High Street Alleyway Survey

The Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association on behalf of the Beckenham Town Centre Team submitted a bid to the Mayor’s High Street Fund to get some money to clear up the alleyways off the High Street. The Mayor’s fund has awarded Beckenham £20,000 for the Do Up Our Alley Project which will name, sign, clean up and improve the maintenance of the alleyways in Beckenham Town Centre.

We need to know what local people think of the current state of the alleyways. If you use or work/live near any of the alleyways off of the High Street please complete this survey.

www.surveymonkey.com/r/P923BXS

For photos and to find out more about the alleys please click HERE.

TfL official consultation on 352 and 354 Bus service on a Sunday – have your say by Friday 10 July 2015

TfL have responded to months of lobbying from the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association, West Beckenham Residents’ Association, the‘354 on a Sunday Campaign’ and many local people for a Sunday service on the 352 and 354 with an official consultation. TfL propose introducing a Sunday service on both routes in September 2105.

We encourage all local people to support the proposal, please do so at the link below by Friday 10 July 2015.

https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/bus-service-proposal-route-352-and-354

There is also a postal address for comments by mail you may wish to pass on to neighbours not online:

Consultation Team
Transport for London
10th Floor, Palestra
197 Blackfriars Road
London SE1 8NJ
Consultation Team

Copers Cope Police Newsletter June 2015

Hello and thank you for reading this months 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 )

In the month of May there has been

4 Residential burglaries, two of which have occurred in Copers Cope Road the other two took place in Downs Hill & Shortlands Grove.
3 Burglary non dwellings ( sheds, garages etc ) these have occurred in Copers Cope Road, Montana Gardens and The Avenue.
1 Theft of motor vehicle, this occurred in Downs Hill where a motor bike was taken from a drive way
4 Theft from motor vehicles, these have occurred in Copers Cope Road, West Gate Road and two offences took place in Hackington Crescent.

However there has been a drop in reported offences, particularly burglary, in March there were 7 residential burglaries compared to May’s 4 and in April there were 7 burglary non dwellings compared to May’s 3. Motor vehicle crime has also dropped, in April there were 11 theft from motor vehicle offences compared to May’s 4.

Please if you can take simple steps to help prevent these offences take place, lock all windows and doors of your house even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you have an alarm please use it. Lock your car and take any valuables with you.

Street Surgery

We held a surgery on Saturday 9th May in Waitrose where we spoke to and gave crime prevention information to over 100 residents. Crime prevention advice given covered burglary, motor vehicle crime, cycle theft and mobile phone thefts.

We hold monthly surgeries and we hope you can come along and see us. Our next street surgeries are 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

Crime

Our priorities are:
Burglary
Motor vehicle crime Robbery – personal property

Crime Prevention

Front Door Security: Doors should be solid timber, not hollow, a minimum of 44mm thick, supported by three 100mm ( 4” ) hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 600mm ( 23” ) around the whole frame.

– Fit a good automatic deadlocking latch cylinder lock a third of the way down the door.

– Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise deadlock with boxed staple a third of the way up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).

– Strengthen the door frame with metal reinforcement. A “ London Bar “ on the lock side and a “ Birmingham Bar “ on the hinge side.

– Fit a letterbox cowl / basket to prevent fishing for keys or access to lock handles.

Back Doors: Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise sash lock halfway up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).

– Fit key operated bolts to top ( max height 1.5m ( 4’ 11” ) and bottom of the door.

– Reinforce any weak door panels with either sheet metal or 9mm plywood.

Double French Doors: Fit key operated bolts to the top and bottom of each door securing it to the frame.

– Fit hinge bolts or interlocking hinges to any outward opening door.

Patio Doors: Fit patio door locks at the top and bottom of the opening section of the patio door.

– Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the door being lifted and moved.

Window Security:

Sash Windows: Fit 2 key operated sash stops to the upper window. The maximum window opening should be 100mm ( 4” ) to allow ventilation when the house is occupied.

Casement ( Hinged ) Windows: Fit key operated locks on the opening side. If replacing windows fit those that have achieved British Standard 7950 and have laminated glass 6.4mm thick in ground floor and accessible windows.

Gardens: Secure your rear gardens by locking gates and fixing trellis to the top of fences. Trellis should support climbing plants but not climbing intruders.

Sheds: Secure your shed or ensure that tools that may prove useful for breaking in ( e.g. forks and spades ) are secured elsewhere.

Further information is available from http://www.met.police.uk/bromley and follow the link to Crime Prevention.

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 continued to be involved 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.

Contacts

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

Heritage Tree saved at 25 West Oak

Finally some good news for our threatened trees…. the Council have refused the felling of mature oak tree in the back garden of 25 West Oak Beckenham due to a lack of evidence indicating or proving that the tree was causing damage to nearby houses. Further details can be found online here.

There are numerous applications every year to fell or pollard our old for trees. Luckily this tree had a Tree Protection Order (TPO) so planning needed to be applied for before it could be felled. Trees without TPO are sitting ducks. If you have an old or mature tree in your road please contact the Council to ensure the tree is covered by a TPO. You can do this online at the link below.

Tree Protection Orders

Bromley Council Consultation on planning requirement changes – have your say by 22 July 2015

Local list of information requirements – consultation

Bromley Council are asking for your comments on the revised local list of validation requirements for planning applications.

They have reviewed our current local list of validation requirements for planning applications in line with national guidance and have updated the list and are now consulting on the revisions to the local list of information requirements and would welcome your views on the changes.This consultation is open for 8 weeks until 22 June 2015.Further information

The review has led to minor changes to items already on the list by way of making requirements clearer for applicants and ensuring that the most up-to-date policies are referenced. The revised list also introduces some additional requirements for non-householder applications to ensure that proposals meet current legislative and policy requirements, are capable of delivering high quality design and are addressing sustainability polices.

Furthermore by requiring applicants to submit certain details as part of the planning applications for major and/or complex and sensitive proposals, it is possible to prevent the use of conditions requiring further submissions which will reduce timescales for implementing permissions.

Additional requirements added to the local list include:

Clarification in respect of Design and Access Statements
Large scale (1:20) plans to show sensitive or complex design details
Living roof details
Computer generated images for major proposals
Accommodation schedules for all new dwellings
Submission of construction logistic plans
Submission of landscape proposals
Clarification in respect of information required for Lifetime Homes and wheelchair units
Material samples for appropriate schemes
Sustainability statements

Have your say

You can comment by emailing us at planning@bromley.gov.uk making sure you title your message ‘Local Information Requirements Consultation’ or by writing to us at

Planning (Local Information Requirements Consultation)
Civic Centre, Stockwell Close,
Bromley BR1 3UH

This consultation is open for 8 weeks until 22 June 2015.

Bromley Police Borough Commander Newsletter April 2015

The latest newsletter can be found here.

Valuable High Street Office Space Saved

Three Beckenham office buildings have been saved from being converted into flats by the Council this week.

Provident House, Ironstone House and Marqueen House, all situated on Burrell Row at the western end of the High Street, had planning applications submitted under the “temporary” permitted development of change of use from offices to residential. The council has limited powers to refuse, but has done so on grounds of lack of parking provision.

Vital office space has been retained in our town centre, however the Councils decision could still be overturned at Appeal.

Planning application for a new house to be built at the rear of 32 Church Avenue.

A planning application has been submitted for new dwelling house to the rear of No.32 Church Road. Further details can be found online under reference 15/01541/FULL1.
Comments/objections in regard to this application must be provided by 10 June 2015, they can be sent by email to planning@bromley.gov.uk

Please ensure you provide your full name and address including post code to ensure your comments are registered.

Beckenham Businesses can enter the LB of Bromley Business Awards – register by 31 July 2015

The Bromley Business Awards are open to the whole borough. Find out more in the Awards Brochure.

To enter your business into the Bromley Business Awards by 31 July 2015 click here

There is also a free networking event from 2-4pm on Thursday 25th June 2015 at Prospects House, 19 Elmfield Road, Bromley, BR1 1LT. To book a place at the What makes a winner? event email awards@prospects.co.uk or call 0208 315 1020.

The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be hosted on Thursday 15 October 2015 at The Warren, Bromley.

Demolition of large house at 56 Copers Cope Road

A planning application has been submitted to demolish 56 Copers Cope Road Road (corner of Copers Cope Road and Brackley Road) and and replace with a four storey building plus basement comprising 3 one bedroom and 7 two bedroom apartments.

Further details can be found online under reference 15/01536/FULL1.
Comments/objections in regard to this application must be provided by 01 June 2015, they can be sent by email to planning@bromley.gov.uk . Please ensure you provide your full name and address including post code to ensure your comments are registered.

Southeastern consultation on draft 2016 rail timetable – have your say by 26 June 2015

Consultation on the August 2016 timetable

The Thameslink Programme and London Bridge station rebuild mean that at the end of August 2016 platforms 1, 2 and 3 will close and Cannon Street trains will no longer stop at London Bridge until January 2018.Charing Cross trains will, however, resume stopping at London Bridge with platforms 7, 8 and 9 back in service.

The draft timetable is available for consultation online from Monday 18 May for six weeks. Please provide your feedback before Friday 26 June to: timetablemanagement@southeasternrailway.co.uk

Your feedback will help Southeastern make changes where possible to the August 2016 timetable.

Proposed changes to the Hayes Line

The 07.43 Hayes to Charing Cross service is diverted to Cannon Street;
The 08.10 Hayes to Charing Cross service is re-timed to start at 08.13 and will cease to call at Lewisham (to allow pathway for a diverted Greenwich line service);
Off peak Cannon Street to Hayes services are diverted to Charing Cross and will call at London Bridge and Waterloo East.

Mini Petting Farm at Market On The Green today Sat 16 May 2015

A mini petting farm will be open from 11.am to 15.30 at Market On The Green on Beckenham Green today. The petting farm is free of charge.

You can also enjoy local produce and craft stalls, face painting, have a go children’s arts and crafts, fun fair, carnival games, pizza making master class and live entertainment. See you later.

Live on the stage from 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 at Balgowan primary school.
15:00 – Peppa Pig (lookalike) party on stage (by Brilliant Birthdays)

Entertainment

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

Stalls and hot food:

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 preserve made using traditional methods and recipes handmade in our cottage kitchen in Cranbrook Kent.
Conkers and Clay – local craft artists, ceramics and pottery, wood sculpture and turning
DM Clothing -Handprinted lace scarves, handprinted 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 Kenitsh 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, breadpudding, tarts (slices).

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.

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

Changes Underway to Beckenham Primary Schools

Many of you will have noticed changes afoot at several primary schools recently – huge mobile cranes, fleets of lorries with pre-fabricated structures on board and a increase in people wearing hi-vis jackets and hard hats.

Worsley Bridge Primary School is having a brand new, two-storey wing built to allow it to increase in size from two to three-forms of entry. Groundworks began towards the end of February and in March the first pre-fabricated units began to be craned into position. The superstructure is now in place ready for cladding, fitting out and connection of services. The completed building should be ready for the start of the new academic year in September.

Clare House Primary School is undergoing a more drastic change, to create a permanent two-form entry school. While the children continue to be taught in the current building, a brand new, two-storey school building is being constructed on the old playing field. Groundworks began in March and the first pre-fabricated structure was craned into place on the Mayday Bank Holiday. Part of the new school building will be ready for occupation in September and the remainder complete by the Autumn Half-Term holiday. A temporary hard play surface has been provided to allow the children to continue with games and sporting activities. This will finally be replaced with hard and soft play areas. Once the new building is complete, the old building will be demolished and replaced with a new, all-weather sports pitch and staff parking.

Bromley Road Primary School is in the process of a more modest change, due to the historical nature of the building and site restrictions. The existing building is being refurbished internally allowing it to transform from the two-form entry infant school it once was into a one-form entry full primary. The school is continuing to operate whilst the building works are being carried out, so complex sequencing and careful arrangements between the contractor and the school have been necessary. Work started shortly after the Easter Holiday. When complete in September, the school will provide teaching and learning facilities for older primary children and new outdoor sports and play areas.

Harris Primary Academy Beckenham recently secured planning permission for temporary buildings in the grounds of the Harris Academy Beckenham , while a permanent building is developed at the same site. The new school, in its temporary accommodation, will provide two-forms of entry from this September. Design proposals for the permanent Primary Academy building were submitted for planning approval in March, along with designs for a brand new Academy building to replace the existing one.

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.

Church Motor Company Under Threat of Closure

An established Beckenham garage faces possible closure, following an attempt by the landlord to secure change of use for the building through the planning process.

Church Motor Company (CMC), situated in buildings off Bromley Road, next to Beckenham Methodist Church, employs four staff and has served the town’s car-owners for eleven years. During that time it has built a reputation in Beckenham for high quality service, borne out by its broad base of local customers. CMC’s mechanics are specialists of German and Italian cars although the company repairs and services any make of car. It also has a sister site at Lewes Road in Bromley.

Beckenham Methodist Church, who own the building, made a planning application to change the use of the purpose-built garage workshop (use class B1[c]) to church use (use class D1) last year. The church have stated they intend to use the space for storage, equipment and letting for community use. Bromley Council refused the application, citing an unacceptable loss of a business unit as their principle reason. The Church has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against that decision. CMC and the garage are currently locked in a dispute over the lease, which is the subject of an ongoing court case.

CCARAs view is that local businesses such as CMC are essential to the vitality of Beckenham and everything must be done to support and protect them, as policy EMP5 of the Council’s Unitary Development Plan sets out.

If you think the closure of Church Motor Company would be a loss of a valuable asset to Beckenham, or otherwise, you can write directly to the Planning Inspectorate at teamP7@pins.gsi.gov.uk for the attention of Chris Nash, stating Reference no. APP/G5180/W/15/3005164

Details of the Planning Application and subsequent Appeal can be found on Bromley Council’s website under Planning Reference no. 14/01814/FULL

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.