The minutes from meetings of the Bradford Civic Society Bradford Civic Society Executive Meeting 1. Approval of Minutes 1.1. Minutes approved and seconded by K.Rajput. 2. Planning Issue 2.1. A matter raised by G.Stead of the proposed demolition of Thomson Mill, Goitside, BD1. Re: 06/05160/FUL, Thomson Mill, Tetley Street, Bradford, BD1 2DN I have tried to submit information about this application by way of your Planning Portal Website but it does not work! Please find below the Bradford Civic Society's reasons for objecting. Would you please add these objections and comments to the file. Extracted from the Planning Portal Comments Form Comments Having read the latest NDF for the Valley this development appears to be contrary to stated plans for the regeneration of Goitside. This area is highlighted as being in a zone for commercial activity. The development consisting of the demolition of existing mills is contrary to the latest Conservation Area guide that seeks to retain and refurbish existing property in order to keep the "Character of Goitside". Any proposals for demolition should therefore be looked at very closely and the Bradford Civic Society would make representations to save these mills and campaign for there conservation rather than demolition. Anthony Mann 3. The Odeon 3.1. Norman Littlewood gave update on the Odeon issue and is still campaigning to retain the Odeon building. Pressing the planners at UDP not to accept plans for possible apartments being built on site due to environmental issues. Chair reaffirmed BCS backing the saving of the Odeon. Norman mentioned the illegalities in law and misleading comments by BCR. BORG looking into the issues. BORG has still not been allowed into the Odeon building as promised by Maud Marshall in the Odeon Debate from Yorkshire Forward and BCR! Vice Chair asked N.Littlewood if Bradford Civic Society should go on the record with its backing of BORG to add weight to its campaign and that was appreciated by N.Littlewood when he approaches Bradford Council and officials. A badge is being created for N.Littlewood to show his membership and credibility with the BCS. 4.1. Chair has kindly offered his new city centre office as the new postal address for Bradford Civic Society the address is: BCS 5. Public Debate Chair contacted possible speakers such as Geoff Marsh and other candidates but awaiting replies. The venue issue was raised with possible sites and it was agreed a more central city centre venue was needed such as the National Photography Museum. J Singh will look into approaching the museum for a possible date in its calendar to hold the debate. 6. General Meeting Date. 6.1. 16th October 2006 at 7pm at the Mabel Booth Room (1st Floor) Bradford Voluntary Services, Bradford City Centre. 6.2. Next Executive meeting arranged for 6th November 2006 and venue to be arranged. 7. Other Business 7.1. Norman Littlewood showed the article from the Telegraph&Argus about the Westfield development. The article painted a gloomy picture of the development with the slow progress and legal wrangles and increased costs. N Littlewood mentioned that the council allowed the demolition and now with the delays and problems could this happen also with the Odeon? Councillors are all bickering over Westfield development and not sorting it out. Vice Chair suggested BCS members could be present at the Friday night lighting up in Centenary Square to promote BCS. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Society Executive Meeting 1.1. Minutes approved and seconded by J Singh. 2. Registering as a Charity 2.1. The Treasurer re-stated the good news that the BCS is now numbered 1115384 with the Charity Commission as a charity. J. Singh also said he has not heard from certain Executive members sent Dec1 Charity Trustee form. The Treasurer was nominated to deal with the HM Revenues & Custom charities regarding claiming Gift Aid on membership. 3. Planning Committee: Update from Planning Committee 3.1. Norman Littlewood raised the question as “ What is not being built?” and suggested lobbying Bradford Council for answers for the slow progress. Steve Batson also made the point that the council is not allowing a digital link on planning issues. Graham Stead raised concern at the BD1 catchment area for planning as it is in a small area and other close developments fell just out of postcode, Anthony Mann said that as BD1 has no real community to speak up on issues and this is the reason BD1 was area of benefit for now as the regeneration continues. The Chair is looking in the Goitside plans more deeply. The planning committee said all is well in Little Germany plans. Norman Littlewood gave update on the Odeon issue. He said the new plans for development for the site still need to get planning permission and considers lobbying appropriate powers to refurbish existing building instead and also allow another public vote to save it. Norman Littlewood said the building was left neglected by owners on purpose to reinforce the negative image of building to public. The Chair raised the matter of the closure of city centre Morrisons Supermarket and that as city centre living is being encouraged the irony is city dwellers will have to travel out of town for shopping. There is a Reverend, Chris Howson, who wants to stop the closure and the Chair has given him the backing of BCS support. Possible reasons for closure as the store makes profits could be the red tape imposed by council on not allowing any kind of development of supermarket in BD1 and Morrisons updating its store may imply redevelopment which is not allowed. J. Singh gave a contact within Morrisons who could give more information. 4. Public Debate Suggestions: 4.1. Transport links was the suggested topic for next public debate. Possible titles for the talk were A roundabout Bradford by Steve Batson but gave impression of council going in circles on transport issues, so Transport Link was simple title. Public speakers on the matter were: Cllr Stanley King . 5. Wavertree Civic Society - A report from the Chairman 5.1. The Liverpool visitors were taken on a tour by Eugene around the highly recommended Bradford Industrial Museum. They then had a city centre guided tour by Cllr Stanley King and finished off day at the National Museum of Photography. A good day was had by all. 6. Next Meeting Date for the next Executive Meeting – 2nd October 2006 at 7pm 7. Other Business Kashmir Rajput mentioned the Trident organized visits to BD5 historical buildings such as the Wakefield Rd Gurdwara that he will be hosting on the weekend and how last year over 40 people came and enjoyed the tour. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Society Meeting 1. Approval of Minutes 1.1. Minutes from 24th May 06 approved. 2. Website 2.1. A. Mann – would like to see this more active as a basis for web forums. 3. Registering as a Charity 3.1. J. Singh – Sent out trustee forms for members to sign and return. He has received six (6) completed. 4. Planning Committee 4.1. A. Mann, J. Cowan-Clark, G. Stead attended event ‘Capacity building’ organised by the Yorkshire and Humberside Association of Civic Societies. A. Mann focussed on planning area and read out questions from training document specific to what, where, how and why? Focus to help Civic societies meet its fullest operational goals. A. Mann will send copy to W. McArthur for folder and preparation for next executive meeting. 4.2. BCS agreed it was time to create a business plan for BCS and to prioritise each goal or target. A. Mann’s document from YHAC capacity building will be a great tool during that process, to check off and add targets. A. Mann said that we will be able to develop members/executive roles and duties, supported and discussed by group. 4.3. The group supported to having planning meetings reserved to the Executive Committee, and that general and executive meetings to be held on alternative months. 5. The first public debate 5.1. A. Mann – at least 125 people attended the debate. 5.2. N. Littlewood organised filming of the first debate on the topic of refurbishing or demolishing the Odeon. N. Littlewood saw to the creation of 100 DVD’s and CD’s which the Odeon support group sent to people and organisations for further exposure and support for keeping the Odeon. Attendees of the debate said that it was a good result of BCS’s first facilitation of an event. Events such as these should be continued on the basis of public support and understanding. 5.3. N. Littlewood –will provide feedback on how the Odeon support group is going and its results. 5.4. 10 new members were signed up on the night of the debate – A. Mann. 5.5. E. Nicholson – asked whether or not the BCS should be neutral in its views and stance i.e. the refurbishment of the Odeon. W. McArthur supported this view in light of greater respect from the Bradford community as a whole. A. Mann said that each topic needs to be viewed on its moral requirements and that it will be viewed on the day. Overall it was understood by the meeting members that this is an area to be further discussed. 5.6. A. Mann - Ideas for the next debate and speakers- ‘more effective modes of transportation to and from Bradford central (bus, rail, car, pedestrians)?’. Supported by P. Allan. The theme of the debate must focus not just on railway line but the whole transport system debate in the Bradford CBD. This needs to be fleshed out more, focusing on speaker(s). K. Ellison – suggested J. Pennington. The group also mentioned Stanley King as a possible speaker for the next debate. To be discussed further. 5.7. K. Rajput commented that there is a need to include minority groups on posters and flyers (language translation – e.g. Punjabi), as well as consider disabled access to venues (Braille, hearing, wheelchair access). The group agreed and this is to be further discussed at the next Executive meeting. 6. Ideas 6.1. It was supported that before further ideas, debates, etc… were to be planned, that a business plan first be developed to ensure effectiveness of the BCS’s time and support. 6.2. Two new members signed up at the start of the meeting. 7. General Business 7.1. Expenses To be discussed at the next Executive Meeting. N. Nazir suggested that expenses claims and finances need to be totally transparent. E. Nicholson supported this. In brief it was suggested that an effective protocol be put into place, which could be part of planning sessions. 7.2. Flyers and Posters J. Singh – his brother can donate some of his time to BCS promotional needs. Will get template from Robin Snook, Corners Direct who created launch brochures. Use this original template to save time and money on making changes to brochure and flyer. 7.3. New Members J. Singh – what happens when we get new members? J. Singh – I bank membership monies and then forward new applicant’s details to Secretary. Secretary – The Secretary adds them to a spreadsheet which has details of each member. W. McArthur will bring in documentation to the next executive committee meeting when it is held in about 2 months. 7.4. Members Pack J. Singh – what do new members get? A. Mann sent out member cards, and that’s it at this stage. E. Nicholson – the BCS flyer for membership applications has information about BCS which the new members can keep. The steering committee created objectives and mission statement for this committee to adopt and use in future planning activities. For the next Executive Committee meeting the Secretary will bring in documentation as per the BCS’s aims and objectives. 7.5. Corporate Memberships 7.6. Bank account and current financial position 7.7. Cross Rail Link P. Allan has sent various letters to council employees requesting information about why the Bradford cross rail link has not come about. P. Allan has not had any replies from the council and now has began a process which gives the council 28 days to respond to P. Allan with some written communication. P. Allan will advise BCS on his progress. 8. Next Society Meeting Not finalised. E-mails will be sent out prior to next meeting. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Society Meeting 1. Website 1.1. Everyone has seen it and is aware of it as a reference point. 2. Insurance 2.1 BCS now insured for £5million from April 1st 2006 to 31st March 2007. Cost was $240pa. Presently BCS is covered, however yet to sight documents. 3. Registering as a Charity 3.1 Richard Ward gave brief explanation of Civic Trust shortfalls, presently revising their model. A. Mann to certify it. Helen Kidman asked for area of benefit. A. Mann said Bradford City Centre, recognising that presently this is a limited capacity, but it is a start. 4. Press and Public Awareness 4.1. A. Mann need a volunteer. At this stage no volunteers forthcoming. 4.2. Editorial for Odeon debate sighted in T+A, however small. 4.3. Need to create new posters inviting members and highlighting BCS meeting dates, including booked public debates on chosen topics. A. Mann and J. Singh to create poster. W. McArthur suggested it to be based on original poster designed for annual general meeting, followed with meeting dates and specifying that the poster stay generic and not too specific, e.g. BCS meeting schedule for last Wednesday of every month. 5. New Members 5.1. Three new members signed up during meeting. 5.2 Received several new memberships in the mail. 6. Fundraising 6.1. Heritage week was suggested, selecting specific venues and working with these organisations together. E. Nicholson said that heritage week is scheduled for second weekend in September. E. Nicholson offer to have open day at the Bradford Industrial Museum. Jul 8th suggested from 10am – 5pm. Need refreshments. W. McArthur, Ken Ellison and A. Mann volunteered to assist with the event. 7. Planning Committee 7.1 Julie Cowan-Clark, Norman Littlewood volunteered to be on new committee. A. Mann waiting on information for the committee from Steve Batson, who is to contact Bradford Council to get listings of new applications for comment during Planning Committee meeting. Next meeting to be advised. Still room for volunteers. 8. Public Debates 8.1. Sunrise Radio. K. Rajput will talk on it, to promote debate and BCS to listeners. 8.2. J. Pennington will try and get coverage from BBC to promote debate. 8.3. Request for ideas for a second debate. Peter Allan put forward the discussion of the Bradford Cross Railing Link, holding a debate with Margaret Eating. E. Nicholson suggested that a date be suggested for the debate and M. Eating be contacted to source her availability. Furthermore, E. Nicholson stressed that who ever represented BCS at the public debates must act neutral to the debate in question. 8.4. P. Allan then proceeded with a lengthy discussion of the railway link history and why a debate should be created. W. McArthur suggested that for future requests for debates and other heritage items to be discussed, that the person or organisation put forward a brief to be sent via email or mail to be presented at the next schedule meeting. The executive committee members must then discuss and decide on the item’s validity in terms of the ideals and goals of the BCS. This allows better planning, time management and thought process of the item. The BCS can then request that the organisation or person provide a brief presentation outlining why their item warrants support for a debate or support from the BCS. The brief supplied to BCS should be no more than 1 to 4 typed A4 pages. The brief could also be downloaded onto the web for further review by BCS members and the public. 9. Bank account and current financial position Not discussed. Need more members. 10. Next meeting 10.1. Meetings to be held the last Wednesday of each month. Ken Ellison discussed that the Bradford Volunteer Services venue would be a good choice as a permanent venue. If the organisation’s income is less than £1000pa there is no cost to the venue if you are a member of the BVS. Should be able to book for 7pm and be cleared out by 9.30pm the latest. K. Ellison and E. Nicholson to follow up venue bookings, and membership and to get back to BCS. 11. Chris Hammond speaker 11.1. C. Hammond chairman of Bradford Building Preservation Trust. General discussion re: his new book, published by Waterstones, ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. Retail price £4.50. Scheduled to be launched architectural week 17th June 2006. 12. Next Society Meeting Scheduled for 7pm Wednesday 28th June at Bradford Voluntary Services. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Society Meeting 1. Approval of Minutes – AGM 22nd March 2006 The Minutes were approved. 2. Website Comments were sought on the layout and content of the website. It was commented that the website is quite well designed, although there are a few technical teething problems that will be resolved shortly. The Chair reported that there is a forum page on the website where members can post comments for discussion. He anticipates that this will be an important method for communication and will serve to raise awareness of views of particular topics. The Chair reported that there are a number of links on the website and that this is something that will need to be developed; comments from members are sought. The Chair also reported that he is trying to get an article in the Telegraph & Argus to publicise the availability of the website. 3. Membership Letters These letters have all been sent. Further leaflets were distributed to attendees at the meeting with a request to promote membership as much as possible. Around 40 / 50 letters have already been sent to companies requesting that they join as corporate members. 4. Membership Cards The meeting noted that cards have been arranged for each member. 5. Insurance It was agreed that the Society will obtain public liability insurance. This is an essential requirement to protect members and officers of the Society. 6. Registering as a Charity It was reported that Jasbir Singh, Treasurer, is progressing the paperwork in relation to the application to the Charity Commission. 7. Press and Public Awareness The Chair reported that he has contacted the new features reporter at the Telegraph & Argus and there will be more reports in the paper shortly. It was suggested that the Yorkshire Post should be contacted, also local radio (ie Radio Leeds, BCB and Sunrise). Kashmir Rajput volunteered to contact Sunrise. Volunteers were requested for the post of Press Officer. It was agreed that this would be discussed with Wendy McArthur, the Secretary, and the issue brought back to the next meeting. 8. Next Meeting The Chair suggested that there is a special meeting to host a public debate regarding the future of the Odeon. The Society would not take a stand either way on the subject, but would encourage openness. It was agreed that Anthony Mann would approach both the Bradford Centre Regeneration and the Odeon Group to take part in the debate. It was further agreed that the meeting should take place some time in June before the summer holiday season. Generally, it was agreed that such debates or public forums or a public lecture should be programmed to happen approximately every quarter. Another subject for possible debate would be transport. It was agreed that the date of the next meeting of the Society would be open to all members and would be on Wednesday 24th May at 7pm. The offices of Schofield Sweeney at Church Bank House, Church Bank, Bradford, were offered for this meeting. Anthony Mann would respond outside the meeting. 9. Committees The setting up of a Planning Committee was discussed. Initially, this will be concerned only to consider important applications in the BD1 postcode area. Steve Batson (Architect), Graham Stead, Anthony Mann and Kashmir Rajput all volunteered for the committee. Julie Cowan-Clark also volunteered. It was agreed that Julie Cowan-Clark would obtain the weekly list of applications for discussion with the committee. An initial contact will be made with the Planning Officer (Steve Bateman) to discuss how the committee can obtain copies of the applications and plans. It was also agreed that the society would seek a presentation from Mr Bateman to explain his work to the Society. The Planning Committee will consider and report back to the main committee how they propose to deal with applications. This will include the use of the website to invite comments from members. Marc Cole suggested that contact should be made with the Planning Aid Charity which is part of the RIBA and it was agreed that this would be taken forward. 10. Other Issues 10.1. A suggestion was made that the Society consider setting up a scheme to commemorate notable people who have lived or worked in Bradford, eg The Blue Plaque Scheme. 10.2 Mary Rose Millin raised the idea of a project to obtain grant funding to create a programme of educational materials and resources for schools. Eugene Nicholson reported that previous work had been done on this and that the Saltaire Resource Centre was probably holding the materials that were produced at that stage. 10.3 It was agreed to discuss the programme for Architecture Week with the RIBA. Mary Rose Millin agreed to speak to Alan Soper. He is heavily involved with Architecture Week (and is an architect with the Robinson Design Partnership). 10.4 Possible future speakers were discussed, and a list put forward:- 11. Next Society Meeting Scheduled for 7pm Wednesday 24th May at Schofield Sweeney Solicitors. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Society 1. Unelected Steering Committee 1.1. A. Mason – part of outgoing role is to give overview of executive committee members and executive officers: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. Chairman could spend 2-3 per week on the committee and I had my personal assistant who administered most of my emails and organisation of tasks. 2. New Executive Officers 2.1. A. Mason – who would like to be a committee member or executive officer? A. Mason – BCS’s Constitution is established, the venue is in place and bank account is established. BCS should develop into a consultation group, needs to be constructive, needs to see what is good and has been achieved in Bradford as much as what is not good. BCS has a great base of support from the Bradford community: the Lord Mayor, the Bradford Council, the Executive Council of Bradford. The BCS’s constitution was set up with the help from Katie Bishop from the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies (YHACS). Copies of constitution can be viewed here tonight. 2.2. AM- Nominations for Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. By ballet or show of hands. H. Kidman supported show of hands. 2.3. Chairman: two nominations E. Stanners and A. Mann. E. Stanners not at meeting. A. Mann spoke about why he would like to be voted in as Chairperson and that he has organised someone to develop a website for BCS 2.4. AM – Nominations for Vice Chairman – two nominations Rashid Awan and Kashmir Rajput. R. Awan apologies. K. Rajput spoke why he would like to be Vice Chair. Votes: K. Rajput 23. K. Rajput new Vice Chair. 2.5. AM – Nominations for Treasurer – 2 nominations Jasbir Singh and Ian Edward Biggins. E. Biggins not here. J. Singh spoke why he should be Treasurer. Votes: 21. J. Singh new Treasurer. 2.6. AM – Nominations for Secretary – 1 nomination W. McArthur. None opposed. W. McArthur spoke why she felt she would make a good Secretary. Votes: 23. W.McArthur new Secretary. 2.7. AM – Nominations for Executive Members: Steve Batson, Sandra Howard, Andrew Mason, Eugene Nicholson, Omar ?, Choudhary Rangzeb, Tim Smith, Christine Soothill, Graham Stead. 2.8. Concern from a member that he did not receive an agenda about tonight's AGM. He did not know who the nominations were and what the proceedings were. He has an email address and did not receive any information. As a fully paid member he was disappointed. How long do executive members stand for? 12 months. Concern for people nominated but they were not here to state their case. AM – We checked with H. Kidman who has vast experience in this area. Choice of members here to vote for executive members. 2.9. Concern for Cathedral, as new development looks to be 10 blocks higher than it was originally going to be. Skyline should be considered in Bradford overall redevelopments. 2.10. Want to know about the support that BCS will provide to Odeon plan of being knocked down, we want to know what the plans are for the Odeon and no more hidden agendas. What are they wanting to replace the Odeon with? AM - All concerns should go to BCS and we will look into it. The St. George’s Hall building has been saved, yet the Odeon is a much better building. It’s a smoke screen is St. George’s Hall. AM – T & A provoked a response. But to have some water feature is great. Is the Odeon right or wrong to save? Don’t know all the facts, as much as the Canal we need to know the facts. Like the economical arguments for the Canal. A. Mann organising a website to be up and running. Will have up-to-date news, press, joining fee and members links. Forums on the web. B. Is it on line? A. Mann, no, in next two weeks. www.bradfordcivicsociety.co.uk. 2.11. Bradford should have a capital ‘B’ and not a lower case ‘b’ on BCS literature. Fine we will change this. 2.12. A. Mason – all is good in Bradford for the BCS. We have the T & A on board, Councillors are on board, people are working hard on the BCS. 2.13. A. Mason – you may use the Victoria Mills site for meetings upto the next 6 months and the council has offered free use of meeting rooms there. Great support. 3.0. Next BCS Meeting. Scheduled for 7pm Thursday 19th April at Victoria Mills, Newmasons board room. ***************************************** Bradford Civic Trust 1. Launch 1.1. Stories for the launch to be run during January – February 2006 before launch 2. Venue 2.1. Cartright Hall has been booked as the venue’s launch. Hall is booked from 7.30pm – 9pm. 1. PR 1.1. A. Mason’s PR company will run stories from early Jan - Feb 2006. 2. Memberships 2.1. More members join the Bradford Civic Trust. 3. Launch Information Flyer 3.1. Committee members are pleased with new Launch Information Flyer. 3.2. Each member of the group will need to organise to get 100 at least of the flyers to distribute, and hand out to prospective members. Steering committee members will need to arrange to pick up their bundle of flyers from Newmason properties at Victoria Mills. 4. Ad for Launch 4.1. A. Mason will contribute £100 -200 towards an ad in the local papers and will endeavour (with help) to get some free publicity in the local press also. To date the papers have contacted A. Mason, wanting information. 5. Launch Agenda 7.1 A draft Agenda for the launch will be prepared for the next BCT meeting. * Next BCT meeting scheduled for 7pm, 10 January 2006, at Victoria Mills, Newmasons board room. *****************************************
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