UPDATED with resident's comment. Action Plan and progress meeting promised after Willesden Green public meeting on recent violence

 

Below is a personal summary by Cllr Saqlain Choudry, written a few minutes after Friday’s meeting at Willesden Green Library on recent violent incidents. Officers were taking detailed notes and these will be shared with attendees in due course. These notes include an action plan and a commitment to a meeting by end of January/February to review progress on action plans. Given the widespread interest, he summarised at a high level some of the discussion points.

 

This evening, over 120 people gathered at Willesden Green library to discuss community safety in the locality. Organised by Brent Council and the Met Police, the agenda consisted of the recent tragic murder in Willesden alongside other anti-social behaviour & local crime issues.

 

Members of the community were joined by representatives of the Met Police team and Brent Council’s community safety team including Director of Communities.

 

The leader of the Council (Cllr Muhammed Butt), lead member (Cllr Harbi Farah), local MP (Dawn Butler) and local Councillors (Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller) were also present.

 

At the start of the meeting, Dawn Butler MP led a one minute silence in memory of the victim who sadly lost their life. Our thoughts and condolences with the victim’s family and all those affected by this awful and tragic murder.

 

Throughout the meeting, detailed notes were being taken and an action plan being devised which was shared in person and will be shared with members of the public afterwards too.

 

Members of the community safety team as well as Met Police representatives were also noting the passionate concerns being expressed, key local intelligence, local hotspots and the common areas causing grief and worry for local residents.

 

Residents are reminded to continue to report crime and ASB through the appropriate forums and channels. For instance, if drug dealing and drug consumption is happening in real time, that constitutes a 999 call.

 

In instances where there have been many crime reports and crime reference numbers obtained, please send this across to local MP Dawn Butler MP, Cllr Muhammed Butt (Leader of Council) and local ward Councillors so these can be followed up with the Borough Commander and relevant authorities in the Met Police.

 

There will be instances where the police and council can only share limited information due to legal or operational constraints. Example: an ongoing court investigation or sensitive operational intelligence that needs to be confined to specific personnel. There will be other instances where the local police and local council will need the involvement of local residents to satisfy the evidence in court eg closure orders.

 

This has been successful in the past and there are specific locations/addresses already in motion where Willesden Green SNT have been working with locals to bring about closure orders.

 

Organisers of the meeting assured the community that communication will continue and a follow-up meeting organised in due course to hold the relevant authorities to account over the agreed action plans. Members of the public were also encouraged to join and participate in local safer neighbourhood team panel meetings which shape local priorities and hold the local police to account.

The council and the Met reassured residents that this meeting and previous meetings organised are not organised in vain but the sentiments of the room were recognised and this is why a follow up meeting with targeted actions will be organised in due course.

 

The above is not an official council or Met Police summary but given the widespread interest and concern, a personal summary and especially for those who were unable to attend.

 

Once again, thanks to members of the public who joined at short notice, shared their real concerns and gave up their Friday evening to express their opinions and feedback.

 

Further comment by local resident who atttended the meeting:

All of us residents in attendance at the above meeting were deeply saddened at the violent loss of a young life within our community.  However, we also wanted the council and the police to listen to our growing concerns about the systemic and escalating neglect of our community. When a community begins to be neglected, it undoubtedly attracts more anti-social behaviours. 

 

We do not want yet another talking shop meeting.  We would like to see action, which will mean the council, the police and residents working together on short and longer terms plans for improving general safety in the area.  

 

Policing cannot just be done remotely.  I personally believe that consideration should be given to re-opening the little police station on the high road. It would inject confidence back into the community. We understand that there are cut backs, however neglecting residents safety will eventually cost more in the long run.

 

As for Brent council, their neglect of the immediate Willesden Green area is plain to see and again, will only cost more to fix in the long run.

 

It would be good to see the local authority give some attention to the following:

 

-The rise in drug-related anti-social behaviours in the area.

-Fly typing in the area

- Household rubbish being dumped on pavements.  It's always the same houses.  

 

-Pavement repairs following major building works.

It is ridiculous that no one has responsibility for this.

 

-Broken pavements and mountains of wet leaves are dangerous, particularly to elders.  Myself and neighbours have mostly solely cleared pavements and block drains outside our homes again this winter.  Brent needs to do better.

 

-Speeding lorries in Brondesbury Park. Maybe huge 20mph signs should be painted on the road.

 

-Brondesbury Park street repair. The stretch of road from the lights at the intersection of Sidmouth road to where Brondesbury Park meets Staverton Road. The very same craters pop every time there is rain and I'm sure the amateur repairs are costing the councils thousands of pounds each time. 

 

The above are just some areas of concern which I know are shared by many residents.

 

-Address business licencing in Willesden High Road and Walm Lane.  How many of these businesses are really legitimate concerns?

 

And why so many betting shops?

 

The size of Friday's meeting is clear indication that residents want better accountability from both our local council and the police.

 

Warmly,

 

Yvonne Bailey-Smith

Willesden Resident  

 

 

Police Public Meeting on recent Willesden Green violence. Friday January 3rd 6pm-8pm Willesden Green Library

 

Police Public Meeting. Friday 3rd January 6pm-8pm, Willesden Green Library. To discuss the recent serious incidents in Willesden Green. An opportunity to share views and concerns with Police and Council representatives. They will give information on how they are working to reduce violence.

Man arrested for murder in Willesden Green stabbing incident will appear in court today. Police renew call for information.

 

Murder Victim Recorda (Ricardo) Davey-Ann Clarke

From Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Willesden Green on Saturday, 28 December.

Police were called at 04:16hrs following reports of a stabbing in Linacre Road, NW2.

The victim sustained a stab wound and died on the way to hospital. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Recorda Davey-Ann Clarke, known as Ricardo to friends and family. His family are aware and continue to receive support from specialist officers.

An investigation was launched, and a man was arrested on Saturday, 28 December.

Elyas Moussa, 29 of no fixed abode, has since been charged with murder. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 December.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police to call 101 and quote CAD 1013/28dec. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

Met police launch murder investigation following a stabbing in Willesden Green

 From Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following a stabbing in Willesden Green, North West London.

At approximately 04:16hrs on Saturday, 28 December police were called to reports of a stabbing in Linacre Road, NW2.

Officers and London Ambulance and Air Ambulance paramedics attended the scene.

A man was found suffering serious stab injuries – despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

While formal identification has yet to take place, officers are confident the victim was a male in his 30s. Officers are working to identify his next of kin and they will be supported by specialist officers.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence.

There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 1013/28DEC.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Willesden Green: From Bank to Bingo Hall. Planning application submitted for ex-Lloyds Bank

 

Lloyds Bank, 1 Walm Lane, NW2

Following closure both Lloyds Bank and Nat West branches in Willesden Green are on the development market. Barclays opposite the Lloyd's building is due to close shortly leaving the area without a bank.

The Lloyds building is the first to come to Brent Planning with a proposal to turn into a Bingo Hall from Luton based Star Commercial Property Limited. LINK.

Apart from changes in the internal layout  and an additional window replacing the cashpoints there is little change.

 

Plans were lodged yesterday and the deadline for responses is November 25th 2024. LINK to website or email planning.comments@brent.gov.uk The Reference number is 24/2877

The application envisages 8 fulltime equivalent employees with the operating hours 8am to 12.30am  Monday to Friday, 9am to 1am Saturday and 9am to 12.30am Sunday.

Willesden Green councillors oppose the bank closures 'blight' on small businesses and the elderly

 

Wembley Matters published a letter LINK on January 12th setting out the impact of the closure of the Willesden Green branch of National Westminster Bank on the elderly, disabled and those without internet access.

 

It was good to hear thatWillesden Green councillors, Tom Miller, Janice Long and Saqlain Choudry had taken up the issue. with the banks

 

This is their letter in full:

 

We are writing to express our serious concern and disappointment over the announcement to close two bank branches – Lloyds and NatWest – in Willesden Green, both of which are due to close by the end of March this year. With uncertainty over the future of other branches looming, too, Willesden Green has now fallen victim to the surge of branch closures that is blighting local small businesses, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. 

 

This is very disappointing news, especially given how NatWest has been rooted in the community; and there is real risk that cash provision and access to basic services will be severely affected. We have been contacted by several residents who have expressed their apprehension over this decision.

 

High street bank closures have become an epidemic in the last few years, with over half of bank branches in the UK shutting their doors in the eight years since the Conservatives came to government in 2015. There are now just 3,200 remaining in England – and Willesden Green and Brent are no exception to these dwindling numbers. The banks are a vital point for the community. These closures are yet another nail in the coffin for the UK’s high street banking infrastructure and will see some towns lose more than one bank within a matter of days or weeks – suggesting little thought has been given to the impact on the communities they serve. 

 

Many people, particularly older people and those with disabilities, need access to physical banking services which go much further than access to cash. It’s often about having a real person to talk to, especially for those individuals with serious financial concerns and who are unable to make the transition to an entirely digitised banking system. Trust is greatly enhanced by personal contact, and greatly reduced when there is none. Some services do require in-person verification, and safety concerns over potential financial abuse are often better spotted when customers are able to use these essential face-to-face services. Many local businesses also bank with NatWest, so the feeling of regularity and social interaction will be omitted in other branches. Do you plan to hold sessions for residents explaining the impact of the closure and advising customers further, especially on the more complex, in-person banking operations? Are both NatWest and Lloyds willing to meet with senior management, cabinet lead and local councillors at Brent Council to discuss the implications on residents? 

 

We, of course, understand that regular reviews are a necessary part of business operation, particularly as we move to a more digital world. But we are very disappointed in the lack of consultation with local councillors and residents on this closure. There has been a distinct lack of visibility and inclusion on surveys and feedback from both NatWest and Lloyds, and we have not seen any detailed data regarding the decision to close. Are NatWest and Lloyds willing to share with us any additional data or metrics they have collected that led to the decision to close? Were the views of local councillors or the local authority taken into account at all in this decision? 

 

Communication has been minimal, reasoning obscure, and not enough consideration given to alternative provisions. Residents have told us that they have been advised to use branches elsewhere – such as in Kilburn High Road, Golders Green, and Swiss Cottage – but longer travel times will make journeys more difficult or impossible for some. We are also concerned about a wave of potential job losses with these continued closures, and would welcome some reassurance on the future of your current team members in the Willesden Green branches. 

 

It is clear that, if these closures are unequivocally going ahead in Willesden Green as they are elsewhere in the UK, an alternative course is needed. The Social Market Foundation found that 7 million people, most of them older and poorer, do all their banking in their local high street branch. But it’s not just these groups: research from LINK has found that around a quarter of Britons still use cash at least once a week, and about 10% of the country use it daily. The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium also show that shopping with cash has risen for the first time in a decade, as household budgets are increasingly stretched and the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. At the same time, over half of bank branches have closed, and the Conservatives’ rollout of banking hubs has been much delayed. 

 

The rollout has been painfully slow, leaving many communities to become banking deserts. This has become a particular problem in town centres and on high streets such as ours in Willesden Green. The current plans are totally inadequate for creating a much-needed national network of accessible services, and so we are pleased that the Labour Party have recently committed to accelerating the rollout of banking hubs where people can deposit and take out cash, as well as access wider banking services, as part of our Plan for Small Business. The hubs are designed to be shared by major banks, so customers from almost every bank will be able to use them. 

 

The weakness of the current banking hub system is its voluntary character. It arguably shows the weakness of the present regulation when banks are closing thousands of their branches all around the country, withdrawing services to their customers, and then promising banking hubs that they are under no obligation to introduce. The current protocol between lenders and the Government is toothless, and so we support the Shadow Chancellor’s calls for stronger additional powers for the FCA. When a local community demonstrates need and meets the relevant criteria, a banking hub ought to be guaranteed. Considering the shift Willesden Green is about to undergo, we believe that this will be the best course to steer for us as a community. 

 

We therefore will be submitting a formal request to LINK to undertake a review of Willesden Green in light of these branch closures, asking that they assess the viability of opening a banking hub to guarantee that local residents and independent businesses still have access to these essential services. As Labour councillors, we will continue to fight for our communities and ensure that no one is left behind. 

Willesden Green councillors call for LINK to open banking hub in the area in the wake of bank closures

 The Kilburn Times has followed up LINK the letter published last week on Wembley Matters about bank closures in Willesden Green and the impact on the elderly, disabled and those without a smart phone or internet access LINK.

It reports that Willesden Green councillors have written to both National Westminster Bank and Lloyds Bank about the impact on residents:

In a joint letter to Lloyds and NatWest, Willesden Green ward councillors Saqhain Choudry, Janice Long and Tom Miller called the closures "deeply disappointing" and asked for cash machine operator LINK to open a ‘banking hub’ so customers of all banks have a physical premises.

The councillors said: “Willesden Green has now fallen victim to the surge of branch closures that is blighting local small businesses, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.”

Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green, will legally be required to have a licence from 1 August - Cost £540 before August 1st, £640 after

 Press release from Brent Council

Landlords called to get licence to rent A new law requiring landlords in three Brent wards to pay for a selective licence will come into force on 1 August 2023. Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green, will legally be required to have a licence from 1 August. A licence will cost £640 for up to five years. Anyone who applied in the next few weeks before 1 August will be able to purchase a licence at the current rate of £540. Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green were selected for licensing following a borough-wide consultation that began in autumn 2022. A report to cabinet members showed that a selective licensing scheme would have a positive impact on poor property conditions and high levels of antisocial behaviour in the three areas. Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, said:  The landlords who work with us take pride in renting out properties that offer decent facilities and living conditions to tenants. The licensing scheme supports landlords in offering the best they can to tenants, ensuring that tenants’ safety and security are protected. We encourage landlords and agents with properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green to apply for a licence as soon as possible. You can find out whether the property you are renting needs a licence by checking out:https://www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing

Prior planning permission for 20m mobile mast in Willesden Green refused - visually intrusive and physically obtrusive

 

Where the 20m pole and associated cabinets would have been sited (corner of Walm Lane and Dartmouth Road)

 

In a blog post on January 3rd Wembley Matters drew attention to a proposal for a 20metre phone mast and associated cabinets to be built on the corner of Walm Lane and Dartmouth Road, outside Westly Court and adjacent to the Queensbury pub in Willesden Green. There were only a few comments at the time and due to be closed on January 12th but eventually there were 26 objections including from Mapesbury Residents' Association. There were only two supportive submissions.

 

The final delegated report made on January 17th echoed many of the points made by objectors.

 

The decision

 

1 The proposed telecommunications street pole and associated cabinets by reason of their height, bulk, appearance and siting would be overly prominent and visually intrusive within the street scene adding additional clutter to a prominent location. Furthermore, the proposal would result in harm to the character, appearance and setting of the surrounding conservation area and listed buildings. This would cause unacceptable harm to the visual amenity of the area in conflict with Condition A.3 of Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

2 The proposed telecommunications street pole and associated cabinets by reason of their siting would create an obtrusion to the footway by reducing the available footway width and severely affecting pedestrian movement and overall safety. This is contrary to Condition A.3 of Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

 The delegated report describes some of the issues:

 

Siting

The application is for prior approval for a 5G telecommunications installation comprising a 20m street pole and additional equipment cabinets on the footpath adjacent to Westly Court on Walm Lane. The equipment cabinets are proposed to be located at the base of the new pole and all of the equipment is proposed to be placed in the middle of the footway. The site is located close to the road junction with Dartmouth Road, which means there are several open views from different angles in the streetscene. This would give the proposal a particularly prominent siting and be at odds with where telecoms and other equipment is generally located.

Highway considerations

The proposed 20m high pole and three cabinets would be 4m from the edge of the carriageway and 4m from the back of the footway. All of the equipment is proposed in the middle of the footway which would add lot of clutter to the footway and a nuisance to pedestrians. In addition to this, there is an existing cabinet at the back of the footway which would mean that only a 2.2m wide footway is retained between the existing cabinets and the proposed new cabinets.

It appears that the doors of the cabinets would open away from the carriageway, although it is not clear. This would further clutter the middle of the footway and force pedestrians to walk closer to the carriageway. This siting would be inappropriate generally and pose a significant obstruction in an area which has been highlighted by objectors as being busy with a high number of pedestrian. In addition the proposal would be poorly sited create a safety risk for visually impaired pedestrians.

The proposals will not obstruct visibility for vehicles at this junction as it is set back 4m from the edge of the carriageway.

Therefore, the siting is considered to be unacceptable

 

Heritage and Design

In addition to the location on the footway noted above, page 2 of the ‘Site Specific Supplementary Information’ states that the proposal is outside the Conservation Area, which is incorrect. The site is located within the Mapesbury Conservation Area.

 

There are also several designated heritage assets in the area, which would need to be taken into account.

No heritage statement has been submitted with this application to describe the significance of the heritage assets or the Conservation Area and to understand the potential impact of the proposal.

It is clear that the position of the new pole would be obtrusive and prominent in the streetscene. The new pole would be seen directly in the context and on the edge of the Mapesbury Conservation Area. It would also be seen in the eyeline of the bell tower of St Gabriel’s Church, which is Grade II listed and one of the most significant buildings in the conservation area. Even with the treelined street (acting as a foil in summer) it would stand out in views from within the conservation area and along its attractive boundary. Furthermore, the trees cannot be replied upon as a permanent screen.

There is lessor impact on the Willesden Green Conservation Area and the Underground Station (listed Grade II), but it will impact a view from Dartmouth Road.

The equipment cabinets would be located in the middle of the pavement. It should be noted that there are existing cabinets on the edge of the footway, lampposts, signage a litter bin and other features in close proximity to the proposal. Although the existing items are generally positioned more discretely, the proposal in the centre of these items would be very cluttered, prominent, unattractive and would detract from the beauty of the area.

Overall, it is considered that the proposed mast and cabinets will cause harm to the significance of the Mapesbury Conservation Area and great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. The proposal would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. Being viewed both looking into and out of the Conservation Area, the proposal would impact on its setting and the setting of the attractive buildings and listed buildings. The proposal would result in 'less than substantial harm' to the heritage assets (Conservation Area and Listed buildings) When considered against the requirements of the NPPF. The prominence, out of place appearance and the surrounding views from several public and private vantage points, would result in the proposal having a moderate to high impact on a scale of 'less than substantial harm'.

There is no evidence or clear convincing justification that another location outside the conservation area has been considered that would diminish the impact. It has been noted that the proposal would result in technological improvement for the public, however, the public benefits would be clearly outweighed by the harm that the proposal would result in on the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings, including the Conservation Area and the nearby Listed Buildings

 

 

Opposition to 20metre 5G Mast in Mapesbury Conservation area - consultation closes January 12th

 View of existing area where mast and cabinets would be installed outside 112 Walm Lane [Streetview] Note: Pole in foreground is not the proposed mast.

Mapesbury Conservation Area Border (Brent Council) - Site in red

 The placement of the mast and cabinets

 

The height of the mast against tree and 112 Walm Lane

Editor's Note: There has been a suggestion that there is a petition opposing this mast. I have not seen one and so do not have a link. If you know of one please send the link to wembleymatters@virginmedia.com  Individual responses to the Planning Portal LINK are more effective anyway as I understand petitions are counted as just one objection.

 

The latest controversy over the erection of a 5G roll-out mast is in Willesden Green, just within the Mapesbury Conservation Area border. Although the planning application gives the address of the Queensbury pub (due to be redeveloped) at 110 Walm Lane, the site is actually outside the block of flats at 112 Walm Lane, on the corner of Dartmouth Road.

The proposal sent to neighbouring residents and displayed nearby gives a closing date for comments of Thursday January 12th 2023.

Application Number 22/4004
Location Street Record, Walm Lane, London Proposal Prior approval for proposed 5G telecommunications installation comprising a 20m street pole and additional equipment cabinets on footpath adjacent to 110 Walm Lane, London, NW2 4RS (Part 16 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) and is in accordance with the Electronic Communications Code (as amended))

You may comment on-line by using the ‘make comments’ tab or by e-mailing planning.comments@brent.gov.uk. Make sure you provide the application  number, your name and postal address. Your comments and address will be publically available, although your name won’t be. You may check what the final decision is by selecting “track application” on our website.

Please make your comment by 12/01/2023; after that we will make a decision on the proposal as soon as possible.

As with all such proposals the default position is approval to aid the roll-out of 5G transmission as part of the government's diginal vision. The applicant states:

The proposed installation supports the UK Government Digital connectivity vision and provide a basis for support from the local planning authority to speed up digital infrastructure rollout set by Ministers on 27 August 2020. Such development will facilitate educational benefits, providing access to vital services, improving communications with the associated commercial benefits for local businesses, enabling e-commerce and working from home as well as enjoying access to social, media and gaming for leisure time activities.
In accordance with the requirement set within National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) guidelines; the proposed ‘Streetworks’ design has been selected to minimise visual impact upon the street scene by integrating with existing street furniture.

 

The applicant claims their proposal meets Brent Council's criteria for 5G installations but note the final point regarding Conservation Areas.

One local resident has submitted a comprehensive Objection:

This proposal is completely misguided and should be rejected.

It would create an unacceptably intrusive, overbearing and incongruous feature at a very prominent location, wholly out of scale and inconsistent with nearby buildings and structures, and would materially impact the character and appearance of the Mapesbury Conservation Area and the Willesden Green Conservation Area, as well as of Willesden Green Station and St. Gabriel's Church, both grade II listed buildings.

It's extraordinary that the applicant has managed to find a site for this 20 metre mast that would materially impact the character and appearance of not just one but two separate conservation areas and two separate grade II listed buildings.

Further, while the applicant asserts that the site is outside of the Mapesbury Conservation Area, according to the official map of the Mapesbury Conservation Area (https://legacy.brent.gov.uk/media/16402740/mapesbury-conservation-area-map.jpg) the boundary of the conservation area runs down the middle of Walm Lane and therefore the site is within the conservation area. In any event our comments are relevant regardless of whether the site is or not within the conservation area: if outside it would still be on the boundary of the conservation area and would have just as a material impact on the visual amenity and character of the conservation area as if it was inside it.

In more detail, my objection is based on the following:

(A) The mast would be very significantly taller than all surrounding housing. At 20 metres it would be almost double the height of the adjacent Westerly Court (11 metres), which itself is taller than all other surrounding housing on the north side of the railway, and more than double the height of street lighting and trees.

(B) The mast would be very close to the top of the hill, which would increase even more its actual and perceived height compared to the surrounding housing, including the two conservation areas.

(C) The mast would be located in a corner plot, increasing its visibility and prominence.

(D) The mast would be directly in line with the north face of Westly Court, meaning that its entire height would be visible from the whole north side of Dartmouth Road.

Factors (A), (B), (C) and (D) will exacerbate the visual prominence of the mast which will be seen over a wide area. It is likely that it would be visible from every first or second floor south facing window in the Mapesbury Conservation Area.

The streetview up and down Walm Lane between St. Gabriel's Church and the top of the hill where Willesden Green Station is located is a critical and integral element of the Mapesbury Conservation Area's character and appearance. Further, the northward streetview up Walm Lane and across the top of the hill in front of the Willesden Green Station is a critical and integral elements of the Willesden Green Conservation Area character and appearance. Both of these would be completely ruined by the mast, which would tower above and overbear all of these views.

(E) The mast would be in very close proximity (70 metres - 3.5 times its height) to Willesden Green Station, which is a Grade II listed building, and would significantly impact the appearance of the station and of the open space in front of it (which is part of the Willesden Green Conservation Area) when approaching from the north (from the Mapesbury Conservation Area) and the south (through the Willesden Conservation Area).

(F) The mast would be right in the straight line of sight between Willesden Green Station and St. Gabriel's Church, which is also a Grade II listed building and is located about 10 meters lower down the hill (meaning that it would tower above the church in the background when approaching the church southwards along Walm Lane).

The applicant has taken no account in its application of the fact that the visual amenity and character of two Grade II listed buildings will be materially impacted by the proposal, as set out in (E) and (F) above.

(G) Finally, given that the applicant has taken no account of the above factors in the design of the mast (other than to say that the site is outside of a conservation area, which appears to be inaccurate and in any event is immaterial), the proposal itself does not comply with the design principles set out in the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Network Development in England (2016 Edition) - in particular those set out in Appendix A.

While not directly relevant to my objection to the application, I would also like to highlight that:

- The area in the vicinity of the site is already very well served by broadband internet and further developments are currently ongoing (e.g. Hyperoptic is currently installing fibre underground throughout the conservation area), so there is no "critical need" for this 5g infrastructure, notwithstanding what the applicant says in its application. This should be taken into account when considering the balance between the need for this specific 5g mast and other public policy considerations (such as public amenity) when assessing this application.

- The proposed siting of the equipment boxes at the street level is completely irrational. It is proposed that they will be located in the middle of the public footpath, significantly reducing the available space for pedestrians and other users. What is the applicant's rationale for occupying so much footpath space and inconveniencing pedestrians, rather than siting the boxes beside the existing boxes on the east edge of the footpath?

- There is already a telecoms mast located along the train line on the south side of the Tube railway tracks, adjacent to Lydford Road. Given the presence of multiple conservation areas and listed buildings in the vicinity of the proposed mast, what consideration has the applicant given to reinforcing and/or sharing that mast, consistent with the requirements of the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Network Development in England (2016 Edition), or otherwise siting the mast along the railway at a suitable distance from the existing tower, where it would not be as much an eyesore?

- There is already a telecoms mast located along the train line on the south side of the railway tracks, adjacent to Lydford Road. Given the presence of multiple conservation areas and listed buildings in the vicinity of the proposed mast, what consideration has the applicant given to reinforcing and/or sharing that mast, consistent with the requirements of the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Network Development in England (2016 Edition), or otherwise siting the mast along the railway at a suitable distance from the existing tower, where it would not be as much an eyesore?

 Regarding alternatives, as suggested by some of the Objectors, including updating existing masts in the area, the Applicant states:

The very nature of installing new 5G mast infrastructure within such an urban setting requires a highly considered balance between the need to extend practical coverage reach with that of increasing risk of visual amenity intrusion. In this location, existing mast sites are not capable of supporting additional equipment compliment to extend coverage reach across the target area and prospective ‘in-fill’ mast sites are extremely limited.

There is an acute need for a new base station to provide effective service coverage and in this case, the height of the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring the benefits of 5G to this area.