Go-ahead for 'eyesore' complex

19 March 2010

RAINHAM campaigners who were successful in their opposition of the Dovers Corner development (see opposite page) fared less well with library plans

The new library building, to be sited next to Rainham station and the new transport interchange, is part of the multi-million pound Rainham Compass strategy to revitalise the area.

It was labelled an "uninspiring eyesore reminiscent of a workhouse" by objector Cllr Coral Jeffery (Rain, RRG) who aired strong views against the plan on behalf of residents.

But despite her passionate appeal to reject the scheme it was approved by a majority of votes with the exception of Cllr Mike Winter (St Andrews, RA) and Cllr Tom Binding (Sth Horn, Lab).

The part two-storey and part five-storey building consists of a library, lifelong learning centre, conference room, shop and café on the ground floor, a large hall for meetings, a smaller meeting room, and a playgroup.

The scheme also includes 16 flats (a mixture of one-bedroom and two-bedroom), a toilet for bus drivers to use, a public open space and cycle parking.

No car parking was included because of the central location and the proximity of public transport, but Cllr Jeffery said this was "a serious oversight".

Cllr Jeffery also criticised the "lopsided design", the inclusion of flats which residents said in the consultation they did not want, the area outside the station being "too small", and the inadequate provisions for the playgroup.

She asked for Ofsted to be consulted on the playgroup's balcony play area to ensure it met health and safety requirements, to extend membership age to include children aged two to five (as the playgroup in the current Rainham Library in The Broadway allows) rather than three to five as the plan specified, and an extra toilet to be added.

She also asked for the balconies to be removed from the flats which otherwise "will be adorned with washing and look like the new-build slums in Barking", and for electronic gates to The Phoenix pub car park to prevent unauthorised parking.

Cllr Jeffery said: "Planning law may be met by every single part of this project, but Rainham's needs and aspirations aren't met by any.

"It's a cheap and ugly building. It's over-development and is as inaccessible as it can be without it being on the moon.

"It cheapens the Compass aspirations with one fell swoop."

Graham Williamson, chairman of community association Adamsgate Action Group said after the meeting he too thought the flats, which he dubbed "rabbit hutches", would be "unsightly", parking was "inadequate" and that it was a "similar monstrosity" of a plan to the rejected Dovers Corner proposal.

But the planning officer's report, which was largely supported by members, said the scheme would "suitably enhance the special character and appearance of the Rainham Conservation area".

It also said the complex would be "a crucial component in the regeneration of Rainham" and "provide improved community facilities and an enhanced public realm which would better visually and functionally integrate the site into Rainham Village".

The final planning decision lies with the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, the decision-making authority for large-scale schemes in the area, who are due to consider this scheme on April 8.

To comment on the plans write to London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, 9th Floor, South Quay Plaza 3, 189 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SH.