Onto the next phase with the White Swan in autumn
Welcome back to the White Swan Music and Arts blog. As summer turns to autumn, our campaign continues to move forward even if much of the activity has recently been beneath the surface - appropriately for a swan paddling away busily under the water.
Our application to have the White Swan designated an Asset of Community Value remains in progress, and we have had regular contact with the council about this. New legislation on ACVs was passed this year that should strengthen the position of community campaigns such as ours.
This is important as when the new rules are implemented ACVs will get more protection from change of use and development. Our neighbour Lewisham council has just designated the Blackheath station car park an asset of community value following a campaign against the development plans of Acorn Development Group, just as we're challenging the change of use application on the White Swan by Mendoza on behalf of the pub's owners.
Meanwhile, many thanks again to all those of you who submitted responses to Royal Greenwich's local plan, which it is mandated to publish by the government and covers its intentions for growth and development in the borough for the next 10-15 years. For those who missed this over the summer, here's a refresher on what it could mean for our threatened pubs - Greenwich has already lost some 40% of these community hubs in a generation.
We are working on our share scheme - the chance for you to buy a piece of WSMA - and are also encouraged by the prospect of a significant financial - for now confidential -contribution to our campaign.
Our Street Art tour was great fun and we're now developing a new monthly series of live concerts - mini-gigs - intended to showcase young and emerging artists. The first event is planned for November and we're actively looking for small, distinctive and interesting venues across the area - there are not many of them in Charlton which emphasises the need to get our Swan back for the community and open again. Any suggestions from Society members?
The campaign team itself continues to grow, with new expertise and volunteers being added as we prepare for the next phase. There is much to do and we anticipate visible progress in the near future. Exciting times ahead!
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