A biannual meeting of residents associations with the heads of different sections of planning departments. We were given presentations by officers on the process of how they deal with planning issues such as illegal building work or building work which is not done according to the approved planning application.

Planning is important, it brings people together. Many RAs were established as a result of some inappropriate planning applications. On the other hand, building work which is not approved or is of low standard can cause a lot of anxiety and reduce the desirability of the whole neighbourhood - examples are the front of 37 Havelock Rd, 19 Ashburton Rd and 16 Elgin Rd. Whilst residents are told by the Council that something is being done, the unapproved building work seems to carry on. The residents are feeling that Enforcement "has no teeth".

The meeting began with a presentation by Mira Armour, Chair of HOME RA who spoke from the residents' perspective. She highlighted the need for proactive communication by the officer, the importance of clear guidelines and understanding of the process which would remove residents' frustration. There is a need to change Us and Them Toxic culture and to look at ways residents could aid the Enforcement Department's work.

Within the presentation you will find some of the enforcement cases our RA has initiated and is still waiting to have resolved. If you are keen to know more or want to help with improving our neighbourhood please get in touch - email athome@addiscombe.net. If you have any suggestions for items to be covered at forthcoming meetings, please do not hesitate to let us know.