The open space and surroundings
Centre the up to 5 story block on the green space
SEGMENT OF REPRESENTATIONS AT PLANNING COMMITTEE
There appears to be a widespread feeling that Brent Council is no longer representing the interests of residents, but instead represent the interests of developers.
This has been evident for some time but particularly in the case of the recent Pellat Road application and the Barham Park covenant removal.
In the video above the resident speaker represents 300 family homes and Cllr Kennelly his constituents.
The full discussion can be heard in the video that can be found on the Brent Council website. LINK
Normal practice is that the developer and planning officers negotiate changes beforehand and so what is presented to the Planning Committee looks like a 'done deal', especially when residents' concerns receive shortshrift.
At this Planning Committee the developer's agent was particularly bouyant claiming that their plans hd received 'the ringing endorsement of the [Brent} case officer' and the place making manager described the application as 'exemplary'.
It was only under questioning that they admitted that in the consultation out of 10 responses 9 opposed the application and one was neutral.
Neverless the Planning Committee approved the application with just Cllr Johnson against. Another feature of Committee proceedings is that those against have to give their reasons, but those voting for the application do not have to give reasons for support. This is particularly galling when committee members who through their questioning indicate major concerns but still vote for the application.
Cllr Johnson cited concerns about parking, the overbearing nature of the proposed 5 storey building, and it not being in keeping with the local area.
