Tram Depot objection is the "lead letter" in the Hackney Gazette again
More letters from local people
from doctors, engineers, an urban designer, regeneration specialists, artists & residents alike...
...sent to cllr Ian Rathbone and passed on to the planning officer:
from doctors, engineers, an urban designer, regeneration specialists, artists & residents alike...
...sent to cllr Ian Rathbone and passed on to the planning officer:
I am writing to oppose the proposed development of the existing Tramshed
on Upper Clapton Road as a new block flats.
I am a former board member of the East Midlands Development Agency. I work in regional and local development and I run a company that is based in Upper Clapton which exports consultancy services across Europe.
Last year I was invited to speak at the Shanghai expo on how urban policy can combat disadvantage in cities. I spoke of the need for cities to foster innovation and provide a creative milieu for development.
I am a former board member of the East Midlands Development Agency. I work in regional and local development and I run a company that is based in Upper Clapton which exports consultancy services across Europe.
Last year I was invited to speak at the Shanghai expo on how urban policy can combat disadvantage in cities. I spoke of the need for cities to foster innovation and provide a creative milieu for development.
I note since returning to Hackney five years ago that the conversion of
business space to residential space in the borough has been almost
entirely in one direction - from commercial to residential. This is
particularly true of Upper Clapton which has very few remaining premises
for offices and small scale artisan production compared to what was
around when I first lived here in the 1980s.
The site in question already hosts a number of enterprises and under
sensitive development and management could grow its capacity. Lea
Bridge roundabout could become a new employment centre providing a range
of jobs suitable for the local community. Not everyone can work in the
city of London. As a result of the crisis the Borough is already
showing high levels of unemployment and inactivity.
Hackney has many creatives who are creating jobs already and could grow considerably in the right environment. That environment needs a diversity of use classes rather than a monoculture based solely on housing.
Hackney has many creatives who are creating jobs already and could grow considerably in the right environment. That environment needs a diversity of use classes rather than a monoculture based solely on housing.
Yours sincerely
PR
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I am a structural engineer living right next to the Tram depot. I heard about the plans to develop the site into a residential block and I would like support your opposition of this scheme. There are lots of different communities in Clapton and I know I can’t speak for them all, but from my experience there is a strong desire to have an integrated community who would like to share and develop their environment. There are not enough focal points in Clapton to give us a sense of identity and it would be a shame to waste such a fine opportunity as the tram depot simply to cram more people into an area that already has a history of social problems. I expect Mr.Cameron would agree that this is an opportunity to nurture the ‘big society’ and create a mixed-use space that enriches our lives and helps hold the community together. Good luck representing our community.
Your sincerely,
EL
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I am a resident of Ickburgh Road, Hackney and I am writing to you to
register my objections to the developer's plans for the Victorian horse
tram depot at 38-40 Upper Clapton Road.
I understand that a 7-storey apartment block is proposed, with 84
residential units in total across the site, plus parking for 42 cars.
This will displace the artists, craftspeople and other small enterprises
who for the past two decades have inhabited the Tram Depot site. The
site is designated a Priority Employment Area by Hackney Council and
should therefore be developed as such, protecting the livelihoods of the
existing people on the site.
With greater vision and imagination, perhaps from another developer, an
arts centre with exhibition space and cafe could be incorporated into a
really characterful development, which would be of much greater benefit
to the Upper Clapton area than more apartments for private sale. We need
something that will enliven the area, and enable a much greater sense of
a living, breathing, contributing, active community. We don't need more
commuters.
My principal objections are as follows:
*The Tram Depot is an historic local landmark that has been locally
listed by Hackney Council in response to public demand.
*The Tram Depot is a successful example of re-use of an historic site
and provides Hackney with reasonably priced accommodation for artists,
craftspeople, and other small enterprises.
*The destruction of the existing studios and workshops on site would
result in the loss of livelihoods and employment in Clapton.
*The proposed 7-storey block facing on to Upper Clapton Road is
incredibly oppressive, ugly and would overshadow and overwhelm the
existing streetscape by its height and bulk. It is UGLY!
*The increase in vehicles entering and exiting the development site
would create hazardous conditions and increased traffic congestion --
already terrible -- on Upper Clapton Road.
Thank you for your attention.
LN
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As a resident of Upper Clapton, I live in Evering Road, I am very concerned about the proposed plans to develop the historic Victorian horse tram depot at 38-40 Upper Clapton Road.
I have seen the illustration supplied by the developer showing a seven-storey apartment block for private sale with 84 residential units in total across the site, plus parking for 42 cars. This development will displace the artists, craftspeople and other small enterprises who for the past two decades have inhabited the Tram Depot site. The site is designated a Priority Employment Area by Hackney Council and should therefore be developed as such, protecting the livelihoods of the existing people on the site.
With greater vision and imagination by the developer, an arts centre with exhibition space and cafe could be incorporated into a real characterful development, which would be of greater benefit to the Upper Clapton area than more apartments for private sale.
In addition, I would make the following points:
(1) The Tram Depot is an historic local landmark that has been locally listed by Hackney Council in response to public demand.
(2) The Tram Depot is a successful example of re-use of an historic site and provides Hackney with reasonably priced accommodation for artists, craftspeople, and other small enterprises.
(3) The destruction of the existing studios and workshops on site would result in the loss of livelihoods and employment in Clapton.
(4) The proposed 7-storey block facing on to Upper Clapton Road is oppressive, ugly and would overshadow and overwhelm the existing streetscape by its height and bulk.
(5) The increase in vehicles entering and exiting the development site would create hazardous conditions and increased traffic congestion on Upper Clapton Road.
Thank you for representing local residents in connection with this development. I look forward to hearing that our objections have been successful.
Your sincerely
CD
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I do not think the application to demolish the Tram Shed and replace with a tall block of flats does anything to improve Upper Clapton.
The demolition of the historic Victorian horse tram depot would be a huge loss of the little history we have left of Clapton.
To replace it with a seven-storey apartment block with 84 residential units in total across the site, plus parking for 42 cars it clearly overdevelopment.
The displacement of artists, craftspeople and other small enterprises who for the past two decades have inhabited the Tram Depot site is somewhat disturbing, particularly as the site is designated a Priority Employment Area by Hackney Council and should therefore not be developed as such, but should be maintained and improved to protecting the livelihoods of the existing people on the site, and encourage new enterprise.
With greater vision and imagination by the developer, an arts centre with exhibition space and cafe could be incorporated, which would be of greater benefit to the Upper Clapton area than more apartments for private sale.
I urge the planning committee to reject this application.
Regards
JH
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Please don't turn the tram depot into a block of flats.
I am a local resident and an enthusiast for it's ever evolving community. There is an awful lot of commitment to the improvement of this well-loved area by the local residents and we have enjoyed watching our area grow and blossom, particularly over the past few years. With the massive gentrification along Chatsworth road and the proximity to Stoke Newington Church street the gap between the two and Upper clapton road's non-identity appears to be widening, if anything.
It is clear that this is an important time in upper clapton roads development. It is strikingly obvious the impact of deli's, cafe's, independent shops along chatsworth road and the impact they have had on drawing people to the area and making it a vibrant spot to visit, spend time and money for families and individuals. They offer a much needed focus to the community; things to do, places to go and the knock on affect is visible in upping the area as a whole.
There is however nowhere to go, nothing to do in this 'no mans' strip of upper clapton road. We still journey east to chatsworth raod or west to church street to spend time and money and meet friends and colleagues. Should the tram depot be made into the proposed housing development this will set the areas fate as a through road, adding nothing but increased traffic, a suffocated sky line and increased pollution and danger for children from the road.
The site is a heritage building and should be preserved. The history of the area should be cherished and made something of. I strongly oppose the flat development and would urge you to reconsider the proposal. Give upper Clapton a heart, a building that can be an arts flagship and create jobs, and valuable community opportunities; classes, courses, a cafe, film screenings. Dalston has managed it with cafe Oto, Homerton has seen cafes popping up on street corers and lower clapton road's book shop, deli's and arts centre all help create the semblance of a 'centre'
In London more than anywhere else these self made communities are vital. In a sprawling city these pockets of community are the glue of an area, they add care, a heart, and enable the residents to actually LIVE in the area they 'live' in without having to travel further afield for facilities and leisure possbilities.
Thank you for your time
LC
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I'm writing to object the proposed development on the current Clapton
Tram Depot site. I've been living in Clapton for the last 6 years and I
am very shocked and disgusted that such an ugly, oppressive and
characterless building is being seriously considered as a replacement to
our local historic site and heritage. Not only will the proposed
building overshadow Upper Clapton Road, especially that it seems to
takeover the pavement and being built right up to the road, it will also
add traffic to the already extremely congested traffic near the round
about. The scale of construction will add havoc to the traffic and then
the 84 residential units will make things worse, not to mention the
proposed supermarket's delivery trucks.
I've visited the Tram Depot on several occasions and was shocked by the
state of neglect by the owners over the years, of course this has been
done for an easier sale of the property. I've had the pleasure to meet
some of the residents and businesses, some of whom have been there for
decades and invested their own money, time and energy in making the
space habitable, they deserve more respect, consideration and support. I
was impressed by the quality of work done by some of the artists and
businesses, some of them working with internationally famed architects
and artists, this is a source of local community pride and inspiration
which not being utilised to it's full potential. It would be a major
shame to lose this creative community. Considering how close it is to
the olympic site that the Tram Depot could be part of the olympic
creative legacy rather than eradicated to make room for more ugly and
characterless residential architecture.
It would be great to see the site developed to include some much needed
space for the local community, be it a cafe, art space or community
space for locals to meet. I'm sure the creative community would get
involved with local residents in some manner.
Please don't be short sighted in your planning decision about this site,
with some investment and nurturing The Clapton Tram Depot could play a
much larger role in the local community and economy.
Many thanks,
KN
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These are my objections:
- The depot is a local landmark of historic importance.
- It is a valuable place which enables the work of local artists and small enterprises.
- I don't like the design of the flats, I don't think they fit in with the surrounding area.
Hope that's enough!
D
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I have just received an emailing that seems to be circulating the neighboorhood regarding the demolition of the tram depot and construction of a 7 storey apartment block, fronting onto Upper Clapton Road.
I myself live locally and have done so for the past year. I like it so much in fact that I have recently moved house in order to find a bigger room, just 2 doors away from my previous address! The proposed plans for the apartment block seem ludicrous, and I know a lot of people in the area feel the same. It would be such a shame to destroy what seems to be really the best thing going for Upper Clapton! Hackney borough is known for its artistic community and if anything it brings character, charm and wealth to the area. Surely it would make more sense to invest in this, not demolish it!
"With greater vision and imagination by the developer, an arts centre with exhibition space and cafe could be incorporated into a real characterful development, which would be of greater benefit to the Upper Clapton area than more apartments for private sale".
If this plan to build this block goes ahead, I am not so sure my next move would be so close!
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A neighbour has drawn my attention to a proposal to build 84 residential units at the above site, and, as a long-term resident, I would like to make my view on the matter heard. One prime concern is that this stretch of road is already highly congested, in particular because of its proximity to the large Lea Bridge Road roundabout; the addition of these units, with - I understand - capacity for 42 vehicles, will substantially increase traffic problems not only at the time of construction work, but also after the building is completed.
Quite apart from this practical issue, it would be a great shame to lose the Tram Depot, which is a listed landmark and serves a socially useful purpose in providing reasonably priced spaces for small businesses, artists and craftspeople. Its loss would lead to loss of employment in Clapton, which is hardly a desirable outcome.
Another matter of concern is the new building itself. The addition of a seven-storey block to the local landscape will do nothing to enhance its attractiveness, and the development will totally overshadow the surrounding area. I have seen the design and it has almost nothing to recommend it in aesthetic terms.
I would be very grateful if you could share these views at the planning meeting on 4 April.
Many thanks
LM
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I’d like to add my voice to those campaigning against this proposed development. The depot should be developed to retain its character and the craftspeople and artists working there for the benefit of the local community.
Best wishes
Dr O Hackney GP
I’d like to add my voice to those campaigning against this proposed development. The depot should be developed to retain its character and the craftspeople and artists working there for the benefit of the local community.
Best wishes
Dr O Hackney GP
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There are many, many more
all saying the same thing:
all saying the same thing:
NO TRAM DEPOT RE-DEVELOPMENT.
To my knowledge, Councillors have not received a single letter in support of the development or the demolition of the Tram Depot.
•
PLEASE SUPPORT OBJECTORS
Come to the demo
against the demolition of
the Old Tram Depot
outside the
Town Hall at 5.30pm
Mon April 4th
before the public Planning Sub-committee
meeting inside at 6.30pm
•
This is what you'll be objecting to
(apart from the loss of a locally unique locally listed historic building filled with artists and successful businesses)
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