Email from the Mayor of Hackney

Dear Ms Linpower

Re: Security Fence and Gates on Lockner Estate

Thank you for your email regarding the above matter, which was received in my office on 14th August 2010.  Thank you also for your letter on behalf of the Lockner & Kingsgate Resident Association.  I am sorry to hear of your concerns.

Hackney Homes have advised me that in response to concerns about safety and security on the estate, they consulted residents on a proposal for a security fence in 2008. I have been advised that the results of this consultation were that 74 responses were received, with two-thirds being in favour of the proposal. I understand that at that time residents were advised that Hackney Homes were seeking an opinion from the Planning department in order to proceed to outline design stage, and that as soon as the Planning department had provided their observations, Hackney Homes would hold a public drop-in session on the estate. This would allow residents to see the outline drawings and afford them the opportunity of making their own contribution to any specific areas of concern. I understand that, after this, any agreed changes could be incorporated and detailed designs submitted in order to obtain full planning approval. I understand that the application to Planning was not submitted at that time, and it is only now that approval is being sought.

The Council's Planning service have assured me that when the planning application for the installation of security fences and gates on the Lockner Estate is processed, they will carefully consider the implications for both community safety and for the appearance of the estate.  They will also take into account the numerous objections that have been received from local residents. I have been assured that your concerns and those of the Lockner & Kingsgate Resident Associaion have been passed to the Planning service for their consideration. If the application is to be recommended for approval then it will be decided by the Planning Sub-Committee.  If you have any further queries regarding the current application please contact Micheal Garvey, Planning Officer, on 020 8356 8053, or at micheal.garvey@hackney.gov.uk.

However, despite the submission of a planning application, Hackney Homes have advised me that the security fence and gates at Lockner Estate do not form part of this year's works programme, and that it will not be in any future programme until they have consulted again with both the TRA and residents. Hackney Homes have assured me that this project will not be carried out unless and until they have established a clear mandate from residents to proceed. Hackney Homes have explained that because they would require planning approval if they were to decide to proceed at some point in the future, they decided to proceed with a planning application now.

I do acknowledge your concerns about the application. However, as Mayor I have no control or influence over planning decisions. The planning process is a quasi-judicial one involving councillors making decisions within a quite rigid framework, and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to become involved in the decisions taken in individual cases.  I hope you will be reassured, however, that Hackney Homes have no immediate plans to proceed with this work and have committed to further consultation in the future.

Yours sincerely

Jules Pipe
Mayor of Hackney