Copers Cope Area Residents' Association (CCARA) & West Beckenham Residents' Association (WBRA)
Two residents' associations working together across Beckenham on your behalf
Copers Cope Police advise of the following scam:
There has been a few reported crimes where unknown persons claim to be calling from the victims bank.
Please if you receive a call from anyone claiming to be from your bank DO NOT give any of your card details, pin numbers.
Your bank will never ask for these details.
Please do not fall victim to these people. Email coperscope.snt@met.police.uk Phone 0208 721 2772 http://www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods In an emergency always dial 999
Post Office Ltd plan to close Beckenham’s Crown Post Office and replace it with a downgraded franchise (most likely in the small WH Smith on the High Street). Local people are campaigning to Save Beckenham Crown Post Office.
SIGN THE PETITION – www.change.org/p/baroness-neville-rolfe-minister-for-postal-affairs-save-beckenham-crown-post-office
Why Beckenham’s ‘Crown’ Post Office must be saved
If the Post Office in Rectory Road is not profitable we urge Post Office Ltd to consider moving to a smaller site (there are empty shops in Beckenham High Street) or co-locating in another store rather than rush to give away the franchise to a third party.
A Crown Post Office is an essential service required by local residents, by local businesses and for the vibrancy of Beckenham Town Centre. The Crown Post Office must be retained for our community.
All events are free and open to members and non-members alike. Donations welcome. More details at www.beckenhamplaceparkfriends.org.uk
Sunday April 24th Bluebell Walk
Meet 2.00pm at the Mansion. Nick Bertram
(Creekside Education Trust) will lead. If no bluebells, knowledgeable Nick will keep your attention with all manner of information. This walk is dedicated to Roy Ramsey who died 20 years ago and fought diligently to protect this park.
Thursday May 5th Bat Walk
Meet Crab Hill entrance near Ravensbourne rail station at 8.15pm The weather is always a factor in the bat sightings, but by May it will hopefully be warm and dry.
Sunday May 15th Beating the Bounds
Meet at the Mansion 1.30pm. Walk around the perimeter of the park as part of this ancient tradition.
Sunday June 12th AGM
In the mansion 2.00pm. There is a need to elect a new Chairperson as the present Chairman needs to retire after decades of working for the Friends. A new newsletter editor would be good too!
SENSORY GARDEN WORKDAYS
Saturdays 9th April, 14th May, 11th June (About 2 hour sessions) Meet at the Mansion 10.am or in the garden. Routine garden work, something for everyone. Tools and instruction provided.
The minutes and supporting documents from the last meeting can be found at:
Our association was most vocal on the Council’s inaction to pursue an Article 4 Direction for Beckenham Town Centre to remove the permitted development right to convert offices to residential without planning consent. Most office space has now gone in the High Street, the lack of employment in Beckenham will have an adverse affect on the local economy and the vibrancy of our town.
We also suggested that the paving samples be laid elsewhere in the High Street, outside Zizzi’s is a dark spot and it is hard to visualise how the paving will look along the whole High Street.
In regard to new street lamps we noted that along the main high street pedestrian space is an issue and that the most compact slim line lamp columns should be installed and where possible lights should be installed on buildings.
Post Office Ltd plan to close Beckenham’s Crown Post Office and replace it with a downgraded franchise. Sign this petition to retain a ‘Crown’ Post Office in Beckenham.
www.change.org/p/baroness-neville-rolfe-minister-for-postal-affairs-save-beckenham-crown-post-office
Why Beckenham’s ‘Crown’ Post Office must be saved
If the Post Office in Rectory Road is not profitable we urge Post Office Ltd to consider moving to a smaller site (there are empty shops in Beckenham High Street) or co-locating in another store rather than rush to give away the franchise to a third party.
A Crown Post Office is an essential service required by local residents, by local businesses and for the vibrancy of Beckenham Town Centre. The Crown Post Office must be retained for our community.
Get down to the Rectory Road Post Office this morning (Saturday 2 April 2016) between 9.30am and 12.30pm to show your support to the Save Beckenham ‘Crown’ Post Office Campaign.
The Post Office are planning to close 42 branches across the country in 2016, Beckenham is one of the Post Offices on the hit list. The Post Office will offer up franchises nearby to replace most Crown Post Offices closed. Local people and the Post Office Workers Union (CWU) are fighting to retain the Crown Post Office in Beckenham for the following reasons:
The Post Office will argue that the Beckenham Branch is not profitable which is why they have to close it. We say… that may well be the case, so why not move it out of the Rectory Road site to a smaller premises in the High Street rather than give away the franchise to a third party like WH Smiths? The old Clarks show shop could be a suitable alternative site. A fully functioning Crown Post Office is essential for our local community. If Beckenham Crown Post Office is closed, there is not another one for miles (Orpington and New Cross Gate will be the closest).
Our local MP Bob Stewart is supporting this Campaign, although technically the Post Office falls outside his Beckenham and West Wickham constituency by a couple of meters. It actually lies in Lewisham and Penge West whose MP in Jim Dowd. We will be contacting Jim Dowd for his support.
This is the second of a series of regular bi-monthly updates on planning and development in the Copers Cope area. Our aim is to provide you with a concise and informative snapshot of recent planning applications, decisions and appeals.
Further Major Residential Development on Worsley Bridge Road
Another large-scale residential development is planned on Station Approach near to Lower Sydenham Railway Station at the northern end of Worsley Bridge Road. The site, presently occupied by Footsies Social Club and playing fields, is on a wedge of open land situated between the New Beckenham / Lower Sydenham rail line and the Pool River, and is next to the old Dylon site where 220 flats are under currently construction.
In February last year an application (15/00701/FULL1) was made to demolish the existing single-storey buildings on the edge of the Footsies site and construct a building of varying height, from eight to twelve storeys, to provide 296 residential units, a new estate road, parking and cycling spaces and landscaping of land to be accessible by the public. The scheme comprises of 148No. one-bedroom, 135No. two-bedroom and 13No. three-bedroom flats.
In September last year the application was refused and it is now the subject of an appeal. The appeal hearing is due to start on 24th May this year.
Following the refusal of this scheme, the developer submitted a second application (15/04759/FULL1) in November last year for a slightly smaller scheme comprising of a building of eight and nine storeys containing 253 residential units, estate road, parking and landscaping. This application is currently under consideration by LBB.
2 The Drive, off Beckenham High Street
The Planning Inspectorate last month upheld the Council’s enforcement action with regard to the various partially built extensions to the house, just off the High Street and just outside of the Conservation Area. The Inspectorate also dismissed the three appeals made by the owner and ordered him to pay the costs of the appeals.
The property has had a long planning history. In his report, the Planning Inspector noted that seventeen planning applications had been made over a period of fourteen years. Of these, five had been permitted though often not implemented in accordance with the consent. Of the refusals he had received, the owner had made five appeals, in addition to the three that were the subject of this latest inquiry.
Full details of the decision can be found here:
61 The Avenue 15/02728/FULL6
Last year a proposal to demolish the existing house and replace it with two blocks of flats containing a total of 8 two-bedroom flats was refused consent. The scheme has subsequently been dismissed at appeal.
Royce House, 56a Copers Cope Road 15/02068/OUT
An outline planning application made last year to demolish the existing houses at 56A and 56B and replace them with five, three-storey, four-bedroom houses was refused permission on the grounds that it constituted an over-development of the site. The applicant has appealed against this decision and the hearing was due to take place on 22 March. At the time of writing the decision was still to be announced.
Land behind 56a Foxgrove Road 15/05329
An application was made in December last year for a 3-storey block of flats on land presently occupied by garages behind 56A Foxgrove Road. The proposal is for 6No. two-bedroom and 3No. three-bedroom flats, plus parking. The plans indicate up to 16 trees being removed and the footprint of the new building extending right up to the root-protection zones of the the few mature trees being retained. The council have yet to make their decision.
14 Southend Road 16/00267/FULL1
An application has just been submitted to convert the house at 14 Southend Road to seven flats. The proposal includes a four-storey side and rear extension to the existing house to create 2No. one-bedroom and 4No. two-bedroom apartments. The house is situated in the Southend Road Conservation Area and was built in the late 1840s
1A Wickham Road, Peach Design Printers 15/05100/FULL2
The second application for a change of use to the three-storey building from a printer’s office to a House of Multiple Occupation with seven bedrooms (four of which have en-suite bathrooms) and shared dining and bathroom facilities, after the first application for eight bedrooms was refused on the grounds of below-standard provision, is still under consideration by the Council.
96 Bromley Road 15/04782
The application to convert the vacant veterinary clinic premises, situated between Rituals hair salon and In2Pappadom on Bromley Road, to a take-away, was refused permission last week. The reasons for the refusal had not been published at the time or writing, however there had been strong opposition to the proposal on a number of issues from local residents and groups.
Nat West Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road 15/04801/FULL1
An application has been made for a hand car-wash business on Copers Cope Road situated on the strip of land between the Goals all-weather football pitches and the road. The application includes a low-level canopy for washing cars and a portakabin office.
Change of use from Commercial to Residential
Three years ago, the Government relaxed the planning laws to make it very easy to convert office premises to residential use. Over this period, the majority of office space on Beckenham High Street, much of which was fully-let and in demand, has been given approval to be converted to flats.
The largest of these include St Brides’s House, which is now nearing completion, Marqueen House, Ironstone House and Provident House on Burrell Row, and Kelsey House at Thornton’s Corner. As a result, many thousands of square feet of purpose-built office space has been lost and cannot be reclaimed.
However, one piece of good news in this regard is that the application to change the use of the offices at 50 Burnhill Road has just been dismissed at appeal.
Contact the Elderly groups offer companionship for people over 75 who live alone, are unable to get out and about without help and have lost touch with family and friends.
They currently have some vacancies for guests in their Bromley groups. If you would like to refer someone, this can be done online via their website www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk .
You can find out more about the group and how to get involved at www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/media/literature
The Copers Cope Area Residents Association recently attended a focus group for the proposals to change Beckenham Place Park. Whilst we appreciate the opportunity to get involved we are hugely disappointed that this is the first proper consultation on this project that started 2 years ago. Lewisham council submitted plans for the park and received inimical funding back in July 2014 with no local consultation in Beckenham.
The focus group was good meeting where local community groups got the opportunity to pass on the view of local people. The report from the meeting is below.
1 Introduction
A series of five discussion groups were held between 4th and 11th February 2016. Consultants CFP facilitated the sessions with support from Lewisham Council regeneration team members.
The discussion groups were attended by a total of 39 people.
This report is a short summary of the overall discussion across the five sessions.
2 Summary of Discussion
2.1 Awareness of Beckenham Place Park
There was a clear message that marketing & promotion of Beckenham Place Park and its offer was currently poor, both online and through other means. Addressing this shortfall was perceived to be relatively straightforward and should be a priority. This view was shared by existing users, golfers and less frequent visitors. There were comments that ‘Beckenham Place Park was one of the best kept secrets’ in SE London.
Many participants, particularly those that visit the park less frequently, suggested that the park is perceived to be ‘a private space’. This perception is underpinned by poor signage and unwelcoming entrances, impermeable boundaries and the relative dominance of the golf course.
Access from the east is very important for many people. Those accessing the park from the east typically considered access to be reasonable and thought that golf impacted less on the landscape and placed fewer restrictions on their movement around the park.
There were a number of suggestions that the park should be more visible and that improvements should be made to the Beckenham Hill boundary.
2.2 Character of the Park
Most participants agreed that the park is valued because of its open space, woodland and as a place to escape the surrounding urban development offering respite from the daily pressures of urban living. These qualities give Beckenham Place Park its special character and strong feelings were expressed that these characteristics should be preserved.
2.3 Access
Access into the park is perceived to be generally good with a number of entrances at regular intervals linking to residential areas and public transport points. The entrances were typically felt to be relatively unwelcoming and that this had consistently been identified through previous surveys. Poor signage was also regularly mentioned.
Public transport, with 2 railway stations in close proximity to the park, was considered to be good. Navigation from Beckenham Hill Station could be improved and there was a suggestion that temporary signage could be used to encourage new visitors and build confidence. The Green Chain links were also considered a strength.
The proposals to create a better path network with circular routes was supported in principle by the majority of respondents. However, some existing users and golfers felt this could be achieved by working around the golf course.
There was some concern over the details of the path proposals and suggestions that materials used should be sympathetic and in keeping with the character of the park, particularly in the less formal areas. The self-binding gravel materials used for the eastern path following the Ravensbourne elicited some positive comments. Improved disabled / inclusive access was widely supported.
Improved access for cyclists was generally supported although some participants raised concerns over shared access paths with respect to potential user conflicts.
There was a general consensus that further vehicular access points into the park were not required. Some Beckenham residents living very close to the park had strong opinions about any further vehicle access into (and out of) the park from the south, even for limited periods only. These concerns derive from the issue of unadopted highways maintained by residents and also increased traffic and associated disturbance.
At one discussion group there was a suggestion for a further railway crossing point (bridge) for pedestrians, which would aid circulation and connect the common to the woodland.
2.4 Interpretation
There was support for interpretative materials at the Homesteads and in other key areas of the park. There was a strong preference for the interpretive materials to cover the wider local history and heritage, setting the park in a wider context.
There were also high levels of support for way marked trails to encourage exploration.
2.5 Buildings
There was universal support for the restoration of the buildings within the park, particularly the Mansion, Homesteads & associated buildings and the Gardeners Cottage. Future uses of the Foxgrove Club were more mixed. These was support for the re-use of the building but Beckenham residents in particular raised some concerns over the types of use and any vehicular access requirements.
Many respondents appeared to recognise the need to restore and conserve the Mansion and considered this to be the highest priority within the park. There was a strong preference for use of the Mansion, which would allow greater public access. Weddings and private hire uses were supported if this would help derive income to sustain the building. Use of the Mansion as restaurant and training venue for catering and the hospitality industry received some support. Other suggestions included using the building as a museum or art gallery.
The proposals for the Homesteads and suggested functions of cafe, toilets & educational use were well supported. Arts and craft based activities within the curtilage of the Homesteads was supported as were small scale fairs and similar events.
Conversion of the Gardeners Cottage for use as a volunteer base was well supported and the development of volunteer programmes was welcomed.
The Lodges were considered to be visually significant buildings and there were some creative solutions offered to illuminate these to signify the entrances and raise awareness of the park.
2.6 General landscape
Support for the landscape proposals was more mixed, with many more frequent users and golfers opposing any plans that would impact upon the golf course. The Mayor of Lewisham was due to take a decision on the golf course a few days after the last discussion group. The potential closure of the golf course was of great concern to many of the participants and naturally there was some resistance to the landscape proposals that proposed reuse of the land occupied by the golf course.
The current play provision was generally considered to be poor. There was support for introducing more adventurous play provision within the park. The Old Bromley Road entrance and current play location was seen as being an important area for locating key facilities (including refreshments and toilets), providing accessible spaces close to where many people live. There was support for locating any BMX provision in this area. There was also some support for an outdoor gym and trim trail type equipment.
The re-creation of the lake and wetland area was not well supported by many existing users, to a large degree because of the impact on the golf course. Whilst some participants supported the concept, concerns were raised over the technical viability, maintenance requirements and management issues such as those related to Canada Geese. Other people were more positive and thought it would be a positive additional to the landscape, both visually and as a potential facility for water sports and swimming.
Restoration of the walled garden and the use of the space for community food growing was well supported and the space was currently felt to be under-used. Similarly measures to improve the pleasure grounds were well supported. There were some calls for the tennis courts to be retained and upgraded.
Greater use of the park for a range of events and activities was broadly supported. Larger events generated a more mixed reaction with Beckenham residents concerned over the implications of larger events with respect to access (pedestrian and vehicular), noise nuisance and litter. Many Beckenham residents felt the proposed events area was inappropriate and located too close to residential properties. Acoustic events and classical music events were more positively received than those relating to amplified music. Outdoor theatre and cinema were generally well supported. The backdrop of the Mansion was seen as providing a special setting for events.
There appeared to be some concern that over frequency of events with the perception that large-scale events would occur frequently.
2.7 Biodiversity & woodlands
All measures to support biodiversity and sustain the woodlands would appear to be well supported. The woodland and semi-natural character of the park is seen as a major strength and an important characteristic. Measures to restrict desire lines and manage access in the woodlands were requested by some participants.
Some existing users were concerned over the loss of trees on the golf course should this area be restored and some participants placed significant emphasis on the value of the mature silver birch.
3 Summary
Overall the discussion group process provided a useful platform to discuss Beckenham Place Park, current use of the space and to talk about the opportunities for the future. The vast majority of respondents spoke very positively about the semi-natural character of the space and how this should be understood and conserved. Some participants agreed the park is under-used and there was wider acceptance that marketing and promotion is poor.
Proposals to restore and enhance the buildings were widely supported across all participants. The Mansion was seen by many to be the main priority for investment across the park although proposals to restore the Homesteads (and the proposed uses) were typically well supported. The proposals for the landscape restoration were more mixed, which to a large degree, was a result of some participants opposing the closure of the golf course. However, many of the proposals were also widely supported with many participants excited by the opportunities to introduce new facilities and activities.
The discussion groups have also demonstrated that there is a high level of interest in the proposals for the future of Beckenham Place Park and there should be significant interest in the next stages of consultation.
ButlerDsigns hand painting Beckenham’s new alleyway signs funded by Mayors High Street fund. The Copers Cope Residents’ Association was successful in securing £20k of funds on behalf of the Town Centre Team.
Beckenham is one of 42 post offices that are under threat of closure. The Post Office is currently considering the closure of the Post Office on Rectory Road and selling the franchise to a local shop. In Bromley the Post Office was moved into WH Smith, however it has been mentioned that WH Smith in Beckenham may not be interested hosting a Post Office counter in their small High Street store. Our Association will be lobbying to retain a post office service in Beckenham Town Centre.
Bromley Council have no influence in the Post Office’s decision to close the branch on Rectory Road. Should the worst happen we will be expecting the Council to protect the iconic art deco building. Local Councillors have confirmed they support retaining the building.
Currently there is a petition against closure in the Post office itself. Local people can also write to the Post Office and the regulating body OffComm to voice their concerns.
A representative from the Post Office workers union will be attending the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association public meeting at 8pm 30 March 2016, Beckenham Public Halls to provide information about the closure and how local people may oppose it. We hope you can come along.
To find out what is happening in Beckenham check out our most recent newsletter, found around town or online.
If you appreciate the work we do as volunteers passionate about local community please sign up. If you live in a block of flats in Beckenham it only costs £1.50 per flat if the whole block signs up. Do not delay, support us in supporting you, sign up today.
Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard for bogus builders following 2 attempts to scam residents. A 70 year old man reported he was cold called by a male who he described as aged about 40, overweight, over 5’9” tall who said he was from a company which was an off shoot of Dynorod. The man told the consumer there was a problem with sewers at the rear of his property and gained access to the back garden to check a manhole.
The man then produced a mobile phone and told the resident to speak to “the boss”. A man named David Pearce told him to check his toilets. On doing so, the consumer found one of the toilets was almost overflowing with clean water and there was a lot of toilet paper round the top of the bowl. At this point, the resident realised he was being scammed and told the man to leave. It was evident someone had gained access to his home while he was in the garden.
A second report came from Natwest in Bromley when a 78 year old Shortlands woman went into the branch looking to withdraw £5,800 for building work. When bank staff asked her about the work, the customer said she was stopped in the street by a man who said he was digging up the pavement in her street and needed to check her drains. She allowed him into her house to check the drains and on being asked to check her toilet she discovered it was blocked. The man said he needed to hire a machine to clear the blockage and asked for £5,800 in cash, which he said, would be refunded when the work was complete.
Trading Standards are urging residents to report any incidents of cold calling for property repairs and to keep a look out for any vulnerable neighbours.
Referrals may be made via the Trading Standards Rapid response Number on 07903 852090.
From Saturday 19 March there will be improvements to bus route 162, which runs between Beckenham Junction station and Eltham station. This is in order to improve reliability and meet increased customer demand.
The improvements will be as follows:
· During Monday to Friday daytimes and Saturday shopping hours, buses will run every 15 minutes (currently every 20 minutes)
· During Sunday shopping hours and on all evenings, buses will run every 20 minutes (currently every 30 minutes)
A new timetable will be introduced on all days of the week, with some journeys departing earlier or later. Details can be found on our Journey Planner.
The Festival will celebrate the heritage of the Clock House District which, for the last 120 years, has been the cultural and services heart of Beckenham. The District is centred on Venue 28 which stands on the exact location of the famous Clock House Mansion.
Within a half mile / ten minute walk are many fine buildings including homes, places of work, study and recreation of 50 notable national people including Julie Andrews, Enid and Carey Blyton, Rob Bonnet, David Bowie, , Admiral Brett, Harold Bride, Lady Byron and students of the Beckenham Technical and County Schools and the Beckenham School of Art.
Events planned are two concerts in the Methodist Church (April 30th) and the Baptist Church (May 7th), an Art Exhibition, heritage walks, and talks.
Two visitors taking part are Gary Higginson (to hear the first public performance of his composition “Inventions on a Theme by Carey Blyton” and Roy Hanscombe talking about his grandfather Bert Hanscombe (the dustman from Church Fields Road) who unveiled the Beckenham War Memorial in 1921 and Bert’s eight brothers who all survived the horrors of WW1.
The Festival will be concluded by the unveiling of a plaque/information panel about the Clock House District being designed by the West Beckenham Residents Association (WBRA.
For more information contact
Cliff Watkins, 020 8650 7347
cliffwatkins61@gmail.com
Our Annual General Meeting is at 8pm Wednesday 30th March 2015, Beckenham Public Hall, Bromley Road, Beckenham.
Representative from the Post Office workers union (CWU) will provide information on the proposed closure of the Beckenham Post Office on Rectory Road. Bromley Council will be attending to provide an update on the TfL funded public realm improvement scheme for Beckenham Town Centre with an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. Local Councillors and our MP are expected to attend. All local people welcome.
Healthwatch Bromley and Lewisham is looking for your feedback on local podiatry services and would be grateful if you could complete their latest questionnaire around the current provision provided by Bromley Healthcare.
The questionnaire can be found by clicking here. TX and should take no more than five minutes to complete.
The deadline for responses is Thursday 24th March 2016.
Healthwatch would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the focus group being held on Monday 21st March, 14:00-16:00, here at Community House, South Street, BR1 1RH.
The focus group will give patients the opportunity to feedback more detailed information regarding their experience. If you are interested in attending or would like to know more about the session, please contact Stephanie on stephanie@healthwatchbromley.co.uk or call 020 8315 1906.
Copers Cope Area Residents' Association (CCARA) & West Beckenham Residents' Association (WBRA) 