The slide of the artists' impression of the new Ark Elvin school building had pride of place at the Planning Committee tonight and the green space looked impressive - especially the bit fronting the High Road, although maybe it was a different shade of green so that might be a clue.
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| The space next to existing Brent House on Wembley High Road |
When Cllr Maurice suggested that a condition be put on the Planning Application that it should remain a green space, Steve Weeks, Head of Planning, came clean and said that couldn't be done because it would be contrary to the existing Wembley Area Plan, which of course sees retails stretching from Wembley Central station all the way down the High Road to the LDO.
However, the Planning Committee were told that they had to consider the Ark Elvin planning application separately from any plans for the High Road frontage. Clearly any applications for the development of the space will be considered in the light of the Area Plan. Basically the new school will be hidden away, probably behind blocks of flats with retail on the ground floor.
It was also confirmed that Jesmond Road residents can't be spared construction traffic by alternative access to the school site via Brent House, because the Council are on the verge of reaching a deal with developers on that site.
Forgive me, I've been out of the country, but I'm a bit confused.
ReplyDeleteI know that Brent Council has got a massive majority for one party, but is it Labour or Conservative? And how would I tell the difference?
Also, what is the appeal of Jeremy Corbyn exactly?
The real question is
ReplyDeleteWould the school be better built in a different location closer to catchment area of Harlesden?
The Real problem in building a school now on Copland site is that a high percentage of Copland intake are drawn from Harlesden area.
The Copland Site would be ideal strategic site initially for ground works for possible underground train connecting High Speed Rail & Cross Rail from Old Oak Common to Stonebridge and onto Wembley buried underneath Copland Site with stop Whitehorse Bride and then connecting around east side of Wembley possibly new stop on east side of stadium then connecting to Wembley Park.
Wembley needs a connection from Old Oak Common and the Copland Site should be used as a strategic asset to deliver such an opportunity.
Long term Copland site would make an ideal site developing into Sports facilities for the disabled and disadvantaged with athletic track plus boxing arena, swimming pool etc etc
Yes Brent needs new schools but it also needs a better vision than what is being offered.
Working with London Mayor in immediately earmarking a school site in the Old Oak Common Development Corporation will deliver schools where they are needed.
If for example towards the east of Wembley stadium there was a new train station a new school could be developed in the future in this area that would deliver the needed future school places.
Come on Wembley reject the current plans as it simply will cause more congestion in Wembley as young people would have to travel from Harlesden to Wembley to attend the proposed redeveloped Copland site.