Focus on Bexley
Bexley kicks off the ‘Tidal Thames Masterplan’
B
exley was the first London Borough to be included in the new ‘Tidal Thames Masterplan’ published by the Port of London Authority (PLA). The Council has welcomed the findings within the report.
The key options for Bexley highlighted in the Masterplan are: •
Erith Town Centre, home to the longest pier in Greater London, which has the potential to become the borough’s first River Bus Station.
•
Promotion of existing riverside sporting facilities, such as Erith Yacht Club and Erith Rowing Club.
•
Highlighting the importance of the Tidal Thames and its local tributaries and other water courses, such as the River Cray along with Erith & Crayford Marshes, which all provide valuable habitats for wildlife
Supporting the PLA’s delivery of the overarching Thames Vision 2050, the Tidal Thames Masterplan will detail the potential to boost trade, travel, sport and the environment along the course of the river.
Consultation on proposed planning changes
L
ondon Borough of Bexley is consulting businesses and landowners in its industrial locations across the borough and other interested parties, on the introduction of a ‘non-immediate Article 4 Direction. In response to growing concerns about an increasing number of offices and other commercial buildings in industrial sites being converted to residential dwellings under permitted development rights, the Council has taken a decision to introduce a non-immediate Article 4 Direction that will bring this type of development into planning control. This does not mean that this type of development is unacceptable; it just means that a planning application will be required so that the Council can consider all relevant implications and impose appropriate conditions as needed. The Article 4 Direction is proposed to come into force on 1 December 2024, subject to the consideration of consultation comments received, the views of the Secretary of State and subsequent confirmation by the Council. Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said:" We know it is essential to build more homes to meet growing local need
and the conversion of unused commercial buildings can play a part in that. However, these new homes must be of high quality and in the right locations. We also need to make sure that our industrial areas are protected so they can provide good employment opportunities for local people. This Direction will provide us with the additional controls we need to ensure the right balance is struck between these competing needs.” Consultation on the Article 4 Direction is open to the public for comment for three months between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024. You can email your views to SP&Gteam@bexley.gov.uk with the subject: Article 4 Direction or write to: Strategic Planning, London Borough of Bexley at the address shown below. Any correspondence concerning the Article 4 Direction consultation must be received by 5pm on 29 February 2024. The consultation is available online. Alternatively, paper copies of the documents, including the Direction, can be viewed during normal office hours at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT.
New banking hub ‘will make a big difference to so many local people’
A
new banking hub opened recently in London Borough of Bexley, based at 97-99 Welling High Steet. The new Hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions.
The next stage of the plan development will see the PLA launching an eight-week public consultation to inform its further development of the Tidal Thames Masterplan, covering Newham and Tower Hamlets.
The hub came about following a community request from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill OBE to LINK, the UK’s cash access and cash machine network, for the return of banks to the high street. Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said: “I’m delighted by the opening of the Welling Bank Hub. This will make a big difference to so many local people. I’d asked for this facility because many residents were very disappointed that all the banks had pulled out of the high street. They told me this was hampering their lives - at best an inconvenience, but for some a source of real distress as they lacked the necessary digital know-how or access.”
Community Bankers will work on rotation, Small orbank medium with a different available on each day of the week. enterprise and Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company It also offers a Community Banker service owned and funded by nine major banks. Their where customers can talk to their own banking want to grow? work is part of a new, collective approach to provider about more complicated issues, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
protecting access to cash.
Are you ‘Talking Business’? Free business Then let’s support and training grants from Bexley Council The Talking Business project has received s your business based in Bexley and in talk business! need of a helping hand to thrive in these £348,287 from the UK Government through the
I
challenging times?
UKcan Shared Prosperity BBE provide you withFund. the following support:
If so, Bexley Council is offering completely FREE expert-led business advice, training and guidance to local SMEs through the Council’s Talking Business programme.
Funded training To find out moregrants and to book a no Free business obligation chatadvice with our Business Support Advisor to discuss the Free recruitment service needs of your business, please Talk to our Business Support Advisor to Match-funding grants of up to £500 are also https://www.bexley.gov.uk/ out more about how we can help available to eligible small businesses, to assist findvisit with the costs of staff training and accreditation. talkingbusiness@bexley.gov.uk talkingbusinessenquiry
14
TALKING BUSINESS
Bexley Business & Employment
Scan me
