One of the most inspiring campaigns in Redbridge is Ilford NOISE, that’s Neighbourhoods of Ilford South Engage!
Based in and around the Ilford South end of the borough, it leads on community political organising and focuses on housing. Housing is a mine field with enough vested interests to cloth the entire Himalaya region.
I used to live in Ilford South when I was small, and have family and friends there. The map is interesting, and its the kind of place that puts up Asian UKIP candidates and would make an interesting case study for white flight.
Ilford NOISE are holding a public meeting to discuss issues around the Redbridge Local Plan and to introduce the idea of neighbourhood planning on Wednesday 23rd August 2017, from 7.30-9.30pm in the Gloucester Room at Ilford Central Library. All are welcome but please do drop them a line or email so they can plan for numbers.
The Redbridge Local Plan as it stands aims to dump a large amount (10 000+ units) of largely unaffordable housing onto this the densest and most socioeconomically marginalised part of the borough over the next 10 years or so. Its generally easier to run over the politically marginalised with concrete, they do not have the same NIMBY power as the wealthier and leafier folks, which is a shame.
The ambition, justice and social ecology of the Corbyn-led opposition’s housing politics aren’t exactly reflected in the local government thinking yet so I’m looking forward to to the learning process.