Notes of the quarterly Urban Design meeting held at Merton Civic Centre on 5 February 2002

Present
Steve Clark, head of planning, LB Merton
Marcus Beale, Wimbledon Civic Forum Urban Design Task Force
Apologies:
Luc Moens, Wimbledon Civic Forum

The notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record.
 
1.  NELSON HOSPITAL. 
1.1.  MB explained the workshop held at the Nelson.  The idea is to use the redevelopment of the Nelson as a seed for regenerating the whole area.  This includes:  John Innes Park (formerly Merton Common), Rutlish School (on the site of the genetics institute), the Rush - which would become a  town square - like space with cafe tables, Wimbledon School of Art, and Wimbledon Chase school, a beacon school. 
1.2.  Notes of the meeting are at :
http://www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk/pages/Other_Forums_and_meetings/Nelson_Workshop_Nov_01.htm. 
1.3.  UDTF will keep LBM informed of progress, and may request a planning officer's involvement at the next workshop.
 
2.  RAYNES PARK. 
2.1.  Library scheme: As anticipated, the reason the developer did not proceed with the project was that they wanted to revise their bid to the council.  This causes difficulties, since it will now be necessary to run the tender again.  Time frame?  6 months to a year before the scheme is recommenced is  a realistic expectation.
2.2.  There has been some interest in the A3 sites in Coombe Lane - another approval of a shop on the corner of Worple Road and Langham Road - a parade of faience fronted three storey buildings - one has gone to A3.  Government proposals would allow such changes in future without the need for planning permission - likely to be strongly opposed by Merton Council.
2.3.  Raynes Park Civic Trust.  MB informed LBM of the formation of a Raynes Park Civic Trust which will be bringing together the residents associations and others to lobby for local improvements.
2.4.  Station: there have been one or two improvements - a continuity of the cycle way through the old cattle arch is due to take place this calendar year.  Some small improvements are due at the station.  More substantial improvements must await SW Trains signing its franchise with the Strategic Rail Authority.  LB Merton must now work through the Mayor of London - has statutory powers to intervene - persuading through the mayor.  The process is still a bit reactive, because of SRA, GLA who consult LBM.  LBM are actively seeking improvements and the mayor is keen to make more of an impact on surface rail since he has been frustrated with the underground.  Looking for a higher frequency of service as well.
 
3.  WIMBLEDON
3.1. The P3 - Safeways/Hartfield Road  site - expected completion in October November 2002.
3.2.  Odeon site, Chartered Institute of Personnel Development have held an exhibition showing their new proposals.  Key issues are: an active frontage  - encourage potential for passing trade  - a high profile location.
3.3.  Their Camp Road site, on which housing is proposed,  is Metropolitan Open Land.  However there has been a  similar change next door where a nursing home was demolished in favour of a small scale residential development.  Floor space is no greater than the existing and on this basis the Government of London was happy.  In the new UDP review LBM were advised to take such areas out of MOL designation.
3.4.  Civic Hall.  No longer associated with the Queens Hall Orchestra.  Now that the scheme is smaller, may be the car park site next to the theatre is a better location.  Maybe integrate and allow a commercial development of the P3 car park site, with a planning obligation to help fund the Community Hall.  In April 2002 LBM will have a draft brief for the two sites.  This might get caught up in pre-election period.  Hope to encourage the promoters of the Civic Hall to be more participative and involve local people - for the people of Merton to decide what kind of facility/hall/other presence they require.  Will LBM be carrying out consultation?  There will be consultation on the draft planning brief.  Perhaps WCF can do more pro-active workshops to follow that.  WCF is neutral, independent, and is seen as such.
3.5.  Alt Grove development. LBM lost appeal  - it was a 'take it or leave it' process, the applicants did not wish to modify or amend their original scheme.  Some section 106 benefits.
3.6.  Land to south of Railway - this has gone quiet since demise of Railtrack.
3.7.  P3 Hartfield Road - entertainments licence granted to Edwards until midnight.  May extend town centre management and CCTV system.  A wardens scheme is being brought into Wimbledon Town Centre to help monitor public behaviour in these areas.
 
4.  WIMBLEDON PARK is fairly quiet. 
4.1.  The garage development is nearing completion. 
4.2.  The Plough Lane Safeway scheme has been rejected by Government.  Not sure what Safeways will now do - there is an extant planning permission for residential development, and some moves for Wimbledon Football Club to return, together with hotel, conference and petrol station. 
4.3.  The council has a number of projects aimed at improving the economy and appearance of shops, which is now being widened to include neighbourhood parades- e.g. in the Arthur Road area.
 
5.  MERTON PRIORY. 
5.1.  The revised scheme for the Merton Abbey Mills site has been approved.  The rest of the site still has a Mayor's direction on it and is in negotiation.  It is likely there will be a development appraisal by valuers to show the economic impact of affordable housing on the development as a whole.  Because of exceptional costs (archaeology), it is an expensive site to develop.  Transport for London is responsible for maintaining Merantun Way.  UDTF will be consultees in development of the historic/visitors centre brief.
 
6.  LOCAL AREA FORUMS  First round had been held with mixed results - attendance low 20-50.  There will be better publicity for the next round - more of a people-led agenda. LBM want these meetings to be creative and not reactive in nature.  There could be a role for UDTF in running a workshop - say in Wimbledon Town Centre.  SC will speak to Councillor Vivian Guy.
 
7.  SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.  GLA is taking longer than originally planned for this - it is expected in may-June 2002 in draft form.  There will then be a process of discussion /consultation on it.  Submissions will be on the basis of the Learning Skills Council Areas - that is Merton in South London Area rather than Wandle Valley.


8.  Date of Next meeting:


Tuesday 7 May 2002 at 4.30pm at LB Merton Offices