HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – May 2024
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
We hope that all is well. It has been another very busy month right across the ward.
We met the Head of Security at Paddington Central on 5th April, together with the Hyde Park Safer Neighbourhood Team, to discuss crime prevention.
We attended the successful Crime Prevention event at Sheldon Square on 17th April. The event was very well attended by residents and people working in the area. The Police say, “We distributed, a large amount of crime prevention material, and distributed even more safety equipment such are panic alarms, drink spiking prevention kits, torches, reflective badges, and so much more. The team registered over 40 bikes, and conducted an insightful safety workshop which was well attended.”
We attended the packed Duke of Kendal Quiz Night on 25th April, along with residents and Rachel Blake in the team – it was wonderful get together and we all had good fun.
We did a walkabout along Praed Street with the High Streets Team on 26th April to look into ideas for improving the environment and traffic in the area.
A warm welcome for Dorothy Circus Gallery! We attended an art event with local residents at 35 Connaught Street showcasing leading Italian artist Paolo Pedroni https://www.dorothycircusgallery.com/artists/87-paolo-pedroni/biography/
The University of Westminster posted a story online about the recent ‘pop-up parklet’ on Connaught Street https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/westminster-holds-pop-up-parklet-in-hyde-park-estate-for-final-event-of-ex-tra-project
We hold a regular advice surgery at St John’s Parish Hall, Hyde Park Crescent, on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7pm. As the Parish Hall will be a polling station on 2nd May, we will be waiting outside the church to speak to anyone who would like to see us. The next advice surgery after that will be on Thursday 4th June, 6pm-7pm.
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road/Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Devonport, 23 Southwick Street
The Church Commissioners’ appeal against the refusal of a planning application for two houses in the garden of Devonport will be heard by a Planning Inspector soon. The appeal is to be decided on the basis of written representation and a site visit by an Inspector.
The Church Commissioners’ Statement can be viewed here https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/appealDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S7EG6ARP0N300
If you wish to comment on the appeal, please log onto the Planning Inspectorate portal at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or write to: Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, by 16th May 2024. Appeal Reference No: APP/X5990/W/24/3336926.
Our original objections to the planning application still stand https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/2023/01/14/concerns-raised-about-plans-for-devonport-garden/
15-17 Southwick Street
Following our report to the Church Commissioners about 15-17 Southwark Street being let on Airbnb, the Church Commissioners tell us,
“Our solicitors sent out a letter to the director of the leasehold company who currently holds a long lease at the property. The director responded to the letter apologising for the breach and stated that he has also written to the officers of the leasehold company to remind them that subletting, without prior written consent from the Commissioners, is a breach. Our solicitors sent a letter to Airbnb informing them that this was in breach of the lease. As a result, Airbnb have removed the listing from their website. We will closely monitor the position to ensure that the leaseholder occupies the property in accordance with the terms of the lease.”
Connaught Street
We are delighted to hear that Boxcar Baker and Deli will be opening at the vacant, former LPQ unit at the corner of Connaught Street and Tichborne Row. Boxcar already have a café at the corner of Wyndham Place and Crawford Street in Marylebone https://boxcar.co.uk/baker-deli/
We asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue, “There is ponding at the dropped kerb on the north side of Connaught Street outside the Bombay Palace. Motor vehicles from the west have to come quite close to the kerb thus splashing pedestrians.”
The Highways Team say, “A repair has been raised to raise the kerbs. Once the kerb work has been completed, we can also re-profile the carriageway and resolve the ponding issue.”
We also asked the Tree Team to re-stake a recently planted tree outside the Bombay Palace which had been vandalised. The tree has now been re-staked.
Hyde Park Crescent
We asked the Highways Team to fix a broken manhole cover fixed at the junction of Hyde Park Crescent and Somers Crescent.
Hyde Park Place
We asked the Council’s Short-Term Lets Enforcement Team to investigate a property in Hyde Park Place where a former resident told us the flats are now let on a nightly basis.
Norfolk Crescent
We asked the police to investigate serious vandalism in Norfolk Crescent and we sent a video clearly identifying the culprit.
Oxford Square
We told Lime to remove two abandoned e-bikes in Oxford Square and to fine the riders.
Cambridge Square
We asked the Tree Team to replant two sapling trees in Cambridge Square that were blown over after the recent high winds.
Kendal Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue raised by a resident, “There is a very large hole/dip in the road between 42-44 Kendal Street. When it rains, it creates a huge puddle, which increases the noise of traffic which travels through the puddle, and is also very unpleasant for pedestrians, who get splashed if they are next to the puddle when a car travels past.”
We also asked the Highways Team to fix a damaged road sign at the junction with Porchester Place.
Also, we asked the Short Lets Enforcement Team to investigate a house in Kendal Street where a resident says, “My neighbouring house has completed their refurbishment, and it now appears that the newly created flats are listed both on Airbnb and booking.com for rent. This effectively makes it a small Hotel operation.”
Sussex Gardens
We asked the Council’s Tenancy Relations Team to advise a private tenant in Sussex Gardens who is having problems with their landlord.
We told the e-bike operators to ensure that the parking bay at the bottom of Sussex Gardens is kept tidy and excess bikes removed promptly.
We also asked TfL to remove graffiti from a bus stop in Sussex Gardens.
Also, following our enquiries, the Planning Enforcement Team tell us, “regarding the requirement to remove the unauthorised timber decking and balustrade to the rear flat roof of the property in Sussex Gardens, I have received correspondence and confirmation from the managing agents that the unauthorised timber decking and balustrade to the rear flat roof of the property, have now been removed.”
Southwick Street
We asked the Highways Team to fix two potholes in Southwick Street. The potholes have now been filled.
The Quadrangle
We attended a meeting of The Quadrangle Residents’ Association with the Church Commissioners on 18th April to discuss building better communications and providing more information and transparency about service charges.
We also asked the Church Commissioners and the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team to take action against a leaseholder who is letting out their flat on Airbnb.
25 Porchester Place
We again asked the Church Commissioners and the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team to take action against leaseholders who are letting out their flats on Airbnb.
St George’s Fields
We asked the Council’s Fraud Team to investigate a suspected Housing Benefit fraud by a former resident at St George’s Fields.
Stanhope Place
Following the tragic murder of a Stanhope Place resident in early April, the police have been continuing their investigations and called on anyone with video information to pass it on to them. A few residents mentioned to us they were very pleased to see the Marble Arch BID Street Team outside Connaught House school when children were waiting to get picked up by their parents.
Park Lane
The statue of Lord Byron, currently located in the central reservation on Park Lane, will be moved to a new home in Hyde Park, subject to the funds being raised by the Byron Society to carry out the relocation.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68836491
Hyde Park Estate security
For residents living on the Hyde Park Estate, the Croma mobile security supervisor contact number is 07880 680257. The mobile team provides 2 patrols each evening between the hours of 19.00pm – 07.00am. This is paid for via the service charges at blocks managed by the Church Commissioners, who also pay for the patrol at Portsea Mews and around Connaught Village.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
Bouverie Place
We asked the City Inspectors to arrange for spilt paint to be removed from the pavement by the waste and recycling bins in Bouverie Place. The paint has now been removed by Veolia with a cold wash and a further hot wash will be arranged to complete the job.
We also asked the Highways Team to fix the loose paving stones in the road at the Bouverie Place/Praed Street junction.
St Michael’s Street
We asked the Council’s Tenancy Relations Team to advise a private tenant in St Michael’s Street who is having problems with their landlord.
Praed Street
We asked the City Inspectors to remove an abandoned bike tied to the bike stands outside the post office on Praed Street.
We also asked the Highways Team to investigate a noisy manhole cover on Praed Street where a resident says, “It makes an incredibly loud irritating ‘clang-clang’ sound every time a vehicle goes over it.”
Spring Street/Praed Street
We asked the City Inspectors to remove an abandoned bike frame chained to the bike stands on Spring Street, near the Praed Street junction.
Jamuna, Southwick Street
Jamuna, a fusion of British Grills & Indian luxury dining experience by a family run independent business is at 38 Southwick Street. For more about this contemporary cuisine celebrating the diverse regional tasting across South Asia with a British twist visit https://jamuna.co.uk
Southwick Street
We asked the Police and the Parking Team to investigate this issue raised by a Southwick Street resident, “There has been a black car parked outside for the last 2/3 weeks. No parking tickets. Also, the police have asked me if the car belongs to me! The car is occupied at night by 1/2 persons.”
Talbot Square
We are delighted to see the improvement in Talbot Square following the re-turfing of the grassed area and new planting. A local businesses owner told us,
“Congratulations on getting Talbot Square looking so pristine. Well done to all.”
Edgware Road area
Edgware Road/Connaught Street
Despite Bursa’s licensing application for tables and chairs at the corner of Edgware Road and Connaught Street being turned down, recent building work indicates they are clearly intending to go ahead regardless. We asked the Planning Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Team to take action to stop this unauthorised activity.
Edgware Road
Enforcement action is being taken by the Planning Team against a shop in Edgware Road for “obstructing the highway by the display of goods/items for sale, together with their associated display stands, trolleys and a side screen.”
We asked TfL to fix an uneven paving slab at the junction of Edgware Road and Upper Berkeley Street, just by the crossing outside 64 Edgware Road.
Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
Oxford & Cambridge Mansions
We asked the Planning Enforcement Team to take action to stop persistent short-term letting at a flat in Block 10 Oxford & Cambridge Mansions.
Hyde Park Mansions
We asked the Managing Agents to take action after we were contacted about this issue affecting Hyde Park Mansions – “A leaseholder has illegally developed the common area loft space into a part of their apartment by using internal access from their flat to construct a bathroom, toilet, etc in the loft area and arranged to discharge all their toilet waste into the roof valley shared between the two blocks. This action had created a blockage to the valley and the sewage ended into my flat through leakage from the loft space, as the valley was overflowing.”
We again asked the City Inspectors to remove a key box from outside Block 15 Hyde Park Mansions.
38-47a Chapel Street
We asked the City Inspectors to fix a ‘Don’t Dump’ sign outside the entrance to the flats at 38-47a Chapel Street and to fine anyone responsible for rubbish dumping at this location.
We are also helping a family who were flooded out of their flat from a water leak from above.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
Travis Perkins site
Travis Perkins and Unite Students have announced final plans for their revised proposals for a 600-student development above a new Travis Perkins depot at Baltic Wharf. The public exhibition boards are here www.balticwharfpaddington.co.uk.
Our concerns remain about (1) the negative impact of the proposed development on the sunlight and daylight of Sheldon Square residents, (2) the negative impact on residents in John Aird Court and Little Venice, (3) the negative impact on traffic around the entrance on the Harrow Road roundabout and (4) increased late night noise and anti-social behaviour from an increase in people using the bars in Sheldon Square.
Dahlia House, Paddington Gardens
Residents of Dahlia House contacted us about the very damaging impact of illegal short-term lets. Residents say, “The freeholder has a “rent-to-rent” deal with a local estate agent to short-let the flats. 55 out of 80 units in the block are used for short-term accommodations. This morning I have seen 3 short-let arrivals in the building lobby. As you can imagine, it feels quite distressing and unsafe to live in a “hotel” as opposed to a secure development.”
The Planning Enforcement Team is already on the case and we asked the Council to consider what legal action we can take against the freeholder and the estate agents to stop this illegal short-term letting. Another resident says, “The daily disruption and ongoing safety issues is something that has been continually distressing for all of us over the last couple years. And seeing the short-lets rampant immediately after purchasing a flat and signing a lease which clearly prohibited such activity was an absolute shock.”
Hermitage Street
We asked Octavia to fix a broken entry phone intercom at a flat at 2 Hermitage Street. Residents say, “I have contacted Octavia on numerous occasions, and each time I was assured that a repair would be booked urgently. However, to my dismay, no progress has been made, and the telecom/buzzer remains non-functional.”
Harrow Road
We asked the Highways Team to contact Virgin Media to request that the broadband cabinets on Harrow Road be painted black or dark green.
Praed Street/South Wharf Road
We told the e-bike operators to ensure that the parking bay at the corner of Praed Street and South Wharf Road is kept tidy at all times and that excess bikes are removed promptly.
North Wharf Road
We asked the City Inspectors to fix a ‘Don’t Dump’ sign on North Wharf Road by the white bridge and by the tree opposite Marylebone Boys School and to fine anyone responsible for rubbish dumping at these locations.
We also told Lime to remove e-bikes dumped in the road and to fine the riders.
Paddington Basin
Following action by the City Inspectors, the rubbish has been removed from the barge at Paddington Basin. The Canal & River Trust say, “this is not one of the Trust’s but one of the businesses that operate on the canal. It was previously located at their moorings at Harrow Road but unfortunately experienced flytipping so it was moved to the operational moorings in the Paddington Basin. Hoppers and workboats moor here regularly so materials and waste will be present.” Residents say, “thank you once again for your help, the rubbish was removed this morning.”
2 Hermitage Street
We were concerned to hear about a fire in a cupboard in the common parts at 2 Hermitage Street recently and we have asked Octavia Housing for a report on this incident.
Montgomery House
On behalf of residents, we continue to press Peabody Housing to take responsibility for the appalling conditions some residents are living in following the regular water leaks and power outages in the building.
5 Harbet Road
We repeatedly urged Octavia Housing to resolve long-standing repair issues in the entrance lobby at 5 Harbet Road. Residents say, “we have a stack pipe that has been leaking for over a month now and over the weekend the problem escalated causing a lot of damage in the entrance/lift lobby; parts of the ceiling are damaged with paint falling off and also the lighting has gone out.”
2 Kingdom Street
Microsoft has announced that is to open a major new London AI hub at its offices at 2 Kingdom Street in Paddington Central
Rachel Blake, Labour Candidate for Cities of London and Westminster
Rachel says.
“I have been working with Hyde Park Estate residents to improve management and accountability on the Estate. I joined residents, meeting with the Church Commissioners and am supporting them with engagement with the managing agents. I am a long-standing supporter of reform of leasehold tenure and am campaigning for accountability to leaseholders.
I continue in my campaign for tougher regulation of short term lets. For too long, we have been losing homes to short term lets, this is reducing the number of homes available for local residents. I am calling on the Government to crack down on this.
I joined local Councillors at the community safety event in Sheldon Square and talked to local police about neighbourhood issues and clamping down on bike theft. I am campaigning for neighbourhood policing to be restored through an additional 13,000 police officers nationally.”