URGENT: Beaufoy Institute: Artisan School

Message from Jeffe Jeffers of Lady Margaret Hall Settlement and KA Planning Sub-Group following on from our recent Newsletter:

'At the last meeting of the steering group we were informed that the De Morgan Foundation could not guarantee that their funding would be in place within the time framework set out by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). This has now created a serious problem in that the ministry do not want a near derelict building beside their new school and are demanding a quick financial solution to its future of the older building.

The Council appear to be getting ready to sell in the open market and if this happens it is likely the Prince’s Trust will withdraw; their continued involvement needing there to be a museum and or workshops on site. The whole project looks therefore in danger unless we can persuade Lambeth and DCSF to work with us to make a workshop solution happen.

If there are any ideas in the community we would be happy to look at them urgently.'

Contact Jeffe on 020 7793 1110.

Report by the KA Planning Sub-Group

The KA Planning Sub-group has recently received yet another policy document from Lambeth Council titled Lambeth Local Development Framework & Draft Core Strategy on which to comment by 18^th May. This is being studied at the present time and a reply prepared.

The developers of the site at 81 Black Prince Road are going to Appeal following the rejection of their Planning Application for a 23-storied residential block. KA had previously objected to the scheme and will reiterate our objections formally to Lambeth Planning. The submission has to be in by 18^th May.

The sub-group has been briefed on proposals for the future of the Beaufoy Institute buildings in Black Prince Road and its vacant site at the rear, the responsibility for which Lambeth Council are eager to be relieved. Plans are approaching finalisation. The Princes Trust has been involved in connection with a proposed school for the Arts & Crafts on the vacant site, with the existing buildings to house workshops, studios and possibly a small museum displaying ceramics which would be supported possibly by a Community Development Trust, but there is still considerable concern about funding.

Subsequent to the Public Enquiry on the planning application by Brit Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club and Aurora Hotels the sub-group has been informed that the Secretary of State will give the decision on the Inspector’s Report on 4^th June.