The meeting was held at the Civic Centre on Thursday 1^st August.  

Present at the meeting were:

• Rob Leak – LBE Chief Executive
• Ian Davis – LBE Director Environment
• Andy Higham – LBE Head of Development Management
• Andrea Clemons – LBE Assnt. Director Community, Safety, Environment
• Andy Barker – Chair Fox Lane & District Residents’ Association
• Colin Younger – Chair Lakes Estate Conservation Area Study Group
• Karl Brown – Local Resident involved in the earlier consultation process.

Discussion

LBE confirmed that nothing had been agreed at this stage. There were no timescales, no plans and no decisions. Primarily this was because there was no funding available. The only issue that had been able to progress was the provision of a pedestrian crossing in Aldermans Hill. This is now out for consultation.

It was strongly pointed out to the LBE officers that the proposals reached in the final report, dated August 2012, were likely to be opposed by a number of residents and that any proposals should be subject to fuller consultation. LBE accepted that the proposals were centred on highways/traffic issues and that a balanced solution needed to take into account wider issues such as conservation and heritage perspectives,  a replacement for the signature tree and other work apparently underway on the ‘Aldermans Hill shop front project’, the scope of which was unclear to those present.

One issue was whether it made sense to try to replant a large tree somewhere on the existing central island - the Triangle itself – when there was a possibility that a bigger scheme might result in the island being removed. On the other hand, if the bigger scheme was unlikely to be carried out, should not the tree (and the proposed three faced clock) be planted as soon as the problems with the underground toilet and services could be solved?

Way Ahead

It was agreed that the way forward would be to discuss and reach agreement on proposals that could form a more balanced set of contingency plans for use should funding be made available in the future. It was noted that the London Mayoral elections due in 2016 could produce some form of funding availability before that date.

It was also agreed a further round table discussion was needed, to be attended by more representatives of local groups, including the business community. The purpose would be to work towards the contingency proposals which could be put out to the local community for consultation.

It is hoped that this further meeting will be held in the autumn. 

Immediate next steps

As a first step LBE have asked for views on which groups should be represented at any round table. If you have any suggestions  reply to Andy Barker Chair of the Fox Lane and District Residents Association – andybarker47@virginmedia.com – 020 8882 3434 as soon as possible, or to this website.  Full public consultation will follow, but if you feel left out at this stage because no group covers your area of interest let us know.  We have set up a special forum category for you to post your views to - if you're not already a member, you'll need to register before you can use it.

Colin Younger