Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth

Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, explained that the role of the London Assembly is to scrutinise the Mayor of London and hold the Mayor to account. The Assembly covers Transport for London, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and a number of development companies. They also review the Mayoral budget of £18bn, although London is now the only area that no longer gets grant for highways from central Government.

The Mayor declared a climate Emergency in 2018, so the Assembly is now holding to Mayor to account over his Action Plans. Leonie was the Chair of the Environment Committee 2016-18, and is now chair of Economy Committee. The committee will be reviewing carbon economy, working on the state of high street – how to keep alive, balance of big and small stores, business rates. Evidence provided to the committee included Helen Clarke Bell from Love Wimbledon as an expert witness.

The London Plan is now being finalised following consultation and examination in public. There is now a whole section on green infrastructure, good growth, housing targets, plus links to transport and environment strategies.

Leonie has spoken with the Deputy Mayor, Sophie Linden, about the closure of police stations and can confirm there is no plan to close Wimbledon police station. There will be a review of the estate needs across the South West London Command Unit.

A resident asked if in the new London Plan, Wimbledon is designated as a major urban area. Leonie said that the Mayor has made some adjustments following Inspectorate report including rejecting Green Belt and Fracking plans and it has now gone to Secretary State for review and approval. She will check with Deputy Mayor on Wimbledon’s status.

FOLLOWING THE MEETING: Wimbledon was designated as a Major Town Centre in the draft London Plan and an Opportunity Area. 

A question was asked about Travelcard price increases. Leonie said that the Mayor’s manifesto only referred to TfL fare freeze, and did not cover train fares.

A resident asked if Wimbledon police station definitely be kept open. Leonie said that with a promised increase in police (1369 in London initially) the Police will need additional space. We do not know yet how many officers will come to South West London BCU so they will need to review estate needs.

A resident said that the Mayor was keen on improving air quality yet has approved Silvertown Tunnel; that the London Plan targets for housing will have negative impact on local communities and he puts too much pressure on councils to approve development that will be negative for well-being. Leonie said that the independent Inspectorate thought plan targets and mix was not appropriate so recommended some reductions. London is not a homogenous city, and the Mayors team, which looks at developments, is starting to challenge bad design more often. This is a difficult task but it is good to have a strategic authority having an overview.

Merton had missed out on mini-Holland money, and did not bid for Liveable Neighbourhood so is there a reason why cycling infrastructure is not being invested in. Leonie said she was not aware of any reason why future a bid would not be successful.

There is huge frustration with delays on the District Line caused by signals. Leonie said that the line is being upgraded but benefits not being felt yet.

A resident asked if it would be possible to review the effect of the Public Transport Accessibility Level rating on development. Leonie said this is unlikely to be reviewed and has been in use for a long time. Crossrail 2 is the solution to increasing capacity for public transport in Wimbledon.

A resident asked about affordable housing quotas. The Mayor sets targets for social housing but has to take into account need to raise funds to pay for development.