I can't help wondering whether the sale of Liege Standard signalled RD's intention to invest in CAFC to take advantage of the enormous income from the Premiership. We are clearly a Club in a prime location, with the ability to increase the capacity, with an Airport close by ( remember all those Scandinavian voices in the Premiership days ), and already a fine Academy. RD versus the porn kings, there's a thought.
Ploughing 10M or so investment into a long term asset with no immediate resale profit to release is one of the most reassuring factors of the Staprix regime for me
Mr duchaletet (he has earnt that title for the summer backing for the team) seems motivated by doing it differently, in a way he can justifiably claim is more holistic than his contemporaries.
So Mr, next step is to invest in some quality admin staff. Keep the fans happy. It's not always the end result off the pitch, we may moan a lot but are generally a loyal bunch of unprecious supporters.
The guy Luzon appointment is a classic example. Fook me I know nothing because he is brilliant. However, although I now feel a fool for doubting him for non footballing factors (boomtish cause let's be fair he didn't have many footballing ones on which to be assessed), I am unrepentant that it should have been handled differently. Nothing wrong with going for won/win situations, you have to keep your stakeholders happy and pander to their (fee-paying) egos
When I was there today I saw that the old lounge/dining area in the old pavilion is now what looks like a weights room or gym. There is a temporary canteen provided by two large portakabins side by side near the main office entrance in the car park. The footprint of the training facility is large, and it could be spectacularly nice without a huge impact on Sparrows Lane if another access route was somehow sourced. If there is money available, then the whole complex could be a huge attraction to young (and old) players. If we ever invested and somehow sold a player for £20 Million it would all get bought and paid for. The torrential rain turned the car park potholes into lakes mind you.
When I was there today I saw that the old lounge/dining area in the old pavilion is now what looks like a weights room or gym. There is a temporary canteen provided by two large portakabins side by side near the main office entrance in the car park. The footprint of the training facility is large, and it could be spectacularly nice without a huge impact on Sparrows Lane if another access route was somehow sourced. If there is money available, then the whole complex could be a huge attraction to young (and old) players. If we ever invested and somehow sold a player for £20 Million it would all get bought and paid for. The torrential rain turned the car park potholes into lakes mind you.
I really don't know whether what is going to happen, but looking at Southampton and how they keep churning out players to be sold on, youth development has got to be the way forward for a club of our humble stature in football.
I really hope the academy gets the investment and strategic planning it deserves.
Looks like we made some changes to the application, set out in a letter (and with attached plans) dated 15 June. We've added a second 3G pitch and reduced the size of the new building slightly (although not the size of the indoor pitch). Not a reduction that would affect the Cat 1 status compliance. We've also reduced car parking spaces and added cycle spaces after comments from TfL.
The letter asks the Council to confirm that this doesn't affect the August 4th date for a decision, but there's nothing listed on the Council site yet re a decision. That said, the 15 June letter is only loaded on the Planning site as at 28 July. Nearly there? Hopefully!
Looks as if the council officers told the club the new building is (was?) too big, which isn't surprising knowing some of the previous discussions. The reduction looks like a gesture towards addressing that but at about 9 per cent of the footprint may or may not be considered material. Expect some further news shortly.
Looks as if the council officers told the club the new building is (was?) too big, which isn't surprising knowing some of the previous discussions. The reduction looks like a gesture towards addressing that but at about 9 per cent of the footprint may or may not be considered material. Expect some further news in a week's time.
Says it is in response to "concerns raised", so that seems likely.
They are explicit that the car parking/cycle space revision is down to TfL comments, but more guarded in saying outright on the building. Hopefully the changes are enough to get the go-ahead soon
Looks as if the council officers told the club the new building is (was?) too big, which isn't surprising knowing some of the previous discussions. The reduction looks like a gesture towards addressing that but at about 9 per cent of the footprint may or may not be considered material. Expect some further news in a week's time.
Says it is in response to "concerns raised", so that seems likely.
They are explicit that the car parking/cycle space revision is down to TfL comments, but more guarded in saying outright on the building. Hopefully the changes are enough to get the go-ahead soon
The TfL stuff is a bog standard planning process adjustment and of no particular concern.
I really don't know whether what is going to happen, but looking at Southampton and how they keep churning out players to be sold on, youth development has got to be the way forward for a club of our humble stature in football.
I really hope the academy gets the investment and strategic planning it deserves.
I went to a talk at Canterbury Christchurch Uni a few months back where Les Reed outlined how they run the Academy at Southampton. Truly professional from bottom to top and made me feel very envious. If we can get anywhere near what they achieve it can only be good for the club.
These things take time, frustrating though that is.
The changes to the application suggest to me that they are getting close to a final version acceptable to all parties although I bow to others superior knowledge and experience on these matters.
Getting the planning permission and getting the buildings up so we gain Cat 1 status could be one the most significant long term investments of this decade, in CAFC terms, IMHO
Greenwich Council has tonight published the agenda for the next planning board meeting on September 8th - the Sparrows Lane application isn't on it.
My belief is that the application has to go before members for decision and cannot be agreed by officers under delegated powers because it is a departure from the local plan, although I am not familiar with the local protocol in Greenwich - the previous application was heard by the planning board, which is next due to meet on October 6th.
It is a significant spend. I suppose it is possible it won't happen at all given the cost. I had been expecting to see physical work start on October 21st, but I have also been thinking it's a bit too good to be true. Anyway, jumpers for goalposts was good enough for Scotty Kingsley.
It is a significant spend. I suppose it is possible it won't happen at all given the cost. I had been expecting to see physical work start on October 21st, but I have also been thinking it's a bit too good to be true. Anyway, jumpers for goalposts was good enough for Scotty Kingsley.
Scotty Kingsley always played on proper pitches with proper goals etc while with Charlton.
It is a significant spend. I suppose it is possible it won't happen at all given the cost. I had been expecting to see physical work start on October 21st, but I have also been thinking it's a bit too good to be true. Anyway, jumpers for goalposts was good enough for Scotty Kingsley.
Scotty Kingsley always played on proper pitches with proper goals etc while with Charlton.
It is a significant spend. I suppose it is possible it won't happen at all given the cost. I had been expecting to see physical work start on October 21st, but I have also been thinking it's a bit too good to be true. Anyway, jumpers for goalposts was good enough for Scotty Kingsley.
Scotty Kingsley always played on proper pitches with proper goals etc while with Charlton.
Aha! But not whilst training!
He didn't train with the rest of the team as he was working full time as a optical engineering foreman in Plumstead throughout his playing days. Spelt out in his contract in the Charlton Athletic Museum @chathmuseum
Greenwich Council has tonight published the agenda for the next planning board meeting on September 8th - the Sparrows Lane application isn't on it.
My belief is that the application has to go before members for decision and cannot be agreed by officers under delegated powers because it is a departure from the local plan, although I am not familiar with the local protocol in Greenwich - the previous application was heard by the planning board, which is next due to meet on October 6th.
Extra planning board meeting scheduled for September 17th - details unknown as yet.
I walked passed there yesterday morning and the have taken the first layers top soil away from the area which used to be the Charlton Park Rugby club pitch before the club took it over.
We're up on 17th September with a lot of other SE7 stuff
Fingers crossed
Indeed.
I was also interested to see the Poundland Eltham proposal for demolition and replacement with a six-screen cinema. That's good for the town I'd have thought. (Although not sure where I'll get my xmas tree lametta in the future...)
Firstly great news that Greenwich planners have recommended accepting the proposals.
However, there are some conditions.....
1) Boris gives the nod 2) Everything stops if they find some bat droppings 3) Additional costs involved in the bat and bird boxes 4) We're stuffed if we find a great crested newt - thank God Red Ken ain't in charge anymore. 5) I would suspect that significant surface water drainage works would be needed prior to construction 6) Green Chain Project Office recommend rejection unless the development “will not prejudice the ecological or amenity significance of the area” and “not result in a significant increase in vehicular traffic to the site”. This will ensure that the air quality and the wider landscape of the South London Pebbly Sands is not compromised. (I kid you not)
Apart from that, Greenwich Planners have done a good job in dealing with any other objections raised by various groups and individuals and seem to give a really positive recommendation to the Councillors.
Comments
Mr duchaletet (he has earnt that title for the summer backing for the team) seems motivated by doing it differently, in a way he can justifiably claim is more holistic than his contemporaries.
So Mr, next step is to invest in some quality admin staff. Keep the fans happy. It's not always the end result off the pitch, we may moan a lot but are generally a loyal bunch of unprecious supporters.
The guy Luzon appointment is a classic example. Fook me I know nothing because he is brilliant. However, although I now feel a fool for doubting him for non footballing factors (boomtish cause let's be fair he didn't have many footballing ones on which to be assessed), I am unrepentant that it should have been handled differently. Nothing wrong with going for won/win situations, you have to keep your stakeholders happy and pander to their (fee-paying) egos
COYR
There is a temporary canteen provided by two large portakabins side by side near the main office entrance in the car park.
The footprint of the training facility is large, and it could be spectacularly nice without a huge impact on Sparrows Lane if another access route was somehow sourced. If there is money available, then the whole complex could be a huge attraction to young (and old) players. If we ever invested and somehow sold a player for £20 Million it would all get bought and paid for.
The torrential rain turned the car park potholes into lakes mind you.
I really hope the academy gets the investment and strategic planning it deserves.
The letter asks the Council to confirm that this doesn't affect the August 4th date for a decision, but there's nothing listed on the Council site yet re a decision. That said, the 15 June letter is only loaded on the Planning site as at 28 July. Nearly there? Hopefully!
http://publicaccess.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/online-applications/files/F893A913FDCFACB2F81DFC2778EF5E25/pdf/15_0949_F-COVER_LETTER_DATED_15_06_2015-310063.pdf
They are explicit that the car parking/cycle space revision is down to TfL comments, but more guarded in saying outright on the building. Hopefully the changes are enough to get the go-ahead soon
The changes to the application suggest to me that they are getting close to a final version acceptable to all parties although I bow to others superior knowledge and experience on these matters.
Getting the planning permission and getting the buildings up so we gain Cat 1 status could be one the most significant long term investments of this decade, in CAFC terms, IMHO
"...if this rain continues, your pitch will be playing up again. Almost 2 years to the day Tel!!"
My belief is that the application has to go before members for decision and cannot be agreed by officers under delegated powers because it is a departure from the local plan, although I am not familiar with the local protocol in Greenwich - the previous application was heard by the planning board, which is next due to meet on October 6th.
Any ducks around ?
Hopefully it is just a routine delay and not a significant issue.
Anyway, jumpers for goalposts was good enough for Scotty Kingsley.
Aha! But not whilst training!
We're up on 17th September with a lot of other SE7 stuff
Fingers crossed
I was also interested to see the Poundland Eltham proposal for demolition and replacement with a six-screen cinema. That's good for the town I'd have thought. (Although not sure where I'll get my xmas tree lametta in the future...)
can members of the public attend the planning meeting, if so will any Lifers be there to report back?
This meeting is open to the press and public and they are entitled
to take photographs, film or record the proceedings.
.
Looks positive, with the recommendations to accept within the PDF. Hopefully, no barriers from the committee themselves.
I hope no Charlton fans have been upsetting Boris or suggesting he's in anyway dodgy recently : - )
However, there are some conditions.....
1) Boris gives the nod
2) Everything stops if they find some bat droppings
3) Additional costs involved in the bat and bird boxes
4) We're stuffed if we find a great crested newt - thank God Red Ken ain't in charge anymore.
5) I would suspect that significant surface water drainage works would be needed prior to construction
6) Green Chain Project Office recommend rejection unless the development “will not prejudice the ecological or amenity significance of the area” and “not result in a significant increase in vehicular traffic to the site”. This will ensure that the air quality and the wider landscape of the South London Pebbly Sands is not compromised. (I kid you not)
Apart from that, Greenwich Planners have done a good job in dealing with any other objections raised by various groups and individuals and seem to give a really positive recommendation to the Councillors.
All in all, this looks like good news.