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The problems with section 106 agreements are primarily that they are negotiable and transferable. The fact that developers are able to negotiate their way out of what is agreed at planning (Section 106 agreement)  through ‘viability assessments’ - often claiming the agreed provision of affordable housing is no longer viable - effectively holds projects and … Continue reading Viability Assessments and Section 106

SWB is an international programme which has students visiting De Montfort University. DMU students have been based at Cressingham gardens from Jan to May 2015 (see other post) and this summer SWB students have been based at Central Hill. The students are working with residents to come up with ideas for improvements and refurbishments of the estate. … Continue reading Science Without Borders Students workshop at Central Hill

Workshop 1 – Green spaces Drawings and documentation to follow. Workshop 2 – Voids #1 In terms of documentation of this workshop, we would take photographs of the specific aspects people comment on, and sketch over the drawings of the existing plans sections and elevations and perspectives of the homes at Cressingham. I would be keen … Continue reading ARCHITECTURAL WORKSHOPS (Cressingham Gardens)

‘THE VOIDS’ –Gathering Information Existing site What are the issues along Crosby walk? People passing by to walk to the park - is that a good or bad thing? South facing at the front – back gardens underused? Subsidence/ structural damage Access for construction Disabled access OTHER… What would you like to see happen here? … Continue reading Architectural Workshops on Cressingham Gardens Estate

The local Authority (Lambeth) makes lots of promises, but none of these are as yet legally binding. All of these promises can be reneged upon (as in any scheme) subject to a 'viability assessment'. Further down the line, if the scheme is no longer financially viable, they will not be obliged to follow through necessarily … Continue reading No Guarantees!

(from a VAT tax consultant:) 'VAT is charged by default is charged at 20% - but the 5% rate is applicable under certain (very specific) circumstances 1.       The supply and fit of eligible Energy Saving Materials 2.       The renovation of premises unoccupied for more than 2 years 3.       Changing the number of … Continue reading VAT

Following up the Knight's Walk consultation yesterday: Effectively the same information was on the wall as at the last meeting. The only difference was Matthew Bennett (Lambeth Cabinet Member for Housing) was there, and more neighbourhood groups putting forward their objections. A few things noted: Matthew Bennett definitively said there would be no ballot for residents. … Continue reading Knight’s Walk: Resident Consultation

ASH are currently supporting the residents of Knight's Walk in opposing Lambeth's proposals to demolish their homes. We are meeting on a regular basis with Lambeth and their architects (Mae) and proposing alternatives to their proposals, in the hope of influencing their designs. In addition, on behalf of the residents we will be putting forward … Continue reading Knights Walk: Progress Report

Both Cressingham Gardens and Central Hill were designed by Ted Hollamby. Senake has set up a Ted Hollamby Society  which has been supported by the William Morris Society. 20th Century Society have expressed an interest in a Ted Hollamby day (?) We could look into organising tours around the estates? and or writing about them. … Continue reading Ted Hollamby

An SPV is a mechanism by which a council can acquire a loan for building projects. It is effectively setting up a subsidiary company which creates an 'arms length' organisation for the council. How these companies then relate to the future management of the estates is unknown. Because the estates will not be owned directly by the council, … Continue reading Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)