Author: directors@plymouthwharf.com

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Isle-of-Dogs Neighbourhood Plan referendum

As part of the local elections on 6th May you may or may not be aware that one of the voting items included is a referendum on local planning for the Isle-of-Dogs. There is limited information available on what exactly this is about and the voting pack that has been recently sent out to postal voters contains no information either. This has left many voters unsure on what they are actually voting for and which way to cast their vote. The referendum does potentially have major implications on the local area.

In 2014 residents came together to form a neighbourhood planning forum for the Isle-of-Dogs. Forums allow local residents to write their own planning policies to help decide planning applications. After various problems, obstacles & delays, residents developed a 2nd Neighbourhood Plan. However, according to Parliament, in order to have full legal weight it first needs to be approved or rejected by voters via a referendum, which will happen on the 6th May.

Essentially if you vote yes then a range of policies will then have the same weight in law as the Councils Local Plan which Councillors voted on last January. If you vote no, then the policies and the Forum will disappear. Planning applications will then be solely decided based on policies written by the Mayors of London and Tower Hamlets and not include any policies written by residents.

Below are a summary of the policies (taken from the Isle-of-Dogs Neighbourhood Planning Forum website). More detail can be found on the website: https://www.isleofdogsforum.com/what-you-are-voting-for.html

If the majority vote YES this means:

  • It means developers will need to produce an Infrastructure Impact Assessment as part of any planning application, this is to ensure that infrastructure like new schools, GP surgeries, sports facilities etc. are considered in the planning process, policy D1. In addition Policy D2 says developers must prove that if they want to build really dense developments that the homes are of a high design quality;
  • Developers are encouraged not leave sites empty and unused but to use them for a social purpose if their development is stalled, policy ES1;
  • That you as residents are consulted about any changes to construction management plans, policy CC1, that developers must inform in advance local residents of any change they intend to make in working hours, policy CC2, and to reduce noise & dust policy CC3;
  • Developers are further encouraged to meet the highest level of sustainability standards for new buildings, policy SD1;
  • Planning has to be done using the latest 3D model technology policy 3D1;
  • That in any demolition of existing homes that the housing association is encouraged to bid for GLA grant money which means they need a resident’s ballot first and will also be able to build more affordable homes, policy RB1. We have also made some recommendations as Community Aspirations and on how to spend the Community Infrastructure Levy from page 29 of the Plan.

Further information can also be found on this Nextdoor post from Tower Hamlets councillor Andrew Wood.

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Manhole repairs

As part of our recent Health & Safety assessment it was identified that several of the manholes on the development are uneven and in need of attention. We have raised this with the owners of these services. BT Openreach have attended site and surveyed their manholes and agreed that work is required to those outside houses #11, #15 and Block 2 (Flats #20-#31). A temporary safety barrier has been erected on the manhole outside #15.

We are awaiting a date for the BT Openreach contractors to undertake the work and will keep you informed when we know more. It is likely that this will involve some disruption to vehicle access for a short time especially at the respective properties adjacent to the affected manholes.

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Remote fobs no longer working and needing reprogramming

Unfortunately we identified an issue today with the remote receiver for the main vehicle gate – which although repaired – means that some remote fobs issued will no longer work until they have been reprogrammed.

The process to reprogramme the fobs only takes a few minutes (and can be done whilst you wait) but you will need to provide your fobs back to PWRA to do this. There will be no charge for this service.

If you check your remote fob and find it no longer opens the main gate please contact roberto.saas@plymouthwharf.com to make the necessary arrangements.

If you make use of a “Homelink” system built into your car to open the gate, you may also need to follow the relevant instructions to reprogram this once your remove fob is updated.

This issue only affects the remote fobs. The operation of the touch fobs (which can also be used to open the main vehicle gate) and intercom connection to telephones are unaffected.

PWRA apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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Health & Safety and Fire Risk assessment 16th February 2021

PWRA has commissioned a Health & Safety and Fire Risk assessment which will be undertaken by Tetra Consulting on 16th February 2021. This primarily involves the 4 blocks and communal areas. No disruption to residents is expected as part of this inspection and contractors will be observing COVID secure working practices.

We remind residents that they should not store personal possessions (such as bicycles, scooters and prams) in the communal block areas and especially in front of the electrical cupboards blocking access as they can amount to an enhanced fire risk. Furthermore, riser cupboards adjacent to the flats in blocks should also be kept clear and not used for storage.

We thus request that any items be removed in advance of the inspection. Should this not be done, the Board reserves the right to remove these items and place them by the bin cupboards. Bike storage areas are available by both Block 1 & 4 in the communal driveway and are covered by CCTV. Thank you for your cooperation. 

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Happy New Year and Christmas tree collection

PWRA wishes all residents and their families a Happy New Year in these difficult times. We sincerely hope that this year is a better one and our community here can begin to interact as normal again.

Life after Christmas for trees can be hard…

For those of you that have Christmas trees that require disposal after the seasonal festivities, please be aware that Tower Hamlets do offer a free collection service for real trees (not plastic). This service runs from 4th to 18th January 2021 and is aligned with the normal kerbside food and garden collection service (Wednesdays in the case of Plymouth Wharf).

In order to use the service, remove all decorations from your tree first and place it out with existing food and garden waste on Wednesday 6th January or Wednesday 13th January.

In order to avoid trees blowing around the development in the event of high winds, thoses in houses should leave trees securely up against their fence at the end of their drives.

Residents in the flats should place their trees in the Block 4 recycling bin area (this is the area opposite the Block 4 stairwell between properties 53 & 54. Please take care not to block access to the bins for residents in that Block. We will then arrange with collection team to take all the trees in this area.

We kindly ask that residents who do not make use of this service to not simply dump trees in bin cupboards or elsewhere on the development as they will not be collected. If necessary, CCTV will be used to enforce and dumping of rubbish and offenders will be charged for removal.

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Update from Tower Hamlets – Tier 4 rules – stay at home this Christmas

*** This article has been reposted from a Tower Hamlets Mayor communication ***

The government has announced that London has entered tier 4 restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19.

We will be moving into new, additional coronavirus restrictions on Sunday 20 December to help combat the spread of the virus in the capital as rates are dangerously high and a new strain is spreading faster than previous strains. 

All non-essential shops must close, along with hairdressers, nail bars, indoor gyms and leisure facilities. People should not travel unless absolutely necessary, and work from home wherever possible. 

Household mixing will no longer be allowed on 23-27 December. The rules say residents must not leave the area nor mix with anyone outside their household, apart from support bubbles. It is important we follow the rules to keep everyone, particularly those who are older or more vulnerable, safe. 

An ‘infographic’ spelling out the rules is included above. But to spell out a few key points:

  • Faith gatherings are allowed provided there is no mixing and proper distancing but even then remember the virus is carried through droplets in the air so a face mask is the best way to keep you and others safe. 
  • And as we all know, the Christmas period, even if you don’t celebrate the Christian faith, is an important time for families to gather together. But because this virus is surging again we must all scale back massively our plans, not meet outside our ‘bubble’ and the rule the government suggested of 5 days with up to three ‘bubbles’ has now been withdrawn. 
  • So it’s going to be a very different Christmas. But I do want you to look out for your friends and neighbours who may be isolated by this. Call a friend. Meet, if you can, (just two of you, socially distanced) in a park or for a walk. And a single bubble can still work. But be very careful. 

I know these added restrictions are disruptive to both residents and businesses but they are in place to keep us all safe. We will continue to work with the government to increase testing and make the case for adequate economic support for Tower Hamlets.

Please play your part to #KeepTowerHamletsSafe. Check on friends, family and neighbours by phone. Uncertain times can affect people’s mental health, so it’s vital we look out for each other safely. A host of health and wellbeing resources are available.

We also have a dedicated phoneline for vulnerable residents to get support with self-isolation, supplies and urgent needs throughout the pandemic.

We will provide more local advice and updates soon. Until then, please read more in this newsletter and share the latest advice with your networks.

Stay safe, 

Mayor Biggs

Celebrate safely this Christmas, stay at home

Follow the new rules and play your part to keep our community safe, including:

  • Do not meet socially with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, indoors or in any private garden.
  • Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants can only operate takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
  • Reduce the number of journeys you make and work from home where possible.
  • Places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with  anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.

The Government has also reintroduced shielding for clinically vulnerable people in all areas entering Tier 4.

Get a Covid-19 test in Tower Hamlets 

Following a worrying rise in Covid-19 cases across London and in Tower Hamlets, we have expanded testing capacity in the borough. It remains extremely important that residents book a Covid-19 test if symptomatic. 

We continue to operate local testing units in Shadwell, Mile End, Isle of Dogs and Billingsgate. Appointments at all testing sites can be booked by calling 119 or online.

In order to protect yourself and other people, please remember to wear a face covering when going for a test. If you’re attending a walk-in test centre, please walk or cycle and avoid public transport or taxi. Don’t go if you’re very unwell or at high risk (shielding) from coronavirus – choose a home test instead.

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COVID-19 Tier 3 restrictions update from Tower Hamlets

*** This article has been reposted from a Tower Hamlets Mayor communication ***

The government has announced that London is entering tier 3 – very high alert – from Wednesday morning, 16 December.

With cases of Covid-19 rising so rapidly this change is necessary to stop the virus spreading in bars and restaurants and other places where people might mix. While shops remain open I urge you to be extra careful to prevent transmission in the run up to Christmas. Remember, you’re potentially infectious for 10 days after getting Covid-19, even if you do not have any symptoms. 

It remains critically important to avoid mixing with other households inside – as this is one of the main ways that infection is rising again in our borough. 

Check the rules to see how the change of tier impacts on you.

I know these added restrictions are disruptive to both residents and businesses but they are in place to keep us all safe. We will continue to work with the government to increase testing and make the case for adequate economic support for Tower Hamlets.

Please play your part to #KeepTowerHamletsSafe. Do also check on friends, family and neighbours by phone. Uncertain times can affect people’s mental health, so it’s vital we look out for each other safely. A host of health and wellbeing resources are available on our website.

We also have a dedicated phoneline for vulnerable residents to get support with self-isolation, supplies and urgent needs throughout the pandemic.

Stay safe,

Mayor Briggs

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Update on School Streets consultation

With reference to our communication on  7 December on the Council’s School Streets proposal and having run our poll, we note only a relatively low  response rate (30%) with an equal number of residents agreeing and disagreeing to the proposal as presented. A further five residents agreed with qualifications or concerns.

Consequently the Board does not feel it is appropriate to make submissions on behalf of the entire estate as there is no representative collective view. We therefore suggest those residents who have not yet responded to Tower Hamlets to do so on an individual basis  online or via mail before the  deadline of 18 December 2020.

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Schools Streets consultation – St Luke’s Primary and Canary Wharf College

You may have received a survey through the post in relation to School Streets proposal from Tower Hamlets regarding traffic restriction changes to Saunders Ness road.

Proposed School Streets changes for Saunders Ness road and surrounding area

We are aware that the demographic in the estate has changed with more young families with children attending the affected schools. A number of residents have asked if Plymouth Wharf should express a collective view, which may have more weight than individual answers.  Whilst reducing street traffic on Saunder Ness school is in principle a good idea, concerns have been expressed over the proposal, particularly on the impact on parking on our stretch of the road.

In order for PWRA to make representations on behalf of all residents, and in order to be sure to express a majority view on what might  be a controversial subject, we would like to conduct a mini-poll. Note that the Tower Hamlets consultation survey closes on 18th December, therefore we should be grateful to receive your answers by 10 December latest.

The PWRA poll (open to both shareholders and tenants) can be found here:

https://us19.list-manage.com/survey?u=74177838413281aa7a31c069f&id=a8d91be43f

The link to the original Tower Hamlets consultation survey can be found here:

https://talk.towerhamlets.gov.uk/schoolstreets/survey_tools/stlukescanarywharf

If no consensus is received, we will advise you so, to enable you to express your view on an individual basis before the deadline.

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Electrical work & seasonal lighting – 1st-2nd December

Electrical contractors (Artek Electrical) will be on-site 1st-2nd December to undertake maintenance and upgrade works.

This work will include: repair of broken lamp-post and uplighters in central bed, repair of broken security sensor lighting, annual emergency lighting testing and certification, repair and recertification to meet latest safety risk guidance, addition of new garden uplighters to the wall areas by Blocks 2 & 3 and raised river wall garden area – and as many will be pleased to hear – the switch-on of our seasonal lighting display.

The contractors will be working in all areas across the development. Disruption should be minimal, although residents in Blocks 1-4 may experience some noise of drilling during working hours and communal area lighting may be temporarily disrupted. All efforts will be taken to ensure the later is completed during daylight hours to avoid stairwells being left in the dark.

Contractors have advised they will be following government COVID secure guidelines.