Wembley Matters has reported the regeneration of South Kilburn over many years - problems are many including Granille New Homes purcased by the Council and costing more to remediate than to purchase price, balconies that flood, windows that fall out, shops flooded and closed down, heating breaking down regularly, new build built up close to old build not meeting separation space standards, fire in the disused job centre, Brent Council's 'Landlord Promise' looking unlikely to be fulfilled and much more.
The new Peel Precinct public space (above) is windswept concrete and privately owned and symbolises the lack of soul that often characterises new developments.
It is no wonder then that tenacious residents want to hold on to a remnant of green space that represents what many hold dear, community belonging and engagement, and a space that is utilised for the benefit of all.
Even on a cold day outside the growing season, there were crops to be seen that contribute to Granville Community Kitchen's mission of transforming 'ourselves, our communities and our food systems to create a just resilient and sustainable world.'
A space to run around, tumble safely on a grassy surface AND get involved in growing food and engage with your neighbours. It is clear to me that the site has a lot of potential. Volunteers are already investing hours of their free time and it would be great if Brent Council also invested in the space and saved it from further development.
THE PETITION - PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY - SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES
We, the undersigned, strongly object to the proposed development of Block D on Granville Recreation Ground (planning ref: 21/2587).
Key Concerns & Why We Object:
- Loss of vital community green space & garden
- Negative Wider Environmental Impact - air pollution and biodiversity
- Lack of Proper Consultation with Residents
- Negative impact on Princess Road Conservation Area
- Contradicts the original South Kilburn Regeneration masterplan
- Totally inadequate replacement
We demand that Brent Council:
- Halt plans for Block D to preserve our existing green space, garden, vegetable growing project, trees and biodiversity.
- Conduct a genuine public consultation with all local residents
- Revise the development plan to benefit both new and existing residents without compromising our local green space.
This is an objection made in July 2025:
I object to the proposed development at Granville Road, which prioritizes housing density over the preservation of vital green space. As a resident of this area for over 50 years, I have deep concerns about the environmental, social, and infrastructural impacts of this plan. My objections align with those of the Princess Road Residents Association and others who have highlighted the severe drawbacks of this proposal.
LOSS OF GREEN SPACE AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT:
It seems to me that the removal of Granville Recreation Ground will have detrimental consequences for local biodiversity.
I cannot see where the plans help address the decline in birds, pollinators, and wildlife, many of which rely on the mature trees and green spaces that the current space provides.
The introduction of a heavily regimented "urbanized" park design falls woefully short in attempts to replicate the ecological value of the existing natural landscape - so much so that it begs the question if ecological value has been fully assessed.
I am also concerned about the increased heat island effect due to reduced tree cover, which I understand is contrary to Brent Council's own Climate Emergency Declaration (2019, updated 2021).
The proposed "replacement" park, while technically larger, is dominated by roads and parking spaces, meaning an overall loss of usable green space. I fully echo the expressed concerns that this is exactly what London does not need in the face of climate change.
FLOODING RISK EXACERBATION
I have personally experienced severe flooding in this area (most recently during the July 2021 cloudburst), and the proposed development raises serious concerns about drainage. My household has received no compensation and has had huge implications on matters of insurance for us.
Increased hard surfaces (buildings, roads, paved areas) mean greater rainwater runoff, threatening already overwhelmed drainage systems.
Past flooding events (including historic incidents from the 1950s-60s where basements were inundated) show this area is highly vulnerable.
Lack of detailed flood response plans in the application suggests the council and developers are ignoring this critical risk.
INADEQUATE CONSULTATION & COMMUNITY VOICE IGNORED
Despite being a long-term resident, I-like many others-have not been properly consulted on the material changes to this plan since its 2021 inception. The opaque communication from Brent Council and developers has left me and my wife, as with many of my neighbours, feeling disregarded and misled.
CONTRADICTIONS TO BRENTS OWN POLICIES
As far as I can tell, this proposal directly conflicts with Brent Council's commitments to:
Green Infrastructure Vision (loss of mature trees and biodiverse spaces)
Health Equity Goals (reduction in accessible, natural recreational areas)
Clean Air & Carbon Reduction Targets (fewer trees, more concrete)
Conclusion & Appeal
IN SUMMARY
I urge Brent Council to reject this flawed proposal and instead:
- Protect Granville Recreation Ground as a vital green lung for South Kilburn.
- Demand a full, independent flood-risk assessment before any further planning decisions.
- Hold transparent public consultations-where residents' concerns are not just heard but acted upon.
If this development proceeds in its current form, it will be a loss for the environment, a risk to homeowners, and a betrayal of community trust. I expect Brent Council to uphold its duty to residents-not developers' profits.
