There will be presentations from Southwark officers, Dulwich Hamlet FC and the property developers.
Summary:
The results of the first public consultation on the future of the open space at Green Dale Fields were held in August 2014. The council was exploring options for the site and the plans were shown at the September / October 2014 public consultation.
Southwark Council is committed to making better use of the open space available at Green Dale Fields and wants to explore every option with residents to create a new park area that can be used by everyone.
The feedback received from public consultations to inform the design will be submitted as part of a planning application.
Residents will have another opportunity to comment during the statutory consultation of the planning application.
For more information contact: parks@southwark.gov.uk
Website: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_open_spaces/3569/green_dale_fields
Minutes:
Marcus Mayne – Southwark’s principal consultant spoke about the work the council were doing on the Greendale site.
Summary of presentation
The officer advised that the council did not own the stadium – it was owned by Handley Homes who had now acquired the club.
He said the council did own the Greendale site and explained the football club’s 22 year lease was due to end.
The Greendale site was designated as open land, metropolitan open land (MOL), and borough open land (BOL) although the stadium itself was not designated open space.
The astro pitch itself was in a poor state of disrepair and was used mostly by dog walkers. The council sought a section 25 notice to terminate the club’s lease because the pitch was not managed properly.
The council carried out a consultation exercise which was undetaken by the parks section on the future use of the astroturf in order to make it a regulated open space area. Most of the feedback received was about the astroturf and for it to be used for multiple purposes.
The officer mentioned that Handley Homes (property group) went out to consultation and this was separate from the council’s. The proposals from Handley Homes would deliver financial reward to the local area.
The officer mentioned that the planning application from Handley Homes might be considered early in 2015.
Pavitar Mann, (lead speaker) Matt Rimmer and Olly Mclvenney from Bellenden public affairs were present at the meeting.
Summary of the presentation
The representatives explained that due to the diplatated state of the club they were trying to resolve a number of issues like the club’s electricity which meant doing some re-wiring.
The club was managed well but as the pitches were in a poor state – football matches would have to be cancelled.
Pavitar provided feedback on the consultation and outlined the main findings:
· There was strong support for the Dulwich Hamlet FC.
· There was a strong desire to retain the club at its present location.
· Improve accessibility particularly for local residents.
· Strong support for additional community facilities alongside the football club.
· Would like to see a new public park.
· Improvements to the site’s boundary.
· To have 3G artificial turf pitches.
· The creation of a new open space.
· Provide housing – 35% affordable.
The representatives took questions about the proposed affordable housing whether it was social or private and affordable to local people. They explained that it was still in the early stages of the scheme and currently in discussion with the council’s planning authority.
People were encouraged to look at the plans that were displayed at the meeting.
Jonathan Hunt spoke on behalf of Dulwich Hamlet Supporters Trust.
Summary of the presentation
Jonathan explained that Dulwich Hamlet Supporters Trust was independent and separate from the football club. They share the same aim which was for the club to survive and prosper. Due to the neglect and lack of maintenance – supporters were extremely grateful for rescuing the club out of debt and hoped the club would remain sustainable and continue to play there for another century. Jonathan said the supporters club were not committed to any of Handley Homes proposals but would like to share the open space on the site.
The chair thanked the speakers for their representations at the meeting.