NVRA Committee Report to the 2023 Annual General Meeting
held on 10 June 2023 at Harlow Hall Stanford Road SW16
Planning Matters: There have been fewer individual planning applications in our area than in previous years, but there are two important issues. Residents in Bishops Park Road were supported by the Committee in their opposition to the demolition of 50 Bishops Park Road the building of a three-storey block of flats. Croydon Council turned down the planning application. The applicants have, however, appealed and the outcome remains uncertain.
Many of you will know the former NatWest Sports Ground which fronts Turle Road and has been derelict since 2007. It was bought by Ruarch Churches in 2011 and remained undeveloped since. Ruarch Churches have now put forward a plan for a mixture of housing, sports facilities and open spaces. The site is in Merton but as it is bordered by Lambeth and Croydon, Merton Council will be required to consult these councils about any planning application Ruarch Churches submit. NVRA Committee members went to view the recent consultation and know that many of you did too. There will be much more on this issue at the meeting.
Seeing a Doctor: Covid brought many changes in our lives, not least to the way we see our doctors both at local surgeries and at hospitals. Following many complaints compulsory telephone appointments even after the Covid emergency was less severe, the Committee carried out a survey of members’ views on telephone and face to face appointments. The results were reported to members – mainly people said they preferred face to face appointments and pointed out the difficulties in particular for the hard of hearing. The findings were sent to local surgeries and to Croydon University Hospital. Sadly, no response has yet been received.
Potholes: A number of large pot holes appeared at the junction of Stanford & Oakhill Roads in March. Thanks to action by one of our local councillors, the potholes were mended within ten days of the notification.
Bus Shelters: These disappeared from Stanford Road and some of London Road in March 2021 and were due to be replaced in September 2021. The Committee has raised this issue on a number of occasions but with no sensible outcome. For that reason we are starting a petition o ask the Council to ensure that they are replaced before winter 23. We are particularly concerned about the missing bus stop outside Freeman Court.
Trees: We are fortunate in our area to have many trees brightening our area. We could have more. If we report the trees that have died or are missing it maybe possible to have the tree pits replanted in the Autumn. The tree at the end of Oakhill seems to have died – we are trying to get that one replaced.
Ward Panel: The police hold quarterly meetings in each of the ward areas and committee members have been to a number. The main issue that has been raised by those attending is speeding along Stanford, Croindene and Oakhill. Basically, the police state that they do not enforce speed limits. The ward panels have been unsatisfactory and a new system is about to be launched… watch this space.
Love Norbury: Committee members have been active in Love Norbury and have helped run the Summer and Christmas Fairs and the recent Literary Festival at the Library. The Literary Festival pointed up the great need for the Library to be open on Saturdays. A petition for this to happen was launched at the Festival and will be available at the AGM. Please sign.
Communications: A number of newsletters and emails have been sent to members over the last year. We are particularly pleased to have launched the website. It is very much in its early stages and we are hugely grateful Rukhsana for her time and patience in setting it up. However, we do need more input from members.
Thank you: A warm thank you to all of those who have collected membership fees and delivered leaflets throughout the year.
The Future: That last point about needing more input is key. Your committee has been hampered by personal difficulties. With more committee members we would be able to do lot more, perhaps even arrange some social events. It only takes an hour or two a month. How about it?
