BRUNSWICK & ADELAIDE WARD AND THE BRUNSWICK TOWN CONSERVATION AREA. We strongly identify with our locality, its community, and its Regency Heritage. We led the preservation of that identity with a petition to the Electoral Commission to reverse a proposal to split our Ward, and Conservation Area, across two new Wards. We remain vigilant for other dilution of that identity by the development of new Unitary Authority Local Development Planning Frameworks. As well as by encroaching, poorly argued, projects derived from current or passing vogues  - now  including the mix of Modernity, Sustainability, Affordable Housing and Climate Change. We thus follow closely, and contribute to, the performance of the statutory duties of the Council to preserve and / or enhance our important Conservation Area. We monitor all Planning Applications for that purpose - commenting where it is felt appropriate - and we contribute to the advice given by the City’s Conservation Area Group.  We believe in local Planning - as was the case until the late 1990s.

BRUNSWICK GARDENS. We have an established Garden Fund. Through donations from members we have planted many trees, partly as replacements after the devastation in 1987. A Regency Restoration Project is now in progress and staged works are taking place. That being possible with a generous launching Council Grant, and  help from Heritage and Gardens Institutions, local businesses, members’ funding events and donations. The intention being to recreate sufficient of the main 19c. planted layout, with a low maintenance profile. Balanced with retention of adequate open community space. We give close attention to the upkeep of the traditional railings, reinstalled by English Heritage, to the  gates, benches, safe entrances, litter control, various nuisances, and to limiting the damage caused by disposable BBQs. All essential for the maintenance of the Gardens and  aimed at their improvement for  safe, sensible and sociable public uses. We plan for  larger, seasonal litter bins, better signage, and new Heritage Notice dual use Boards when new Bye Laws are adopted.

ESTATE AGENTS BOARDS.  After proving that the Council agreed  Code of Practice was being grossly abused with serious degradation of the area, we worked with other Amenity Groups to have Notice Boards banned. The improvement in appearance of the Heritage Areas and  Listed Buildings has been a success. As has the creation of a level, easy to understand, playing field for all Estate Agents. Infringements are rare and, if necessary, our members’ strong view is made known.

PARKING and ROAD SAFETY.  Parking created terrible problem when uncontrolled. After much consultation /negotiation with the Local Authority we, and they, have undone the initially imposed Parking regime. We now have Traffic Orders in place for the maximum possible number of Residents bays, adequate disabled and motor cycle areas, shared bays to assist local traders/visitors and restriction of yellow lines to the minimum to meet essential safety requirements. Restriction of   additional  parking along the North of the Square to  night time only has preserved the long protected seaward vista, and helped late returners from work. We  are working towards better, and Heritage suitable, provision for bicycles  and improved safety at the garden gates. Also towards a 20mph speed limit. Residents’ Permits are, however, never sufficient and we lobby to retain off street parking against development pressures and for no additional Permits for  developments in our Zone.

THE WESTERN ROAD. The preservation of  the thriving and safe  shopping facilities required by residents, including a Post Office, is a constant concern of all the local Residents‘ Associations.. As is the safety of the roads and pavements.   The task of controlling, and reversing, the degradation of this street has been worsened by increases in the availability of alcohol, the downsides of the smoking ban, the proliferation of pavement obstructions, uncontrolled advertising and changes from Retail uses.. We are thus part of a concerted, on going, effort to persuade the Local Authority’s many interested Departments to develop a co-ordinated plan to improve and restore this key part of Brunswick Town.

STREET RUBBISH BINS. When Trials were mooted the Local Authority was persuaded that the  formal, Grade I Listed architectural settings of the  Square and Terrace would neither be enhanced nor conserved by placement of Communal Bins. But would be harmed. In 2007-8 we have, surprisingly, had to revisit that subject  and to ensure, as well as we can, that the majority, strong opinion against them on Heritage grounds, as an unsuitable ‘one size fits all’ proposed imposition, is again recognized. There are also strong concerns about the implications for road and residents’ safety - as well as some aspects of legality, costing  and consultation with changes of Governance ‘mid stream‘.

FREEHOLDS AND LEASEHOLDS.  We contribute to, and then monitor, legislative developments and make that experience available to members facing ownership changes or management problems..

We are always available to assist our members with their local concerns - and we work as closely as possible with the Ward Councillors in all these endeavours.