Author Archives: BelSoc

02 CENTRE PLANNING APPLICATION

A confederation of local community groups opposes these planning proposals. It commissioned a report from a specialist in neighbourhood planning. Based on that, the confederation has put forward a detailed, consolidated objection to the application: http://www.southhampstead.info/uploads/1/3/7/5/137534388/o2_centre_-_representations_on_behalf_of_the_confederation_of_local_community_groups_final.pdf. 

We think this is an occasion to inform our members and ask them to support the associations’ objections. All you need to do is email

David.Fowler@camden.gov.uk
and
planning@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Planning Application ref: 2022/0528P 

and say something along the lines of:
I have read a copy of the representations from the Confederation of Local Community Groups which set out detailed objections to this application. Please accept my own objections to this application which are fully reflected by this submission. 

HEDGEHOG SURVEY 2022

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), in partnership with the Heath & Hampstead Society, is leading a survey of some wildlife on Hampstead Heath, Regents Park and their environs under the title ”London Hogwatch Project”. The three endangered species on which they wish particularly to improve conservation are hedgehogs, foxes and badgers and the first step is to map the populations to see how they are distributed in this area (a map is included in the survey).
The survey questions are straight forward and the Society would appreciate submissions by September. Results will be advertised on the Society’s website. This is the link Hedgehog Survey 2022

Belsize Society Newsletter May 2022

The May BelSoc Newsletter is online here as a pdf.

We were able to hold an AGM in March that was face-to-face, and this issue describes some of the discussion. We also returned to Belsize Square Synagogue in May to listen to candidates for the local elections at our hustings and you’ll find a report in this Newsletter.

This Newsletter has two articles about Belsize in the 1930s, one about the pioneers of the British Modernist movement. Averil Nottage is due to host a historic walk later in the year drawing on themes in her article. We also have a piece about the 1930s block of flats Howitt Close, based on research Barbara Abraham has undertaken about the building. Built at around the same time as the cutting edge modernist flats of the Isokon building, the article highlights the rich Art Deco architectural pedigree of Webb’s building. 

There has been some good news for all of us who would like to see a greener Belsize. The Society secured Community Infrastructure Levy funding and this will allow Camden Council’s Greener Spaces team to plant trees in the triangular island at the junction of Eton Avenue, Lancaster Grove, Lambolle Place and Eton Garages. The Newsletter also has an update on discussions between the Council and a number of resident bodies about the enforcement of construction policies during development.

Thanks to members for contributing to TYCT, and we are really pleased to include the 2022 edition with the Newsletter.

The Newsletter has more dates for diaries than the past couple of years, as Hampstead Theatre and other local venues begin to host a fuller set of events. We also note an initiative inviting locals to have a drink at one of the popular restaurants in Belsize Village.

We are holding the first summer party since emerging from lockdown. Details are in the Newsletter and hope to see you there. Enjoy this Newsletter.

Community Unity Drinks

NOTE THE DATE: IT’S WEDNESDAY, 11th MAY. Kire Estate Agents, recent-comers to Belsize, believe there are many benefits from meeting neighbours to make friends for adults and children alike. This isn’t always easy so Kire have joined forces with Calici Restaurant in Belsize Village to have monthly get-togethers. This will be on the first Wednesday of each month from 19.30 in Calici’s bar area. Local residents can apply  here, to get 20% off drinks and any food ordered on the night.

HUSTINGS

for the forthcoming Local Council Elections.
Sunday 1st May 2022 at 15.00,
Belsize Synagogue, Belsize Square, NW3 4HX

Everybody Welcome.

BelSoc members may submit questions in advance to info@belsize.org.uk

Belsize Society Newsletter February 2022

The February BelSoc Newsletter is online here as a pdf

Welcome to the February Newsletter of the Belsize Society.
You’ll see, with this Newsletter, the papers for the Annual General Meeting (or you have had the papers emailed). We will be returning to meeting in person at Belsize Square Synagogue, able to talk about the Society and enjoy cakes and tea together. We do look forward to the event.

In this Newsletter, we’re covering the outcome of the 100 Avenue Road appeal, where the Society played an active part. We were very pleased with the outcome, as the inspector rejected the appeal. We also report on the Society work to plant trees in the area, an initiative to commemorate the Queen’s jubilee, and the successful carol concert we held in December. The issue also reviews a recent play at the Hampstead theatre with strong local links.

As we restart events and other Society activities, we are looking for volunteers. Across the Newsletter are some of the opportunities for members to help, whether with the Newsletter itself or on our Committee. You’ll see the annual request for recommendations for Tradesmen You Can Trust. Let us know about the tradesmen that you have used, as that helps us keep the list up-to-date. Also, ,Belsize Library Friends are on the look-out for volunteers.

We were sad to hear of the passing of former Treasurer Jill Tyrell. Current Treasurer Neil Harris remembers her.

The Newsletter describes changes the Council are making to improve cycle paths in Belsize and – as May sees Borough-wide local elections – we highlight the new boundaries that will be used for the elections.

Hope you enjoy the Newsletter.

Plant a Tree for the Queen’s Jubilee

Barbara Abraham, our Committee’s tree expert, writes:

We announced in last August’s Newsletter that the Belsize Society was hoping to participate in the tree planting initiative marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and plant some extra trees in public areas in Belsize. We drew up a shortlist of four possible locations and put the proposals to Camden tree department and to our three Belsize Councillors. Our Councillors are enthusiastic and supportive of the project and have suggested that we apply for Local CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding for the tree planting, and we have begun the application process.

A spot at the junction of Eton Avenue, Lancaster Grove, Lambolle Place and Eton Garages

In discussion with Councillors Steve Adams and Tom Simon, we have narrowed down the shortlist to a single location: the triangular-shaped island at the junction of Eton Avenue, Lancaster Grove, Lambolle Place and Eton Garages. This island currently has one medium-sized mature tree and a bench but its main use is as a dumping ground for Christmas trees once a year. BelSoc is proposing planting a cluster of native fruit trees (cherries, apples or pears) with a view to transforming this under-utilised site into a small green park – a mini-orchard. The existing mature tree and the bench would be retained, and an additional bench or two added. As well as providing a more environmentally attractive space, the grouping of trees would improve air quality in the vicinity and create a wildlife habitat.

We are excited about the project but it is at an early stage. Crucially, a survey needs to be carried out using detecting equipment to identify the presence of any underground infrastructure, such as pipes and cables, and determine if space is free to plant a tree. The successful locations are then marked and the second phase of the survey, involving trial excavations, can take place to ensure that the proposed locations for tree pits are in fact free of services and other obstructions. Until we know the results of the surveys we cannot be sure that the tree planting project is feasible – but we are optimistic!

Focus on Hampstead Theatre

What’s coming up at Hampstead Theatre?

Next on the Main Stage – The Forest
At this turning-point of his life, Pierre finds himself tormented by the conflicting demands of family, career and sexual desire.

The World Premiere of Florian Zeller’s uncompromising and mysterious play is translated, as ever, by Christopher Hampton and directed by Jonathan Kent, who re-unites with Zeller after his production of The Height of the Storm, which was critically acclaimed in London and on Broadway.

Next on Downstairs – The Animal Kingdom
Sam is struggling. Being a human has never been simple for him. Sam’s family don’t understand. But then they barely understand themselves.
The world premiere of Ruby Thomas’ The Animal Kingdom, directed by Lucy Morrison, is an observation of family dynamics told with wit and compassion. Ruby Thomas returns to Hampstead Theatre, following the premiere of her first full-length play Either in 2019.

Coming soon
The Fever Syndrome, 19 March – 23 April

Alexis Zegerman’s vivid, new play directed by Hampstead Artistic Director Roxana Silbert is a thrilling portrait of a brilliantly dysfunctional family.

Some Old Street, 2 April – 7 May

Lisa Hammond and Rachael Spence are an artistic partnership, known collectively as Bunny. Expect interviews with real people, homemade songs and double act comedy antics.