Estate Jumble Sale

Already 10 houses on the estate signed up to have a stall or table outside their house. A map of those taking part will be advertised nearer the time. Just walk around the estate roads, grab some bargains and chat with your neighbours.

 Chess games at some locations for those wanting to play!

More details - https://www.facebook.com/events/s/progress-estate-jumble-trail/790600762796793/

June 2021 Newsletter

   

June 2021

Apologies for the delay of the printed newsletter. Due to unforeseen circumstances and some issues with the printers our version is somewhat behind!

If you or any local business would like to sponsor our next newsletter please get in touch for more details by emailing; theprogressestate@gmail.com 

With many thanks Maria and the team at Progress Residents Association  

Spring into summer….

It gives me great pleasure to write this issue of the Progress Estate newsletter. It has been a while since the last issue, and what a year it has been: a pandemic, three national lockdowns and the vaccination programme. A slice in our lives that has changed us, shaped us and brought some of us closer together. We have lost, we have suffered, we have strived, we have survived, we have been a whole mixed bag of emotions and it’s certainly not been easy for a lot of us.

On behalf of the Association I want to share our sympathy for the losses of loved ones and the hard times we have all been through. Also to say how truly humbled we are by all the kindness and love that has been shown throughout our estate amongst neighbours, strangers and friends. 

Connections have been made and good deeds continue to happen. From collecting shopping and medication for neighbours, to swapping goods, passing on recommended traders, cleaners, childminders, takeaways, gardening groups, sewing groups and cat clubs (no cat is ever left stray on our streets for too long!), as well as informing one another about crime and unwanted nuisances and sharing advice and tips on a whole array of topics. Not to mention the hot conversation of building restrictions and permissions… what a fabulous community to be a part of! Thank you. 

But what is community? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? We would love to hear from you, so please tell us about an amazing act of kindness from someone in our community, maybe a funny story of something that has happened during these strange times. Do you feel a part of our community? If not, why not?  What could our community do better? 

Send us an email to theprogressestate@gmail.com  

And what have the Progress Residents’ Association been up to, I hear you ask? Well, meetings have continued to happen (online of course!) with discussions about who we are, what we are and what we represent. 

The Progress Residents’ Association is made up of a team of volunteers. We are your neighbours, with families and jobs, and an interest to do the best for our estate. Our community. Our home. 

What does the Residents’ Association do?

The Progress Estate Residents’ Association committee meets regularly to ensure that the aims of the association are met for the benefit of the residents of the estate. The aims of the Association are:

a) To represent the views and interests of all residents. 

b) To promote and encourage a sense of community amongst residents.

c) To monitor proposed alterations to, developments on, and maintenance of the estate with a view to ensuring they are in-keeping with its designation as a Conservation Area covered by an Article 4 Direction.

d) To exercise influence to ensure, insofar as is possible, that residents receive the best possible housing, environmental and community-related services.

Are you passionate about where we live? Do you want to have your voice heard? Do you have skills that could help the association meet its aims? We are looking to make changes and would love to hear from you. Join us at one of our informal upcoming meetings, contact us and find out how you could get involved. theprogressestate@gmail.com 

Questionnaire on the Progress Residents’ Association (PRA)

Your opinions really do matter. Our estate is built on the people who live here. So click on the link for super short questionnaire about PRA. 

(Approx. time to fill out is three minutes): 

https://forms.gle/eVRADMBi5kssRxaC9 

Hyde… the very name makes me roll my eyes! We have been doing our very best to get things moving in the right direction. We know it’s been frustrating for many of our residents who have to deal with Hyde, believe us, we feel your pain!  Here is an update from Chris who has taken the lead on the matter: 

Our beautiful estate is made up of 1,086 houses and 212 purpose-built flats with Hyde Housing owning the majority of the freeholds. We examined Hyde's management of the properties as many of their 437 rental tenants were unhappy with the service provided.

Meanwhile, some leaseholders have, for the last three years, received random and confusing demands for service charges which raised eyebrows as Hyde appears not to have provided any estate services since its takeover from the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society (RACS) in the 1970s. We delivered flyers to every property on the estate and residents have been in contact.

Rental tenants complained that Hyde was hard to contact, sometimes sent surveyors to look at problems but didn't fix the  - sometimes serious - issues. Homeowners said that Hyde did not respond even when issues such as water leaks from neighbouring Hyde flats affected them. The routine upkeep of properties had deteriorated particularly over the last seven years. Many said that Hyde expected, in some cases, renters to pay for repairs; for instance, to fences on Hyde properties.

Some flat owners wanted to know what services Hyde provides on the estate to justify the service charges, ranging from £35 to a bizarre 8 or 15 pence a month. 

As a recognised residents’ association, Hyde should be responsive to our concerns. As a volunteer group with few funds we can only lobby Hyde with residents’ concerns. Councillor Spencer Drury has asked Hyde to respond and we hope to take part in Hyde's homeowners panel in future. We have written directly to Hyde's CEO to voice our concerns. As unpaid volunteers we cannot guarantee results but if all residents respond we have strength in numbers.

AGM Update

Moving on to the AGM… it has been over a year since our last general meeting which is why we are very keen to have one as soon as possible. If the road map to ease lockdown restrictions continues on the right path, we hope to have our next AGM in the autumn.

Since we are looking at making changes, we need to have a meeting to implement them. So, the questions are: Do we change the constitution? Do we look to fill the positions of Chair, Vice- Chair and Secretary, or remove some of them entirely? What do you think? Are you interested in filling one of these roles? Would you like to get involved in the discussion? Let us know your thoughts at theprogressestate@gmail.com 

Event

Oh, how I wish I could be telling you about an upcoming social event, open to all, with festivities, neighbourly chats face-to-face, some laughter and merriment, looking back on last year with a smile in the knowledge that Covid-19, lockdowns and restrictions are all in the past...

Fortunately, I can still be the bearer of some happy news!  Don't get too excited though, put the dress and suit down (for now).  Due to things still being very uncertain we are unable to host a big indoor event.  However, a wonderful suggestion was made from one of residents about a jumble sale.

Since we've spent the best part of 18 months cooped up in-doors, many of us have decided it's time for a spruce up and clear out.  Lots of our local charity shops are inundated with what some may consider junk and others' treasures, so why not sell your unwanted stuff from the comfort of your own garden?

Jumble Sale

Sunday 11th July

10am-4pm

Set up a table in your front garden and sell your unwanted goods.  Wander around our beautiful estate, chat to neighbours and pick up a bargain on the way!

Sell things or just have a walk.  It'll be a great way to meet neighbours and enjoy, what we hope will be a lovely day.  But of course, prepare for rain!  We shall look forward to our first Progress Estate jumble sale!

Got an idea for a social event (restrictions permitting) let us know.  I for one cannot stop dreaming of a good old knees-up with dancing, festivities and laughter!  theprogressestate@gmail.com

Which brings me onto the headline that we are all getting tired of....

Covid-19 and Vaccine Update

Wait, hear me out. As a Community Champion and volunteer at the vaccination centre at Wensley Close, I have had the privilege (along with some other members of our community) of attending meetings with doctors, disease and vaccination specialists, and healthcare professionals from the NHS and Greenwich Health Care. These meetings have been insightful and helpful in sharing facts about the current situation. 

We’ve been given some stats from Greenwich Health Care and the NHS for our local area: 

The current infection rates are:

• Eltham North: 0.0 (there have been no cases in the last 2 weeks up to 13th May)

• Eltham West: 40.7 per 100,000 residents (there have been 7 cases in the last 2 weeks up to 13th May)

Vaccine uptake - Eltham Primary Care Network (PCN): 

• First dose: 86.19% 

• Second dose: 65.76%.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Champion, attending the next Covid-19 meeting, or simply interested in learning more, please email:

community-champions@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Please continue to follow government guidelines and remember: Hands. Face. Space. Keep yourself, your family and our community safe.

We know it’s important to keep ourselves safe and healthy, but how many of us do? We often put our family and friends before us and sometimes forget that we need some love and support ourselves. With this in mind we wanted to share some thoughts and resources: 

Help and support 

You are not alone. There are many ways to get help and support if you need it. You may not want to trouble anyone, you may not think your problem is big enough or important enough, or you may think that there are many more people in far worse circumstances. But remember you are important and your problems, big or small, can be supported. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the following services.

WhatsApp Mutual Aid Group  For neighbourhood aid (people who live on the estate)

https://chat.whatsapp.com/L32wkfTe9JN6uvG2Ecs8W3

Or…

Greenwich Community Hub

The Royal Greenwich Community Hub has been supporting people since the beginning of the pandemic, and the service is still available to support you. The Community Hub links thousands of volunteers with opportunities to help people who are most in need of support.

If you cannot go out and do not have any family, friends or neighbours around to talk to or help you, then contact the Royal Greenwich Community Hub. They are here for you, and can support you with:

• food

• keeping your mind and body healthy

• money issues

• housing

• employment, volunteering and training

• advice about staying warm and well in winter

• social activities

To access support from the hub online visit: www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/xfp/form/526 

You can also request support by:

• calling free on 0800 470 4831 (Monday – Saturday, 8.30am – 6pm)

• emailing: covid19support@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

Your health and wellbeing are the most important things. Look out for yourself, be kind to yourself and reach out for help if you need it. 

Social stuff 

Want to feel more connected to our community? You could sign up to:

Mutual Aid WhatsApp   https://chat.whatsapp.com/L32wkfTe9JN6uvG2Ecs8W3

Progress Estate social WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzOeY2L9r0p3e5Y4VNEkKo 

(Please note that the WhatsApp groups are not run by the Progress Residents’ Association) 

The best way to ask direct questions about the Progress Estate, planning restrictions, our community, upcoming events, AGM etc, is to join our mailing list by emailing: theprogressestate@gmail.com

And finally…

We welcome those long, warm, summer evenings, which we hope will bring more of us out into the much-needed fresh air. Take walks when you can, say hello to a neighbour, find something fun to do and most all look after yourself. 

We look forward to keeping you updated!

Thank you so much from me, Maria, and the team at The Progress Residents’ Association.

Guidance for Replacement Front Doors

The Residents' Association are unable to offer guidance on individual cases.  

Please contact Royal Greenwich Planning officers for assistance - Royal Greenwich Planning

The latest edition of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Planning Guidelines for the Progress Estate was published in October 1998 (‘Planning Guidelines’) and has been replicated in the Resident Association’s leaflet The Progress Estate: When do I need planning permission? 

People considering replacing their front doors are strongly advised to contact Royal Greenwich’s Planning Department to discuss their requirements before committing themselves to any expenditure. Neither the Progress Residents Association nor its committee members, jointly or severally, can be held responsible for this note or if the Royal Borough publishes revised Guidance. As of 4th December, 2013, the Planning Department’s contact numbers were 020 8921 5782 for people whose postcodes are SE9 1_ _ and 020 8921 5708 if they are SE9 6_ _ . 

Planning Guidelines state that timber is the preferred material for replacement doors. Although this preference still applies, nowadays people tend to prefer doors with uPVC frames. However, the design of the original doors is a fundamental characteristic of the Estate. It is therefore important that uPVC doors replicate the design of those illustrated in our leaflet. One of the few doors that has consistently been accepted by Royal Greenwich’s planners is the Legacy Rutland door, manufactured by CWG Choices. We understand these doors are supplied by both Tolland Glass of Tudor Parade, Well Hall Road, Eltham, London, SE9 6SX (tel: 020 8850 9236) and DW Installations of 25 Hillingdon Road, Bexleyheath DA7 6LP (tel: 01322 406821 or 07956 365235). 

 Royal Greenwich considers all applications for planning permission on their individual merits. Residents are advised not to commit themselves financially to any installer before obtaining planning permission. An accurate representation of every proposed door must accompany applications. 

Any Resident is free to contact the Residents Association at TheProgressEstate@gmail.com who will provide further assistance where possible.

Guidance for Replacement Windows

The Residents' Association are unable to offer guidance on individual cases.  

Please contact Royal Greenwich Planning officers for assistance - Royal Greenwich Planning

The latest edition of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Planning Guidelines for the Progress Estate was published in October 1998 (‘Planning Guidelines’) and has been replicated in the Resident Association’s leaflet The Progress Estate: When do I need planning permission?

Subsequently, the Council (as it then was) published Guidance for Replacement Windows as uPVC frames overtook the availability of replacement timber frames (‘Guidance’).

People considering replacing their windows are strongly advised to contact Royal Greenwich’s Planning Department to discuss their requirements before committing themselves to any expenditure. Neither the Progress Residents Association nor its committee members, jointly or severally, can be held responsible for this note or if the Royal Borough publishes revised Guidance. As of 24th September, 2013, the Planning Department’s contact numbers were 020 8921 5782 for people whose postcodes are SE9 1_ _ and 020 8921 5708 if they are SE9 6_ _ .

Planning Guidelines state that timber is the preferred material for replacement windows. This preference still applies, however in recent times the majority of new windows installed have  tended to be in uPVC. The proportions of the original frames are a fundamental characteristic of the design of the houses on the estate. If your preference is to use uPVC frames it is important that the proportions and dimensions of the replacement frames closely match those of the original frames. Unfortunately, most mass-produced plastic windows tend to have rather thick sections, and-cannot convincingly replicate the proportions of the original frames. However, experience has shown that some manufacturers can produce good approximations. In all cases where timber frames are replaced with uPVC, only external glazing bars are acceptable. Leading should only be used where it replaces existing leading.

The following dimensions for replacement windows are recommended to residents as parameters to work within when making a planning application. The houses have various sizes of window opening, but adherence to these dimensions should help to retain the proportions of the original windows.

All applications for planning permission will be dealt with on their individual merits. Residents are advised not to commit themselves financially to a particular window installer before obtaining planning permission for new windows. Drawings showing accurate representations of the proposed windows (including dimensions) should accompany applications.

Any Resident having difficulties tracing a supplier of frames of with these dimensions may write to  the Residents Association at TheProgressEstate@gmail.com who will provide assistance if they can.

When do I need planning permission?

The Residents' Association are unable to offer guidance on individual cases.  

Please contact Royal Greenwich Planning officers for assistance - Royal Greenwich Planning

The Progress Estate is a Conservation Area. This Guide explains to freeholders and tenants the circumstances in which they need to apply for planning permission before making changes to certain external features of their property, including the installation of satellite dishes and solar panels.

While there are doubtless many reasons why people like living on the Progress Estate, a common one is probably its general attractiveness. It is a very early example of a garden city movement design. It has been described ‘as the first and most spectacular of the garden suburbs built by the government during the First World War’. This is why the Estate is a Conservation Area covered by an Article 4 Direction. The effect of an Article 4 Direction is to strengthen Conservation planning laws by restricting any changes to the front or side elevations of those houses within its boundary. It also restricts changes to roofs, windows and front doors. Satellite dishes mounted within view of the front will not gain approval.

For the purposes of this document, there are (in no particular order) three groups of people living on our Estate:

- those who own their own homes

We understand buyers are supposed to be advised of the consequences of an Article 4 Direction prior to the exchange of contracts. However, it is likely that some failed to receive the relevant notification. Amongst those that did, the paperwork might easily have been lost in the general welter of correspondence and documentation that goes with house purchase.

- those living in houses owned by private landlords

Although they may not be planning anything one might generally regard as alterations, residents who rent their property from a private landlord might need to be aware of the regulations relating to satellite dishes and tree lopping or felling. They might also care to ensure their landlords are aware of the Planning regulations as a whole; these people might not have the information about Article 4 Directions either.

- those whose homes are owned by a housing association

As with tenants of private landlords, it may well be that the only issues of concern are those to do with satellite dishes and, possibly, tree lopping or felling.

So when is Planning permission required?

Greenwich Council’s adopted Conservation Area Appraisal makes it clear that planning permission must be obtained before changes are made to the external appearance of a house caused by building, altering, installing or carrying out works to:

• Front or side entrance doors

• Front and flank windows

• Front or side gates, fences or walls 

• Porches

• Garages

• Front or side extensions or additions

• Roofing materials (including the installation of solar (PV) panels)

• Cladding to any part of the exterior

• The whole or substantial demolition of a buildingor structure greater than 4060 cu.ft. (115 cu.metres)

• Felling,cutting back or pruning any tree over 3inches (76 mm) in diameter

• Satellite dishes fronting the highway.

In deciding whether or not to approve planning applications, the Council’s overarching guidelines are that:

• alterations and improvements should harmonise with the existing character of the Estate.

• variations, even small ones, can easily destroy the visual qualities of the conservation area.

• every effort should be made to match the original detailing, materials, colour and proportions, particularly when replacing such features as windows, doors and roofing materials.

The following guidelines apply to specific proposals:

Roofing materials

Any proposed re-roofing must be compatible with the original slate or tile in terms of size, colour and texture.

Doors

Proposals to replace doors should be on a like for like basis, with the objective of replicating the original styles. uPVC is an acceptable substitute for timber but such replacements must respect the visual character of the original timber construction.

Windows

Proposed replacements must be on a like for like basis, replicating the original windows in that particular property.  Generally, timber is the preferred material although where applicants can demonstrate that a good copy of the original design can be achieved, aluminium and uPVC replacements will be considered.  Only side-hung casements are acceptable, as opposed to top hung or pivot windows. All new glazing bars must be fixed externally and should replicate the profile of the original timber design. More information can be found here.

Porches

Proposed porches must respect the façade of the property and should therefore be small in scale with tiles or slates to match the roofing material.  Generally, designs should cantilever from the front wall of the building without requiring supports at ground level.

Fences and Walls

The design of new fences and walls fronting the public highways should match the original designs.  Any significant departure from the original styles of fences or walls is likely to mar the appearance of the street-scene and will therefore be considered unacceptable.  New brickwork must attempt to match the colour and texture of the original bricks and new fences should be treated with a suitable primer or creosote when erected. Walls will not be permitted as replacement for fences.

Satellite dishes

Consent is required for all satellite TV dishes. It is unlikely to be granted for applications to site dishes on front- facing walls, roof slopes or chimneys or anywhere else where they overlook the street or break the roofline. Concealed locations are preferable, using architectural features to screen the dish from public view.

Trees

People wishing to prune, lop or cut down a tree must notify the Planners of their intentions at least six weeks before the work is started stating the location, species and size of the tree and the work proposed.

Solar panels

As at the end of 2011, applications for the installation of solar panels (more correctly described as Photo voltaic, or PV, panels) had been made for two properties on the Estate. Both were declined. Anyone considering installing a system of this nature is strongly recommended to consult the council’s planning department before entering into a contract with a supplier.

Conservation needs to be viewed as a process devised for the greater good of the community as a whole. Our Estate is an attractive place to live and the actions of all of us as individuals impacts upon the desirability of living here for everyone else.

The openness of our Estate means that rubbish tends to drift around in the breeze. It would be much appreciated if residents could pick up any that happens to land between their front doors and the road and place it in the appropriate bin.

This document is copied from a leaflet published by the Progress Residents Association. It is based on an article that first appeared in Making Progress, the Association’s newsletter, in September, 2009.The sketch illustrations are reprinted from Greenwich Council’s publication, Progress Estate Conservation Area: Advice Note.The leaflet has been designed and printed by Hyde South East.

Progress Estate - Conservation and Planning - The Rules

The architecture and history of the Progress Estate conservation area are explained in the character appraisal. We advise you to read the appraisal and management strategy in full via the PDF links below:

Progress Estate character appraisal adopted Dec 2007

Progress Estate management strategy adopted Dec 2007

The Residents' Association are unable to offer guidance on individual cases.  

Please contact Royal Greenwich Planning officers for assistance - Royal Greenwich Planning

(via the Royal Greenwich Council Website)

Progress Estate Residents Celebrate Advent

Following on from the VE celebrations, clap for carers, rainbow trail and Halloween decorations, residents of the Progress Estate are launching their 13 advent windows to Christmas. 

Each date a window on a particular street will be revealed to celebrate the countdown to the big day.

The schedule for the windows is a follows:

Day              Date                         Street

Saturday         12 December 2020        Lovelace Green

Sunday         13 December 2020        Phineas Pett

Monday         14 December 2020        Arsenal Road

Tuesday         15 December 2020        Lovelace Green

Wednesday 16 December 2020        Whinyates Road

Thursday         17 December 2020        Arsenal Road

Friday         18 December 2020        Congreve Road

Saturday         19 December 2020        Moira Road

Sunday         20 December 2020        Phineas Pett

Monday         21 December 2020        Arsenal Road

Tuesday         22 December 2020        Cobbett Road

Wednesday 23 December 2020        Well Hall Road

Thursday         24 December 2020        Granby Road

Why not take some time to explore our wonderful estate and visit these window displays?