We had a successful public meeting via Zoom, sharing what the Friends of West Ham Park know so far, and listening to what people thought of the proposed scheme and discussing potential future uses for the Nursery Site.
Below is the short slide show we opened the meeting with.
Precis of the minutes from the meeting
Charlotte welcomed everyone to the meeting. Jules gave a presentation on our understanding of the current position on the nursery site. The most urgent action required of everyone is to comment on the consultation which Newham are holding about the draft of their updated Local Plan (find the Local Plan here) (comment on the Local plan here).
Questions were asked about the correspondence we have been undertaking with the Charity Commission on the process and guidance they have given to the City of London Corporation about the proposed sale of the site. The Charity Commission’s response has been very unsatisfactory and we are continuing to pursue these issues.
A number of questions were raised about the history of the City of London Corporation’s proposals and what we understand might happen next.
A number of participants asked questions about Newham’s Local Plan, including policies on housing requirements, the planning permission process and requirements, and how to comment to Newham on the importance of increasing open space in Newham, given the forecast population growth. We will also continue to engage with local councillors and the Mayor of Newham. The Friends of West Ham Park will be making a formal response to Newham’s Local Plan consultation.
In response to questions it was confirmed that the nursery site is not formally classified as a Brownfield Site. There were planning permission precedents for rejecting residential developments on nursery sites.
There was a discussion on alternative uses for the site, which we would develop further, with full community consultation, if the proposed sale does not go ahead.
Many participants emphasised the importance of involving local schools, shops, other institutions and the media in our campaign. The Friends Group will continue to publicise the campaign, both locally and also through social media channels.
A number of participants offered further help and assistance with the campaign, particularly where they had relevant professional expertise.
In closing the meeting Charlotte thank everyone for attending and re-emphasised the importance of everyone responding to Newham’s Local Plan consultation (find the Local Plan here) (comment on the Local plan here). Further local publicity material would be made available, on this site, and we will continue media and social media activity.
Below is a copy of the poster, should you want to print it out or share with friends and other interest parties. Thank you again for your support.
Thanks Lia for the printer-friendly posters!