North Brick Lane Residents Association

New Blog for NBLRA

2011-07-09T10:16:00.000+01:00

The new NBLRA blog site is at: www.nblra.org.uk

Please visit the new site for the latest information and contact details for NBLRA.

This site will no longer be updated.

Thank you for your interest in NBLRA and we look forward to hearing from you at www.nblra.org.uk

2011-04-03T10:03:00.000+01:00

It's not just grown-ups who need places to potter and tools to tinker.

Every kid deserves a bit of quality shed time.

If you are aged 4 - 11 and want somewhere to hang out over Easter designing kites and kaleidoscopes, building rockets and robots, and learning to sort your pincers from your pliers, then this is the place for you!

The Kids' Shed is open 10.00 - 16.00 every day from 13 - 24 April 2011.

Find out more at www.outoftheordinary.org.uk

The Kids' Shed is in Shaklewell Street Community Garden, North Brick Lane, London E2 7EG.

If you would like to volunteer at The Kids' Shed or want to find out more about the workshop programme:

join The Kids' Shed on Facebook here or contact Tess on 07746902571/ tess@outoftheordinary.org.uk

For press or listings please contact Sophie on 07813776451/ sophie@outoftheordinary.org.uk

2011-04-03T09:58:00.000+01:00

Photos from the garden shed clear-up weekend on the 19 & 20 March

2010-08-07T15:28:00.000+01:00

Ruanna's Nutty Quinoa Salad

(from the Arnold Circus Centenary Cookbook)

2010-08-07T14:49:00.000+01:00

Midsummer Dinner 2010

2010-08-07T14:47:00.000+01:00

Midsummer Dinner 2009

2008-04-27T20:18:00.004+01:00

SHACKLEWELL STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN OPEN DAY
Below are photos taken at the Open Day that took place 3rd and 4th May.
Thank you to all of those who put in the hard work to make this happen.

All photos by Ruth.

2008-03-18T21:08:00.006Z

TURN OVER THE PAGE

On Sunday March 30 the North Brick Lane Residents Association linked up Rhoda St Green, Brick Lane, with three other green sites, Friends of Arnold Circus (the bandstand) the Wonder Garden (Rochelle School, CSV, BBC) and St Hilda’s Garden (St Hilda’s East Community Centre).

A book trail took people round the corners of Shoreditch with writers, activities and surprises. They listened to writers and contributors Michael Palin, Deborah Moggach, Manju Malhi, Coral Rumble, Dan Cruickshank, Toby Huges, Linda Wilkinson & many others talking about the book they love!

There were games, puzzles, book swapping, tea and cakes and a Tea Dance organised by Johnny Vercoutre of 'It's Always Time for Tea'. Plus put together especially for the event 'The Rhoda Street Recipe Book' - how to cope with food ration. See also link to 'Turn Over the Page'.

Photos by Chris Love

2008-03-18T20:00:00.004Z

What is the Block?
A series of buildings 4 to 25 storeys high on the site of Hannaford and Marshall stationery warehouse on the Bethnal Green Road. 360 residential units and 3,400 sqm of commercial floorspace. Architects Stock Woolstencroft. Developers Telford Homes and Genesis Partners (developers of the Mildmay Tower that was stopped last year) trading as Bishopsgate Apartments LLP.

This development would alter the character of the whole area at the north end of Brick Lane. It would block light from neighbouring properties and leave a stretch of the Bethnal Green Road in permanent shadow. The provision of public open space is low and of poor quality. This building is not needed for the regeneration of the area, as claimed by the developers. The scheme provides little for the local community.

It is premature until there is a publicly-approved masterplan for the whole area.

Who Is Save Shoreditch?
A growing group of people who live or work in the area, tenants' and residents' associations, small businesses and anyone with an interest or history in this neighbourhood. We say there should be immediate public involvement in the planning of the Shoreditch and Brick Lane area and that any development should respect the local environment and the real needs of the community.
Above images and text taken from Save Shoreditch website

North Brick Lane Residents Association is supporting the 'Save Shoreditch' campaign. For more information on how to get involved, the latest news and press coverage, how to download a poster and view the video, click on the link 'Save Shoreditch'.

2007-10-24T11:28:00.000+01:00

BONFIRE NIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Sunday 4th November from 5PM

Things to bring;
- Food and drink for BBQ (If you are a vegetarian please bring your own BBQ to cook food on since we can not guarantee that the main BBQ will be meat free)
- Fireworks/sparklers

We are also holding a pumpkin competition, so bring along your pumpkins from Halloween (we will also use them to light up the garden) and then during the evening they will be judged on originality and creatively. We have a small eco friendly prize to give away too.

2007-10-13T17:15:00.000+01:00

A CUP OF TEA AND A GOOD FILM - 28th OCTOBER
FREE OPEN AIR FILM SCREENING

Click on image to enlarge

2007-08-09T22:18:00.000+01:00

SUMMER GARDEN PLAY GROUP

The Summer Garden
12th - 21st August
Outdoor play
Making masks, flags, scarecrows ... and a sand pit for children
Baby area
Ping-pong for parents

Thank you Megan for running this great baby/children play group.

2007-07-23T21:53:00.000+01:00

BBQ July 22nd 2007

Thank you all for making this a great evening.

2007-04-12T13:12:00.000+01:00

THANK YOU ALL FOR SENDING LETTERS AND SIGN THE PETITION. WE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED TO STOP THE CHANGE OF USE TO A LOUNGE BAR.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ANY FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.

STOP BARS BEING OPENED IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Are you concerned about bars creeping up Brick Lane? Do you want to keep the area we live in, a residential area? Then read further.

A full planning application has been submitted to the Tower Hamlets Planning Service for a change of use to a LOUNGE BAR. The proposed bar would be located on the corner of Brick Lane and Padbury Court and includes opening hours until midnight and music to be played.
To view the application go to Tower Hamlets website online planning register - application number PA/07/00948.

The residents association has drafted a letter in opposition to this proposal (see below) and is currently collecting signatures to go with this letter to be submitted to the planning department. The residents association is against the introduction of any night time entertainment or venues to the North Brick Lane residential area.

What you can do if you want to object?
- To sign the petition contact 0777 573 3236
- Post your objections online. Go to the Tower Hamlets website online planning register - application number PA/07/00948, scroll to the bottom of the site and click on 'make a general comment'
- Send your objection letter to Allie Moore, Tower Hamlets Planning, Mulberry Place (AH), PO Box 55739, 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 1BY

Please note that the deadline for objections is MAY 01 - so if you do want to object it is really important that your respond before this date.

LETTER NBLRA
12 April 2007

Re: Planning application PA/07/00948
240 Brick Lane, London, E2 7EB
Change of use from Sun Tan parlour
(Sui generis) to a Cocktail Lounge (Class A4)

Dear Allie Moore,
As the North Brick Lane Residents Association we would like to lodge our objection to the proposed change of use of business premises at 240 Brick Lane. Our primary reason for objection to the proposal is because the immediate and surrounding area is predominately residential, with no local precedent for night time entertainment. In addition to the inappropriate situation in a residential quarter we have strong concerns about the following;-

1. The potential anti-social behaviour associated with such businesses and the fact that the local police do not have enough resources to manage such an extension of the Brick Lane pub/bar culture.
2. The bar is so small, with the arrival of the non-smoking law, people will (whatever the applicant promises) be drinking and smoking outside in the street all hours and all year round. We also foresee a strong likelihood of drinking /smoking overspill on the Rhoda Street Green space opposite during the summer months.
3. People coming and going into the early hours, in these quiet residential streets.
4. Unnecessary and invasive noise - boisterous drinkers and loud music generated by the bar. (The applicant promises soft music but who will police this?)
5. Delivery vehicles, creating extra noise and traffic in a road that has double-yellow lines on both sides of the narrow lane.
6. Waste collection in this area is poor and irregular. We only foresee an increase in waste and in particular smelly food and drinks waste. Noisy bottle/glass collection.

Above all we are concerned that the change of use category would make it make it much easier for 240 Brick Lane to quickly become a full blown restaurant or other such establishment - setting a new and unwelcome precedent for this isolated group of shop fronts. The change of use offers no distinction between the (proposed) cocktail bar or any other kind of pub or bar. We are also concerned that plans for the basement floor are included in the change of use application. If no clarification on the basements usage is made it would mean that what is currently proposed as a small bar for 30 people, would easily and quickly become a much bigger bar in the basement of the building.

Furthermore this business is not in keeping with the others that currently exist in this part of Brick Lane, these are predominately craft based shops and offices. We feel that the bars and restaurants should be kept to the designated tourism-leisure area of Brick Lane (south of Bethnal Green Road) which is a less residential area. In the recent Tower Hamlets local development framework( 2006) this area of Weavers (Northern Brick Lane), is designated as predominately residential, and the development framework covers the area for the next 10-15 years.

We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that the proposed pub/bar will be adjacent to residential homes for elderly and retired people.

Please find attached a petition signed by residents in the area around the proposed bar, expressing their wishes to have the change of use turned down.

To sum up, we urge you please not to allow such a change of use in a historically quiet and predominantly residential area. It will not be a welcome addition or improvement to the area. Thank you for your time and careful consideration of this matter.

Sincerely

Chair, North Brick Lane Residents Association

2006-10-25T16:07:00.000+01:00

Pictures from the first NORTH BRICK LANE BONFIRE PARTY that took place in the community garden on Sunday 5th Nov.
Thank you all for your help.

2006-04-21T17:48:00.000+01:00

SHACKLEWELL STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN

Following the recent agreement from the council, we have made a lively start to setting up a community garden at the former One O'clock Club in Shacklewell Street (E2). Work began last Saturday (13/5/06), with a clearing-up day that resulted in over 60 bags of garden and other rubbish being collected.

Big thank you to all who helped clearing up the community garden.

In addition to the tidying up, passers-by were asked to comment on what they would like so see happening in the garden space.

We believe that this area will really benefit from having this community garden. Whether you are young or old the chance to grow flowers, vegetables or fruit can be really exciting. This could be a really important resource in an area that is very densely populated and where very few people have gardens of their own.

To find out more about the community garden or to join the North Brick Lane Residents' Association call 0777 573 3236.

Read more about the proposal below.

2006-04-21T14:35:00.000+01:00

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROPOSAL FOR SHACKLEWELL STREET
We have proposed to the Council that the neighbourhood’s residents manage the One O’Clock Club house and immediate surrounding garden area (Shacklewell Street) for the sole use of creating a community garden. We (local volunteers) will maintain the community garden and incorporate all necessary health and safety regulations as required by the council.

Why a garden? Who is it for?
1. The area has been neglected for the last 2 years and consequently suffers from litter build-up, graffiti, urinating, trespass and general neglect. As the gate was previously left unlocked it is of some concern that arson is a likely prospect. We believe the street and general area would greatly benefit from a community garden. It will help to make the area safer, cleaner and healthier.
2. The garden will aim to bring local people together of all ages, including the elderly, the young and parents with small children. In addition the community garden could hold educational workshops, children’s programmes and community-building events.
3. A garden is of particular importance in a very densely populated area with a majority of dwellings with no outside space of their own and which lacks well-maintained public green and open spaces.

2005-12-02T23:11:00.000Z

Tower Hamlets is in the process of producing new planing documents, known as a Local Development Framework, which are set to shape the Borough's future. The LDF will provide policy direction on a range of issues important for the borough. They're undertaking a 12-week consultation period from 30th September until 23rd December to get the communities view on their new planning documents.

Anyone who wants to comment on any of the policies will need to submit his/her representation by 4pm 23rd December 2005 for formal considerations. Officers will need to respond to each representation received. The LAP 1 and 2 first consultation event has taken place and addressed the three main issues (set by the LBTH): housing, employment and open spaces.

Did you know that:

1. Bishopsgate Goodsyard Development; mixture of office, retail units and housing. Planning to build 1,917 dwellings (x 3 people average per dwelling = almost 6,000 people)

2. LDF Plan has 0.5 hec per 1,000 people which is below UK average of 2 hec per 1,000

3. There are NO new green and open spaces marked in our area (Rhoda Street Green was not marked as green space)

4. The following city fringe areas are marked as preferred site for housing developments:
- Old Nichols Street 212 dwellings
- Rochelle Centre 77 dwellings
- Bishopgsgate East 679 dwellings
- Bishopsgate Goods Yard 1917 dwellings
- Mildmay hospital 240 dwellings*

* Mildmay hospital development - Demolition of existing buildings (excluding community centre) and a redevelopment to provide a campus of six buildings comprising a part five, part six storey building along Hackney Road to provide:
- a new church and retail space (class A1 to A5) with residential units above
- a five storey building to provide offices with residential units above
- a six storey building along Austin Street to provide a Primary Care Centre and residential units
- three storey town houses along Austin Street with adjoining commercial/retail premises (Class B1/A1 to A5)
- a 23 storey residential building incorporating social services facilities and a four storey hospital facility and detox unit
- parking, servicing and cycle bay provision, landscaping and highways works

The actual document is a large document that you need to purchase from the council. Alternatively you can look into it at the Idea stores and libraries. Or you can download it from the website. See the link at the top of the page.

2005-11-07T13:12:00.000Z

You may have heard of community gardens where people turning vacant rubble-strewn lots into vibrant community gardens. And where underserved neighborhoods are strengthened through community gardening. With community help, people grow food, plant flowers, educate youth, paint colorful murals and preserve their gardens as vital community centers for future generations.

Do you have green fingers? Would you like to get involved? Let us know. Do you not have the time to attend meetings or get actively involved? You can still help us by letting us know your ideas and suggestions. Simply scroll down until you see 'comments' and double click to leave your suggestions.
Read more about the New York community gardens by clicking on the link 'New York Community Gardens' (top right hand site of the blogging site).

2005-10-31T23:54:00.000Z

Your say, help and support changes the area you live in. Some of the recent successes are the improved playgrounds on Shacklewell street and Tomlinson Close.

SHACKLEWELL STREET PLAYGROUND - before and after

TOMLINSON CLOSE PLAYGROUND - before and after

2005-10-18T22:45:00.000+01:00

Photo's from 'A Cup Of Tea And A Good Read' 25th September 2005
Gazebo design and construction: Unto This Last

2005-09-24T00:01:00.000+01:00

Have you picked up one of the free books at the 'Cup of Tea and a Good Read' on Rhoda Street Green (part of Bethnal Green Green Spaces Festival on Sunday 25 September 2005)? The books are given away by the North Brick Lane Residents’ Association (NBLRA) as part of the worldwide phenomenon of 'Bookcrossing' - take a free book, read it and leave it in a public space for someone else to find and enjoy.

The 'Cup of Tea and a Good Read' event is a celebration of the authors and local historians who have been inspired to record the life of the Brick Lane area across the centuries, with a cup of tea - the symbol of enjoyment the world over. Let us know what you think of the book you chose and of the event on the 25th of September 2005.