8 Newton Street Tenants and Residents Association

This year has been dominated again by various building developments in the immediate vicinity of the tower block in which we live. At times we have literally been hemmed in by noise and dirt caused by the Soho Housing Association new housing development in Stukeley Street behind, the British Telecom new air-conditioning units on the roof at the side, and the Barratt Homes/Laings development at Aviation House at the front. Work on these has gone on throughout the year, 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. It is no wonder that the day-to-day matters concerning our block have at times gone by the wayside. It is essential that groups like the CGCA exist in these circumstances to police the planning applications. However we feel that the real problem is with the Section 106 agreements; these do not have the teeth they should have in protecting the residents who live here against the interests of big business developers. We had to go to the Environmental Pollution Department at Camden after suffering noise out of hours and disruption for months, and Barratt's West London were fined £25,000 after admitting to this. What should have happened is that the disruption should have never happened in the first place. This Association is still trying to get compensation from Barratt's for the inconveniences caused, and is baffled why nothing has been paid out so far. Soho Housing Association gave £50 per flat in recognition of the massive disruption caused by their development. British Telecom were made to cover up their unsightly air-conditioning units as a result of our complaints.

It has been difficult to find active members for the Association this year. Most TAs have to deal with the everyday matters of living; We still do not have a meeting room, and need to put effort into watching that the fabric of our building does not deteriorate, but our energy is taken up in policing the disruption caused by these outside developments. We hope that the biggest development of all at Holborn Old Town Hall will not affect our lives as much. Co-operation will be needed between all members of the community to ensure this, and not just the efforts of one Association.

Barry Webb, Chair

 

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