May 12th 2008 - meeting minutes

Loaves and Fishes sculpture by John Skelton, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre

Presentation about City College plans

Attendance

29 people attended.

Apologies

Rev David Coleman, Helen Cornish, Ian Davey, Sarah Dunsmure, Mark Erickson, Mary Kirby and Gay Phillips.

Police report

John Sharman, PCSO encouraged members to contact the police with any concerns or queries.  The Police are aware of the increased drug dealing in the Trafalgar Street and Pelham Street area and would welcome more information.

Notices

§  A presentation was made to Sara Bragg and Mark Erickson to thank them for their years of work.

§  The North Laine Runner will be ready for collection on 2 June.

Matters arising from the last minutes

Regarding the Daisy Daisy frontage, it was agreed to delete the words 'despite destroying a traditional shop front', as they did have planning permission.

Licensing, planning and environment

Due to the AGM there are some applications that missed discussion at a NLCA meeting:

§  It was agreed to object to the application for an additional storey to 114 Church Street.

§  NLCA will make no comment on new shop frontages on Unit 8 & 9, Block 4, Jubilee Street; demolition and remodelling of 3 Pelham Square; demolition and redevelopment behind the existing façade of 36 Church Street; and replacement windows to 40 Kensington Gardens and 84 North Street.

§  There are rumours about a possible 'beer garden' at the rear of the Foundry (former Pedestrian Arms). As the gardens are small, the neighbours are concerned about possible disturbance.  No firm plans are available as yet.

City College redevelopment

Maggie Deacon, Project Manager for the redevelopment, gave a presentation on the current proposals, which are available on the City College website (www.ccb.ac.uk), along with contact information for comments and questions.  NLCA encourages residents to give feedback, as this is our opportunity to make some possible difference to the plans.  The meeting had a number of concerns/questions, which Maggie agreed to consider, including:

§  The buildings as proposed did not speak to the surroundings, nor reflect the College's unique position.
§  Will Pelham Street remain a public highway?
§  Is there adequate outside space for students?
§  Where is the environment and sustainability statement?

'Regeneration of London Road'

The recent presentation by St James Investments about regeneration of London Road, has caused a great deal of concern as it appears to be a plan based on creating a Tesco Department store in the block which currently includes Vantage Point and may extend down to and include New England House.  There is a group being set up to address concerns.If you are interested in knowing more about what is happening contact Keith Taylor. The Council is also organising a couple of workshops prior to producing a masterplan for the area.

Website Group

The practice site will be made available to all residents after a 'soft' launch at the next meeting, before the grand launch on 7 July 2008.

Social events

§  Theatre Group:  If you are interested in going to see 'The Alchemist' by Ben Johnson on 26 June please contact Peter Crowhurst.

§  Tea Party: This has been arranged for Sunday 7 September at the Royal Pavilion Gardens Café.

§  Pelham Square picnic: this will be held on 17 August, 2-5pm.  So bring your picnic and meet your neighbours!

§  Street Parties: Kensington Place is planning to hold a street party on 21 September and have requested some financial support.  This was agreed on the principle that anything purchased should be made available to others.  Other streets are encouraged to arranged their own parties.

Any other business

§  If any resident is interested in putting their house forward as an 'open house' during the B&H Open Door weekend in September please contact Peter Crowhurst.

§  NLCA have been given permission to have a stall in Upper Gardner Street market.  It was suggested that this should be a once a month arrangement, with residents operating it on a voluntary rota basis.  Any volunteers should contact Peter Crowhurst.

§  We are still seeking a volunteer to assist with arranging advertising for the Runner . If you are interested and want more information please contact Paley O'Connor or Jackie Fuller.

§  The CMPCA festival is taking place in July - leaflets are available.

§  The Kingscliffe Society is arranging a trip to Belmont Park for 10 June at a cost of £23 - contact Sue Paskins for further information.