Agenda and draft minutes

Cllr Stamirowski - Chair, officially opened the meeting, welcoming attendees and speakers and ran through the agenda items. The Chair thanked the volunteers at St Andrew’s Church for providing the venue and encouraged people to make a donation to the church.
The Chair apologised for absent Cllr colleagues, Cllr Burgess was ill and Cllr Royston was chairing another Council Committee. She also highlighted that the coordinating group are responsible for creating the agenda.
The Chair went through meeting housekeeping and emphasised the importance of respectful communication during the meeting, especially when asking questions.

Patrick Dubeck, Director of Inclusive Regeneration. Madhur Gurjar, Project Manager, Capital Programme Delivery.Principal Engineer, Public Realm.

Please see Slides attached. Summary of Discussion on Catford Town Centre Regeneration:

Context and Vision

The regeneration of Catford Town Centre is based on extensive consultations and planning that began years ago, resulting in a comprehensive framework adopted in 2021. Key aspirations include:

• Creating mixed-use spaces with new homes, commercial areas, and job opportunities.
• Improving public spaces and transport connectivity.
• Developing sustainable and accessible infrastructure.

Key Projects and Progress

1. Catford Station Links
   • Aiming to improve connectivity between the two stations in Catford.
   • Plans to enhance public routes, soften the area's edges, and improve accessibility to Catford Bridge Station.
2. The Former Catford Constitution Club
   • Set to be transformed into a community space with a park, shared kitchens, galleries, and event areas.
   • Delays due to the building’s poor condition, but work is progressing, with completion targeted for June 2025.
3. New Housing Developments
   • Plans to build hundreds of homes on key sites, including the car park near the former Constitution Club.
   • A mix of private, affordable, and social housing is being considered.
4. Public Realm Improvements
   • Enhancements to public spaces, including landscaping, green areas, and improved pedestrian access.
   • Focus on sustainability and creating spaces for community events and cultural activities.
5. Challenges in Funding and Infrastructure
   • TfL funding is crucial for realigning roads and enabling major framework visions.
   • Awaiting government decisions on substantial funding, with delays expected.

Summary of the questions asked on this item and brief summarised answers

Q: How will public spaces support local businesses?
A: The council aims to provide affordable opportunities for small businesses and startups. Rent-free periods and support schemes are available, but high operating costs remain a challenge for some businesses.

Q: What measures are in place to mitigate traffic and accessibility issues?
A: Plans include better road layouts and improved pedestrian and cycling access. However, challenges persist in coordinating with multiple stakeholders (e.g., Network Rail, TfL).

Q: Are there plans to address safety concerns around infrastructure?
A: Safety improvements are a priority, with efforts to enhance lighting, signage, and access in public areas.

Q: Will there be support for community projects and cultural spaces?
A: Yes, the framework emphasises spaces for arts, culture, and community-led initiatives to foster local engagement.

Resident Engagement

The council encourages residents to share feedback via the Commonplace website, where ongoing consultations are hosted. So far, over 200 comments have been received, reflecting broad support for the proposed changes.

Next Steps

• Submitting planning applications for major projects by autumn.
• Continuing community engagement to refine plans based on feedback.
• Awaiting funding approvals to advance significant infrastructure improvements.

Stephanie Bortoli, Project Centre. Joe Burbidge Strategic Transport Manager, Street Environment Services, Lewisham Council.

Please see the Slides Attached. Summary of Presentation around sustainable streets and CPZs.

The Sustainable Streets Program in Lewisham aims to enhance active travel, reduce car dependency, and create safer, greener streets. This initiative is part of Lewisham's broader active travel strategy to decrease car journeys, reduce air pollution, improve road safety, and encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use.

Key Goals:

1. Reallocate Street Space: Convert unrestricted parking (currently 75% of Lewisham streets) into managed spaces for residents, businesses, and sustainable initiatives.
   
   
2. Parking Management: Introduce Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to:
   • Deter commuter parking.
   • Reduce parking stress for residents and businesses.
   • Provide revenue for reinvestment in local transport measures.
     Parking permits are emission-based, with discounts for the first year in new CPZs.
     
     
3. Additional Measures:
   • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points: Aim for every household to have access to a charging point within 500 meters.
   • Increased Street Trees: Filling vacant tree pits and planting new trees to enhance the urban environment.
   • Car Clubs and Cycle Storage: Encourage shared car use and secure cycle storage, addressing high demand (e.g., over 1,000 on waitlists for cycle storage).
   • Junction Safety Improvements: Introduce double yellow lines near junctions to improve visibility and safety.
   • Reduce Pavement Parking: Improve accessibility, especially for wheelchair users and pedestrians.

Engagement and Consultation:

• The project team solicited input from residents about local challenges (e.g., parking, need for EV chargers, tree planting).
• Engagement methods included surveys, an interactive map, and door-to-door outreach, yielding over 1,500 responses.
• Key feedback themes included parking stress, unsafe crossings, and community-specific needs.

Next Steps:

1. Analyse feedback to design tailored measures addressing community needs.
2. Develop designs and hold a formal consultation, likely by summer 2025.
3. Subject designs to statutory approvals before implementation.

The Sustainable Streets Program represents a comprehensive effort to modernise and enhance urban mobility while addressing local environmental and safety concerns.

Summary of the questions asked on this item and brief summarised answers.

Q. Will the CPZ be timed (e.g., 8-10am)? If so, will clear signage be provided?
A. Signage will be installed only if a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is implemented. If a sustainable streets scheme is approved following a consultation process, designers assess the area to determine parking needs and safety. Legislative and clear signage would then be put in place. Community input, especially regarding local destinations like community centres, is vital. Final designs will balance parking provision with maintaining accessibility.

Q. Although some residents are generally in favour of sustainable streets we are concerned about increased traffic from new developments like Catford Island.
A. This concern is recognised. The program is flexible and responsive to developments, adapting based on growth patterns. For example, areas near new developments, such as Convoys Wharf, are prioritised to prevent displacement issues. Control Parking Zones (CPZs) are one tool to ensure residents retain parking access while addressing future challenges.

Q. A resident highlighted a conflict of interest and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Genevie George, Third Sector Manager, Community Development, Lewisham Council.

The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) provides funding from developers to support community projects in areas impacted by development. The funding is aimed at enhancing local areas and supporting residents through various initiatives.

The second round of NCIL funding has been launched, following the success of the first round, which funded 78 community projects across the borough.

These projects have ranged from park improvements to community events and services, benefiting many residents.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Who Can Apply:

Any organisation, including businesses, residents’ associations, charities, schools, nurseries, and community groups. Individuals can not apply.

• How to Apply:

Applications are open until 23rd September at midnight.

Projects must demonstrate community support and alignment with local needs.

The application process has been simplified since the first round, with additional support available to guide applicants.

Support for Applicants

• Workshops and Guidance:

Online and in-person workshops are being held to assist with applications.

Guidance is available on the website, covering application tips, project examples, and frequently asked questions.

• Direct Assistance:

One-to-one support is available via email at NCILfund@lewisham.gov.uk (10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday).

QR codes are provided for quick access to the community funding website

Project Types and Ideas

Community parks, Community projects such as exercise classes or activities for children or older people, street improvements, and upgrades to community centres.

Both new ideas and previously submitted projects that were not funded before will be considered.

• Community Involvement:

There is also a selection of capital projects led by the council available to ‘like’ and support. Residents are encouraged to review projects online, leave feedback and comments on these council led project ideas.

Public input is valuable for shaping funding priorities and ensuring alignment with local needs.

Even if you don’t plan to submit an application yourself as a community organisation, you can review existing projects and share your feedback.

Applicants are encouraged to participate actively, and the council looks forward to reviewing innovative ideas for the community.

There were community updates from the Ravensbourne Residents Association around street trees they have managed to lant in their area and ways they are tackling pavement parking.

Friends of Forster Park urged people to attend the park and what amazing things have been happening there recently.

Technical issues meant that not all community updates were audible.

Cllr Stamirowski – Chair, thanked residents and speakers for attending and especially thanked the volunteers at St Andrews Church for allowing us to hold the meeting in their space, meaning this was not an online meeting.