The Gospel Oak District Management Committee made several spending decisions at this meeting, including approving an application to the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Fund. The committee also heard reports on a range of issues affecting the ward.

Constitution and Governance Arrangements

The committee approved proposed changes to its constitution.

The committee discussed the proposed changes to its standing orders. In particular, some members of the committee had concerns about the process for approving applications to the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Fund, which allows the council to collect a levy from developers and then spend it on projects that benefit the community.

The committee noted that the proposed changes to its constitution had been informed by the 'Camden Tenant Leaseholders Engagement Code of Conduct'.

Community Safety

The committee received a report on community safety in the ward. The report highlighted a recent increase in anti-social behaviour in the area around Lismore Circus. This is a known hotspot for anti-social behaviour. In particular, the report noted that:

There has been an increase in reports of drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour around Lismore Circus.

The report also provided an update on the work of the Council's Community Safety Team in tackling anti-social behaviour in the Gospel Oak ward.

Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, provided a verbal update on the actions the council was taking to address the issues raised in the report.

Estate and Off-Street Parking Strategy

The committee received a report on the council's estate and off-street parking strategy. The strategy sets out the council's plans for managing its housing estates and off-street parking facilities.

The report highlighted the council's plans to introduce a number of changes to its parking arrangements. These changes are intended to make it easier for residents to park their cars and to improve the appearance of the council's estates.

The report was noted.

Ground Maintenance Update

The committee received a report on ground maintenance in the ward. The report set out the council's plans for maintaining its green spaces and parks in the coming year.

In particular, the report outlined a new approach to grass cutting in the borough, which aims to increase biodiversity on council land. The report notes that:

Current grass cutting regimes ... result in very low biodiversity value.

The report proposed that grass cutting should in future follow the:

‘Camden meadow’ approach; allowing some areas to grow longer to encourage wildlife habitat.

The report was noted.

Applications to the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Fund

The committee considered a number of applications for funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Fund. The NCIL is a levy that local authorities can choose to charge on new developments in their area. The money raised from the levy must be used to fund infrastructure projects that support the development of the area.

The committee agreed to approve an application for £25,000 from the Queen's Crescent Community Association to fund a community garden at Cantelowes Garden. In making this decision they noted that:

This project will provide a much-needed green space for residents in the area. It will also provide opportunities for residents to come together and socialise.

The committee voted to defer a decision on an application from the Talacre Community Sports Centre for £100,000 to fund the refurbishment of their sports hall. The committee requested that the applicant provide more information about the project before they made a decision.

Housing Needs

The committee received a report on housing need in the ward. The report highlighted the high level of demand for social housing in the area. It also outlined the council's plans for providing new affordable homes in the Gospel Oak ward.

The report noted that:

The average house price in Gospel Oak is now £1.2 million. This is significantly higher than the London average and puts home ownership out of reach for many local people.

The report was noted.

Any Other Business

Councillor Paul Convery provided an update on the council's plans for the redevelopment of the [Maitland Park Estate. The redevelopment will provide new homes, community facilities and public open space.

The committee noted the update.