Saturday, November 26, 2011

Welcome to the Olympics (Unless You are Disabled)

When the Planning Board considered the application to use Greenwich Park for the Equestrian events, the Planning Board report (p.94) records that the Westcombe Society urged that “Special attention should be given to the inadequate provision for disabled travellers at Blackheath and Maze Hill stations, including the installation of a disabled access on the down platform at Maze Hill”. The Council responded (p.143) that it “is committed to ensuring convenient and safe access for disabled spectators and it is considered that this matter can be resolved as part of a planning condition.”

It added that “Network Rail and South Eastern Trains, who operate Blackheath and Maze Hill stations, have plans to improve these stations. As an interested party/stakeholder London 2012 will be working with these bodies to explore opportunities to deliver the needed improvements. It is important to note that the Council are confident that effective transport operations for the Events at Greenwich can be delivered by the existing and additional rail infrastructure (being provided by the ODA)”

Unfortunately the Council’s confidence seems to have been misplaced. No planning condition seems to have required the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to deliver the promised additional rail infrastructure to provide disabled access at Maze Hill Station for departing disabled spectators. The plans for ‘the last mile’ to be considered by the Council in January require passengers to reach the departure platform by means of a footbridge that is inaccessible to wheelchair users. There is no proposal for a ramp to the platform from an existing gap on the bridge.



Maze Hill (with Blackheath and Greenwich) is one of three Rail stations designated as a destination for spectators for the Olympic Equestrian Events in Greenwich Park. Unlike the non-Olympic stations on the line, it will have a full, six trains an hour service for arriving spectators from North Kent and London City Airport. But although it is the closest station to Greenwich Park, Maze Hill will have no disabled access to the down platform.

The Westcombe Society had also sought assurances on the availability of a ‘walking’ route for the disabled from Maze Hill station to the venue. In its response (p.136), the Council stated “Given the plans for spectator marshalling and signage discussed within the TA and that there are still some two and a half years before the start of the Games, it is considered that clearly defined spectator walking routes (including for those who are less able) will be established well in advance.”

However, no such safe and convenient route for the disabled has been established, less than nine months before the start of the games. The plans propose that the footbridge is reached using a very narrow pavement across the rail bridge and require possibly unsighted and slow moving disabled persons to cross Maze Hill close to a blind bend, with no marked pedestrian crossing. No attempt is made to use the existing gap in the bridge wall (at a point where the pavement is much wider and road crossing much safer) to provide a step-free pedestrian ramp to the departure platform for the disabled. Unlike the footbridges over the A2 and Romney Road, there would be no expense involved in removing such a ramp after the games.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Olympic Traffic and Planning Consultations

Greenwich Park Olympics
Traffic Regulation Orders and Planning Consultations
Traffic Regulation Orders
Blackwall Tunnel to Sun in the Sands ref T2b – Download information
Notice Date: 24 October 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 November 2011
Maze Hill to A2 Shooters Hill Road ref TV4 – Download information
Notice Date: 24 October 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 November 2011
A2 Shooters Hill Road to Charlton Park Lane ref T5 – Download Information
Notice Date: 24 October 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 November 2011
Olympic Planning Applications
Greenwich Olympic Sites, Greenwich Park, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 and Circus Field, SE3 ref 11/2604/SD
Submission of details to discharge Conditions 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 36, relating to the main Olympic Events. Pursuant to planning permission dated 29/3/2010 (Ref:09/2598/F) for the London 2012 Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon and Paralympic Games
Case officer: Fred  Brown Tel: 020 8921 6097
Registration date:  2 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 9 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 30 November 2011
BLACKHEATH GATE, GREENWICH PARK, CHARLTON WAY, GREENWICH, SE10 ref 11/2396/F  & 11/2397/L
Repositioning of park gates
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:  4 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 9 November 2011
Deadline for objections:  30 November 2011
Student Union, Cooper Building, King William Walk, London, SE10 9JH ref 11/2539/F
Temporary use of Student Union Building for 2012 Games Time
Case officer: Fred  Brown Tel: 020 8921 6097
Registration date:  26 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections:  7 December 2011
Greenwich Park, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8QY ref 11/2540/F
The erection of a temporary mast structure and cable to facilitate a cable mounted mobile camera within Greenwich Park, National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College in association with the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
Case officer: Fred  Brown Tel: 020 8921 6097
Registration date:  2 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections:  7 December 2011
Land to the North of Shooters Hill Road, (close to junction with Duke Humphrey Road), SE3 ref 11/2541/F
Application for the erection of a temporary pedestrian bridge spanning Shooters Hill Road to facilitate pedestrian movement in association with the temporary use of Greenwich Park for the hosting of the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
Case officer: Fred  Brown Tel: 020 8921 6097
Registration date:  2 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections:  7 December 2011
Greenwich Park, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8QY ref 11/2549/SD
Submission of details to partially discharge Condition 4 (Routes for Utility Services) of Planning Permission dated 29/10/10 Ref: 09/2598/F for the hosting of the London 2012 Olympic Games Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon and Paralympics Dressage
Case officer: Fred  Brown Tel: 020 8921 6097
Registration date:  27 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections:  7 December 2011

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Blackwall Tunnel fully re-opened

The Blackwall Tunnel has re-opened following refurbishment works carried out by Transport for London (TfL) to make the 114-year-old tunnel safer.

Some planned overnight weekend works will continue as part of an improvement schedule, so please check the website for more information.

Police Community Support Officers are on hand until 18 November to help guide drivers through the new traffic layout - the result of an additional lane for HGV vehicles on the northbound approach to the tunnel.
The new lane will help divert over-height vehicles away from the tunnel before they reach the entrance.
Other improvements include:
  • Better emergency access for maintenance, more emergency points and improved escape route signs
  • Upgrades to CCTV, ventilation, drainage, fire mains and hydrants
  • Improved detectors for smoke, stopped vehicles, pedestrians debris and over-height vehicles
  • New lighting and communications systems
  • Automated tunnel closure system
  • Variable message and lane control signs

Friday, November 04, 2011

November 2011 Applications

Weekly List 4 November 2011

5 VANBRUGH FIELDS, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7TZ ref 11/2586/TC
Re-pollard lombardy poplar in rear garden at 15m
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   31 October 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  12 December 2011  RAISE NO OBJECTION

LAND AT, PARKSIDE, BLACKHEATH ref 11/2588/TC
Various tree works of crown lifting, redution and thinning as per schedule dated 27.10.11 (felling of four dead trees that fall within exemptions but are to be replaced)
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   31 October 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  12 December 2011  RAISE NO OBJECTION

Weekly List 11 November 2011

51E WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD, LONDON, SE3 7QZ ref 11/2556/F
Loft conversion comprising the installation of replacement timber windows and installation of 3 dormer windows
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   10 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 7 December 2011 REFUSE

6 VANBRUGH HILL, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7UF ref 11/2661/TC
Fell mountain ash in rear garden, leaning and causing damage to wall
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   8 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 11November 2011
Deadline for objections: 2 December 2011  RAISE NO OBJECTION

18 CHARLTON ROAD, CHARLTON, SE3 7HG ref 11/2555/F
Conversion of property to a single family dwelling comprising construction of additional storey above side garage, formation of rear terrace and access steps from upper ground floor to garden level and alterations to rear windows and doors
Case officer: Kemi Erifevieme Tel: 020 8921 5566
Registration date:   24 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 7 December 2011  APPROVE

35 GLENLUCE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7SD ref 11/2461/F
Construction of a rear conservatory
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:   24 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 7 December 2011
FLAT 15, THE FENTONS, VANBRUGH PARK ROAD, SE3 7NJ ref 11/0714/F
Installation of replacement uPVC windows
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   24 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 16 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 7 December 2011  APPROVE

83 MAZE HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8XQ ref 11/2485/SD
Submission of details pursuant to Condition 1 (Facing Materials) and Condition 2 (Window Details) of planning permission dated 08.10.2010 (Ref:10/2158/F)
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:  17 October 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  12 December 2011  APPROVE


Weekly List 18 November 2011


16 BEACONSFIELD ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7LZ ref 11/2712/TC
Purple Plum - 25% crown reduction. Fig - crown reduce and thin by 15%
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   17 November 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  29 December 2011  RAISE NO OBJECTION

59 WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD, BLACKHEATH, SE3 7QY  ref 11/2698/TP
Rear garden - Walnut re-shape and thin by 15%, Robinia - fell - large cavity in trunk, Hawthorn - remove limb from wall and crown lift to 3m. Pittosporum - reshape by 30%. Front Garden - Purple Plum - thin by max 20%, and lift by 2.5m. Ash - remove three branches over path. Judas tree - reduce laterals over driveway by 50%
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   15 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 18 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 9 December 2011 APPROVE

114 WESTCOMBE HILL, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7DT ref 11/2700/TC
Fell eucalyptus tree in rear garden
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   15 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 18 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 9 December 2011  RAISE NO OBJECTION

73 Coleraine Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7PF ref 11/2591/F
Loft conversion comprising roof infill and installation of rear dormer window and 5 rooflights
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   27 October 2011
Site Notice Date: 23 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 14 December 2011  APPROVE


Weekly List 25 November 2011

12 COLERAINE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7PQ ref 11/2797/TP
Sycamore - crown reduce by 20% and tidy up stubs from unauthorised pruning. Acacia - crown reduce and thin by max 20% to retain shape
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   23 November 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  5 January 2012  APPROVE

JOHN ROAN LOWER SCHOOL, WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7QR ref 11/2695/TC
Trees T12-T15 and T17 &T18 on drawing 'M182/JRS/TREE/02 - 6 Trees in Total. Prune back to suitable growth points to allow the access of modular buildings - NO FELLING PROPOSED IN THIS APPLICATION
Registration date:   11 November 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  5 January 2012   RAISE NO OBJECTION

Barclays Bank, 43A Vanbrugh Park, London, SE3 7AB ref 11/2393/A
Installation of 2 internally illuminated fascia signs and one internally illuminated projecting sign
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:   4 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 30 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 December 2011  APPROVE

Barclays Bank, 43A Vanbrugh Park, London, SE3 7AB ref 11/2394/F
Installation of a domed CCTV camera
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:   4 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 30 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 December 2011   APPROVE



Weekly List 2 December 2011


28 BEACONSFIELD ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7LZ ref 11/2826/TC
Lime tree - reduce canopy by 30%. Poplar tree - crown lift to 2-3m max. Robinia - fell problematic for patio structure
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   28 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 30 November 2011
Deadline for objections: 21 December 2011   RAISE NO OBJECTION

70 BEACONSFIELD ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7LG ref 11/2829/TC
Cut back the overhang from 4 lime trees located on the adjoining property
Case officer: Debi Rogers Telephone: 020 8921 5661
Registration date:   28 November 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  9 January 2012   RAISE NO OBJECTION

JENNINGS RACING, 4 STRATHEDEN PARADE,  SE7 7SX ref 11/2813/F
Retention of new shop front and roller shutter
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   23 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 14 December 2011
Deadline for objections: 4 January 2012  APPROVE

JENNINGS RACING, 4 STRATHEDEN PARADE, SE7 7SX ref 

11/2819/A
Retention of internally illuminated fascia sign


Retention of new shop front and roller shutter
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   23 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 14 December 2011
Deadline for objections: 4 January 2012  APPROVE

John Roan Lower School, Westcombe Park Road, London, SE3 7QR ref 11/2799/SD
Submission of details pursuant to part Condition 1 (Facing Materials of Temporary Building ONLY), Condition 4 (BREEAM), Condition 14 (Construction Method Statement) and Condition 15 (Noise & Dust) of planning permission dated 19/10/11 (Ref:11/1819/F)
Case officer: Jacob Jaarsma Tel: 020 8921 5438
Registration date: 21 November 2011
Site Notice Date: No Public Consultation
Deadline for decision  16 January 2012

56 GLENLUCE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7SB ref 11/2745/F
Installation of front and side dormer windows
Case officer: Alex Smith Tel: 020 8921 5892
Registration date:   15 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 7 December 2011
Deadline for objections: 28 December 2011  APPROVE

20 Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, London, SE3 7AF ref 11/2749/F
Installation of raised decking area and access steps from rear upper ground floor to garden level
Case officer: Victoria Wood Telephone: 020 8921 6201
Registration date:   15 November 2011
Site Notice Date: 7 December 2011
Deadline for objections: 28 December 2011  APPROVE