"Aeroplane wing" fails to take off at 163 Iverson Road

With all the hullabaloo over the other development, my attention has been diverted from what's happening at 163 Iverson Road - the site of the former garden centre, and right next to the new Thameslink station.

The plans are now in for 33 flats and 3 houses on the site. When the developers presented their initial proposals at the Camden Development Forum back in early November, there was considerable resistance to the scheme overall, to some of the details, and in particular to the dramatic "wing" roof. 

Correspondence from the council's planning department suggests that planners were less reticent about the new look, and deemed it "exciting". However, when the final plans were submitted in December, the roof design had been watered down.

In fact, the developers have accommodated quite a lot of the issues raised both by Camden and by residents, including lowering the overall height. Obviously, those locals who objected to the whole concept are probably going to be disappointed.

The most interesting feature of the building is the southern elevation, where stilts have been used to create a dramatic railway view apartment.

southern elevation (with original roof design)

To see all the documents, head to Camden's planning database and enter 2012/0099/P in the Application number box, and then scroll down to find "View Related Documents". I recommend looking at the various Design & Access Statements for a good overview, the Appendices document, and the Ecological survey from page 24 onwards. Also, who knew a bat survey would cost £4,000?

Consultation closes on February 17th, and you can e-mail them to planning@camden.gov.uk.

187-199 West End Lane "non compliant" with London Plan

It looks like the proposed 203 unit development, of which more here and here, will have to go before City Hall. Camden has been advised to reject it because it does not comply with certain aspects of the London Plan. Having seen a tweet linking to this Hampstead & Kilburn Conservatives news item saying that "Boris objects" to the scheme, I did a little digging.

It's stretching it a bit to say he "objects". This is based on a report by the GLA's Development & Environment Directorate. The comments are advisory, and say that Camden must consult City Hall when it makes its decision on the application, at which point the Mayor can accept, refuse, or reassess the application. 

Before you all get too excited/angry/worked up, it's worth noting immediately that the scale of the proposed buildings is not the main concern (although the report talks about buildings 5 to 11 storeys high, when in fact the tallest building is 12 storeys high).

It is also worth noting that the issues raised by the Directorate are also deemed to be addressable. The recommendation is "That Camden Council be advised that the application does not comply with the London Plan, for the reasons set out in paragraph 108 of this report; but that the possible remedies set out in paragraph 110 of this report could address these deficiencies".

If you want to read the whole document, then I've highlighted some of the key paragraphs, but paragraphs 108-110 are written out below (emphasis mine).

108 London Plan policies on noise, vibration, air quality, design, access, heritage, housing, affordable housing, climate change and transport are relevant to this application. The application complies with some of these policies but not with others, for the following reasons:

• Principle of development (non compliant): Further testing is required regarding the noise, vibration and air quality conditions created across the site, in particular at the western apex which is proposed to accommodate affordable housing.
  
• Affordable housing, mix, tenure and density (non compliant): Further testing of the appraisal has been commissioned by Camden Council. The findings will inform further discussion regarding these policy areas.
  
• Urban design (non compliant): further testing and analysis is required on the townscape and heritage views. The layout of block G needs further work.
  
• Access (compliant): the provision of wheelchair accessible homes, Lifetime Homes and disabled parking should be conditioned by Camden Council.
  
• Climate change mitigation (compliant): the energy strategy is broadly supported.
  
• Climate change adaptation (compliant): conditions should secure water use targets and green and brown roofs and walls.
  
• Noise and vibration (non compliant): the noise impact is a concern and mitigation and design measures need to be secured. The suitability of the site for residential, particularly and the western apex is being considered in further detail.
  
• Air quality (non compliant): air quality impact is a concern and is being considered in further detail.
  
• Transport (non compliant): a contribution to fund enhancements at West Hampstead station may be required. Clarification of the trip generation methodology and number of trips at West Hampstead station is also required. A more robust and coherent travel plan is needed with associated funding and targets including a monitoring strategy.

109 On balance, the application does not comply with the London Plan.

110 The following changes might, however, remedy the above-mentioned deficiencies, and could possibly lead to the application becoming compliant with the London Plan:

• Principle of development (non compliant): Further testing is required regarding the noise, vibration and air quality conditions created across the site, in particular at the western apex which is proposed to accommodate affordable housing.
• Affordable housing, mix, tenure and density (non compliant): The findings will inform further discussion regarding these policy areas.
• Urban design (non compliant): the design team should consider verifying the views from the south and provide commentary on any potential heritage impacts. The layout of block G needs further work.
• Noise and vibration (non compliant): the noise impact is a concern and mitigation and design measures need to be secured. The suitability of the site for residential, particularly and the western apex is being considered in further detail.
• Air quality (non compliant): the air quality information is being further considered by the CLA.
• Transport (non compliant): a contribution to fund enhancements at West Hampstead station may be required. Clarification of the trip generation methodology and number of trips at West Hampstead station is also required. A more robust and coherent travel plan is needed with associated funding and targets including a monitoring strategy. Construction discussions and conditions may be required further to advice from London Underground's infrastructure Protection Team.

Some of this is a dotting the i's exercise, but there are some more fundamental issues at stake such as the suitability of the western apex of the site (the bit furthest from West End Lane) for residential use, and specifically affordable housing (see paras 22-23 and 48-49 in the report). Personally, I'd like to see the methodology that suggests 203 flats will contribute just 42 more rush hour passengers on the tube (see para 83 and 100).

For those wondering about the height issue, the report seems to be choosing to stay out of that discussion. Here are the relevant paragraphs (original emphasis):

38 London Plan Policy 7.7 moves away from active encouragement to careful management of tall buildings and covers various tests for the location and design of tall and large-scale buildings. This proposal incorporates a number of large scale buildings rising up to 11 storeys [sic]. Policy 7.7 focuses on the impact on character by scale, mass or built form of a tall and large buildings and that they should relate well to form, proportion, scale and character of surrounding buildings, urban grain and public realm. Part B of the policy seeks that applications for tall or large buildings should include an urban design analysis that demonstrates the proposals form part of a strategy that meets the criteria in Part C and that this is particularly important where the site is not identified as a location for a tall or large building in the borough's LDF.

39 Camden Council's Development Management DPD (paragraph 24.10) notes that "Due to the dense nature of Camden with extensive range and coverage of heritage assets, such as conservation areas, numerous listed buildings and five strategic views and two background views crossing the borough, the Council do not consider that it is practical to identify broad areas either suitable, or not suitable, for tall buildings." The Council intend to test each case against design policy DP24 which covers the broad considerations of good design, scale, character and access.

40 Given the above, Part C of London Plan policy 7.7 becomes particularly relevant. Against the context of Part C, the proposal is within an area of intensification and partly within the town centre with good to excellent public transport access and therefore the principle of large scale buildings may be supported subject to other townscape considerations set out below.

What have I missed since January 23rd?

I've got over the snub of not being invited to Davos this year to join the world's most influential people. Nor have I been troubled by the ethics of accepting a large bonus from taxpayers, so all in all it's been a quiet week personally... but LOADS has happened in the area, so lets crack on!

On Monday, a Thameslink train overshot West Hampstead and had to reverse. Rush hour fun.

And on Tuesday, a motorbike caught fire on Shoot Up Hill. Luckily no-one was hurt.

Time is ticking on when you can submit your views on the 200+ apartment development on West End Lane.

West Hampstead's Placeshaping plan is available in draft form.

Local actor and author Edward Petherbridge (whose blog is a treasure trove of West Hampstead history by the way) penned an ode to Mill Lane.

Camden has had to axe the play service that accompanies the award-winning adventure playground in Kilburn Grange Park.

Remember the consultations over 20mph speed limits and two-way cycling on one-way streets? Some of it's being implemented, and some of it isn't.

A dog from Fortune Green was kidnapped, held for ransom, and then reclaimed in a police sting operation. It's really like we're living The Wire here.

Does this mean all dogs in the area are now shitting themselves in fear?

Movers and Shapers on West End Lane has a new physio service starting Feburary 8th run by HFS Clinics.

Karl Pilkington and Warwick Davis were filming in West End Lane Books on Friday.

Camden's "Impact of the Olympics on your business factsheet" doesn't mention West Hampstead - a key transport interchange - at all. Let alone the fact that nearby Wembley and Lords are both Olympic venues.

In Olympics and Jubilee year, the council is expecting a surge in temporary event notices, so plan ahead.

The Ham & High's Heathman diary has caught up with the late 20th century and gone online. It launched with a little West Hampstead story (albeit one that confuses Maxine Peake and Claire Skinner).

The issue of trees in Priory Road has been causing concern.

At least two (that I know of) #whampers have made it through auditions and will appear in the Olympics opening ceremony. Congratulations to Laura and Kate.

Those of you the Brent side of the High Road might be interested in this application to turn a 79 room hostel on Priory Park Road into a 176 room hostel.

The new Thameslink station was covered in The Architects' Journal.

Another global #whampgather took place - this time in Sydney.

@LuckyLuque is trying to start a Subbuteo league. If you have to ask what that is, then it's probably not for you.

I posted a few alternative local Valentine's Day suggestions - getting in early.

Coming up
Monday: Learn how you can contribute to The Winch. Maybe you don't think you have the skills it needs? Well, you probably do.
Tuesday: Nasim Ali, leader of Camden Council will hold his first ever webchat at 3pm and is soliciting questions.
Tuesday: #whampbooks From 7-9pm call in to West End Lane Books, where blog readers and twitter followers can get free wine and 20% of all books. Should be a great night.
Friday: Legendary Notting Hill born DJ Norman Jay plays his first London gig of the year at The Westbury.

Tweet of the Week

Consultation on 187-199 ends on Feb 14th

These plans went into the council before Christmas. If you've no idea what I'm talking about then gen up on the background, maps, pictures etc.. In a nutshell: 203 flats to be built on the land between the tube and overground lines to the west of West End Lane, fronted today by the shops from Café Bon to Michael Leonard Estates: 187-199 West End Lane. The image below also misses out the 6-storey longer-block of affordable housing at the back (left) of the site.

The planning documents are lengthy and incredibly detailed, To access the whole lot, you need to enter ref 2011/6129/P into Camden's planning search engine, click the application number when it comes up, and then click "View Related Documents". I've linked to a few of the critical ones below, and the main planning document is here - I've drawn your attention to some paragraphs with red borders

If you want to comment on the plans you need to do by February 14th. You can do so via the Camden planning site (it's easy enough to find). The sort of issues that have exercised people include:

• Height - at 12 storeys high, the middle tower will dwarf anything else in West Hampstead;
• Potential loss of daylight for houses close to the development (developer's report here);
• Whether the existing local businesses on the site will be allowed to continue operating until demolition is essential, whether they will be offered first option on the new commercial premises included in the proposals, and whether that would be at a reasonable rent (retail floor plans top left here, and see 6.30-6.33 in the main planning document);
• The impact on traffic and transport in the area, despite being nominally a zero-parking development (developer's report here).

There may be other issues you're concerned about - although do check the documents to see if they've already been addressed. It's probably fair to say that the plans are not going to be summarily dismissed by the planners. There is a need for housing, the land has aleady been identified as suitable for residential development, and it ties in with the London Plan that calls for 800 new homes around the stations in West Hampstead over the next few years. The details - especially the height - are up for debate though.

Local residents group WHGARA has been most vocal in its opposition to scale of the development, and is exhorting people to "Act now". Meanwhile, WHAT has posted its letter to Camden, which I've added to the comments below.

Update via Cllr Andrew Marshall (Swiss Cottage): The council’s email address for comments on planning applications is changing. From the end of January, use planning@camden.gov.uk.

Placeshaping - the draft report

If you've been following for a while, or have ever clicked that handy "Latest Planning News" link on the right, you'll probably have seen me talk about Placeshaping.

Here's the recap: Camden council is conducting "placeshaping" exercises in many areas of the borough in order to identify the concerns of locals and try and guide the planning and development of these areas to the extent they can. I have been fortunate enough to have been asked to participate in some of the meetings, and some of you have contributed with thoughts via this blog, which I assure you are read by the team drawing up the report.

Developing a unified place plan is not a quick process. The first meeting I attended was back at the end of June and now we're at the draft report stage. Kate Goodman from Camden, who is our Placeshaping officer, has given me permission to post this draft report, which is currently in two parts but will evenutally be merged.

As you read this, please do note that it is only a draft. Your comments though (perhaps not on any typos) are actively welcomed, especially on the second part which outlines the vision and action plan. Reference copies are also available for viewing at West Hampstead Library.

I've ringed in red some of the more interesting bits (you may disagree with what's "interesting") for those of you who just want to get the basic idea. The major issues covered are planning, and especially the large developments in the pipeline, the local retail environment, public services , green spaces, and movement between stations. Although parking is discussed, it's notable that no mention is made of whether parking for the local shops might be addressed, despite it being raised regularly by local businesses as a key issue in boosting visitor numbers to the town centre (as it's called). It's also a shame that The Winch doesn't get a mention in the youth services discussion despite being relatively close by, especially for people living the Swiss Cottage side of West Hampstead.

Click the little cloud icon to download the document, or the document title above the slides to go to the web version.

West Hampstead Place Plan Pt 1 - DRAFT

West Hampstead Place Plan Pt 2 - DRAFT

If you're interested in being involved in the next meeting, which is planned for the next couple of weeks, please contact Kate.

Love is in the air

I realise that V-day is still more than two weeks away, but if I don't write this now I never will.

If you're the sort of person who goes for the typical dinner for two on Valentine's Day then you shouldn't need my help. Haul yourself along to one of West Hampstead's many dining options and let nature take its course over a bowl of pasta (Spiga), a plate of salmon (The Wet Fish Café), a hearty boeuf bourgignon (Mill Lane Bistro), wild boar sausages (Walnut), or a seafood platter (Hidden Treasure).

If, however, you're a bit "yawn" about V-day, but still like the idea of doing something nice for the one you love - or the one you'd like to love - without having to avert your eyes from salivating couples then here are a couple of ideas. They do require you to pootle over to Hampstead - but nothing's too much trouble right? Right?

Love film?
First up, on V-day itself, why not whisk your date off to a screening of one of the greatest films of all time? The Hampstead Film Society (yes, there is one, and it's not run by some octogenarian luvvie) is screening Chinatown on its 15' wide screen. Head over to Hampstead Town Hall (213 Haverstock Hill in Belsize Park). You can take the C11 'cos nothing says "I love you" like a ride on a London bus. It starts at 7pm.

You can become a member of the HFS for £15/10conc. and then it's £4 a screening, or as a one-off it's £7 a film. There's a bar so you can get your date tipsy. Not that you would.

Not into film? Well it's not about you is it? Hmmm? Chinatown is one of my all-time favourites, and if you've not seen it I recommend it wholeheartedly. Luvvie duvvie it ain't.

Love music?
If you're after something a little less rough around the edges than a classic film noir then I have another suggestion. This is actually on the Sunday before Valentine's - and there's a special offer for West Hampstead Life readers. Oh yes.

At Burgh House in Hampstead, there's a Valentines Champagne Concert on Sunday 12th Feb. Actually there are two: one at 3pm and one at 7pm. "Debonair pianist" and "self-confessed romantic" Warren Mailley-Smith will perform a selection of classics "guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings". The concert will include Chopin, Grieg and Prokoviev, finishing with  Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue. And you get a glass of champagne.      

As an avid reader of West Hampstead Life, you also get a 10% discount. Come. On.
Click here for the 3pm performance.
Click here for the 7pm performance. 

Love truffles?
Before settling down to the sociable sounds of Warren, why not start your Sunday off with a chocolate truffle workshop. We all know someone who likes a truffle after all. The workshop will be held at Bake-a-boo on Mill Lane from 10:30am-12:30.

You will, apparently, "create a rich and delicious truffle mix base and then flavour your truffles using natural flavours such as orange, mint and ginger." So far so good.

Then, while your truffle gets hard in the fridge, "you will make a beautiful box from scratch to present your truffles in and decorate this using Alice's collection of rubber stamps and inks." Alice is running the show, in case you wondered.

"Then you will expertly [this is someone who's never seen me in the kitchen] roll each of your truffles and coat each in a range of coatings such as cocoa, nuts, ginger biscuit crumbs, chocolate etc. You will leave the workshop with at least 8 gorgeous truffles in a beautiful box, perfect for a valentines gift for a loved one."

The whole truffle shindig costs £36 and includes tea and scones. Book online.

What have I missed since January 16th?

While royal yachts came and went, what was floating your boat in West Hampstead?

There was a major fire in the Taplow tower in Swiss Cottage. Candles and a lot of newspaper were believed to be the cause of the accident on the 17th floor last Monday. Amazingly, no-one was hurt after fire crews evacuated 130 people from the 22-storey building.

Sustaninable development initiative Transition West Hampstead relaunched with a grow-your-own food project, and a "draught-busting" scheme for locals in older houses, especially with sash windows.

The deadline for submitting your views on the 187-199 West End Lane Ballymore development draws nearer. More on the blog this week.

An appeal was launched to raise £60,000 for a local child to have an operation in America so he can walk.

After yet more glorious sunrises and sunsets, there's now a West Hampstead Views Pinterest page that collects some of the best (and a few other local snaps).

Those of you in Brent no longer need to separate your recycling.

Peacocks, with stores on Kilburn High Road and Finchley Road, went into administration. It is hoped that it will be sold as a going concern and the shops will remain.

Part of West End Lane was resurfaced after contractors used the wrong type of tarmac first time round.

A man suffered a cardiac arrest by Kilburn High Road station on Friday.

BBC legal drama Silk took over The Wet Fish Cafe for filming on Wednedsay.

The Kitchener is on Twitter @JNCookshop.

New restaurant Sea Lantern has closed already!

Tom enjoyed his Priory Tavern tart.

Coming up
Jan 31st Whampbooks at West End Lane Books: 7-9pm, 20% of all books, and free wine!

Tweet of the Week

Transition Whamp: Grow your own

On Monday, a bunch of locals met at The Gallery to re-ignite Transition West Hampstead. Marcia MacLeod reports:

"Fancy growing your own veg? No garden? You could put your name down for an allotment - but Camden's waiting list was, the last time I checked, 40 years, and unless you can see yourself tottering around with a Zimmer frame as you water the tomatoes, there's no point even trying.

Flowerbed planting at Kilburn tube. Photo via Kilburn Times

But there is another possibility: Transition West Hampstead's food growing project - and if you walk down Abbey Road later this year, you might just see the first green shoots behind St Mary's Church.

The church, at the corner of Abbey Road and Priory Road, has donated some land to Transition West Hampstead to enable local residents to experience The Good Life. Led by David Abrahams, the group plans to turn the 20 square metre space into raised beds in time to start planting in the spring.

Any crops grown will go to the people who worked on the site and the project hopes to include Abbey Community Centre and other community groups.

Once Priory Gardens Food Growing Project gets off the ground, there are likely to be more. Even London Overground is apparently keen to see food growing at West Hampstead. Hmmmm....beans and cabbages would certainly make a change from graffiti!

Transition West Hampstead is always keen to recruit new volunteers so, if you're interested in finding out more, contact David at drdabrahams@googlemail.com or call him on 07724 894145."

What have I missed since January 9th?

It was a hectic week in the world of West Hampstead between police helicopters and the biggest Whampather yet. So lets dive straight in.

A large police operation on Tuesday afternoon caused consternation as the police helicopter hovered over West Hampstead. A man with an airgun was holed up in a block of flat in Childs Hill and was later arrested and charged with criminal damage.

A man was found hanging from a basketball hoop in Hilgrove Road on Wednesday morning. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

HS2 is back on the agenda, and will pass through South Hampstead although homes around here shouldn't need to be demolished. HS2 would also mean the end of the Queens Park to Euston section of the Overground.

Local MP Glenda Jackson asked about HS2 in the Commons; here's a list of Glenda's surgeries through June.

Thameslink says the northern (old) entrance won't reopen until Jan 30th - it was supposed to be mid-January but apparently they've had to redesign how the ticket machines are mounted.

Brent's Kilburn ward posted a news update.

There are some Kilburn High Road retail units available (around WH Smiths).

The two Café Bons, are no longer owned by the same person - the original one may need to change its name.

Are the Liberal Democrats invincible in Fortune Green?

The beleaguered West Hampstead Community Centre is looking for a new manager.

Whampgather was a big success, and we raised £530 for The Winch.

Tweet of the Week

Photo of the Week
After a week of glorious sunsets and dramatic sunrises, here's the pick of the bunch courtesy of @SJAttree

We came, we saw, we gathered

I think I can fairly confidently say that the eighth installment of whampgather - the local get together - was the biggest yet. Think over the course of the night we had about 110-115 people through the door of the Priory Tavern.

Big thanks to the Dave Mitchell band - renamed the Priory Tavern All-Stars for the night, for keeping up entertained with their own (very loud) brand of the blues. Also big thanks to Brad & Nicky who tirelessly spent all night selling raffle tickets. We sold 490 raffle tickets, and then Niroch from Ammis Curry popped up with a 4th round FA Cup ticket to auction, which went for £40 and catapulted us over the £500 mark for the night. All the money goes to The Winch - and it was great that Paul Perkins was able to come down and give a quick intro to the charity that evening. (see previous post for a full list of prizes)

There's really not a lot more for me to say - so I'm just going to post some photos of the whampagther excitement and bid you farewell. The next event of any sort is the West End Lane Books "lock in" on January 31st - keep your eyes peeled on here and on Twitter for more details. The next whampgather will be a few months away - the most reliable way to hear about all these things is to sign up to the mailing list.

 (photos courtesy of Brad)

What's on offer?

Coming to #whampgather tonight? You're in for a treat. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect.

First you'll meet Freddie on the door. Be nice to him, he's a lot bigger than you are. Give him your ticket (&/or name) and let him stamp your hand with a "#" stamp. Boom. You're in.

You probably want a drink. Well, the Priory Tavern has devised a few bespoke cocktails to help us to blow away the New Year blues.

• Kilburn Mist: Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, house vanilla syrup, large lemon twist (it’s still a bit chilly, whiskey to warm the cockles). [We had these at #whampgather VII - I'll be on them all night]
• Louisiana Jam: Southern Comfort, apricot jam, lemon & apple juices and fresh mint (January blues? Southern delta blues more like!)
• Dark’n’Stormy: Gosling’s Bermuda Rum, fresh lime, Angostura Bitters, ginger beer (go missing in your own Bermuda Triangle…)
• Blue Note Collins: Bombay Sapphire, fresh lemon, elderflower cordial, soda (fresh & floral, because spring is just around the corner!)
• Straight Up’n’Chaser: One “Reverse Martini” Shot and a Tiger (beer) to chase (the only time Tiger hunting is acceptable.)

Not a cocktail person? Fair enough - the blues is more raw, right? Tiger beer is £3 a bottle, as is a glass of house wine. And of course the Priory's frankly astonishing array of spirits and other drinks is available as per usual - just ask Merlin, Lucile, Danny, Casey or Richard for a little bit of what you fancy.

So, the band (the Dave Mitchell Blues Band - no, not that Dave Mitchell - sorry) is playing, the joint is jumping, you've got a Louisiana Jam in one hand and a gorgeous fella/gal/plant pot in the other... feeling peckish? The Priory's even changed its menu for us. Hell yeah.

There are bar snacks, from chicken wings to that southern soul food classic hoummous!
There are mains from Cajun chicken & chorizo jambalaya to the 3/4lb #Whampgather burger.
There are desserts from warm pear & apple tart to Cornish Yarg & Cranberry Wensleydale.

In other words, there's food - more than I've listed here.

Between and after the band, none other than DJ Stoney (aka @Swiss_Cottage) will be providing the tunes. He's a DJ who actually likes taking requests! Then at around 10.15ish there's the award for Tweet of the Year, and then it's time for T H E   R A F F L E.

So, we all know the raffle is for a good cause - and it really is. The Winch needs your cash, but also your time and on the night you'll be able to find out more about how you might be able to help. But we have some amazing prizes to win. You do have to be present to claim your prize I'm afraid. Absentee ticketholders means a redraw! But why would you want to leave?! Here's what's on offer.

• CDs from new bands courtesy of Charm Factory
• Hair care products (gender appropriate, oh yes) from Rock
• The Bake-a-boo cookbook
• Four free tickets to the Good Ship Comedy (come on!)
• A haircut for the man in your life from Mill Lane Barbers
• Chocolates from Cocoa Bijoux
• 3 x £20 vouchers for Gourmet Burger Kitchen
• 2 x £25 vouchers from Me Love Sushi
• NW6 (or a different postcode if you're an interloper) branded clothing from ILoveMyPostcode
• £30 voucher from West End Lane Books
• A voucher for the Kitchen Table
• A meal for two at Little Bay
• A meal for two at Spiga
• £50 towards a meal at The Wet Fish Café
• Cooking classes from Ammis Curry, and then dinner for your friends
• Dinner for two at One Blenheim Terrace in St John's Wood.

If that's not worth digging a little deeper into your pockets for - especially when every penny goes to a good cause - then you have no soul. Nicky and Brad - the raffle ticket sellers on the night - will even come to you. It couldn't be easier to relieve you of cash. If you buy 17 tickets you could win everything - although you may not get out of the pub alive.

See you all later.

What have I missed since December 19th?

It's been a while since the last news round-up. Happy New Year, and all that jazz. Hope everyone enjoyed their break and thanks to those who came to #whampdrinks the week before Christmas. It's been a fairly quiet time around West Hampstead, but amid the wind and the rain there have been a few things afoot.

The planning application for 187-199 West End Lane is in. It's enormous.
You'll need this reference: 2011/6129/P for this form.

South Hampstead tower block residents suffered flooding after the theft of metal pipes (which also hindered the fire service's rescue)

TfL announced a £3.4 million investment in Camden - including the contentious 20mph speed limit and two-way cycling schemes in West Hampstead as well as signage improvements between the three WH stations.

Meanwhile, West Hampstead featured in a short BBC news piece about TfL fare rises.

It used to be so different - one of the best "Then and Now" photos yet?

Camden's police force is trying Twitter again. And a new account: @WHlocalplod also began

Some news on our local eateries:
Bake-a-boo is closing weekdays in January.
Me Love Sushi has opened (on the former Strada site).
Spiga is now open 7 days a week, and there's 10% off for take-away (collection).
Bon Express seems to be expanding into groceries!
Guglee is the restaurant moving into what was (briefly) Costello's.

A tree blew over on Pandora Rd luckily missing the parked cars.

The utility works on Kilburn High Road finally finished.

The Kings Troop is preparing for its final departure from St John's Wood. There'll be no more disruption as 40 horses trot up West End Lane.

Here's the latest steam train pulling into West Hampstead

Swiss Cottage youth charity The Winch has been confirmed by Camden as a 'preferred partner' to run Belsize library.

On the blog
Tom was disappointed by a Moment salad.
I don't think anyone got all 11 questions right in my Quiz of 2011.
But did any of your predictions for 2011 actually come true?
Jon Kelly won Tweet of the Year.

Finally, #whampgather preparations continue apace. Looking forward to seeing lots of you on Thursday. We've got the band, we've got the cocktails, we've got the DJ, we're going to blow away the New Year Blues. Tickets have all gone, but always worth chancing your arm on the waitlist.

Coming up
Advance warning of the WHAT AGM on Tuesday 24th January

Tweet of the Week(s)
We've got a tweet from the very end of 2011 and a photo from the start of 2012 for you

And a link to the photo of a dog in Kilburn High Road by @sjdowling ('cos it's All Rights Reserved).

A year in 140 characters

Every week, the round-up of the previous seven days' events includes a Tweet (or Photo) of the Week. I thought I'd take the best of them and see whether they revealed anything more meaningful about the year we've just experienced in West Hampstead.

They don't. But some of them are quite funny.

I'm sorry I haven't included every single one here, and there have been some weeks where the competition for Tweet of the Week has been stiff, so some people have missed out on the prestige of being able to add the letters TOTW to their business cards despite some excellent witty and pithy tweets. At the end (you'll need to let the Storify widget load fully) is your chance to vote for Tweet of the Year.

Here then, without further ado, is the run down of the things that made us tweet in 2011: