Monthly Archives: February 2023

Myatt’s Fields Park features in a proposed crackdown on irresponsible dog owners in Lambeth

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New measures to counter complaints about dog behaviour across Lambeth are being tabled by the borough council.

The council claims that increased pet ownership due to the pandemic has brought with it a jump in the number of reports of anti-social incidents across the area. A range of responses is being proposed, among them imposing “leads-only” policies in some public spaces, including the seating area outside the Little Cat Cafe in the park.

The cafe already asks customers to keep their dogs on leads but, if Lambeth’s proposals are enforced, owners who fail to obey new borough-wide rules may be issued with a £100 fixed-penalty notice. The regulations would also cover other areas of the park including the football pitch, the picnic area, the quiet garden and tennis courts.

On the Cowley estate dogs would be formally excluded from play areas outside Durlock, Hamway, Seasalter and Knowlton houses, as well as other playgrounds elsewhere in the Ward.

Lambeth wants to hear the public’s views before pressing ahead and has launched a consultation, which closes on March 26th.

Also included in a wide range of proposals are measures to curb dog fouling and limit the number of animals controlled by commercial dog handlers.

In a report to councillors, officers noted incidents including an attack on a child in Brockwell Park, several dog-on-dog attacks elsewhere and animals left to roam freely.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air claimed that the proposals amounted to a “fair and reasonable” response given the increase in incidents.

Myatt’s Fields Labour councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop said:

“Most dog owners in the Ward act responsibly and it is important to encourage a pet friendly borough. We are keen to see what residents think of these proposals, especially those related to Myatt’s Fields.”

Councillors raise concerns over planning application for the Lilford Road business centre

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Local Myatt’s Fields councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop have raised concerns about plans from a developer to potentially open new “dark kitchens” on the site of the Lilford Road business centre.

The company, AG Bloom, has submitted a planning application to create a new industrial complex on the site, currently occupied by run-down buildings.

While welcoming the idea of bringing new jobs to the area and bringing new life to the business centre, local councillors are concerned that the re-built blocks could be used for so-called “dark kitchens” – set up to provide only takeaway food – resulting in an increase in noise, pollution and traffic congestion in the area. After objections by local residents and councillors, the developer has submitted a revised application which will be consulted on until Monday 20 February: this continues to ask for traffic movement to and from the business centre for up to 16 hours a day.

Local councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop said:

“We recognise that the Lilford Road business centre needs investment and a boost to the local economy would be welcome given these tough economic times.

“But we do have significant concerns about these proposals, particularly the suggestion that “dark kitchens” could be run from this residential location. This business model could significantly increase loud, constant traffic from early in the morning to late at night resulting in an ongoing nuisance to residents as well as a potential increase in pollution. These plans are in the total opposite direction to the Council’s recently announced intention to spend significant funds addressing traffic issues in the area and would exacerbate problems on roads that the borough has identified as being some of the worst in Lambeth.

“We understand that the developer has submitted a revised application following feedback from the community, but unfortunately it still fails to address the core problems with the original plans. According to the revised proposals, traffic movement will still be allowed at a constant pace for 16 hours a day during the week, as well as significant hours at the weekend.”

Cllr Gadsby and Gallop intend to submit a revised objection to the application. You can read the plans for the site and give your comments here.