Kew Liberal Democrats

Met up with the Kew Society and Land Girls to plan the landscaping of the overgrown plot of
land at the end of High Park Avenue and North Road. The Kew Society has wanted to revamp the area for
some time now and I hope that by working together with the community, local businesses, volunteer sector
and the Council we will be able to turn a disused piece of land into a community garden. I think instead of it
being called the North Road Triangle we should rename it The Railway Garden. I will keep you all posted on the outcome of our meeting with the Council next week.

SPORT IN RICHMOND

Had a very good meeting with Sport Richmond to discuss sport in the Borough.   We are fortunate to have great working relationships between the sports development team at the council and the professional and volunteer sport sector. With cut backs looming, we talked about the importance of maintaining discount rates for volunteer clubs and discussed the potential to open up our school sports facilities to the wider community for use during the evening, weekends and holidays.

PLANNING IN KEW

The proposed redevelopment of the Inland Revenue site is still being vigorously opposed with the Kew Society and Kew Residents Association (plus many residents) fighting on all fronts. There is a public enquiry underway with the appellant putting his case forward and the objectors having their say in Sept or Oct. More details on the council website; planning number 09/0610/FUL

Other proposed redevelopments include:

The Old Iron Church in Sandycombe Road (AKA the Anglo Japanese Karate Club) into 8 one bedroom flats.
Why are we, as a community, allowing an historical building, built in 1895 to be destroyed when surely renovating and preserving this Iron Church for community use would be of greater benefit to the residents and the youth of Kew? More details on the council website; planning number 08/3772/FUL

288 Sandycombe Road from a house into a day time nursery. More details on the council website; planning number 10/0922/COU 

LARKS IN THE PARK

On Tuesday 3rd August at 12.30pm Professor Kayoss and his Amazing Answer to Everything Machine will be at York House Gardens.His environmental awareness show is always highly entertaining, as well as educational, and it’s suitable for 3-11 year olds. Call 0208 831 6000 for more information.

LIB DEMS STREET STALL
We will be in Kew Village once again on Saturday 7th August from 10.30 till 12.00pm.
We will be handing out a local survey asking you for your opinions. If there’s anything you want to talk about,
come and see me on the stall for a chat.
OTHER KEW MATTERS
I have also been dealing with a wide range of issues for local residents including their
housing & planning concerns, contested parking fines, pruning of trees and bushes, dodgy street lights and tourist buses parked on Kew Road leaving their engines running.   

There is very little time left to object to this over development in Kew. As I have mentioned on a previous
e-mail, Kew Residents Association and the Kew Society are fighting very hard to stop this development. Kew is
crying out for a community facility and this site could be ideal for such a project.
 
I have spoken to Nick True and Stephen Knight who are both looking into what can be done. 
 
Contact wendycrammond@blueyonder.co.uk at Kew Residents Association or
The Kew Society m.glazebrook@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

This is our very last chance to try and have a real say into what is developed in Kew.
The date is set for the public enquiry 27th - 30th July.  
 
Write. Attend. Speak. Get Involved.
 
NEWS UPDATE RE THE INLAND REVENUE SITE REDEVELOPMENT (Next to The National Archives)

1) A summary of what the proposed re-development is
2) An explanation of why KRA is objecting to it
3) A template letter to sign and send if you wish to object yourself
Action is needed before Thursday July 15th. EVERY CONTACT HELPS!

1. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
 The property development company Parkway Luxembourg SARL want to build a huge development on the
former Inland Revenue site next to the National Archives; the initial planning application - reference 09/0610/FUL – was and is for a development comprising 111 flats, a care home and commercial office space, in six monolithic buildings. Car parking is to be underground, with access to the site being shared with the National Archives via Bessant Drive. This planning application was refused by LBRuT’s Planning Committee in September 2009; however, in March 2010 Parkway appealed that decision. The appeal was automatically referred by LBRuT to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol for their adjudication. But for some reason Richmond Council’s information/consultation mailing letter to previous objectors (including KRA)
did not reach anyone.

The final decision is to be reached by the Inspectorate at a Public Enquiry at LBRuT’s offices in Richmond
taking place 27th – 30th July 2010.
 
2. WHY KRA OBJECTS TO IT
 The reasons for KRA’s objections to the planning application were virtually mirrored in the reasons contained in LBRuT’s formal Refusal; although LBRuT couched these in terms of breaches to the binding Unitary Development Plan, in plain English what was unacceptable was as follows:
 
a) Excessive height, building mass, density and lack of adequate spacing; buildings out of scale and cramped, resulting in over-development out of keeping with and detrimental to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
 
b) The area of amenity space for leisure and recreation too limited in size for the number of users within the site (including children’s play space); amenity value would be reduced by the relative lack of grass area; the presence of vehicular traffic, and the limited scope for tree planting due to shallow soil within the central space of the development.

c) No safety audit provided in relation to access, bearing in mind proximity to the heavily-visited Archives and the Retail Park.
 
d) Failure to demonstrate that traffic from the site could be accommodated at the junction of Mortlake Road (the South Circular, A205) and Bessant Drive without causing unacceptable traffic congestion and detriment to road safety.
 
e) The plans failed to include adequate affordable housing provision.
 
f) Given that the site is very close to the river, the developers’ Flood Risk Assessment and Sustainable Design and Construction Statement failed to demonstrate how surface water would be managed in an adequate and sustainable manner.
 
g) The development would have an overbearing and un-neighbourly impact on residential occupiers in existing close-by dwellings, and for one dwelling in particular there would be unacceptable loss of light.
 
h) Failure to make an adequate contribution towards public infrastructure costs in line with LBRuT’s Planning Obligations Strategy, placing an excessive burden on local transport, education, health facilities and open space.
 
[Please note that KRA is not opposed to redevelopment of the site in principle, but we wish it to be achieved to the highest possible design/amenity standards and in recognition of its sensitive nature as the last stretch of land available for development close to the river]

3. TEMPLATE FOR SUGGESTED LETTER OF OBJECTION(Please amend/rewrite if possible as an ‘individual’ approach is always best):
For speed, the email address (click the link and copy and paste the letter below into your email) is:
Charmaine.Bird@planning-inspectorate.gsi.gov.uk
To:
Charmaine Bird
Team P6
The Planning Inspectorate
Room 3/14, Temple Quay House
2 The Square, Temple Quay,
Bristol BS1 6PN
 
Reference: Case - Planning Application Number: 09/0610/FUL Inland Revenue Ruskin Avenue Kew Surrey
(Planning Inspectorate Reference 212 3838)
 
Dear Ms Bird

As I have not received any letter of consultation from the local authority (LBRuT) I would ask
the Planning Inspectorate to accept my comments now on the Appeal by Parkway Luxembourg SARL:
 
I urge the Planning Inspectorate to confirm the Refusal of the planning application 09/0610/FUL by
the London Borough of Richmond Planning Committee. The important reasons for which the original application
was refused remain the same:
 
Excessive height, building mass, density and lack of adequate spacing; buildings out of scale and cramped;
lack of space for leisure and recreation; not enough amenity space; unsafe arrangements for access by
traffic (no safety audit offered); problems for the Red Route Mortlake Road, the South Circular, A 205;
inadequate affordable housing provision; danger that flooding from the close proximity of the river has not
been taken into account; overbearing new buildings damaging the light of existing neighbouring residential properties,and inevitable pressure on local health, education and transport provision, with no proposals to ameliorate these.
 
While the developers are clearly unhappy at having their plans rejected, it is also clear that they have many significant objections to deal with, as I have outlined above. Before any permission could be given to develop this crucial site huge issues need to be dealt with.
 
In essence, the key issues are the over-development of the space available and the requirement to add to the site rather than simply exploit it, coupled with the need to treat it sensitively architecturally, given its unique position.
 
I trust that you will seriously consider my objections and that you will notify me of the outcome of the Appeal.

Yours etc
** Please don’t forget that for your comments to be taken into account you must get them to the Inspectorate in Bristol before Thursday 15 July.
 
Please help spread the word: a further copy of this note is attached
KRA would be grateful for a copy of anything you write:  email wendy@savekew.org.uk (tel: 0208 255 1919)
Published by Kew Residents Association 83 Mortlake Road Kew TW9 4AA

MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS
Saturday 3rd July I was with my fellow LibDems handing out free cotton bags to persuade people to
stop using plastic shopping bags in Kew as part of the KEEP KEW PLASTIC BAG FREE Campaign.

Last Saturday, 10th July, I was at a ‘meet your councillor’ session, at Kew Library. 
Complaints ranged from tree pruning and over hanging branches to the issue of too much street furniture in Kew, especially aluminium posts. I had a look over the weekend and I tend to agree ~ our streets seem to have an infestation of posts and signs.  I wonder what the recycle value would be?

WARD COUNCILLORS
Met up with my fellow ward councillors, Meena and David, to discuss the farmers market, 20mph zones,
the Inland Revenue Site and our Primary schools. The coalition is working well in Kew.

COUNCIL MEETING
Went to the second full meeting of the council. It seems to me that we need to start working together
on the issues that are important to local residents, after all that is what we have been elected for.

GOOD SHIP RICHMOND
Went to the freedom parade for HMS Richmond at York House and saw the ship’s platoon march through the
streets of Twickenham. I then went to the reception to meet the troops.

GREAT SPORTING MOMENTS
Went to the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace to watch children from the Borough of Richmond compete against 32 other Boroughs. The much coveted Jubilee Trophy is won by the Borough with the best overall performance. Last year Richmond came 6th and are hoping to get a 4th place this year.

The London Youth Games has a glorious history. Since 1977, London Boroughs have been competing for the right to be Champions of the Capital. Though Richmond has not as yet lifted the Jubilee Trophy, they were, in 2009, competition winners for Rugby Union, Rowing Judo and the Kayak Sprint; they were also Most Improved Trophy Winners 2009.

I had a great day, in the safe hands of the Sports Development team and saw our talented Netball, Hockey, Basketball, Football, Athletic and Rugby tag teams perform to a very high level. I would advise you all, next year, to go and cheer our teams on. They deserve all our support.

TEACHING IN KEW
Met up with our State Primary School Heads. Though the schools are all different in character and ethos, they all share the same passion: to teach and enthuse our children to learn and to grow and become confident people.

ART IN RICHMOND
Met up with Arts Richmond on Eel Pie Island. 3 things I need to say: the first is what a great place Eel Pie Island is, such a hive of interesting art activity from painters to sculptors to blacksmiths, a real gem that will need looking after. Secondly, what a fantastic organisation Arts Richmond are, they do so much for the arts community, whether it is publicising the performing arts (both theatrical and musical) to organising trips to shows and places of interest. It looks like they have already lost some funding because of the cutbacks, but we must make sure this charity survives. So become a member, contact Sian Morgan on 8892 9446   

MEETING COUNCIL OFFICERS
Met up to resolve a car club parking bay issue. Car club is such a great idea that it is shame when the idea itself gets lost in the politics of the implementation of the idea. Also met to discuss the possibility of an organic market in Kew village.  Discussions went well and I will keep you all posted. I’m getting great support from my fellow councillors in Kew on this.I am also in talks about reducing the footprint of the loading bay outside Tesco and asking them to review the loading times and size of Lorries that are allowed to deliver to Tesco. Again, I will keep you informed.

Don’t forget that you can catch me this Saturday in Kew village at the LibDem stall from 10.30 onwards. 
Next Saturday, 10th July, I will be at the Kew Library holding a “Meet Your Councillor” morning with my fellow Kew Councillors. 

Met up with the Council officers for Culture to find out what our Libraries, Arts and Sport are doing
within the Borough. Some great work going on in all areas; really impressive stuff.

Went to Orleans House Gallery to see an exhibition called ‘Place Setting’ by Eleanor Pritchard. The following night was invited by local Kew Artist Diana Armfield to see ‘The Royal Academicians Come To Richmond’
exhibition at the Richmond Hill Gallery. It’s on until 17th June, so if you get a chance, do go along.
 
So onto the big social event in Kew - the first ever ‘Kew Midsummer Fete’. And what a day it was. 
The rain kept away and local residents came out to enjoy a fun filled family day. The entertainment stage
was lit up with local school children and other talented performers dancing, singing and playing musical instruments. The dog show was also a great success with local dog owners out in force. And last but not least the food area and stalls had a varied and diverse display of local produce.

I have been talking to local residents about car club, the development
of the Inland Revenue site and parking bays in the village.

I will also be meeting the head teachers of our Kew primary schools
as well as meeting up with council officers.

What a great idea from the Council’s Youth Services. All young footballers have the opportunity to take part in a World Cup themed tournament this June. It has been advertised and is on the Council web site http://www.richmond.gov.uk

Finished my first year at University. It was really hard work. So much for
everyone thinking that students are lazy and do nothing; not as far as I could tell.

POLICE LIAISON MEETING
I missed going to Susan Kramer’s ‘Thank You Party’.
I was at the Kew Police Liaison meeting instead. We discussed crime hot spots,
speeding in Sandycombe Road (apparently people don’t), Neighbourhood watch (going well but needs more coordinators) 

WARD MEETING
Had a LibDem Ward meeting with Kew members and managed to sell
some Kew Midsummer Fete raffle tickets to a captive audience

QUEENS SCHOOL FAIR
On Saturday I had a great day at Queens School Fair. Was at the KPR beat the goalie stall.
The top penalty score was 30 (better than the England average).

NYLANDS AVENUE STREET PARTY
I met up with the organisers of Nylands Avenue Street Party which
is going to be held on 4th July. Nylands are inviting their neighbouring streets
to come together and meet up for a fun day of food, drink, games
and getting to know each other.

HEATHROW
Even though the third runway at Heathrow will not go ahead,
BAA could still ask for night flights to be introduced. Will keep you updated.

RICHMOND PARK
Big row still looming over free parking in Richmond Park as the Royal Parks
have not, as yet, withdrawn their application for the installation of car meters. Again will keep you posted

KEW MIDSUMMER FETE
Do not forget this Saturday 19th June is the Kew Midsummer Fete. Will be a great local day out.

TO DO LIST
Going to meet up with Head of Culture at the Council and I have been invited
to the Youth Games on 3rd 0f July.
I have also been invited to the opening of ‘Place Setting’ by
Eleanor Pritchard at Orleans House Gallery and
to The Royal Academicians come to Richmond exhibition at Richmond Hill gallery.
I am also going to the LibDem Group meeting 21st June as well and
The Annual Strategic Partnership conference on 23rd June

ORLEAN HOUSE GALLERY

Met up with Cllr Liz Jaeger at Orlean House Gallery. Liz used to be the cabinet member for Culture, Art and Sport.

Liz briefed me on Lib Dem policy for the Borough. Later on met up with Rachel, who is the head of the Art Gallery.

They are doing really innovative and interesting projects with all age groups throughout the community.

OLD IRON CHURCH IN KEW

Heard that the Old Iron Church in Kew is going to be developed into flats.

Looks like it is a done deal and that we cannot save it.

KEW LIBRARY

Went to the Kew Library, what a great local facility it is. We all need to make sure that it stays that way.

 CAR CLUB

Have had some residents complain about the parking spaces devoted to Car Club.

Will look into whether the bays can be moved to a more suitable location.

MEET YOUR COUNCILLOR STREET STALL

Had the first Lib Dem ‘Meet the councillor’ street stall on Saturday in Kew Village.

It is a great way of seeing and listening to people.

KEW PARK RANGERS PRESENTATION

Was at the Kew Park Rangers BBQ and medal presentation at North Sheen Rec.

It was a great day with free burgers, bouncy castles, face painting and football tournaments and 400 local kids there who received their medals and trophies.

QUEENS  CoE KEW SCHOOL FAIR 12th JUNE

The Fair will run from 11.00 am til 3.30 pm. I will be there all day doing the beat the goalie competition. Will be another great day in Kew.

OTHER KEW EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Friday 11 June - Summer Social at St Luke’s - Bar B Que, licensed bar, and Line Dancing  - (not obligatory!)
For tickets (£15 including BBQ food ) please call 0208 948 8806 or e mail info@kewcommunitytust.org.uk
Proceeds in aid of Kew Community Trust which runs the Avenue Club.
 
Saturday 12th June – Abbeyfield Summer Fete.  Always a great day, supporting a super organization. 

Saturday 19th June – Kew Midsummer Fete.  The first year for this new event in the Kew calendar. 
 
Saturday 26th June – Pensford Field Summer Picnic.

TRAINING EVENINGS

I have spent nearly every evening at the council in training sessions on best practice, code of conduct, work load management and the planning process. I was introduced to my fellow elected Lib Dem Councillors in Richmond and my fellow coalition partners.   

ELECTION OF LIBDEM  LEADER AND SHADOW CABINET

The Lib Dem group met to elect a new leader, a shadow cabinet, committee members and spokespersons; I was elected as spokesperson for Libraries, Arts and Sports. 

FIRST MEETING OF COUNCIL

The first meeting of the full council took place and the leader of the council and cabinet were elected and the opposition leader and cabinet and spokespersons were confirmed. The outgoing Mayor handed over the reins to the incoming Mayor. 

MAYORS DINNER

Sara and I; or as A.A. Gill would say “The Blonde”, went to the Mayors inauguration dinner. I should have kept the menu as a souvenir; but we had mousseline of fish to start, followed by Lamb Shanks; then a rather sweet Lemon Tart for dessert. It was a fun night with the LibCon coalition in full swing, which unfortunately drowned out the jazz flute player and the pianist. 

LOCAL ISSUES

But just in case you all thought it was all fun and no work, in my first 10 days I have done broken street lights, hazardous bins and overgrown trees.

I would also like to remind you all, that the Kew Midsummer Fete is happening on Saturday 19^th June and that same evening it is the start of the Kew Music Festival as well. So do not forget to put those dates in your diaries.

I will also be in Kew Village on the first Saturday of every month on the Lib Dem street stall if you want to talk; or you can just call me or email me.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the elections on May 6. It was a very close result locally, with fewer than 240 votes dividing the top six candidates. After a full recount a result was finally declared at about 9pm on the evening of Friday May 7.

I am delighted to say that J-F Burford has been elected to represent our area for the next four years. J-F will be a superb and hard-working local councillor and will keep in touch through this website, as well as our newsletter, Kew Comments.

But it is very disappointing that, after 28 years representing Kew, Serge Lourie lost his seat by the narrowest of margins - just six votes. Serge has been a tremendous public servant over the last three decades, for Kew and for Richmond as a whole. Knocking on doors locally over the last few months I met many people who have been helped by Serge, but sadly this was not quite enough to withstand a national swing to the Conservatives. I (George Crozier) also narrowly failed to be elected, missing out by 55 votes. And, of course, after five years as a quite outstanding Member of Parliament, Susan Kramer also sadly lost her seat. As someone who worked with Susan in Parliament for a number of years I know what a dynamic campaigning MP she was and what a contribution she made to national affairs during her time in the Commons. I very much hope she will continue to play a part in our public life.

On a personal note I would like to wish all three of our local councillors - Conservatives Meena Bond and David Linnette as well as J-F - well on the council over the next four years. I would also like to say how much I enjoyed talking to so many local people on the doorstep during the campaign, about issues national and local. We are privileged to live in a beautiful area and, although not on the council myself, I will certainly be continuing to do all I can to keep our area green, pleasant and thriving.

This is the website of Councillor J-F Burford and the rest of the Kew Liberal Democrat team. Thank you to all those who supported us at the recent election. You can view the result here.

On this website we report back on our local campaigns, and share news and information about events in the Kew area. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to report a problem or to raise any local issues. We will do all we can to help.