The AGM was called to order at 6.30pm by Susan Spiller, the Chairman, who welcomed our guest speaker Dr Peter Johnston, curator of the National Army Museum. She also welcomed our councillors, Kim Taylor Smith, Paul Warwick and Will Pascall and local police Miriam Parker, PCSO and two PCs.
Guest speaker from the National Army Museum: Dr Peter Johnston, curator of the National Army Museum talked to our members about the museum and its recent renovations, the museum’s work with the community and schools, its collections. He also encouraged all members to visit the museum and explore its collections. Following questions and discussion with members, the Chair thanked our guest speaker.
Police Update: Miriam Parker and her colleagues reviewed their area of responsibility. They highlighted the current issues in our area. She noted that crime has generally declined across London. But also noted the need for people to ensure that houses are locked when not at home, as well as taking care of mobile phones when walking as there has been an increase in thefts especially by thieves on motorbikes.
2017 AGM Business
Minutes of Prior Meeting: The minutes of the 2016 SSDRA AGM were presented to the meeting and the minutes were agreed.
Treasurers Report: In the absence of the Treasurer, the Chair presented the financial report. These have been reviewed / audited by Heather Gumbrell.
SSDRA Committee Appointments: All committee members were re-appointed for the coming year.
- Susan Spiller, Chair
- David Farlow, Treasurer
- Mark Baynham, Membership
- Laura Carrara-Cagni, Planning
The Chair noted that Steven Maidwell has recently retired after 7 years on the committee. She thanked him for his contribution. In addition, she requested that any members willing to join the committee as secretary to please get in touch with any member of the committee.
To receive the Chairman’s Report: Susan Spiller delivered her annual report to the meeting. Her main points were directed at the major local planning issues:
- Crossrail2 – there are no formal updates regarding the building of CR2. However, it was noted that the press recently reported that the station in Chelsea may no longer be part of the plans
- Brompton Hospital – the hospital received permission in July to build a new wing on the Sydney Street campus and to sell the property which currently is the site of the Chelsea farmers market to fund this. SSDRA spoke out against the scope and size of the development, however, it was approved as submitted
- Auriens (was Thamesbrook) – Auriens has also received approval to demolish the existing building at 2 Dovehouse Street and to build a new luxury retirement home on the site. SSDRA expressed our concerns about the size of the new facility. It is expected that this development will start by year end 2017
- Sutton Estate – in December 2016 the RBKC refused planning permission to Affinity Sutton for their current plans for the Sutton Estate. Although they have appealed, the RBKC has said that they don’t support any development here and intends to ask them to withdraw their appeal
- 220-236 Kings Road (Habitat/Curzon) – The Cadogan Estate which owns this property received planning permission in 2015 for re-development; however, no date has yet been confirmed for starting this work
The Chair’s update was followed by questions and answers by members. The three councilors Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, Deputy Leader of the council responsible for housing and the Grenfell response, Cllr Will Pascall, Deputy Leader responsible for planning and other areas, and Cllr Paul Warrick also provided updates and responded to questions.
The AGM was formally brought to a close by the Chairman at 20:00.