Monday 30 December 2019

Did Labour's candidate for the Alperton by-election tweet admiration for Bob Blackman?

There may be more than one person with the name Chetan Harpale but if this is the same person who is standing for Labour in the Alperton by-election I am rather perplexed.

Expressing admiration for Bob Blackman, a right-wing pro-Modi Conservative (and ex leader of Brent Conservatives), who local Labour activists mobilised to unseat at the General Election may be one thing - but calling Jeremy Corbyn 'ProJihadis'...?

There is of course the possibility that the Twitter account was hacked and I will be happy to publish any clarification from the Labour Party.

The Twitter account @HarpaleChetan is now locked.


Harpale is standing to replace ex-Cllr James Allie who resigned under a cloud.

Saturday 28 December 2019

Brent Council consults on Neighbourhood CIL spending priorities

Brent Council is consulting residents on the Neighbourhood priorties of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy. This is 15-25% of the levy paid by developers towards infrastructure in the borough. The grants are based around  CIL neighbourhoods and this is the funding available for each:

Harlesden £1,075,000
Kilburn and Kensal £1,075,000
Kingsbury and Kenton £1,075,000
Wembley £4,300,000
Willesden £1,075,000

THE CONSULTATION

Overview

  • The council collects money from new eligible developments in the Borough through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). CIL is a charge used to help local authorities to deliver the infrastructure needed to support development.   
  • Up to 15 % (or up to 25% where there is a neighbourhood plan in place) of the CIL money collected is available to fund infrastructure, which, among other criteria, is aligned with priorities expressed by local communities, called Neighbourhood Priorities. This proportion of the CIL money is the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) and is applied for by residents and organisations who would like to see more localised, community led, projects being delivered.  
  • It can be spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area. Infrastructure includes buildings and services that leave a legacy to an area. For example, NCIL has funded the refurbishment of community spaces and the funding of youth projects. For a list of previous NCIL projects please visit the NCIL webpage.

Why We Are Consulting

  • We need your views on what should be the next neighbourhood priorities for your local area. Applications for NCIL funding will need to state how their proposal meets the neighbourhood priorities of the area that the infrastructure will be delivered in or will benefit.    
  • The current neighbourhood priorities are the same across all five neighbourhoods however this consultation will be to determine neighbourhood specific priorities. The current neighbourhood priorities are: Town centres and High streets, Transport & Roads, Community Spaces & Cultural Facilities and Parks and Green Spaces.
  • The five neighbourhoods areas are the same as the Brent Connect areas: Harlesden, Kilburn, Kingsbury and Kenton, Wembley and Willesden.
  • Please get involved and choose your top priorities for NCIL funding in your neighbourhood. The new neighbourhood priorities will be approved by Cabinet and will inform the expenditure of NCIL from 2020-2023. In three years’ time we will consult again on what the priorities should be.
Previous NCIL project receiving money (Click bottom right corner for full size version). Note: It is worth noting the proportion of applications that were made by community groups, departments of Brent Council and councillors.

Friday 27 December 2019

Workshop on the history of green spaces in Brent - January 11th 2020

Recycle electrical items at The Kiln Dec 30th - January 12th


Public meeting on Brent trees policy: January 15th Newman Catholic College


After the passion and rage of the recent outdoor meeting LINK about the Furness Road trees the community is coming together for a public meeting with Brent councillors and officers on the 15th January 2020 to discuss tree policy.

The meeting will be held at Newman Catholic College, Harlesden Road, Willesden, NW10 3RN from 7pm - 8pm.

Concerns about the felling of street trees is not an issue confined to Furness Road or even to Brent. These documents from Sheffield that emerged from mediation between the City Council, the contractor Amey and the Sheffield trees Action Group (STAG) may be of interest to those seeking a balanced solution.

Click bottom right corner for full page.






Tuesday 24 December 2019

Brent Council by-election candidates announced

Following the closure of nominations at 4pm this afternoon Brent Council has published the  statement of persons nominated:

The candidates are:

ALPERTON WARD (ONE VACANCY)
Anton Georgiou (Liberal Democrats)
Chetan Harpale (Labour Party)
Andrew Linnie (Green Party)
Harmit Vyas (Conservative Party)

BARNHILL WARD (TWO VACANCIES)
Mansoor Akram (Labour Party)
Michael Brooke (Liberal Democrats)
Martin Francis (Green Party)
Gaynor Lloyd (Labour Party)
Kanta Mistry (Conservative Party)
Peter Murry (Green Party)
Larry Ngan (Liberal Democrats)
Stefan Voloseniuc (Conservative Party)

WEMBLEY CENTRAL WARD (ONE VACANCY)
Sai Karthik Madabhushi (Conservative Party)
Jyotshna Patel (Liberal Democrats)
William Relton (Green Party)
Sonia Shah (Labour Party)

Polling Day os January 23rd 2020

Current Council:

LABOUR 56
CONSERVATIVES 3
GREEN  0
LIBEREL DEMOCRATS 0

Thursday 19 December 2019

One Olympic Way pulled from Planning Committee Agenda but Fulton Quarter passed unanimously

The controversial planning application for 1 Olympic Way LINK  was pulled from last night's Planning Committee agenda apparently for  'technical reasons' due to a later submission regarding light. The application to add  several storeys to the building and build a new 15 storey block at the back had been opposed by Quintain.

Quintain's own Fulton Quarter outline plan LINK for 995 homes, office space, retail and work spaces with a number of towers including one of 25 storeys was passed unanimously. There will be a Stage 2 referral of the scheme to the Mayor of London.  Councillors were told that the viability study (the generation of sufficient profit for the developer)  meant that there could be no more than 25% (by floor area) of affordable housing. Cllr Johnson asked, 'Why not 30 or 35%?' Johnson was later told that the viability assessment left no room for affordable workspace and the option had not been pursued.

Officers justified the fact that they were relying on a consultation carried out two years ago on the scheme by saying that few concerns had arisen at the time and a new consultation would 'confuse people.'

Asked about the 25 storey tower planning officers said it was at the centre of the plot and would not interfere with protected views of Wembley Stadium (by which they seemed to mean the arch rather than the whole stadium) and while it was the tallest in the immediate vicinity the new Network Housing block would be over 20 storeys and the highest in the development area would be 32 storeys.

Officers said that an Environmental Impact Assessment had not been felt necessary.

When Cllr Johnson asked if it was possible for the Troubadour Theatre to have space located in the Fulton Quarter he was told that this had always been a temporary project and this was their mode of operation. It was a way of testing the market for viability. It was a challenge to get people out of the West End habit (perhaps the planners had not heard of The Kiln)  but there may be a site available elsewhere in the Quintain development.

There will be further consultation on a more detailed application following the granting of outline permission.
Current

Application
Willesden Green Residents' Association made a presentation opposing the demolition of 162 Willesden Lane and argued that flats could have been provided by an extension to the house while maintaining the facade of the original. A resident had made a passionate submission on the Planning Portal about the animal life that would be affected by demolition and new build:
I wish to object to the proposed demolition and build of 19 flats at 162 Willesden Lane. The present house comprises of 10 flats- which is too many for the footprint. Adding another 9 will mean that the existing garden will be swallowed by the development. All homes in this area benefit from large gardens. All of them meet on all sides to create a wildlife oasis for rarely sighted birds and small animals. I regularly see a Heron camping out in my garden on its way to bigger pastures. 

Woodpeckers also seem to thrive here. To lose these creatures because of a modern block would be almost criminal in its negligence to this diverse ecosystem. 

To build a block of 4/5 stories high will impact on all our privacy as we will be severely overlooked. There are many mature trees that will need to cut down, which seems totally irresponsible in a central London location where wildlife and trees are essential for our healthy existence. The recent development of 'The Avenue' unearthed an unexploded WWII bomb, which caused much anxiety and danger to the local area- as I am sure you will recall, many people were evacuated for a considerable time. The Willesden Lane area suffered much bombing during the war- how many more bombs will be disturbed before a catastrophe occurs.

The modern block will definitely change the character of the area, which is full of wonderful large period houses and flats. And at a time when LONDON and the nation is suffering from a major shortage in social housing, it seems very neglectful and shortsighted to allow another private developer the opportunity to put up more unaffordable housing for investors to park their money without any care or consideration for home renters. Surely this is at complete odds with Brent's socialist authority agenda.
--> Officers said that the 20 trees to be removed would be replaced by planting another 20. 

Only one of the 18 flats will be 'affordable' which equates to 5.6% of the total (against a target of 50%!) but will be offset by a contribution of £99,500 for affordable housing elsewhere. Again the viability assessment was quoted in support. One councillor voted against on tenure grounds.

Current

Granted permission

The Committee agreed the application for 435-441/A Wembley High Road which is on the corner with London Road and stretches down that road.

The proposal was for retail and 44 flats only 4 of which would be at affordable rent (Discounted Market Rent equivalent to London Living Rent). The officers report said that the viability reported suggested it was not viable to include any affordable units so this offer was a gain. Councillors were not so sure and one voted against the application.

The major part of the High Road is retail with two storeys above and two storey houses on the side road. However planning officers suggested that the area was changing with the 26 storey 'Twin Towers' (former Chesterfield House), 18 storey West One development on Montrose Crescent and the 14 storey Wembley Central Station development so the up to 8 storeys height was acceptable.

It looks as if Wembley High Road is destined for more high development as this argument would apply across the board and families seeking truly affordable housing are going to have a very long wait.








Monday 16 December 2019

Quintain object to a Wembley Park planning application!

Now
Proposed (height increased)
Now
Proposed (Danes Court is towards bottom right)
It is not often that Quintain the Wembley Park developer objects to a development in Wembley Park, but they have in the case of No 1 Olympic where they object to the planning application by another developer.

Permission had already been granted for the office block to be converted to housing but the developer came back with additional proposals to add extra storeys to the building and build a new 15 storey block at the back, opposite Danes Court on North End Road.

Quintain state:
Whilst we acknowledge the applicants have tried to address some of the inadequacies in the original proposal, we maintain our objection to the application as submitted on 4 March 2019. Our objection concluded that the application should be refused planning permission on the grounds that the poor quality design, appearance and materials used within the development cause the increased scale, bulk and massing of the building to have a significant and detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area, Olympic Way and this primary gateway into Wembley Park. The application is therefore contrary to Policy D1 of the new London Plan (2018), WEM2 and WEM7 of the Wembley Area Action Plan (2015) and DMP1 of the Brent Development Management Policies (2016). The revisions submitted by the applicant do not in our considered opinion change these conclusions.

In addition to the above, we also confirm that the proposed introduction of retail and office floorspace on the ground floor is not deliverable by the applicant. As noted by the applicant, this would require the removal of the pedestrian ramps which are owned and maintained by Quintain. Quintain have no proposals to remove these ramps which are well used and provide the only direct step free access between Bridge Road to Olympic Way. Therefore, any benefits relied upon by the applicant resulting from these changes should be disregarded.
Danes Court, North End Road
The new building is certainly in stark contrast to Danes Court which it will over-shadow! A Danes Court resident writes:
I am very concerned that the recent amendment to the plans application still includes the proposal for a 15 storey block of flats at the rear of the building. That proposed block plus the 3,5 and 7 storey roof top increased height of the existing building will have a significant and detrimental effect on the light reaching my flat. I have already seen the light diminish significantly due to the new buildings in that area, this proposal will have a huge effect in restricting/blocking much of the sunshine and light reaching my balcony area of my flat and bedroom. The 15 storey block will not only affect the light reaching my flat but impinge on our privacy. It will be facing my daughter's bedroom and balcony area. Our privacy will be much reduced.
The privacy on one side of the flat has disappeared with the recent Anthology building. This proposal will be the last straw and any privacy and quality of natural light will have gone for good. The loss of natural light and privacy are stressful and distressing and affects our quality of life. This proposal will make things for us even worse. Also, this building will add to light pollution from yet more artificial lighting from huge new buildings in the area, plus, noise, litter, traffic and crime. I know there is little chance of anyone listening to us but please consider the effect this proposal has on residents like me who have lived in Danes Court. for nearly 25 years.
Two objections, one from a multi-million property company and another from a long-term resident, but both are discounted by the Planning Officers' report which recommends approval of the scheme. The officers seek various changes including a more 'natural' cladding to the blocks and have ensured that the block will not threaten plans to redevelop the next building along, No 3 Olympic Way, which is currently offices. The College of North West London building on the opposite side of Olympic Way is likely to be replaced with a higher block in the near future and readers will already have seen the plans for the Fulton Quarter in what is current the Wembley Stadium Retail Park.

Readers have noticed that conversion of No 1 Olympic Way from offices to residential is already underway, despite this application to modify the plans. The application will be heard by Brent Planning Committee on Wednesday.  The public can attend or a live stream is available from the Council website.



 



Officers recommend acceptance of planning application for Wembley Stadium Retail Park, McDonalds & Troubadour Theatre site

L to R Retail stores, McDonalds, Troubadour Theatre (Fountain Studios)
Replacement development (the light brown building bottom left is the College of North West London which is also due to be redeveloped)
Officers are recommending acceptance of  Quintain's plans for the redevelopment of the Olympic Way/Wembley Park Drive/Fulton Road site currently occupied by Wembley Stadium Retail Park, McDonalds and the Troubadour Theatre.

Approximately 995 housing units will be built on the site and there will be 6,600 square metres of floor space at ground level for a variety of uses including retail, office and leisure.

The tallest block will be 25 storeys high with 8 storey blocks facing Wembley Park Drive. As often the case the amount of 'affordable' housing is less than recommended as is the amount for larger families but deemed acceptable by the officers' report on the basis of viability studies.
The 'affordable' housing would be:
For 1 Bed and 2 Bed Units – Affordable Rents (inclusive of service charges) no more than 80% of local open market rent, and capped at Local Housing Allowance rates, and to be agreed in writing by the Council (such agreement to not unreasonably be withheld) 

For 3 Bed and 4 Bed Units – Social Rent Target Rents (exclusive of service charges) determined through the national rent regime and set annually by the Homes and Communities Agency or any successor body, and to be agreed in writing by the Council (such agreement to not unreasonably be withheld)
The development includes podium green space (located above the retail - see the centre blocks), some at ground level between the retail units and accessible roof space on all excpet the tallest block. Officers point to the proximity of Chalkhill and King Edward VII parks for children's use. Give the large number of residents they suggest re-design of the crossing point to the shops on the other side of Wembley park Drive from the development. This site, without any development, has already seen a number of accidents to pedestrians when trying to cross the road.

There is no guarantee that any of the existing facilities, including the Troubadour Theatre,  in the development would transfer to this new 'Fulton Quarter' although there is a suggestion that  a cultural facility might be provided. The lion heads that were on the Lucullus Brent Empire Exhibition restaurant, on this site,  will be mounted in the new Fulton Square and there will be interpretive panels about the BEE and Wembley Park Studios. Regular Wembley Matters contributor Philip Grant will be pleased with this news. LINK

Twenty seven trees will be removed from the site but officers argue that this is compensated for by the planting of 36 trees at street level and 100 at podium level.

Friday 13 December 2019

BREAKING: Labour win in Brent Central, Brent North and Hampstead & Kilburn with reduced vote

BRENT CENTRAL (2017 party result in brackets)

David Breschia (Con)     10, 909  (10,211)
Dawn Butler (Lab)          31,779   (38,208)
William Relton (Green)    1,600   (802)
Deborah Unger (LibDem) 4,844   (2,519)
Total ballot papers issued 49,358
Turnout 58.74%

BRENT NORTH
Noel Coonan (Ind)                 169    (-)
Barry Gardiner (Lab)        26,911   (35,496)
Elcena Jeffers (Ind)                101   (239)
Paul Lorber (LibDem)        4,065    (1614)
Suzie O'Brien (Brexit)           951    (-)
Anjana Patel (Con)            18,832    (18,435)
Simon Rebbitt (Green)           850    (660)
Total ballot papers issued   52,080
Turnout 62.16%

HAMPSTEAD & KILBURN
Johnny Luk (Con)                13,892  (18,904)
James Pointon (Brexit)             684   (-)
Matt Sanders (LibDem)       13,121   (4,100)
Tulip Siddiq (Lab)                28,080   (34,464)
David Stansell (Green)           1,608   (742)
Turnout 66.5%

In his victory speech Barry Gardiner thanled the voters but said that the General Election result indicated that the country was in peril. He said both the Labour Party and the Government now had the duty to bring the divided country together again.

Monday 9 December 2019

Cllr James Allie resigns becoming the 4th Labour resignation in recent weeks

From Brent Council website:

Councillor James Allie, who represented the Alperton ward in the London Borough of Brent, has resigned today – Monday 9 December 2019.

The former Councillor notified Carolyn Downs, Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Brent Council, of his decision to stand down with immediate effect this morning.

His resignation creates a vacancy for the office of Councillor for the Alperton ward. In order to trigger a by-election, two local government electors in Brent must write to the Chief Executive’s Office requesting that an election take place. On receipt of the requests to fill this vacancy, the Returning Officer will set a date for an election to be held within 35 days.

All requests or letters regarding these vacancies must be sent to: Chief Executive’s Office, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ or by email to: Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk or Chief.Executive@brent.gov.uk.
LATE NEWS - Two requests have been received by the Brent Returning Officer so the by-election will be held on January 23rd alongside those for Barnhill and Wembley Central.

Personal note:  It would be handy if any other Labour councillor comtemplating resigning could do so as soon as possible - one cold December General Election and three bitterly cold January by-elections are quite enough. A freezing February one would be just too much! Thank you.

Cllr James Allie 'utilised' woman's estate meant for South African Charity


Cllr James Allie (Alperton ward) has been ordered to vacate a house and repay additional monies from an estate that he used for his own purposes reports the Daily Mail LINK.

Allie, a solicitor was appointed executor of Ruth Ballin's  £1.56m will which named the Canon Collins Education and Legal Assistance Trust that works in South Africa as benefactor. Canon Collins set up the International  Legal and Defence Fund at the time of the South African Treason Trials in 1956 to provide legal assistance for those facing trail, including Nelson Mandela, and to support their families.

Reporting the Court hearing the Daily Mail states:
..Mr Allie, who at the time worked for legal firm Spence and Horne, hid the news of the bequest from the charity for more than two years, the court was told.

Instead, the councillor is said to have ‘utilised’ her assets to buy a £580,000 property in Brent, where he has been living since it was purchased in 2017.
Cllr Allie was a Liberal Democrat councillor from 2005-2012, standing a the Lib Dem candidiate for Brent North in 2010.

In 2012 he defected to the Labour Party ostensibly over the Lib Dem's role in the Coalition Government LINK


Always a controversial figure a complaint was made against Cllr Allie in 2016 when he was spotted reading the Catholic Herald during a crucial Council debate on savage budget cuts. LINK

Cllr Allie and Cllr Butt in happier times

Former Labour Council James Powney was one of several people who drew attention to the irony of Cllr Allie being appointed as Chair of Brent Council Standards Committee later in 2016 by Council Leader Muhammed Butt. LINK
LINK 


Sunday 8 December 2019

VIDEO: Brent Central election candidates battle it out at hustings

These days there are relatively few opportunities for the public to attend a hustings where they can listen to parliamentary candidates, question them and perhaps indulge in the old fashion political art of heckling. In the Brent constituencies there are more opportunities in the mainly Camden Hampstead and Kilburn seat, a few in Brent Central and often none in Brent North.

So it was welcome that Brent Trades Council, recognising this democratic deficit, organised a hustings for Brent Central voters. Unfortunately the Conservative candidate did not turn up. Candidates who originally agreed to attend: David Brescia (Conservative), Dawn Butler (Labour Party),William Relton(Green Party), Deborah Unger (Lib Dem),Chair:Mary Adossides,Brent Trades Council

Below you can find videos of the hustings featuring all the candidates introductions and responses to questions. Many thanks to Peter Murry for filming the meeting and making the video widely available.



Brent Trades Council hustings of Brent Central Parliamentary candidates in the General Election. Saturday 7th December 2019 Introduction by Chair: Mary Adossides, Brent Trades Council Opening remarks Dawn Butler (Labour Party) William Relton (Green Party) Deborah Unger (Lib Dem) url:https://youtu.be/1l6ZbnArhUY



Brent Trades Council hustings of Brent Central Parliamentary candidates in the General Election. Saturday 7th December 2019 Introduction by Chair: Mary Adossides, Brent Trades Council Questions: Climate change and pollution Dawn Butler (Labour Party) William Relton (Green Party) url:https://youtu.be/rkYTc9-3Wjw



Brent Trades Council hustings of Brent Central Parliamentary candidates in the General Election. Saturday 7th December 2019 Introduction by Chair: Mary Adossides, Brent Trades Council Questions: Austerity, Poverty, Arms exports,crime Dawn Butler (Labour Party) William Relton (Green Party) Deborah Unger (Lib Dem) url:https://youtu.be/tcpe1hD_O5M




Brent Trades Council hustings of Brent Central Parliamentary candidates in the General Election. Saturday 7th December 2019 Introduction by Chair: Mary Adossides, Brent Trades Council Questions: racism, refugees, migration, economics, education Dawn Butler (Labour Party) William Relton (Green Party) Deborah Unger (Lib Dem) url: https://youtu.be/8Uh1NYkyr-w




Brent Trades Council hustings of Brent Central Parliamentary candidates in the General Election. Saturday 7th December 2019 Introduction by Chair: Mary Adossides, Brent Trades Council Questions: NHS, closing remarks Dawn Butler (Labour Party) William Relton (Green Party) Deborah Unger (Lib Dem) url:https://youtu.be/RAPLNN1TPLs

Thursday 5 December 2019

Brent Young Green challenges Brent Council on recycling - radical steps needed on climate emergency

In a practical demonstration of the benefits of votes for 16 and 17 year olds, Brent Young Green, Macsen Brown, did better than the official opposition in challenging Cllr Krupa Sheth over Brent Council's recycling record:


Wednesday 4 December 2019

Third Brent councillor resigns - now a Wembley Central by-election

Former Brent Labour Councillor James Powney has revealed on his blog that Cllr Luke Patterson has resigned.  This brings to three the number of Labour councillors who have resigned.

Brent Council has now posted this statement:

Councillor Luke Patterson, a local Councillor for the Wembley Central ward in the London Borough of Brent, has resigned today.

Councillor Patterson notified Carolyn Downs, Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Brent Council, of his decision to stand down with immediate effect. His resignation creates a vacancy for the office of Councillor for the Wembley Central ward. Two electors have contacted the Chief Executive to request a by-election which will take place on 23 January 2020.

The Notice of Election will be published on our website on 13 December 2019 and nominations will be accepted from 16 December to 24 December 2019.

Further information will be available after the General Election on 12 December 2019.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our Electoral Services team.

'Old St Raphs' to be excluded from redevelopment/refurbishment plans going to Brent Cabinet

Brent Council Press Release (unedited)

Recommendations for which parts of St Raphael’s should be included in proposals to improve the area, and create more much-needed affordable council housing, will be put to cabinet by Brent Council on Monday 9 December.

The council is considering two approaches, infill development and redevelopment, for the future of the estate, which straddles Neasden and Stonebridge.

Since November 2018, the council has been working with residents to create community-led masterplans for each approach while undertaking a detailed study of the design and financial considerations around the proposals.  

Following this work, the council is recommending that only the area known locally as ‘St Raphael’s Estate’ be included within the future masterplans, and that the area known locally as the ‘Old Estate’ is removed from the masterplanning exercise.

The council is also recommending that a local lettings plan be established once infill or redevelopment has taken place, to help the council tenants most in need living across St Raphael’s to benefit from the opportunities created.

Carolyn Downs, Brent Council’s Chief Executive said: 
"We’re committed to making sure, alongside residents, we develop the best possible options for the future St Raph’s. Our recommendations to cabinet are the result of detailed work from industry experts and nearly a year of feedback from residents, and conversations with more than 50% of households on the estate. We look forward to continuing to work together with residents, local businesses and community groups to develop the masterplans for both infill and redevelopment.” 
The council has written to all households on the estate to share its recommendations, and to answer frequently asked questions.

A series of drop in sessions for residents on the estate will also be held over the next two weeks at Henderson House, Henderson Close:
  • Tuesday 3 December – Friday 6 December (9.30am – 12.30pm and 2 - 5pm)
  • Monday 9 December  - Thursday 12 December (9.30am – 12.30pm and 2 - 5pm)
Comments from residents on this news welcome.

What has Brent got to offer tourists?

Old St Andrew's Church, Kingsbury, Brent's only Grade 1 listed building - not on the tourist list
As part of its Inclusive Growth and Regeneration Strategy Brent Council is looking at what would attract tourists to the area. A report going to Scrutiny tonight seeks to go beyond Wembley Park, aound the Stadium and Arena which has many hotels to look more widely at the borough.

People will have their own ideas but it terms of heritage I would includes Old St Andrew's Church in Kingsbury, dating from the 12th century and incorporating Roman brick from an earlier villa and much more recent mural at the Bobby Moore Bridge have been left off - presumably because the Council has covered most of it with advertising! Classifying Boxpark as a market seems a bit odd

This is the list (unedited):


Event destinations: 


o   -  Wembley Stadium

o   -  Wembley Arena 

Arts, culture and heritage: 


·       -  The Kiln Theatre, Kilburn

·       -  Troubadour Theatre (meanwhile), Wembley Park

·       -  Lexi Cinema

·       -  Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden

·       -  Shri Vallabh Nidhi Mandir, Ealing Road

·       -  Shree Swaminarayan Mandir temple, Kingsbury

·       -  Brent Museum and Archive, Willesden

·       -  Gaumont State, Kilburn

·       -  Churchill’s Bunker, Neasden

·       -  Metro Land (Brent contains some of the best Holden Stations)

·       -  Blue Plaques

·       -  Public art – murals and street art (e.g. Kilburn, Willesden, Church End,    Ealing Road)

·       -  It should also be noted that heritage and culture can be seen in Brent’s town centres through the food, drink, music, and clothing. To name a few; Harlesden Town Centre’s Caribbean, Brazilian, Polish and Somali influences, amongst many others; Ealing Road’s South Asian; and Kilburn’s Irish heritage. 
  
          Pubs and clubs 
 
o   -  Ace Café

o   -  Paradise Pub for club scene

o   -  Windermere is best statutory listed 1930s pub

o   -  Emerging night time economy in Kilburn


Parks and open space: 
 
o   -  Fryent Park

o   -  Gladstone Park

o   -  Welsh Harp Reservoir

o   -  Roundwood Park

o   -  Barham Park

o   -  Kind Edwards Park 

               Retail 
 
·       -    Ealing Road

·       -    LDO (including Cineworld)

  
Markets 


·       -  Church End

·       -  Kilburn

·       -  Queens Park Farmer’s Market

·       -  BOXPARK 

            Brent Town Centres


·       a)  Ealing Road and Kingsbury – destinations for South Asian food, clothing and jewellery.

·       b)  Harlesden – global array of music, cuisine and clothing, with prominence of Caribbean, Brazilian, Polish and Somali in particular.

·       c)  Kilburn – night-time economy offer, including pubs and restaurants, with The Kiln as the cultural anchor. Also the night tube at Kilburn station and great connectivity across 4 stations in total

·       d)  Willesden – food and drink offer (highlighted in the recent nomination for the Great British High Street ‘rising star’ award. 

The report notes the Joint Events Committee in Wembley Park and continues:
In addition, the council also deploys its own operational teams to manage the impact of each event on the local neighbourhood. This includes traffic management, enforcement of event day parking restrictions, street cleaning before, during and after each event, CCTV support, and other enforcement around licensing and trading standards. A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is proposed to extend enforcement powers to control other anti-social behaviour such as ticket-touting, littering and street urination. The council is also a committed partner in a programme to make the Wembley zone a ‘best in class’ sporting venue. This includes delivering on proposals to upgrade road signage, wayfinding and toilets and improvements to the public realm, better coordinated communications and a comprehensive network of crowd security measures including ‘hostile vehicle mitigation’ installations.
The report reviews public toilet provision in the area and concludes that there is sufficient - something that is likely to be disputed by many locals.

Further footfall is not likely to be welcomed by the residents of Pinnacle Tower who were unable to access or exit their properties during the recent NFL events. There had been an unauthorised 2 hour closure of Fulton Road but nonetheless Brent Council told the property manager that such difficulties were inevitable on such a site as a result of event day increases in pedestrian and vehicular traffic.