House Group Chair's AGM Report

Report presented to the 2020-01-15 Ben Jonson House Group AGM by the chair, Helen Hulson:
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Chair’s Report BJHG AGM 15.01.2020

It has been a busy and eventful year with a number of encouraging results.

Following a meeting with the manager of Cote restaurant, improvements were made which seem to have solved the problem of odours according to the results of the follow up survey we conducted.

In spite of strong objections, PWS received permission to install floodlighting raising fears of increased noise and intrusive light. It was therefore reassuring when they installed green walls, a sound absorbing surface and more but less penetrating lighting. They are keen to interact positively with the local community and termly meetings are planned

The proposal to install antennae on the Barbican Centre roof was fiercely opposed and eventually dropped

The CLSG expansion proposal shocked us all and engendered huge opposition with a petition reaching more than 3,000 signatures. It was welcome news to hear that the school is rethinking its expansion plans, but we need to remain vigilant.

It has been announced that Beech Street is to be the first 24/7 Zero Emission Scheme in the UK in a bid to improve the dire air quality. The trial will run for 18 months preceded by a consultation period . During the scheme arrangements will be in place for essential access, otherwise only pedestrians, cyclists, 153 bus and passengers, and zero emission vehicles will be permitted.

In June and September we celebrated Barbican at 50 with talks, films and a fete. It was also proposed that we give thought to the next 50 years with an appeal to residents for ideas for improvements to ensure its iconic status is maintained

The Denizen has now reached its full height and has changed the outlook on Golden Lane. We will continue to monitor its progress and impact.

Disenfranchisement remains a bone of contention between the City and the Common Councillors who seek to represent us.

It was very sad to lose Robert Barker, who had worked tirelessly for the BA for more than 20 years representing residents on many questions including the roofs and also accessibility. We were also sad to hear of the passing of John Whitehead who had been Chair of Breton House.

I would like to express great thanks to Bruce Badger, our current secretary and previous Chair, for the valuable contributions he has made to BJHG. As well as running the Blog, which is such a terrific source of information, he has been our representative on the BAGC. He is stepping down from the committee and will be much missed. We wish him well. John Murch, our Treasurer, is also resigning from the committee due to time pressures. Please join me in thanking them both.

Thanks also to Fiona for representing us on RCC and to Wendy for her work on the Garden Advisory Group and liaising with the Barbican Centre, and to all committee members for their support. Please consider joining the Committee – the more people, the lighter the load.

I also wish to thank Sheila Delaney for all her assistance in providing information and liaising with BEO, and inspecting standards of cleaning as well as being the first port of call for any problems residents may have.

Helen Hulson 15th January 2020