News from Councillors Andrea Mann and Shamin Talukder and the Pimlico Labour Action Team
Darwin House and Balmoral Castle
Churchill Gardens residents have written to us to explain their opposition to the Council’s proposals for Darwin House and Balmoral Castle:
“It is not just the scale and location of the proposed new blocks to which we object. It is also the phasing of the works to accommodate the Darwin House residents’ desire to only move once. In consequence, the adjacent blocks are going to have a noisy, polluting building site next to them, affecting their quiet enjoyment of their properties, for far longer than would otherwise be necessary.
I also think that Councillor Robathan gave some general assurances to residents last year that the disruption to their lives would be kept to a minimum. It would appear, prima facie, that such assurances are about to be dishonoured.”
Residents also say:
“I agree that creating high rise development on the Churchill Gardens Estate is not a good a good idea. Urban canyoning causes a cold, dark, draughty environment. The same population density can be achieved in other ways.”
Chelsea Bridge Road
Following our enquiries over many months, we have received the following update from the Highways Team about the additional bus stop on Chelsea Bridge Road:
“I wanted to update you with regards to the new permanent bus stop and why it had not yet been installed. Our initial plan was to install lining and flag in November, however made sense to coordinate with RBKC proposed resurfacing works in December. Unfortunately, this resurfacing work has now been placed on hold so we have reverted back to plan ‘A’ and install markings/signage which is scheduled for January.”
Grosvenor Rail Bridge
We have again asked the Council to clear rubbish and graffiti from the area around the Grosvenor Rail Bridge. Residents say:
“I walked past the site last week and the rubbish is still there. Would it be also possible to push for some rubbish bins by the benches on the riverside further down the road? There’s often rubbish placed on the floor by the benches which could get blown into the river. There’s also quite a bit of graffiti around by the bridge too. “
Longleat House – heating
At the request of residents, we contacted the Housing Office about the inadequate heating at Longleat House. Residents say:
“The communal heating at Longleat House has been turned down to the bare minimum by Westminster Council, without any consolation or warning. This sudden, thoughtless and unkind move is completely unacceptable, especially at this time of year, especially with covid being present in the community and the threat of flu present. The correct level of heating needs to be returned to normal forthwith and if there is a problem with the heating system in general it also needs to be repaired.”
Following our enquiries, the Housing Office told us:
“The repairs team attended today and confirmed that there were issues with the TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) in the home. They were freed and the heating is now working.”
We are also helping residents at Longleat House following a water leak which flooded a flat and the flats below.
West Mews
We are supporting residents in West Mews who are opposing proposals to build a basement and add another storey to an existing house in the mews.
Pimlico Trees
London Tree Walks features a walk entitled, ‘Architectural Utopias Among The Trees: A Pimlico Circular’, guides walkers through the Millbank and Churchill Gardens Estates. This blog from ‘Municipal Dreams’ looks at how trees have been used in planned housing developments since the end of the nineteenth century with particular focus on the Pimlico Estates.
https://municipaldreams.wordpress.com/2020/12/08/great_estates_the_the_changing_role_of_trees/
Mozart Terrace/Cundy Street
Residents in Mozart Terrace living opposite the proposed redevelopment of Cundy Street Flats are very concerned about the development plans and their impact on their sunlight and daylight. You can read more here:
Kinnerton Street
We are pleased that, following representations from residents and ourselves, the Planning Sub Committee refused consent to the application to remove the London plane from the rear garden of 27 Wilton Place.
Sanctuary Housing
We continue to be contacted by Sanctuary Housing tenants about the mismanagement of their flats and the failure to do essential repairs, upkeep and maintenance. This month we have reported long-outstanding repairs to a flat in Denbigh Place and a botched repair of a front door in St George’s Drive which required the Fire Brigade to attend to let residents out of the building. Residents say:
“I would like to thank you for your help with the entrance door at St. George’s Drive, which now has been fixed. We are waiting for the intercom to be connected, however, the big job is done. A huge thank you on behalf of all residents and myself.”