Thread by @tomholder

Currently at the planning decision meeting relating to Alice in Wonderland event in Southwark Park. #AiWplanning #SE16

It's a packed meeting, well over 50 members of the public. A lot of concern about the privatising of parts of Southwark Park for several months #AiWplanning #SE16

Amplified sound until 8pm everyday. It will take up 40% of the park. No conditions restricting car parking for people attending Alice in Wonderland event. #SE16 #AiWplanning

@cllr_anood says: 2.5 months is too long to privatise the park. Benefits to residents are minimal. Discounts for locals are very limited. Southwark Park is many local residents' back gardens. #AiWplanning #SE16

Residents saying:
- Poor consultation, many residents had no idea this was happening.
- Ten storey homes around the park will not be protected by the 10ft fence.
- Original plans, such as local school choirs appear to be dropped.
- Nearby stations and buses are at capacity

- There are no local parking on weekends, so patrons of Alice in Winterland event likely to use local parking.
- With a huge amount of construction and people, the ground /grass will suffer well beyond the timescale of the event.

Now the applicants are speaking:
- They say they've sent a lot of letters. Free tickets will be going to schools. They hope to engage the local community (they have managed this, but maybe not the way they expected).
#AiWplanning #SE16

There are a small number of supporters in the audience. Near all appear to be part of the Canada and Mayflower TRAs, which do not border the park.

Opposers in attendance live on Gomm Rd, Ann Moss Way, Slippers Place, and Lower Rd, and more all bordering the park.
#SE16

One thing that worries me is how quiet @RotherhitheLab1 have been about this event, despite the huge impact it has on their constituents.

Cllr @VolanteNick asks what benefits the event will have for locals. The applicants stress the discounts, and the involvement of performing schools. I'm unclear whether parents of performing children would still have to pay entry.
#SE16 #AiWplanning

The strategy to stop event-goers parking in local spots is:
(1) "polite request"
and if that doesn't work
(2) "stewards in local streets"

Problem is that stewards would have no authority, people can park wherever is legal.
#AiWplanning

Councillors looking for guarantees that the park will be repaired after the event (if approved).

Noise complaints will be dealt with by the company. They will, if they deem necessary, go to local houses to check.

Ecological assessments currently being debated.

#AiWplanning

Alice in Winterland organisers claim many people have changed their mind to support after talking with residents, yet 500+ people have sign signed a petition in objection.

Barry Duckett, Jerry Hewitt and Sue Chalice are all claiming to be speaking on behalf on an unnamed resident who (apparently) lives within 100m of the park. Hewitt has been asked to sit back down.

Sue Chalice now speaking. Should be noted she doesnt live within 100m of the park

Rebecca Lury, the Cabinet member for culture at @lb_southwark, passing notes to the applicant for Alice in Winterland during the planning meeting. Rebecca is the Cabinet member responsible for the event. @Southwark_News @rebeccalury
#SE16 #AiWplanning

Unfortunately Cllrs @Kath59 & @steviecryan both offer their full support to locking off 40% of the park for a private event.

Stephanie suggests she has had only one objection sent to her. Given the 500 petition objections she may wish to consider how she engages with locals.