Broomhill - Sheffield

Broomhill FORUM - a meeting point for all local Community Groups

from The Banger
March 2003

A VISION FOR BROOMHILL

The Broomhill Forum hosted a lively consultation meeting on 30th January. Encouraged by coverage in the previous Friday's Sheffield Telegraph and by local publicity, flyers, etc, over 150 people took part. Poster displays from community groups and other organisations with a stake in Broomhill lined the walls, and representatives from these bodies also took part in the evening. As they arrived, everyone was given a questionnaire to fill in, to say what they liked and disliked about Broomhill, and to express their hopes and fears for the area.

Participants were divided into six groups. First, the groups shared their likes and dislikes about Broomhill. Then they were asked to come up with suggestions making for a better Broomhill in the future. They were also asked to say what we needed to build a clearer understanding about. The results of each group's work were fed back to everyone at the end of the meeting. As they left the meeting, over 100 people handed in their completed questionnaires.

Analysis of the questionnaires has revealed that what people liked most about Broomhill were its shops and amenities, its diverse community, its ready access to both city and countryside, its architectural and Victorian character, its friendliness and village feel, and its green-ness. By some margin, traffic and parking headed the list of dislikes. Next came litter, fly-posting and graffiti, overdevelopment and loss of family houses to multiple occupation, and fast-food takeaways.

The hopes expressed in the questionnaires were for Broomhill to retain its best features and lose some of its worst: to remain a mixed, diverse, vibrant community retaining its historic character and amenities; for traffic to be reduced and parking controls introduced and effectively enforced; for there to be no further increase in multiple occupancy. Not surprisingly, the fears expressed were the mirror image of the hopes: unchecked growth in multiple occupancy and property development, and in traffic and deterioration of shopping amenity. There seemed to be mixed feelings about students: whilst contributing to the vitality of the area, many feared further growth in their numbers.

The feedback from the groups had told much the same story. People wanted houses remaining in single occupation, a balanced, diverse and tolerant community, a less congested and more pedestrian-friendly environment, cleaner streets, conservation of the Victorian heritage and green spaces, and better quality and diversity of shops. They felt we needed to build a clearer understanding about "each other" such as between students and other residents, about being better neighbours, about transport issues and the impact of our own travel decisions, about the Council's plans for the area as well as the University's plans for its student housing, and about how best to safeguard the delicate balance between the diverse interest groups with a stake in Broomhill.

The Sheffield Telegraph followed up the next week with a useful summary of the findings of the consultation. For BANG, this very successful event sends clear messages to the Council as it updates its Unitary Development Plan &endash; stronger protection is needed of the residential, environmental and shopping amenities of the Broomhill Conservation Area we have fought to defend against the tide of multiple occupancy and excessive traffic. The event also shows BANG the value of the Forum as an umbrella organisation in which the views of residents can be shared with those representing local institutions and businesses, and then channelled to the Council and news media.

The Forum is now drawing up a succinct vision statement reflecting the outputs from the event. This will form the basis of a further public consultation, at 6.30 pm on 7 May (at the Broomhill Methodist Church), to develop specific objectives for the Broomhill community.

December 2002

YOUR VISION FOR BROOMHILL

Thursday 30 January 2003, 6.30 to 8.00 pm, Methodist Church. Your chance to have your say about the future of Broomhill, hear what others want for Broomhill, guide the Broomhill Forum to benefit the Broomhill community as a whole, and tell the Council what its new Unitary Development Plan should do for Broomhill. The Broomhill community is a vibrant and diverse mix of permanent and student residents, and educational, health and business organisations. All are represented at the Broomhill Forum. Through this event, the Forum aims to start building a consensus on what we all want for Broomhill over thecoming years.

Key stakeholders have been invited to prepare displays showing what they want to achieve in and for Broomhill over the next 10 to 20 years. To set the scene, there will be a .Display of the History of Broomhill. These displays will be on show from 3.30 pm until 8.30 pm on the day. Everyone with a stake in Broomhill, whether as permanent resident, university or school student, or someone working in Broomhill in education, health, business or commerce, is invited to come and see the displays, see an electronic presentation from the Broomhill Forum and share in a Consultation Workshop event from 6.30 to 8.00 pm.

Light refreshments will be served from 5.30 pm.

12 June 2002

Broomhill Forum workshop, Vision for Broomhill, daytime, details to follow

December 2001

Broomhill Forum - meeitngs on 26 September & 12 December: In September, the University of Sheffield Director of Estates presented the University's proposed changes to the management of its residential properties. Forum chair echoed several concerns expressed, in stressing the importance of building community needs and views into the contract with the private company that will be running the accommodation. Council officers presented the forthcoming survey on parking and traffic; discussion revealed strong support for a pedestrian crossing at Newbould Lane-Glossop Road junction for the sake of school children's safety. Crime reports highlighted reduced police staffing levels and increased car crime and muggings, many involving young people. In December, Cllr Paul Scriven reported that prosecution of venues benefiting from fly posting was now imminent. By December, 6 of the 8 newly sponsored litterbins had appeared on the streets. Richard Allan MP had secured an undertaking from the Government that legislation would outlaw the future removal of pub licences such as had recently caused such outrage amongst Broomhill residents. The Forum also heard that health hazards related to telecoms masts were not admissible as grounds for refusal of planning permission. Following adoption of a new constitution to assure a representative executive, the Forum discussed the need to involve local retailers more fully. Jo Rowntree reported that the Botanical Gardens restoration was going well, the Pavilions to be opened in September 2002.

VISION FOR BROOMHILL: The December Forum agreed to set up a working group to develop a strategic vision for the future of Broomhill. The forthcoming review of the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is a once-a-decade opportunity for the community to influence the strategic framework used by the Council in planning matters, such as decisions on planning applications. For example, the current

UDP classes Broomhill as a housing area, in which non-housing uses are approved only if they pass stringent tests. Policies relating to other areas such as health, housing, education and transport could also be informed by "bottom-up" strategic thinking at neighbourhood level. An inner suburb has particular strengths and difficulties. How might these be optimised over the coming decade or decades? What do we want Broomhill to become over the next 10, 20 or even 30 years? How do we see it relating to neighbouring areas and to the city as a whole? What mix of populations, activities, and inter-relationships amongst these do we want to see? Whilst we cannot predict or control our future, that is no reason not to try to influence it. BANG will be represented on the Forum's visioning group.Any comments click here

August 2000

Broomhill Forum
At the meeting of the Forum on 17 May the local plague of graffiti and fly posting was discussed. Following the "Adopt a Lamppost" slogan some Broomhill residents have been taking direct action by using secateurs and other instruments to take down fly posters as soon as they are put up and this has proved successful to a certain extent. However, clearly a more satisfactory long term solution needs to be found. In the same connection no solution has yet been found to the graffiti problem. The next meeting of the Broomhill Forum will be on Wednesday 13 September 2000 at 4.00 pm in the lounge at St Mark's Church, Broomfield Road. The Peel Street/Nile Street Whitbread Public House application will be discussed, as too will the possibility of a pedestrian crossing at Newbould Lane/Glossop Road. A representative from Grimebusters will be present at this Broomhill Forum meeting to discuss the matter of graffiti and fly posting in Broomhill. Also on the agenda will be the regular Crime Report and an update on transport matters.

June 2000

Broomhill Forum, 17 May 2000
A major item was the discussion of Area Panels. The panel for the Broomhill area covers Broomhill/Sharrow/Nether Edge. So far Area Panels have been ineffectual, however, Sheffield Council has gone over to a cabinet system and all committees have been axed. Accordingly Area Panels in future will have more decision-making powers and have access to financial support. BANG with the Forum wish to be strongly represented on the Area Panel. On previous occasions Council Officers have been invited to Forum meetings. On this occasion the Enforcement Officer who was invited, informed the Forum on regulations and policy in regard to food outlets, restaurants, take-aways etc. Also on the agenda was the matter of graffiti and fly-posting. The Chairman invited all Broomhill residents to "adopt a lamp post" and tear down all offending fly-posters, now stuck up with dangerous plastic clips. The problem of noise and disturbance caused by those returning from clubs in the early morning now seems to have been solved, thanks to the efforts of the BANG committee members.

Aug. 1999

Broomhill Forum - a Way Forward
The Broomhill Forum was set up in 1995 and had as its original aims i) to maintain and improve harmony between those who live/work in the area and ii) to maintain and improve the environment. Various 'organisations', which in different ways represent the life of the Broomhill community, the universities, the churches, the traders and business community, BANG, local residents, local schools, local amenities like the Botanical Gardens, the Broomhill Festival committee, Work with Older People, and those who serve the Broomhill community, the police, the various Council services, the local councillors etc., were brought together. At a recent meeting of the Forum there was general agreement regarding the need for an Executive, which would plan agendas, handle correspondence, finance etc. Agreement was also reached regarding representation on the Executive, rotation of the chair and the need for secretarial support and finance. BANG will, of course, be represented on the Executive and will nominate one of its members to serve.

June 1999

Broomhill Forum, 19 May 1999
The first major item on the agenda was the presentation of the Crime Report. The total number of crimes reported was 105, broken down in the usual way as Burglary Dwellings, Burglary Sheds/Garages/Offices, Theft from the Person, Theft from Motor Vehicles, Theft of Motor Vehicles etc.
The figures for 'J' District, April to April, showed a reduction of crime of 6%. The breakdown of offences street by street evoked most interest from residents present. Not announced at this meeting was the fact that the Home Office has directed monies to various districts in Sheffield of which Broomhill will be one for a Burglary Prevention Project.
A report was made on the University applications to sell off lands round its halls of residence in order to build luxury homes and flats. Concern at this massive residential development in Broomhill had led to a wave of objections from local residents, local councillors, university students and staff, Birkdale School and many other bodies. Also discussed was the continuing problem of noise and disturbance caused by those returning from clubs in the early morning. Birkdale School had lodged an official complaint with the University for criminal damage caused to its premises.

March 1999

Broomhill Forum, 20 January 1999
The police presented crime figures for Broomhill which showed that the area does not have a high incidence of reported crime, except for car crime, especially in the area around the Hallamshire Hospital. Work should start soon on the entrance gates to the Botanical Gardens and on the curator's house, which will become a restaurant. The next meeting on Wednesday 24 March at 4 p.m. will include a progress report on the Stone Grove Maternity Hospital.

Dec. 1998

Broomhill Forum
A meeting of the Broomhill Forum was held on 25 November 1998 in St. Mark's Church Lounge at 4.00 p.m.. The police representatives presented crime figures for the Broomhill area focusing on house burglaries, purse snatching, aggressive begging etc. A strong recommendation was made for property marking. For this and other such matters advice can be received from the police, contact number 2964923. The matter of the phasing of the traffic lights at the junction of Fulwood Road and Manchester Road had also been raised with the authorities by a BANG member. Following the police report on crime figures the forum heard an update on the Botanical Gardens. and a progress report on the proposed Community Magazine. There is a BANG representative on the committee for the Community Magazine. Under any other business the forum discussed: a) late night noise & disturbance in Broomhill; b) the High School application for closure of Melbourne Avenue to pedestrian access; c) the Chandos Street pub decision and d) parking in Westbourne Road. Members' comments on these matters can also be be addressed to the BANG secretary.

June 1998

Announcement

The next meeting of the Broomhill Forum will be held at 4.00 p.m., on Wednesday, 15 July 1998 in St. Mark's Church Lounge. The impact of the Stonegrove Maternity Hospital and the developments at the Children's Hospital will be discussed, as will the impact of the closure of the hospital car parks on the local area. Any Broomhill resident can attend the meeting and raise issues of concern to them. The meetings are chaired by one of the Broomhill councillors.

Feb. 1997

Broomhill Forum
At the November meeting one of the Broomhill constables, reported on incidence of reported crime in the area. Although there are a number of burglaries and thefts from houses, this is not as bad as in several other parts of the city. Violent crimes are also rare. Auto crime, however, is a serious problem in the area, as many of us know to our cost. He encouraged people to report all crime, as the level of reported crime affects the targeting of resources by the police.

The January meeting was sparsely attended, with no representative from Sheffield University. The transport policy document of Sheffield University, which members of the Forum were given at the January meeting was briefly discussed and the point was made that there really should be some consultation between both Universities on evolving a joint policy as far as running transport facilities for students and staff is concerned.

Nov. 1995

Broomhill Forum
This Forum, was set up by our new Labour Councillor, in order to find a way of mitigating the impact of the two Universities on the residents of the Broomhill Ward. The first meeting took place at the Rutland Hotel on Wednesday, 22 November. The main aims of the Forum are to: maintain and improve harmony between those who live and work in the area; and maintain and improve the environment. Another councillor was also present, as were representatives of Hallam University, the police, the Council's Crime Prevention Officer and Environmental Officer and representatives from the Housing and Cleansing Departments. The Chamber of Trade was represented. The Headmaster of King Edward Vll School attended as did several Broomhill residents and the Secretary as BANG representative. Much of the meeting was taken up with traffic and car crime but hopefully future meetings will deal with the specific pressure on the area created by the large number of short term residents in the area. The next meeting of the Forum is on Wednesday, 24 January 1996, and if anyone has any particular points they wish to have raised then please contact the Secretary.

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