http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=441&MId=6866

The arguments being put forward in favour of it will no doubt be similar or the same as those which will be used to obtain planning approval for the Octave Tower.

You may recall some lively debate here on the blog a while back on cycle parking in general and ‘plantlocks’ in particular that kept everyone entertained for ages – but it didn’t move the matter forward.

We now have another opportunity.  Draeyk is in touch with Claire and expects to hear from her in the coming weeks.  He will let us know what comes of it so that we can all be involved in what happens next.

They had broken in by jemmying open a window and then forcing the security grille off its runners.  Police found their crowbar dumped in a nearby litter bin.

If anyone else heard or saw anything, please would they contact the police or Centre Media.

And from burglary to car crime.  Ali wants to know if any other residents keep having their car broken into?  It has happened twice to her in the last 2 weeks and somehow the person picks her car lock and gets in the car without being detected.  If it has happened to you, please would you comment below.

And here’s an image of the new American Embassy with the riverside apartment blocks still on the right

Photo and image borrowed from The (not the) Mayor of London blog, which looks like a really good discussion forum:

https://p10.secure.hostingprod.com/@spyblog.org.uk/ssl/mol/2010/02/new-us-embassy-design-in-battersea-a-fortress-like-the-tower-of-london.html

Want to check out the environmental credentials of the new American Embassy?  Thanks, Tyler, for sending us this:

http://blog.emap.com/footprint/2010/02/24/kierantimberlakes-green-us-embassy/

Want to see the rest? Download the PDF.

Update: 02 March

Cllr Andrew Sawdon tells us that this planning application will now be considered at a planning committee hearing on 24 March.  This provides another opportunity for local residents opposed to this scheme to have their say.  Check on Lambeth Council website for further details.

Also, although the consultation period for comments expired on 25 February, Lambeth Council will now accept objections to or comments on the proposed development up to 19 March.  E-mail these to GChinniah@lambeth.gov.uk

It was all paid for out of funds available to councillors for ‘local projects’.  So, a big thanks to Councillor Andrew Sawdon for thinking of us and who arranged to have the work done quickly.

Now what about a nice tree for the nearest pit where a bike used to be parked against the mesh barrier which also had a honeysuckle growing through it?  The honeysuckle, by the way, has been saved and will be replanted.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please comment below or e-mail Jimmy at jamesfraser.avantgardener@googlemail.com

Tree: Arbutus x andrachnoidies ‘Strawberry Tree’

Position: End of Rosewood House in Vauxhall Grove

Planted: 1995

History: The only survivor of 5 specimens planted in Vauxhall Grove/Bonnington Sq at the same time in the mid nineties. One was stolen, two blew over, the other transplanted to the other end of Rosewood House. One of now three Arbutus species planted in Vauxhall Grove to make up a collection. Although suffering for its art in a couple of attacks from vehicles etc, this specimen has managed to hang in there and is maturing into a fine long term resident of Vauxhall Grove. Could have heritage status if it continues to thrive and grow with stability. Its profile has developed as a perfect foil to the large white wall of Rosewood House.  A fine rare heritage tree of 100 plus years is to be seen in Battersea Park on the north side of the lake.  In 2008 another specimen was planted opposite Vine Lodge by the Bonnington Sq Garden Association.

A naturally occurring hybrid from Greece and Cyprus with a spectacular cinnamon red bark on a random multi stem trunk with lots of character. The bark and trunk is complimented by glossy deep ever green leaves with heaps of white bell like flowers at this time of the year that turn into little strawberry like fruits that unfortunately are barely edible. However its vibrant colours and profusion of flowers in the gloom of deep winter makes it hard to beat at this time of year. Also, its relatively sparse foliage at the end of its rustic branches makes it a good candidate for urban planting .

Thanks to Ben and Jorge who resigned this year from the committee for all their hard work and Ben will continue to offer technical support to the blog.  Phew!

Danny, in his Secretary’s statement, summarised some of the local developments that directly affect us: The Octave Tower, the Catesby scheme to develop the old Christie site in Langley Lane and the empty offices fronting South Lambeth Road, the new development proposed in Harleyford Road, the new towers planned for the Vauxhall Island Site, and the GLA’s plans to transform Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea which include the cluster of towers in Vauxhall.

Danny Walsh/Bonnington Square (BS) was reelected as Secretary; Margaret Norris/Vauxhall Grove (VG) was reelected to the committee, but this time as Treasurer; April Hilling/Langley Lane (LL), Brad Hale/VG, James Fraser/VG, Kate Pode/VG, Robert Harwood/The Academy and Val Speechley/LL were all reelected to the committee as ordinary members; Andrea Hofling/VG and Marie Johnson/BS were welcomed on to the committee as ordinary members.

The meeting became rather lively (don’t they always!) when it got to the AOB part of the evening as VG residents, directly affected by the proposed Catesby development, had turned out in force to publicly signal and seek support for their opposition to the proposed scheme.  If anyone present wants to highlight any bits of the ensuing debate or promote their particular cause, please do so under comments below.

Otherwise, the usual good time was had by all and lots of people stayed behind afterwards and chatted over a glass of wine.