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DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (DPNF) FEBRUARY 2023 NEWSLETTER
 
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE NEW DPNF CHAIR
 
Dear Neighbours
 
Firstly, I would like to thank Maya De Souza for all her hard work as DPNF Chair and contributions to the DPNF and our community. 
 
I am honoured to step into the role of DPNF Chair until the next AGM – the summer of 2023. I hope to contribute to Maya’s legacy and continue to represent all who live and work in our area. The DPNF mission is to promote and improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of our area. 
 
I invite and welcome any who are interested in joining us! 
 
We are always looking for new ideas / input, and have some interesting roles and positions available. I echo the DPNF Chairs’ Annual message and call –
 
We are keen to involve more people of all social, work and ethnic backgrounds and from different age groups 
 
Are there any young people out there with an interest in architecture, design and urban regeneration?  
 
Participation is possible by joining the DPNF Committee or one of our four working groups (planning, safe streets, greening & open spaces, energy efficiency and resilience), or collaborating with DPNF on a one-off, ad hoc basis. 
 
Please enjoy our February newsletter, we are grateful to Kathleen Molnár for compiling this.
 
Best regards
Ilona Hay
 
For more information and to get involved, please contact DPNF – info@dpnf.org.uk
 

BLOOMIN’ STREETS
 
DPNF’s Greening & Open Spaces working group (Claudia Kretzschmar, Jeska Harrington-Gould, Kathleen Molnár, Catharine Wells, Eileen Willmott) has announced its new project, Bloomin’ Streets in
collaboration with Veolia’s Education Communication and Outreach (ECO) Team.
 
The group has successfully been awarded £1,000.00 funding (£ 500.00 in cash and £ 500.00 in kind) from Veolia’s Sustainability Fund, directed by its Education, Communication, Outreach (ECO) Team.
 
The Veolia fund’s purpose is to help community organisations transform their community or environment.
The group’s aim is to create and develop a community project to weed, clear, plant and maintain street tree bases for a picturesque floral Springtime 2024 streetscape.
 
The designated streets are those within the DPNF reach. These can be found on the DPNF website. www.dpnf.org.uk
 
Please contact Kathleen Molnár for further information, any queries and how to participate with Bloomin’ Streets – info@dpnf.org.uk  07973 510 866
 
DPNF ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESILIENCE
 
One of the core principles of DPNF Plan is sustainability. With this in mind, an Energy Efficiency Resilience working group was formed in the autumn of 2022. All are welcome to join this group.
 
Taking on board both the climate crisis as well as the energy crisis, the group developed and with input from the overall committee, submitted these representations to London Borough of Camden in light of the review of the Local Plan (Camden’s planning policy rules that guide decisions on planning applications). Please contact mayadesouzablog@gmail.com 
 
Additionally, Valerie Doulton, DPNF Deputy Chair, recently organised with Dartmouth Park Talks, and as part of the DPNF winter talks series, a relevant DPNF Talk on what can be done locally in terms of renewable energy and insulation, with speakers Anna Woodeson and Tanuja Pandit from Power Up North London.
 
Please contact Valerie with any ideas for future DPNF Talks.
v.doulton@gmail.com

  
FORMER MANSFIELD BOWLING CLUB
 
DPNF has lodged an objection to the planning application to build a high-end care home on the former Mansfield Bowling Club site on Croftdown Road.
 
DPNF’s objection is focused on the design of the proposed building, including its bulky form which sits uncomfortably in the heart of the Conservation Area.
 
DPNF also raised concerns about the lack of an affordable element and public access to the open space, which is protected as Local Green Space – giving it similar status to Green Belt – in the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Plan.
 

GROWING GREEN
 
Claudia Kretzschmar and Jeska Harrington-Gould have recently announced their new London-based grassroots taking action initiative, Growing Green.
It is volunteer-led and set up to help schools and community organisations find the best options to “rewild”.
 
Growing Green assists with fundraising, project management and planting. Together, it creates mini forests, native hedges, wildflower meadows, orchards, hedgehog habitats, bird sanctuaries and more.
 
On 4th February, Growing Green ran a biodiversity session at Parliament Hill School, planted a Miyawaki mini forest with 15 varieties of small native trees / shrubs, and sowed a wildflower meadow.
Supporting this session on the day were Frognal Gardens Ltd, who built a mini pond, and Heath Hands who donated bird boxes and a hedgehog house.
 
There is still so much they want to do. Please support Growing Green if you can with volunteering and fundraising; whether you have special skills, (carpentry, guttering, other) are capable of physical work and willing to donate a few hours or can chip in a few pounds!
 
Details can be found at www.growinggreen.org.uk
 
HEATH HANDS
 
Youth Nature Wellbeing Project on Hampstead Heath 
Heath Hands is launching a pilot project inviting young people aged 13-16 who struggle with school attendance to take part in nature activities on Hampstead Heath. The new project aims to promote mental wellbeing and practical skills through a combination of hands-on conservation work, nature art activities and forest-school style experiences. Sessions will run in February / March 2023. 
Learn more here –  https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/youth-wellbeing-project
 
New Nature Interpretation Centre Appeal
Heath Hands is turning a room at the Kenwood Dairy into a new nature interpretation centre to provide information and activities about the wildlife and nature of the Kenwood Estate and the wider Heath. The aim is to create a resource centre to help engage visitors and new audiences about the natural heritage of the area’s green spacesHeath Hands is fundraising to enable it to develop resources and displays, as well as to help open the space on a regular basis. Find out more and support the project here –
https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/youth-wellbeing-project


 HIGHGATE FESTIVAL 2023
 
Now in its sixth year, the Highgate Festival will take place 10th – 18th June 2023. www.highgatefestival.org
 
This joyful celebration of Highgate, is organised by a small group of locals who dedicate their energies, expertise and time to the festival’s creation and coordination.
 
Highgate Festival is registered as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.
 
The festival celebrates the breadth and variety of Highgate – its residents, businesses, schools, gardens, culture, biodiversity, buildings, places of worship, shops, art, history, music, restaurants, sustainability, pubs, literature, cafes, dance, local talent and creatives.

The eight days of events are free and fee-based taking place in venues top, bottom and sideways in Highgate. It encompasses every nook and cranny of Highgate with several venues distinctly unique.

Highgate Festival’s aim is to connect and engage with the community, boost Highgate’s economy and support local artists, performers, venues.
 
There is currently a CALL FOR Event Ideas, Open Gardens, Talent
and Social Media Aficionados!!!
 
Deadline for inclusion in the printed programme is Friday, 28th April 2023.
 
Please contact info@highgatefestival.org  for donations, information, participation, sponsorship and questions Kathleen Molnár – 07973 510 866
 
Please subscribe to receive newsletters and updates www.highgatefestival.org
 
HOLLY LODGE COMMUNITY CENTRE
 
Please register to enter the Table Tennis Competition Tuesday, 14th February, 11:00 – 3:00pm at the community centre.
All ages are welcome.
There will also be puzzles, games, crosswords, chats, snacks and drinks.
 
On Thursday, 16th Febuary, 11:00 – 1:00pm there is a Craft Workshop Finger Knitting. From 8 years + and no charge.
 
30 Makepeace Avenue
N6 6HL
hollylodge.manager@gmail.com
 
LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN – TfL
 
The DPNF Greening & Open Spaces group contacted Camden in January 2023 as many in the community were concerned about a proposal to rename the Parliament Hill Fields and William Ellis School bus stops close to the intersection with Swains Lane and Highgate Road.
 
This was to be a “phase 2 proposal” about possible work with TfL changing the name of the bus stops close to Boris Nemtsov Place.  
 
DPNF is pleased to report that on 11th January 2023, Camden Council’s Richard Bradbury, Director of Environment and Sustainability confirmed that this proposal is not being progressed.

POWER UP NORTH LONDON (PUNL)
 
PUNL has launched a share offer to install solar panels at the Talacre Community Sports Centre. 
PUNL is looking for investors to raise £80,000 to install 83kWp solar panels. Each year this will save 12 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to planting 546 trees. 
Investors will receive 4% interest and 5% of their capital back annually. 
 
Please support this green initiative to help Camden meet their net-zero carbon goals. 
 
Please contact  info@powerupnorthlondon.org
 
Webpage (with details to invest): https://powerupnorthlondon.org/
 

 


CAMDEN BEELINE

Want to get buzzin’ with our new Camden Beeline?
The Camden Beeline is a new joint Think & Do and Camden Clean Air project which aims to increase biodiversity across Camden schools by creating a connected pollinator pathway of trees, plants and rewilded space. Their Camden Beeline map will link up green spaces all over the borough, creating a better environment for both the people and the wildlife of Camden. As they connect our green spaces, they connect our community.
Rewilded green spaces are also incredibly important for air quality, and post-Covid, we have all become increasingly aware of the impact of enhanced green space on student wellbeing.
Whatever space you have at your school – no matter how big or small, the Camden Beeline volunteers are there to help.

Don’t know where to start rewilding at your school? Camden Beeline volunteers are happy to pay a site visit and can even supply free seeds. Please email camdenbeeline@gmail.com

Join the Camden Beeline today and they will add you to the BeeLine map. Together, let’s get rewilding and buzzing.

CAMDEN FOREST – Bare-root Tree Whip Giveaways

Camden Forest is a project to tackle the climate and ecological emergency by planting 2025 trees around the borough by the year 2025. To date Camden Forest volunteers have given away over 1,000 two-year-old bare-root ‘whips’. The trees were provided free of charge by the Trust for Conservation Volunteers. To see how their forest has taken root across the borough click here. 

For the winter 21/22 season the Camden Forest project plans to give out another 500 tree whips thanks to sponsorship from the KOKO Foundation. There will be ten giveaways across the borough. For a list of where we will be handing out trees, get in touch with Camden Forest. thinkanddocamden@gmail.com

They will also be giving out free fruit trees to schools. If you work with a school and would like a free fruit tree, please contact them. 

Communi-trees

The Camden Forest team are also launching a new project for the winter 22/22 season, in which larger trees will be planted in two estates around the borough, supported by the KOKO Foundation. Teenagers living on the estates will be paid to water the trees and look after them. Rewilding our estates, and our young tree guardians.

How To Get Involved

  • Could you host a tree giveaway in your area?
  • Would you like to join our Camden Forest group who meet every 3 weeks?
  • Do you work at a school and would like free trees?
  • Do you know a space on your estate to have some trees planted?
    Please contact them via     thinkanddocamden@gmail.com

HEATH HANDS

Christmas calendar and more presents

 

Visit Heath Hands’ shop and get your hands on the iconic Hampstead Heath 2022 calendar – celebrating the Heath’s 150th anniversary this year.

 This is a collaboration of Matt Maran Photography, the City of London and Heath Hands with proceeds helping Heath Hands’ team, volunteers and City of London colleagues look after the Heath.

There are more wonderful Christmas pressies and stocking stuffers to select from online. Get shopping to bring some joy to family and friends whilst giving a little something back to our community treasure, The Heath!!!

Festive wreath-making workshops

Heath Hands is running some festive wreath-making workshops on Hampstead Heath for a £10 donation to cover materials.
To join them 8th December near the Vale of Health or 14th December near Parliament Hill. More information here.

MANSFIELD BOWLING CLUB

The Mansfield Bowling Club site is a special leisure place for all those in Dartmouth Park because of its history – a legacy for the community from the Burdett-Coutts estate.

DPNF spent much time considering what the community should expect from any development in drawing up the Neighbourhood Plan. This is a summary of what we said –

The north-east part of the site is designated as Local Green Space under the Plan, with a status equal to that of Green Belt. Chapter 9 of the Plan expresses the community’s strong preference that this part of the site would be reserved for sport / leisure / recreation purposes and would be publicly accessible and the developers would put in place procedures to ensure that the open space is sustainably managed and maintained for the future for the benefit of the public.

In anticipation of a planning application being submitted shortly by the new developers we are hosting a community conversation about what the green space protected by the plan would best be used for.

This is in order to represent the community when DPNF sees the plans.

The discussion will be on Tuesday, 14th December, 7:00 – 8:30pm on Zoom.

Please email us at info@dpnf.org.uk if you’d like to attend and we will send you a Zoom Link.

MORTIMER TERRACE NATURE RESERVE

Photo Credit Debbie Humphry

Mortimer Terrace Nature Reserve was originally established by covenant in the late 19th Century, as a green buffer for the purpose of protecting the houses along Gordon House Road from pollution from the railway network. It remains a vital lung for the local community who live on one of the busiest streets in the area as well as offering a haven for wildlife. 

 Although it was privately owned, a series of leases allowed the site to be cared for by local residents. Over the years they have protected and maintained the site along with an army of volunteers including the Green Gym. Thanks to their efforts it became a regular part of the local primary schools’ curriculum through the establishing of Wood School. 

The site is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, in fact it is more diverse than Hampstead Heath. As such it is now one of the most protected pieces of land in Camden, it is a Grade 1 Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. Every tree has a Tree Protection Order on it, a rarity in Camden. 

In 2019, the owners decided to sell it, locking it up without warning. They then tried to sell the site at auction, an attempt thankfully stopped thanks to the volume of local protests.

DPNF applied to have the site designated as an Asset of Community Value, agreed by Camden Council, and have it embedded it in the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan as a green space. 

This designation gave the community a right to bid (not buy). Despite a surveyor’s report estimating the value to be approximately £25,000, the owners would not accept this.  

Despite the designated ACV status which bars selling the land without giving notice to Camden, the owners sold their shares in the holding company to a property developer. The site was put up for auction in October 2021 with a guide price of “£165,000+”. The value sought was based on the prospect of building on the site, meaning the reserve would be destroyed.

Thanks to the trustees, local supporters and DPNF, prospective buyers withdrew their interest once they realised the importance of the site. It failed to sell at auction. DPNF thinks this is a prime opportunity for Camden Council to take action protecting this unique wild space and community asset. 

Investigations have been carried out by Camden Council into possible compulsory purchase options but no definitive answer has yet been given.

The trustees continue to try to meet with the site owner for a discussion. A Crowdfunder campaign has been set up to help pay for the surveyor’s fees and ultimately buy the nature reserve to protect it from this speculation.

If successful then once again this truly unique wild space, rich in biodiversity that has held a “special place in the hearts of the community” for more than 30 years can be brought back into community ownership.

This, to allow full access to schools, and that the public and community can once again use that space.”

 ‘Save Mortimer Terrace Nature Reserve’

Please consider contributing to save this green space.

WOOD THAT WORKS –

Christmas Gifts Stall – Sunday, 12TH December 10am – 4pm

Outside Fam Green Grocery Market, 7 Swains Lane N66QX

 

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (DPNF) NEWSLETTER –
NOVEMBER 2021

DPNF Committee warmly welcomes its new committee members –
Catherine Atherton, Paul Farrow, Mags O’Reilly and Hilary Taylor.

Murphy’s Yard
Application has been submitted, yet not validated.
In the meantime, events are overtaking Murphy’s, meaning their proposals for towers are even more unlikely to receive planning consent. For example: London Plan adopted with a softened approach to industrial land and more restrictive approach to tall buildings London Assembly report recently out urging a Camden-style low rise approach to high density, post-COV The Government continues to push ‘gentle density’ – Nicholas Boys-Smith who coined the phrase is now head of the Government’s design advisers the Office for Place There is now a National Design Guide and National Model Design Code which very much push the need for development to be designed in context, which the Murphy’s Yard proposals objectively do not As a result of the above, schemes like Murphy’s are being rejected. For example, The Secretary of State for Housing has thrown out a very similar scheme at Anglia Square, Norwich, on heritage and character grounds The Mayor of London is turning down schemes that he thinks are over-development, such as Stag Brewery in Wandsworth (which is much less dense than Murphy’s Yard) The Planning Inspector has just backed Barnet Council’s refusal of redevelopment of Homebase in North Finchley because of out of scale design (half as high as Murphy’s) DPNF is ready to respond when the application is live and welcome any comment from the community to inform its response. Please contact DPNF –  info@dpnf.org.uk

For further information –  https://murphysyardconsultation.co.uk/the-project/

Mansfield Bowling Club
DPNF’s Committee member, Paul Farrow is taking the lead on the organisation of a community workshop to discuss Mansfield Bowling Club.

For additional information – https://mansfieldbowlingclub.info

Please contact DPNF with your concerns, ideas and queries – info@dpnf.org.uk

Safe and Healthy Streets Consultation – Highgate Road – Have Your Say
Camden Council is proposing to make the Safe and Healthy Streets Scheme on Highgate Road permanent, helping to make bus journeys more efficient and improving cycling safety.

Camden is also consulting on a series of new changes to improve the scheme that they would like your opinion on.
The attached consultation flyer has been sent to all residents and stakeholders in the area.
The consultation is now open until the 15th November 2021.
To comment, please share your views – Highgate Road consultation –

https://consultations.wearecamden.org/supporting-communities/highgate-safe-and-healthy-streets-consultation/

Cycle Hangars
Please find the link to the web map which shows the locations of existing and proposed cycle hangars –

https://ssa.camden.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile//#/main?mapcfg=CamdenCycleHangars

Residents can request a hangar for their street by emailing Camden at –

cycle@camden.gov.uk

Proposals are generally brought forward based on the number of requests received for a given location. The Council consults residents and other stakeholders on locations. Once a hangar has been installed, residents can request a space in the hangar by getting in touch with the supplier, Cyclehoop directly.

New ULEZ Restrictions
In the Dartmouth Park area, there are currently 9 lamp column charge points and 1 fast charge point, operated by Source London.

Camden is currently implementing a dedicated bay for the lamp column electric vehicle charge point outside 31 Dartmouth Park Road. The space adjacent to the lamp column will be for electric vehicle charging only, at all times.

There is funding for a further 74 fast charge points across the borough. The Council will be appointing the supplier shortly, and once it has, locations for the charge points can be finalised. Tentative locations around Dartmouth Park Road have been identified.

Upcycling Revealed at “Secret Garden”
The refurbished ‘Secret Garden’ between Balmore and Doynton Streets N19 was launched on Saturday 23rd October and attended by children and staff from BrookfieldPrimary School, residents from nearby streets and representatives from community groups.

Community Interest Company, Wood That Works made raised beds, benches, chairs and other furniture ahead of it being used by Brookfield Primary School staff and pupils as an outdoors learning centre and growing space. It will be part of the school’s curriculum and help pupils learn about pond life and growing with a focus on saving energy, recycling, and biodiversity.

The ’Secret Garden’ site is also accessible to residents, many without gardens at certain times.

The project was supported by a grant from Power Up North London Community  Energy Fund; following its earlier funding for the Feminist Orchard at Parliament Hill Girls’ School.

Director of Wood That Works, Ricky Jefferson said all the wood used is recycled and cleared of any rough edges or nails. Besides upcycling Jefferson described cross-cycling, taking part of an old piece of furniture, and adding a new bit for strength and stability.

Fellow director Honey Halit said the organisation helps re-educate women in basic DIY skills and builds confidence. She explained that women who are not associated with DIY skills, or putting up shelving, can find empowering support at Wood That Works.

Wood That Works provides classes to schools, children with learning difficulties, women’s groups and young offenders. At the launch, Halit and Jefferson proudly showcased a birdbox made by the latter undertaking community reparation.

woodthatworkslondon@gmail.com
 

Greening
DPNF’s Greening team has successfully received Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocation of £4,000.00 for the refurbishment project in Three Point Park.

This is to renew the mosaics and re-paint the snakes which is expected to happen in early spring 2022.

This project will be facilitated by the London School of Mosaics along with the help of Brookfield Primary School, DPNF and local community volunteers.
 

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Camden Council is extremely keen to hear more CIL funding suggestions from/for the community.

Camden offers funding for small local projects in the region of £3k to £30k ordinarily. DPNF will be exploring what projects to seek funding for, with regards to those listed in the neighbourhood plan. Please do let DPNF know if you have any suggestions. 

Please contact DPNF with these – info@dpnf.org.uk

Please visit the DPNF website and subscribe to receive DPNF news and updates.
www.dpnf.org.uk

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (DPNF) AUGUST NEWSLETTER
  Dear Neighbours   We are writing to give you an update on the work of the DPNF and to welcome you to get involved in this local body. It’s a good way to take part in activities locally and to influence others including Camden Council.   Our plan is to send out a newsletter every quarter to keep all informed. We also have a website to be found here with information about the activities of the DPNF.

 

 

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to hear more, emailing us at info@dpnf.org.uk

 

 

Best wishes
Maya De Souza – DPNF Chair
 
Mansfield Bowling Club

The DPNF regards this site with its historic function of community leisure space as fundamentally important to the area. This is made clear in the neighbourhood plan. We are therefore particularly keen to ensure in depth engagement of the community on next steps by the developer.

The current owner, Harrison Varma was invited to explain their plans at the 2021 DPNF AGM. They outlined 2 alternative proposals for co-housing or care homes which they explained in more detail to the committee. Information about their plans can be found here.

We’ve asked for a public meeting so all are fully engaged in this discussion, beyond immediate neighbours. We have also highlighted to Camden Council and the developers relevant points in the plan in particular the importance of accessible green space.

Harrison Varma has since had pre-application discussions with Camden Council. DPNF is awaiting next steps and confirmation regarding proceeding with the public meeting.

Murphy’s Yard
The planning application for up to 825 homes and 74,000 sqm of industrial and office space at Murphy’s Yard has been submitted but it is not yet available to view.

DPNF has engaged with Murphy’s and their design team over the last few years but still have some major concerns about the quality of the proposed scheme. 

We are worried that over-development will not make for a successful, liveable neighbourhood and know that many people are worried about the impact of the proposed tower blocks, of up to 19 storeys, on the Heath and other parts of the area. 

DPNF will continue to work for a scheme that we can support but, as things stand, we expect to strongly object to the application.

https://dpnf.org.uk/index.php/2021/02/09/survey-on-community-uses-for-murphys-yard-and-dpnfs-response-to-current-proposals/ 
https://murphysyardconsultation.co.uk/

Crestview 47 Dartmouth Park Road
Congratulations to all who so steadfastly objected to the aerial masts’ erection on Crestview’s roof adjacent to St Mary’s Church. These would have been a blight on our landscape and visible from the Heath and Holly Lodge.
Camden Council has rejected this proposal.

DPNF Greening Project
DPNF volunteers on greening projects have been making real progress over the summer across the forum area.

We are continuing to identify and label our street trees using the ‘trees in Camden map’:
https://opendata.camden.gov.uk/Environment/Trees-In-Camden-Map/p5w8-cdre?referrer=embed

This will help residents and passers-by to appreciate and nurture the extraordinary range of trees of all ages and species in our streets and public space.
 

We are also working with the community group CamdenForest2025 to increase the number of trees planted in gardens and on estates in our area.

Enjoy the many hollyhocks still flowering in street tree pits. Why not take one seed head and keep in an envelope to plant in a tree pit near you next spring?

We look forward to supporting Brookfield Primary School’s project to make good use of ‘The Secret Garden’ on Balmore Street for outdoor learning.

We hope to work with the local London School of Mosaics soon on the community initiative to refurbish the popular Play Snakes in Three Point Park on Raydon Street.

This play space is a vital resource for many young children and families without gardens of their own in the high-density Highgate Newtown area.

We will be joining many other groups we work alongside, such as Heath Hands, Transition, Think & Do at the York Rise Street Party on Sunday 12h September. Please come along to say hello and find out what you can do to encourage more wildlife and green corridors in Dartmouth Park.

Highgate Cemetery Chester Road Gate
The Highgate Cemetery Chester Road gate is in its final stages of completion, and once signed off, the gate will be used in a phased manner to ensure that it is running smoothly.

The cemetery has met several delays over the course of the gate construction, namely Covid-19 restricting our supplies of both material and labour at various points. Despite the delays, the cemetery team is extremely excited to have a new accessible entrance for grave owners and members (and an additional exit for visitors) very nearly available.

There is a ‘soft launch’ being planned to ensure things are working well before making access more widely available.

 
Swains Lane Retail Waste Problem
The remodeled local shopping hub is seen as an attractive asset for the local community and the local economy.

However, the issue of waste continues to be problematic. This location is situated in a conservation area that could deteriorate quite rapidly.

The potential problems were apparent from before the development was completed and have been raised many times with Camden Council officers. Failure to address the issues will just waste yet more time of officers and residents. 

This issue has been raised with Councillor Anna Wright by Swains Lane Neighbourhood’s Lead – John Slater and has the full support of the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum.

Swains Lane – Highgate VillageTraffic Changes
Camden Council is now consulting on making the following changes permanent: Banning vehicles on Swains Lane turning right into Bisham Gardens Banning Vehicles on Swains Lane turning right into South Grove   Consultation closes 5th September 2021. To find out more, including full details on the plans and monitoring data collected during the trial, and to share your views, visit camden.gov.uk/SwainsLane. 

If you’d prefer a paper form phone 020 7974 4444.

York Rise Street Party
This annual community celebration takes place on Sunday 12th September on Dartmouth Park Road and York Rise. It is a FULL-ON spectacular day of events for people of all ages and all interests!

The organisers will design the event so it takes into account the restrictions and make sure everyone feels safe.

We are looking for people who may be interested in getting involved both before and on the day.

York Rise Street Party stalls are available.
If you’d like more information, please email Dan Carrier dcarrier@camdennewjournal.co.uk

Please come to the party and meet the DPNF Committee.
 

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (DPNF)
NEWSLETTER MAY 2021 Over the past year, the DPNF committee and members have thrown themselves into actively influencing planning decisions to ensure they accord with our Neighbourhood Plan, as well as developing and taking forward the list of projects associated with the plan. This Newsletter invites you to the AGM on 27 May 6.30-8:00pm, which will be an opportunity to review progress and discuss forthcoming plans. It also provides some, mainly visual, highlights of our activities during the year.

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (DPNF) AGM
The AGM will take place on Zoom. If you would like to attend, please register on Eventbrite and we will send you the zoom details.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dartmouth-park-neighbourhood-forum-agm-2021-tickets-152283866143

The DPNF is looking forward to reporting back to our community on what has been an extremely busy year – seeking to shape major developments such as at Murphy’s Yard, Mansfield Bowling Club and Chester Road Hostel, kicking off new greening and community projects, developing a charter or vision for our streets, acting to safeguard pubs (The Star) and green spaces (Mortimer Terrace Nature Reserve), and ensuring ongoing Highgate Newtown Community Centre developments reflect agreements and do not cause excessive disturbance to local residents and businesses. 

This AGM will be an opportunity to discuss progress in relation to the neighbourhood plan and projects; and enable us to sound members out on forthcoming major planning applications. We would also like to discuss how best to communicate and engage with the community.

DPNF’s constitution requires every effort be made to ensure DPNF Committee membership reflects our entire community. Taking on board our current committee membership; DPNF encourages people to put themselves forward in particular if they are tenants of registered social landlords or private tenants, local traders, young people (under the age of 30), persons with disabilities and ethnic minority residents. However, all are extremely welcome to put themselves forward. Passion, enthusiasm and commitment to our area are what the community needs.  If you would like to do so, please email DPNF’S CHAIR, Maya de Souza at chair@dpnf.org.uk by 27th May 2021- 16:00.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
We have been proactively inputting into the major applications in the area, at the pre-application, application and implementation stages. The development of Murphy’s Yard, the Mansfield Bowling Club and Highgate Newtown Community Centre are hugely important for the local area. We will be reporting in full at the AGM. For more detail at this stage please take a look at this page of our website. https://dpnf.org.uk/index.php/planning-watch/

Most importantly, we are pushing for a co-creation approach to these new developments, taking on board the needs of the area and how we can achieve positive change.

DPNF’s Planning sub-group also commented on the application to redevelop the Chester Road hostel site, supporting residents in the locality by submitting comments based on the local plan. The redevelopment involves the demolition of the existing hostel for single adults and the construction of a new 50-unit hostel for homeless families. The application was passed despite numerous objections to the scheme from local residents.

DPNF objected to the plans on several grounds.  The proposed building is poorly designed, with excessive and domineering massing and materials that have no sympathy for the context (in particular, a facing of bright green tiles).  The accommodation for residents is not optimal, with little outdoor space and potential overcrowding of the site.

In addition, we argued that the unnecessary demolition of the existing 1970s building, with its large embedded carbon, not only will violate Camden’s own environmental objectives, but will also lead to the loss of a thoughtful and high-quality building designed by one of Camden Council’s renowned in-house team of architects. We are continuing to engage through our local councillors to ensure that at least in visual terms there is a better fit with the surrounding area.

You can read more about the DPNF’s objections here. IMPROVING THE PUBLIC REALM – LOWER HIGHGATE ROAD Did you know that Kentish Town in the past was an area of market gardens on the banks of the Fleet River? And that animals would have grazed in neighbouring areas?

Looking back to the land beneath the houses, DPNF is working with the lower Highgate Road community to develop an exciting proposal to enhance the public realm by the GP surgery/shops, to make it greener and more pleasant.

The design is modelled on the terraces we often associate with hills and sheep. DPNF will explore this further with Camden highways officers. We welcome comments on these ideas and anyone who would like to get involved in this project. GREENING PROJECTS

Good news about CIL funding to refurbish Snake Park… The DPNF Greening Group is pleased to report that our ward councillors have approved the DPNF application for funding to refurbish the mosaic snakes in the popular young children’s play area in Raydon Street, Highgate Newtown.

Local residents will be involved in the project to restore this area which is well used by many families with no gardens and especially after school.
  The DPNF Greening Group is also supporting its TRA and residents on the nearby Whittington Estate who are trying to reinstate original play spaces and improve planted areas. More green corridors linking up with green spaces inside and outside the DPNF area…The Greening Group invited wildlife experts from Heath Hands to join us on a walkabout to share ideas for improving green corridors for wildlife on the fringes of The Heath where this links up with our forum area.

DPNF agreed to focus on hedges, hedgehogs and house sparrows. Find out more here: https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/wildlifearoundheath

We have also approached Highgate Neighbourhood Forum, Highgate Cemetery and Waterlow Park for a shared discussion alongside Camden’s biodiversity officer following the council’s recent consultation on a biodiversity strategy. Spring blossom on street trees, bulbs and wildflowers in tree pits and open spaces…
Enjoying spring blossom on trees lifts our spirts and also helps us to identify different species. If in doubt, try this helpful site: https://www.treetalk.co.uk/

We are all grateful to those who planted bulbs to brighten up tree pits. As well as keeping an eye on your local trees and watering during dry spells. Please do consider sprinkling a few wildflower seeds on larger bare tree pit areas to help insect life and to add colour to your neighbourhood. STREETS AND TRAVEL Dartmouth Park ‘Streets for People’ Engagement Report published…

Funded by the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund, the DPNF commissioned consultants Urban Movement to hold a series of Community Conversations to explore the issues around traffic and streets in our area. The final report is now published and is on our website here. The report includes a set of outcomes the community would want to see from any proposals that the Council may plan to explore in response to problems of through traffic, air quality and poor local environments.   
For more information on the DPNF’s work in this area, see here. HIGHGATE FESTIVAL 2021

MURPHY’S YARD

Plans for the redevelopment of the Murphy’s Yard site for 750 homes and 74,000sqm of employment space are pressing ahead, with a planning application due to be submitted in the coming months.
The latest plans have been published.

Murphy’s Yard is a large site between the southern end of Highgate Road and Gospel Oak.

Murphy’s Yard’s design team are holding 2 online public meetings this Thursday 25th March (2pm and 7pm).  Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF) encourages you to attend one of them to hear about the scheme in detail and to comment.

DPNF has been engaging with Murphy’s Yard and welcomes the redevelopment of the site, but we have some important questions that we want to see answered before coming to a view. 

You can read about our concerns and questions here.

DPNF is seeking an exemplary scheme in keeping with the Neighbourhood Plan

You can find out more about the proposals here and sign up for one of the public meetings here.

If you would like to contribute to DPNF’s community-led response to the plans, please email us your thoughts at planning@dpnf.org.uk.

Many thanks

Best

Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum

www.dpnf@org.uk

MURPHY’S YARD

Plans for the redevelopment of the Murphy’s Yard site for 750 homes and 74,000sqm of employment space are pressing ahead, with a planning application due to be submitted in the coming months.
The latest plans have been published.

Murphy’s Yard is a large site between the southern end of Highgate Road and Gospel Oak.

Murphy’s Yard’s design team are holding 2 online public meetings this Thursday 25th March (2pm and 7pm).  Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF) encourages you to attend one of them to hear about the scheme in detail and to comment.

DPNF has been engaging with Murphy’s Yard and welcomes the redevelopment of the site, but we have some important questions that we want to see answered before coming to a view. 

You can read about our concerns and questions here.

DPNF is seeking an exemplary scheme in keeping with the Neighbourhood Plan

You can find out more about the proposals here and sign up for one of the public meetings here.

If you would like to contribute to DPNF’s community-led response to the plans, please email us your thoughts at planning@dpnf.org.uk.

Many thanks

Best

Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum

www.dpnf@org.uk

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM GREENING NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021

ITS TIME TO GIVE TIME TO TREES

  • All around us trees are beginning to come alive again after the dormant winter period, so feast your eyes on early blossom, buds and shoots.

  • Walk around your area using this handy TREETALK app to identify different trees, and also note street trees that need watering or are damaged, as well as empty tree pits.

  • Water trees near your home and businesses, ask your neighbours to do the same.

  • Our local DPNF tree expert notes that without regular watering, up to 30% of newly planted street trees may not survive to maturity.

  • One of our DPNF initiatives aims to label the more unusual and older trees in our forum area.

  • Let us know if you wish to help with this project.

  • In 2019, Hampstead Heath’s David Humphries and his team produced a 12 – page guide of veteran trees on the Heath on the Ancient Tree Forum website. Why not download it for your next walk?

A FEAST FOR OUR EYES AND FOR POLLINATING INSECTS

  • Enjoy the Spring colour of daffodils and narcissi popping up where residents have been planting bulbs in tree pits.  Please take photos of your favourite tree pit and send them to us.

  • If you live or work near a bare street tree pit, you can sow a few seeds of wildflower annuals to brighten up your street and give pleasure to every passer-by. Sprinkle some wildflower seed mix into lightly raked soil, smooth over and moisten to help pollinating insects later in the year.

  • Remember to tie a green ribbon or green string around the tree trunk so that Camden Council and Veolia know not to use pesticides. More information here.

LINKING UP OUR GREEN CORRIDORS

  • Do you have tired and unsightly wooden fencing separating the front area where you live from the pavement? Would you be interested in getting help and advice to plant hedging which would increase biodiversity and improve our green corridors. Please get in touch.

  • If you have gardening tools and time and are willing to help some elderly or less able people who cannot afford gardeners with the occasional tidying of hedges or pruning of trees and bushes, then please let us know.

REACHING OUT TO AND WORKING WITH OTHER LOCAL GROUPS

  • Our wildlife moves across maps and boundaries and we can all benefit from sharing information and expertise with other organisations.

  • The leads on greening projects will be working with Heath Hands

 to make it easier for people to identify and report particular birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife along our roads, in our gardens, on our estates.

  • Waterlow Park and Highgate Cemetery have both had cameras installed to track hedgehogs (no recent sightings to date). Here is a link to the British Hedgehog Society

 

  •  Free Tree Whips

Camden Forest 2025 is a volunteer initiative working with Camden Council and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to increase the number of trees planted across the borough. If you would like to plant a 2-3ft bare root tree whip from a choice of Rowan, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry or Dog Wood (all native species) please go to contact Camden Forest for more information.

Seed Saving Network

The network based in Omved Gardens in the Highgate Bowl are hoping to “germinate” a community of growers, sharing seed tips and data about growing of heritage and organic varieties of vegetables and plants.

https://seedsaving.network/?mc_cid=f38d6aa899&mc_eid=a609a97609

If you have queries or ideas for greening our area or you wish to join the DPNF Greening Team, please contact us by email info@dpnf.org.uk

6 October 2020

Dear Neighbours

Please find the draft response of the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF) after consideration of the issues and discussion with the DPNF Committee about 2 Chester Road 2020/3461/P.

We plan to send this out before the deadline of 11th October 2020.

DPNF encourages you to review the points highlighted by the DPNF Committee and write in with your own comments.

Please note, the deadline is Sunday 11th October 2020.

Many thanks in advance
Best
BE WELL
Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum Committee

DPNF response to 2 Chester Road 2020/3461/P
A planning application for the redevelopment of 2 Chester Road has been submitted to Camden (2020/3461/P).  The proposed development would provide a hostel for the temporary accommodation of homeless families, in some cases women and their children at risk of violence.  The new development would provide 50 new dwellings in three blocks (3 and 4 storeys) arranged around a central communal garden.  The application proposes the demolition of the existing building on the site, until recently used as a hostel for single person temporary accommodation.

The DPNF supports the development in principle.  The provision of this facility is consistent with the objective of the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Plan to support a variety of housing and community facilities in the area.  However, we do have some concerns about the detail of the proposed development.

  • The proposed buildings are too large and domineering for the site in the heart of a residential neighbourhood.
    • Even the three-storey block on Chester Road will be significantly (up to a storey) higher than the neighbouring houses.  The four-storey block on Dartmouth Park Hill will present a sheer cliff-like appearance to the road.
    • We welcome the landscaping of Colva Walk and the provision of ramps in place of steps.  However, we are concerned that the Colva Walk passage would be overwhelmed by the sheer wall of the building, and that the passage would become a wind and noise tunnel.
  • The proposed number of residents (up to 200 in 50 units) is too high, resulting in cramped accommodation.  In addition, although there is a central communal garden, there is no provision of private outdoor space such as balconies. We would prefer to see more generous allocations of space for a smaller number of vulnerable families, which would ameliorate over-crowding and avoid any undue impact on local infrastructure such as medical facilities.
  • The design of the façade is poor.
    • The development is entirely inward facing, with little engagement with the community.
    • The proposed continuous façade is bleak and monolithic, with no setbacks, balconies or other features to break up the bulk and create a more domestic scale to blend with the neighbourhood.
    • It is proposed to clad the buildings in shiny green tiles with a curving and asymmetric profile.  The choice of these tiles is arbitrary and capricious, and has no connection or reference to the materials used in the area; the green of the tiles, in particular, is completely at odds with the warm red, brown and yellow bricks of the surrounding streets.
  • We also object to the demolition of the existing building, without proof that this is essential.
    • Camden’s Local Plan Policy CC1(e) requires all proposals that involve substantial demolition to demonstrate that it is not possible to retain and improve the existing building. The case has not been made to show that demolition is necessary; we question the assertion that the existing building has reached the end of its life. In addition, with Covid -19 the likelihood of enduring changed working patterns and reduced needs for office space suggests that there may be opportunities to repurpose an existing building in the borough instead. These issues need to be explored in order to meet the Policy as to demolition.
    • The building was designed by Bill Forrest, one of the excellent young architects in Camden’s architecture department in the 1960s and 70s who designed some of the finest social housing in the country, including the Highgate New Town development of which the hostel formed part.  The demolition of such a thoughtful and high-quality building in a conservation area is deplorable.
    • The demolition of the existing building, with its large embodied carbon, is not consistent with sustainability objectives.
  • We welcome the use of prefabricated offsite construction methods and the inclusion of underfloor electric heating, air source heat pumps and green roofs.

The DPNF intends to submit comments on the development to Camden.  You may wish to consider sending your own comments, which you can do here:
https://planningrecords.camden.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/PLComments.aspx?pk=555376
The last date for comments is 11 October 2020. 

19 September 2020

THE STAR PUB – PETITION

We, the undersigned, strongly believe in the benefit to the community of the Star Pub, at 47 Chester Road N19 5DF, and the vital role it plays in ensuring a thriving and vibrant neighbourhood hub.

We value the role the Star has played and can continue to play as a venue that brings people together across backgrounds, age and social class. It adds to and complements the other facilities in the area: the Chester Balmore shops, the Highgate Library, the Highgate Newtown Community Centre, Brookfield School, and Konstam Nursery.

The long-term closure of the pub including its upstairs function room would be a huge loss to the area.

We support its registration as an asset of community value (ACV), in order save it from closure for redevelopment for another use and loss of its community function.

The facts:

  • The Star pub at 47 Chester Road is part of the earlier development of the Chester Road/Croftdown Road/St Albans Road Homes for Heroes development. It began its life as “The Holly Lodge” established in 1883, and subsequently, became the Totnes Castle. It also had a pivotal place in the later 1970s concept of Highgate Newtown with its neighbourhood centre on Chester Road.
  • It’s at the meeting point between different parts of the Ward, from Swains Lane to Highgate Newtown. By being on Chester Road, in a highly visible location, and near various other facilities, it is inviting and accessible to all.
  • It is in a relatively high-density part of the Ward where community space is really important. Until its recent closure, it played a vital role in furthering the social well-being of the area by hosting community events and activities as well as being a meeting space in the area for residents.

This petition has been set up by the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF). By way of example, the listing of the Dartmouth Arms as an ACV by the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum was a crucial factor in it being saved for the community from closure for redevelopment.
Residents in the area are encouraged to sign the petition and show their support.
Many thanks
Yours sincerely
Maya De Souza – DPNF Chair
Please click on for the petition – http://chng.it/JVsB6BPd

19 August 2020

KENTISH TOWN PLANNING FRAMEWORK – MURPHY’S YARD
 
The Kentish Town Planning Framework was adopted by Camden Council on 17th July 2020. The planning framework will influence and guide development that comes forward in the area. More information about the framework including the document and consultation summaries can be viewed on Camden Council’s website –
https://www.camden.gov.uk/kentishtownframework

The area covered by the Kentish Town Planning Framework includes the Murphy’s Yard development site located on Highgate Road, London NW5 1TN. Below is a description of the proposed development.

Redevelopment of Murphy’s Yard site (excluding Murphy’s headquarters and the O2 Forum Kentish Town) with partial retention of the existing central railway sheds, and erection of 17 buildings ranging in height from 3 to 18 storeys to provide a mixed use development including: Circa 40,000sqm of industrial uses (including light industry as well as general industry and storage), 750 residential units (targeting 35% affordable housing), as well as circa 31,000sqm of offices, circa 9,000sqm of healthcare, circa 4,000sqm leisure/retail/cultural space.

The distribution of uses provides a residential-led neighbourhood in the northern part of the site and an industrial/commercial neighbourhood centred on light-industrial uses to the south with variety of unit sizes and including affordable workspace. A new, landscaped public route (for pedestrian and cycle access) between Kentish Town and Hampstead Heath (“the Heath Line”) is proposed alongside wider landscaping and public realm improvements and access routes into and across the site.

Primary vehicular access is proposed from the existing entrance on Sanderson Place and a reconfigured access on Gordon House Road.

Camden has set up a remote Development Management (DM) Forum on the Murphy’s Yard site to gain feedback from residents and businesses on what the development should provide. This is an important opportunity for the community to influence the development of this prominent site.
The DM Forum will be held on 8th September at 7:00pm.

The Council has set up a dedicated website on the Murphy’s Yard development –
https://camdenplanning.councilsuk.live/murphysyardkentishtown 

On this website you can see a description and site map for the proposals and register for the DM Forum.

You can also visit the applicant’s website –
http://www.murphysyardconsultation.co.uk/

The community can already submit questions in writing:
J. Murphy & Sons Limited
Hiview House
Highgate Road, London
NW5 1TN

From the 26th August you will be able to ask questions via video:
https://camdenplanning.councilsuk.live/video

14 August 2020

DARTMOUTH PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM STREETS FOR PEOPLE SURVEY, JULY 2020 – FINDINGS

Background

  • Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum undertook a survey of local people and businesses to test the water on the community’s views on traffic and travel in our area.
  • The Government is actively encouraging local measures to reduce traffic in residential areas, including implementing ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods’ (LTNs), which are springing up across London.  We wanted to know what our neighbours thought about the principle of an LTN and other measures in Dartmouth Park.
  • The survey took place over 2 weeks in late July 2020 and was completed by 401 people. We are very grateful for this amazing response.
  • Responses were received from a broad range of people:
    • Living on 67 different streets
    • 44% under the age of 50
    • 45% have children under 18 in their household

Findings

Regarding issues experienced:

  • 82% think there was too much traffic in Dartmouth Park before lockdown
  • 70% think there was too much traffic on their street before lockdown
  • At least half of respondents say that their immediate local area suffers from:
    • noticeable pollution
    • excessive rat-running
    • excessive speeding
  • 94% appreciated the fall in traffic and improved air quality during lockdown.

Regarding possible interventions, the following number show how many respondents say they are very supportive and quite supportive of each measure:

  • 77% support removing obstructions from pavements for people with disabilities
  • 75% support reducing through traffic
  • 73% support trialling a Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme in Dartmouth Park
  • 71% support cycle lanes on busy roads such as Highgate Road and Gordon House Road
  • 69% support banning through traffic so long as traffic is not displaced onto other local residential streets
  • 68% support restricting through traffic at peak times
  • 64% support pedestrian/zebra crossings across main roads
  • 62% support widening pavements where practical
  • 62% support changing some streets into pedestrian areas
  • 61% support play streets – temporary closure of residential streets to allow children to play
  • 60% support vehicle-activated speed signs
  • 55% support rephasing traffic lights to benefit pedestrians
  • 54% support more cycle parking hangars
  • 50% support removing pavement parking
  • 47% support extending bike hire into Dartmouth Park
  • 46% support more cycle paths on Hampstead Heath
  • 46% support removing parking from Highgate Road to allow more space for cycling
  • 45% support more one way streets
  • 39% support secure parking for cargo bikes
  • 39% support traffic calming such as speed humps
  • 34% support more brightly lit streets

When people were asked what measures they would support to help the businesses and enable safe community interaction in our 4 local centres: 

  • For York Rise/Chetwynd Road:
    • 66% support more planting and environmental improvements
    • 65% support removing some parking to allow businesses to put out more tables and chairs
    • 65% support closing to traffic at weekends to allow businesses to put tables and chairs in the street
    • 61% support restricting traffic access to improve the environment for pedestrians and outdoor customers
    • 55% support more cycle parking
    • 54% support more places to sit

  • For Swain’s Lane:
    • 78% support more cycle parking
    • 77% support more places to sit
    • 77% support more planting and environmental improvements
    • 76% support new public toilets
    • 74% support closing to traffic at weekends to allow businesses to put tables and chairs in the street
    • 72% support restricting traffic access to improve the environment for pedestrians and outdoor customers
    • 68% support removing some parking to allow businesses to put out more tables and chairs

  • For Highgate Road (around Parliament Hill Medical Centre):

  • 74% support more planting and environmental improvements
  • 70% support more cycle parking
  • 65% support new public toilets
  • 56% support more places to sit

  • For Chester Road:

  • 68% support more planting and environmental improvements
  • 60% support more cycle parking
  • 54% support more places to sit

What now? 

  • We have shared the findings with Camden Council to enable them to decide how to respond to them.
  • Armed with these findings, we will campaign for measures to improve the neighbourhood for residents and businesses.
  • We are seeking funding to explore the issues raised in the survey with the community in more depth.

22 July 2020

DARTMOUTH PARK STREETS FOR PEOPLE SURVEY

Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum’s (DPNF) short survey is designed to test the water on the Dartmouth Park community’s views on traffic and travel in our area in response to the twin emergencies of coronavirus and climate change.
Whilst the past few months have been difficult in numerous ways, many people have appreciated the lack of traffic and the noticeable improvement in air quality.  People are also worried that traffic levels will return worse than before if people are reluctant to use public transport.  And they want to make the trading environment for our local businesses as attractive as possible as the recovery gathers pace.
Communities across London are seeing benefits of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.  These are where through traffic is cut from an area whilst access for residents, visitors, deliveries is freely allowed.   Where they have been implemented in Waltham Forest, streets are safer, air quality has improved, businesses are thriving, and more people are making greener, healthier travel choices.  You can see more information in this very short film: https://twitter.com/OxLivSts/status/1274564550243876864.

The Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum’s Neighbourhood Plan passed a local referendum in February with over 1000 votes cast, 88% in favour.  The Plan includes several policies and projects that support walking and cycling, traffic reduction, our local businesses and healthy lifestyles – all of which have become more important since then.

The findings of this survey will be passed to Camden Council to allow them to consider what, if any, interventions they can make on a temporary or trial basis. The survey will close on 31 July.  It should take less than 10 minutes to complete. One respondent will receive a voucher worth £20 to spend in the local shop or business of their choice!

We would love to hear your views on how we can make Dartmouth Park an even better place to live.

Please take the survey here.

19 JUNE 2020

DPNF UPDATE 1

Dear Neighbours

We’d like to invite you to join the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF) and take part in shaping the place in which we live, work and share. For more information on the DPNF, please visit our website and register your details to receive communications.  www.dpnf.org.uk.

DPNF is the 4th in Camden (after Fortune Green and West Hampstead, Kentish Town, Hampstead, Dartmouth Park) to have developed and obtained approval of its Neighbourhood Plan. It was formally adopted on 2 March 2020, after a referendum in which 87.9% of the votes cast were in favour. It will now, along with Camden’s Local Plan, guide decisions on planning applications in the area.

Recently, the DPNF has contributed to a number of key decisions with success.

  • Highgate Newtown Community Centre Demolition Management Plan
    This was submitted by the contractor in March, but plans for community engagement were cancelled because of the COVID -19 lockdown. The DPNF committee submitted a request for an extension of time for the consultation of the plan as well as detailed comments pointing out strong concerns relating to nuisance to neighbours in the lockdown period and safety concerns as to the heavy movement of trucks on Bertram Street, which would result from the proposed plan. Council agreed an extension of the consultation and held a working group meeting. It also agreed to postpone demolition works, which will now take place from August until November 2020. DPNF recognises the new HNCC building will bring important facilities to the community and looks forward to its completion; and also recognise HNCC’s commitment to the community in running a food bank in these troubled times. 

  • Haddo House 5G Mast Application
    DPNF submitted comments opposing the plan to install new equipment on this iconic building with “unusual features that give it distinctiveness and flair”. The proposed equipment would be tall and bulky, affecting the clear lines of the building. Camden Council subsequently refused the application.

  • Dartmouth Arms Asset of Community Value
    DPNF’s application for the Dartmouth Arms registration as an Asset of Community Value to continue has been successful.

A new DPNF committee has been elected – Nick Bradfield, Ben Castell, Maya de Souza,Valerie Doulton, Ellen Gates,Ilona Hay, Jessica Jacobs, Sue King, J-J Lorraine, Kathleen Molnar, Emily O’Mara, Catharine Wells, Eileen Willmott.

The new Chair is Maya de Souza and Deputy Chair is Valerie Doulton.

The DPNF sub committees include:
Planning & Development Sub-Group
Projects Sub-Group

Please contact Kathleen Molnar, DPNF Communications Lead with your queries or for further information.
info@dpnf.org.uk
www.dpnf.org.uk

molnarkmt@gmail.com
07973 510 866

Please share your ideas and thoughts with DPNF.

Best wishes,
Maya de Souza, DPNF – Chair
Valerie Doulton, DPNF – Deputy Chair