To receive any questions from members of the public which have been submitted in advance of the meeting in accordance with the cabinet procedure rules. The deadline for the receipt of a public question is midnight Wednesday 10 June 2020.
Minutes:
1. Public question from Phil Addison
''Will Southwark refuse extending Dulwich Hamlet Football Club's lease and undertake an immediate risk assessment of Greendale Fields astroturf site, to ensure its maintenance and its safe use by our community.''
Response by Councillor Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning
The current lease over the astroturf pitch at Greendale was granted in December 2018 following discussions that unlocked the club’s return to its Champion Hill stadium, from which it had previously been evicted by the stadium owners, and saved the club from the risk of extinction. The club had advised the council that it is their intention to renew the artificial grass pitch to provide a new playing surface capable of being used by both the club and wider local community, and the lease included provisions allowing for this to happen. Due to the condition of the existing pitch the lease also restricts use of the pitch to informal use until such time as a new surface has been installed. The club is party to an application to redevelop both the Champion Hill stadium and the area of the astroturf pitch covered by the above lease, however the timescale for determining this application has been severely impacted by the current emergency resulting from the coronavirus pandemic; It is now anticipated to be determined this summer.
The club’s ongoing tenure at Champion Hill is, in effect, dependent upon its lease over the astroturf pitch at Greendale being in place, and the lease also included provisions for the club to apply to the council for it to be renewed for a period of one year, annually up to 2023. The council was approached by the club in March 2020 to request that the lease be renewed. While the existing lease continues to run to 31 May 2020, the club required that the renewal lease be granted by the end of March in order to meet the FA and National League’s deadlines for confirming the club’s league place for the 2020-21 football season. Pursuant to the club’s request, the council agreed to grant DHFC the renewed lease and this was completed on 27 March 2020, and in effect extends the existing term by one year to 31 May 2021. To date, the council has not taken a decision regarding the longer term future of the astroturf pitch site, and it is intended that a decision would be taken by cabinet following resolution of the planning application for the site.
Supplemental question
Phil Addison asked to have a named Southwark councillor or officer in order to take up issues in respect of the Greendale site (to ensure that the terms of the lease in respect of maintenance are kept). Councillor Johnson Situ replied by confirming that he would be the relevant Southwark councillor and Councillor Rebecca Lury in respect of the leisure function. Councillor Situ was happy to have a discussion with Phil Addison and provide an officer contact.
2. Public question from Larry Broomhead
"Under extremely difficult & uncertain times, it's shocking that the Council is consulting with people about proposals for further development on the Dickens Estate. Please explain why the Council is pursuing feedback, surely a 'duty of care' for residents is paramount and the timing of any consultation is totally unacceptable?"
Response from Councillor Leo Pollak, Cabinet Member for Social Regeneration, Great Estates and New Council Homes
The council prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of its residents at all times, and we are particularly focused on upholding this duty of care throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We have a range of support packages to assist our residents who may be struggling during this difficult period – more information is available on our website.
One issue that has been highlighted even more starkly by this pandemic, is the need for safe, secure, good-quality housing. Southwark currently has more than 10,000 households in need of a council home, and the dedicated work undertaken by our teams to ensure temporary accommodation is safe and suitable during the pandemic, has not resolved the urgent need for these families to have a permanent home.
We are taking every measure in our power to protect our residents and staff and reduce the spread of the virus. Our site operations and construction consultations are being undertaken in line with government social distancing regulations, and we are making use of digital channels to connect with people virtually. The council has risk assessments and method statements in place to ensure that all health and safety procedures are being followed correctly.
As part of our residents engagement process for potential rooftop homes project we do not issue any letters to residents until we’ve had an opportunity to fully engage with the tenants and residents association (T&RA), and this has been confirmed for the Dickens estate T&RA and Wrayburn House TMO. We can also confirm that any communications with TMOs will be made in tandem with any constituted T&RAs, and opportunities given for comment on any mass communications before they are issued.
Supplemental question
We understand the need for more housing for people and acknowledge that the council has targets of new homes to build. We welcome the news that officers have now delayed sending letters, about Roof Top proposals, to residents until lockdown is over for all members of the community.
Moving forward, can the council give an assurance that officers will fully engage with all community representatives, and work with us to agree the contents and timing of any communications to all residents, and only after initial consultations have taken place including an estate walkabout and a formal meeting with the Dickens tenants and residents association (TRA) committee at Wade Hall, once it is allowed to re-open? We wish to work with your Officers.
Councllor Leo Pollak responded by giving this assurance and the intention for consultation to be meticulous and take as much time as necessary. This consultation will be informed and involve personalised communication.
3. Public question from Mr Beedell
Can you tell the public what’s happening with regards to the covenant of this building, as it’s been agreed between general projects, the council and the public at meetings. That the public will have time to examine this covenant before any planning application.
Response by Councillor Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning
The covenant relates to the community space within the Walworth Town Hall (WTH) complex of buildings and is distinct from other publically accessible areas of the building during opening hours.
The wording to secure the community space in the lease is noted in point 17 of the Cabinet report
Council and General Projects are committed to the provision of a distinct community space within the Walworth Town Hall complex. The community provision is secured in the lease as ‘240m2 internal area on the ground floor of the premise’ and is identified in an attached plan as covering the former adults and children’s library and connecting hallway. The lease period is 150 years and the community space is therefore secured for this period and its use can be renewed at the end of that period.
The lease is only to be signed on completion of the works to the buildings and is included as annexure 1 in the Agreement to Lease under which the works are carried out.
Mr. Beedell was not present. A copy of the response had been sent to him in advance of the cabinet meeting.