informed that work would need to be carried out 24 hours a day outside the usual times for 9 to 12 weeks, most of the work would be underground.

5.10  The sub-committee were informed that a contact telephone number would be displayed for the public and the contractor would have a independent worker who would address any noise complaints.

5.11  The vice-chair asked what was the level of engagement with local residents? The representative reported the following:-

• Several events in the Oval area and Durning Library (Lambeth)
• Leaflets drops around the route area
• Residential groups meetings
• Drop in events for local residents

5.12  The vice-chair asked if the level of objections raised by local residents been taken onboard? The sub-committee were informed that objections had been taken onboard and TfL had looked at alternative options.

5.13  Members were informed that TfL agreed to plans for existing users of the old lodge to be temporarily relocated to another area of the park (including trees, shrubs, bee hives and equipment), whilst construction of the Northern Line Extension (NLE) is underway.

5.14  In response to a question raised by a member of the sub-committee, the representative reported that objections had been received from both residents of Kennington Green and Kennington Park (Public Land – Metropolitan open space). The representative informed members that a mock up was available on the website and undertook to circulate this information to members.

5.15  A sub-committee members asked approximately how many objections were received? Members were informed that 240 letters of objection were received and 40 letters of support were received.

5.16  The sub-committee were informed that contractors would be digging and soil removal would be done at the Battersea end of the tunnel.

5.17  The chair raised the point regarding Kennington station providing an exit only provision? The representatives assured members that this would not happen, it is anticpated that 50% more passengers would be changing platforms at Kennington station.

5.18  Members were also informed that a number of upgrades were planned for all stations on the northern line due to the increase of traffic and Kennington Station would be getting a number of upgrades leading up to 2020.

5.19  The sub-committee were informed that all 3 boroughs were negotiating with TfL for the best deal for local residents.

5.20  The chair undertook to discuss with officers the possibilities of a special meeting to discuss the Northern Line Extension.

RESOLVED:

That the sub-committee carry this item of business over to its next meeting for an officer update.