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Become a Friend of Lloyds Park

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Spring Has Well and Truly Sprung

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:33:00 +0000

If you should go down to the flowerbed today, you are in for a big surprise...there be seasonal stirrings in that there muddy patch.

The flowerbed is looking beautiful in its first flush of spring bulbs: snowbells, crocuses and early narcissi. There are also promising signs of the rest those 450 bulbs planted all that time ago in November last year despite the numbing rain.

At this weekend’s Spring Meet, perennials and biennials such as lupins, foxgloves, delphiniums, Japanese anemone, hellebore, pinks, poppies and summer flowering bulbs were planted. A big thank you to Nellie’s mum for weeding and nurturing the flowerbed, many passersby have noticed her work and have said how beautiful the flowerbed is looking.

Bring on the Vernal Equinox... given season creep, what will be flowering in the flowerbed on March the 21st?

P.S. We are still trying to resolve the fly-tipping problem that is occurring in the vicinity of the flowerbed.

Please dial 101 to report any fly-tipped rubbish you see, and be sure to get a reference number. The more people who report each and every incidence of fly-tipping, the more evidence there is that residents are concerned about this issue and expect the council to crack down on the fly-tippers operating in our area.
Tony Banach, Area Manager for Higham Hill Ward, Better Neighbourhoods Initiative is aware of the situation.

Help A London Park, Vote Results Are In

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Sadly March Lane, Leyton is not one of the ten parks to receive funding from the Mayor to make them greener, safer and nicer places to visit.

The people have spoken: and the winners are...

You can read more about it in the Waltham Forest Guardian article 'WALTHAM FOREST: Borough loses out on park cash'

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:18:00 +0000

The Flowerbed

Some new faces on the block

Hamilton Rd - front

Hamilton Rd - back

Hamilton Rd - work in progress

Hamilton Rd - complete

Fairfield Rd Rd

Colville Rd

The competition further afield.

Higham Hill Rd

Forest Rd

Palmerston Rd - work in progress

Palmerston Rd - complete

Palmerston Rd

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Vote for Marsh Lane, Leyton - ENDED

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:49:00 +0000

~~VOTE NOW for Marsh Lane, Leyton~~ to win funding from The Mayor of London. Be sure to email the URL to your friends and family. Voting ends on 5pm, 30 January 2009

If the funding is awarded to Marsh Lane, it will be used to install new play equipment, renovate the sports pavilion, improve security and put in new paths, a bridge and signs.

The cash will also be used for improving grassland habitats, developing a wild flower meadow, planting native trees, building nesting boxes for birds, bats and insects and putting in place log piles and compost heaps to help encourage wildlife diversity.

Your votes count!

A Dose Of Liquid Precipitation

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:33:00 +0000

Before our annual bulb planting meet became a complete washout we managed to plant some 450 bulbs including the 100 Daffodil bulbs we were granted from LBWF and Groundwork East London.

Be sure to look out for Alliums, Anemones, Grape Hyacinth, Sporaxis and Freesias in the year to come. Many thanks to all who donated bulbs and to those who joined in the bulb planting meet despite the rain.

If you would like to be informed by email of our next flowerbed meet please contact:

pauline.flowerbed@gmail.com

frances.flowerbed@gmail.com

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£50 donated to the Bramley Close Flowerbed Project

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:51:00 +0000

The Higham Hill Central Neighbourhood Watch Group has donated £50 to the Bramley Close Flowerbed project towards purchasing new seasonal plants.

The Neighbourhood Watch Group meets every two months, 7:00 - 9:00pm at the Unity Hall, Bramley Close. For more information and date of the next meeting please contact pauline.flowerbed@gmail.com

Then and Now

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:53:00 +0000

17 October 2007

It has been some 8 months since we adopted the Bramley Close Flowerbed and the seasons have seen a diverse profusion of flowers and foliage, as documented by the following photographs, flourish and thrive. On the occasional weeding foray, to keep the bindweed from tying itself in knots, we have already seen a number of bumblebees and various caterpillars in this little patch of green.

1 April 2008

20 May 2008

20 May 2008

20 May 2008

23 June 2008

23 June 2008

23 June 2008

A big thank you to those who continue to donate plants from their gardens and those who volunteer their time to give the flowerbed an occasional water and weed.

If you would like to be informed by email of our next weeding session please contact:

pauline.flowerbed@gmail.com

frances.flowerbed@gmail.com

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Trencherfield Allotment Open Day

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:04:00 +0000

Date:Sat 28 June
Time: 11am - 3.30pm
Place:Trencherfield Allotment, Lowther Rd Gate Entrance, Walthamstow E17

A great selection of summer vegetable seedlings, wildflower & garden plants, seeds & garden sundries, home baked goods & refreshments will be on sale.

Our "Rockney Geezer" Pianist will be playing all your old favourites.

Play the tombola or take a tour of the allotment. This is an opportunity to sign up to the allotment tenancy waiting list.

Drop by and have a chat with the Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team.
SEE YOU THERE.

Decision Re Planning Application for No 74 Oakfield Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Date: 6 February 2008
Application no: 2008/0189
Application Date: 6 February 2008
Date of Decision: 24 April 2008

Description of work: Conversion of existing warehouse (use class B8) into 10 self contained flats - 2x1 bed, 7x2 bed & 1x3 bed. Provision of underground car park for 6 vehicles and cycle / bin store on ground floor.

Location of work: 74 Oakfield Rd, Walthamstow, London, E17 5RW

The council have decided to grant permission for the development subject to compliance with a number of conditions.

Though residents have mixed views on hearing the Planning Commitee's decision at the committee meeting on the evening of Wednesday April 23rd, all agree that by consistently contesting the plans for development of 74 Oakfield Rd over the past 18 months, residents have ensured that:

the site is not over developed, the number of proposed flats has been reduced from 14 to 10

the roof level remains the existing height

an underground car park is developed as a part measure to alleviate parking congestion around the site

the refuse bins have been enclosed in an area designed to maintain sanitary conditions

the two entrances to the site are no longer “alleyways” as they are illuminated, gated and can only be accessed by the future residents

an educational contribution is provided

a contribution toward the maintenance and enhancement of local public parks is provided

Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team Drop-in Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team is having a drop-in surgery on Friday 18th April 2008. Do you have problems with:

Anti Social Behaviour?

Noise Nuisance?

Graffiti?

Fly Tipping?

Any other issues?

Come along even if it is just for a chat!

Venue: Unity Hall Bramley Close E17
Time: starts from 7pm until 9pm

Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Appeal: 96 Bramley Close, Walthamstow E17 6EG

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:08:00 +0000

Date: 22nd February 2008
LBWFref: 2007/1885
LBWF Contact: Mrs B Danahar, direct line: 020 8496 6732
Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing to advise you that on the 15th February 2008, Coco Developments Ltd lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of the above site. The appeal is against the refusal of the council to grant planning permission for conversion of office building into four self-contained flats (4x1-bed).

The Council refused permission for the following reasons:-

The proposals would be contrary to policies SP7 and INB8 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006) insofar as it would result in the loss of employment (B1 office) floorspace. Moreover, the applicant has failed to demonstrate that there is no realistic prospect of the property being used for office purposes in the forseeable future.
The proposal would result in an increase in demand and competition for limited on-street parking in a heavily parked and congested area. This would result in conditions that would be detrimental to the amenities of residential occupiers in the vicinity of the application site, contrary to policies BHE1, BHE3, BHE4 and TSP17 of the Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006).
The proposed development would result in loss of amenity for occupiers of residential properties on Higham Hill Road due to overlooking of rear gardens, contrary to policies BHE3 of the adopted Walthamstow Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006).

The grounds of appeal are attached.

The appeal is being dealt with by written representation procedure. The Secretary of State has asked the Council to notify interested persons who were required to be consulted and those who made representations at the application stage of the appeal.

The comments made on the original application will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and the apellant, and will be taken into account by the inspector when deciding the appeal.

If you wish to submit any further representations, you should write to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/19 Eagle, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN. Please send 3 copies quoting appeal reference APP/U5930/A/08/2065623/NWF Any comments you make will be made known to the appellant and the Council.

The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge your letter unless you specifically ask them to do so. They will, however, ensure that your letter is passed on to the Inspector dealing with the appeal. Please ensure that the planning Inspectorate receives any representations, which you wish to make on this appeal, by 28th March 2008 otherwise there is a risk that your representations will not be considered.

The Planning Inspectorate will send a copy of the decision letter to you provided you specifically ask for one.

If you require any further information or clarifiacation of this matter, please telephone the above number. A booklet 'Guide to taking part in planning appeals' is available upon request from the above telephone number.

Yours faithfully
Blaithin Butler
Head of Development Management

GROUNDS OF APPEAL

This appeal has been submitted against the decision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest to refuse planning permission for the conversion of the existing office building into four self-contained flats.

Policy INB8 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006) states that the re-use or redevelopment of office buildings outside the strategic, Borough and Local Employment Areas will be permitted where there is no realistic prospect of the property being re-used for offices in the forseeable future. Preference will be given to re-use or redevelopment for commercial or residential uses subject to there being no conflict with other policies of the Plan. The reasoned justification to Policy INB8 requires redundant office premises to be marketed for a period of six months.

The appellants will demonstrate that the premises has been actively marketed for continued employment use since July 2006 through local agents and that there has been no interest forthcoming. Marketing enquiries have been logged, which demonstrate that the premises have been marketed at a relistic price. To this end, sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that there is no realistic prospect of the premises continuing to be use for office purposes and hence residential use should be permitted consistent with the spirit of policy INB8.

The appellants commissioned an on-street car parking survey to demonstrate that the net additional demand for on-street parking between the existing and the proposed use could be accomodated without resulting in any further stress on the prevailing situation. Hence, there would be no consequential impact on highway and pedestrian safety or on residential amenity.

The proposed development involves the conversion of an existing commercial building where the existing fenestrated elevations are not going to be materially altered through the addition of further windows. Hence, the existing relationship of the building to the surrounding properties is going to be maintained albeit that the use would change from offices to residential. However, the change in the use of the premises would not increase or decrease the extent of the physical relationship with the surrounding properties in terms of privacy, overlooking and outlook. The status quo would be maintained in this regard. In fact, a residential use would be much more conducive to the area than a commercial use in all respects.

In conclusion, I would submit that the appeal proposal is in accordance with the Council's development plan policies and in the absence of any demonstrable harm I would invite the inspector to overturn the Council's decision by allowing the appeal.

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Earthworms Released Into The Flowerbed

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Have you noticed the difference?

This morning the flowerbed area was thoroughly swept and cleared of litter. The earth surrounding the roots of the Plane trees near the flowerbed was weeded and planted with Forget-Me-Nots, summer Iris and Gladioli bulbs and sown with white Alyssum 'Snow Cloth' and pink, lavender, carmine and white Candytuft 'Fairy Mixed'.

Poppies and other annual flower seeds were sprinkled over the flowerbed and a bucket of garden earthworms was released into the flowerbed as their activity will improve the condition of the soil.

A big thank you to the residents who donated money to buy seeds.

We decided to purchase annual flower seeds so that there would be a colourful display of flowers this summer. If anybody is sowing perennials for their gardens please could you nurture a few extra plants for the flowerbed to ensure an abundance of flowers next year.

There is a packet of Stocks to be sown and if anyone would like to volunteer to germinate some in pots indoors please email

pauline.flowerbed@gmail.com

frances.flowerbed@gmail.com

and we will provide you with pots, compost and seed.

Releasing the wriggly garden worms.

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Meeting to view & Discuss Plans Of Proposed Development of 74 Oakfield Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Date: Tuesday 19th February
Time: 7-8pm
Place: St Andrew's Church coffee area, front entrance St Andrew's Church. Off St Andrew's Rd.

Notice of Planning Application Submitted For 74 Oakfield Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Date: 6 February 2008

Application no: 2008/0189

Description of work: Conversion of existing warehouse (use class B8) into 10 self contained flats - 2x1 bed, 7x2 bed & 1x3 bed. Provision of underground car park for 6 vehicles and cycle / bin store on ground floor.

Location of work: 74 Oakfield Rd, Walthamstow, London, E17 5RW

You may view the application at the Development-Management offices, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JF between 9am - 5pm. A Duty Planning Officer is available between 10am - 4pm in reception or by phone (020 8496 3000) to assist you.

Any comments about the application should be submitted in writing within 21 days of the above date.

Manure Mulch

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Thank you to Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager, LBWF Environment & Regeneration for organising the installation of the plaque

Today a group of residents spent half an hour mulching the flowerbed with well rotted manure.

As well as giving much needed nutrition for revitalising the depleted soil, by slowly introducing organic matter we hope to improve the moisture retention properties of it too. This will help over the dry summer period.

We hope to organise a meet sometime late February to sow some annual flowers (any surplus seed saved from your gardens last season would be much appreciated, feel free to email us with any suggestions or requests). We will also concentrate on weeding around the three Plane trees in the vicinity of the flowerbed and plant some vigorous groundcover.

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Higham Hill SNT Burglary Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team is having a burglary surgery on 08th February 2008. The team will give crime prevention advice and freebies throughout the day come along even if it is just for a chat!

Venue: Unity Hall Bramley Close E17
Time: starts from 16:00 pm until 20:00

Re: Planning Application Submitted For 96 Bramley Close

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Date: 26 November 2007

Application no: 2007/1885

Description of work: Conversion of office building into four self-contained flats (4x1 bed).

Location of work: 96 Bramley Close, Walthamstow, London, E17 6EG

"I refer to your representations in respect of the above mentioned proposal. These representations were taken into account when the application was determined.

I have to advise you that after considering all the various factors the council have decided to REFUSE the application."

Elizabeth Appiah
Section Manager Development Control
Development-Management, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, London, E17 4JF

Autumn At The Rec

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:31:00 +0000

A bulb planting event will be held on Saturday the 24th of November at the Higham Hill Rec to plant 40,000 daffodils. There will be fun activities for young children and free health checks too. It will run from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

The event is organised by Tony Banach, Area Manager Valley / Higham Hill of the Better Neighbourhoods Initiative, LBWF, working in partnership with Groundworks East London who are supporting Friends of Parks groups in the borough. All people interested in setting up a Friends Group for the Higham Hill Rec can contact Tony Banach at Tony.Banach@walthamforest.gov.uk

CLICK HERE for more details about The Better Neighbourhoods Initiative, LBWF (link opens in a new window).

CLICK HERE to visit the Groundwork East London website (link opens in a new window).

Group Photos of the Inaugural Flowerbed Adoption Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:17:00 +0000

©LBWF Cllr Bob Belam, Cabinet Member for environment, PCSO Jannet Thompson, PCSO Mohammed Karim of the Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team and residents at the inaugural flowerbed adoption meet.

Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager, Environment & Regeneration, Waltham Forest Council, has kindly sent us some group photographs taken on Wednesday the 17th October when residents adopted the flowerbed.

CLICK HERE for more details about LBWF's 'Adopt A Flower Bed'scheme (link opens in a new window).

CLICK HERE for more details about the Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team (link opens in a new window).

You can click on each of the images to view a larger image.

Spring Bulb Planting Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:49:00 +0000

On the morning of Sunday the 4th of November a group of the more "mature(d)" residents of the close gathered at the flowerbed. After some effort (and secret relief to know that the youths, still asleep after their Fireworks Night activities, were not around to witness this) they managed to scramble up onto to the flowerbed to plant the 300 narcissi and 50 blue crocii donated by the LBWF 'Cleaner, Safer, Greener' Programme and distributed by Groundwork East London.

More plants, yellow, blue and white irises, blue hycinths and more crocii were planted to augment the bulbs donated by the council. A resident of Fairfield Rd risked life and limb to balance precariously on a ladder to remove the bicycle tyre that had been caught for months on the top of the lampost behind the flowerbed.

Many thanks to those residents who donated plants and bulbs, to those who helped plant them, to those who provided refreshments and to those who gave cash donations (we thought we'd give the few earthworms resident in the flowerbed a treat, we'll be purchasing a couple of bags of well rotted manure to mulch the flowerbed in the not too distant future).

CLICK HERE for more details about LBWF's 'Cleaner, Safer, Greener' Programme (link opens in a new window).

CLICK HERE to visit the Groundwork East London website (link opens in a new window).

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Re: Planning Application Submitted For 74 Oakfield Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Pauline) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:06:00 +0000

Notification Of Decision For Neighbourhood Consultation
Date: 21 October 2007

Application Date: 15 August 2007

Application no: 2007/1386

Description of work: Change of use and conversion of existing warehouse (use class B8) into 11 flats (use class C3). Comprising of seven two-bed and four one-bed self-contained flats. Provision of underground carpark for 6 vehicles and cycle stand.

Location of work: 74 Oakfield Rd, Walthamstow, London, E17 5RW

"Further to our letter advising you of the above planning application and further to the representations which have been received.

I would advise that since that time the applicant has decided to withdraw the application."

Elizabeth Appiah
Section Manager Development Control
Development-Management, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, London, E17 4JF

Notice of Planning Application Submitted For 96 Bramley Close

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:49:00 +0000

Date: 19 October 2007

Application no: 2007/1885

Description of work: Conversion of office building into four self-contained flats (4x1 bed).

Location of work: 96 Bramley Close, Walthamstow, London, E17 6EG

You may view the application at the Development-Management offices, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JF between 9am - 5pm. A Duty Planning Officer is available between 10am - 4pm in reception or by phone (020 8496 3000) to assist you.

Any comments about the application should be submitted in writing within 21 days of the above date.

Welcome To The Flowerbed Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:00:00 +0000

We decided to create this blog to act as a community hub as well as a means to enable us to easily organise events or communicate issues around our recently adopted flowerbed and our community at large.

We hope that you will also use this space to communicate with fellow residents. We are happy, for instance, to list any event (such as church book sales, photographic exhibitions, allotment seed-swaps, gigs or concerts) that you might be involved in and wish to involve the community.

We would be glad to hear your suggestions and hope that we can tailor this blog accordingly. You can email The Flowerbed team members at the following addresses:

pauline.flowerbed@gmail.com

frances.flowerbed@gmail.com

If you'd like to be a team member and can commit to making regular contributions to this blog, please contact us. Team members are able to create new posts and start new topic threads. Residents can submit new post content and topics to the team members who will then post on their behalf. Residents can add comments to all posts.

To receive email updates each time a new post is added be sure to type your email address in the blank text box in the right-hand column and click the 'Subscribe' button.

The Inaugural Bramley Close Flowerbed Adoption Meet.

noreply@blogger.com (Franny and Suzy) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday the 17th October residents met Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager, Environment & Regeneration, Waltham Forest Council and received a donation of gardening implements, lavender and rosemary.

CLICK HERE for more details about LBWF's 'Adopt A Flower Bed'scheme (link opens in a new window).

A BIG THANK YOU to the HEROIC efforts of all those who helped to dig out the dead, ugly, badly lopped tree trunks & clear the flowerbed ready for planting! We will be eventually posting a page of before-and-after, work-in-progress photos for you to see just what a dramatic change you have made to the flowerbed.

THANK YOU to all residents who attended the inaugural Bramley Close flowerbed adoption meeting and for the many donated plants. We hope to hold all future flowerbed events at times more convenient to all who are interested.

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