Placeshaping – the draft report
If you’ve been following for a while, or have ever clicked that handy “Latest Planning News” link on the right, you’ll probably have seen me talk about Placeshaping.
Here’s the recap: Camden council is conducting “placeshaping” exercises in many areas of the borough in order to identify the concerns of locals and try and guide the planning and development of these areas to the extent they can. I have been fortunate enough to have been asked to participate in some of the meetings, and some of you have contributed with thoughts via this blog, which I assure you are read by the team drawing up the report.
Developing a unified place plan is not a quick process. The first meeting I attended was back at the end of June and now we’re at the draft report stage. Kate Goodman from Camden, who is our Placeshaping officer, has given me permission to post this draft report, which is currently in two parts but will evenutally be merged.
As you read this, please do note that it is only a draft. Your comments though (perhaps not on any typos) are actively welcomed, especially on the second part which outlines the vision and action plan. Reference copies are also available for viewing at West Hampstead Library.
I’ve ringed in red some of the more interesting bits (you may disagree with what’s “interesting”) for those of you who just want to get the basic idea. The major issues covered are planning, and especially the large developments in the pipeline, the local retail environment, public services , green spaces, and movement between stations. Although parking is discussed, it’s notable that no mention is made of whether parking for the local shops might be addressed, despite it being raised regularly by local businesses as a key issue in boosting visitor numbers to the town centre (as it’s called). It’s also a shame that The Winch doesn’t get a mention in the youth services discussion despite being relatively close by, especially for people living the Swiss Cottage side of West Hampstead.
Click the little cloud icon to download the document, or the document title above the slides to go to the web version.
West Hampstead Place Plan Pt 1 – DRAFT
West Hampstead Place Plan Pt 2 – DRAFT
If you’re interested in being involved in the next meeting, which is planned for the next couple of weeks, please contact Kate.
Wow, that is a hell of a lot of information. I cannot imaging that more than a handful of local residents or business owners will read much of it at all. I have read a fair amount and it is thorough and seems fair. I guess we will all have to rely on the few active members of the community to protect most of our interests (I do participate when I can or feel the need but there are always the “lunatic” few who will object to every single sign of change). There is a hell of a lot going on in the area and a lot of it is positive. (does anyone know about the temporary location of South Hampstead School For Girls at the tennis club for 2 years yet)?
There is a lot of info. I think once the final report is out the action plan will be a good checklist to keep the council to account for actually implementing these plans. I don't know what the situation is with the school at the tennis club. If I find out, I'll post it here