November 2020

Welcome and Introductions: The meeting was introduced by saxophone music, courtesy of local Stewart’s Grove resident, Hereward.

Susan Spiller, Chair of SSDRA, welcomed all members and residents to the annual meeting. She introduced SSDRA committee members David Farlow, Lucinda d”Ambrumenil, Laura Carrara Cagni and Seb de Lemos.

Local Community Update:     Susan Spiller updated on local topics of interest, including the SSDRA Community WhatsApp Group and the help that our neighbors have provided to each other during 2020, including helping with grocery shopping and pharmacy collections.  She also thanked committee members Lucinda and David who helped to address issues of a series of all-night pop-up raves/parties in a short-term rental flat during the first lockdown on Stewart’s Grove.

Lucinda d’Ambrumenil updated on on-going discussions with the Marsden Hospital to address some of the challenges with noise, trash, stopped traffic, smoking, and planning permissions. Chris Jackson, Head of Facilities from the Royal Marsden, joined the call to provide an update and respond to questions.

Update from Councilors:        Cllr Josh Rendall; Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith; Cllr Will Pascall.

Our Stanley Ward councilors updated on a range of local and borough items of interest.  Highlights of the discussion were:

• Chelsea Green – noted that proposals are being considered to update the Green, including to reduce rough sleeping in the area and potentially to close the street on its East side to through traffic.

• ‘Green Man’ pedestrian crossings at the Beaufort Street intersections with Kings Road and Fulham Road. Consultation can be found here: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/managing-traffic-and-transport/pedestrian-improvements-traffic-lights.  Thoughts from members (both in support of or any objections) are most welcome.

• Dovehouse Green – plans to improve the Green are progressing and SSDRA has actively engaged with the council, the landscape architect and their local associations on this. A further meeting is planned, and the councilors indicated that they expect the work to commence soon.

• Royal Brompton Hospital – The councilors reported that RBKC has been meeting with the hospital to encourage it to stay in Chelsea.
  • They also noted that the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will be issued on 19^th November.  The link is now available here: https://planningconsult.rbkc.gov.uk/consult.ti/rbhSPD/consultationHome.  Our councilors encouraged a thorough review as it includes specific positive outcomes.  Responses to this consultation are due by 30^th December; SSDRA will review and comment on this consultation.  Comments are also encouraged from individual residents too.

• Chelsea Forum – all residents are invited to attend the on-line meeting on 24^th November. Brief updates by RBKC on work since the February forum, followed by group discussions on four themes. RSVP by midday 23 November by emailing communityengagement@rbkc.gov.uk  

• Sutton Estate – Planning permission has now submitted for the refurbishment of four of the Sutton buildings. More info and to comment, please use this link: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning/searches/details.aspx?adv=0&simple=Sutton&simpleBatch=20&simSubmit=Search&id=PP/20/05566&cn=260117+Savills+33+Margaret+Street+London+&type=application&tab=tabs-planning-1

Update from Police:   Mimsy Parker, PCSO, provided an update on crime. She confirmed that Stanley Ward has one of the lowest crime rates in London.

There were a number of questions with both councilors and police. Several of these will be followed up individually after the meeting.

The Chair thanked our councilors and the police for attending, and she noted plans for a street party in 2021 once we are able to get together with each other. The meeting was closed at 7.15pm by the Chair.

Website: www.SSDRA.org.uk  E-mail: info@SSDRA.org.uk