Open the Babington Road Consultation ... - Lambeth Council

BABINGTON ROAD 

SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION

BABINGTON ROAD 

SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION 

TEAM: 

URBAN MOVEMENT 

PROJECT MANAGER: 

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN 

36-40 York Way 

London N1 9AB 

+44 (0)20 7843 3165 

hello@urbanmovement.co.uk 

www.urbanmovement.co.uk 

PROJECT DIRECTOR: 

IAN HINGLEY 

DATE: 

MARCH 2013

March 2013 

contents 

INTRODUCTION 4 

THE CONSULTATION PROCESS 4 

THE PROPOSALS 5 

COMMENTS 10

INTRODUCTION 

Why are we improving Babington Road? 

In 2012, the northern end of Babington Road was 

selected as the location for Streatham’s new 

fortnightly street market, As a result, Lambeth 

Council’s Transportation team was asked to 

develop proposals to create a better public space 

for the area; one less dominated by traffic, more 

suited to host the market and other community 

events, and better connected to Streatham Green. 

What changes are we proposing? 

••The top of Babington Road to become a shared 

space, with through traffic no longer allowed 

between Mitcham Lane and Babington Road, 

although a route out for large lorries will be 

maintained. 

••The creation of two new piazza areas that 

could host the market and other events. The 

southern piazza could also host an outside 

seating area for The Manor Arms (subject to 

licencing approval). 

••New trees and seating. 

••A new loading bay will be introduced on 

Fernwood Avenue to service businesses on the 

western side of Mitcham Lane. 

The project was also working with Transport for 

London to see if a pedestrian crossing could be 

introduced on Mitcham Lane. 

The Consultation Process 

The consultation started with a Meet the Design 

Team event at the new street market on the 16th 

December 2012, where members of the design 

team exhibited the design proposals and were 

available to answer questions and hear views at 

the Babington Road market. A further Meet the 

Design Team session was held on 3rd February 

2013. 

The flyer (right) was sent to 7,299 residents and 

businesses in the local area. 

A Public Exhibition ran from 11th January - 19th 

February 2013, with the design proposals being 

on display at: 

• The Manor Arms on Babington Road (every day 

between 12 noon and 11pm). 

• Gracefield Gardens Customer Service Centre 

(Mon-Fri between 9am-5pm). 

The consultation deadline was extended for 

residents of William Dyce Mews because they 

did not receive the original flyer that publicised 

the consultation events. At all events and at the 

exhibition a questionnaire was also available for 

people to use to feedback and tell the council 

what they thought. The proposals could also 

be viewed on the council website for the entire 

length of the consultation process, where you 

could complete the on-line questionnaire. 

295 people completed a questionnaire form 

and several more made comments via email, 

meaning over 300 people took part. 

Changes made to the designs 

The design team received some very useful 

feedback and this has helped to inform design 

revisions. The main change is the removal of 

the stepped piazza areas and the removal of the 

proposed loading bay on Fernwood Avenue. Some 

respondents asked that the scheme included a 

new entrance into Streatham Green so that the 

two spaces were better joined together. The 

design team prepared some sketch proposal 

options but following a meeting with members 

of the Friends of Streatham Green and a ward 

councillor, it was agreed that this would be 

progressed as part of the Babington Road 

scheme. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABINGTON ROAD SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION 

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5

16th December 2012, 1200-1600: First market consultation event 


6

3rd February 2013, 1200-1600: Second market consultation event 


7

BABINGTON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 

QUESTIONNAIRE 

1 . D oyou support the proposal to close the northern end of Babington Road 

to through traffic whilst still allowing an exit out onto Mitcham Lane for large 

vehicles? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

2. Do you support the shared use of the pavement in front of the Doctor 

Johnson House to maintain vehicle access? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

3. Do you support the creation of two plazas to host a street market? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

4. Do you support other events taking place on the plaz as? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

5. Do you support the use of the southern plaza as an outdoor seating area 

for the Manor Arms public h o u s e? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

6. Do you support the installation of two circular tree seats around the 

existing mature t r ees? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

7 . you D o support the introduction of a loading facility on Fernwood A v e n u e? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

8. Do you support the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Mitcham L a n e? 

YES 

NO 

COMMENT ? 

NAME: 

ANY MORE COMMENTS ? 

ADDRESS: 

For further information 

contact: 

George Wright 

gwright@lambeth.gov.uk 

RESEARCH | PLANNING | STRATEGY | DESIGN 

Consultation Questionnaire 


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Consultation Poster 


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QUESTION 1 

Do you support the proposal to close the northern end of Babington Road to 

through traffic whilst still allowing an exit out onto Mitcham Lane for large 

vehicles? 

81% SUPPORT (YES) 

17% AGAINST (NO) 

GENERAL ISSUES 

A significant majority of respondents 

supported the proposed road clsoure, with 

many expressing concern about rat running 

traffic along Babington Road. 

Several respondents said they would like to 

see the road closed to all vehicles expcept 

cyclists. 

Some respondents were concerned that a 

closure would lead to an increase in traffic 

on the surrounding streets roads. 

Some residents living close to the road 

closure strongly objected to the proposed 

closure as it would take longer by car to get 

to and from their properties. 

Some respondents were worried about a 

loss of on-street parking and the overall 

pressure on parking across the area. 

Some people were worried about the spaces 

being used for street drinkers. 

RESPONSE 

This was a key element driving the scheme 

and we are pleased to see residents have 

responded well to it. 

This can be investigated, however currently 

Babington Road can not accommodate a 

turning circle for large vehicles. 

We have taken traffic counts and these have 

been sent to Transport for London who will 

take the final decision as the surrounding 

roads are controlled by them. 

We accept that some drivers of vehicles 

will have a longer journey but hope this 

inconvenience is offset by the wider benefits 

of the scheme. Several residents living 

close to the closure also support it. 

The implemented scheme will be parking 

neutral. Some form of controlled parking 

zone may reduce the parking stress in the 

area but that will not be progressed as part 

of this scheme. 

Research suggests that ‘street drinkers’ 

gather in places that are not used by others. 

This space is busy, due to the bus stops, 

the Mosque and the pub, and will probably 

get busier if the scheme is delivered. This 

should detract any ‘street drinkers’ from 

using the space. 

SELECTED COMMENTS 

I would further support a restriction to all vehicles 

Access for cyclists should be maintained on both directions. 

Would be absolutely fantastic to have something close to pedestrianised patches in this such 

high traffic area 

But concerned about the impact on parking on surrounding streets already struggling to 

manage volume 

Should also have a cycle lane though 

I am a babington road resident and support the idea. The road is currently used to avoid traffic 

lights on mitcham lane with cars using it at high speed. 

As a resident of william dyce mews this will severley impact our access and egress into our 

properties 


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QUESTION 2 

Do you support the shared use of the pavement in front of the Doctor Johnson 

House to maintain vehicle access? 




A significant majority supported this 

proposal and several stated it was 

important to ensure that the closure was 

enforced so people can make the most of the 

space. and vehicles obey the closure. 

People were keen to see cycle parking 

included within the scheme in this area. 

Some respondents wanted to see the 

complete closure of this part of Babington 

Road. 

Some respondents expressed a concern 

about the potential for increased traffic on 

surrounding streets. 

RESPONSE 

The closure can be enforced through 

cameras to make sure it is obeyed. 

Cycle Parking has been provided and LB 

Lambeth are committed to improving 

conditions for cycling throughout the 

Borough. 

It is currently not possble to accommodate 

a turning circle for large vehicles, so a route 

out for them is necessary. It should be very 

few lorries each week day and at weekend 

the whole area will be a Pedestrian Zone. 

We have taken traffic counts and these have 

been sent to Transport for London who will 

take the final decision as the surrounding 

roads are controlled by them. 


As long as regular traffic doesn’t just go through it anyway - will need enforcing! 

Vehicle access should be restricted to essential use (deliveries, disabled access). 

Access should be for pedestrians and cyclists only. People can get out of their vehicles and 

walk to/past Doctor Johnson house 

You should make it motor vehicle free, Streatham High Road is already heavily polluted by 

motor vehicle fumes and please make sure there is plenty of bike parking facilities 

This would again cause problems as a resident due to ongoing congestion 


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QUESTION 3 

Do you support the creation of two piazzas to host a street market? 




A large majority supported this proposal 

and respondents were excited that this 

space could become a new focal point for 

Streatham. 

Some respondents hoped more shoppers 

would be drawn to the area which would 

help improve the local economy. Some also 

wanted the street market to operate weekly. 

Concern was expressed about the creation 

of new areas with steps that could create a 

trip/fall hazard, that could pose difficuties 

for disabled people. 

Some respondents wanted better links from 

the new space and into Streatham Green. 

RESPONSE 

The positive feedback is welcomed. 

The market and other community events will 

draw people to the area and help support 

the local economy. Markets have proved 

successful in re-vitalising areas all over 

London, staring with Borough Market, and 

similar results can be seen on Broadway 

Market and Chatsworth Road Market. 

The designs have been modified to remove 

any steps. 

Some sketch desgins were developed 

but will not be progressed as part of this 

scheme. 


It’s a very welcome idea 

Really exciting change to streatham, which will improve the environment and be a draw for 

people to shop in streatham 

Wonderful idea, yes, please 

Just what is needed in streatham - great idea 

Use the existing space in streatham green and develop the piazzas there. 

Incentives should be offered to stallholders to make this a larger weekly event, it’s great for 

the area 

A welcome addition to the neighbourhood and a great thing for streatham 


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QUESTION 4 

Do you support other events taking place on the piazzas? 




A large majority supported this proposal 

and respondents were excited that this 

space could become a new focal point for 

Streatham and bring life to the area. 

People were excited about the possible 

range of activities that the community could 

organise and participate in, commenting 

on the opportunity for picnics, music and 

dances. 

People raised concern over the potential 

increase in noise due to the market/events. 

People raised concern over the potential 

increase in rubbish due to the market/ 

events. 

RESPONSE 

The scheme intended to revitalise this area 

and create a space for the community and 

local residents. We welcome the positive 

feedback. 

The space offers a great opportunity for 

local residents and the wider community to 

organise events that they see fit. 

Any potential events would be carefully 

controlled by the Council's licencing and 

enforcement teams. 

Any events would need to take responsibilty 

for returning the area to the condition in 

which they found it. 


Would need to be careful of noise levels which would affect local residents (so, the market 

should be fine but music might be a problem). 

Bringing life to streatham will be a positive move - small scale activities have no obvious 

place to streaham at present due to the road layout so this small space is welcome 

As long as they do not create a disturbance to local residents 

It’s time we had proper events taking place in the public spaces - it’s an essential part of 

regeneration. 


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QUESTION 5 

Do you support the use of the southern plaza by the Manor Arms public house as 

an out door seating area? 




A large majority supported this proposal. 

However some concern was expressed 

about an increase in noise if this was 

allowed and an increase in the number of 

people drinking in the area. 

RESPONSE 

The space would be licensed to the pub and 

therefore would be under constant review. 

If resident complaints were filed this license 

would have to be reviewed. The pub would 

be charged with controlling their customers 

noise levels. 


They are fantastic with children!! 

Very good idea. 

Manor arms is perfect how it is 

Brilliant! 

Again, consideration of the residents should be made - there might need to be a time restriction 

e.g. No use after 11pm. 

Provided they engage the community and provide community friendly events as well 

They already have an outdoor garden bar on site. People drinking outside in full view of the 

mosque, passing children and people waiting at the bus stop would not set a good example. 


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QUESTION 6 

Do you support the installation of two circular tree seats around the existing 

mature trees? 




A large majority supported this proposal. 

Several respondents expressed an interest 

to see more seating along the wall of the 

Green. 

Concern was expressed that new public 

seating would be used by street drinkers. 

Respondents wanted more planting. 

RESPONSE 

Additional seating is now proposed along the 

wall. 

Research suggests that ‘street drinkers’ 

gather in places that are not used by others. 

This space is busy, due to the bus stops, 

the mosque and the pub, and will get busier 

when the scheme is delivered. This should 

detract any ‘street drinkers’ from using the 

space. 

New trees will be planted as part of the 

scheme. 


Great idea, would give the green area more of a village feel. 

Police need to prevent use of this area (and the green) by street drinkers. 

Further trees should be added for local wildlife 

So long as anti-social drinking and khat chewing is controlled 


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QUESTION 7 

Do you support the introduction of a loading facility on Fernwood Avenue? 




Numerous people raised concern over the 

reduction in parking on Fernwood Avenue 

because of the Loading Bay. 

RESPONSE 

In response to these concerns the Loading 

Bay has been removed from the scheme. 


The loading access should be adjacent to the businesses, locating the loading area here will 

cause more problems than it solves. 

Fernwood avenue is a residential road, too small for big veicle loading and unloading 


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QUESTION 8 

Do you support the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Mitcham Lane? 




People were keen to see this happen as it 

would allow easier and safer pedestrian 

movement between the shops, and through 

the area as a whole. Those against the 

proposal tended to be concerned about the 

impact a new crossing would have on traffic 

flows on Mitcham Lane. 

RESPONSE 

A number of people have raised the issue 

that it is hard to cross the road at this point, 

and this is why a crossing was explored. The 

final decision on this will rest with TfL. 


More is needed to keep people safe in Streatham 

This is currently a death trap, especially for people leaving the religious buildings and negotiating 

around stationary traffic and buses. A pedestrian crossing is sorely needed. 

Absolutely. The road is a nightmare to cross on the way to the station every morning and 

evening, and I can’t remember a time when I haven’t had to run at least part of the way to 

avoid oncoming cars that swing round the corner. 

Quite a difficult road to cross as a pedestrian due to traffic and large number of buses! 

In theory - that junction is terrible for vehicles by St Leonards Church. Adding a pedestrian 

crossing is likely to worsen it. However a crossing should be put in place 

But already travel bottlle neck 


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Open the Babington Road Consultation ... - Lambeth Council

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