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Streatham master planning - Frequently Asked Questions
Why create a masterplan?
The physical environment of an area - such as the A23 running through Streatham - can affect the social, physical and economical development of a town centre. In line with the council’s Regeneration Delivery Plan (2007), an overall strategy is being implemented to improve Lambeth’s town centers.
Streatham town centre has experienced marked economic decline over the last two decades. There is therefore a need to enhance the area’s attractiveness and environmental quality and ensure Streatham has the potential to perform better against other surrounding town centers.
Change is already underway in Streatham, and with the development of a masterplan for the area, a structure can be created to help bring about this change positively for the benefit of all the community. The creation of a masterplan can help Streatham make the most of opportunities and assist in bringing about further investment.
Following consultation, the creation of a masterplan will set out the type of development that people would like to see in the area as well as protect the things that people love.
What area are you looking at and why?
The masterplan will look at the Streatham High Road area from the bus garage in the north, to the common in the south.
How are we going to pay for this?
The Future Streatham masterplan is concerned with long term plans that will provide a structure for bringing about positive change to the area. This framework can be used to help attract investment, for instance from government agencies, investment partners, the private sector and possibly Section 106 contributions in order to deliver real change.
The masterplan will therefore attempt to marry its own investment strategy with that of its key stakeholders (such as TfL and PCT) to deliver on key priorities and projects.
Why are you consulting on this?
A number of studies have already been conducted within Streatham and form the basis of both consultation and the existing proposals.
The first stage of consultation (April 2008) was designed to compliment this previous research, test assumptions and highlight any new issues facing the area.
The second stage (July 2008) explored ‘spatial ideas’, discussing a number of options for how the Streatham High Road area could work better as a space that people can use. Four alternate approaches were presented.
The third stage of consultation (November 2008) will gain specific feedback on emerging proposals for the Streatham High Road area.
Will our views matter?
Our consultant (EDAW) is involved in creating all consultation activities in addition to facilitating the workshops for the Streatham masterplan process. All comments and responses will be fed into consultation reports that will be presented to EDAW and published on the Lambeth website.
Findings from these events are used to test assumptions and identify issues that require further investigation.
Won’t all this development threaten the character of Streatham?
Streatham High Road is a defining feature of the area. Not only is it one of the longest high streets in Europe, but much of it has been designated a conservation zone.
The built heritage of Streatham is part of the area's historic foundation, and protecting this is central to the masterplan proposals. However, Streatham has various issues that need addressing in addition to a number of major development sites which present various opportunities to bring about positive change for the area.
The development of the masterplan is being driven by the need to create a more pleasant and sustainable town centre with improved opportunities, and to protect the unique character and heritage of this area. The challenge of this is to do this while also ensuring that any proposals make economic sense to ensure that they can become a reality.
If we improve the area, won’t this push up house prices and rent for businesses?
The demand for business premises has of late led to a rise in rents and land values. In the Lambeth First Economic Development Strategy the council has given a commitment to set up a business-focused town centre management structure to support businesses and industries in the town centre.
Regarding housing, there is a shortage of good quality housing generally throughout the borough and the council has challenging targets to meet with regards to this. Therefore any housing development within Streatham town centre will need to comply with policies for affordable housing.
Will all the high street retailers move in?
Past research has indicated that local people would in fact like to see a wider range and higher quality of shops in Streatham – including some big name stores.
Many businesses including chain stores are currently looking to invest in Streatham. The challenge for Lambeth is to increase investment in the town centre without jeopardising the independent shops already in existence and maintaining the fabric of the town centre.
What is the latest on the proposed Megabowl development?
As one of Streatham’s major development opportunities, recent proposals for the Megabowl/Ceasar’s Nightclub site have been the subject of much debate. There are numerous ideas as to how best regenerate this site, with no decision as yet having been made.
Most recently, the developer of the Megabowl/Ceasar’s Nightclub site has withdrawn their planning application following concerns expressed by the council and local residents.
The developer has since reconsidered the proposal and held an exhibition at the beginning of October to consult the community on the revised plans. A public meeting is scheduled for November 2008. For more information please email Planning on tpac@lambeth.gov.uk.
What role will Tesco play in the future of Streatham?
Aside from the Streatham Hub development, no other agreements are in place with Tesco that we are aware of. The council will however be consulting with a number of major landowners and businesses in preparing the masterplan to explore further opportunities for the area.