11th March 2002
We enclose our strong objection to Lewisham Councils' proposal for development
on the Pepys estate, Deptford, London SE. We hope that you will give
this very serious consideration.
In addition we wish to draw the following to your attention :
1 - The Tenants Action Group was formed in January 2000 by a group of tenants
from all the effected buildings, who wished to stay in the community. Refurbishment of the sound structural properties being the preferred way forward, amongst environmental improvements,
and good maintenance.
TAG adopted a Tenants and Residents Constitution in November 2000 and
applied for funding as a TARA from the Lewisham Tenants Fund. This was accepted, and a start-up grant along with funding for the year was given.
TAG has fulfilled this function by regular liaison over tenancy conditions
and repairs fo all the effected buildings, as well as members regularly attending at meetings like Neighbourhood Committee, Regeneration Forum, Rents setting consultation, etc
In January 2002, TAG held its first AGM, which was quorate in number. The AGM was widely promoted with due notice of 21 days ( see enclosure ). A Lewisham Officer was invited to attend, yet did not do so.
TAG has taken legal advice regarding tenants rights under the Housing
Act 1985.
TAG successfully bid for a Community Chest grant from Get Set for Citizenship
at New Cross, SE, in November 2001. This allowed the commissioning of our own architects, CPP, with experience in community planning. The architects consulted with the local community first, before drawing together the initial Vision in the enclosed report.
The Council have, more recently, tried to discredit TAG's status as a
TARA, block funding for legal advice, and attempted to block funding for other grants like Get Set.
2 - Ornithological surveys in the whole Deptford area over the latter two
years have found only two nesting pairs of the black redstart. That is Pepys estate itself is very unlikely to be the habitat of this more rare species of bird life - as may have been reported to you. Up to 1999 the whole country had only 15 confirmed breeding pairs, with a probable 35 in total. If the species is successful in Deptford, then it must be a product of the existing environmental conditions, which are easily disturbed and destroyed. The Community Masterplan has a better environmental focus than that proposed.
Malcolm Cadman, Secretary TAG
Dear Elected Mayor for London, Mr Kenneth Livingstone,
Yours sincerely