Densification along with misleading figures on community space and green space provide ammunition for South Kilburn residents to fight for a better deal

 

As tables were being cleared after the usual community meal at the Granville Centre in South Kilburn, Leslie Barson  of Granville Kitcheh stepped forward to introduce the evening's rather special speaker.

 She said, 'I have been thinking - you can't have a project without a place to do it. And you need a project for the place.'

The Granville and Carlton Centres have done so much, so many projects, over the Coviud crisis and proved its essential role in the community along with Rumi's Cave (now relocated in Harlesden) and had kept people together: 'We now understand its relevance.'

The planning application approved at the beginning of 2020 is to be actioned over the next few months.

Dr Pablo Sendra from UCL who had led the research project 'Co-designing social infrastructure for resilient communities in post-Covid cities' addressed the crowded room full of local residents. A rare collaborative effort between community and academics.

In his talk Pablo made a number of key points:

Researchers estimated that the Granville Centre over 65 weeks had provided £344,760 worth of volunteer labour,

Quoting the Mayor of London that organisations, projects and buildings need to be more connected and relevant he asked, 'How can the community be more involved in how the building and its spaces work?'

As a result of regeneration South Kilburn had increased in density and needed more community spaces. The 'Community Hubs' hailed by the Council were places to ask the Council for support, rather than for organising activity. Bland spaces were being provided that people did not feel comfortable in. [Later I mentioned the 1970s 510 community centre in the Harrow Road with its old settees and arm chairs, kettle in the corner, that people treated as home from home and housing many organisations involved in anti-racism, immigration, education and campaigns against SuS.]

The former hall in the Granville where people used to meet has been converted into an 'enterprise space' . Overall the research showed that the Council estimate of a overall loss of  community space of 5% had not included the Granville, Carlton and Rumi's and in fact the loss was 60%.

The workspaces were rigid, enclosed office spaces but the UCL survey showed that people wanted much more creative spaces for activities such as pottery and music.  At a time when people were used to working from home the space offered had to be more than a desk and internet - otherwise people would continue to work from home.

Green spaces were also important. Brent has a very low ratio of green space per person and regeneration will decrease the amount of green space.  And of course densification is going to increase the population significantly. During the pandemic green space became an important outdoor safe space for mental and physical health as well as a place to catch up with neighbours.  It also lent itself to food production and community gardening.

Summarising the recommendations (full details below) Dr Pablo Sendra listed:

1. No loss of community space

2. Creative and well-equipped workspaces

3. Address potential conflict between users (quiet activities versus noisy or messy)

4. Welcoming space to socialise

5. Diverse types of community spaces

6. Spaces for emotional support

7. Activities for young people

8. Flexible and well-equipped green space

9. Local food production and gardening

10. Inclusive process for decision making

11. Involvement of the community in the running of the buildings

12. Work on a resilient funding model.

In discussion questions were asked about the possibility of legal action against Brent Council over its decisions in the light of the research findings. whether the council had carried out a lawful consultation and how the council's action stood regarding the Equality Act.

Asked what next Pablo said that it was now a matter for the community to mobilise itself using the research findings to ensure that they maintained, managed and improved the good space that they had.

After the meeting Leslie Barson said:

Granville Community Kitchen is  very pleased to have this research that identifies and clarifies what needs to be done and why to safeguard The Granville and The Carlton as multi purpose community spaces. We hope the Council will find it useful too and help the South Kilburn community achieve the report's recommendations.

Pete Firmin, a local resident, queried:

When Brent says there has been little loss of green space with regeneration in South Kilburn, I wonder whether they take account of the fact that much of the green space previously was open to all, yet now much of such space is reserved for residents of certain blocks. And green space now is more more patchwork - many smaller spaces, rather than larger ones which allow for ball games etc.

 

The report implies that the Granville/Carlton Centres, whatever else is going on there, are under community control. They never have been and are not now. They are under the control of Council-appointed bodies, with South Kilburn residents having very limited say in their use.

'It ain't over yet!' Granville Carlton demonstrators expected at Planning Committee on Wednesday as planners wave aside loss of Rumi's Cave

Demonstrators will be assembling outside Brent Civic Centre tomorrow at 5.30pm  to before attending the 6pm Committee to oppose the planning application  for the Carlton-Granville Centres.

The proposals will see the charity Rumi's Cave lose its premises. Planners express sympathy in their report to the Committee but state: 
Whilst some material weight can be given to the charitable work and benefit to the community Rumi’s Cave and other organisations utilising the existing space offer, planning decisions are generally informed by the proposed land use and the development plan rather than a particular occupier of a building/land at the time of an application. The development plan should be given significant weight by the decision maker.

 A digitial petition attracted 2,199 signatories and 623 pro-forma letters were received which stated residents' views on the application.

The Report LINK states:

A digital petition at the time of the submission to council held 2,064 signatories, latest review of the petition found 2199 signatories. Signatories come from across the world, the majority outside of the South Kilburn area. 

The petition was titled: Would you like to see Rumi’s Cave continue? 

The petition web page describes how the community centre is to be closed down and turned into flats. The stated aim of the petition is “it is vital that we save our building or are given an alternative building to continue all of the work we do.” 

Rumi’s Cave is described as providing the following services: 

Food bank, Soup Kitchens and community lunches, Breakfast Clubs for school children and local residents, Night Shelter for the homeless, Tea & Chat sessions for the elderly, IT support for the elderly, Martial Arts and Yoga (Children & Adults), Language Courses, Music Lessons, Knitting & Crochet club, Mental Health support groups, Open mic and poetry sessions, Free Community movie nights, Interfaith music nights, Herbal medicine Training, Alternative Medicine Treatments. 

No planning reasons are suggested in addition to the stated objection. It is clear there is objection to loss of space for use by Rumi’s Cave/ULFA Aid, this seems to be based on the suggestion the Carlton building is to be turned into flats which is not the case. The space which Rumi’s Cave/Ulfa Aid currently occupies on a temporary short term lease is to be refurbished to primarily serve as an enterprise hub to serve the local community and was formerly an adult education centre. 

CS Policy CP23 seeks to protect existing community facilities. Whilst there is some overall loss of floorspace in community type uses, a range of facilities is proposed, and those facilities are to be redeveloped and improved. Overall the small scale loss is considered to be mitigated by the rationalised and modernised facilities. The proposals would offer significant improvement in layout, access and usability enabling much more efficient use of the community type uses on site and is considered a significant benefit of the proposals. It is therefore considered that the community facilities would be significantly improved despite the reduction in floorspace. 

Some public comment has been concerned with the net loss of community type floorspace. However, it is important to note the specific policy wording. Policy CP23 refers to the protection of community and cultural facilities or their loss mitigated where necessary. The policy does not specify that there should not be a net loss of floorspace and it is important to consider the type and nature of facilities that are proposed. In this instance there is a comparatively smalls scale loss of net floorspace within the new community facility provision. Some of the floorspace is changing. For example, the multi-use community floorspace and the community focused affordable workspace is increasing in size. The nursery and children’s centres are also increasing in size.

The space that was used as an adult education centre and has been used by Rumi’s cave in 2018 and 2019 is not being reprovided. However, overall there the community facilities are considered to be improved, benefitting the community as well as supporting the wider regeneration benefits of the South Kilburn masterplan area. 

The petitions received by the Council centred on the potential loss of space for the Rumi’s cave organisation. Rumi’s cave entered the site on a temporary arrangement in 2018. This part of the site was formerly used as an adult education centre. The South Kilburn masterplan clearly identifies the site for a range of uses including an enterprise hub, education, community space and residential development and the proposal looks to deliver those uses. The South Kilburn masterplan SPD was recently endorsed by a significant majority in a local referendum (72% of eligible resident’s voted, 84% voted in favour of the masterplan). 

Whilst some limited weight can be given to the charitable work and benefit to the community Rumi’s cave provides as a community facility use, planning decisions are informed by the proposed land use and the development plan rather than a particular occupier of a building at the time of an application. The development plan should be given significant weight by the decision maker. 

Some objection comments cite that office space demonstrated as part of the proposals fall outside the scope of community type uses. While this would be the case for standard office space let on the private market, the office space is proposed to serve a community function, with a management plan submitted which sets out how the space will be operated. A condition is proposed to secure a management plan which would ensure this space continues to serve and support the community and improve local engagement, employment and enterprise opportunities which is consistent with the objectives of the South Kilburn Masterplan SPD for this site and the Local Plan. 

Whilst some objections have focussed upon the specific parameters of the D1 use class, the policy is not referenced in terms of D1 use class. It is possible for buildings to serve a community/social infrastructure purpose without strictly being within the D1 use class as defined by The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. The broader site has a mix of uses present currently and flexibility in the specific uses is considered to be appropriate. 

CS policy CP2 requires to plan for additional housing, which this development would contribute towards, in particular affordable housing, all units are to be affordable (affordable rent) units, which is a significant benefit of the proposals. 

Whilst officers do sincerely empathise with the challenges of finding space for charitable organisations, planning decisions are required by law to be based upon the adopted development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. 

It is notable Rumi’s cave have a short term lease arrangement, understood to expire in 2021. The Local Planning Authority (as a distinct authority from the Council, although sits within the Council) has a legal requirement to objectively assess the application on its planning merits. 

Whilst some material weight can be given to the charitable work and benefit to the community Rumi’s Cave and other organisations utilising the existing space offer, planning decisions are generally informed by the proposed land use and the development plan rather than a particular occupier of a building/land at the time of an application. The development plan should be given significant weight by the decision maker. 

Given the retention of a mix of community and social infrastructure based uses on site, plus delivery of housing the principle of development is considered acceptable and in accordance with the objectives of the development plan.

Appeal from Rumi's Cave on Carlton Centre Planning Application

Message from Rumi's Cave

Dear All,

Although the consultation period has now ended, we can still send in concerns and objections as we uncover new facts.

The building where we are homed, the Carlton Centre, has been regarded as D1 use and this is identified as 'Class D1. Non-residential institutions':

Any use not including a residential use —

(a)for the provision of any medical or health services except the use of premises attached to the residence of the consultant or practitioner,
(b)as a crêche, day nursery or day centre,
(c)for the provision of education,
(d)for the display of works of art (otherwise than for sale or hire),
(e)as a museum,
(f)as a public library or public reading room,
(g)as a public hall or exhibition hall,
(h)for, or in connection with, public worship or religious instruction.

Putting offices in these buildings requires a change of use, even if the offices are for social enterprises and startups.

The Council have not applied for change of use on the latest planning permission application and therefore the planning application is not valid.

Keeping this in mind, please email your objections to patrick.Doyle@brent.gov.uk (Planning ref# 19/2378)

Thank-you for all your support.

---

South Kilburn lobbies Brent Council to save Carlton and Granville Centre community spaces

Carlton-Granville Protest Tuesday August 27th 1pm Brent Civic Centre

NEXT WEEK: SAVE CARLTON + GRANVILLE CENTRES PROTEST. Following this Carnival weekend, we’re turning up at @Brent_Council Civic Centre on Tuesday 27th August, 1pm to say hands off our community spaces! Bring banners, musical instruments etc

@GranComKitchen @RumisCave

Act NOW to save Rumi's Cave

From Rumi's Cave

1 Aug 2019 —

The Brent Council Planning site is down for maintenance today, Thursday 1st August and Friday 2nd August. This will not stop us from trying to save Rumi's Cave at the Carlton Centre.

So please visit the link below and fill in your reasons for objecting.

Save Rumi's Cave

Time is short and the deadline of 16th August is fast approaching, so please do object NOW.

Carlton Granville Final Plans on exhibition next week

Brent Council's final controversial plans for the Carlton and Granville centres will be on display on Wednesday May 15th 3-5pm and Saturday May 18th 1-3pm next week.

At The Granville 140 Carlton Vale NW6 5 HE  (Queens Park or Kilburn Park stations)

Council restricts number of speakers at Monday's Cabinet meeting considering Scrutiny Report on Carlton-Granville proposals

The Scrutiny Committee's recommendations on the Carlton-Granville issue will be considered by the Cabinet on Monday April 15th. The controversial proposals inspired a record number of speakers from the community at Scrutiny but the Council has moved to restrict the number allowed at Cabinet.

In an email to applicants Brent Governance Services said:

Please be advised that due to the high number of requests to speak received so far, the number of speakers has had to be limited on a first come first served basis.

There have been two previous opportunities for members of the public to express their views on the Carlton and Granville Centre Sites proposal - one at the recently held Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny call-in meeting on 3rd April and one at the original Cabinet meeting on 11th March 2019.

A further representation will be made by the Chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Matt Kelcher, who will also be in attendance on Monday to relay the Committee’s stance on the proposals. For more details on the views expressed at the call-in meeting, you may wish to refer to the minutes of that meeting.*

In light of the above, therefore, your request to speak could not be accepted.

*Editor's note:Minutes of April 3rd Scrutiny Meeting can be found HERE

The Cabinet Meeting is at 4pm (when most people are working!) on Monday April 15th in Boardrooms 3-5 at Brent Civic Centre. The meeting is open to the press and public.

UPDATE: Carlton-Granville back at Brent Council Cabinet on Monday. Will they listen to the community?

The Cabinet is due to consider the Scrutiny Committee's recommendations on the Carlton-Granville development at its meeting on Monday April 15th, 4pm Brent Civic Centre. The Scrutiny Committee report was only published on the Council website Cabinet Agenda this afternoon which gives only a limited time for campaigners to prepare their representations.

A crucial point is that the Scrutiny report refers to 'social' housing without any reference to rent levels. At the meeting councillors referred to affordable, council and  social housing without further definition.

This is the key extract from the officers' report for Cabinet:

Recommendation 


That as required under the call-in procedure, Cabinet reconsider its original decision on the Carlton & Granville Centres Site – South Kilburn, taking into account the comments made by the committee (set out ibelow) and agree one of the following outcomes:

.        To amend the decision, having taken account of the comments made; or 


.        To confirm the original decision made, enabling it to take immediate effect. 


Background 


At the meeting held on 11 March 2019, Cabinet considered the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, “Carlton and Granville Centres Site – South Kilburn” where it was RESOLVED:

a.     To approve the continuation of Phase 2 of the project at the Carlton and Granville Site to planning submission, on the basis of design Option 3 presented in the report; 


b.     To engage with South Kilburn Trust regarding possible future management arrangements of the Carlton/Granville Centres; 


c.      To note that Property Services would immediately engage with ULFA as set out in the report and to trigger the break clause as set out in the lease; 


d.     To approve in principle that funding will come from different sources as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, with the intention to seek Cabinet approval to enter into any necessary agreements with the Greater London Authority or South Kilburn Trust in due course. 


.   

The Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 3 April 2019 to consider the call- in. The Committee heard from the Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning as well as a number of representations from local residents and stakeholders. As a result of this process the committee agreed to refer the original decision back to Cabinet (as the original decision-maker) for reconsideration. 


In referring the decision back, the Scrutiny Committee insisted that Cabinet only proceeds with the scheme if clear written promises are provided on the following four issues: 


.        In terms of the recommended design option, the 23 units of housing being sought must all be provided as social housing. Whilst recognising the need to address issues in relation to viability, committee were also keen to ensure a predominance of three or four bedroom ‘family-sized’ accommodation.

 

.        Appropriate noise-reduction safeguards be provided for tenants within the new housing units in order to manage the relationship between the mixed residential and community use on the site. Such a provision is to ensure that noise concerns do not limit the use of the facility by the community. 


.        A minimum level of local social enterprise provision is guaranteed within the Enterprise Hub. 


.        Community governance options being developed in terms of future management of the site must be based around the Key Stakeholder Group and involve a broader local community membership. Such governance options must have open membership to locals, with democratic processes for the selection of people and positions.

 The Scrutiny Committee have also requested a further report back in 3 months’ time enabling them to continue monitoring progress in development of the scheme.

 [End of extract]

It is likely that the community will again be present at the meeting to ensure that their voices are heard and that the Cabinet give serious consideration to the recommendations.

You can support the community's demands by signing their petition HERE

Meanwhile this is  the submission made by the Kilburn Housng Co-op to Scrutiny:

Kilburn Housing Co-op is a fully mutual housing co-operative, founded in 1978.  For nearly forty years we have provided high quality well maintained secure and decent housing on low rents, only possible when profit is not the motivating factor.  We now have 37 flats in Kilburn, including several on Princess Rd, near the Granville and Carlton centres.  Our tenant members represent a diversity of ages, ethnic and social backgrounds, household types and situations.

As a self-managed co-op, we know how vital community input is, and that community spaces run in co-operation and with the good will of local people, are the most likely to succeed in meeting community needs. 

In the 80s our office was in the Carlton Centre, and we used the hall for our General Meetings.  Our current office is at the OK Club, around the corner.  Our members and their children are long-standing users of the facilities in both Centres: nursery school, cafes and community kitchen, youth clubs and activities, social and meetings spaces.  It is the only non-denominational community space in our area, and is treasured by many. This why there has been such strong and consistent opposition to the Council’s very damaging plans.

The local area needs an extension of community space, not cuts

·       We strongly oppose the Council’s proposal for a devastating reduction to community services, facilities and space that the planned development would involve. We note that this strength of community feeling has already succeeded in considerably scaling back the original plan which involved demolition of all the community buildings. This is welcome but not enough.

·       Community space has already been reduced as South Kilburn Trust which manages them favours enterprise space over community facilities.  We do not believe enterprise space should be a priority in the Granville.

·       Local people were not widely and fully consulted by the Council and South Kilburn Trust about these changes; many of us who live nearby have heard nothing about it.  And those who opposed the plans have been ignored.

·       With cuts and austerity it is  even more urgent to preserve community spaces like the Granville and its garden where people can meet, get information, services, run projects and generally come together to decide and act on improving our living conditions and the quality of our and our families’ lives.

·       It is a priority that the beautiful hall in the Granville, which has been ruined, be fully restored to its full size and community purpose.  Finding spaces to hold meetings, celebrations and other activities has been a growing problem for years now.  Many in the area complain about this lack. 

   

We oppose any housing being built on the Granville/Carlton site

·       We strongly support building council houses, which are desperately needed. But  Brent’s 11 March 2019 Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment gave no guarantee that any of the 23 units planned for the site would be council housing. Indeed the opposite is indicated: introducing “shared ownership and/or private housing elements”.  

·       Many other housing developments are completed, underway or planned all over South Kilburn.   None of it has solved or is solving the escalating housing crisis. For example, at Peel Precinct just metres away, of the 308 homes already planned, only 42 would be “social” and are earmarked for existing Council tenants being moved out by other development.  That means in effect no new Council housing, while over 250 homes are likely to be sold or leased - more gentrification, more housing for those on high salaries, and nothing for low income families.  We suggest that those units be converted to Council housing.

·       We are told there is little public land left in Brent on which to build housing and therefore, it must be built on the Granville & Carlton Centres’ site.  Brent Council has created this crisis: between 2015 -2018, Brent Council sold 13 public spaces for about £30 million. Those sites could have been used develop Council homes. Further the Peel Precinct development and others in the area shows the Council’s low priority for Council housing.

·       We understand that the government aims to cut a further £21 million to Brent’s next budget.  These cuts which always hit the most disadvantaged communities hardest, combined with the housing crisis (homelessness, overcrowding and sub-standard unsafe homes) will only lead to more mental ill health, violence and deaths. We don’t believe the Council should accept implementing these cuts and plan around them without consulting the public who elected them.

An alternative vision for Granville and Carlton. Response from Brent Council awaited.

This is the 'alternative vision for Carlton Granville' that was mentioned at the Scrutiny Committee hearing. Leslie and Deidre have certainly done their homework!

An alternative vision for Granville and Carlton

Introduction

Granville Community Kitchen and The Otherwise Club are proposing an alternative vision for the Granville/Carlton site. The site will be the central non-denominational community hub for South Kilburn, that meets the social, educational and wellbeing needs of residents, managed by an (alliance or consortium) of South Kilburn residents, groups and organisations.

The development of such an organisation is more in line with the vision promoted in the Localities Act 2012. It is based on respect, equity and partnerships that is truly representative and inclusive of the community. An organisation where all the stakeholders have an equal say in what goes on and how the site is run through dialogue, democratic decision-making and mutual support. It is a vision where stakeholders have the commitment and determination to make it the best place to deliver all the services that South Kilburn needs and deserve, and to preserve the heritage of the buildings and provide a legacy.

A community consortium

A community led consortium consisting of all the site’s stakeholders, some local resident positions and other local organisations such as Global Skills Centre, Canvas Arts and other unconstituted groups would be responsible for the management of Granville/Carlton and service provision. This includes public liability, licences, maintenance, health and safety , marketing, accessibility and other areas of responsibility that go with running a public asset.

This would take financial pressure off the Council to maintain the site and to deliver services. Due to its diverse makeup it will be able to offer a range of services responsive to local needs. Given the densification of the area and the loss of community spaces locally, community space is even more vital. Granville/Carlton is unique in its size and ideally located and suited to deliver wraparound services as a community hub.The Granville/Carlton buildings were originally separate although side by side but now need to be considered as one site. 

The site has historically always been used for community, education and social welfare. These buildings have since their inception been used by the people of South Kilburn as places of refuge, first as a school and then as an adult education centre and community centres. It is envisaged that these would be the continued purpose of the site for the new organisation. The object of this proposition is to secure the Granville/Carlton site and attendant buildings for the people of South Kilburn for perpetuity. To do this we need to create a legal instrument, a new organisation that will be community-led, including current stakeholders to hold and manage the site and buildings. This organisation will develop a business plan that will enable it to run and maintain the site and buildings. We would establish a Granville Carlton Alliance run by the community to oversee these buildings for the community in perpetuity. This would be a self financing organisation which is viable, credible, transparent and accountable to the South Kilburn community.

Building use

The building will retained as existing and the largest spaces reinstated as community halls. During the Youth and Community Service time the building was self financing through rental of the halls.  This is the sustainable heart of the both financially and socially. Retaining and upgrading the buildings with suitable technologies is more environmentally sustainable than the present plans. The section of Granville built in 2005 that is still perfectly fit for purpose with happy tenants. We would not build housing on 2/3 of the Granville building and site going against cabinet promises made to safeguard Carlton and Granville in 2016. 

We would return the Granville hall to its rightful place as the centrepiece of these buildings. We would ensure the use of these buildings to support a community to feel proud about itself and glad to be a part of. To further the important work of the South Kilburn Trust they would move to The Carlton, Centre, a building much better suited architecturally, and a community cafe would be reinstated there.

This project will have an enormous beneficial impact on the local economy and community cohesion. Already it has provided a positive focus for residents. Leslie Barson and Deirdre Woods are well known in the area. With their long term work, track record of community led project development and excellent connections in various parts of the community, in London and further afield are both well placed to carry this work forward.

Proposal summary

To make this possible local organisations will come together in a consortium. To do this we will secure professional help from consultants to:

1.   Support the development of a legal entity that puts local voices in the lead based in the community to drive the project forward and manage it once it is up and running.

2.   Develop a business plan to plan infrastructure funding and move forward toward securing the buildings on a permanent basis from the council.

3.   Develop a detailed strategy and financial plan for management of the site, including a reconfiguration of existing business and community hub provision.

4.   Provide forums and other mechanisms for meaningful involvement of the community on a long term basis. Identify barriers to participation and address them, such as childcare.

All of this is developed with meaningful participatory processes including the residents and local community at every stage.

Short to medium term future

The Granville hall is the heart of the site emotionally, and central to a viable financial plan. To reinstate its use as a grand hall again is a key part of the vision. Refurbishment with double glazing, air conditioning and sound insulation will be necessary to ensure that its use will not impact on residents living on Granville Road.

All the other GLA funded changes to the building would remain as is.

The basement would revert to community use including designated space for Global Skills a project central to South Kilburn education.

The kitchen would be upgraded to make it more suitable for its core use as a community kitchen providing education, training and food provision for those in household food insecurity.  This has been costed at £70,000.

The South Kilburn Trust would move into The Carlton Centre, which will be developed as an enterprise hub with more space for those activities and a café in the space on the ground floor.

The nursery would get more spaces into Carlton to be negotiated.

Finance

Development and management will be self funded through grants, donations, crowdfunding and income generation streams.

Costings for first stage development we have been quoted are

£5000 will provide an initial outline scoping study moving towards what is needed for the project£40000 to cover the cost of consultancy fees providing an in depth feasibility study with costs and action depending on the conclusions the study suggests.£80-100,000  will allow us to employ building professionals including engineers and quantity surveyors to develop refurbishment plans to maximise use of site  and provide a detailed business plan

Next Steps

We would seek council approval after presenting the feasibility study to move the project forward. Shared Assets, Locality and The Architectural Heritage Fund have all been approached and are able to support us us in developing a strategic plan and with organisational development.

With regard to participatory processes we are working with and have long term relationships with various universities. Open University, Centre for Agroecology and Water Resilience (CAWR) who have can support on participatory methodologies and University College London (UCL) on planning and architecture.  We have also worked with Glasshouse Community Led Design who specialise in community led processes and the built environment, Ubele who support African and Caribbean heritage communities and organisations around business and community development and action planning.

Leslie Barson and Deirdre Woods

March 2019

 It would be good to hear the Council's response. I would be happy to publish it. MF