Anti-Social behaviour
Anti- social behaviour is something that should not be suffered by any members of our community. There have been an increasing number of gatherings of young people opposite the nursery in St. Mary's Terrace. These gatherings can become threatening and at times there have been suggestions of drug taking.
Little Venice councillor Melvyn Caplan organised a meeting at the City of Westminster College. A number of actions were agreed including improving the signage to stop these gatherings, an improved college protocol for their students and an increased police presence to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Caplan explains "local people have a right to expect that inconsiderate individuals do not behave is such a way that is inappropriate or intimidating to others. We will continue to work with local organisations to keep our communities safe for everyone".
20mph speed zones
As previously reported, a trial of 20MPH speed zones are to be introduced around the city, concentrating initially on roads around our schools. Initially there will be two in our area. One along Shirland Road to cover St. Saviour’s School. The second will be along Randolph Avenue to cover St. Joseph’s School. We are pushing for the first one to be extended to also cover Bristol Gardens to avoid speed related traffic along that section of the road.
Cllr Barbara Arzymanow says "we are looking forward to see the results of these trials and to find new ways that cut down on motorists speeding irresponsibly in a largely residential area".
Planning applications
Planning applications are a major focus in Little Venice Ward. Your Conservative councillors work hard to protect and preserve our area. We will support applicants who want to engage with the community, but equally we will help residents oppose applications that do not strike the right balance.
If you have concerns about a planning application, do not hesitate to contact us. Any residents that have concerns that ‘unauthorised modifications’ have been carried out to properties should let us know and we will engage the planning enforcement team to investigate.
Cllr Caplan commented that ‘we treat preservation and protection of our area very seriously and want to ensure that this special place continues to thrive’.
Here to Listen and Offer Support
A meeting was recently organised by your local councillors for those living in Braithwaite & Hall Towers and Parsons House. In a lively meeting which lasted more than two hours, a significant number of questions were raised on various issues including fire safety, major works within the blocks and parking. A follow up meeting is being arranged for September which will be open to all residents on the Hall Park estate.
We are confident the council’s buildings across Westminster are safe but Westminster Conservatives want to make them safer. Currently, building regulations are that new build flats over 30 metres should have sprinklers fitted. We announced that sprinklers will be fitted in all existing buildings above 30 metres managed by CityWest Homes across the city, which will typically be blocks of over 12 storeys, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in buildings below 12 storeys.
We will go further than the regulations in retro-fitting sprinklers in existing buildings at the same height across Westminster, as well as looking closely at all the issues regarding sprinkler installation.
Cllr Arzymanow said that she welcomed the opportunity for further engagement with the local community. She added that 'your Conservative councillors remain available at all times, by phone, email or post to support residents with any issues that they want help in resolving'.
Aiken takes action on Affordable Homes
Conservative Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Nickie Aiken, signalled a change in the Council’s policy on affordable housing at a keynote speech to the London Real Estate Forum, where she called upon developers to ‘build more homes that people from all backgrounds can afford’.
Councillor Aiken spoke about the fundamental change needed to build a Westminster of aspiration for future generations. She indicated that she wants to partner with developers to ensure more affordable and intermediate housing – with a target of 60% intermediate built in future years. In a stark warning to property developers who have previously relied on contributions and viability assessments,
Councillor Aiken said: 'Being friendly to business does not mean engaging in some cosy cabal and we will not allow our residents to be short-changed' adding ‘there’s no time for on-going pleasant and cosy chats, glossy plans or brochures that don’t reflect people’s lives. My view is that too many times we have not always pushed back enough'.
Working with her Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Realm, Councillor Daniel Astaire, Councillor Aiken announced that the City Plan is to be fully redrawn to reflect this new priority and, citing the immediate need for action, revealed that an interim statement on planning policies to support housing delivery will be released shortly.
She also cited a number of achievements under her Conservative administration, including: 197 affordable homes in the new Dudley House development, 86 affordable homes as part of the regeneration of the Tollgate Gardens estate, a new, state-of-the-art 84 bed care home at Beechcroft and a brand new 840 pupil school in Marylebone.
Councillor Aiken said: “If you are a developer who wants to invest in, and be invested in, the future of our city, you are welcome. However, if you are just a speculator who wants to make a fast buck by building properties that only oligarchs and absent overseas investors can afford, you are in the wrong borough! We will never be a borough whose stock in trade is simply to sell its golden post codes to the highest bidder".
Ex Labour Councillor joins Westminster Conservatives
A former local Labour councillor has joined the Conservative Party as he believes it better represents residents’ concerns and interests.
Murad Gassanly, Councillor for Churchill Ward in Pimlico, will now sit on the Westminster Conservative benches. His move comes after discussions over recent months with Westminster Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Nickie Aiken and representatives of the Cities of London & Westminster Conservative Association.
His application was fully endorsed at a meeting of the Westminster City Council Conservative Group on 5th July. He has officially informed the local authority’s chief executive of his wish to represent the Conservative Party.
Commenting on becoming a Conservative Councillor, Gassanly said: “I am proud to live in the community I represent and have seen first hand the positive difference the Conservative Council has made to local peole’s lives. I want to ensure my ward secures the best services and new homes to safeguard our truly unique neighbourhood, which I have been proud to represent since 2014.
“I have been on a political journey over the last few years and have come to the conclusion that it is only the Conservatives who want to support people and help them no matter what their background.”
Said Cllr Nickie Aiken: “I am delighted that Murad has decided to join us on the Conservative benches. He will make an outstanding contribution to both our Group and Council, ensuring his residents are well served. I believe he has a very bright future.”
