Author: Copers Cope Area Residents' Association (CCARA)

Residents Association covering central and northern Beckenham. Founded in 1939 to protect and promote the interests of residents in matters of local concern

Unrestricted conversions from office space to residential killing off Beckenham High Street?

The Government introduced a 3-year permitted development right in Spring 2013 that allows landlords to make conversions from office to residential without permission from Councils (only prior approval in respect of transport and highways, contamination and flooding risks needs to be sought through the planning process). It was designed and intended to allow empty office space to be turned into homes without the red tape thereby boosting the creation of new homes.  Unfortunately it is mainly being used in locations that deliver the highest returns on investment for landlords, despite the high demand for office space.  So in town centres like Beckenham where housing prices/rents are soaring ahead of office space, local businesses are being pushed out.  Since 2013  the following offices have, or are, in the process of changing from office to residential:

  • Above 30 High Street from office space to 15 x studio flats
  • Above 86-90 High Street from office space to 2 x one bed flats
  • Above 130 High Street from office space to 2 self-contained flats
  • Above 145-151 High Street from office space to 2 x studio flats and 1 x one bedroom flat
  • Above 173a High Street from office space to 1 x 2 bedroom flat
  • Above 177a High Street from office space to 1 x 1 bedroom flat
  • Above 179a High Street from office space to 2 x 2 bedroom flats
  • Above 242 High Street from office space to 2 x 1 bedroom flats
  • Duncan House, Burnhill Road  from office space to 1 x 1 bedroom flat and 9 x 2 bedroom flats
  • Above  24 High Street  from office space to 1 x 2  bedroom and 1 x 1 bedroom flats
  • Marqueen House, 215 High Street,  application in currently to change from office space to 18 x 1 bedroom flats
  • Ironstone House,  205-213 High Street,  application in currently to change from office space to 18 x 1 bedroom flats
  • Provident House 6-20 Burrell Row, application in currently to change from office space to 18 x 1 and 2 x 2 bedroom flats

In Beckenham we are now at the point where offices that are fully occupied by small and medium-size businesses, such as Marqueen, Ironstone and Provident House, are being emptied out to be turned into residential. Often these new flats are small, the developments too dense, some even becoming Houses of Multiple Occupation. If all the offices go in Beckenham it will devastate the day-time economy on the High Street. Take out the workers and we will see a change in the mix of shops, and we are fearful more independent shops will be lost, the only replacements to be chains and charity shops, changing the vibrancy of our town centre.

The government want to make this permitted right permanent. We have asked our MP Bob Stewart to lobby for this permitted right to be scrapped and to reinstate Council approval for such conversions. Local people and Councils can then have a say in whether Beckenham needs office space more than flats. You can also help by contacting your local MP:  Bob Stewart (Beckenham and West Wickham) and Jim Dowd (Elmers End, Clock House, Cator Park).

To find out more about this issue you can read the Association of Town Centre Management’s Policy Position Paper HERE.

Local petition to clear up derelict site on Southend Road

A local resident has set up a petition asking Bromley Council to do something to clear up the unsightly mess at the Derelict Site 35-37 Southend Road, BR3 1TD.

The goal is to reach 100 signatures, you can read more and sign the petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/cllr-mellor-and-peter-morgan-please-do-something-to-clear-up-the-unsightly-mess-at-the-derelict-site-35-37-southend-road-br3-1td?recruiter=292690865&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team Newsletter May 2015

Hello and welcome to our first Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) newsletter.

The team details and ward map along with other useful information can be accessed at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope

Your team includes:

  • PS 48py Mark Shrubsole
  • PC 128py Steve Allen, Dedicated ward Officer ( DWO )
  • PCSO 7256py Julie Oldfield, Dedicated ward Officer ( DWO )

Street Surgery

Copers Cope SNT will be holding street surgeries on the following dates:-

  • Thursday 4th June 2015 between 3pm and 4pm at Waitrose, Southend Road
  • Saturday 11th July 2015 between 3pm and 4pm at Waitrose, Southend Road

Come along and speak to a member of the team.

Crime

Our priorities are:

  • Burglary
  • Motor vehicle crime Robbery – personal property

Although crime is falling we will continue to patrol predicted crime areas. If you see a member of your team please stop and talk to us if you have any concerns regarding crime in your area and we will be happy to assist you with crime prevention advice and any other questions you may have.

We have recently conducted operations in the Copers Cope area in both uniform and plain clothes in order to reduce and detect both motor and burglary offences.

Scams

Copers Cope work closely with Trading Standards if you have been or know someone who may have been a victim of a rogue trader or any mass marketing scam then please report this to the Police.

If you think you have a rogue trader at your front door call Bromley Trading Standards on their rapid response number 07903852090

Operation Meebos

The team has been taking part in Operation Meebo this involves officers, whilst on patrol, to speak to and engage with persons going door to door cold calling and delivering leaflets.

Thank you for your time reading this letter, if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to help.

If you need police for an urgent matter where you are in danger or fear always dial 999. If you wish to see a police officer for a non emergency matter, then please dial 101

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team

Telephone 0208 721 2772
E-Mail Coperscope.snt@met.police.uk

This time next week it will be Market on The Green, 16 May 2015 on Beckenham Green

It’s a packed day of entertainment, funfair, carnival games, pizza making masterclass and 40 local produce and craft stalls.  St George’s church next door is also holding an Arts & Crafts Fair and Church Tower Climb. Never miss a Market, get on the mailing list.

Entertainment

  • Children’s Carnival Games by Bromley Road School PTA
  • Bottons Family Funfair
  • Face painting by Tiger Dragon Butterfly

 Stage line up (11am to 3.30pm)

  • 11:00 – Bright Sparks – local Beckenham dance school.
  • 11:30 – Peter Green – Steam Punk Brit pop from London.
  • 12.00 – Break
  • 12:15 – Nomad Folk – Folk band from Penge.
  • 12:45 – Child Peters – Indie pop singer/songwriter from London.
  • 13:15 – R.A. Parade – stylish singer songwriter.
  • 13:45 – Break
  • 14:00 – Churchfields Primary School Choir singing pop.
  • 14:30 – Irish dancing by Balgowan primary school.
  • 15:00 – Peppa Pig (lookalike) party on stage (by Brilliant Birthdays).

Stalls:

  • All Things Saucy – handmade sauces using fresh, natural ingredients from local sources.
  • Botanicals in Coloured Pencil – hand painted cards, totes and t-shirts.
  • Cranbrook Conserves – jams and preserves made using traditional methods and recipes handmade in their cottage kitchen in Cranbrook Kent.
  • Conkers and Clay – local craft artists, ceramics and pottery, wood sculpture and turning.
  • DM Clothing -Hand-printed lace scarves,  hand-printed ponchos, dresses.
  • Deli Jerk – Caribbean jerk chicken.
  • Dine Thyme – speciality pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and more.
  • Eat’n’mess Cakes – finest cupcakes from Sevenoaks.
  • Framerstamp – high quality, attractive, inexpensive framed stamp designs with each stamp a work of art in itself.
  • Free From Deli – sandwiches, salads, soups, juices/smoothies, pastries.
  • Hemings Bakehouse – made in Kent artisan breads.
  • Hocus Pocus  – A Magical Emporium of Wonderful Curiosities!
  • KME Crafts – children’s craft activity – sand art pictures, children’s lucky dip and a 16-piece brain teaser
  • Howards of Kent – locally produced fruit vodka.
  • Layhams Farm – locally sourced Kent produce from jars of honey, chutney and sauces to plants and seeds for your garden.
  • Marsh Produce – rare breed lamb & pork, beef, free range poultry, homemade burgers and sausage.
  • Nip from The Hip – fruit liqueurs made with locally sourced fruit.
  • Oink Oink Catering – local Kent born and bred hog roast with home-made apple sauce.
  • Organically prepared – organic fruit and veg.
  • Potash Farm –  Kentish cobnuts.
  • Preserved Passions – Kentish chutneys and relishes.
  • Sapore Vero – Beckenham wood fired pizza.
  • ‘Sauced’ by Marina – homemade Italian pasta sauces.
  • Sevenoaks Candles – award winning Kentish handmade candles and soaps.
  • Simply True – handmade adult and children’s jewellery.
  • Sweet Nostalgia Fudge – handmade fudge.
  • Terre Verdi  – organic skincare.
  • The Mobile Coffee Bean – fresh brewed coffee and teas with organic milk.
  • Tiddly Pomme – Kentish juices and cider.
  • Tw0 Girls in Stitches – textiles.
  • Ty Janick – authentic crepes and galettes.
  • Yumptious – Kent cupcakes, flapjacks, brownies, bread pudding, tarts (slices).

The above information correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.

Kids Pizza Making Masterclass at Market On The Green

Local  pizzeria Sapore Vero is running a pizza making masterclass for 20 lucky kids on Saturday 16 May at Market On The Green.  Kids aged 6-1o (ish) can have a go at making their very own pizza.  Sapore Vero’s master pizza chef will be there to lend a hand and to cook the pizza’s in the wood fired oven.  Who will make the best pizza of the day?

There are 20 places available, 10 at 10am and 10 at 11am.  Parents can sign kids up from 9.30am at Sapore Vero’s stall on the morning of the market.

Entry is free (donations welcome) and the kids get to keep their pizza.

2 weeks to go until Market On The Green – Sat 16 May 2015

For our first Market On The Green in 2015 we have a great line up of free live entertainment from 11am to 3.30pm: punk brit pop from Peter Green, Penge favourite Nomad Folk,  indie pop from Child Peters, stylish singer songwriter R.A. Parade, Churchfields Primary School Choir singing pop, Irish dancing from Balgowan Primary School and finally our VIP…. Peppa Pig (lookalike by Brilliant Birthdays) has a party on stage.
40 market stalls selling local produce and craft including; handmade sauces and preserves, hand painted cards, handmade children’s and adult jewellery, Kent apple juice and cider, speciality pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, sandwiches and cakes, artisan breads, locally produced fruit gin, plants and seeds, rare breed lamb & pork, free range poultry, children’s toys, hand-painted scarves and ponchos, haberdashery and fabrics, adults and children’s clothing, candles, organic fruit and veg, Kent strawberries, handmade fudge and handmade fabric gifts. There will be carnival games by Bromley Road School, face painting by Tiger Dragon Butterfly, a Pizza Making Competition Sapore Vero and a children’s fun fair.
Wood fired pizza, hog roast, sweet & savoury galettes, jerk chicken and gourmet coffee available for lunch.
If you live in Beckenham become a member of your local residents’ association. It’s just £3 a year, this small subscription fee makes a huge difference to the success of the Association and helps us keep this not for profit market going.  Find out more about the market and us on our website. The above information correct at time of writing but may be subject to change. 
may_2015_A6_Postcard

Consultation results of the Bakerloo Extension to Beckenham

The consultation report is now available online, see the full report at  www.tfl.gov.uk/bakerloo-extension, and for feedback on  extending the Bakerloo to Beckenham Junction and Hayes see Chapter 9 of the report.

TfL find that a  small majority of 56% support extending the Bakerloo to Beckenham Junction and Hayes and have summarised the feedback as follows:

  • There were 14,022 closed responses to Question 15, where respondents were asked to state their level of support, ranging from strongly support to strongly oppose, for the proposal to terminate the line at Hayes and Beckenham Junction. A total of 56% either support or strongly support the option of terminating the line at Hayes and Beckenham Junction, while 11% either oppose or strongly oppose. Over 30% of respondents neither support nor oppose the proposal.
  • In total 3,453 respondents provided a valid response to Question 16, where respondents were asked to provide further views or comments. This equates to 25% of all Question 15 respondents. Of the 3,453 responses to Question 16, 62% stated that they either support or strongly support the proposal to terminate at Hayes and Beckenham Junction, while 21% either oppose or strongly oppose and 16% of respondents neither support nor oppose.
  • Of the supporting responses, the comment most frequently mentioned is that ‘the further the line goes, the better / better to go beyond Lewisham as it is already well served’ comment, as stated by 16% of respondents. The proposed extension to Hayes and Beckenham Junction is considered ‘much needed, useful and beneficial’ to 8% of respondents, while the lack of London Underground access in southeast London is also stated as a reason for support by 8% of respondents. The role of the extension in regeneration and attracting new business is stated by 8% of supportive respondents.
  • Of the comments opposing the Hayes and Beckenham Junction termini option, 17% do so because they perceive that the Bakerloo line definitely needs to go to Bromley, while 13% oppose the proposal if it means the loss of direct connections to London rail termini. Eight percent of respondents expressed that the line needs to go further than Hayes and Beckenham Junction.  
  • Of the respondents who neither support nor oppose, 9% stated that the line needs to reach Bromley in addition to Hayes, and that failure to do so would be a missed opportunitySee chapter 9 of the report for more information on the survey responses for Beckenham Junction and Hayes.

Baroque Concertos – ‘A taste of Italy’ – Sat 9th May 2015 7.45pm, St George’s Church

St George’s Chamber Orchestra (SGCO) presents Baroque Concertos – ‘A taste of Italy’ – Saturday 09th May 2015 7.45pm

  • Corelli Concerto Grosso Op.6 no.1 in D
  • Alessandro Scarlatti Concerto Grosso no.1 in F minor
  • Vivaldi Concerto for 2 violins ”per eco in lontano” RV 552
  • Albinoni Sinfonia in C Op.2 no.3
  • Locatelli Concerto Grosso in C minor Op.1 no.2
  • Vivaldi Concerto for Violin in Eb ‘La Tempesta di Mare’ RV 253
  • Solo Violin: Patrick Savage
  • Director and Solo Violin: Dominic Moore

Find out more about the SGCO at http://sgco.co.uk/

Book in advance from The Beckenham Bookshop and St. George’s Church Office (Monday to Friday until 3.30pm). Best seats will be reserved for pre-concert sales. Tickets also available on-line athttp://www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.ukand on the door.

St. George’s Church is on the corner of High Street and Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 1AX.

Friends of Beckenham Place Park events April to June 2015

Spring: April 1st – June 30th 2015

Events. All events are free and open to members and non-members alike. Donations welcome.

  • Sunday 26th April BLUEBELL WALK – Meet at the Mansion steps 2.00 pm in partnership with Creekside Education Trust and led by Nick Bertrand. Will there be bluebells? Wednesday 20th May A WALK TO CHINBROOK MEADOWS Meet at the mansion steps 10.00am. This is a repeat of a walk from a few seasons ago, but this time the route will be different. There are buses and trains from Grove Park, but we intend to walk back to BPP via a different route for anyone keen to do a long walk.
  • SENSORY GARDEN WORKDAYS (sessions last about 2 hours), Dates 2nd Saturday of the month, 11th April, 9th May, 13th June. Meet 10.00am either at the mansion or go straight to the Sensory Garden. There will be work to suit everyone. Planting, weeding, hoeing, path maintenance and no previous skills are necessary. Tools, gloves and guidance provided. In the summer months there is more to do so there are often two sessions a month.

Beckenham Town Centre Improvement Presentation Tomorrow Night Weds 18 Mar 2015

Bromley Council and East Design Consultants will be presenting the scheme for the Beckenham Public Realm Improvements (previously shown at the LBB Working Group), talking through the results of the traffic modelling and explaining the next steps.  This presentation forms part of the official consultation for the project, we encourage local people to attend and take advantage of the Q&A session at the end.

The presentation will start after the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association AGM.

Hope to see you there at 8pm, Wed 18 March 2015, Beckenham Public Halls.

 

CCARA Residents Meeting mar 2015

Newsagent and Coffee Stall at Beckenham Junction to close

Users of Beckenham Junction station may be saddened to know of the planned closure of  the Newsagent and Coffee Stall at the station. The current owners of both have been there for many years, greeting the passengers. The below letter was posted up by one of the owners.  You can also provide feedback to Southeastern by using their on online enquiry form.

IMG_0441

Beckenham Town Centre Public Realm – Consultation Exercise

The following information has been provided by Bromley Council.

Consultation period

The consultation exercise will run from 2 to 27 March 2015.

Why are we consulting now?

We have reached an important stage in the design development of the Beckenham town centre public realm scheme. Having agreed a set of clear objectives for the scheme, we have developed concept designs to deliver these objectives. This process has involved input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Beckenham Town Centre Working Group.

We have now refined the concept designs to reflect the ideas and aspirations of people and businesses in Beckenham. We have recently developed a cost plan which shows what is affordable within the existing scheme budget. We have also undertaken a traffic modelling exercise on the proposed improvements to key junctions.

How can you get involved?

There are lots of ways for you get involved during the consultation period. We hope that you will be able to let us have your views at one of the following events or meetings:

  • Public exhibition – we are holding a public exhibition of the concept designs from 11:30 am to 8 pm on Thursday, 12 March 2015. The exhibition will be held at Citygate Church at 22 Rectory Road, Beckenham, BR3 1AA. A location plan is included at the end of this letter. The exhibition will be manned by staff from East Architects and from Bromley Council;
  • Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association AGM – East Architects and Bromley Council staff will be attending the AGM on 18 March 2015. There will be a presentation on the concept designs at 8:15 pm with an opportunity to ask questions afterwards; and

How can you let us have your views? 

 

There will be feedback forms available at the public exhibition on 12 March 2015.

 

If you would like to see the concept plans in advance of the public exhibition, you will be able to view these online at www.bromley.gov.uk/beckenhamimprovements

You can e-mail your views on the proposals to beckenhamimprovements@bromley.gov.uk

Town Centre Improvement Consultation and Copers Cope AGM – 8pm Weds 18 March 2015, Beckenham Public Halls

Our Annual General Meeting is at 8pm Wednesday 18th March 2015, Beckenham Public Hall, Bromley Road, Beckenham.

 East Architects and Bromley Council staff will be attending as part of the official consultation of Beckenham’s Public Realm Improvement Scheme. There will be a presentation on the concept designs at 8:15pm with an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. Local Councillors and our MP are expected to attend. All local people welcome.

CCARA Residents Meeting mar 2015

Special Afternoon Tea for Beckenham Mothers at Nineteen Fourteas

For Mothers’ Day, 15th March, Nineteen Fourteas (at the High Street entrance to Sainsbury’s) is hosting a special Afternoon Tea for the mums of Beckenham. To show their appreciation, every mum that comes will receive a handmade gift.

Seatings: 12 noon – 2pm and 2.30 – 4.30pm, limited spaces so booking required. Pop in or call on 020 8663 3384.

TfL confirm proposals for Sunday Service on 352 and 354 from September 2015

The  Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association and West Beckenham Residents’ Association have been in contact with James Cleverly’s Office (Greater London Authority) for many months lobbying for a Sunday service on the 352 and 354.  Mr Cleverly’s Office has provided us confirmation from Peter Bradley, TfL’s Head of Consultation, that TFL “Have recently awarded new contracts for the operation of routes 352 and 354.  As part of the contract award and subject to the outcome of formal consultation (which will commence in May 2015), we are proposing that both routes will run on Sundays and Public Holidays, with a provisional start date of September 2015”.

This is great news for Beckenham bus users. We will let you know when the consultation is available for local people to comment.

 

Beckenham Toilets will close as part of £11.6m cuts – Council Tax to rise 1.2% – local people object at Council meeting on 23 Feb 2015

Despite objections from the Copers Cope Residents’ Association, West Beckenham Residents’ Association, the Beckenham Business Association, The Beckenham Society, 80 direct objections from residents and a petition of over 700 local residents, 7 out of 8 Bromley Council Executives (including one from Beckenham) voted to close the Beckenham public toilets and offer the building for sale or demolish it.

At the same meeting the Council agreed to increase Council Tax by 1.2% (£16 a year for a Band D property). The Council could have increased Council Tax by up to 2% to avoid some of the £11.6 million of cuts planned. Local people have told us they would be happy to pay increased Council Tax to retain basic services, such as public toilets.

Our members have highlighted the following areas affected by budget cuts, no doubt there are many more affecting Borough residents.

The Council also plan to increase parking charges.

London councils are able to increase Council Tax by up to 2% each year. Should Bromley Council be increasing Council Tax at 2% to retain services local people want and are willing to pay for?  If you think so contact your local Councillors. We have checked back and note that the Council applied the following increases to Council  Tax over the last 4 years; 2011/12 =0%, 2012/13 = 0%, 2013/14  1.89%, 2014/15  = 0%.
Services have been cut over this period and many more to come to balance the books.

Bromley Council will vote on the final budget at a full Council Meeting,  7pm February 23 2015, Bromley Civic Centre, Bromley BR1 3UH.  The News Shopper advises local residents will be lobbying the meeting to  protest against the cuts and call for the budget to be rejected. More information can be found below.

 

 

SGCO String Quartet – 7.45pm Sat 7 Mar 2015, St George’s Church

St George’s Chamber Orchestra (SGCO) String Quartet – Saturday 7th March 2015 7.45pm

Beethoven String Quartet Op.18 no.5 in A

Shostakovich Elegy and Polka

Schubert String Quartet No 14 in D Minor, ‘Death and the Maiden’ D 810

Find out more about the SGCO at http://sgco.co.uk/

Book in advance from The Beckenham Bookshop and St. George’s Church Office (Monday to Friday until 3.30pm). Best seats will be reserved for pre-concert sales. Tickets also available on-line at http://www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.ukand on the door.

St. George’s Church is on the corner of High Street and Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 1AX.