first mate

It is a pain I agree. I am also fed up with having to dodge scattered broken glass, so dangerous for toddler feet as well as dogs paws, and don't get me started on the increasing scourge of chewing gum that is littering and disfiguring pavements, especially the area around Northcross Road. My other big beef is discarded chicken bones and cakes like chocolate brownies ( either, potentially life threatening, can land a dog in the vet with extremely expensive bills). What can be done about all these anti social, and in many cases health threatening, littering habits?

James, I had thought you were broadly in favour of the whole development bar the fourth storey? If this is not the case, and I am not aware of your many official objections, I apologise. That said, accurate and timely information on the fourth storey would be most welcome, not least if it is to go through, as the current structures seem to suggest. Is this also going to amount to a planning time out and also go through on a technicality? So we do, by your account, have a planning dept that is not fit for purpose. Unable to meet deadlines and insufficient staff to undertake enforcement. No wonder developers are getting carte blanche. I don't think it helps though to, again, make it a party political point. It may help you somewhere along the line, but it doesn't help local residents.

Anna D, It would probably be most constructive all round if you took this to the practice manager who is best placed to have a word with the relevant staff member/s and you can discuss your experience in confidence. Sometimes under pressure things like people skills can slide. I agree though, that aspect is vital in a job like GP reception. Perhaps some staff members need a bit more training or just a reminder about professionalism at all times.

James, the application by the developer to get their fourth storey penthouses is currently being looked at so it is a current concern for those living next to it, though I know you welcome the development. Again, is it not faintly shocking that the developer just goes ahead and puts in part of the structure before the decision is even in? The building itself is also as ugly as can be. I also gather that the proposed substation, to be sited outside, should legally be inside the new build. What a farce.

James, thanks and I look forward to hearing your feedback on the state of play re the M&S 4 storeys structure after the weekend. The hope is what is there will have to come down.

DaveR, oh dear.

DF,spot on, sure you're not in local politics?

LondonMix, I agree, it's a lazy, kneejerk term that becomes pretty redundant and meaningless when used in the context of discussion on developments that have local impact.

Yes, DF, that is why I asked DaveR if he thought those/any family who requested a hangar on their street should also give up their car, if they have one. He did not answer.

Fruityloops, bless you, bad news has always outweighed good, twas ever thus.

Keano77, exactly, this is a good example of a throwaway idea that sounds good on the surface but once you begin to unpick it there are fairly obvious shortcomings. I therefore cannot applaud those who are encouraging residents to get asking. This feels like someone creating a demand to fulfill yet another agenda that ticks some political or funding box. There is too much of this random meddling without proper planning or forethought going on...look at the whole Northcross Rd junction redesign at astronomical cost fiasco. The premise there was to make it safer and nicer!!!!! All I can say is that these hangars are a sort of cyclist CPZ and bring us one step closer to CPZ en masse..job done.

Floops, Inevitable on a local forum I'd gave thought.

The best thing would be to site them on existing yellow lines, so long as they do not cause issues with lines of sight or turning cars. I would be reluctant to see parking reduced further by just plonking them anywhere in the street.

DaveR, should those who seek or have one family member who seeks, a bike hangar outside their house, immediately relinquish any family car ownership or would the expectation be that you can have both? I'm thinking parents who might want a bike hangar so kids can cycle to school but might also want regular use of a car. In terms of comparisons with other cities, the fact that ED has rather large hills either end must surely be taken into account?

James, since the out of character over development of M&S and other local sites is well underway I cannot help but view your last assertion as anything but empty rhetoric. Edited to say but I really pray you prove me wrong.

James, if people cannot secure a car parking pkace outside their home why should a cyclist be allowed this, except I guess its the cycling equivalent of CPZ? James Barber Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > We're trying to get them placed outside people who > have requested them. > Lambeth now has over 150 of these installed. > Southwark is aiming for another 89 to add to 11. > With the right scale this could become a strategic > transport project and that is the angle I've taken > with council officials. > > With regard to attractiveness. Lambeth in some > cases have bookened them with street streets in > the road. Seems a great way of doing it.

ed history, Yes, and perhaps higher still if current, live, applications are anything to go by.

Sorry ED, you are being Delphic again. Please explain.

Richard I am inlined to agree. There is going to be increasing pressure on parking and I note that JB raises the issue of lack of CPZ, something we know he and Labour really want as an income stream, therefore I do not think they would view further cluttering streets as a problem, more a solution. Since I think, as with so many things that are not utterly transparent and serve a variety of agendas, these hangars will get pushed through, I have suggested yellow lines are removed to accommodate them. The only thing I am wary of is I think there are plans to insert more yellow lines soon, so we have to ensure these are not increased to accommodate more hangars. BTW, I live the way James final line about crossing bridges suggests the whole hangar thing is akready anforegone conclusion. Note again, there will be an appearance of some sort of cod consultation, probably on a street by street basis ( that old chesnut) but hangars are probably being fashioned in China (a favourite supplier, it seems) as we wrute and read. Richard tudor Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What happens if you are not a cyclist, do not want > one outside your house will the Cllr back you up > or will he follow his usual route of the cyclist > comes first. > Will one cyclist "I want" overrule all others? > You did not buy your house with a metal container > outside why should cyclist decide where they go. > > James Barber Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Hi Richard tudor, > > Short answer yes. > > Could be tricky if house divided into flats and > > some flat occupants want one and other don't. > But > > lets cross that bridge when it occurs. > > Is that yes cyclist will get what they want or yes > the Cllr will back those that dont want it? > > I suspect I already know the answer knowing past > form.

James, please see the info below taken from the agent blurb currently marketing the old HSBSC site. This A1 site is clearly bound for a future of the M&S variety and is clearly inviting another chain in. The site is only a road down from M&S and note desire to increase footfall. The new M&S build is clearly hideous and dominating. The developers have very arrogantly already put in place structures for a fourth storey which they clearly expect to bulldoze/ sweeten planning and Councillors into permitting. If that fourth storey goes up then we can expect five storeys soon, I feel sure. What do you propose James to halt the ED developer wrecking ball? What official news of the fourth storey penthouses? I do hope you find time to comment, since you felt compelled recently to speak about street planning matters in Bellenden. "East Dulwich continues to grow in popularity as a highly affluent and attractive location within south London. The property enjoys a corner position within a prime pitch on the sought after Lordship Lane high street. Retailers in the vicinity include Caff? Nero, Oliver Bonas, White Stuff, Jo Jo Maman B?b? and Franco Manca in addition to an excellent mix of independent shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. Marks & Spencer have recently completed a deal to occupy space within the next block which will further enhance footfall in the vicinity. East Dulwich Train Station (Zone 2) is within walking distance and provides regular services into Central London".

Could these hangars be put onto areas of street that are yellow lined- that way they would not place further pressure on parking etc..?

Good grief and these works had the fullest support of our local reps. Again, seemingly no proper oversight or accountability.

Zak, Excellent. Thank you.