Della Reynolds
Is it time for a Community Assembly?
As Molesey Matters roving reporter I bring you stories of local events and community gatherings. For the last six month these have been pretty thin on the ground and with new restrictions still coming in, things are unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. So, let me take you on a walk down Walton Road. My local patch where most of the shopkeepers know me. The first thing you’ll notice are the masks, worn now in the street by many of those who venture out. The masks nullify the usual human contact, particularly the smiles, the laughter and the chatter. As you glance into the shop windows you will see the rules for engagement. Some allow access for a restricted number while others serve at the door, you may even have to press the bell on a locked, shopfront door. They are all trying to do the right thing to protect lives, but the first rule of commerce, make the customer feel welcome, has been broken. Shopping has become a series of trials to be navigated. As a consequence, people are increasingly moving to on-line deliveries and it’s not just the shops who are suffering. I went out mid-week for a meal at the Indian Panorama, 98 Walton Road. The food was remarkably good and the service impeccable but on entry at 7.15 only four tables were occupied, and nobody arrived after us, as we all had to be finished by 10.00. I doubt they made enough money to cover the staff wages that evening. It is busier at the weekends I am told. Do try it for yourself. I highly recommend the cuisine. Alongside the shops in Walton Road are the community gathering points. The cafes, bars and the Refresh Centre, which has been closed since the lockdown began. The Refresh Centre was a thriving community hub with daytime boomerang bag stitchers giving way to evening meetups for vulnerable teenagers and much, much more in-between. All stopped and for how long? Many businesses who survived the first lockdown, could disappear in financial meltdown if we have another. If our local shops close will they be converted into multi-occupancy dwellings, as is the case with the old Discount Shop, currently under significant renovation? Planning regulations are easing with regard to ‘permitted development rights’ (PDR) allowing shops, offices and industrial units to be converted into living accommodation without planning permission. A recent Guardian article is concerned that such a lack of scrutiny could allow developers to deliver a new generation of slum dwellings.
“The government has extended rules allowing former offices, shops and warehouses to be converted into housing – as research shows the policy results in dwellings unfit for human habitation”
Guardian 20.7.20
Amendments to laws are currently being passed with little parliamentary scrutiny, due to emergency Covid legislation. Life as we knew it, could become no more than a memory. But with change comes opportunity, as recognised by the Conservative party who had as their conference slogan Build Back Better. The question is, better for who?
Residents of Spelthorne are so concerned about the effect on their environment due to the steeply rising housing targets they have formed a ‘Community Assembly’ which meets on-line at the end of each month. Previous regulations ensured that local planning was agreed by local people and facilitated by their elected councillors. But when ‘Communities’ Minister Robert Jenrick takes it upon himself to make the final decision regarding the proposed development at Sandown, we can see a blatant breach in due process .One thing lockdown taught us was to value our local amenities; our shops which kept us supplied when we couldn’t travel and our green open spaces which kept us sane. Plans for urban in-fill could change our communities in detrimental ways unless we are active citizens in the decision-making process. Is it time for Elmbridge to form its own ‘Community