Last night's Brent Planning Committee decisions: Brook Avenue, Harlesden Adult Gaming Centre and Queens Park garage demolitions all approved.

 The developer's agent was challenged at Brent Planning Committee over the Brook Avenue development. He was asked what would happen if some of the owners of the current two storey houses did not agree to sell to the developer. He replied that the developer was in control of the vast majority of the site and just one or two house owners are holding out. He was confident that the developer would achieve full control.

Planning officers elaborated that a last resort would be Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO by Brent Council but that would depend on establishig that a proper process was followed by the developer.

Cllr Daniel Kennelly spoke strongly in favour of the application, particularly the shared living proposal but had reservations about a cycle path to nowhere and likely problems with park despite it being a no cars development.

The Planning Committee approved the application.

 

Cllr Kelcher, Chair of Planning Committee, recluded himself from consideration of the Park Parade, Harlesden, Adult Gaming Centre application. He said his position against it was well-known and had existed before he became Chair. 

Cllr Jumbo Chan (Harlesden and Kensal Green) spoke against the application. It would be an 'engine of great harm. Over concentration of gambling facilities preying on vulnerable people of Harlesden with homelessness centre nearby.'

The possibility of a developer appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if the application was refused loomed large over the discussion. An appeal could be costly for the council it was argued.

Cllr Saqib, Vice Chair, summed up at the end with the comment, 'after all we believe in the free market'.

The Planning Committee approved the application.

The application for the replacement of garages at the rear of 88-98 Wrentham Avenue in Queens Park by two houses was approved despite a strong speech against by a local resident who challenged claims about the use of the garages. They were used for a variety of purposes including as an art studio.