Yahoo News New café and offices for Newham as overgrown disused patch of land to be transformed
A neighbourhood in Newham is getting a new café and offices for local businesses after the council unanimously gave the plans the green light on Tuesday night (June 25). Meanwhile Space, a CIC (Community Interest Company), had submitted plans so it could turn a vacant, overgrown patch of council-owned land in Manor Park and build a vibrant community hub in its place.
The hub consists of a café and kitchen on the ground floor while the first floor will have four studio units that aim to attract artists, local entrepreneurs and professionals. An outdoor area can be hired by residents and the surrounding community for events such as classes for the elderly, yoga classes and children's activities.
The plans had divided residents as some were concerned that the site was 'inappropriate' for a café, though others said a new community space would help to transform the area for the better. During Tuesday's meeting, the local development committee heard from George Voss of PMV Planning, a planning consultancy working with Meanwhile Space.
Mr Voss Said: "The scheme represents an exciting opportunity to provide a new community hub and space that engages with and provides facilities for the local community. The scheme will make a positive contribution to Manor Park and is clearly welcomed by many in the local community."
A resident in support of the plans who has lived in Manor Park for 23 years said having a new community space could help improve the area and reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB). He explained: "We have a lot of drug users and drug dealers, there is a lot of theft around, obviously having a community hub will bring people [together] and [will create a] sense of security when you are together."
However an objector who lives directly next to the proposed site had concerns that the café could cause problems with litter and rodents and that there is a number of cafés already in Manor Park. He said: "In terms of the building being proposed, the colour red is not something that goes in line with the community and the landscape. Also in regards to bins, we have a lot of rodents and we have a lot of mice."
He went on to say that the building, which will be two storeys, would overshadow his house and it would make him less likely to go out in his garden. Cllr Sabia Kamali, of Stratford ward, asked whether the committee could take part in a site visit to assess the impact and design issues with planning officers, which Cllr Zilickaja supported.
Cllr Kamali asked: "I think the concern is it's not in line... with the rest of the residents. Obviously it's a local café and you want the local residents to attend and it's always nice to have a good relationship, but are you going to be working with them as part of the whole process?"
A representative of Meanwhile Space then said: "...we definitely, definitely have been already. We've had quite a few pop-ups, we've stood outside the bus stop in the snow, collecting data on what people want to see there...we've had stakeholder groups, we've done two co-design groups."
Another representative added: "I think it's important to note it's not just a café, it's a community events space. It's there to engage with the whole community and be a space where residents and local community organisations can rent out and use for their benefit as well." When it came to the vote, the committee unanimously approved the plans, which will see a new community hub, café and offices built next to 1 Forest View Road in Manor Park.
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