Minutes of the Seventh Annual General Meeting held on 21st April 2007 at Church House, Waterfall Road, Southgate, N14
Among those present were the Chair, the Treasurer, and some 45 members and guests. Apologies were received from the Secretary.
Welcome and Executive Report
The Chair opened the seventh AGM of the Association by welcoming members and guests.
The Chair reported that this had been a mixed and busy year and reported on the following:
- The Conservation Area appraisal statement for the Green had been adopted by LBE as planning policy and is now being used in the assessment of planning applications and will assist in preserving and enhancing the conservation area
- The North side of Cannon Road had been included within the Southgate Green Conservation Area by LBE; consequently the council now has the power to enforce conservation issues in this area.
- Transport for London has implemented road safety schemes on the High Street, Cannon Hill and Aldermans Hill.
- There have been a number of planning applications relating to works on trees.
- Abbey Homes were granted planning approval for 4 retail units with apartments above on Cannon Hill, and works have now started on site.
- The proposed demolition of 12 Cannon Hill and its replacement with flats was refused.
- Coral Estates were granted approval for a betting shop on Cannon Hill. The off license which had previously occupied the premises had been closed three years ago and has been empty since
- The refurbished cast iron finger post sign has now been reinstalled on The Green.
During the next year SGA plan to replant the roundabout opposite the “Cherry Tree” with perennial planting to a landscape proposal prepared by a local landscape designer.
Storm damage has been sustained by a number of Horse Chestnut trees on The Green and Cannon Hill and it is understood that LBE will replant trees to replace those lost.
Street lighting on Greenway and Mayfield Avenue has been renewed and new lamps in keeping with the conservation area are to be installed on The Green, Cannon Hill and The High Street in 2007/08.
Minutes of AGM 2006
Adoption of the minutes was agreed nem con.
Treasurer's report
The Treasurer, Peter Rust presented the accounts which were agreed nem con. It was reported that income had increased and expenditure had also increased. A balance of £4,000 was being spent on the roundabout replanting.
Election of Committee 2007/8
All the present officers of the executive committee, Denise Gandhi (Chair), Leonard Lansberg, Peter Rust (Treasurer), Geoffrey Burns (Vice Chair), Evelyn Ryan, and Chris Horner except Jill Sibley were willing to stand for a further term; these officers were re-elected. New committee members were encouraged to enlist, none were forthcoming.
Walker Cricket Ground
It was reported that the planning application for the new leisure facility at the Walker Ground was still undecided. The current facility is in need of refurbishment and investment but is under utilised and under funded. Local people and groups are urged to support the Walker Ground and use the facilities on hand.
Gordon Kerr thanked Denise Gandhi and Jeff Lever for their assistance in evaluating and investigating the planning application submitted by the Walker Ground and requested that associations between the Ground, other local groups, the church and local community are formed.
Website
Denise Gandhi thanked Janet Woolacott for her assistance in updating the SGA website www.southgategreen.org.uk
Member's Question Time
- Bar & Grill - The restricted footpath width outside the Bar & Grill on the High Street was discussed. It was concluded that the outdoor seating area was on private land. The restricted footpath width was due to obstruction by the post box.
- It was noted that a number of cast iron bollards had been damaged yesterday on The Green. The police had been given details but were unlikely to pursue the matter.
- It was noted that the footpaths on the green require to be resurfaced and it is understood that this may be implemented when new footpath lighting is installed next year.
- A number of planning enforcement issues were discussed including the planter boxes outside The Grill, the shop fronts and signage on Cannon Hill, the security spikes on M&Js wall.
- Members were reminded to lobby the local authority on community planning issues.
The Chair thanked all those present for attending and the meeting closed at 7 pm.