Sat 13 June: Funday

Colindale Peel Centre developer Redrow pulls American Psycho themed promo video, amidst Twitter backlash

Link to 'The Drum'

"[Peel Centre hopeful] house-builder Redrow has canned an American Psycho themed promo-video flogging luxury apartments in the deprived London borough of Tower Hamlets, after being hit by a social media backlash.

Starring a suited model the 100-second clip follows a day in the vacuous life of a city office worker before he returns to his apartment to collapse in bed accompanied by a ludicrously over-the-top voiceover.

"The narrator intones: 'Yes, they say nothing comes easy,' he growls. 'But if it was easy, then it wouldn’t feel as good. To look out at the city that could have swallowed you whole and say "I did this". To stand, with the world at your feet.'

"Twitter users immediately criticised the beyond-satire piece for inadvertently highlighting the detachment from reality of the rich in the capital, with the penthouse in question currently on the market for £4m."


Redrow London Luxury Development Promo from Patrick Bateman on Vimeo.

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"There are even theories as to why the advert’s… ‘protagonist’ uses
an old-style Nokia, when the rest of the film seems set in 2015"
Link to The Independent

Barnet Times: "Fury as Barnet Borough Council ignores objections to approve demolition of British Newspaper Library in Colindale"

Link to web site

"Objections to 'outrageous' plans to bulldoze a historic building and replace it with an 11-storey tower block were ignored.

"Barnet Borough Council has sparked fury after officers rubber-stamped proposals to demolish the former British Newspaper Library, in Colindale Avenue.

"The new buildings will provide 395 flats and a range of blocks between four to 11-storeys tall."

Redrow: Concreting over Peel Centre playing fields and running track

PC21 Peel Centre Open Space Sports and Recreation Strategy RevA 1

Redrow: Mayor responds to Questions about the Secret Policeman's Sale of Peel Centre Running Track and Playing Fields (couched in general terms!)

London playing fields Question No: 2014/3729 Andrew Dismore As the strategic planning authority, is your view that London's playing fields and running tracks must all be protected from development, without your own overwhelming reasons otherwise - and that such reasons must go beyond mere London borough analysis about very localised alternatives? Written response from the Mayor London Plan policies support proposals to enhance or increase the provision of existing sports and recreation facilities and resist net loss. Multi-use public facilities are encouraged wherever possible. Where social infrastructure facilities are no longer needed they should be considered for other forms of social infrastructure before alternative developments are considered. Boroughs are required to assess the need for facilities in line with national policy. This should be done on a local and sub-regional basis, taking account of the availability of facilities beyond borough boundaries. Together with Sport England, I am providing funding to support boroughs undertake these studies.

London playing fields (2) Question No: 2014/3730 Andrew Dismore Do you consider such sites near major public transport facilities are particularly worthy of protection, or is this not a factor at all? Written response from the Mayor London Plan policies apply to all sports and recreation facilities irrespective of their location.  Whilst all facilities should be accessible and within easy reach by foot, cycle and public transport, no specific focus is placed on sites near to public transport.

London playing fields (3) Question No: 2014/3731 Andrew Dismore Since coming to power, what reasons have you ever given in planning policy, or decisions, regarding protection or destruction of such sites, beyond repeating London borough considerations? Written response from the Mayor My London Plan policies support proposals to enhance or increase the provision of sports and recreation facilities and resist net loss in order to increase participation in sport and physical activity. Alternative uses may be considered where facilities are no longer needed and where other forms of social infrastructure have been considered, where there is a local need. In assessing development proposals I consider London Plan policies as a whole, the need for facilities, and would expect sites to be enhanced or retained unless there are compelling reasons otherwise.

London playing fields (4) Question No: 2014/3732 Andrew Dismore You have previously mentioned policy research on running track provision (and perhaps on playing fields) by UK Athletics and Athletics England, to be released "this autumn". Has this report been received yet? Is it freely published? Written response from the Mayor The UK Athletics (UKA) 2014-19 Facilities Strategy has now been published and is available to download from the UKA website at: http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/governance/facilities/facilities-strategy/

London playing fields (5) Question No: 2014/3733 Andrew Dismore Did you commission the research by UK Athletics and Athletics England into running track provision, and if so, what was the brief? If not, who did, and how do you know about it? Have you provided any input into it? Written response from the Mayor The UK Athletics (UKA) 2014-19 Facilities Strategy was published by the UKA and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) and is available to download from the UKA website at: http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/governance/facilities/facilities-strategy/

Link to Redrow Colindale web site

"We will seek to respond to all of your questions and consider all of your feedback before we submit our final planning application to Barnet Council. We have already started discussions with Barnet, the Greater London Authority and Transport for London.

"This application will cover the entire site in outline, as well as the detailed design for the first phase [the running track and playing fields!] which will include the new family homes, primary school and community park.

"We are looking to submit the application in early autumn this year [nope!] and we hope to be able to start this initial phase of work in Spring 2015. We estimate that the entire scheme will take around 10 years to deliver."

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Peel Centre planning application,
reference H/04753/14

Hybrid planning application for the phased comprehensive redevelopment of part of the existing Peel Centre site including the demolition of all existing buildings and the provision of a residential-led mixed use development comprising up to 2,900 new residential units (Use Class C3), with 888 units in full detail and up to 2,012 units in outline in buildings ranging from 2-21 storeys; up to 10,000 square metres of non-residential floorspace (Use Classes A1-A4, D1, D2); the provision of a 3 form entry primary school (including nursery provision) and a minimum of 4 hectares of public open space.? Associated site preparation/enabling works, transport infrastructure namely a new pedestrian connection to Colindeep Lane and junction works, landscaping and car parking. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement. | Peel Centre, Peel Drive, Colindale, London, NW9 5JE

Application Received Date	Fri 29 Aug 2014
Application Validated Date	Fri 29 Aug 2014
Expiry Date	Fri 19 Dec 2014
Actual Committee Date	Not Available
Latest Neighbour Consultation Date	Not Available
Neighbour Consultation Expiry Date	Sat 01 Nov 2014
Standard Consultation Date	Not Available
Standard Consultation Expiry Date	Sat 01 Nov 2014
Last Advertised In Press Date	Thu 25 Sep 2014
Latest Advertisement Expiry Date	Sat 01 Nov 2014
Last Site Notice Posted Date	Thu 25 Sep 2014
Latest Site Notice Expiry Date	Sat 01 Nov 2014
Decision Made Date	Not Available
Decision Issued Date	Not Available
Permission Expiry Date	Not Available
Decision Printed Date	Not Available
Environmental Impact Assessment Received	Not Available
Target Determination Date	Fri 19 Dec 2014

[Reposted from 7 June 2013] GLA spins Peel Centre land release: "Existing London playing fields and running track to be concreted over, in grubby property deal" (we made that up)

Greater London Authority press release

"Historic police training centre at Hendon set to be transformed through major regeneration plan"

"The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has today invited developers to submit plans to regenerate 22 hectares at the site of the historic Metropolitan Police Peel Centre training headquarters at Hendon, creating a thriving new neighbourhood with more than 1,650 new homes and releasing capital to plough back into the development of a brand new training facility fit for modern day policing.

"Owned by the Mayor's Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC), the site has been home to the renowned Met training centre since 1934, but is now considered outdated, expensive and underused. Proposals outlined today would see it transformed into a new residential quarter with a minimum of 1,650 new homes, cycle routes, retail units and a primary school and nursery, as well as a substantial amount of open green space.

"The site is the first major scheme to be procured through the new London Development Panel, set up by the Mayor to fast track the disposal of public land to boost construction and housing. The Mayor already has an extensive programme to release public land for development, with recent agreements signed to develop sites including Cane Hill in Croydon and Catford stadium in Lewisham.

"Key to the redevelopment of the site is the requirement that any capital raised through the sale of the land will be ploughed back into funding a new modern and fit-for-purpose operations and training centre at a smaller part of the site. Currently the Met Police only uses around a fifth of the space provided by the 22 hectare Peel Centre site. Estimates suggest that the redevelopment of the site will halve running costs at Hendon, freeing up revenue of up to £6 million each year - the equivalent of more than 120 police officers.

"The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:

"This regeneration will create much needed jobs and homes to drive growth in a vital area of north London, as well as bringing schools and parks to a thriving new neighbourhood.

The iconic Peel Centre has been at the heart of the Met for almost 80 years, and these proposals will cement Hendon's future as one of the best police training grounds in the world.

What's more, it will drive down costs and cut waste in the Met's estate budget, helping us to maintain officer numbers and keep London's streets safe."

[Boris, of course, didn't say that personally. Even Brian Coleman does not credit him with knowing details.]

"The sale of the site is part of a wider strategy by MOPAC to dispose of underused land and buildings in its vast and expensive estate, which will save £60 million in running costs and help the force protect front-line policing.

"Jane Bond, Director of Property Services for the Metropolitan Police, said:

"The Peel Centre has a proud place in the history of the Met and a world-class reputation for police training.

We are undertaking the most significant transformation of the police estate in order to reduce running costs whilst investing in modern facilities that are fit for our officers, staff and the public."

[Let us hope that 'London Communications Agency' is not involved.]

"The London Borough of Barnet has identified the Peel Centre site as one of the essential sites for the regeneration of Colindale in its action plan for the area, driving jobs and growth in the borough.

"Leader of Barnet Council Richard Cornelius said:

"I am delighted to see MOPAC moving forward with the redevelopment of this site.

The Peel Centre is a key employer in Colindale and this will enhance the effectiveness of a major police asset. It will also see the construction of new homes which both Barnet and London desperately need."

[Richard was notoriously delighted about other things.]

"TNQ - LONDON NW9" (good grief)

YOU - TNQ (Jakwob H.264) from TNQ on Vimeo.

"IF YOU SEE STYLE,
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
AS BEING IMPORTANT.
IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD
LIVE IN AN APARTMENT THAT
HAS HIGH-QUALITY SPEC.
AND MATERIALS.
IF YOU THINK SUPER-FAST FIBRE
OPTICS AND DATA SPEEDS OF UP
TO 10 GIGABITS PER SECOND
SHOULD BE STANDARD.
IF YOU THINK CONTROLLING
YOUR APARTMENT REMOTELY
SHOULD BE A NO-BRAINER.
IF YOU THINK BEAUTIFUL
LANDSCAPING AND OPEN
AREAS FEED THE SOUL.
IF YOU THINK SECURITY
IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.
IF YOU THINK BEING A SHORT
JOURNEY TO CENTRAL LONDON
IS IMPORTANT.

IF YOU THINK
THESE THINGS,
YOU ARE TNQ."

DO YOU FEEL A DESIRE TO PUT EVERYTHING IN CAPITALS?
ARE DEVELOPERS HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE'S HOUSING NEEDS?
DO YOU WANT MORE GATED COMMUNITIES IN THE UK?
DO YOU THINK 10 Gb IS MORE THAN BOG-STANDARD?
IF YOU THINK
THESE THINGS,
YOU ARE QEF.

Barnet Times (2009): Matthew Offord's £11-million overspend - yet the Barnet video says it was on-budget!

Link to web site

"THE project to replace a railway bridge in Colindale has run almost two times over budget, costing the tax payer an extra £11 million, it has emerged."

"The work to replace two 19th century bridges on Aerodrome Road was estimated to cost £12 million, but Barnet Council papers reveal that the cost has now climbed to more than £23 million.

"The rising cost has forced the council to apply for additional Government funding to complete the work, which is five months behind schedule, putting additional pressure on the public purse."

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LB of Barnet video

Barnet Times: "Mayor of London tells GLA member for Barnet Andrew Dismore to 'stop attacking councillors' reputations'"

Link to web site

"An agitated Boris Johnson ordered Barnet GLA member Andrew Dismore to 'stop endlessly attacking councillors' reputations' during a meeting of the London Assembly.

"The outburst came after Mr Dismore told Mr Johnson about how Barnet Mayor Hugh Rayner is under investigation for acting 'illegally' towards tenants living in the properties he owns.

"In addition to charging above market rates, Cllr Rayner failed to declare his interest in housing during council meetings and did not join the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme."

Barnet Press: Colindale Overdevelopment

Redrow and the Peel Centre: Is Boris in the clear?

Redrow Shape Your Place Second Exhibition Plans[1]

Barnet Press: "'Avengers assemble' in Colindale"

Link to web site

"MARVEL superhero Thor couldn't help getting carried away as filming for the 2015 Avenger's sequel continued at the former Metropolitan Police Peel Centre in Colindale.

"Exclusive footage passed to The Press shows Chris Hemsworth's Norse demi god Thor, complete with iconic red cape hanging onto the front of an ambulance as it hurtles forward outside the now-derelict police training centre in Aerodrome Road.

"Over the past month The Peel Centre site, which is set to be redeveloped into a housing development and primary school, has been transformed into the fictional Eastern European city of Sokovia. The Met Police signs have been replaced with Serbian Cyrillic writing. The Grade II listed statue of Sir Robert Peel remains in place at the front of the building."

BORA: Burnt Oak Residents Association

Link to Facebook page

"Burnt Oak Residents Association aims to make Burnt Oak a cleaner and safer area to live in and that we are proud of.

"We are looking for people to join our conversation to make Burnt Oak a place we all want to spend time in, happy in the knowledge that it is a safe and wonderful place to live. If you wish to join us on this mission, please contact us:
bora.barnet@gmail.com"

Redrow and the Peel Centre playing fields: Answers awaited

Police Use Of Peel Centre Running Track

Meeting:	Mayor's Question Time
Date:	Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Reference:	Question 2014/2960

 

Main question

Andrew Dismore

Will you join with me in praising the current substantial routine use of your Peel Centre running track by the Met's recruits and staff, as can be evidenced and photographed from passing Northern Line trains?

Are you happy to acknowledge that this running track is a serviceable facility, and not unusable, as may have been your impression?

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.

- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_276940#sthash.tS4DewP7.dpuf

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Running Tracks in London (1)

 

Fiona Twycross (23-Jul-2014) 

Do you acknowledge that there will be many new London schools that do not have running track facilities on-site, and that demand for the current sites in London, whether currently public or private, will inevitably grow? Do you have any projections for this increased demand?

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.

- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.QCM2lYf4.dpuf

 

Running Tracks in London (2)

Fiona Twycross (23-Jul-2014):

Do you acknowledge that borough boundaries are often entirely irrelevant in planning running tracks and sports ground provision? What strategic role does the GLA play in this?

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.

- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.QCM2lYf4.dpuf

 

Running Tracks in London (3)

 
Fiona Twycross (23-Jul-2014):

Do you only use one criterion, that of 'agreed local provision', in deciding whether to support concreting over running tracks or not? If not, what other criteria do you consider? Do they include population number projections of children and of young inner-city Londoners?

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.

- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.QCM2lYf4.dpuf

Running Tracks in London (4)

 

Fiona Twycross (23-Jul-2014):

Regarding the running tracks listed by you in answer 2014/2273, do you support closure of any of them, and if so, from what exact date for each one has that been your policy, and why?

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.

- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.QCM2lYf4.dpuf

Corruption by the Law. But now, later news: Redrow and the Met Police Peel Centre running track and playing fields

See also http://redrowcolindale.com

Barnet Times: " 'It will look like a concrete jungle': Concerns raised over plans to build 400 new homes in The Hyde"

Link to web site

"Plans to build 400 new homes and a shopping area could turn Hendon into a 'concrete jungle'.

"This week developer NEAT Developments held a public exhibition to showcase its proposals to build on a site between Rookery Way and Edgware Road in The Hyde.

"There is currently a Homebase and a second-hand car sales lot on the site, which NEAT wants to redevelop in spring 2016.

"As well as approximately 390 flats, there will be no more than ten houses, and between 280 and 300 parking spaces."

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"Dr Offord MP asks the PM about infrastructure in Colindale"

Questions to the Mayor: Boris Johnson needs time to justify the loss of the Peel Centre playing fields and running track

Running Tracks in London (1)

Fiona Twycross (11-Jun-2014):

"How many properly-constructed running tracks were there in London when you took office, excluding those registered by UK Athletics but including those classed as private according Sport England's Active Places records or otherwise known to you? Where are they in London?"

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.
- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.G2mQp6oQ.dpuf

Running Tracks in London (2)

Fiona Twycross (11-Jun-2014):

"Has it been your policy to protect from development all the running tracks not registered by UK Athletics that you have just identified (whatever the current access or track ownership)?"

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.
- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.G2mQp6oQ.dpuf

Running Tracks in London (3)

Fiona Twycross (11-Jun-2014):

"Are there any of those just identified running tracks which are not registered by UK Athletics, which you are willing to see concreted over in the future, and why?"

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.
- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.G2mQp6oQ.dpuf

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Orbital Rail Links

Fiona Twycross (11-Jun-2014):

"Given your long-stated aspiration for new orbital rail or light-rail links in outer London, what specific corridors around outer London have you studied since taking office which include a new rail link as one of the possible transport solutions?"

An answer to this question will be uploaded within one week of the meeting.
- See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/#sthash.G2mQp6oQ.dpuf

Peel Centre running track, and getting the run-around!

Running Tracks (1)

Question No: 2013/4823

"How many properly-constructed running tracks were there in London when you took office?"

Written response from the Mayor

"According to information provided by UK Athletics, in May 2008 there were 31 400-metre outdoor synthetic athletics tracks, certified by UK Athletics in London.

There were also three indoor running tracks."

So:
Does this include the one at the Peel Centre?

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Running Tracks (2)

Question No: 2013/4824

Navin Shah

"Are you aware of how many running tracks are not in use any longer? Also are there any that you consider to be currently under threat?"

Written response from the Mayor

"All of the 31 outdoor and three indoor UK Athletics certified tracks that were open in London in May 2008 continue to be used.

In addition, since 2008, one new outdoor 400-metre athletics track has opened at Woodcote High School in Croydon. The new track received a grant of £200,000 from my Sports Legacy Programme to contribute to the build cost. Furthermore, the world’s first compact athletics facility, including a synthetic sprint running track, opened at Stoke Newington School in Hackney in September 2013.

When the Olympic Stadium reopens in 2015, there will be a total of 34 UK Athletics certified outdoor running tracks in London for use by the community.

I am not aware of any running tracks that are under threat."

So:
Does this include the one at the Peel Centre?

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Running Tracks (3)

Question No: 2013/4825

Navin Shah

"Will you undertake to protect any running track under your control ownership, for the benefit of Londoners?"

Written response from the Mayor

"I oppose the closure of any local sporting facility unless there is a compelling case otherwise."

So:
Does this include the one at the Peel Centre?

Barnet Today: "Met under attack over empty homes" (Not owned by Redrow yet then? Who's talking porkies?)

Link to web site

"A LABOUR politician has accused the Metropolitan Police of wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds by allowing some 50 homes marked for sale to sit empty for two years.

"The houses, in Rowan Drive, Colindale, are due to be sold off as the Met looks to get dispose of a third of its property estate.

"The sale would form part of the Mayor of London’s Police and Crime Plan, published last year. Boris Johnson has asked the Met to cut £500million from its budget before 2016.

"No agreement has yet been reached to buy the land, but the Met insists it would not be cost-effective to make the buildings habitable for short-term lets."