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.
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.
27 comments:
'Wembley Matters has reported the regeneration of South Kilburn over many years.'
Shouldn't that read 'Brent Council's degeneration of South Kilburn'?
Granville Rec and the community kitchen represent something the regeneration of South Kilburn has otherwise systematically removed — spaces that belong to everyone, built and sustained by the people who actually live here.
The decision to keep a single wall of the original Granville building while developing everything around it tells you a lot about how this process has valued community and history. It looks like a concession. It isn't one.
Block D should not go ahead. As a Green candidate for this ward I'll be opposing it — but more than that, I think this community deserves a council that understands the difference between building on a place and building for one.
Stephen Malonga, Green Party candidate
Am I missing something - the proposals already have planning permission so how can a petition or the local Green candidate stop them?
Developers can always `tweak' their plans. Ans dince the developers for this part will be carrying out development across much of South Kilburn, I'm sure they could accomodate this relatively small chnage if they were so minded
The main 'tweak' is the neighbourhood mid-rise South Kilburn Masterplan plan (2004/ 'revised' 2017), having a shock and awe 51m tall building zone layered on top of its entire plan by the higher planning tier 2019 Brent Local Plans 'othering idea'.
Guess which plan is being disregarded by re-developers.
PLANLESSNESS/ PLANNING IN AMBIGUITY ZONE; THERE IS STILL NO BRENT MASTERPLAN IN 2026 FOR THE 51M TOWERING OF SOUTH KILBURN AND HOW THAT IS ASSISTED LIVING INFRASTRUCTURED TO BE A LIVABLE LONDON NEIGHBOURHOOD.
Their green space or our green space?
We are talking here about what was once 1.5 ha Granville Road Public Open Space, what remains of it after 25 years of Brent 'regeneration'. In the late 1990's, a developer wanted to build housing on both of South Kilburn neighbourhoods two green lungs, fully intact 2 ha South Kilburn Public Open Space being the other green lung. This was strongly opposed by local estate residents including a petition presented at a main council meeting with the help too of Planning Aid for London. Brent decided that building on the two green lungs of then 6,000 population South Kilburn was "not in the public interest."
2001 saw the start of the South Kilburn Regeneration community-led masterplan. Here due to not enough start to re-build space, 2/3rds of Granville Road Public Open Space was housing built on, with the remaining 1/3rd (what we are referring to here being green invested in 2010 as "part" of the final masterplans green spaces delivery) as well as a Brent masterplan pledge to extend and major green invest South Kilburn Public Open Space (late 2024 this green plan with £4 million spend did go to Cabinet, not a word since).
Post its 2010 size reduction and green upgrade, Granville Road Public Open Space developed an hostile developer issue of being locked-up/with locals excluded from it done by persons unknown. This was on/ off, open/closed but for the past two years locals have been green space locked out. I talked to its occupiers through its fence with gate locked, non too welcoming. I don't think they live in South Kilburn either.
There was a kitchen garden inside Granville Community Centre, which is now built on as housing, I would very much expect that this re-located kitchen garden will be built on in the exact same way. Key for re-developers is local people being locked-out of their own green space by private interests and their meanwhilers who serve towards that objective.
Directly opposite Granville Road Public Open Space is the Islamic Republic of Iran Education and Cultural Centre and in between is a key public right of way which is squatted out by homeless people. As said, because of this green space lock out at GROS(S), children play football on the road. Its very select and supervised who enters this not- community grow space, unlike say Regents Park or Kensington Gardens where this same type/size of kitchen garden is open to all Londoners. Green learning inclusion can be done in London, just not in 'the worse the better' zones
South Kilburn has trebled its population since 2001, such green space lock-outs by developers should be criminalised.
Nice to hear the Green candidate speak. South Kilburn is more than meanwhile colonisers and more than green space lock outs for developer greed.
Image 1. connected to this left is 17 storey Orwell Tower, 1 staircase opened in 2025. Hard landscaping, scary given its 2025, i.e. post the 2021 South Kilburn major floods. Was at a meeting where Maida Vale Conservation Area was advocating its policy of more and more water tanks being built outside its boundary to further flood protect it, this already includes the SK underground car-parks built along the River Westbourne's path under new blocks. Climate denial zone SK, to add to kitchen garden/ public open space access denial SK, children's playgrounds removal SK?
More believable, if this kitchen/ allotment garden in South Kilburn was kept open for local people to enjoy as is the case elsewhere in London with such grower usage of public open space. Hampstead Heath also has a fully open to public allotment garden. GRPOS is public open space, it therefore MUST be public open to serve the public good. Probably should also be Brent consulted on if this is how local people want this public open space to be best used.
End the lock out of local people Brent PLS. Otherwise this is a developer meanwhile occupy tactic used three times already in South Kilburn, Regeneration Year 25.
A guy from Queens Park Conservation Area worked the Granville Centres kitchen garden outdoor area, until he did not (its now all being built on). Persons unknown worked the kitchen garden by Queens Park Station car park (its now parking for vans instead). William Saville and William Dunbar House had a kitchen garden paying two people from Queens Park Conservation Area (their pay stopped, so did the garden).
Therefore probably its better Brent safeguarding to restore Granville Road Public Open Space as a pocket park as per Masterplan, with a long-term funding and management baked-in? Its also worth noting that City of Westminster adjacent in its Local Plan, strong protects (and invests) in all of its surviving public green open spaces regardless of their size.
Lets hope the Green candidates May 7 push for Local Green Space Designation for the South Kilburn Public Open Space (rename Kilburn Park), a BLP Review process is staring so now is the time. Surely 45ha car-free towers can justify a high quality 2 ha park, especially if said park is shared with Maida Hill, Britain's most overcrowded neighbourhood/ a green space desert?
The Greens need to challenge the Right-thinking decision maker bad growth champions of London.
SAVE THE DAY! 18 APRIL 2026
1-5pm !
Come and see the Rec and support Green Spacez In Brent!
Thank you for all your support Wembley Matters! You are so important to all the residents and campaigners in Brent!
Everything is possible until they put a spade in the ground! Brent have gone out to find a single developer to finsh the regeneration - 13 Buildings taking 20-40 more years and costing £1 Billion pounds. The chosen developer will probably change what's planned so the future of the Rec is not set. In fact one of the 3 Candidates has told us they would not build on the site as its too expensive. Hurray!
Pretty much the same leaflet here was used as for 'protecting' the Granville Community Centre's kitchen garden, now having housing built on it. So, that didn't go too well.
But at least that kitchen garden was accessible to local people, whereas this Granville Road Public Open Space occupation is not, is excluding and very much for their nature access private needs only. If an accessible kitchen garden fails in South Kilburn brownfield, an inaccessible lock-out kitchen garden is certain to fail and be built on.
Developer proxy.
Interesting how the vital public right of way (its a car-free housing zone remember) between this meant to be public open space (its locked-up) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Community and Education Centre is kept so uncared for, so downtown LA. Helps with the public open space lock-out/private capture process by private developer I suppose?
This kitchen garden needs to be open, as the kitchen gardens are at Hampstead Heath, Regents Park and Kensington Gardens, where the kitchen gardens are public open spaces. Trust South Kilburn to exclude.
Trust South Kilburn Trust to estate people exclude
Remove the two padlocks from Granville public open space and let it be the public good once more. Greens get curious.
From two green park lungs 2001 to one green park lung 2026 in South Kilburn. The Greens need to get curious, as to Local Green Space Designation (when) and green investment ( long pledged but not actioned) in the South Kilburn Public Open Space, Brent Kilburn's only park.
Camden Kilburn has invested in its Kilburn Grange only park, looking good too. While South Kilburn's 2ha 60 year old park in regeneration year 25, looking neglected and non invested in. At least it hasn't got a fence all around it with gates so a developer can lock local people out of it and then call it a kitchen garden until they build on it. Greens get curious.
Unlock those access to green space chains Brent.
Oh, and replace the three developer removed children's playgrounds!
It's precious public owned park space, but it's chained to lock the car-free housed local Brent public out of it. How is that wellbeing support and assisted living?
Some would argue the chains are imaginary or a matter of opinion. Others would argue that they went to park visit, but instead were forced to speak to occupiers through its fence, both gates locked, access denied due to 'other ideas'/ 'we can do what we want.'
Maybe its a matter for the law to resolve. In population extreme growth car-free housing tall building zones, when is a public open space, not a public open space? What are the private capture rights in law regarding public open spaces? Do you just need two padlocks and a colonial total lack of empathy and respect for neighbourhood?
Stephen. Would advise that you also explore the 2ha South Kilburn Public Open Space, difficult to miss as its on Carlton Vale, that is an open 24/7 to all green space serving this 45 ha tall building zones nature access needs for 60 years. Even has a bat colony. Late 2024, Brent Cabinet committed to green invest and extend this Brent Kilburn's only park. No word since, while the Brent Local Plan wants to build on this parks woodland area i.e. to begin butchering it up into sites as happened to Granville Road Public Open Space, when South Kilburn enjoyed two large green lungs in the 2000's. Those 1960's urban planners!
SKPOS 2 ha open to everyone all the time park, is the election issue. Brent's local people lock-out strategy at Granville Pocket Park? Maybe Brent would unlock it for the election, but they will lock it again May 8th, keep it private hijacked until its built on. Even a developer called this lock-up game "harsh". But harsh is a way to describe brownfield estates government policy continuous since 2010.
My daughter goes to a nursery just around the corner from the Granville food garden (different from the Granville one) and Leslie was happy to give the nursery a key so that the children can access it. The issue has been from what I understand that homeless people tried to settle there. It is such a lovely space with old trees. Any of the promised green spaces in the area, managed by the developers, have an increasing numbers of dirt patches and dead trees. When something dies, it does not get replaced. We definitely don’t need any more of these ‘rubber’ tiles around South Kilburn.
Homeless people tried to settle in South Kilburn Public Open Space and in the Large Panel System blocks including the towers. Burning wood to keep warm in a 16 storey LPS tower, not the best idea and Brent agreed. That was winter of 2024/25. Brent did take action on these two issues. There is a camp on the public right of way outside Granville Road Public Open Space still.
The locking out of local people from their Granville Road Public Open Space dates back to not long after this park was reduced by 2/3rds and then 1/3rd renewed "as part of the final masterplan" in year 2010. Certainly by 2015 total developer lock-outs were regularly happening here. There is a Kilburn Times article from that time with locals pleading for their green space to be kept open by Brent. Its been locked/open/locked/open.... ever since, though locked more often that not these last few years.
If the kitchen gardens at Hampstead Health, Regents Park and Kensington Gardens can all be kept public open, they also have homeless people, what is wrong regarding South Kilburn people as council tax payers having protected rights to access their green space? Every London green space amenity would be full of homeless camps, they are not, why is that?- and what makes this Brent tower zone of population grow, grow, grow a special case for neighbourhood wellbeing disregard/ developer enclosure of this final masterplan in 2010 upgraded public open green space?
Have to obtain a key before you can use a public open space? Even private gardens are not usually locked.
Developer domination. How can local people neighbourhood belong if most are locked-out and excluded.
South Kilburn Regeneration year 25. Lets see some spring planting in South Kilburn Public Open Space, for equality with other London Parks planting. A deep shame that developers don't buy into a sustainable neighbourhood central park for green investment, rather than funding locals locked-out of a pocket park in a special land take operation.
Granville Pocket Park has no future while neighbourhood residents are locked-out of it and must go ask for a key to access it.
This is a case study in developer domination and how the new colonialism operates.
Would the Greens continue the South Kilburn Trust fail local neighbourhood people and fail better, or would the Greens start a fresh and actually engage the local population of this zone? Remove the exclusion gatekeepers and unlock gates.
Granville Community Kitchen was offered the use of the Granville Rec in 2023 because its education garden was lost under what is now The Garden Hall (built on our garden!) After spending the first season finding the remnants of a garden under 10 years of brambles, locked and closed for 10 years, we began having summers of activities there for local residents, schools and growers, The garden was left unlocked for everyone to use until April 2025 when rough sleepers and organised criminals moved in. We had to lock it after that to protect the space for residents.
We have a policy of Community Key Holders that is any resident can have a key to go in and use the space as they like. They just need to contact us.
Please let me know if you would like a key... info@granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk
Thanks, Leslie
UNLOCK GRANVILLE ROAD PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TODAY
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