MARYLEBONE LABOUR ACTION REPORT – September 2021
Demolition of The Chapel public House
We are supporting residents in Wallace Court and 38-47a Chapel Street who have objected to proposals to demolish The Chapel and replace it with a 7-storey hotel. You can read our letter to the Council’s Planning Officer here https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2021/08/20/action-team-supports-residents-objection-to-the-demolition-of-the-chapel-and-development-of-a-7-storey-hotel/
Rubbish outside 38-47A Chapel Street
We have continued to urge the Council to take strong action against those responsible for dumping rubbish outside 38-47a Chapel Street.
Marble Arch Mound
The Marble Arch Mound fiasco continues with this latest article highlighting the Council’s failures
Westminster residents’ groups have issued a scathing response to the Council’s £6 million Mound fiasco and the lack of meaningful consultation on major projects.
http://westendextra.com/article/marble-arch-mound-anger-at-top-down-tories
Following the Council’s admission that its Marble Arch Mound project is costing local taxpayers a massive £6million, three times the £2 million cost originally planned, we called for an independent Inquiry into how and why the costs escalated and who was responsible for the gross mismanagement of this project. Sadly, the Council has refused to hold an independent Inquiry and will be conducting an internal ‘inquiry’.
According to the ‘Evening Standard’, “the £2m Marble Arch Mound has been branded London’s worst attraction. The unbelievably depressing picture gallery lets you see why from about 27 different angles – and will save you £4.50.”
We have identified many ways in which the £6 million could have been spent to benefit local residents
Harrowby Street
We are continuing to support residents in Marble Arch Apartments in Harrowby Street who are fighting proposals to make them pay for the upgrade of fire safety works necessitated by the addition of an extra storey of 8 flats on the roof of their building. Within the block there are 120 leaseholders and 350 residents who are affected.
Bryanston Square/George Street
Following our enquiries on behalf of residents about coach parking by Wetherby School, Planning Officers have told us:
“Residents are correct in saying that the school has committed to minimising the time coaches (for PE pick-ups) are parked on George Street. This is outlined in the approved travel plan. The original legal agreement dated 26 August 2009 requires the submission and implementation of a travel plan, and therefore the school is currently in breach of Schedule 1, Clause 1.2 of the legal agreement. I have passed this matter onto our Enforcement Team to take action.”
Residents say:
“In a very short time you have achieved results, let’s hope they work. Thank you for your very efficient handling of the problem.”