In an open letter to Councillor Tracey

Putney Labour Party has written an open letter to councillors at Wandsworth Council asking for clarity on issues raised by local residents about the proposed development of the hospital site on Putney Common.

Letters have been sent to Councillor Kathy Tracey, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, as well as Thamesfield’s Conservative representatives, Councillors Ryder, Madden and Torrington.

The letter reads:

Dear Councillor Kathy Tracey,

I am writing as Chair of Putney Labour Party regarding the council’s planned development of the Putney Hospital site.

Putney Labour Party welcomes the site being put to use in some way, as it has remained derelict for far too long. We also recognise there is an increased demand for primary school places in Wandsworth as a whole.

However, there were significant objections raised by local residents during the consultation on the site development plan in its current form. I am writing to ask what adjustments to the plans will be made in light of these concerns. In particular;

1. Traffic flow in the area. What assessments of the environmental impact of the development have been made? How will you make a realistic prediction of car use?
2. School places. What guarantees can you offer local parents that their children will have priority when it comes to places at the new school given that its location will attract pupils from neighbouring boroughs?
3. Housing affordability. What efforts is the Council making to ensure that housing built as part of the new development will be affordable to local residents?
I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

Stephanie Driver
Chair, Putney Labour Party

November 1, 2012