There was a good turnout at the AGM with approximately 35 residents in attendance.
Andrew Neale started by welcoming all those present and offered apologies for those that could not make it.
- TRAFFIC
Mark Dennis outlined the work being done by the Hampstead Transport Partnership (HTP); which was formed in 2021 from various local groups tackling traffic issues within their own neighbourhood. The work being undertaken by HTP overlaps that which was being done by our own traffic team and ensures that a more holistic approach is taken, avoiding the inevitable displacement of traffic from one neighbourhood to the other.
HTP funding comes mainly from Camden Council’s community infrastructure levy (CIL) budget; an amount of £35,000 being obtained by HTP for the appointment of traffic consultants.
HTP appointed PJA traffic consultants in 2023 to look at a number of traffic issues affecting the area including school runs, through traffic, buses, walkability and disabled / impaired mobility needs.
A first survey was undertaken in 2021 of which our data gathered at the time was included. This resulted in the identification of various traffic related issues. This work is ongoing and will contribute to the creation of the Camden Transport Strategy.
A set of telematic and photographic data has been generated which includes the contribution of free SATNAV information showing origination and destination of vehicles using Hampstead streets. Free SATNAV data only covers the August period which unfortunately does not include school run information. Further data outside of this period can be obtained for a fee of £8,000.
Mark Dennis has appealed for at least 2 residents to volunteer to review the data available and discuss findings with the DHRA committee and the HTP sub-committee. This review of data may identify a need for further information, and the DHRA may then decide to purchase additional data sets. Data set funding would be by local donation, but representations are being made that Camden should bear these costs.
Mark Dennis drew attention to the current lack of visibility of speed limit signage in the street and has appealed to Camden traffic department to improve the installation.
Redding Thompson reported on the findings of the speed survey recently undertaken which appears to have concluded that the situation was satisfactory and not requiring any remedy. However, it was felt that the data used to form the decision was taken from too specific a time of day and at a quiet period during the year. - PLANNING
AN reported that full planning permission is now granted for Hampstead Police Station following the following the signing of the Section 106 agreement. Nevertheless, several conditions are still outstanding, including the screening to the second-floor terrace.
Despite requests to the developer and his agents, we have no timeline for the discharge of the remaining conditions, or full commencement of the construction works.
Planning for the police house on Rosslyn Hill is in limbo and further information has been sought. DHRA will continue to monitor and report.
The Stables building has been the subject of multiple applications. The first of the permitted schemes is now constructed. An application for an additional first floor to the extension is currently at appeal.
A planning application for an extension to no 14 DH has been submitted. Included is a Basement Impact Assessment as excavations are required to the rear garden.
Andrew Neale has initially reviewed the application and has requested some further boundary information from the applicants and will make representations as necessary. - SECURITY / POLICING
The local safer neighbourhood panel meets 2 or 3 times a year with Sally Minto usually representing DHRA.
Teddy Bourne stood in for Sally at the recent meeting which was attended by local police and council representatives. TB reported the following:
Issues raised included the increasing incidence of shoplifting and measures being taken to improve and advise local shop owners, including the installation of CCTV.
Help for homeless: Awareness was made of online apps available for reporting rough sleeping and the support given as a result.
While Hampstead has been allocated police resources unfortunately these often get withdrawn for attendance at incidents elsewhere in the borough.
Residents should be extremely careful in the use of mobile phones whilst out, as snatching is rife.
Bike theft prevention was discussed and whilst some reports indicate a lack of police action, victims are encouraged to report online and through 101.
It was pointed out that illegal charity collections was not a police matter and that residents should report this and any other anti-social behavior to their local council.
2 community meetings are coming up including’ Coffee with a Copper’ and residents are encouraged to attend if they wish to raise any security matters.
Teddy Bourrne will add further information on the WhatsApp group. - REFUSE
The introduction of a refuse container for residents of flats at the top end of DH has proved a great success and will now be permanently positioned and marinated by Camden Council.
Residents were reminded of bin collection schedules, with food and recycling collections every Friday and refuse collections every alternative Friday. Residents are encouraged to put out bins later in the evening and retrieve these from the pavement as soon as possible. - ENVIRONMENT
Andrew Neale discussed a proposal for planting along the north flank of St John’s Church – historically this area was always well planted in keeping with other boundaries. During underpinning works, greenery was removed form this area and a new plan to reinstate planting has been submitted to the church for their review.
Any work undertaken will be funded by the DHRA with an amount estimated of around £3,000 to £4,000 to do so. Andrew Neale is scheduled to meet the architect acting for the church to review the details and any structural concerns
John Robins pointed out that the old tiled Downshire Hill street sign at the heath end was removed for safekeeping as this had deteriorated considerably with a concern that this may have been removed or stolen. DHRA has approached Camden Council to have this restored and reinstated. Andrew Neale suggested this work be funded by the DHRA and this was agreed with a unanimous show of hands.
Residents raised concerns regarding the lack of bins on the street and as a result some residents have reported dog poo litter being left by walkers in resident’s bins. DHRA will raise the issue with Linda Chung.
Mark Dennis reported that there had been no complaints this year related to operations at the Freemasons. Mark pointed out that this was because of the high standard of management and a good working team operating the pub. Residents were encouraged to visit and support the pub whenever possible. - TREASURY MATTERS
Mark Dennis is holding £273.63 of funds on behalf of DHRA having closed the Lloyd’s Account because of the imposition of bank charges. - MEMBERSHIP
Linda Parsonage undertakes all membership matters and offered her apologies for not being able to attend the meeting. Mark Dennis and Andrew Neale both thanked Linda for the work she does for the DHRA and in particular in managing memberships. She has reported via email:
“In my role as Membership Secretary I try to keep track of movements on the street. When I become aware of new residents I contact them and send them information about the DHRA including a link to the website and draw their attention to the current issues in the latest minutes. I tell them about the WhatsApp group and ask them if they want to join and then pass their details to Sally to add them to the group. I also ask for a voluntary subscription. Recently I’ve been telling them about the AGM and party.
I do try to meet the new residents but it’s not always possible for a while.
There have been several movements over the year. A number of the new residents will be here tonight. Please make them feel welcome.”
Patricia raised awareness that the DHRA committee always requires the involvement of new and young members, and she encouraged all present to consider joining. - AOB.
The DHRA and all those present offered thanks to the Freemasons for the complimentary catering provided for the meeting.