Following contact with a Tory chair, Wandsworth officer threaten CJAG during campaign!

Author: Cyril Richert

Leaflet for Green/CJAG candidate in Lavender ward

Less than 3 months ago, we took the decision use the election campaign to raise awareness on the local community group and matters that have been at the heart of the past Clapham Junction Action Group’s campaigns.

We got the endorsement of the Green party and the help of many CJAG members and volunteers to focus on Lavender ward. Jacqui, Jane, Paul, Matt, Adrian, Liz, Roy, Di, Scott, Etienne, Ann, Isa, Houda, Fanfan, Benedicte, Noemie, Rob, Alex, Jake, Eloise, etc… I particularly want to thank all those who distributed leaflet as it wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work!

What do we already know about the future Labour Council

Author: Cyril Richert

New Labour Cabinet – Credit: Wandsworth.gov.uk

You will find all information about the future administration on the Council’s website., The appointments will be confirmed once the Council has elected a new Leader at the Council’s annual meeting on 25 May. We present below the proposed cabinet members, with their former roles when in opposition and contact details (from top left to bottom right):

An analysis of Wandsworth election results

Author: Cyril Richert

Wandsworth Town Hall on election night – Credit: Isabel from the Green Party

After 44 years of control by the Conservatives party, Labour has won a majority of councillors in the local elections on 5th May 2022.

Final phase of Peabody redevelopment approved… by a thin margin just before election time

Author: Cyril Richert

Peabody Estate St John’s Hill – Credit: CJAG

The Planning Application Committee meeting on Tuesday 26th of April 2022 was as many other meetings in appearance. However, seen a few weeks later, it was very special in several aspects. First of all, the councillors had to decide the second amendment of the Peabody redevelopment in St Johns Hill. All Tory Councillors voted in favour, and all Labour Councillors (but one!) voted against. But it was also for most of them a farewell to the Council decisions in their role of councillors.

Thames City project in Nine Elms sold as developer pulls out

Author: Cyril Richert

Thames City/Nine Elms Square, arhcitect’s view – Photo from Langan.com

According to an article published a few days ago in The Telegraph, Chinese developer R&F Properties has sold another of its flagship project with a massive loss, amidst very poor demand from residents.

Focus on the new retail association in Clapham Junction two years after setup

Author: Cyril Richert

The BID zone

Part of the retail businesses in Clapham Junction are now grouped into a geographical area association called Business Improvement District (BID) in which the local businesses have voted to invest together to improve their environment.

London Living Wage: not a priority for the Conservatives in Wandsworth

Author: Cyril Richert

Battersea Hustings, March 2022 – Credit: Wandsworth Citizens

It’s time for the audience to ask questions during the  hustings organised in Battersea for the local election. A person stood up and suddenly several other individuals got up too.

“Hi, I’m Jess. I’m 18 and I go to a local secondary school. I’m standing with other local voters who, like me, care about fair pay. I know what it’s like to be in a family on the minimum wage, and it doesn’t cover the essential costs like rent and bills – which are now rising. The Real Living Wage –  £11.05 per hour – is already paid by 23 out of 33 London Councils and would make a massive difference to low-paid workers locally. Will you and your party commit to Wandsworth Council becoming an accredited Living Wage employer if you’re elected this May, setting an example to local employers and making sure all workers providing services to the council – including those who are subcontracted – get a Real Living Wage?”

This action was part of a global campaign organised by Wandsworth Citizens, a local alliance made up of faith communities, schools and community groups in the borough. This group is linked to Citizens UK, a national organisation which has launched the Living Wage campaign (LLW) in 2001 and since then has won over £1.3 billion of additional wages, lifting over 260,000 people out of working poverty.

Alton Estate, a remake of the Winstanley and York estate regeneration failures

Author: Cyril Richert

CGI impression of the Alton estate regeneration (credit: Wandsworth Council)

Back in January 2022, Wandsworth Council was given the green light from the Mayor of London for the Alton Estate regeneration project in Roehampton, SW15. It means that he authorised the London Borough of Wandsworth to determine the planning application itself. The Council’s own planning committee approved their scheme for more than 1,108 new homes in October 2020, with all Labour councillors but one (Labour Councillor Gilbert for Roehampton and Putney Heath) joining votes to support the Conservatives plan. 

The masterplan proposes demolishing and rebuilding 158 social rented homes and 130 privately rented units and adding just over 800 further new homes.

CJAG YouTube Channel

Author: Cyril Richert

CJAG YouTube Channel

CJAG has setup a channel on YouTube to host our videos. It includes:

• Public meetings organised by CJAG
• Special events and meetings
• Council speeches
• Planning application decisions
• …and some others that we find relevant to our campaigns

You’re welcome to subscribe (and click on the notification bell to be alerted of new uploads).

You can already find on the channel videos related to our articles and campaigns:

First co-living application for York Road refused

Author: Cyril Richert

Architect’s view of proposed scheme for Access Self Storage 248-250 York Road

Planning Application 2020/4285 (Access Self Storage 248-250 York Road SW11) for blocks ranging from 8 to 13 storeys comprising 193 shared-living rooms and 131 residential units went to committee on 22 February 2022. It was refused by the Councillors, against the recommendation to approve from the officer.

In an unusual way, a lot of concerns were raised: