Newsletters 2025

December 2025

Dear Members and Supporters,


The HVRA Committee would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy New Year, and thank you for your ongoing interest and support – including those who came to our Spring drinks party at Campden Hill Tennis Club. 

May we ask you wherever possible to buy from our local shops, supermarkets, wine merchants, etc. and patronise the cinema, theatre, pubs and restaurants, and even post office and banks in our neighbourhood.  We are so lucky to have all these on our doorstep but they are under pressure and if we don’t use them, they might be replaced by another tourist-orientated souvenir/fast food shop.

We take this opportunity for a quick update on current issues - and end with an offering from the Victorian Society which might interest some of you.


With our very best wishes for the festive season,

The HVRA Committee

Newcombe House news


Together with colleagues at Camden Hill Residents' Association we continue to monitor progress, and have been impressed by the construction traffic management. As Beltane’s latest newsletter notes, the contractors have safely managed over 1500 lorry movements so far:

https://www.newcombehouse.info/assets/images/community-newsletter-december-2025.pdf

The main issues we are currently addressing relate to long-term commercial vehicle movements: 

a) The proposal to reduce the height of the loading bay at the south end of the site, and
b) The location of 2 disabled parking bays in the small section of Newcombe Street by the chapel. 

We fear that access will be congested if Newcombe Street is narrowed by two bays opposite the east side of the chapel, and the turning area on the delivery bay of the new office building has inadequate height. Both issues remain under discussion.

Peel Street advertising hoarding


We were alerted by several Peel Street residents to an illegal advertising hoarding on the side wall of the “Santa Maria” shop on the corner of Peel Street and Kensington Church Street (opposite “Blue Stoops”.) 
 
We took this up with Ward Councillors, and one resident protested directly to the advertisers using the hoarding. The ad was removed, and later the frame was also removed; but we will follow up on this to try to ensure there is no recurrence. 

Segregated cycle lane on Bayswater Road


Westminster Council has launched an 'informal consultation' on a proposed segregated cycle lane along Bayswater Road, terminating at the Kensington boundary before Notting Hill Gate. We are concerned that further narrowing this key east–west route into central London would significantly worsen congestion and air pollution. Similar changes implemented around Lancaster Gate in recent years have led to near-permanent traffic queues and substantially longer journey times.

There is also concern that this scheme would set a precedent for extending segregated cycle lanes along Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park Avenue, mirroring the unsuccessful Kensington High Street scheme introduced during the pandemic. Such measures would risk serious harm to local businesses and further exacerbate congestion and pollution, while displaced traffic would be forced onto surrounding residential streets in search of alternative routes.

If you would like to find out more, there are drop-in consultation events at the Thistle Hotel, 104 Bayswater Road:

 
·       Wednesday 14 January from 3pm to 7pm
·       Saturday 17 January from 10am to 2pm

We will keep you updated in 2026.

TfL Proposal for Holland Park Roundabout Cycle Lane 
 

Staying with cycling, the SOS Group continues to oppose TfL’s proposed third cycleway at Holland Park Roundabout, instead urging urgent upgrades to the existing perimeter cycling infrastructure.

Over the summer, the campaign focused on residents and stakeholders in Hammersmith & Fulham, the council with the final decision on whether the scheme proceeds. A new petition aimed at local residents and businesses has gathered almost 2,000 signatures, highlighting growing concern but also limited public awareness of the proposals. Our members and supporters are encouraged to share the petition with contacts in the borough:

https://www.change.org/p/stop-tfl-s-plan-to-gridlock-shepherd-s-bush-roundabout

To strengthen its case, SOS has undertaken further analysis, including FOI requests to TfL on traffic displacement and congestion, direct observation of cyclist behaviour near the roundabout (showing that over 50% jump the lights), and safety reviews of other London roundabouts with similar cycle lanes.

The Group has also met with local residents’ organisations, businesses, councillors, MPs Joe Powell and Andy Slaughter, and TfL itself. Discussions with TfL questioned the robustness of its modelling and the rationale for proceeding with a £6m scheme that SOS argues would not improve cyclist safety, would increase congestion and journey times, and faces substantial local opposition.

SOS remains committed to pressing for improvements to existing cycling and walking routes and for proper evaluation before public money is spent on the current proposal.  More information here: https://sos10.co.uk/

Heathrow third runway and airspace redesign


For those who did not see the recent announcement, the Government is backing Heathrow's proposals for its longer third runway which will require, amongst other things, for the M25 to be diverted and tunnelled under the proposed runway.  Heathrow's ambition is to eventually increase flight numbers by 275,000 from the current 480,000 per year, in effect adding an airport the size of Gatwick onto the existing Heathrow.    
 
At the same time there is to be a radical overhaul of flightpaths to be carried out by the newly created UK Airports Design Service not only to cater for existing flights, but also to accommodate significant expansion particularly if the third runway goes ahead.   
 
We are monitoring these developments and how they will affect Kensington, particularly with respect to aircraft noise.   We recently attended a presentation by the campaign director of the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (https://hacan.org.uk/) and will keep you informed once there is more clarity on the new flightpaths proposals.  Members could also join (for free) the No Third Runway Coalition (https://www.no3rdrunwaycoalition.co.uk/) which represents the growing body of opposition to Heathrow's expansion.      

Christmas bonuses!


On a happier note, those of you interested in the Victorian era might like to look at the offering below – a series of on line recorded lectures on the Victorian Society website. 
 
They cover a remarkable range of topics, and from past experience are generally very well done:

https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/recorded-talks/

One of our committee joined a recent tour of the Royal Albert Hall with the Kensington Society, and recommends it to anyone looking for a special event over the Christmas season.
 
We all think we know it from concert visits; but the 60–90 minutes tour (book in advance through the link below) is a walking lecture and an excellent history lesson on Albertopolis & Victoria and Albert, the construction and updating of the building, and its unique entertainment history:

https://www.royalalberthall.com/visit/daytime/tours

October 2025

Dear Members and Supporters,

We hope you had a pleasant summer (some time ago now!).

A couple of issues have cropped up in recent weeks - a concerning amendment to the plans for Newcombe House, and the 24-hour gambling outlet proposing to take over the historic NatWest building on Notting Hill Gate.  More on those below, along with other news from the neighbourhood and an opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Royal Albert Hall!

With best wishes,

Your HVRA Committee

Newcombe House planning amendment


The developers of Newcombe House (the large building site at the corner of Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Church Street) have submitted revised plans for approval by the Council.  Most of the amendments are relatively minor, but HVRA are concerned about a reduction in height of the servicing yard, accessed from the small Newcombe Street off Kensington Place by the Baptist Chapel.

The new plans (see the developer's own diagram below) show that large lorries - including bin lorries - won't be able to turn in the servicing yard.  They will have to drive past the entrance, stop and reverse down Newcombe Street by the Chapel (avoiding two new disabled parking bays for the GP surgery), blocking Kensington Place and access to the development whilst doing so.

We're concerned as there are 2 schools and a nursery in close proximity - anyone who knows Kensington Place has seen how busy it is with children and parents.  In addition, there's no pavement on the south side of Kensington Place at this point, making it very dangerous for pedestrians if large lorries are trying to manage a difficult reversing manoeuvre. 

This amendment will also increase congestion on Kensington Place and even Ken Church Street, as the lorries will block all access to the development while they're there, so any other vehicles will have to wait until they've finished.

We would appreciate your support in objecting to this amendment - you can click the 'Comment' button on:

https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planningsearch/cases/PP/25/04864

Our neighbouring associations are also objecting (we are indebted to Tim Tinker of the Camden Hill Residents' Association for his detailed review of the plans).  

Thank you for your support!

Developers' diagram showing the need to reverse large lorries into Newcombe Street.  Kensington Place is the street along the bottom, with the Chapel on the left.

Silvertime Casino in the historic NatWest bank building


Many of you will have seen the petitions circulating against the plans by Silvertime Casino to open a second branch in the historic NatWest building on Notting Hill Gate, open 24 hours a day.  They already have one rather garish branch (pictured) on Pembridge Road (facing the side of Ole & Steen, the Danish bakery).

Our councillor, MP and many residents feel that this would be a retrograde step for Notting Hill Gate, which has enough gambling outlets and could do with a more sensitive tenant for the elegant building Silvertime are proposing to occupy.  24 hour opening in such close proximity to residential areas is not appropriate anywhere on Notting Hill Gate.

Unfortunately planning permission is not required as the operators are transferring a license from 1A Palace Gate, so our only recourse is two petitions currently circulating - please sign up if you can:


https://www.kcfc.org.uk/campaigns/stop-silvertimes-247-casino-notting-hill-gate

https://www.joepowell.org.uk/stop-the-24-hour-notting-hill-gate-casino/

Holland Park roundabout


Transport for London (TfL) are proposing a third cycle lane on Holland Park roundabout which already has two well used, historically safe cycle routes.

HVRA continues to support the “Save Our Streets” (SOS) campaign to stop TfL‘s plan to gridlock Holland Park roundabout, which will have knock-on effects on congestion and 'rat runs' in our area as drivers try to cut through the back streets.

The updated website explains very succinctly how this will affect local residents, and the concerns about TfL’s scheme - including the fact that it won’t increase safety.

https://sos10.co.uk/

There is also a petition which we would urge you to sign and share, and email addresses on the website for you to object to TfL, Sadiq Khan and our local MP and Councillors.

https://www.change.org/p/stop-tfl-s-plan-to-gridlock-shepherd-s-bush-roundabout

Since the roundabout is mainly in Hammersmith & Fulham, SOS is reaching out to LBHF residents and Cllrs, and organised a recent site visit for them.

We also believe that if these TfL proposals are implemented, they will lead to a revival of the CS 10 cycle lane scheme on Holland Park Avenue, which was roundly rejected at a mass meeting in 2019.

New flight paths from Heathrow's third runway


Our colleagues in Bayswater's residents' associations are monitoring the noise implications of the third runway at Heathrow carefully.  This map, although some years old, shows the proposed flight paths if a third runway were to be built.  It would have significant implications for noise pollution over Hillgate Village and surrounding areas.  We will keep you updated as further information becomes available.

Behind the scenes at the Royal Albert Hall!


The Kensington Society are offering a behind the scenes tour of the Royal Albert Hall - you don't have to be a member to sign up, although we would encourage members to do so.  Book here:

https://www.kensingtonsociety.org/portfolio-item/special-tour-of-the-royal-albert-hall/

May/June update

Dear Members  & Supporters,

In this update we will cover Newcombe House, SOS and these wider topics :

- Kensington Society AGM (June 16th) and Simon Jenkins
- Royal College of Music
- SAVE Britain’s Heritage
- Victorian Society (Vic Soc).

Newcombe House


We received complaints in mid May about noise from work continuing until 7 pm. Polity apologised on behalf of Beltane, and we are assured this will not happen again

More seriously, Campden Hill Residents' Association (CHRA) spotted a significant problem with a pending “amending application” making “minor changes” to the design.  It lowers the ceiling level in the delivery bay at the south end of the site, to be used by commercial vehicles (including rubbish collection).  This is critical: if any HGVs cannot use the delivery bay effectively, as in the approved plans, there will be obvious risks in terms of safety / congestion in Kensington Place/Newcombe St, or even on other frontages of the development. This is not acceptable.

We are pursuing this with Councillors and officers, and are grateful to CHRA, as this issue was not flagged at the last Beltane presentation meeting.

Holland Park Roundabout/Save Our Streets (SOS)


We continue to support SOS in resisting TfL’s  proposals, which would have the serious effects explained at SOS10.co.uk. Please visit that website for further detail. 

SOS is trying to clarify whether or not our MP, Joe Powell, is supporting the scheme.

The recent judgement in the West Dulwich Action Group case raised the political profile of these issues even further, and SOS has contacted WDAG. 

You can read more about that case on the WDAG Facebook page, which includes a press release and the 53 page presentation which was favourably mentioned by Judge Smith in his judgement.  These can be foundhereandhere.

Kensington Society


HVRA is affiliated to KS and we would encourage our members/supporters to consider becoming individual members, at:
https://www.kensingtonsociety.org/

At their town hall AGM on June 16th the guest speaker is Simon Jenkins – who recently wrote in the Times about tower blocks. This should be an interesting evening for new and existing members.

Their latest annual report, available via the website, includes an in-depth article on our two remaining major development sites – Kensal Canalside and Earls Court.

From our neighbours, the Royal College of Music:


As your South Kensington neighbour, the Royal College of Music invites you to explore everything on offer at this global no.1 Institution for Music and Performance Arts. Attend a concert or hire one of their stunning venues, and support their students and activity. Why not enjoy a tour of the historic building, or visit the RCM Museum. To learn more about how you can support the future of music, or arrange a visit, please email RSVPdevelopment@rcm.ac.uk 

SAVE Britain's Heritage


As we all live in a conservation area, you may like to be consider supporting/joining SAVE.   Their focus is on finding suitable re-uses for redundant historic buildings and on promoting sustainable development in historic settings.  Notable buildings saved for the nation as a result of campaigns by by SAVE include Tate Modern and Wentworth Woodhouse.  Current projects include Smithfield Market, which is in the process of being transformed into the new Museum of London and the Customs House riverside public realm.  SAVE is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a series of interesting talks and conferences in London and around the UK.  As an independent heritage group their work is funded entirely by public donation and membership.

See https://www.savebritainsheritage.org/ for further information.

Victorian Society


The Vic Soc has a special association with Kensington; it was founded in 1958 by Lady Rosse, the granddaughter of Edward Linley Sambourne,  who was responsible for the preservation of Sambourne House at 18 Stafford Terrace.

The Vic Soc instigated an excellent series of online lectures since Covid, which are available on playback.  They include an eclectic range of topics, eg colonial architecture, Scottish shooting Estates etc.

For more information, please visit Victoriansociety.org.uk

MAY 2025

Events in our neighbouring areas - and calling all photographers!


Dear Members and Supporters,

We attach below an update on the Holland Park Roundabout, which looks like it will go ahead, despite being based on unsound statistics and intense local opposition.

We also have details of a couple of events from our neighbouring Residents' Association - a VE Day celebration and a lecture on making historic houses energy efficient.

Finally, we are in need of Hillgate Village photographs for our newsletter!  As the summer approaches, please get your cameras out and send any pictures you'd like featured on our newsletter to hillgatevillage@outlook.com.  No prizes, sadly, but the glory of seeing your work distributed through the neighbourhood...

With best wishes,

Your Committee

Latest Newcombe House community update newsletter


From the developers, Beltane - you can find ithere.

This has also been made available on the project website:

 www.newcombehouse.info

A message from the Norland Conservation Society:


An invitation from The Revd Gareth Wardell for a special afternoon event (see above).
 
"At 3.30pm on the afternoon of Sunday 11th May, we will be holding a special service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day! This will be similar to the celebration services we held to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation. The service will be led by our magnificent professional choir, the St James’ Singers and will be followed by afternoon tea in the gardens, when the St James’ singers will entertain us with war-time songs from the 1940s! This is a community event to which all are invited and there will be no charge either for the service or the refreshments afterwards."

Norland Conservation Society Lecture


Please findherethe invitation to this year's Norland Conservation Society Lecture which we believe will be of interest to many of you:  
 
“Futureproofing is Preserving”  - How we can make our houses more energy efficient without losing their historic beauty
 
The speakers Siri and Khuzema are architects who founded Collective Works, a firm that specialises in renovations of period houses with an eye to both keeping their beautiful antique features and making homes more energy efficient.
 
You are welcome to bring friends and neighbours who might be interested in the subject.  Please make sure to RSVP (membership@ncslondon.co.uk) as places are limited.

Update on the Holland Park Roundabout from Save Our Streets (SOS):


We're writing to give you an update on the SOS Group's opposition to TfL's proposed cycleway across the Holland Park Roundabout (HPR).
 
Firstly, a very big thank you to all of you who have written in voicing your concerns about the proposed cycle lane.  Those of you who CC'd our MP, Joe Powell, may have received a note from him in the last week or so, but more about that in a moment.
 
You will recall the SOS Group's recent leafleting and press campaign, mentioned in our previous emails (31st March and 2nd April).  The press campaign resulted in coverage, inter alia, in:

In terms of your recent letters of objection sent to TfL / Joe Powell / etc, it looks as though TfL's Customer Service Centre has sent a standard reply to anyone who wrote in airing their concerns.  The reply appears to parrot what TfL said previously, in the consultation report it issued after the 'consultation' last year.  The reply appears not to have taken account of any of the actual issues / objections raised.
 
In response to letters of objection, Joe Powell sent the attached letter to objectors (it does seem as though not all objectors received this letter, but at least some of you will have done).
 
In response to this letter, the SOS Group has written to Joe Powell, on the terms quoted below, asking him to correct mistakes he has made in his letter and any misapprehensions that he may continue to have.
 
·         The reference to Holland Park Roundabout as one of the most dangerous on the network is not borne out by any of the material we have seen. TfL’s own statistics show that it is NOT dangerous for cyclists, with only one minor accident in the three-year reference period used by TfL. Nor does it appear on the London Cycling Campaign’s list of most dangerous junctions for cyclists. https://lcc-dangerous-junctions.streamlit.app/ .
 
·         The traffic modelling used by TfL was based on a scheme that bears no resemblance to the Holland Park Roundabout scheme as C34 is a quieter route that doesn’t go through a roundabout or link up major arterial routes. Additionally, this modelling was done during the pandemic and outside of rush hour when there was minimal traffic. The up-to-date local modelling commissioned by the Holland Park Traders Association shows massively increased congestion and displacement of traffic to residential streets. You say that you will hold TfL to account if their modelling proves incorrect, but it will be too late by then.
 
·         You say that your priority has been to ensure constituents have a voice at the table. Yet, your constituents don’t have a voice at the table. TfL admitted in our meeting with them last year that they plan to proceed with their proposed cycle lane irrespective of what any member of the public says, and no matter how many objections they receive. Additionally, we haven’t seen any individualised TfL responses to residents – instead, only one standard, brush-off reply sent to everyone who has written in.
 
Please forgive this long email..... but it is important to us that you, our members and neighbours, understand that the SOS campaign is not anti-cycling.  It is about SAFER cycling, and aims to highlight that this very expensive scheme:

  • would not render cyclists & cycling safer (the proposed scheme does NOT make provision for an end-to-end protected cycleway, but would still require cyclists to stop at red traffic lights as they made their way across the roundabout);

  • would be to the detriment of the majority of road users;

  • would negatively impact neighbouring residential areas, creating increased congestion, pollution and danger to the residents, pedestrians and cyclists on those streets.

The campaign has also proposed that using the existing infrastructure around the roundabout, upgraded, would be a far better, more effective, less invasive and less expensive course of action to follow.
 
The campaign has also highlighted that TfL's accumulation and presentation of data appears to be misleading (at best).   The SOS position has been substantiated by independent research and rigorous data analysis.
 
All of the above being the case, we would:
 
1.  Ask that if you got the letter of reply from Joe Powell, that you respond to him, highlighting his errors and re-emphasising the flaws in TfL's proposal, not least the lack of suitable data modelling and due & proper democratic process, and the fact that the expensive proposed scheme is not likely to improve safety for cyclists;
 
and / or 
 
2. Continue to urge you to make your objections heard, please, by writing to:

copying in your councillors and the SOS group:
 

April 2025

Drinks Social

Thank you to all who came to the drinks social event, which was wonderfully hosted by the Campden Hill Lawn Tennis Club.  Thank you especially to our Councillors, Lloyd North and Preety Hudd, who came to talk to residents and listen to their concerns.  It was a pleasure to meet some of our members and neighbours!

A message from our local Residents' Associations:


A combination of 44 local businesses and 10 local residents’ associations representing thousands of residents have combined forces to campaign against TfL’s plan to jam up Holland Park Roundabout, by adding new traffic lights and running a new cycle lane through the middle of it, when there is already parallel infrastructure for cyclists on either side.

This is a major 4-way arterial route, north-south and east-west, in, out of, and across London, which many vehicles cannot reasonably avoid. TfL’s plan will remove lanes used by all traffic, including buses and emergency vehicles, rather than improve the existing infrastructure which is safe and effective.

The campaigners are objecting to TfL’s traffic scheme as it will result in:

Traffic displacement
Traffic will be pushed from main roads onto residential side streets, increasing the risk of accidents for cyclists and pedestrians using these quieter routes.
 
Increased congestion
As TfL is proposing to add four new sets of signals to the roundabout, and to remove lanes, congestion is bound to increase. Traffic modelling, commissioned by the Holland Park Avenue Traders Association from consultants used by TfL, shows queues increased on Holland Park Avenue by 795% in the morning peak and by 159% in the evening peak. The equivalent increases on Holland Road are 225% in the morning and 296% in the evening.
 
Increased pollution
As crawling traffic is more polluting than flowing traffic, an increase in pollution levels around one of London’s busiest intersections is extremely likely.
 
Longer journey times
The congestion will significantly increase journey times for people who commute by bus or car, plus delivery and other vehicles, and slow response times for the many emergency vehicles who use this route.
 
Economic damage
Experience from other ill-conceived traffic schemes shows that increased congestion damages the trade of local businesses, resulting in shop closures. For example, in the Wandsworth Bridge Road/New Kings Road area, 87.4% of shops suffered a loss of trade when a new traffic scheme was introduced.

The campaigners are alsoobjecting to the misleading way TfL has promoted its scheme, arguing:
 
TfL’s scheme is not needed
With cyclists already using the two existing cycle routes and with only one slight cycle accident occurring on the roundabout during TfL’s 3-year reference period, the roundabout is not dangerous for cyclists and a third cycle lane is not needed.
 
TfL’s scheme is not safe
Encouraging cyclists onto a very busy roundabout with unsegregated, unprotected crossings is not safe, particularly if cyclists are tempted to shoot red lights on the roundabout.
 
TfL has used flawed data
TfL based its traffic modelling on data collected in the pandemic, when traffic was at its lowest level in the past three decades. Doing that suggested TfL’s plans would have insignificant traffic impacts. However, modelling that uses recent data shows the proposed scheme will lead to massively increased congestion.
 In promoting its plans to build a bike lane through the roundabout, TfL cited all accidents in a wide vicinity of it, even though the vast majority didn’t involve a cyclist. Analysis of accidents on the roundabout itself reveals only one slight cycle accident in TfL’s 3-year reference period.
 
There is overwhelming local opposition
TFL is flouting the findings of its own consultation which showed that fewer than 12% of people and fewer than 30% of cyclists were supportive. A petition against the scheme received over 3500 signatures, 68% more than responded to TFL’s consultation.
 
Residents have a better solution
We have recommended upgrading the two existing cycle routes around the outside of the roundabout, which could deliver TfL’s cycling objectives much more quickly, at lower cost and without jamming up the roads. 
 
Please let your voices be heard byemailing:

Copying in the SOS group and ourselves:

Further information can be found at: https://sos10.co.uk/

And from the organisers of the popular Farmers' Market at Fox School:


You might be aware that the farmers market recently received temporary planning permission to remain at Fox school. This was despite us applying for full permanent planning permission which the farmers market had obtained at our old location a few metres down the road. RBKC has now only offered the market a short temporary 3 year permission without any discussion or robust reasoning for this time limit.

Before we know it, the farmers' market will be required to submit a full planning application again which makes the farmers' market's future much less secure. Therefore as a compromise we are applying to RBKC to extend this temporary time limit from 3 to 4 years, we believe this is a reasonable request given that the market has always been well managed and is popular with the local community.

This extension will also allow the council more time to monitor the market's activities and to recommend changes to its operations should they be required. We would really appreciate your support by submitting your views on the Council's website here.

The Planning application reference is PP/25/01603

Thank you in advance for your time. If you have any questions please drop us a line info@lfm.org.uk

February 2025

Dear Members and Supporters,

We will try to take the items below in order of priority, starting (most importantly) with our drinks party at Campden Hill LTC: 

Drinks Party Social: Wednesday 12th March 6-8pm

At the Campden Hill Lawn Tennis Club: https://www.chltc.co.uk/

The Tennis Club at 9 Aubrey Walk is kindly allowing us to host this informal drinks party. We look forward to seeing as many as possible of you to meet your new committee, discuss current issues and get to know some of your neighbours! 
 
We have invited Ward Councillors (Lloyd North, Catherine Faulks and Preeti Hudd) to mingle and listen to any concerns, but this is primarily a social evening and no speeches are planned. We also hope to be joined by “3RA” colleagues - Fiona Fleming Brown (Pembridge Association) and Isidore Margaronis and David White of Campden Hill Residents' Association.
 
Numbers are limited to 40 people, so please let us know on hillgatevillage@outlook.com if you'd like to come - book early to avoid disappointment!  And likewise please also let us know if you book and find you're unable to make it, as we will run a waiting list.
 
The Tennis Club is accessed by external stairs to the first floor. If anyone has difficulty with those, the emergency exit at pavement level can be used to access the lift. There will be some seating available in the drinks area on the first floor, overlooking the courts.
 
As it's an event for the benefit of our members and supporters, we will not be charging for entrance or drinks & nibbles; but we would be grateful if those of you who have not renewed your membership could visit our website to do so, before or after the event:

https://www.hillgatevillage.com/membership - £15 yearly per household

We look forward to seeing you there!

The HVRA Committee

Resident parking permits for 2nd home owners : RBKC consultation 


RBKC are proposing to extend permits to drivers whose main residence is outside the borough, but who have a second home within the borough.  Currently they are not allowed to apply for permits.
 
It claims that a slight overall reduction in the use of resident parking across the borough justifies this, and that it would generate approx. £350,000 per year in extra revenue.

However:

  • Parking in Hillgate Village is NOT under-utilised and it can be difficult for residents to find a place - this would make things worse.

  • Our proximity to the Central Line means some second home owners might use their permit to commute and park their car in our streets.

  • Residents of new developments are not allowed permits, so where is the logic in granting these to second home owners?

  • Visitor permits would be a useful alternative which could raise revenue and benefit existing residents.

You can make your views known on this link here: 

https://consult.rbkc.gov.uk/communities/residents-permits-eligibility/

Pleasenote the closing date of February 23rd. 

Unless we hear otherwise (at hillgatevillage@outlook.com or by conversations with the committee) HVRA will formally object by the deadline above.

Security issues

 
Sadly, these continue to grow, and apart from the rise in shoplifting and knife crime we note:

  • There has been a well spoken confidence trickster reported repeatedly in the area, claiming to have been locked out of his house/needing money for a taxi to hospital/etc.  There's also a lady claiming to be the 'housekeeping' and hoping to be let in by builders, etc.

  • Norland Conservation Society warned of aggressive break-in attempts in Pottery Lane in their last newsletter.

  • Charity “chuggers”, e.g. Battersea Dogs Home, recently knocking on doors up to 9pm at night (which is, surprisingly, allowed by the relevant guidelines). 

  • Fake QR codes on 'Pay to Park' signs - please ensure you do not use these to pay for parking.

  • On rough sleepers, the council recently issued this useful guide as to how they should be helped https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/homelessness-0/help-homelessness/rough-sleeping

If you wish to report anything suspicious please call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Newcombe House progress (and Notting Hill Gate Improvement Plan)


While we have heard of considerable noise experienced by some members in Jameson Street, we have had no emails of complaint. We conclude the redevelopment is progressing smoothly - along the lines explained at the developer's meeting last year. 
 
If you do have any specific complaints, you can get in touch via their websitehere(where you can access all relevant documents).
 
On the related “Notting Hill Gate improvement plan”, we have not heard any further firm news since the lengthy and detailed response from ourselves and our neighbouring residents' associations (3RA) was lodged with RBKC in September. 

Holland Park roundabout update

 
The Save Our Streets (SOS) Group were disappointed to report that Transport for London (TfL) are proceeding with the plans to install a cycle route through Holland Park roundabout, mixing car and cycle traffic on the approach.  This is likely to increase congestion, diverting drivers and cyclists onto surrounding streets.  It's especially frustrating as there is an existing cycleway which could be upgraded without the problems outlined above.  There have been almost no accidents involving cyclists on this roundabout in the last 3 years, so it's unclear what problem this change is trying to solve.
 
Together with repeated closures of the Westway, we anticipate serious traffic issues in the coming months. The long term effects of the scheme are likely to increase traffic pollution, and diversion of traffic to currently quiet side streets.

Licensing issues


Belugarestaurant on Notting Hill Gate recently applied for 2:00am opening, 7 days a week.  Following HVRA objections and representation at the licensing hearing, this was modified to 1:30am on Thursdays and 2:00am on Fridays and Saturdays only, with alcohol sales stopping 30 minutes before closing.  Deliveries were also restricted to 8am onwards.

Once one establishment has permission for late night operating, it's very easy for others to request the same, so we are scrutinising everything that's applied for!

Akubrestaurant - they are required to have a residents' meeting as a condition of their license.  A recent meeting we attended focused on early deliveries, which are causing huge annoyance to neighbouring properties (average time of 6:18am).  Our local councillors are getting involved.

Archer Street(bar on Notting Hill Gate) - again, a regular meeting which raised a few instances of customers causing disturbances when leaving in the early hours.

Final Divertissement


Thank you for reading this far. We traditionally end with a more lighthearted or historical item. 
 
This one is serious and historical, but quite fascinating – a personal history of Virginia McCutcheon, who lived through WWII in Shanghai:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xn755gCqaA