Crystal Palace News

10.35.10pm GMT Mon 6th Mar 2006

Crystal Palace Lib Dem Councillors John Canvin and Chris Gaster

News from Crystal Palace Ward councillors Chris Gaster and John Canvin

JAMES DIXON SCHOOL - PROPOSED NEW CHILDREN'S CENTRE

In October 2004, Bromley officers met school governors to discuss the building of the new centre for very young children. The designs have at last been finalised but there is still no planning application. The Government who is paying for the work has got so frustrated with Bromley's delays that it has 'fined' the Council £15,000.

CRYSTAL PALACE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE (NSC) and PARK

The London Development Agency (LDA) has listened to the adverse comments made during the recent consultation and withdrawn plans for housing on the corner of Anerley Hill. New schemes with no housing have now been drawn up for consultation. An international design competition for the new sports centre has now begun. The LDA takes over the lease of the NSC from Bromley on 25 March 2006.

On 9 June 1997, Bromley Council granted a 25 year lease to the Order of St John on land opposite Sydenham Avenue to park ambulances. Last summer, 4 portable buildings were erected for use as a control centre. Ambulances with sirens and blue lights started operating 24 hours a day. This was done without planning permission or the Council's permission as landowner. As there has been no response to a request for a planning application, legal proceedings are being taken.

Four pop concerts are planned for the concert bowl in July and classical concerts in August. Animals are likely to be reintroduced into the stable area in September.

MARLOW ROAD and SELBY ROAD 20 MILE MPH ZONES

Residents in both areas say the build outs and chicanes have not slowed traffic and only take away parking space. Last year, Bromley Council carried out a study of the Marlow Road scheme to obtain residents' views. A report promised in January did not appear. A Clock House councillor used the Freedom of Information Act to see it. It showed overwhelming criticism. Is it to avoid embarrassing criticism of Tory policies, that we now hear the report has been shelved till after the local elections on 4 May?

PLANNING

Bromley Council has refused permission for a health and community centre, and 4 houses, in Castledine Road. Permission has been granted for the use of 11 and 13 Church Road as a community police office serving both the local Crystal Palace Safe Neighbourhood Unit and the cross borough Upper Norwood team. 24 hour opening is being sought. Several residents have queried why yet another application has been submitted for flats on the sixth floor of Cintra Court in Patterson Road. We are told an applicant has the right to submit a fresh application so long as the scheme is materially different. In this case, the difference is the number of flats (4). Bromley tell us no further action is to be taken in respect of the fence on land adjoining Grace House in Sydenham Avenue. Following deferral of the original scheme, Servite Houses submitted a revised scheme with fewer flats (21 from 24), more parking (26 from 24), more amenity space and greater separation from the houses in Beverley Road, at 188-194 Croydon Road. Permission for this scheme has now been granted.

WESTOW STREET SUPERMARKET - WAITROSE TO TAKE OVER?

Following Safeways' sale to Morrisons and its closure, we contacted Croydon Council to find out when it would re-open. They say on taking over Safeways, Morrisons were required by the regulatory authorities to dispose of 52 outlets. One is Westow Street. As there are several years to run on Morrisons' lease, it is in their interests to find a buyer. Waitrose have opened a store in Biggin Hill and may open in West Wickham. Croydon are hopeful they will also take over in Westow Street.

LONDON ELECTIONS - 4 MAY 2006

On 4 May, local elections will be taking place in Bromley. This year, voting will be the same hours as national elections: 7am-10pm. Those used to voting in the old James Dixon buildings in Anerley Park will no longer be able to now it's closed. Those living in South Penge Park (the area bounded by Seymour Villas, Selby Road, Anerley Road and Croydon Road) have traditionally voted in Anerley Town Hall. They will continue to do so but will be joined by those who used to vote in the school.

We will both be standing for re-election and look forward to meeting you. If you're not registered to vote, you've got till 13 March to register. Go to http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/Register/CitzSelect.cfm?officeID=57