LETTER: Cllr Kathleen Fraser on leaving the Labour Party

 Dear Editor,

 

I am grateful – as so many Wembley residents must always be – to you for maintaining Wembley Matters as a forum for airing matters of public interest, and giving a platform for those unable to rebut accounts of events on matters of importance to them published in other media. 

 

I have now, as of today, resigned from the Labour Party. This means that I am now no longer bound by the code of silence imposed on me by the Party for the last 18 months following a complaint lodged with the Party by a local resident. A silence with which I have scrupulously complied, notwithstanding the barrage of adverse publicity, which ensued when the Party suspended me just over a month after my installation as Deputy Mayor. 

 

Some may be aware that the London Evening Standard reported the suspension on24th June – as stated in their article: “In a leaked internal party email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), members of the group were informed that Councillor Fraser had been "administratively suspended" whilst a confidential investigation takes place.”) This “leak” was never investigated. The damage to my reputation was clear. I have also suffered national attention - a Daily Mail article dated 17 November 2025 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article- followed by a request from ITN for an interview in relation to this. I made no comment to any of those media enquiries. 

 

I received no help from the Labour Party in a time of severe emotional distress and pressure, notwithstanding that others were apparently free to traduce me locally and in the media. For the avoidance of doubt, the events underlying the complaint dated back to summer 2022, and raised with the Party in January 2024. I heard nothing of it until the Party wrote to me in October 2024, raising 18 different questions giving a tight deadline to respond. I treated them to 14 pages of detailed response refuting the allegations (with 9 attachments of supporting evidence) on 6 November 2024. I then heard nothing until my suspension on 19 June 2025 - just over a month after I became Deputy Mayor, I was told that I would hear “in due course” about a hearing. “In due course” turned out to mean 8 months later. 

 

I received a letter from the Party dated 18 February 2026, which finally informed me of a hearing, in which I was invited to engage. I read it with increasing incredulity, and – finally, I admit – fury. The allegations I completely refuted were essentially repeated; no new “evidence” is provided. They have added insult to injury by amplifying the accusations in the “charges “against me in one ill-written paragraph (defamatory in nature). (I do not know whether it has been shared.) I have responded to the Party’s 18 February letter, as I took the strongest issue with the way the charges were phrased and the seriousness and persistence thereby imputed. However, if the Party did not read them the first time, I had no faith it would read them now, even under a differently constituted Panel. 

 

The whole process of the investigation of this complaint, first lodged in January 2024 has been flawed, has lacked transparency, and the disinterested observer might reach conclusions about the timing of its outcome and potential to maximise the damage to myself, and what I hope is my long-established standing in my community. I cannot omit making a point about the potential for continuing and ongoing harm to the complainant, who, self-describes as a ‘vulnerable person struggling with mental health problems’ who may continue to believe that the Labour Party will be offering support, when it is quite apparent that the Party has already cut them loose. In fact, I have, lost entire faith in the Labour Party although I have continued to serve the residents of Barnhill as an Independent Councillor.

 

In conclusion, to my response to the Party, I took the greatest satisfaction in saying that there would be no need for a Hearing as I was resigning from the Labour Party with immediate effect. I stand on the principle of natural justice, transparency and fairness. Sadly, based on my own bitter experience, for me the Party I was once proud to stand for no longer represents any of those qualities. 

 

Kathleen Fraser

 

17.3.2026

 

UPDATE: MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL MAY AT REQUEST OF BRENT COUNCIL. Are Brent Council, the Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust prepared for flooding as a result of climate change? Brent ACE Meeting with councillors, March 24th 6.30pm on-line

 

College Road, Preston, Wembley

Climate change means more severe weather events LINK including torrential rain swelling rivers and leaving drains unable to cope.

Are Brent Council, the Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust prepared for this and what is the situation in different Brent localities?

 

An invitation from ACE (Action on the Climate and Ecological Emergency)Brent: 

With 9% of the Brent population at risk of flooding and 15% expected to be in the future (FoE data), ACE Brent's next meeting with council members is on the topic of flood prevention. 

ACE Brent meeting with Cabinet members Cllr Krupa Sheth and Cllr Jake Rubin, Tues 24th March 6.30-8pm 

Click for Zoom link (If asked for Passcode, enter BrentFoE)

We will be discussing lessons from the Woodcock Park community-led flood alleviation project, hearing about other flood risk areas, finding out how the council is responding and pushing for more urgent action.

We have requested officer updates before the meeting - please respond to receive this information before the meeting. info@brentfoe.com 

Brent flood risk information   here

you can check your flood risk   here

Wembley Events road closures and bus diversions March 22nd, March 27th and March 31st

As well as football, throughout the summer there are 32 concerts, including 12 by Harry Styles, at Wembley Stadium. 

 

 England play Uruguay on Friday 27th March with kick off at 6pm.Not details yet.

 

Brent Community Land Trust shows what community-centred planning and development can do. Impressive proposals outlined for Brentfield Road

 

 

Plans for a new development in Brentfield Road have been lodged with Brent Planning. It is a small Brent development by tower blocks standards and aimed at single people,  but it has revolutionary potential as Brent families and indivuals continue to be locked out of new housing in the borough. Can the approach be expanded to include family housing?

 

The site outlined in red

 

The plans are submitted by Brent Community Land Trust, dedicated band of volunteers who have a different approach to development compared with the usual developers. Home grown, based in the borough, committed to community participation, and wanting to address the housing needs of local people.

 

Extract from the Design and Access Statement for Planning Reference 26/0315

 

Brent Community Land Trust

 

Brent CLT is an independent, not for profit organisation, led by volunteers who live, work or have a connection to Brent. It was established to create genuinely affordable housing with and for the Brent community. Brent CLT was established in 2020 in response to the lack of local affordable housing identified in the Harlesden Neighbourhood Plan, which included a commitment to explore community-led housing locally. Brent CLT identified a first development site in collaboration with Brent Council and has developed a functional brief through a series of capacity studies and community workshops.

 

The Brentfield Road Scheme creates a distinct and much needed opportunity for local people by developing a community led response to increase housing supply with a scheme that is designed specifically for single adults on low incomes. This includes individuals who may be; currently living in temporary accommodation such as local hostels but ready to live independently; those on the council waiting list; or living in overcrowded accommodation with their parent(s) or guardians; and those who cannot access private renteaccommodation, whether due to affordability, lack of tenancy history, or inability to provide a deposit, rent in advance and/or agent’s fees. The design and density of the proposed development allows the scheme to keep rents and service charges below the relevant Local Housing Allowance and more akin to London Affordable Rent, as defined by the GLA.

 

The site is particularly suited to this client group as prior to offering the site to Brent CLT, the council commissioned a feasibility which showed that the site is not suitable for family sized units.

 

Funding

 

London Borough of Brent has resolved to make the land available to Brent CLT at nil or notional cost subject to conditions being met. The scheme will be in receipt of GLA funding for at least 50% with the remaining funded through borrowing.

 

The Brief

The key elements of the brief are as follows;

 

• The target market for the development is single people who may find it difficult to access self-contained accommodation due to cost or availability. Therefore the brief is for a development with 1Bedroom1Person units sized at 37sqm.

 

• A communal space is to be provided. This will provide shared amenity for residents. Use will be decided through engagement with the local community and potential residents.

 

• The development will be car-free.

 

• The ambition is to build quality, beautiful homes and thriving communities that will leave a lasting legacy in Brent.

 

In addition: The proposals provide a 100% affordable scheme, exceeding the targets set out within the Brent Local  Plan and London Plan (2021). Furthermore, the proposals are to be set at 100% social rent levels, exceeding the tenure mix targets in respect of social rented accommodation set out within the London Plan (2021) and the Brent Local Plan (2022).

 

Given the size of the site Biodiversity Net Gain will have to be provided off-site but an effort has been made for some small greens paces witin the develpment. Similarly amenity space is limited:

 

Ground floor green space

 

 

The walkway on upper floors are provided with benches to encourage social interaction 

 

A communal space is provided and its exact use left  to consultation with the tenants
 

 The proposed building on Brentfield Road

As with all developments there are issues to be resolved including loss of light to nearby homes but as the first attempt by volunteers in the Brent CLT  it is impressive, particularly in their attempts to gain participation by local people at a very early stage in the planning.

So far there is only one comment on the Brent Planning Portal:

I am writing in support of this application and wish to highlight the significant role the proposed development will play in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in Brent.

Brent continues to experience extremely high levels of housing need, with many households living in temporary accommodation or facing the risk of homelessness. One of the core aims of this scheme is to provide 19 high-quality, secure, and genuinely affordable homes that will offer long-term stability for residents who are currently unable to access suitable housing.

Community Land Trust (CLT) homes are permanently affordable by design, as they are held in community stewardship and linked to local incomes rather than market values. This ensures that these homes remain accessible to those who need them most-both now and for future generations. By delivering housing at social-rent-equivalent levels (or other sub-market tenure depending on agreement), the development helps prevent homelessness by giving residents a stable, long-term and affordable home within their own community.

In addition, the inclusion of communal spaces and shared gardens will help create a supportive environment, enabling residents-particularly those who may previously have experienced housing instability-to build community connections, improve wellbeing, and maintain stable tenancies.

This scheme directly supports Brent's wider strategic objectives around homelessness prevention, affordable housing delivery, and community-led regeneration. It transforms underused garage land into much-needed homes that will be owned and managed for the benefit of local people.

For these reasons, I strongly support this application and believe it represents an important, socially-responsible step in addressing homelessness and housing need in the borough.

 

 PLANNING PORTAL DETAILS

Planning – Planning Application Documents

26/0315 | Demolition of existing garages and redevelopment to provide a part three and part four-storey building comprising 19 residential units (Use Class C3) with ancillary communal room, communal gardens, landscaping, cycle parking and stores and all other associated ancillary works | Garages rear of 8-12 Stonebridge Park, Brentfield Road, London LINK

May 7th 2026 Local Election: ACE Climate and Nature Hustings Tuesday 14th April - In-person and On-lne

 

 🔈You are invited to ACE Brent's Action on the Climate Emergency Hustings ✅

 

🗓️ Tuesday 14 April - 7-9pm at Barham Community Library

 

Meet and question the candidates as they present their plans to tackle the climate emergency. 

 

Please register to attend this event:

 

🖥️ Online: https://bit.ly/hustonl

 

👥 In person: https://bit.ly/hustper

 

 ✉️ACE@brentfoe.com

If you know of a hustings coming up and would like to advertise it email: wembleymatters@virginmedia.com

Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre thrown a temporary lifeline

 

The Welsh Harp Environmental Centre has been thrown a lifeline after its closure last summer. Brent Council has allocated £30,000 to repair the classrooms that are in very poor condition and were flooded during the winter.

The Council has reached an agreement with  Thames 21 to run classes at the Centre from April, ahead of the May local election, Thames 21 gave up running the Centre in Summer 2025 because of the high running costs but have now agreed to return.  No details have been released on the financial arrangements that would ensure viability in the future and the charges that will be made to schools. At the time of closure the charge was £5 per pupil. Primary schools across the borough are facing budgetary problems, including those caused by falling pupil numbers, so the charge will be an important factor.

A petition was launched after the closure announcement that reached 401 signatures LINK despite the fact that schools were on holiday when the campaign got underway.

The petition urged the Council: 

 We residents and people who work or study in Brent call on Brent Council to undertake a full scoping exercise to enable the work of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre (WHEEC) with primary age children to continue. This work, which has been going on for more than half a century is even more important at a time of a climate and ecological emergency. It is imperative that the generation that will be dealing with this emergency in the future are enabled to experience and appreciate the natural world that is now under threat.

Brent Council in today's Press Release hints at a possible return to the original idea that space would be provided in the 16-25 Skills Centre planned for the site:

Brent Council is also working on longer-term plans for a larger, permanent home for environmental education at Welsh Harp where, among other things, young people with special educational needs and disabilities will be able to access a range of training opportunities, including horticulture. ·

SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES - Community fights to keep South Kilburn's Granville Rec

 

Wembley Matters has reported the regeneration of South Kilburn over many years - problems are many including Granille New Homes purcased by the Council and costing more to remediate than to purchase price, balconies that flood, windows that fall out, shops flooded and closed down, heating breaking down regularly, new build built up close to old build not meeting separation space standards, fire in the disused job centre, Brent Council's  'Landlord Promise' looking unlikely to be fulfilled and much more.

 

The new Peel Precinct public space (above)  is windswept concrete and privately owned and symbolises the lack of soul that often characterises new developments.

It is no wonder then that tenacious residents want to hold on to a remnant of green space that represents what many hold dear, community belonging and engagement, and a space that is utilised for the benefit of all. 

Even on a cold day outside the growing season, there were crops to be seen that contribute to Granville Community Kitchen's mission of transforming 'ourselves, our communities and our food systems to create a just resilient  and sustainable world.'

 

 

A space to run around, tumble safely on a grassy surface AND get involved in growing food and engage with your neighbours. It is clear to me that the site has a lot of potential. Volunteers are already investing hours of their free time and it would be great if Brent Council also invested in the space and saved it from further development.

 

THE PETITION - PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY - SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES

 

We, the undersigned, strongly object to the proposed development of Block D on Granville Recreation Ground (planning ref: 21/2587).

 

Key Concerns & Why We Object: 

• Loss of vital community green space & garden
• Negative Wider Environmental Impact - air pollution and biodiversity
• Lack of Proper Consultation with Residents
• Negative impact on Princess Road Conservation Area 
• Contradicts the original South Kilburn Regeneration masterplan
• Totally inadequate replacement 

 

We demand that Brent Council:

• Halt plans for Block D to preserve our existing green space, garden, vegetable growing project, trees and biodiversity.
• Conduct a genuine public consultation with all local residents
• Revise the development plan to benefit both new and existing residents without compromising our local green space.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

This is an objection made in July 2025: 

I object to the proposed development at Granville Road, which prioritizes housing density over the preservation of vital green space. As a resident of this area for over 50 years, I have deep concerns about the environmental, social, and infrastructural impacts of this plan. My objections align with those of the Princess Road Residents Association and others who have highlighted the severe drawbacks of this proposal.

LOSS OF GREEN SPACE AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT:

It seems to me that the removal of Granville Recreation Ground will have detrimental consequences for local biodiversity.

I cannot see where the plans help address the decline in birds, pollinators, and wildlife, many of which rely on the mature trees and green spaces that the current space provides.

The introduction of a heavily regimented "urbanized" park design falls woefully short in attempts to replicate the ecological value of the existing natural landscape - so much so that it begs the question if ecological value has been fully assessed.

I am also concerned about the increased heat island effect due to reduced tree cover, which I understand is contrary to Brent Council's own Climate Emergency Declaration (2019, updated 2021).

The proposed "replacement" park, while technically larger, is dominated by roads and parking spaces, meaning an overall loss of usable green space. I fully echo the expressed concerns that this is exactly what London does not need in the face of climate change.

FLOODING RISK EXACERBATION 

I have personally experienced severe flooding in this area (most recently during the July 2021 cloudburst), and the proposed development raises serious concerns about drainage. My household has received no compensation and has had huge implications on matters of insurance for us.

Increased hard surfaces (buildings, roads, paved areas) mean greater rainwater runoff, threatening already overwhelmed drainage systems.

Past flooding events (including historic incidents from the 1950s-60s where basements were inundated) show this area is highly vulnerable.

Lack of detailed flood response plans in the application suggests the council and developers are ignoring this critical risk.

INADEQUATE CONSULTATION & COMMUNITY VOICE IGNORED

Despite being a long-term resident, I-like many others-have not been properly consulted on the material changes to this plan since its 2021 inception. The opaque communication from Brent Council and developers has left me and my wife, as with many of my neighbours, feeling disregarded and misled.

CONTRADICTIONS TO BRENTS OWN POLICIES

As far as I can tell, this proposal directly conflicts with Brent Council's commitments to:

Green Infrastructure Vision (loss of mature trees and biodiverse spaces)
Health Equity Goals (reduction in accessible, natural recreational areas)
Clean Air & Carbon Reduction Targets (fewer trees, more concrete)
Conclusion & Appeal

IN SUMMARY

I urge Brent Council to reject this flawed proposal and instead:

- Protect Granville Recreation Ground as a vital green lung for South Kilburn. 

- Demand a full, independent flood-risk assessment before any further planning decisions. 

- Hold transparent public consultations-where residents' concerns are not just heard but acted upon.

If this development proceeds in its current form, it will be a loss for the environment, a risk to homeowners, and a betrayal of community trust. I expect Brent Council to uphold its duty to residents-not developers' profits.

'It's about listening to us,' Brent youngsters' message on facing the challenge of climate change together - video