MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HOLLAND PARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION HELD AT 6.45 p.m. ON MONDAY JUNE 11TH 2018 AT THE ECOLOGY CENTRE HOLLAND PARK

1. Welcome, introduction and apologies

1.1. The Chairman (John Cowdry, JC) welcomed:

1.1.1. PC Rachid Benhsain (RB), Met Police
1.1.2. John Knight (JK), Managing Director, Knightbuild Ltd
1.1.3. James Chalmers (James C), Technical Director, Knightbuild Ltd
1.1.4. Tim Simpson (TS), Planning Director, CPC Ltd.
1.1.5. RBKC Councillors: Aarien-Uday Areti; CharlesO’Connor; Johnny Thalassites
1.1.6. Committee Members: Katy Michael (KM), Judy de Haas (JdH), Ciannait Tait (CT)
1.1.7. Minute Taker: Dida Tait
1.1.8. HPRA Members.

1.2. Apologies were received from Sally Robinson; Keith & Anni Gallon; Liz & Peter Huhne; and
David & Chrissie Reid

2. Policing - Safer Neighbourhood Team

2.1. RB reassured the meeting that he is dedicated to safety in Holland Ward, which he joined in
January; in the last 6 months in Holland Park there have been 4 burglaries and 2 attempted
burglaries, which is a very low statistic.

2.2. He discussed various behaviours that should be avoided to ensure a safe environment and the
safety of the home as well as making recommendations to improve safety:

2.2.1. Leaving garbage-bin area doors open – burglars can use this easily to ascend the stairwells.
Bin-area doors should be locked with a padlock and chain;
2.2.2. Garden furniture left out – a chair on a table gives burglars a 6 foot uplift;
2.2.3. CCTV should wherever possible be put in place (recommended by the Met, Londonwide:

CCTV footage is better than mere witness statements and is frequently
invaluable in solving crimes. (JC reminded members that installation of CCTV
cameras on listed buildings building requires listed building consent from the RBKC);

(Imad Fathallah (IF) advised that CCTV on 46 HP was not helpful in a recent burglary of that
property, and asked why CCTV is not installed on the street by the Met / RBKC. Discussion
around individual property’s CCTVs (e.g., those serving the Ukrainian Embassy) and their
usefulness in providing a record of events on the street, generally, ensued. There are budgetary
constraints around public CCTV being installed by the authorities on every road in the Borough
/ London.)

2.2.4. Garden motion-sensor lights – a good deterrent against burglars;
2.2.5. Parked cars – RB advised that in May there were 12 thefts from vehicles, and urged
members not to leave their cars unlocked, and not to leave anything visible in their
cars (including phone chargers and the like).

2.3. JC indicated that the recent spate of 3 burglaries in a row is unusual, and that in recent past
years the burglary stats from Holland Park had been tending towards zero. RB confirmed that
the situation is a little worrying and residents should be encouraged to take precautionary
measures.

2.4. Jennie Kettlewell suggested that the stats are usually low because of the security around
Holland Park due to the embassies. It was discussed that it is helpful for the police to have
number plates as captured on CCTV. RB reiterated that he is on the streets every day, policing.

2.5. David de Haas (DdH) noted that in the 50 years that they had been in Holland Park, the only 3
burglaries in his building occurred at a time of building works. In response (and contextualising
our area), RB said there have been 24 burglaries reported since March in Holland Ward, and
that 50% of burglaries had happened during refurbishment projects.

2.6. James C noted that £30,000 worth of materials had been stolen from the Duke’s Lodge
development site in March (not in RB’s stats, as this was not a RESIDENTIAL incident).

2.7. RB suggested “Trace” as a deterrent: it is an invisible marker which should be used to mark
valuable items… it leaves an individualised “DNA” mark on property, which mark is visible only
under ultraviolet light. “Trace” has a 90% positive response and when issued, it comes with its
own individual ID and bar code. “Trace” can be bought on-line, and is being circulated by the
Met for free, but this is more difficult to access (contact HPRA for more details). “Trace” is good
for 5 years and will survive some dry cleaning.

2.8. Daniel Sarp (DS) asked what time the burglaries had occurred and RB answered at
5pm/3pm/before midday typically. Caroline Ingram (CI) added that she thought that most
burglaries occur in the afternoon. Ruth Miskin (RM) mentioned how that in the neighbourhood
of her Sussex home, the Neighbourhood Watch issues a weekly report to keep people apprised
of current goings on: could this be done in HP? (JC said the committee would consider this, but
that it didn’t at present seem to him necessary to do so.)

2.9. JC suggested that members investigate installing front gates (for which Listed Building consent
would be needed from the Borough), as he believes that gates act as a great deterrent, certainly
against opportunist-type burglaries.

2.10. JC thanked RB for all his hard work and that of the Met Police as a whole.

3. Duke’s Lodge: Developer’s address and questions

3.1. JC introduced this item, reminding members that planning permission for the development of
the Duke’s Lodge site had taken between 5 and 6 years with the RBKC. The old building was
levelled in January / February this year.

3.2. JC then introduced John Knight (JK) and James Chalmers (James C) of Knightbuild Ltd (the
principal contractor on this part of the project), and Tim Simpson (TS) of CPC Ltd (Candy Bros,
the developer). A hand-out was distributed.

3.3. TS spoke first, confirming that the construction phase was well underway. From a developer’s
point of view, it had taken a long while (the last 14 months, plus) to satisfy the Council regarding
many of the development’s details.

3.4. He also mentioned that post the Brexit vote, there was a bit of wavering regarding the condition
of the housing market. However in the summer of 2017 the developer finally decided to go
ahead. It was decided to use Knightbuild as the contractor: they have had many contracts in the
Borough, and will be responsible for the present phase of work. They anticipate a finish in 2020.
In the next 18 months to 2 years, apartments will be released for sale.

3.5. James C and JK then continued the presentation: in March they began the construction of a
perimeter wall, and reduced the site to ground level; the substructure is due to be complete by
Summer 2019. The chosen construction method includes the creation of a sub- and superstructure
development. With this top-down construction, it might be possible, for example, to
release the suspended parking bays at night. This system also helps reduce ground movement
and aims to lessen disruption to traffic. Construction traffic will as much as possible be kept
within the site boundaries, and no vehicles are in terms of the CTMP permitted onto the north
or south parts of Holland Park. They are to access and leave the property via the north-eastern
corner of the Holland Parks (the intersection at the Ukrainian Institute of St Sophia).

3.6. JK advised that he would always be available on his mobile phone (number could be obtained
from JC). The site monitor (senior banksman) is Tom Duffy and he can be identified in a hi-viz
vest.

3.7. JK advised of the installation of a construction crane, which is to be erected over the weekend
of 14-15 July, unless prevented by poor weather.

3.8. Natalie Cutler thanked JK and commended Knightbuild and CPC for running a tight ship, and for
a very courteous team.

3.9. Andrea Gover explained about her wallet being stolen, found by the site manager and then
returned to her.

3.10. Jennie Kettlewell commented on the air quality; there seems to be grit in the air and asked for
how long this would be the case. JK answered that after the concrete “top” has been put into
place, the dust levels should subside. Air quality monitoring is ongoing.

3.11. JC commended Knightbuild on the hoarding, and for having a suggestion box. He pointed out
that a general programme of works on the hoarding is continually updated. He thanked the
project directors for a well-monitored traffic management plan.

3.12. A hard-hat tour will be organised by Knightbuild in August / September.

3.13. JC then announced that Knightbuild has offered to make a £5,000 donation to HPRA, and
thanked JK.

3.14. He then thanked JK, James C and TS for attending the meeting, and they departed.

4. Councillors’ Introduction and Forum

4.1 The three new Councillors were asked to introduce themselves: Aarien-Uday Areti; Charles
O’Connor; Johnny Thalassites

4.2 Charlie is a city solicitor and his priorities are those of the wider borough cleaner, greener and a
safe environment. He supports the Friends of HP, supports the idea of trees - both retention
and planting - and is aware of the dog fouling challenge which is an issue in Holland Park and
more widely in the borough. In addition he is supportive of survivors in the aftermath of
Grenfell.

4.3 Johnny is a journalist, working on portfolios of inter alia, schools and Family & Children’s
services (and on retaining the RBKC’s single-zone parking policy).

4.4 Aarien grew up in Chelsea and is a tech entrepreneur. He promotes a cleaner, greener, safer
environment.

JC asked for questions for, and general comments to, the Councillors.

4.5 Jaana Tarma discussed rubbish collection: days and what to do in the event of contraventions by
neighbours? Reply: An app is available called “my RBKC”, via which issue can be reported.

4.6 HRPA is due to put up notices about dog fouling. JC said he would follow-up with the Council
about additional bins on the roads.

4.7 IF again raised the issue of CCTV, and asked if the Council could install this. It was agreed that it
would be more effective and efficient for private residents to take this up themselves, as there
maybe other streets in the Borough that are more high risk and therefore ‘deserving’ of CCTV.

4.8 DS noted that there are more rough sleepers on Holland Park Avenue and that many shops
seem to be closing because of an increase in business rents. Aarien responded this is a national
concern. JT agreed to supply an email address to contact about business rates.

4.9 There was a discussion of empty and dilapidated buildings and what could be done. JC
explained that at Number 66 (potentially the new Azerbaijan Embassy), planning has been
approved subject to approval for re-purposing of the property currently used by the
Azerbaijanis on Kensington Square. Number 54 has been derelict for ages, and has now been
sold to a family who will reportedly be creating a family residence there. Number 84 is also
problematic (in a poor state), and there is a pigeon problem there too. Can this be reported on
the grounds of Health & Safety? JC to look into.

4.10 JC mentioned the double-glazing issue (not usually approved on listed buildings in this
Borough). Perhaps it is time to re-investigate the position on this. While double-glazing has
historically been rejected by the borough, Councillor JT will pursuing this.

5 Approval of Minutes of 2017 AGM

Minutes approved.

6 Presentation of 2017 Accounts

6.1 Accounts were approved.

6.2 There are another ±30 members of the HRPA, each of whom has paid a once-off joining
contribution of £10. Filming and photo shoots brought in £1,500. Total income £1,800 and
total expenditure £715.61 including a £300 donation to Grenfell.

6.3 The £5,000 from CPC will be added to the income and further donations to a local non-profits
will now be made. Committee to make suggestions as to which charity. Including Rugby
Portobello, Trust for Grenfell, and the Food Bank at the Methodist Church in Ladbroke Grove
(ask CT) or possibly a homeless charity, e.g. Glassdoor.

6.4 There was a discussion about photo shoots and the procedure of procuring permission of the
borough before any shoot. The borough then asks parties to consult HRPA. A suggested
donation of >£150 is then made to HRPA. It was discussed that invoices cannot be raised for
this type of donation but that every shoot is “paid” for. (Of the recent 7/8 shoots only 1 was not
paid).

7 Issues Affecting Residents

7.1.1 Bus stop HA and its shelter now finally moved and road lines repainted.
7.1.2 “Riverside Racer” (additional private bus service) refused permission (Dec 2017)
7.1.3 Quantity and speed of traffic on our roads…. JC to approach the RBKC again re: traffic
calming measures. Meeting unanimously agreed there is an issue: too much traffic and it
is too fast & loud. Options were discussed, including: narrowing of the roads;
perpendicular parking. DS asked if there could be speed cameras. Another resident
suggested that it would be better to keep the wider road, and that traffic islands could
perhaps be created to encourage people to slow down. Majority agreed that road
narrowing was NOT a good idea. A resident mentioned the speed at which drivers turn
into Portland Road and Princedale Road, and suggested traffic lights could be added on
Holland Park Avenue. JC asked ALL MEMBERS TO WRITE TO HPRA re: volume and
speed of vehicular traffic, so that he could approach RBKC with specific complaints /
suggestions.

7.2 Spring drinks party: A great success, with 35 people attending the party hosted by Liz and Peter
Huhne. Thanks were offered to the Huhnes (in absentia), KM, JdH and CT for their generosity,
time and efforts.

7.3 Current developments & property matters: Property next to 89 to be developed soon and JC to
keep an eye open. 78 HP - nothing new; 54 HP – Algerian Embassy has been sold subject to
conditions. It was agreed that Health and Safety could be an issue with several properties and
that the Council should be consulted.

7.4 Filming & photographic shoots: As already discussed.

7.5 Membership update: As stated, the HPRA gained another ±30 members after the maildrop.
There are 91 buildings on Holland Park with ±373 dwelling units; and a further 68 buildings in
Holland Park Mews (±69 dwelling units); thus, a total of 159 buildings, and ±442 dwelling units.
The HPRA has 82 members.

7.6 Air pollution: It was suggested that more E-power sockets be installed in the lamp posts and JC
noted that he thought that they are free to use.

7.7 100 Years of Votes for Women: On 8th of July between 12 and 3pm there will be Tea Party for
older residents. K&C Forum organising this at the Town Hall, and volunteers are needed , inter
alia, for cake baking, to pick people up, etc. HPRA will make a £150 donation.

8 Election of Residents’ Association committee for 2018/2019

Current committee members were unanimously asked, and agreed, to stand again. Thanks were
offered to JC and the Committee.

9 Approval of date for next AGM

Monday 10 June 2019. Members asked to diarise!

10 Any other business

JC mentioned “Shakespeare in the Squares” on the 21st & 22nd of June 2018. This will be in St.
James’s Square and Norland Square, respectively, commencing at 5:30pm. More info. available
at www.shakespeareinthesquare.co.uk.