Forum Topic

Message to Acton Residents regarding Friary Park Resident Steering Group consultations with Catalyst

Just to inform all Acton residents that I very recently received a message from the Catalyst Housing domain (Friary.Park@chg.org.uk) written by the Chair of the Friary Green Residents Association (I was thrown by this initially as until now I thought the Steering Group were independently representing residents views, but it seems they are now closely linked with the developer) to inform us that non-residents of the Friary Park estate are not permitted to attend Steering Group consultation meetings with Catalyst going forward.I have expressed my sincere disappointment and concern at this as I was under the impression that the full Catalyst consultation process was open to all those affected i.e. residents on the estate and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately this seems not to be the case. I promised to ensure that this message is communicated publicly so that all residents know where they stand.

Chris Petrie ● 4140d4 Comments

We can only guess as to what benefit the Steering Group think will be gained from running these sessions behind closed doors. Shutting affected people out of important conversations about the proposed plan will only weaken residents' position with Catalyst and Ealing Council (the two real drivers of this proposal and the ones calling the shots about size and density).I wonder if this decision was made by the Steering Group or was suggested by Catalyst?A correctly run consultation should be open to all residents in the area such that everyone affected has an opportunity to provide input, voice their opinions and their concerns. Moves to exclude non-residents of Friary Park only end up creating an 'us and them' mentality which is the last thing that any of us want or need.

Chris Petrie ● 4138d

This sounds like a corporate decision to me. What have they got to hide?Could it be that the Steering Group were not always singing from the hymn sheet that Catalyst wanted them too.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4139d

Friary Green Residents' Assoc were invited by the Chair at the last meeting, so that's a real shame and very odd. Why the about turn?  Doesn't look good that the email came from Catalyst's email address either.  Perhaps it didn't come from the Steering Group, Chris?Perhaps Catalyst were concerned when the Steering Group agreed with all the other residents at the Workshops on not wanting a "landmark tower" of 20 to 29 storeys?  Divide and conquer and all that.....

Angela White ● 4140d

My sincere apologies for the typo in my initial post, it should have read.....Just to inform all Acton residents that I very recently received a message from the Catalyst Housing domain (Friary.Park@chg.org.uk) written by the Chair of the FRIARY PARK STEERING GROUP  (I was thrown by this initially as until now I thought the Steering Group were independently representing residents views, but it seems they are now closely linked with the developer) to inform us that non-residents of the Friary Park estate are not permitted to attend Steering Group consultation meetings with Catalyst going forward.I have expressed my sincere disappointment and concern at this as I was under the impression that the full Catalyst consultation process was open to all those affected i.e. residents on the estate and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately this seems not to be the case. I promised to ensure that this message is communicated publicly so that all residents know where they stand.

Chris Petrie ● 4140d