Daniel's Den Dads Zone this Saturday 10-11.30am. All little ones welcome with their dads, grandads, uncles and male carers

 From Daniel's Den (celebrating an amazing 30 years in  Brent!)

 It’s our monthly Dads Zone this Saturday 10-11.30am. All little ones welcome with their dads, grandads, uncles and male carers. It’s also our bake sale as part of our fundraising month

 

New £188.8 million of funding to Quintain's Wembley Park under the Government’s Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme

 From Quintain Ltd

    

New loan to Quintain to support the stabilisation of two new Build to Rent developments in Wembley Park

United Kingdom, 1st June 2026 – Venn, a leading investment manager with a strong focus on European residential real estate, together with vertically integrated owner, operator and developer, Quintain, is pleased to announce the funding of a new loan totalling GBP188.8 million under the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme (“PRSGS”, “the Scheme”), which Venn manages on behalf of the UK Government.

The loan was funded through a public tap of the Scheme’s existing 2030 floating rate bond series, which is guaranteed by the UK Government. The public process attracted strong institutional demand, achieving an attractive spread of 50 basis points over SONIA. Proceeds from the bond issuance are on-lent directly to the Quintain borrower, and this funding cost contributes to an all-in interest rate that provides the Build to Rent (“BTR”) sector with cost-effective capital at scale, aligned with borrower requirements in the current market.

This transaction is the second PRSGS transaction funded since March 2026 and demonstrates the Scheme’s continued ability to provide stable funding and transaction certainty under otherwise volatile market conditions. Under the Scheme, Venn has approximately GBP1.5 billion of further lending capacity to support the sector.

The £188.8 million loan has been provided to Quintain and will finance two neighbouring BTR assets, Luna and Solar, located within Wembley Park in North-West London. The assets, which comprise in total 665 homes, form part of Quintain’s 85-acre residential-led mixed-use estate and are operated under the award-winning Quintain Living platform.

Luna and Solar represent the two most recent additions to the Wembley Park residential offering. Their delivery marked 6,000 homes of all tenures completed by Quintain across the estate, over half of which are BTR and operated by Quintain Living. As with the existing Quintain Living portfolio, these assets deliver high-quality rental accommodation within a well-established, professionally managed neighbourhood. Both assets reached practical completion in 2025 and are currently in the process of stabilisation, benefitting from the expertise of Quintain Living’s mature operational platform and strength of the wider mixed-use estate.

The buildings have strong sustainability credentials, aligned with HQM 4 Star ratings and supported by an industry-leading embodied carbon assessment that outperformed LETI benchmarks. Alongside Luna and Solar is the delivery of Wembley Park’s second performing arts-based community centre and a new headquarters for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with both buildings achieving BREEAM Excellent.

For further information on the Scheme and how to apply, borrowers should contact PRS@Venn-Partners.com

The PRSGS Scheme extract (Full version  on Government website HERE)  

1.  Project Eligibility

1.1 The objective of the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme is to provide loans that contribute to development of (or conversion to) purpose built homes for private rent in the United Kingdom.

1.2 On application, sponsors need to set out how the PRSGS loan will promote this objective.

1.3 Loans will fund projects that deliver new build or converted private rented homes

1.4 Minimum size of project: Total project to have a minimum value of £10m. However, the “project” can comprise more than one site, which cumulatively meet the minimum value requirement.

1.5 Units must be used for private rent for the period of the debt guarantee.

1.6 Applicants will need to detail how property and tenant management services will be provided.

1.7 Borrowers will need to be classified to the private sector, or a Private Registered Provider as defined in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 Section 80(3) (or equivalent in the Devolved Administrations).

1.8  Properties will need to be located in the United Kingdom.

 

Day 1 of a new round of strikes at Woodfield School as Trust attempt to use a soon to be unlawful 'fire & rehire' strategy against their workers

Today was Day 1 of a new round of strikes at Woodfield SEND School in Kingsbury, or Day 14 if you count all the strike days that have taken place since the Academy Trust that runs the school went on the offensive in trying to lower the wages and employment status of support staff at the school - staff who are absolutely vital in the care and education of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

After an ACAS intervention and an unsatisfactory meagre offer from management, the Trust went back on the offensive and are attempting to operate a 'fire and rehire' strategy in which staff are sacked and then re-employed on worse terms.

Brent West MP, Barry Gardiner, was one of the main campaigners against this discredited and damaging to labour relations strategy that will be outlawed by January next year.  Why the Academy Trust decided to try and use this against their own staff before the law change and a use almost unknown in the education sector. is somewhat of a mystery.  The NEU is not prepared to standby while a precedent is set.

Despite a drenching, the mood on the picket line remained buoyant and determined. Messages of solidarity were received from NEU branches from all over the country.  Labour Party and Green Party councillors were on the  picket line in support of the strikers and there were loud toots of solidarity from passing traffic.

A series of strike days are planned in an effort to persuade the Academy Trust back to the negotiating table.

 

 

The spirit of Grunwick lends itself to the strikers 

 

Then the rain came down!

 

 

Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam  & Cllr Amandine Alexandre (Green Party)

 

 

Cllr Jake Rubin (lead member for schools) and Cllr Gwen Grahl (Brent Council deputy leader) 

 

If you would like to support the strikers please write to the chair of the  academy trustees on this LINK.

Cllr Gwen Grahl, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, backs Woodfield School strikers on eve of first of a series of strikes. Urges the Academy Trust to re-enter negotiations with the NEU

 

Note: Woodfield School is part of an Academy Trust, directly funded by the Government and does not come under local education authority oversight.

Brent NEU announced:    

NEU members at Woodfield School, run by Compass Learning Partnership- a special school catering for children and young people with complex needs and autism- are striking again, in their continued fight to retain their pay, resulting in the school being closed. The Trust have refused to negotiate further saying they will instead resort to a tactic of FIRE AND REHIRE (soon to be made an illegal practice).

Staff at the school believe their pay should not be cut whilst high executive salaries have been maintained despite the appointment of a new CEO who is not from a teaching background. The NEU has whistle blown over financial irregularities at the Trust and maintains that low paid frontline classroom staff and their pupils should not be the victims.

Jenny Cooper, local branch secretary, has stated:

We have the support of several local politicians including Barry Gardiner MP and we believe parents would prefer that the Trust negotiate their way out of this dispute. No one wants to see this level of strike action.

Peter, Georgia and the Chancellorship of Oxford University

Back in May 2017 Richard Osley wrote in the Camden New Journal about Georgia Gould's election to the leadership of Camden Council and the congratulations of a leading New Labour figure:   

Lord Mandelson was among well-wishers sending messages to Georgia Gould as she was confirmed as the next leader of Camden Council on Tuesday night. Councillor Gould stood uncontested for the role at the annual general meeting of the ruling Labour group.

Her “coronation” followed Sarah Hayward’s shock decision to step down as leader last month. Insiders said the lack of challengers to Cllr Gould – daughter of the late Lord Gould, Tony Blair’s pollster, and publishing powerhouse Baroness Gail Rebuck – meant she has the strongest command on the local Labour group any leader has had in years.

Lord Mandelson, who lives near Regent’s Park, said in a message to the 30-year-old: “Well done, Georgia, so proud of you as your Dad would be. You’ll be tremendous for Camden – my borough – and for the party.” Family friends Alastair Campbell, Mr Blair’s former press chief, and Fiona Millar have also wished her well in recent weeks, predicting she will excel as leader.

Seven years later in August 2024 Lord Mandelson wrote to Ms Gould, now MP for Queens Park and Maida Vale and at the time parliamentary secretary to the Cabinet Office, to solicit her  assistance in his bid to become Chancellor of Oxford University. The inner workings of the New Labour 'old boys and girls' network is revealed in the Mandelson Papers published today LINK:

It didn't work out for Peter Mandelson as he was beaten by Tory William Hague, probably a good thing in retrospect because in September 2025 he was stripped of all honours awarded to him during his chancellorship of Manchester Metropolitan University (2016 to 2024). He moved on to campaign for the Oxford University at the end of his tenure in that post.

Manchester's action followed the revelations about Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. 

Georgia Gould on Good Morning Britain February 2026

 

In February of this year Richard Osley returned to the subject in the Camden New Journal reporting on Gould's TV round under the headline 'Former council leader ‘shocked’ at family friend Mandelson’s conduct.' 

While appearing on Sophy Ridge’s politics show on Sky on Sunday, Ms Gould was asked whether the public had lost faith in the system because friends, relatives and spouses were often connected in power circles.

“We are harder on random people than we are on friends and family,” Ms Ridge suggested, to which Ms Gould replied that the new intake of Labour MPs at the 2024 general election had been “people from all walks of life”.

She added: “I’m really clear on my values and my integrity. I would uphold that regardless of the individual – if I knew them or not.”

Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium Saturday June 6th - road closures from 11am until after midnight

 

LETTER: Chalkhill Park left in a mess after birthday celebration

 

Dear Editor,

 

What is wrong with the local residents that use Chalkhill Park.  The amount of bottles, cans and takeaway strewn all around, especially near seats where bins are located is atrocious.  Are all these people sight impaired?  

 

You cannot say there are not enough bins, because there are!  Foxes and vermin cannot be blamed for strewing cans and bottles it's not something they do!

 

What is really disgusting is that some people decided to hold a Birthday Party in the Park and chalk birthday greetings on the steps and paving.... which is fine, nobody gonna argue about that but guess what? They left all the drawing materials i.e tubes of paint/chalk etc  empty but just left on the steps and all the glass bottles of Vodka, broken glass etc, joke is they are left in very close proximity to the bins.  

 

What is wrong with people, they do not appreciate this lovely little park. I give up as I never actually see the culprits doing this.

 

I hope you can spread the word and actively encourage other residents to name and shame if they see people doing this.

 

I'm guessing that these are the same people who would chastise me if they saw my dog fouling and I didn't pick it up!  Jokers!

 

(Name supplied)

Clean Air Community Fun Day Sunday 7th June, Neasden Shopping Parade 11am-5pm

 

Engagement Event at former Bowls Pavilion, King Edward VII Park, Wembley on Saturday 12.30pm to 4.30pm

 

The group who have taken over the disused Bowling Club Pavilion at King Edward VII Park are holding the above event on Saturday. to discuss how it will serve the community.

Great idea, but unfortunately it falls on the Rugby Challenge Cup Event Day with other matches starting in the morning. Expect the usual parking restrictions and bus diversions with the additional complication that the Bakerloo and Lioness Lines are not running  at Wembey Central and Wembley Stadium station will be closed.

Wembley Central and Wembley Stadium stations closed this weekend despite Rugby Challenge Cup on Saturday and Women's FA Cup on Sunday - expect disruption

 

BAKERLOO LINE: Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, no service between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. There will also be no LIONESS LINE service between Euston and Watford Junction. A very limited SOUTHERN service will continue to serve Wembley Central early and late on Saturday and on Sunday, and LONDON NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY trains stop at Harrow & Wealdstone. If travelling to Wembley for the Rugby League Challenge Cup Finals on Saturday or the Women's FA Cup Final on Sunday. Special bus service 718 operates

 

For safety reasons, Wembley Stadium Station will be closed during the following event days:

• Rugby Challenge Cup – 30 May
• Women’s FA Cup Final – 31 May

 

Why are we doing this:

 

Engineering works between London Euston and Birmingham New Street means we need to increase the frequency and length of our trains between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street on the above dates. As a result of this, our capacity is limited to serve Wembley Stadium Station for the events.

 

For safety reasons, Wembley Stadium Station will be closed on the above dates. Those travelling via public transport to or from Wembley Stadium should travel via Wembley Park underground station, or relevant bus routes. 

 

As usual buses will be on diversion 

 

Harlesden Says No to Waymo - read and sign the petition if you agree with the reasoned argument put forward

 

We petition the Mayor of London to:

• Implement an immediate moratorium on the expansion of the Waymo pilot until a transparent safety audit is completed.

• Publish a full log of all safety breaches, "near misses", and traffic violations involving autonomous vehicles in London to date.

Why is this important?

Over the last few weeks, American company WAYMO has been testing autonomous vehicles in Harlesden and across London. On 22 April, a WAYMO vehicle drove through a live police cordon on Harlesden High Street while officers were investigating a double stabbing.


We, the undersigned, call on the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to immediately suspend the trial and roll out of Waymo autonomous vehicles on London’s streets. We further request a police investigation into near misses and other incidents where public safety was at risk. 

REASONS FOR THIS PETITION

The current rollout of Waymo autonomous vehicles (AVs) across London, and specifically within the Harlesden area, is proceeding without adequate democratic oversight or proven safety protocols for complex urban environments. Our concerns are based on the following:

1. Breach of Police Cordons: Footage has emerged of a Waymo vehicle in Harlesden breaching a live police line. Such actions constitute "wilful obstruction" of the police. If a driver of a regular vehicle had committed this act, they would likely be under investigation and could face criminal prosecution. We cannot allow a "two-tier" justice system where corporate AI is exempt from the laws that govern Londoners.

2. Unresolved Safety Risks: Autonomous vehicles are struggling to navigate the "edge cases" of London’s busy streets, including responding to emergency sirens, physical police barriers, and the unpredictable movements of pedestrians and cyclists in high-density areas like Harlesden.

3. Lack of Community Consent: Residents in Brent have not been adequately consulted on this trial. Public streets are being treated as a laboratory for unproven technology without a clear framework for liability when things go wrong.

4. Extra traffic on our roads: if Waymo or any other autonomous vehicles are allowed on the streets of London, that will lead to extra traffic on our roads. It will further compromise the Mayor of London's traffic reduction aims, led by Sadiq Khan, focus on reducing overall traffic volumes by 10-15% by 2041 and cutting car kilometres by 27% by 2030 to meet Net Zero and health targets. We need more accessible and affordable public transport, instead of more cars on our roads.

5. Vision Zero Compromise : The Mayor’s "Vision Zero" strategy aims to eliminate road danger. Introducing vehicles that fail to recognise and respect police cordons is a direct contradiction of this safety goal.

 

IF YOU AGREE SIGN HERE 

Brent's 'RESISTANCE HQ' - an exhibition and film telling the story of this historic building and its political, social and cultural importance

 

 

As well as the exhibition at Willesden Green Library a new film has been  produced by Platform Films exploring the heritage of the Willesden Trades Hall and London Apollo Club.

The film  RESISTANCE HQ will be shown for the first time  on Saturday June 6th at a special special screening at 375 High Road, Willesden.

This new film has been produced as part of the current project to revive the Willesden Trades Hall and London Apollo Club. It brings together archive footage and interviews with key people connected to both the club and the hall, to tell the story of a building of significant political, social and cultural importance.

Celebrate the heritage of this extraordinary building and the people connected to it. 

At present tickets are shown as sold out but a waiting list should be available. LINK

Arrival - 4pm

Film screening - 4.30-5.15pm

From 5.30-7pm - CELEBRATION EVENT. Stay to enjoy short speeches, find out even more about our special heritage at the pop-up exhbition and celebrate with us as this phase of a project to revive the site draws to close (with refreshments).

Produced by Platform Films

Music by Jon Klein

Archive material and historic information from Christine Coates

This film and the screening has been organised by the Willesden Trades Hall Charity with support from London Historic Buildings Trust.

This project has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

Accessibility - the Willesden Trades Hall and London Apollo Club is in an old building and there is no level access or disabled toilets. To find out more about accessibility at the site, please contact rosie@londonhistoricbuildings.org.uk.

London Mayor's Inquiry into Robotaxis - Call for evidence. Deadline June 26th 2026

 

Discussing the Waymo issues in Harlesden Town Centre

 

The London Mayor's Office has launched a short investigation (one month) on the issue of autonomous vehicles in London. These have been in the news recently with a demonstration in Harlesden over Waymo vehicles supported by Brent Green Party, the App Drivers and Couriers Union and Pull the Plug.

 The campaign is being spearheaded by Councillor Amandine Alexandre, who represents Harlesden, alongside Councillor Suzanne Gallagher, who represents Kilburn. 

They were joined byby Councillor Stephen Malonga from Kilburn and Ahmed Ahmed, who recently stood for election in Harlesden.
 

The campaign is growing rapidly across the capital. From safety incidents to the massive threat that unregulated corporate automation poses to the livelihoods of London’s 105,000 private hire drivers, they are  refusing to accept a tech first, people last experiment.

They are demanding that the Mayor of London puts a pause on the rollout until transparent safety standards and strict protections for workers are guaranteed.

SIGN THE PETITION 'SAY NO TO WAYMO' HERE

 

THE MAYOR'S INVESTIGATION

 

Investigation aims and objectives (Terms of Reference)

Several trials of autonomous passenger vehicles (more commonly known as driverless taxis or robotaxis) are underway in London in 2026, with operators aiming to launch commercial services by the end of the year. In this investigation, the Committee will: 

• Explore whether and how autonomous passenger vehicles could be licenced for commercial operations in London, and what role the Mayor and TfL should play in this.
• Understand the impact of autonomous passenger vehicles, particularly in regard to employment in the taxi and wider private hire vehicle sectors, interactions with other road users and the ambitions in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, including ‘Vision Zero’, a traffic reduction of between 10 to 15 per cent, and the target for 80 per cent of all trips to be made by active modes or public transport.

Key issues

• In June 2025, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that it would fast-track “small scale ‘taxi- and bus-like’ services without a safety driver” to take place in spring 2026 before a wider potential roll out in 2027. Several companies, including Uber and UK company Wayve, are seeking to obtain regulatory approval to transport passengers in automated vehicles in London as soon as this year.
• Waymo, an Alphabet-owned company, which is also seeking approval for passenger trials, began testing on London roads without passengers and with a driver at the wheel this year. Its current fleet comprises 24 vehicles. Other operators have not confirmed how many vehicles they are planning to deploy.
• Autonomous passenger vehicles are a common sight in some US cities. Waymo has reported that it is currently providing approximately 500,000 paid rides every week, using over 3,000 vehicles deployed across ten US cities. The company’s average weekly trips have grown tenfold over the last two years. Estimates from 2025 suggest that Waymo accounts for around one in four ride-hailing trips in San Francisco, surpassing the market share of Uber and Lyft.
• Research carried out by automotive data firm HPI found that while Londoners were the most trusting of self-driving technology of respondents from all UK regions, its survey of over 2,000 UK adults found that 79 per cent of Londoners would not trust a driverless car or feel comfortable about travelling in one, while only 21 per cent of Londoners would. The results also showed that 35 per cent of all those surveyed had concerns about the reliability of the technology.
• Some experts have also raised concerns around entrusting key elements of London’s transport system to private companies, resulting ‘proprietary lock-in’, whereby transport in a city could become overly dependent on (in some cases foreign) private companies. The Government in 2022 found that CAVs are attractive targets for cyber attacks and that ensuring cyber security is essential when developing them. There is a risk of terrorist attacks causing large-scale chaos across the transport network and cyber attacks targeting a vehicle’s hardware with the aim of disabling it until a ransom is paid.

Key questions

• Who is responsible for licensing autonomous passenger vehicles in London and what role do the Mayor and TfL play in this?
• How close are commercial operators to deploying autonomous passenger vehicles for hire in London?
• Are autonomous passenger vehicles compatible with London’s strategic transport goals in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy?
• What are the principal risks associated with autonomous passenger vehicles in London, and can they be mitigated?
• To what extent are autonomous passenger vehicles accessible to all Londoners?
• Are there any benefits that autonomous passenger vehicles could offer in London, and how likely are those benefits to be realised in London?
• What lessons can London learn from trials and deployments elsewhere?
• What role should TfL and the Mayor play in the development and oversight of autonomous passenger vehicles?
• What do Londoners think about autonomous passenger vehicles?

1. Call for Evidence

As part of this investigation, the Committee has launched a Call for Evidence, inviting those with knowledge of this topic to respond. 

If you are responding on behalf of an organisation, in a professional capacity, or have knowledge of this topic, please send your submissions to scrutiny@london.gov.uk. Please use ‘Transport Committee call for evidence’ as the subject title.

The deadline for submission is 26 June 2026.

Drop-in Exhibition on redevelopment of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre June 3rd 4pm-7pm at the Centre

 I am looking forward to this exhibition to find out what space will be available to continue the primary school provision of the Environmental Education Centre.

 

 

Ex-Brent Labour councillor amongst those seeking to end Labour London Region's undemocratic 'culture of control'

Former Brent Labour councillor Jumbo Chan is among the signatories of a move to restore democracy to the London Region of the Labour Party through standing for its Executive Committee. Signatories from different traditions within the party will stand to 'restore party democracy and our historic pluralism, and by returning Labour to our roots, put us back onto a course to power':

We will ensure that there will be no more blocking of dedicated and capable Labour representatives, no more casting away of members' democratic rights, and no more culture of control.'

London Region was behind the imposition of external selection of candidates for the Labour slate at the Brent 2026 local election and the de-selection of many councillors that led to some defecting to the Green Party. This was followed by the NEC  vetoing any attempt by Brent Labour to reach an arrangement with the Green Party after the election resulted in No Overall Control. Instead a deal was done with Brent Conservatives that is already beginning to unravel.

The different Labour traditions consulted by the initiative include Momentum, Mainstream and other organisations. Members are asked to back the Divisional candidates at their CLP meetings before June 19th ahead of the London Regional Conference on 18th and 19th July.

 

Formal Complaint issued over 'unacceptable situation' at L&Q's Bigler Court, in Alperton

 Bigler Court

Brent Liberal Democrat Leader Anton Georgiou, has issued a Formal Complaint to L&Q (London and Quadrant Housing Trust) over 'unacceptable conditions at Bigler Court, a block managed by the Trust in Alperton.

The block hit the headlines in January 2024 when a disabled grandmother was left stranded on the 8th for two months due to a broken lift. LINK  

Things clearly have not improved. Cllr Georgiou writes: 

For years, residents and councillors have repeatedly raised concerns about disrepair, lift failures. heating and hot water outages, flooding incidents, poor maintenance standards, security issues and the overall management of the block. Despite numerous complaints and reports, residents continue to experience the same problems time and again, with little confidence they are being properly resolved.

The stories coming fom residents are deepy concerning. People have been left for months without reliable heating or hot water, repairs repeatedly fail to resolve issues, and the lift has been out of service for extended periods. In recent days, two residents became trapped in the lift despite assurances that repair works had been completed. This ongoing situation is having a serious impact on residents' physical and mental wellbeing. Many feel ignored, exhausted and badly let down. 

Bigler Court is not the only L&Q building in Brent to be the subject of complaints. Bourne Place, in South Kilburn has many similar issues and was the subject of a guest post by Lucie Gutfreund in August 2020.  LINK The then L&Q Chief Executive, David Montague, stepped down a month later. LINK

Plaque at Bourne Place, South Kilburn

 

Cllr Georgiou is calling for a meeting with L&Q senior management to discuss the ongoing failures at Bigler Court and the immediate action L&Q will take,

In addition he expects:

• A full review of outstanding repairs and maintenance issues at the block.
• Clear timescales for resolving ongoing problems.
• Improved communication and accountability from L&Q staff.
• Meaningful engagement with residents and local councillors moving forward. 

Controversy over proposed demolition and redevelopment of the Mason's Arms pub in Kensal Green

 

The Mason's Arms in happier times

 The proposed new building of flats with pub on the ground floor

The proposed redevelopment of the Mason's Arms in Kensal Green with flats above a ground floor replacement pub is similar to the current redevelopments underway at the Queensbury in Willesden Green and the Showboat in Alperton.

The proposal follows the hard-fought battle in Kensal Green over Harriet Tubman House Community Centre.

CAMRA and Historic England,  a community run pub, as well as the Vicar of the nearby St John the Evangelist have all pitched in submissions alongs local residents and people from wider afield with family links to the pub.

 

 The redevelopment site is the pub itself and the adjacent vacant plot

 

Below are extracts from submissions to the Brent Planning Portal. If you would like to submit an objection or support you have until June 28th. LINK

 

HISTORIC ENGLAND

 

Historic England has concerns about the proposals on heritage grounds. Your authority should take these representations into account and seek amendments, safeguards or further information as set out in our advice. We encourage you to defer determining these applications until Historic England’s listing assessment for the Mason’s Arms public house has been completed. We also recommend that further structural information regarding the rebuilding of a section of the listed cemetery wall is requested prior to determining the listed building consent application so that the impact on the wall itself and the adjacent grade-II listed catacombs of the North Colonnade can be fully assessed  

 

   

CAMRA  

 

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) North London branch strongly object to the planning application to demolish the Masons Arms public house, Kensal Green NW10. The Masons Arms is an historic public house that has served the Kensal Green community for well over a century. Its long-standing presence, architectural character, and relationship with nearby heritage assets, including the Grade II listed horse trough and the Grade I listed Kensal Green Cemetery wall, give it clear historic and townscape value. Although the building itself is not listed, national planning policy recognises that non-designated heritage assets can still hold local historic significance, and their loss must be taken into account in the planning balance.



The proposed pub area is much smaller, at 256.5 sq m, compared with 630 sq m in the current public house, resulting in a clear reduction in community floorspace, which is a material planning consideration. This is not an equivalent replacement and therefore conflicts with both the London Plan Policy HC7 and Brent Local Plan Policy DMP21, which requires that any redevelopment of a public house must provide a facility of comparable or improved size, layout. The proposed development would result in the unacceptable and unjustified loss of a public house that has community value and which contributes to the economy and in particular the night time economy of the borough.



The proposed six storey development is excessively bulky and out of scale with the surrounding streetscape, its height, massing, and overall visual dominance would create an overbearing presence that disrupts the established character of the area. This is a material planning consideration, as national policy, the London Plan, and Brent's Local Plan all require new development to respect local context, respond positively to existing townscape, and avoid harm to the character and appearance of the area.



The application removes the existing function room, a space that has historically supported community meetings, funeral wakes, weddings, birthdays, and local group activities. Its loss would permanently diminish the pub's role as a multi functional community venue, further undermining the policy requirement to retain or enhance community value.



No evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the existing pub is unviable or that it has been properly marketed, as required by Brent's planning policies. Without such evidence, the demolition, or change of use of the Masons Arms cannot be justified. The proposal therefore fails to meet the tests set out in national policy, the London Plan, and Brent's Local Plan for the protection of public houses. The lost of pub's garden, which was sold off and permission granted for change of use, means having a function room will be important to aid the long term viability of the pub.



CAMRA also notes the frequent risk that promised replacement pubs are delayed or never delivered once residential units are occupied. To prevent this outcome, and to ensure compliance with policy, it is essential that if permission is granted, Brent Council imposes a condition requiring that the new public house is fully fitted out, let to an operator, and open for trading before any residential units are occupied. Without such a condition, the community asset is at risk of being lost in practice even if nominally replaced on paper.



The proposed development would harm the setting of the Grade I listed Kensal Green Cemetery boundary wall, which runs directly behind the site. As a Grade I listed structure, it is of exceptional national importance, and national planning policy requires that great weight be given to its conservation. The existing Masons Arms forms part of the traditional low rise townscape that frames and supports the historic character of the cemetery wall. Replacing it with a six storey building would introduce an intrusive and disproportionate mass that would dominate views, disrupt the historic scale of the street, and erode the legibility of the cemetery wall as a heritage asset. The development would harm the setting of the Grade II listed horse trough located immediately outside the Masons Arms. This heritage asset derives its significance not only from its physical form but from its historic relationship with the surrounding streetscape and long established public house. Demolishing the existing building and replacing it with a six storey structure would fundamentally alter the scale, character, and visual context of the trough, diminishing its historic setting and eroding its legibility as part of the area's traditional streetscene. This impact is a material planning consideration and is contrary to national policy on heritage protection, which requires great weight to be given to the conservation of designated heritage assets and their settings. If permission is granted, the developer should submit a plan for storage of the Grade II listed horse trough, so it does not get damaged during redevelopment of the site, the Brent Conservation Officer should oversee the plans for the trough, to endure it is not harmed by the new development. Original bricks should be used where possible in the repair of the listed boundary way, overseen by the Brent Conservation Officer.



A further material planning consideration is the significantly higher carbon footprint of demolition compared with retrofitting. National planning policy requires decision makers to support development that moves towards a low carbon future and to give substantial weight to reducing embodied carbon. Demolishing the existing Masons Arms and constructing a new six storey building would generate a far greater volume of embodied carbon than refurbishing and upgrading the existing structure. Brent Council's own climate emergency commitments, all of which expect applicants to demonstrate that demolition is the least carbon option. No such justification has been provided, and the application fails to show that demolition is necessary or environmentally responsible.



The proposal is contrary to National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which recognises public houses as essential community facilities and expects local authorities to guard against their unnecessary loss. It is also contrary to London Plan 2021 Policy HC7, which requires boroughs to protect public houses and resist proposals that would lead to the loss of their community, cultural, or economic value.



For these reasons, CAMRA North London Branch objects to the application and urges Brent Council to refuse planning permission.

 

SUPPORT

 

I am writing in support of the proposed redevelopment of the Mason's Arms on Harrow Road.

The building is a locally significant former public house with clear architectural and historic value, and I fully recognise and respect its heritage importance. In its earlier years, it was a well-loved and attractive feature of the area. However, in recent years it has suffered from a prolonged period of vacancy and deterioration, despite repeated attempts by various owners to restore it to viable use.

At present, the building is in a poor state of repair and has remained empty for extended periods. Its current condition has contributed to significant issues around the site, including ongoing anti-social behaviour. There have been instances of unauthorised occupation associated with the building, and the immediate surroundings have suffered from visible neglect, including graffiti and general deterioration. There have also been concerns about unsafe activity taking place in and around the site, including fires being lit nearby. Taken together, these issues have had a negative impact on the immediate environment and have contributed to a feeling that the area is unsafe.

The condition of both the Mason's Arms and the adjacent Hazel Road open space is a significant concern in terms of public safety and community use. The area can feel unsafe after dark, and this is a concern shared by many local residents, particularly women, when walking through or near the space in the evening. Anti-social behaviour in and around the site contributes to this and limits the ability of the open space to be fully enjoyed by the community.

I understand that concerns regarding heritage and local character are important considerations in relation to any redevelopment of the site. However, it is also clear that the existing situation is not sustainable, and that the building is no longer serving the community in a positive or functional way.

The proposed redevelopment offers a credible opportunity to bring the site back into productive use. I understand that the developers have engaged with the local community over a sustained period, including holding meetings and responding to feedback. This has resulted in revisions to the scheme, including a reduction in height by one storey, which demonstrates a willingness to respond constructively to local concerns.

In addition, the proposal includes commitments to improvements to the nearby Hazel Road open space and playground, including investment in new play equipment, improved lines of sight to increase natural surveillance, and, of particular importance, significantly enhanced lighting. These improvements would make a meaningful difference to safety, visibility, and overall usability of the space.

The scheme would also provide much-needed new housing in the area, including a significant proportion of family-sized homes, which is particularly welcome given the ongoing local shortage of suitable housing. I also understand that efforts are being made to retain and incorporate important historic features of the original building, such as the trough, which is appreciated.

Overall, I believe this proposal represents a balanced approach that respects the heritage of the site while addressing its current dereliction and unlocking wider benefits for the local community.

 

ANTWERP ARMS (OBJECTS)

 

I represent a successful community pub in north east London.



Thirteen years ago our pub was purchased by a developer who planned to close it and turn the site into a block of flats. The Antwerp Arms Association was formed as a community benefit society and the pub building listed as an asset of community value. We purchased the building from the developer using a community share issue and social funding. We have been in business for 11 years trading as a cooperative venture.



So the Mason's Arms doesn't have to be a block of flats with a basement bar that will struggle to be viable.



Wait for problems from operating a commercial bar under a housing development as the licensing complaints for noise, smells and nuisance rack up from those living above.



Where will all the storage and kitchen facilities go in a single storey new pub ?



Where will the manager and staff (on London living wages) live when there is no accommodation for them above their bar ?



This pub could have a new life. It could provide a really nice bar and food outlet, a safe community space, along with housing on its upper floor. It would provide much needed jobs by directly employing a range of people. It could deliver skills and training in the hospitality and bar sector and it could benefit small companies in the local area by stocking their beers and produce.



The benefits to the community from saving this pub as a community enterprise would, in my view, outweigh the advantages of providing a few extra housing units. It would also save a locally important building.



Our association would be happy to help those in the local community who want to save the Masons Arms as a pub and community hub.

 

OBJECTS

 

I object against the demolition of another Victorian building in Kensal Green. For that reason the Mason's Arms should keep its Victorian features and charm. After the Council allowed the demolition of Harriet Tubman House we don't need another Victorian landmark to disappear from Kensal Green. It was a betrayal from the Council to allow the demolition of Harriet Tubman House after the vast majority of people consulted objected. What is the point of a consultation if you do not listen to the results? Victorian buildings are in line with the Victorian terraces, save your modern buildings for empty spaces. Respect the views of those who love historical heritage and want to protect them. The existing building looks more charming that the proposed tall block of flat. I'm afraid the council is only interested in the council tax they'll receive by the new tenants which is greater than from a pub. Greed is a deadly sin don't you forget.

 

SUPPORTS

 

I would like to express my support for this proposal.

I have a personal emotional connection to this pub, as it is actually where I first met my partner many years ago. Because of that, it has always held a special place in my memory, and it has been genuinely sad to watch it struggle over recent years despite multiple attempts to keep it going successfully.

Having worked in hospitality myself, I understand how incredibly difficult it has become to make pubs and restaurants financially viable, especially independent venues. While it is always unfortunate to see change happen to places with history and memories attached to them, I honestly believe this proposal represents the best and most realistic long-term use for the site.

I particularly appreciate that the scheme still re-provides a pub space in a more modern, energy-efficient and practical format that has a much stronger chance of succeeding. It feels like a balanced and sensible approach rather than simply removing the use altogether.

I am also very happy to see a fresh supply of modern, energy-efficient apartments being delivered in what is genuinely my favourite area of London. The area badly needs new homes, especially homes designed to modern environmental standards, and I believe this proposal will make a positive contribution to the neighbourhood.

Architecturally, I think the scheme has been handled thoughtfully and with sensitivity to the surrounding character.

Overall, while there is naturally some nostalgia attached to the existing pub, I believe this proposal strikes a fair balance between preserving community use, delivering much-needed homes, and improving the long-term future of the site. I strongly support the application.

 

OBJECTS

 

I am Vicar of the Parish of St John the Evangelist, Kensal Green, the boundary of the parish extending to close to where the Masons Arms is situated. The parish sits in both the City of Westminster and the Borough of Brent. I say this, as although I write in a personal capacity, I have seen many developments in the 13 years I have held my post and the loss of two buildings of note. I believe this application should be seen in the context of the loss of historic buildings for flats and any impact documents should relate to the broader area of Kensal Green and not simply a closely defined locality. I note the present closure of another pub closer to the church on the Harrow Road, the area behind it being (at one point) the last remnant of Kensal Green itself.



I object to this proposal on two grounds. First the Masons Arms )in its current building) could be a viable and successful venue as a pub. It is situated next to the All Souls Cemetery and West London Crematorium. I have attended receptions at the Masons Arms and as I meet many families in relation to funerals I believe the Masons Arms could serve, if properly managed, a place for post service refreshments (amongst other things). I know that demand locally is not being met. I should add that it is of regret that the council gave planning permission for the building in the pub garden, thus adding to the sense of inevitable closure and demolition. In an area with such little green space I simply cannot comprehend this decision.



Secondly the building itself is worthy of retention even if my point above is ignored. It could be converted to other use and an attractive building retained. I note that the interior of the Masons Arms is listed as a "One Star pub" on CAMRA's National inventory as having "special historic interest".