Lower Clapton residents – have your say on plans for neighbourhood

Looking forward: Chatsworth Road neighbourhood

Chatsworth Road Neighbourhood Forum is hosting a series of open workshops this month and next for Lower Clapton residents to decide on the future of the area.

The workshops will offer people the chance to influence planning policy under new powers granted by the Localism Act, leading to a drafted neighbourhood plan and local referendum.

In the midst of large scale regeneration, Chair of the Neighbourhood Forum, Euan Mills, views this as an opportunity for people to work together as a community.

“Chatsworth Road and the surrounding area is at a crossroads. Over the last few years, the market has re-opened, lots of new businesses are popping up, and the area is becoming increasingly popular. There are lots of benefits, but we have to make sure that the area offers a future to everyone who lives here.”

Affordable housing and rent hikes are just some of the issues posed by the growth and subsequent gentrification that Robbie de Santos, a member of the Forum’s Management Committee, hopes the workshops can address: “We’re are starting to hear stories about people getting big rent increases or struggling to find affordable accommodation in the area. A high number of people in the area rent from a private landlord, and their rent can be increased at any time by any amount.”

Whilst parts of the neighbourhood are flourishing, with the reopening of the Sunday Market and a fresh spout of independent shops and cafes, the Forum wants to ensure that the growth isn’t just advancing a select few.

“While some of this is positive and makes the area feel safer, others feel excluded – that the changes to Chatsworth Road and the surrounding area are not benefiting them.”

The Forum anticipates that the drafted plan and referendum will enable local residents to make important decisions on what type of shops will open and how affordable new homes will be in the area.

 “We are holding these four workshops in February and March so that as many people have the chance to share their ideas and we’ll use the ideas and priorities to develop the plan which will be consulted on. And we’re really trying to get as many people involved as we can.”

The workshop events are open to all members of the Lower Clapton Community and are taking place at the following times and locations:

Wednesday 20 February 7:30pm ­- 9:30pm, Nye Bevan Hall, Overbury Street E5

Saturday 23 February 7:30pm – ­ 9:30pm, Nye Bevan Hall, Overbury Street E5

Wednesday 27 February 7pm -­ 9pm, Chats Palace, Brooksby’s Walk E9

Saturday 2 March 10am -­ 4pm, Chats Palace, Brooksby’s Walk E9

For more information go to Chatsworth Road Neighbourhood Forum.