tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.comments2024-03-18T16:56:49.185+00:00WEMBLEY MATTERSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-49286911587455557732024-03-18T16:27:55.468+00:002024-03-18T16:27:55.468+00:00Mayor of London says air pollution in London is ca...Mayor of London says air pollution in London is causing asthma.<br /><br />My nephew, sister in law and some other relatives all have asthma - where do they all live? They live in leafy green villages in the countryside, they rarely even go to their local town let alone into the big cities.<br /><br />You can get asthma anywhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-26962963799212365362024-03-15T19:13:16.762+00:002024-03-15T19:13:16.762+00:00More distressing news re the canal which makes it ...More distressing news re the canal which makes it even more important to get the Welsh Harp refilled for vital wildlife habitat: https://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/24185572.swans-birds-die-grand-union-canal-oil-spill/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-50312140941737004512024-03-14T11:13:25.334+00:002024-03-14T11:13:25.334+00:00Beautiful tree is completely gone now - further en...Beautiful tree is completely gone now - further environmental destruction at the hands of Brent Council 😞Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-31586974919809934792024-03-12T21:03:15.414+00:002024-03-12T21:03:15.414+00:00https://glaplanningapps.commonplace.is/planningapp...https://glaplanningapps.commonplace.is/planningapps/23-3462Paul Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-11200866532883734522024-03-12T16:16:41.324+00:002024-03-12T16:16:41.324+00:00This, from the Council's website, is what was ...This, from the Council's website, is what was decided at yesterday's Cabinet meeting (11 March):<br /><br />'Cabinet RESOLVED:<br /><br />(1) To approve in principle the Council working with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association (MTVH) to support the development objective of delivering new social housing within the Chalkhill Estate.<br /><br />(2) To approve in principle to make Compulsory Purchase Orders of land interests within the Chalkhill Estate as identified on Plan 1 under Planning or Housing legislation to bring forward the development objectives, subject to a further specific resolution of Cabinet in respect of the making of each order.<br /><br />(3) To agree advancing the preliminary stages of the compulsory purchase process on the Chalkhill Estate, including, but not limited to, land referencing, issuing section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 notices (section 16 notices), engaging, consulting and negotiating with landowners, and preparation of documentation and undertake all matters that the Council might need to undertake to inform a further report to Cabinet to make, confirm and implement the CPO, if required.<br /><br />(4) To approve in principle to appropriate, subject to planning,the land identified on Plan 1 under section 203 of the 2016 Housing and Planning Act, subject to a further specific resolution of Cabinet in respect of the making of each appropriation.<br /><br />(5) To approve in principle to make stopping up orders using planning or highways legislation for any land identified on Plan 1 and comprising public highway.<br /><br />(6) To note the potential for the delivery of new social housing illustrated by MTVH’s current design proposals and that the current proposal will be subject to further consultation, design refinement and following that be subject of an application for planning permission to the Local Planning Authority.<br /><br />(7) To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to enter into an indemnity agreement with MTVH to indemnify the Council for all costs associated with the compulsory purchase process on Chalkhill Estate.'<br /><br /> Philip Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08216646114377430489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-17061173405779702672024-03-12T16:05:28.226+00:002024-03-12T16:05:28.226+00:00At yesterday's (11 March) Cabinet meeting they...At yesterday's (11 March) Cabinet meeting they agreed to allocate an extra £600k of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy ("SCIL") money for the fitting out of Preston Community Library, on the ground floor of Henry Cooper House [see my guest post last month about this new Council building on the site of the former Preston Library].<br /><br />The request to Cabinet was made by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources and the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance Resources & Reform and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Growth & Planning (Councillor Shama Tatler), and was 'supported by Infrastructure Officer Working Group' (whoever they are?).<br /><br />The Report said:<br />'For Preston Library, the anticipated cost is £867,000 and there is<br />Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding of £267,000 to<br />contribute to the costs of the fit out costs.'<br /><br />Is it really going to cost £867k to fit out the ground floor of this structurally finished building to provide the new community facilities for Preston Community Library? Although I am no expert on current building or fitting out costs, it seems rather a high figure.<br /><br />Or are the Council secretly trying to subsidise the construction costs of the whole building, because of a price overrun by Kier on that contract?<br />Philip Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08216646114377430489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-79244113768779952972024-03-11T22:20:41.881+00:002024-03-11T22:20:41.881+00:00Our Labour Mayor of London won't even dare pub...Our Labour Mayor of London won't even dare publish data on the effectiveness of the expanded ULEZ zone before the May vote - they need time to study the data - yeah right!<br /><br />BBC News - Doubts raised over Sadiq Khan's clean air claims<br />https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68533703Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-46866670545073050812024-03-08T09:17:47.986+00:002024-03-08T09:17:47.986+00:00Any news on when the Welsh Harp will be refilled ?...Any news on when the Welsh Harp will be refilled ? It's concerning that this is taking so long especially after reading this re the canal at Alperton 😞<br /><br />Appalling...<br /><br />"So far, 40 birds have been taken in by the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton after the oil - thought to be from a kitchen where takeaway delivery meals are made - was dumped in the Grand Union Canal in Alperton, west London."<br /><br />BBC News - Grand Union Canal: Sanctuary saving swans caught up in London oil dump<br />https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68509686Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-53512005908135262992024-03-07T05:42:53.988+00:002024-03-07T05:42:53.988+00:00LOLLOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-51357042511882303372024-03-05T13:56:05.539+00:002024-03-05T13:56:05.539+00:00Another brainless idea, only 32% is recycled. Bren...Another brainless idea, only 32% is recycled. Brent Council, use to be a helpful place, but in the last 10 years NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE SAME WITH THE GOVERNMENT.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-15946706774412007592024-03-05T13:07:32.790+00:002024-03-05T13:07:32.790+00:00Each of the remaining 7 sites will need to produce...Each of the remaining 7 sites will need to produce a business case to see if their project is financially viable and if it is, funding will be provided. However after 2024/25 there is no more funding available.<br /><br />Reference:- Full council meeting on The Budget Published 29th Feb.2024John Healynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-25246329309814348722024-03-05T11:03:09.803+00:002024-03-05T11:03:09.803+00:00Blocks to fill the spaces between blocks. Bet the ...Blocks to fill the spaces between blocks. Bet the residents wont be happy when they see the plans!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-60084208954493244122024-03-05T10:54:12.499+00:002024-03-05T10:54:12.499+00:00This seems to be yet another of Brent Council'...This seems to be yet another of Brent Council's little misrepresentations (lies) "comprise social housing, and the Council will hold nomination rights." It's all in the wording, it does not say at Social Formula Rents does it? Why can't they be honest for once? What do they mean by "social housing"? If they meant "Social Formula Rents" surely they would have said so? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-63318108540452679432024-03-05T08:13:57.507+00:002024-03-05T08:13:57.507+00:00Comrade, let me tell you, the actions of the Labou...Comrade, let me tell you, the actions of the Labour Mayor of London are nothing but a betrayal of the working class! They claim to care about the environment, but what they're really doing is trampling over the rights of hardworking people. Forcing us to ditch our cars? That's just another way to control and oppress us, all while they cozy up to their bourgeois buddies.<br /><br />And don't even get me started on their so-called solutions to pollution. It's like putting a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound! They're ignoring the real culprits – the big corporations pumping out toxins like there's no tomorrow.<br /><br />Labour has lost its way, my friend. They've forgotten who they're supposed to be fighting for. It's time for us, the true champions of the working class, to rise up and demand real change – not these watered-down, bourgeois-friendly policies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-3821139076946513332024-03-05T07:27:56.390+00:002024-03-05T07:27:56.390+00:00The agenda for the scrutiny mtg. on the 23rd April...The agenda for the scrutiny mtg. on the 23rd April is as follows:-<br />1) Contracts mobilisation<br />2) The review of the 2023/24 budget- I expect this item may take longer than the other items, as our Cllr''s like discussing this topic.<br /><br />3)Regeneration in Brent.<br /><br />Although<br /><br /><br />3<br /><br />ReAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-79011971258814575312024-03-04T18:12:22.816+00:002024-03-04T18:12:22.816+00:00You say: "This claim effectively asked the co...You say: "This claim effectively asked the court to direct a political party as to how to conduct that debate." No we did not. Our claim sought a judgment of unlawful discrimination with respect to my gender critical protected belief under the Equality Act. The Judge found in our favour.<br /><br />The Green Party, incidentally, sought a ruling on our party policy, which would have constituted that interference to which you object. He refused that request.Shahrarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-81726607330621999002024-03-04T17:59:47.266+00:002024-03-04T17:59:47.266+00:00So do only the 'borgeois elites' deserve a...So do only the 'borgeois elites' deserve a healthy environment then???<br /><br />I'm working class and I want beautiful trees like this to be saved!!!<br /><br />Perhaps you'd like the working class to go back to living and working in the polluted 'dark satanic mill' environments that we fought so much to get rid of.<br /><br />Contrary to your comments isn't it the Labour Mayor of London who is forcing hardworking people to ditch their perfectly good cars to improve air quality in London???<br /><br />Once again Labour don't know what they stand for!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-36806649723848213982024-03-04T17:35:45.417+00:002024-03-04T17:35:45.417+00:00I think you've missed (and therefore minimised...I think you've missed (and therefore minimised) an important outcome, Martin, that all the serious broadsheet papers managed to divine quite easily (except of course the disingenuous Guardian), that Dr Ali, in the words of the judge, was subjected to unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act on the basis of his protected GC belief.<br /><br />Both sides claimed to have won aspects of the case? You only get one winner in a case of this sort - clue - the side for whom damages were awarded. The side paying damages did not in any sense win, especially on the most important claim - that of unlawful discrimination in Dr Ali's removal as a spokesperson.<br /><br />Here's a good article from a suspended member that analyses the Judgment well, without resorting to both-sides-ism (which isn't a tenable journalistic position): https://thecritic.co.uk/how-the-greens-blackened-their-name/<br /><br />Here's also the link to the full judgment, for greater insight into the Green Party's "dirty politics": https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/ali-v-reason-and-nott/Shahrarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-29819305923518470752024-03-04T11:31:57.850+00:002024-03-04T11:31:57.850+00:00Anonymous at 2300 wrote "However regeneration...Anonymous at 2300 wrote "However regeneration in Brent is the last one of 3 items on the agenda and there may not be much time left to discuss it.". What's the point of having it on the agenda? Does that just mean the box has been ticked. or will the next meeting return to it with it at the top of the agenda? Or will it get buried as usual?Pete Firminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14384894592271716201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-610749629652794702024-03-03T23:00:26.535+00:002024-03-03T23:00:26.535+00:00Hi Philip, the agenda item on Regeneration in Bren...Hi Philip, the agenda item on Regeneration in Brent at the 27th February meeting was changed to "assets'. Regeneration in Brent will now be on the agenda for the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny meeting on the 23rd April 2024.<br /><br />However regeneration in Brent is the last one of 3 items on the agenda and there may not be much time left to discuss it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-36683420163818215182024-03-03T17:10:50.303+00:002024-03-03T17:10:50.303+00:00Comrades, it is utterly disgraceful how the bourge...Comrades, it is utterly disgraceful how the bourgeois elites continue to prioritise the preservation of trees over the plight of the working class! While they weep over a single tree on Wembley High Road, they turn a blind eye to the exploitation and suffering of the proletariat. This is a clear manifestation of their bourgeois agenda, perpetuating the illusion of environmental concern while ignoring the true struggles of the people. Let us rise up and demand justice for the working class, for their voices deserve to be heard far more than the cries of a solitary tree! George Galloway MP has shown an alternative is possible, and for that reason I urge you to consider the workers party of gb over the status quoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-10180977151443723952024-03-03T11:56:33.509+00:002024-03-03T11:56:33.509+00:00If you want to see a plan of the areas on the Chal...If you want to see a plan of the areas on the Chalkhill Estate that MTVH want to build new homes on, go to the Brent Council webpage for the 11 March Cabinet meeting agenda:<br />https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=455&MId=7520&Ver=4<br /><br />If you scroll down to item 11, you can download the "additional document", 11a - Appendix 1, which shows all the details.Philip Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08216646114377430489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-52735006618260165852024-03-03T11:22:03.940+00:002024-03-03T11:22:03.940+00:00How do students contribute to our area?
Every ...How do students contribute to our area? <br /><br />Every adult in Brent was a former student to some degree - please don't suggest that local councillors are better educated.<br /><br />We need proper long term housing not short term 'highly profitable for investors' student accomodation! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-71026478709337600682024-03-03T08:02:46.614+00:002024-03-03T08:02:46.614+00:00Thank you for posting this, Martin.Thank you for posting this, Martin.Philip Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08216646114377430489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2129943063330427887.post-29777697518185352432024-03-02T16:01:48.249+00:002024-03-02T16:01:48.249+00:00NEWS ITEM (and possible guest post):
Is a Cabinet...NEWS ITEM (and possible guest post):<br /><br />Is a Cabinet Report about delivering 60 homes for Social Rent at Chalk Hill what it seems?<br /><br />Item 11 on the agenda for the Cabinet Meeting on 11 March is headed: ‘Proposal to deliver 60 homes for Social Rent on the Chalk Hill Estate.’ That’s great news, surely? But you have to read the Report to find out what it really means.<br /><br />Social Rent is the most affordable of the “genuinely affordable” rent levels. It is the rent level at which the 2020 Brent Poverty Commission Report recommended the Council should build as many homes as possible, because most local people in housing need could not afford anything more expensive. And the Council has, so far, failed to build new homes for this rent level, unless they are existing tenants being moved from homes to be demolished.<br /><br />But, hang on, does Brent own the Chalkhill Estate? Well, no. In the Report’s “Background” information section, it confirms that Brent Council transferred it to Metropolitan Housing Trust in 1996.<br /> <br />[It also claims that ‘Chalkhill was one of the major estates constructed in the borough by the Greater London Council in the 1960’s.’ Either current Council staff don’t know their local history, or they are trying to rewrite history, to distance themselves from the problems that led to the late 1960s “Bison” blocks being demolished only 30 years after they were built!]<br /><br />In fact, it is now owned by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association (“MTVH”), and it is their scheme which the Cabinet Report is considering. Cllr. Promise Knight’s “Cabinet Member Foreword” still maintains that: ‘we committed to deliver 5,000 affordable homes in the borough and are on track to achieve this.’<br /> <br />Her Foreword goes on to say: ‘This report sets out an opportunity to work closely with one of our strategic partners MTVH Housing to unlock 60 new social homes for residents by repurposing garage sites.’ [Note that these are now ‘social homes’, no longer ‘homes for Social Rent.’]<br /><br />So, it is another infill scheme (something which Brent has not been particularly successful with so far - see my October 2023 guest post: Council housing – Does Brent know what it is doing?). But this time it is a Housing Association infill scheme, so why is Brent Council involved?<br /><br />The part of the Chalkhill Estate involved in this scheme is the low-rise brick-built “Scientists” area at the eastern side of the 1960s estate. The land that MTVH want to build on ‘is subject to several outstanding third-party interests’.<br /> <br />It is Brent Council which has the statutory powers to over-ride these “third-party interests”, using compulsory purchase orders and stopping-up orders. As the Report puts it: ‘the scheme will be delivered by MTVH but the Council’s support will be necessary to enable delivery.’<br /> <br />If the proposed infill scheme does go ahead, it may produce ‘around sixty’ new homes. Although these will not be Brent Council homes, the Report does say ‘it is proposed all new homes delivered as part of the regeneration proposal on the Chalkhill Estate will comprise social housing, and the Council will hold nomination rights.’ Possibly some good news for the future.Philip Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08216646114377430489noreply@blogger.com