Monday, March 29, 2010

Paddington Rec Steering Group

A few days ago we had one of our regular, quarterly steering groups to talk about Paddington Rec with Council officers.

It was a good meeting with much discussed and agreed:
  • improvement works to the cafe are progressing well;
  • the redevelopment of the bowling hut is underway (delayed slightly due to the bad winter weather) but, hopefully, still ready in time for the re-opening of the Bowling Green in May;
  • plans are well progressed for a new 'adult's playground' near the running track;
  • we continue to monitor behaviour in the Rec (very little anti-social behaviour or problems) and any issues with dogs (and have requested further visits from the dog warden), and;
  • the improvements to lighting at the Carlton Vale entrance have begun.

There are also plans an official opening of the bowling green in mid-May with the Lord Mayor. We'll let you know more when it has all been agreed.

Jan

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Andover Place planning application

Several years ago, the local JPS preparatory school on the corner of Andover Place and Kilburn Park Road was granted permission to build two new storeys on top of the existing building. At the time, as local Councillors, we opposed this building because of the potential to affect residents living close by in Torridon House and Dibdin House, both from a sense of enclosure and overlooking.

Despite JPS having permission to undertake the development they have not, to date, begun works.

Westminster City Council recently received a new application from JPS for a slightly amended version of the above proposal. From our initial briefing from planning, we understand that the application is a for a similar, potentially even slightly larger build.

We have circulated a letter to nearby residents to ask their views on the application.

Jan, Alastair and Lee

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Neighbourhood Watch Meeting

A quick thanks to those residents who attended the local police team's update and Neighbourhood Watch Meeting last week.

As local Councillors, we have been keen to support Neighbourhood Watches throughout the ward, wherever local residents want to set one up. Although crime is thankfully very low in Maida Vale there is always more work to do and a strong local community can help spot any problems early.

If you would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch in your street do get in touch on maidavale@maidavaleconservatives.com

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Sunday, March 14, 2010

Starbucks, Randolph Avenue: litter bins

Just a quick note to say pleased that Starbucks have now taken us up on our suggestion to install a couple of litter bins near their premises on Randolph Avenue. We asked for this some time ago as part of their application to maintain tables outside. Although it's taken a little bit of time to come through, it is very welcome!

Alastair

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Thursday, March 04, 2010

Paddington Sports Club: Planning Application

Last week, the application to cover two tennis courts at Paddington Sports Club came in front of Westminster Council's planning committee, with a number of local residents listening in the audience.

As local Councillors, we provided our own comments directly to the committee - saying that we couldn't support the application because of the potential effect on the quality of life of local residents.

The committee made their decision on the evening and agreed with our (and many local resident's) comments - that the plan shouldn't go ahead. Although they were keen to promote sport and sport facilities throughout Westminster they agreed that it shouldn't come at the expense of local residential amenity.

Thanks to all local residents who have been involved in the process over the last couple of months.

Alastair

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Tuesday, March 02, 2010

More on Kilburn Park Road ...

As we mentioned late last week, Brent Council decided to pass the planning application to build 130 flats on the roundabout at a planning committee meeting last Wednesday.

Although we always knew we were up against it when we started our campaign with residents last Autumn, it is still incredibly disappointing to see a planning committee decide against you, as they did late last Wednesday night. All three of us, along with many residents - both from Brent and Westminster - had turned up to hear the result and, in some cases, to speak out against the idea before the decision was made (including Alastair, who represented the three of us, and Kim who represented the KPR residents).

Despite our long list of objections, despite the clear and unambiguous view of Westminster's planning committee that this was a flawed application and even despite one of the local councillors over the border in Brent admitting this was an "imperfect" application, the committee still decided to plough ahead and pass the application nonetheless. Sadly, we still believe the committee are wrong on this one.

There is much more than could be said, but we'll leave it at that for now.

A massive thanks to all the residents who have supported the campaign and, particularly, to those who were able to turn out on a wet and windy night in Wembley to hear the verdict. It was your commitment which has made such a difference throughout the last few months.

We hope to meet with many of you over the next few weeks to discuss the matter.

Alastair, Jan and Lee

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Monday, March 01, 2010

Maida Vale Area Forum

Apologies for the short notice, but the next Maida Vale Area Forum takes place tonight at the Paddington Academy on Marylands Road from 6.30pm.

The topics under discussion will be:
  • Recycling
  • The Council's proposed road/pavement improvement plan for 2010/2011
  • Insulating homes
  • The Mayor's Transport Plan

Do come along if you can!

Jan