On Tuesday last we received the good news that planning permission had been granted by Westminster Council Planners for the Pineapple Project. That small part which is related to the Church will have to go through the Faculty process now but receiving the planning permission means our fund raising and applications for grants can finally start in earnest. The overall sum aimed for is £1.5 million and we have already received £260,000. At the end of 2021 we will review and either be in a position to commission the whole works in the following year or phase the works and do what we can afford at that point.
The story of any journey towards planning permission may be thought to be about the paperwork but really it is about people. People were involved in the three local community consultations that took place back in March, though the national lockdown meant that only the first could take place fully as planned, the following two having to be virtual and by phone. Our architect, Matthew Lloyd, and his colleagues were a constant throughout, guiding and supporting the process and us here at Church. Others came and went as required, making their own contribution – one such was Nick Collins of Portico who composed an excellent Heritage Statement, a requirement of the Westminster Planners whose own team were part of this journey of course, making three visits over all in their thoroughness and dedication. Researching the archives for history and background, photographs and evidence was also a vital ingredient, taking considerable time on the part of the three people involved here. People not paperwork! A great outcome for collegiality and commitment, reinforcing the guiding principle of serving those in need which lies at the heart of this project.
