The Mayor of London’s Oxford Street plans threaten to undermine projects to improve the environment in Fitzrovia West, says a local group which is seeking a renewal of its status as a planning forum.
Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum was originally designated by Westminster Council in February 2015 and needs to be re-designated every five years.
In an application to Westminster Council the forum says it wants to continue to give a voice to local residents and businesses particularly at a time when the mayor of London wants to force through pedestrianisation plans for Oxford Street.
The application says that the mayor’s plans “will inevitably delay any wider improvements to the area, create greater uncertainty for all concerned and produce a significant reduction in democratic control for a swathe of central London noted for its complexity and mix of residents, businesses and visitors”.
The Fitzrovia West group wants to channel money gained from local property development — known as Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) — to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve public space, air quality, and to enable a better environment for walking and cycling.
In its application for renewal, the neighbourhood forum says it is seeking ways in which traffic through Fitzrovia can be reduced — something that will be scuppered by the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans, which would inevitably divert more motor traffic through the area.
The forum says the neighbourhood is “deficient in play space and public open space” and is seeking ways to “increase the amount of traffic-free open space” and find new locations for tree planting.
Central to its next five-year term is identifying opportunities to direct Neighbourhood CIL money to improve “community facilities for the benefit of residents and businesses” .
However, in the Oxford Street plans, which are also out for public consultation, Mayor Khan says he wants to take control of CIL money to fund his pedestrianisation project.
According to the application, Fitzrovia West has a population of 5,100 living in 2,700 households and the majority of residents do not own a motor vehicle. The neighbourhood has a mix of private-rented, social-rented, and owner occupied housing.
Significant money has already been allocated to the Soho Poly Theatre in Riding House Street, and the Fitzrovia Community Centre and All Souls Primary School in Foley Street.
The forum has also had a say on funding smaller greening projects in Gosfield Street, Hanson Street, and Carburton Street, as well as two historical plaques on the frontage of Holcroft Court.
“A further allocation was made for environmental improvements in Market Place, but this has experienced delays and may be affected by the mayor’s plans for Oxford Street,” says the Forum in its application.
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