Local Group Kicks off Community Planning Campaign for St Ann's Hospital

Half the St Ann's site is now empty and unused

With the developer's axe coming closer by the day and fully half of the St Ann's Hospital site now lying unused, a local group is making a last-ditch attempt to secure a "community use" for the site.

Two local groups have been inspired by the success of campaigns like the community purchase of the Antwerp Arms in South Tottenham, Wards Corner and the St Clements Hospital site in Tower Hamlets which was taken over by a Community Land Trust to provide affordable homes. The Haringey Needs St Ann's Hospital Group and South Tottenham Community Development Group are collaborating on a community-led plan for the St Ann's Hospital site. Their aim is to achieve a future for the site that takes account of local needs in housing, health, employment and community benefit. Achieving this goal would entail a successful community-led alternative bid for the site. 

Empty buildings...empty beds...

As things stand in 2016, two-thirds of the St Ann's hospital site is to be sold off. Current proposals, which have received outline planning permission, are for 470 homes to be built by a private developer, with 14% of these homes classed as 'affordable'. The two local groups complain that these proposals take no account of the needs of the local community at a time of severe housing need and pressure on local health services. 

As a first step the group has lodged complaints with the local authority over the approval of the application to redevelop the St Ann's Hospital site earlier this year, They say "The planning sub-committee was misled and would not have supported the application if the health needs of the community were taken into account. We are seeking a Judicial Review of the council's decision and would welcome the support of any of you who have any experience of this, planning or the legal system. If you can help please get in touch".

Also unused: the nurses' home......

The next stage is a public meeting which seeks to involve a wider group from the local areas around the hospital. 

Public Meeting To Develop A Community-Led Plan For The St Ann's Hospital Site
Saturday 11th July, 1.30pm - 4.30pm
St Ann's Church Hall, Avenue Road, N15 5JG

There will be speakers, and a chance to discuss what people want to see on the site, to develop it as a asset for the community. Refreshments will be provided. The group says all are welcome.

Download a flyer for the meeting here.

Links

Haringey Needs St Ann's Hospital (HANSAH)

www.facebook.com/HaringeyNeedsStAnnsHospital

South Tottenham Community Development Group

Email: southtottenhamgroup@gmail.com
Website: southtottenhamcdg.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: facebook.com/STCDG
Twitter: @stcdgroup

More information about community led initiatives

wardscorner.org
www.antwerparms.co.uk
www.eastlondonclt.co.uk/#/st-clements/4576878498