Plans for new SEND and Primary Study classrooms at Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre now open for comment

 

A little over a year ago I presented a petition to Brent Council, supported by Brent Friends of the Earth and Brent Parks Forum, calling for the continuation of primary environmental education provision at the new Post 16 Centre at the Welsh Harp. LINK 

I am pleased to say that the planning application now on the Brent Council Planning Portal incorporates the recommendations we made.

   

Application Number: 26/2156 LINK

 

Location: Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre & open space, Birchen Grove, London, NW9 8RY Comments by 16^th October 2026

 

“Demolition of all buildings and construction of a one-storey education and community centre, including improvements to access arrangements, provision of car and cycle parking, landscaping, play space, boundary treatments and ancillary works.”

The proposed building is larger  to make space for the SEND and the primary provision with separate classrooms and toilets as we  requested. In order to keep it at single storey it occupies a bigger footprint than currently with the loss of some trees. The current classrooms that has a temoporary repait to allow classes to continue and the toilet block will be demolished. The chapel that was erected as part of a plan for proposed lawn cemetery on the site, but later abandoned will remain. it is currently let out by the council as Planet House,

 Double classrooms in both the SEND and Primary sections of the building

  

Internal Images

 

EXTRACTS FROM PLANNING STATEMENT 

 

The Site is located in the administrative boundary of the London Borough of Brent (LBB).The Site measures 0.3 ha (hectares) in total.

 

The Site is comprised of two existing buildings, the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, and a W/C block, both accessed off a private road (?), Birchen Grove. Hardstanding for informal car parking is located to the east of the W/C block. Green open space, including trees and grassed areas, are located to the west.

 

   

The Centre is currently used for education and community purposes, providing support for schools via an outdoor learning curriculum, providing experiential facilitated sessions. The Centre is also available for hire by the local community primarily for children’s birthday parties.

 

The Centre is currently owned by Brent Council and operated by Thames 21. Thames 21 is an environmental charity that works to clean and restore rivers and improve wildlife by mobilising volunteers and engaging communities to help adapt to the impacts of climate change. At Welsh Harp, Thames 21 provide a large range of nature activities for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) students. Currently over 70 schools work with Thames 21, attending the Centre for outdoor learning and activities for either half or a full day. Activities include habitat studies, water pollution studies, Stone Age studies (fire lighting and shelter building), bushcraft activities and understanding the role of nature and waterways in building climate resilience.

 

The Site is located in the Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and designated as Open Space, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and a local nature reserve in line with the Brent Local Plan

 

Brent Council formally committed to providing a Post-16 Skills Resource Centre in 2019, with approval granted by Cabinet in November 2021 as part of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024- 2028. The post-16 Skills Resource Centre is to be provided in recognition of the lack of in-borough provision for young people with complex learning difficulties, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 

The Centre will provide access to land-based education and training for students who may have completed school or college programmes, but whose level of need means that they require additional support to access the next step after formal education. The Centre will offer training in horticulture, work experience, periods of volunteering and employment and enterprise development within the horticultural industry.

 

The Centre will be owned and operated by Brent Council. Delivery of the Centre will be developed with partners including environmental organisations, education providers, council services, local employers and community groups. A number of the groups that will utilise the centre have been consulted in the development of the designs and proposals. Together, they will seek to create a joined-up pathway from engagement to skills development, work experience, supported internships and, where appropriate, sustained employment. The introduction of flexible space in the form of the multi-purpose rooms will also provide other community groups and members of the general public to use the centre, with benefit beyond the core user group.

      

To provide a clear strategy and operational plan of the centre, it is proposed to provide an Operation Management Plan once details of delivery have been further developed. As the operational delivery strategy for the centre is still under development, it will be more effective to present the operational details at a later date. The Applicant is willing to accept a suitable planning condition requiring an Operation Management Plan to be submitted to and approved by the Council, prior to the centre’s Occupation.

 

The proposed single-storey development comprises two rectangular blocks in a stepped configuration, containing four classrooms, a multi-purpose room, WCs, reception, office, and plant rooms. The layout provides distinct and separate spaces for different users, with school-aged students located in the southwest section and post-16 SEND students in the northwest section. Administration spaces, including reception and office, are clustered around the reception area to the building interior and the outdoor entrance area, enabling flexible use by school-aged students, post-16 SEND users, or the local community. The design ensures safeguarding between user groups, with shared spaces located centrally while each distinct area has access to dedicated WCs and circulation space.

 

   

Access

 

The Site is accessed from the south of the site via Birchen Grove. It is proposed to keep the existing access road off Birchen Grove that runs adjacent to Planet House to the west. The access road will provide a shared surface entrance to the drop-off area, the accessible car parking bay and main entrance to the centre.

 

A new pathway will be created off Birchen Grove adjacent to the existing zebra crossing which will allow pedestrians to access the site to the school-aged student classrooms through the secure fenceline, or alternatively via the main entrance on the southern elevation. The pathway will also provide access to the cycle parking.

 

Trees

 

A total of 18 trees, in addition to two groups of trees and a hedgerow, have been assessed as part of the accompanying Tree Survey prepared by Arbtech. It states that the majority of trees identified during the survey were of moderate quality.

 

The majority of the trees will be retained as part of the proposals. Three trees are proposed to be removed, in addition to one group of trees and the partial shrub clearance to the north of the site boundary. This is to enable the space required for development to construct the new centre. The layout of the proposals has been designed so as to minimise tree loss as much as possible.

 

Thirteen trees are proposed to be planted across the Site. Five trees will be added to the trees clustered towards the south of the Site adjacent to Birchen Grove (namely T04 and T07) and around the new parking area. The additional planting in this area will help shield the proposed building when viewing the Site from the south along Birchen Grove.

 

 

'Debate' at Brent Cabinet over Preston Park Improvments

 

 Presentations and Cabinet member response in full (Brent Council)

Monday's Cabinet was unusual in that there was almost a debate. Normal Cabinets usually rubber stamp decisions with a few remarks from members praising each other's proposals.

Members did not debate with each other on Monday but unusually permission was granted to a group of residents to respond to another group's petition presentation. Not a real debate as no interaction was allowed but there was at least presentation of differing points of view.

The focus was proposals for the improvement of Preston Park that arose as an NCIL  (Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy) initiative, It had been discussed for several months and discussions continued perhaps ill-advisedly over the local election period.

The initial proposal was for a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) on one of the tennis courts in the park (Red rectangle on map below).

 

The petitioners objected to the proposed site as it was close to nearby houses and gardens and would cause more noise than a tennis court. They proposed an alternative site (Yellow rectangle on map) next to the children's playground and away from back gardens and homes.

Angela Barrett, presenting the petition on behalf of residents, said the alternative site had the backing of Brent Parks Forum and the Preston Park Safer Neighbourhood team. The original site was in a secluded part of the park that attracts anti-social behaviour raising safety and inclusion issues. She said:

I can begin with good news: since our petition was submitted, the Head of Parks Kelly Eaton has confirmed that the tennis court site is no longer being considered

A new location adjacent to the children's playground in the centre of the park would create a unified, safer family activity hub. It was more visible and easier to overlook, making it safer and more welcoming. 

The meadow from the children's playground

The area was intended to be a meadow, but has not established successfully and remains grass of relatively low ecological value. There would be potential to incorporate a rain garden and pollinator planting.

Angela suggested that  rather than a caged tarmac MUGA, which research shows can often not feel welcoming for girls and younger users, LINK LINK, a flexible grass-based alternative area or natural adventure playground could be provided. Positive proposals for better engagement have been put to Brent Council LINK.

She concluded by asking the Cabinet to support a new location and thoughtful design that will enhance the park for everyone. A facility that works well for all young people, feels safe and inclusive, fits into its surroundings and could even include a net ecological gain.

Soulla Kwong then spoke on behalf of Friends of Preston Park that began as a litter-picking group and developed as a group to improve the park, particularly for young children.

They had spoken to local children who had supported the idea of a MUGA and a chess table and table tennis  table that have already been installed. However, I understand that the alternative ideas for youth provision outlined above by Angela have not been presented to local children yet.

Soulla  said that the 'disused' tennis courts had been suggested as a MUGA site by children. As the court already had a firm foundation it would be less costly install a MUGA there.  No floodlights would be installed that would disturb neighbours.

She said that building a MUGA on the meadow would amount to loss of green space that the Friends would oppose: 'We have a duty not to destroy what little we have. Should we leave behind a concrete jungle or something that future generations can enjoy?'

Soulla Kwong did not respond to Angela Barrett's suggestion of a lower impact grass football field and natural adventure playground instead of a MUGA. 

It was a pity that there were no questions allowed from Cabinet members or interaction between the two groups that might have established some common ground.

It was left to Cllr Promise Knight to respond. She said that the proposal had started as part of the NCIL process with support from school children for a place where they could be active. She recognised residents' concerns over noise levels and the enjoyment of their homes and gardens. 

Having considered the feedback received she could confirm that the Park Service would continue to review the improvement programme in more detail, weighing up all the options and what was possible: 

I hope this provides reassurance to residents and demonstrates the council is listening carefully to both sides. 

Cllr Knight did not say explicitly that the tennis court site was no longer being considered. 

Interestingly, in one of a series on access to play on BBC Radio 4, there was a discussion about another area of controversy, whether council tennis courts should be free and self-run or taken over on the council's behalf by the Lawn Tennis Association, with coded locks and charges. HEAR IT HERE

Soulla Kwong called the tennis courts 'disused', however I  understand the courts are used for tennis and remain available to book via the LTA, although there are question marks about how well the current arrangement with the LTA is working. Angela also mentioned that occasional ASB occurs at the site. This may be a separate issue for the Parks Service to review.

 

The existing children's playground has safety and maintenance issues.  What would be the maintenance programme for a  MUGA and how would it be funded.  LINK

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

    

Warnings re hedgehogs in Autumn and contacts for injured animals

The hedgehog drank some water before being taken to the vet

Following my social media post yesterday regarding an injured hedgehog found at the back of my house, Brent Parks Forum has sent the following information. Suzanne from the Forum took it to a vet but unfortunately it was too badly injured to treat. The hog was very wobbly and staggering in a circle and surrounded by flies when found.

Hedgehogs in Autumn:  

We have had 3 hedgehogs die within 2 weeks that we know of in Brent.   Two died from suspected strimmer use, which seems to have been used under hedges where hedgehogs were hiding/sleeping.  One hedgehog had been run- over in a Brent Parks field (Barham Park). 

If anyone finds a hedgehog in their garden or in a local Brent park or on the street that is staggering, circling in a disorientated manner, also if the hog has flies settling on wounds.  [If you see a lot of little white/cream coloured maggots/eggs there will be a wound].  

There are a few vets that will go the extra mile to save injured hedgehogs.  

1. Hendon Medivet -  89-91 Watford Way, Hendon NW4 4RS   

    Tel: 020 8202 6344  Badly injured Hogs.  

2. Lulubells Rescue - also rehab. of badly injured hogs, if they have

    volunteers.   

    Become a volunteer for Lulubells Rescue  -  Volunteer | Lulubells Rescue

3.  Please call the BHPS (British Hedgehog Preservation Society).

    - 01584 890 801 for further advice and numbers of local carers/rescues.
    If out of hours there is an answerphone, press option 1.  

    [However,  their recommended vets may not be fully prepared to

    rehab badly injured hogs].  

• Pick them up with gloves, wrap in a towel and place in a high sided box.  
• Make sure you take the box inside and leave in a quiet room away from loud noises.  Do NOT leave it outside.
• Provide them with a hot-water bottle (Not scalding hot, just warm) or even better if you have a pet microwavable heat pad.  Allow extra space inside the box to allow them to move away from the heat source if they become too hot.
• Provide water - never milk.   Meaty cat food, not bread or grains.

 

Do check piles of leaves, compost etc before setting fire to them.

EuroBioBlitz at Welsh Harp September 30th - walk + training in making records via iNaturalist

 

Welsh Harp EuroBioBlitz Biodiversity Walk

Help us put the Brent's biodiversity on the map! 

 

Brent Parks Forum & Brent Young Wildlife Recorders are running a biodiversity walk around the Welsh Harp to try and record as many organisms and species as we can!

 

Where: Meet at Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre

When: Saturday 30th September, 2-4pm

 

Bonus info:

- hedgehogs may make an appearance

- pretzels will be provided.

 

This is our little event to contribute to the Europe-wide event running from the 29-30th September 

 

For more information about the EuroBioBlitz: EuroBioBlitz 2023 | 29 - 30 September | The Natural History Consortium (bnhc.org.uk) 

 

And check out the iNaturalist project: EUROBIOBLITZ 2023 · iNaturalist 

 

SIGN UP

 

iNaturalist 

 

 

Wealdstone Brook campaigners call on Barry Gardiner MP to pressure agencies for urgent action to solve the pollution problem

 

Alicia Close on April 1st 2022

With frustration mounting over the lack of action by the appropriate agencies over toxic sewage contamination in the Wealdstone Brook a call has been made to Brent North MP  Barry Gardiner for support.

Dear Mr Gardiner,

We support all parks groups in Brent as part of the London and National Friends of Parks organisations.  We are supported by Mayoral funded Parks for London who advise and train London Councils and parks departments.  

We have joined the Brent and Harrow Rivers Alliance which was formed out of Harrow Parks biodiversity management groups and Brent Friends of Wealdstone Brook and Friends of Woodcock Park. 

We all call upon you to support the need for action from the Environment Agency, Thames Water and Brent Council to rectify this consistent river pollution issue that is in its 10th week and getting worse due to lack of causation tracking in a logical manner, based upon previous incidents at this time of the year (last year).   The Thames Water officer in charge is new and has been finding some difficulty in coordinating action, unlike previous years. There seemed to be a lack of staff, willingness to fund solutions and the result is more funds are now needed to reach a solution that returns the Brook to at least what is was 11 weeks ago.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Brent Parks Forum 

 

Hurray! Thames Water turns up to flush sewage from the Wealdstone Brook

 

Sewage pouring into the Wealdstone Brook

Local residents were delighted today when Thames Water turned up to flush out the Wealdstone Brook. The action followed weeks of campaigning and complaints to both the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

Households and care homes backing on to the brook were experiencing their 6^th week of continuous pollution with the pungent bad egg odour evident to all. Residents were unable to open their windows because of the potentially dangerous gases filling their rooms. Brent Council had told the Environment Agency that one gas could be hydrogen sulfide LINK . Campaigners had suggested that a criminal negligence case could be possible over the lack of action by Thames Water, despite a total of at least 7 complaints over the problem.

 

Thames had promised to begin work on cleansing the brook at the weekend. Both cleaning the river and testing of the gas with specialist equipment costs money which the the Forum thought Thames appeared reluctant to spend LINK.

 

They suggested air samples could be taken from conservatories and the rear communal lounges of care homes as well as bedrooms. With children at home for the school holiday and families celebrating various religious holidays together it was  important that any illnesses and potential gas poisoning should be reported.

 

Brent Parks Forum also feared that any wild life that had been in the brook at the important microbial level has probably been damaged beyond repair.

 

The action was long overdue and Wembley Matters hope that the flushing works and we are able to update readers with far more pleasant images of the brook.

Thames Water baulks at cost of clearing worst ever sewage pollution of the Wealdstone Brook

From Brent and Harrow Rivers Alliance  BHRA -  Harrow Friends of Wealdstone Brook  Supported by Brent Parks Forum.   

 

 

 

 From This:  Ducks and Wagtails feeding...

 

 

 To This:  60m and growing raw sewage left untreated with no source yet found  

Since around the 6th March there has been a constant flow of sewage into the Wealdstone Brook from a still unidentified site in Harrow.

The Environment Agency were immediately advised and have not responded to repeated updates of  the incremental thick raw sewage flow that continues unabated.   Thames Water - were also advised in the correct manner direct to their office after the contact Pollution Line was in effect blocked with calls about pollution events (we assume).

Brent Officers; and the CEO of Thames Water attended an unprecedented meeting at the Brook at Woodcock Park on 28th March and took part in a morning walkabout of the site and  saw for themselves the worst, longest running pollution event since recording has begun.

We are awaiting action from Thames Water who were concerned that they would have to deploy operatives from another job to attend the site and the cost of the job itself - which involves flushing a tank of clean water into the brook to move the daily increasing 50-70 m of sewage along! 

There was no  reaction from Thames Water to the imminent threat to the wildlife all the way along past the Civic Centre, three schools and into the River Brent through the Wildlife restoration Project that Thames21 runs. The pollution will slowly increase and move along the waterway!   Unless the source is found and remedied the threat to wildlife will be compounded.   As it has been left since the 10th March - 'vacuuming' - out the pollution is now out of the question - Thames Water do not have tanks large enough to cope with the volume that is increasing steadily.   A factory misconnection is suspected......

Now over 400 food packets (we think out of date), have been thrown into the Brook at the trash screen in Kenton - which has now got thoroughly stuck in the midst of the sewage and the bags are exploding open to feed the sewage fungus in the gel - sludge.   This amount of plastic in the sewage will act as fungus and e-coli carriers as they move towards the wildlife water improvement projects further downstream.   

Volunteers cannot reach them where they are located and have come to rest!  

Thames Water could send in operatives but they are concerned about the cost!   

We await some action to stop the sewage flow into what was a duck filled brook!  

We thank the Brent Engineer - who has visited and has now written a full report of the Brook and his findings.    We also thank Brent Parks Officers who are and continue to be supportive, within their capacity.   

It is possible that that the first signs of sewage were on 17th, 23rd and 27th February when reports to the Environment Agency mentioned murky brown water and silt. The sewage outbreak was reported on February 28th.  If an early warning system was in place Thames Water might have investigated much earlier and resolved the issue.

A Thames Water officer has indicated that the cause of the sewage  flow has been located and Friends of Woodock Park have emailed to confirm the location and the need for flushing.  They assume that the sewage currently visible from Becmead Avenue may indicate an equivalent amount underground at the source.

The Wealdstone Brook, marked in blue on an extract from an 1895 Ordnance Survey map