Here is an update on the current situation

This the link to the report published Friday, 16 July by LBLambeth in advance of the Cabinet Meeting on Monday, 26 July – See item 'Second Dispatch' : http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=225&MId=7248

The key points suggest that there is both good and bad news, namely no 'temporary!' Ice Rink on our Streatham Common - which is fantastic - but it will go instead to Brixton (“...further enhancement to the Brixton town centre...”!) and we fervently hope only temporarily, as it is still supposed to return permanently to it's planned home in Streatham.

There are no guarantees at this point. Planning applications still have to be submitted and agreed in August, and any objections raised from Market Traders in Brixton with regard to parking access yet need to be negotiated.

In respect of our Streatham Common I quote...

'...2.8 Streatham Common - With regard to Streatham Common, further work has shown that the processes to agree the temporary ice rink could take up to eighteen months. This is a considerable period of time and would have a highly negative effect, slowing the Streatham Hub scheme and cancelling any benefits to the programme from securing off-site provision. The further project development indicated that there would be some difficulty getting power to the site which would increase the project costs considerably. Taking this all into account, along with the level of stakeholder concern, it is now recommended that the use of Streatham Common for the temporary ice rink is not pursued.'

'...”level of stakeholder concern”...' that's us, glad to see they noted it!

However...

...The bad news is it seems that a problem we had been led to believe had gone away has re-surfaced and that involves the top end of our Streatham Common and the Rookery Car Park, and I quote..

'...Temporary dry sports facilities and swimming provision

2.21 Gym and dance studio - As reported to the March Cabinet meeting a number of sites have been considered for this facility with two sites identified as suitable in terms of location and configuration. These sites are the Rookery Car park at the top of Streatham Common and the Stockport Road playing fields. A feasibility exercise undertaken on these sites for the provision of a temporary gym and dance studio concludes that there are no major difficulties and dependent upon the appropriate consultation and planning approval, a temporary leisure facility is feasible on these sites. However, and not withstanding objections to the use of Streatham Common that has been evidenced for the temporary ice rink issue, the Rookery site offers significant revenue savings to the Council that may well not be available at Stockport Road given its particular location. No further action has been taken pending a decision from Cabinet on if a further report detailing the financial implications is required and on whether and when public consultation should commence.

2.22 Swimming - The March Cabinet report gave details of the provision a 25m x 12m six lane temporary swimming pool and associated facilities. The report also highlighted the considerable footprint such a pool and its housing would require. The only available sites in the Streatham area for such a facility are identical to those identified for the temporary ice rink and present all of the same difficulties and issues. In addition there is no budget provision for the cost of purchase and or lease for such a facility and the net cost to the council would still require a subsidy of at least £14 per user. No further action has been taken pending a decision from Cabinet on if a further report detailing the financial implications is required and on whether and when public consultation should commence.

Does this means we still have a fight on our 'HANDS'? As far as HOOC is concerned this is still Common Land, our common land.

Clearly HOOC will not disband until we are completely sure that Lambeth and Tesco are keeping their 'Hands Off Our Common!'

Don't forget the public meeting on Thursday, 22 July @ Dunraven School at 6:30pm.

Bridged Hall

Chair – Sustainable Streatham