Agenda item

To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of a deputation request is midnight Wednesday 14 October 2020.

The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent (the requests had been received in line with the council’s constitutional deadline for the receipt of deputation requests).

RESOLVED:

1.  That the following deputation requests be heard.

Dulwich Village/College Road and Woodyard residents associations 

The spokersperson addressed cabinet to advise that they agreed with the goal of reducing peak time through traffic and encouraging safer walking and cycling, but felt that the proposals were disproportionate and unfair.  It was felt that the various measures could be adapted so as to achieve Southwark’s and the groups goals in a fair, balanced and equitable manner, and one which could attract widespread support.  

The deputation outlined to cabinet the impact of the current actions and proposals for residents and businesses in the area.

Clean Air for Dulwich

Representatives from the community within the streets covered by the Streetspace measures in Dulwich Village and East Dulwich, including the Charter School East Dulwich, Dulwich and Herne Hill Safe Routes to School, a local business and East Dulwich Station Healthy Streets addressed cabinet responding to the public petition regarding the removal of these measures. Whilst they understood that there were a range of views they outlined to cabinet the positive impact of the measures for residents, businesses and local schools, as well as a request that the consultation process for the measures be followed to ensure that the impact of the trials could be fully understood before any amendments were made.

The deputation outlined a number of concerns relating to road danger and the positives gained from healthy streets, accessible neighbourhoodsand safety for children. It was noted that the measures implemented should be reviewed not only in relation to reductions in pollution but also in terms of improving safety of vulnerable groups, healthy streets, accessible neighbourhoods and safety for children. It was felt that these measures were not focused on reducing pollution and improving road safety.

Cabinet Member / Deputy Cabinet Member response to road closures representations

Councillor Catherine Rose responded to the road closure petition/deputations by thanking all for their contributions. She acknowledged that the implementation was carried out under extraordinary circumstances and the consultative processes carried out under emergency powers in response to COVID-19.

Councillor Catherine Rose outlined measures to develop comprehensive and inclusive consultation, with the commitment to respond to feedback in a transparent manner.

Councillor Radha Burgess outlined the delivery of this process with three key main objectives:

1.  Reduction of air pollution of vehicles

2.  All  leading active and healthy lives and

3.  Reinvigorate the communities and high streets.

Southwark Group of Tenant Organisation (SGTO) (Item 17 on the agenda: Government’s Consultation on the Planning White Paper’s “Planning for The Future.”)

The deputation spokesperson addressed cabinet to outline their concern about the lack of reference in the Planning White Paper to social housing and the proposal to implement S106 and community infrastructure levy charges at the point of occupation. The need to work with tenants including those who were digitally excluded was emphasised.

Southwark Planning Network / Southwark Law Centre (Item 17 on the agenda: Government’s Consultation on the Planning for the Future.”)

The spokesperson explained the current operation of the network and the links and effective work undertaken with other local groups in the area. Whilst it was considered that there was scope for improvement in the current planning process, there was concern about the decreased opportunity for this to take place and would support the council’s letter to Government on this White Paper.

Additionally, the spokesperson from the Southwark Law Centre reaffirmed the importance of meaningful consultation and concern if this was reduced.

Cabinet Member response on deputations on Planning White Paper

Councillor Johnson Situ confirmed that the biggest concern arising out of this Planning White paper was the removal of the opportunity to have discussions in the first place, and was in agreement to the representations made by the deputations, confirming the council’s intention to continue to work with groups to challenge Government on these proposals. The deputations confirmed their intention to continue to work with the council in this regard.