Barnet Borough Watch Newsletter Winter 08

The Winter 208 edition of the Barnet Borough Watch Newsletter is now available as a PDF:

Click here to download it.

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Planning Application: 15 OPN Refused

Yesterday the Barnet Planning Case Officer refused a second application (B/03734/08) to demolish 15 Oakleigh Park North and replace it with a block of seven flats.

We will have to wait to see if the applicant appeals but, meanwhile, thanks to the 112 neighbours who objected to this planning application and to Theresa Villiers MP and Councillors Marina Yannakoudakis, Brian Salinger and Sachin Rajput who were also very supportive.

Conditions or Reasons for refusal were as follows:

1) The proposed development by reason of its size, bulk, design and siting would represent a cramped, dominant, overbearing and obtrusive form of development detrimental to the character and appearance of the street scene and character and quality of the general locality as well as being harmful to the amenities of neighbouring residents contrary to policies GBEnv1, GBEnv2, D1, D2, D3, D4, D7 and H16 of the Barnet Unitary Development Plan (2006).

2) The plans accompanying this application are:- 27223, 943 01 F, 943 07 A, 943 08 (drawings received 07/10/2008).

3) There are discrepancies between the street elevation of the proposed building shown on plan no. 943 01 F and the proposed front elevation as shown on drawing 943 08.

4) The proposed car parking area to the rear of the site by reason of its size and siting would be unsympathetic and detrimental to the character and appearance of the locality as well as detracting from the amenities of neighbouring residents, contrary to policies GBEnv1, D2 and H16 of the Barnet Unitary Development Plan (2006).

5) The proposal will result in loss of tree(s) of special amenity value contrary to policies GBEnv1, GBEnv4, D12 and D13 of the Barnet Unitary Development Plan (2006).

6) The proposed development does not include a formal undertaking to meet the extra education and libraries services costs together with associated monitoring costs arising as a result of the development, contrary to policies CS2, CS8 and IMP2 of the Adopted Barnet Unitary Development Plan (2006), Supplementary Planning Document - Planning Obligations, Supplementary Planning Document - Contributions to Education, Supplementary Planning DOcument - Contributions to Libraries.

15OPN: US Fed. Trade Commission sues A. Gershfield

Mr Aaron Gershfield, who has applied for planning permission to demolish 15 Oakleigh Park North and replace it with a block of 7 flats, has been sued by the US Federal Trade Commission for allegedly operating illegal pay day loan companies and illegally badgering people for sums far higher than the amounts they borrowed. Download and read the full complaint here.

Brendan Riley of Associated Press has written an article about this matter titled "Regulators sue payday loan companies". Read it here.

Also, Mr Gershfield has listed 15 Oakleigh Park North as his home address with Companies House even though the property is empty and falling into disrepair. This is in breach of the Companies Act, which requires a private address where legal documents can be served. Download a list of his company holdings here.

15 OPN: 12th Nov Objection Deadline

Please remember that, should you wish to object to the planning application (B/03734/08) to demolish 15 Oakleigh Park North and build a 4-storey block of flats, your objection letter must be sent to the following address to be received by Wednesday, 12th November, 2008:

Ms Josleen Chug
Acting Senior Planning Officer
Chipping Barnet Area Team
Planning, Housing and Regeneration Service
London Borough of Barnet
Building 4, North London Business Park
Oakleigh Road South
LONDON
N11 1NP

Please refer to previous posts below for further information.

Michael Soliatis

t. 020 8445 0336
e. invicta3000@gmail.com

Planning Application: 15 OPN Objection Letter

Further to my previous posts, I have now placed an objection letter online:

If you wish to object to the demolition of 15 Oakleigh Park North and its replacement with a 4-storey block of 7 flats and 12 car parking spaces, please download a standard objection letter or you can download the text to use as the basis for your own letter, which will of course carry more weight.

Please ensure your objection letter is posted to arrive before Wednesday, 12th November.

Also, if you want to see the detailed plans, please let me know. Meanwhile, thank you for your support.

Michael Soliatis

24 Oakleigh Park North
t. 020 8445 0336
e. invicta3000@gmail.com

Planning Application: 15 OPN Front Elevation

Even though they are still not available online at the Barnet Planning web site, here is a drawing of the proposed front elevation:

You can download this picture as a PDF. (You'll need Adobe Reader to open and view it.)

Please note the following about this proposed development:

• The bulk is much the same as proposed in the previous application that was withdrawn.
  
  
• At just 1 metre less than Greenleaf Court, it will be the next tallest structure on the Oakleigh Park estate.
  
  
• As before, the proposal is still for a structure of 4 storeys except that the top level has been placed in the roof.
  
  
• The dormer windows and the large window that fills the right-hand gable end will overlook neighbours.
  

I am in the process of finalising a list of possible objections which will be posted here in a few days time.

Meanwhile, please contact me if you would like to see the plans or have any questions or useful information.

Michael Soliatis

24 Oakleigh Park North
t. 020 8445 0336
e. invicta3000@gmail.com

Planning Application: 15 Oakleigh Park North

Following the withdrawal last January of their original planning application to demolish the family home at 15 Oakleigh Park North and build a block of seven flats, Mr A Gershfield and Mrs V Mawhinney submitted a second application (B/03734/08) on October 7th that proposes:

Demolition of existing house and redevelopment of site with part single, part two and part three storey block plus rooms in roofspace comprising of 7 No. flats with 12 car parking spaces at rear, associated landscaping, bin store and cycle store.

If you have not received a notice letter from Barnet Planning, you can download a copy here, which includes a guide to raising objections. (This is a PDF document that requires Adobe Reader to open and read it.) The planning application can also be viewed online: Just click on the Barnet Planning Applications link in the right-hand column of this page and search for planning application B/03734/08 or 15 Oakleigh Park North.

The main difference between the previous application and the new one is that the new application is for a block of flats three storeys high rather than the four storeys originally proposed.

From my conversations with neighbours, I am aware that there is a general concern that if this development is allowed to proceed it will set a precedent for replacing homes on the Oakleigh Park estate with blocks of flats that will irrevocably change the character of the area.

If you wish to object to this planning application, please be aware that you only have until 12th November.

I shall be obtaining a copy of the plans and drawing up a list of possible objections which will be available on this web site within a few days. Meanwhile, please contact me if you have any questions or useful information.

Also, please discuss this matter with your immediate neighbours. If they haven't already subscribed to the OPRA E-Mail List to receive notifications about new posts to this web site, please urge them to subscribe by completing the form in the right-hand column of this page.

Michael Soliatis

24 Oakleigh Park North
t. 020 8445 0336
e. invicta3000@gmail.com

Totteridge Safer Neighbourhood Newsletter

Here is the Aug-Sep 08 Newsletter from Andy Corbett PC216SX of the Totteridge Safer Neighbourhood Team

Welcome to the August/September 2008 newsletter. I apologise that this issue is bi-monthly. This period is traditionally a heavy annual leave period for the team.

The crime figures follow. The team were expecting a rise in reported crime and anti-social behaviour during the late summer months. This did not materialise in any significant form.

The number of artifice burglaries has dropped drastically. My opinion is that members of the public have been questioning door-to-door callers a little more intrusively and this questioning has had the desired effect. The bad guys have gone away. So a big well done. Anyway, enough of my opinions and on to the crime figures.

AUGUST 2008

Burglary-residential: 2
23.08.08 Cissbury Ring, N12. Forced window, jewellery and cash stolen.
24.08.08 Totteridge Village, N20. Window smashed, nothing stolen.

Burglary-non residential: 2
28.08.08 Totteridge Lane, N20. Attempted entry by force, nothing taken.
29.08.08 Lullington Garth, N12. Entry by force, nothing stolen.

Robbery: 0

Domestic Assault: 1
15.08.08 Clements Close, N12. Minor assault, suspect arrested.

Theft of motor vehicle: 2
12.08.08 Woodside Park Road, N12. Moped stolen, recovered by Police.
25.08.08 Woodside avenue, N12. Vehicle taken by means unknown.

Theft from motor vehicle: 3
01.08.08 Northiam, N12. Car stereo taken whilst victim on holiday.
27.08.08 Totteridge Lane, N20. Car stereo taken, window smashed.
29.08.08 Woodside Lane, N20. Handbag from vehicle, window smashed.

Criminal damage to motor vehicle: 0

SEPTEMBER 2008

Burglary residential: 5
02.09.08 Church Path, N12. Forced entry, jewellery and cash taken.
02.09.08 Friern Barnet Lane, N20. Attempt to enter through locked patio doors.
03.09.08 Friern Barnet Lane, N20. Entry through locked patio doors, nothing taken.
14.09.08 Rodmell Slope, N12. Vehicle taken after premises entered, not by force.
24.09.08 Laurel Way, N20. Forced entry large amount of electrical equipment stolen.

Burglary Non residential: 0

Robbery: 0

Domestic Assault: 4
09.09.08 High road, N20. Argument escalates, suspect arrested.
14.09.08 Chanctonbury Way, N12. Actual bodily harm, suspect arrested.
21.09.08 Sweets Way, N20. Victim pushed to the floor, suspect arrested.
26.09.08 Darcy Close, N20. Victim pushed causing minor injury.
30.09.08 Birley Road, N20. Victim slapped, no injury.

Theft of motor vehicle: 0

Theft from motor vehicle: 4
19.09.08 Laurel Way, N20. Suspect found by owner in vehicle.
21.09.08 Wykeham Rise, N20. Number plates taken.
23.09.08 Holden Road, N12. Bag removed from un-locked vehicle.
30.09.08 Chanctonbury Way, N12. Forced entry to van.

Criminal damage to motor vehicle: 0

END

Police Notice - High Barnet - Cash Point Scams

The Police wish you to be aware that there have been a number of scams at local cash points in the area over the last week. Methods used are still the same as before:

• Distraction at the cash point when using your card.
  
  
• People hovering around a cash point, your card stays inside the machine and, when you go inside to tell bank staff, those outside use a magnetic strip to remove your card from the machine.
  

Be aware: If anyone tries to distract/talk to you or even gets too close, abort your transaction, remove your card and try later elsewhere.

Use an ATM only when necessary: Take cash-back from shops when possible. If possible take someone with you when you use an ATM.

Report anything suspicious.

Beware of leaving car keys accessible

The High Barnet Police Team report a burglary a couple of nights ago in Hadley Highstone, where a Land-Rover was stolen from the front drive.

The burglars broke in to the house downstairs and stole the car keys whilst the occupants were asleep upstairs.

Police advice is to take keys upstairs when you retire for the night. Burglars are usually opportunists who do not want confrontation. If you leave keys for them they may take your car.

Although this is the first incident of its type this year, there was a spate of similar burglaries this time last year, so please call 999 if you see anything suspicious.

Burst Water Main: Oakleigh Park North

If you are experiencing low water mains pressure or no water at all it's because a water main burst today in Oakleigh Park North. At 13:15 hrs Thames Valley Water reported that a repair crew were on their way and aim to have supplies reinstated by 16:00 hrs.

Police Notice - Beware EEC Home security

The following message comes via our Boroughwatch representative for the High Barnet ward. Please let any vulnerable friends and neighbours know to prevent any possible intervention by this company.

Bob Vice
for Barnet Boroughwatch

Subject: Police Notice - EEC Home security - DO NOT LET THEM IN - check your neighbours

We have heard from a number of residents in the EN5 area that they are being targeted by a hard sales company selling home security.

The police and trading standards have issued a warning about a company called EEC Home Security, after a number of our co-ordinators contacted them about this company:

The police have now carried out checks on the company and found that it is currently being investigated by trading standards.

This company, which has been featured on a “watchdog” type TV programme, uses hard sales and generally targets the elderly and vulnerable. Please see Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin from page 14 onwards.

Pleased call the Local Police Team on their mobile number if you have a visit or call by someone from this company: 07887 633 343. Please also call Trading Standards on 01209 720 333.

There have been some sellers at the door recently. They all need a licence and the police say that householders are entitled to ask to see the licence of the caller and to take down details whether or not they intend to buy anything.

Planning Application: 76 Oakleigh Park North

Previously Barnet Planning refused to grant permission to remove several trees (TPO/17598/08/B). As a result the Appellant has appealed to the Secretary of State.

Barnet Planning also refused a previous application (N/00607/F/07) to erect a detached house with off-street parking.

It is suspected that, if permission was obtained to remove the trees, it would pave the way for obtaining permission to erect a new dwelling.

Click here to read Barnet Planning's notification letter to residents which also explains how to object should you wish to do so.

To view the planning applications, click the "Barnet Planning Applications" link in the right-hand Resources column.

London Week of Peace event at All Saints Church

Here follows your invitation to a London Week of Peace
event at All Saints Church

---

Dear Friend/Colleague of Oakleigh Safer Neighbourhoods Team,

We would like to invite you to attend an event the Oakleigh Safer Neighbourhoods Team have arranged, in partnership with All Saints Church, as part of the London Week of Peace.

The London Week of Peace is an annual week of events, initiatives and action organised by communities to promote greater community cohesion, safety and peace across the capital. Under the banner, Reconciliation, Celebration and Collaboration, tens of thousands of Londoners from all walks of life are participating in a range of these local events to promote good community relations within Barnet Borough.

We have organised a number of events in partnership with community groups, with sponsorship from Waitrose and Marks and Spencer, and would like to invite you to attend on

Saturday 13th September 2008
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, 122 OAKLEIGH ROAD NORTH, N20

This event will be held in the evening from 7PM onwards and will incorporate a welcoming ceremony in the church, followed by the planting of an olive tree to symbolise Peace. The tree will be planted by local celebrity Bruce Byron (aka DC Terry Perkins from ITV’s The Bill). A music festival will then be held in the church hall for the young people of the community, where each band will perform a song specifically composed for Peace Week.

We would be delighted to see you at the above event, and would appreciate if you could let us know if you will be attending, so we have an idea of how many people will be present.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on the number shown above.

Yours sincerely,

Anne-Marie Bullivant | A/PS Oakleigh SNT

Whetstone Police Station, 1170 High Road, Whetstone, London, N20 0TW
Tel: 020 8721 2976

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OPRA goes online

Now you can stay abreast of what is happening in your neighbourhood by subscribing to the Oakleigh Park Residents' Association e-mail list.

Whenever news occurs that affects the neighbourhood such as Planning Applications or when Neighbourhood Watch bulletins are published, you'll receive an e-mail notification and the news item will be posted on this site.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Just complete the right-hand form >>>

The OPRA Committee hopes you'll find this a useful resource.