WCDG > Policies > WCDG Main Objectives

WCDG was established in 1972 by local residents to help the local population with advice and support on planning issues - that is, decisions about land use and redevelopment. WCDG is a registered company limited by guarantee and receives core funding from Lambeth Council.

What are WCDG's policies?

To retain a viable, sustainable and permanent residential community in Waterloo.

To redress the imbalance of land uses (too little useful open space, housing, schools; too much dense dismal development or decaying and unsafe buildings and spaces).

To increase the amount of permanent housing, especially for young families.

To create a better environment - safer, greener, cleaner - and to increase and improve the amount of useful, green public open space.

To increase useful retail shopping provision, improve the vitality and viability of Lower Marsh shopping centre and market.

To improve community facilities including the library service in Waterloo.

To improve indoor and outdoor facilities for local children and young people.

To reduce non-local traffic and traffic pollution and to relocate the bus garage (because of pollution and danger).

To reduce non-resident parking including a ban on coaches waiting or parking and to end off-street parking at ground level.

To develop convenient, safe ground level crossings for pedestrians.

To ensure good planning processes and effective consultation with the residential community.

And what has WCDG achieved?

Over the years, since its establishment in 1972, WCDG has worked in partnership with many local organisations and statutory bodies to:

Support and sustain the residential community e.g. campaigned for more affordable housing (including council and cooperative housing).

Establish and support local facilities e.g. North Lambeth Library, Bernie Spain Family Resource Centre.

Save, improve and enlarge public open space e.g. Jubilee Gardens, Archbishop's Park, Hatfields Open Space.

Establish new community projects e.g. Waterloo Millennium Green and Living Space/Play Space.

Establish and support local groups e.g. Friends of Archbishops Park, Friends of Jubilee Gardens and tenants and residents Associations.

Improve the local environment e.g. street tree planting, new paving, new and improved ground level pedestrian crossings.

Win the Coin Street campaign to develop social housing instead of offices.

Represent local views at public inquiries and Parliamentary select committees e.g. County Hall island site, Channel Tunnel terminal, Shell site, Jubilee line extension.

Ensure hundreds of local residents have their say about local plans and development proposals.