Officers recommend Islamia School go-ahead - including roof playground

The development site

The controversial proposals for the rebuilding of the Islamia Primary School are to be resubmitted to the Brent Planning Committee tomorrow. The previous application was blocked when the Council received a Judicial Review Pre-Action Protocol letter on behalf of 'We Love Queen's Park', a group of local residents.

The group's objections included consultation failings, lack of community involvement, lack of an environmental impact assessment and concerns over financial viability. The documentation for tomorrow's meeting attempts to answer each point. Financial viability remains a crucial issue. The key passage states:

It is not envisaged that adequate funding will not be available to allow the development to be
completed if approved and the public contribution envisaged would be contingent on agreement of the availability of overall funds. However, Forsters have highlighted the potential implications of not completing an approved development. If these circumstances were to arise then the likely planning consequences would be the visual impact of any work remaining incomplete on the character and appearance of the surrounding area. Depending on the extent of works carried out this may, or may not; also involve an impact on the setting of the adjoining Conservation Area and nearby Listed structures. Any Health and Safety or Environmental Health issues as a result of work remaining incomplete would be likely to be adequately addressed under powers held by Officers in the Council's Environmental Health & Health, Safety and Licensing Units. The degree of any impact would subject to a number of factors, and in particular the extent and progress of any work carried out. However, it is not reasonable to assume in the circumstances of an interruption to construction that a responsible landowner would leave the development in such a condition as to cause unacceptable harm to the interests referred to above, or be such, as to not warrant granting planning permission.

...Other objectors also raised concerns regarding the Islamia Trust's ability to deliver the project citing another development that they claim is underfunded and behind schedule. However, specific problems associated with another site would not provide sufficient evidence that would lead Officers to believe that there is now a substantial risk that the current proposal cannot be delivered. As such, it is considered that in terms of the delivery of the project there are no reasonable grounds to justify a refusal to grant planning permission

The Planning Committee will need to consider whether these assurances are enough. The rebuild would only provide an additional 30 places (from 390 to 420) but the report notes that there is potential for the expansion of secondary places when the present building is vacated.  Apart from the advantages of new buildings the new school would mean that Winkworth Hall would no longer be used for overflow classes. 

The present school does not have a catchment area (a defined geographical area from which pupils are drawn with those closest to the school getting priority) but the report says that one will be introduced to the south of the North Circular Road and extending to the borough boundary.

The school will be unusual in that it will return to the inner city Victorian school model of having a playground on the roof.  Approval will be subject to a Section 106 Agreement as set out below:

• Prior to Occupation submit, gain approval for and adhere to a Community Access Plan, which
includes details of community accesses to the development, particularly the Gym facilities
which shall be made available to any community groups for not less than 20 hours a week, at
rates covering administration costs only and not more than other Council facilities.
• A financial contribution of £10,000 towards the highway works, including bus cage works and
the reinstatement of the footway adjoining the school, required to mitigate the impact of the
development on local transport infrastructure and provide street tree planting, index-linked from
the date of committee and due on Material Start.
• Sustainability – BREEAM Excellent Construction Assessment and Certificate shall be
submitted prior to occupation; achieve 50% on the Brent Sustainable Development Checklist,
demonstrated through submission of a Detailed Sustainability Implementation Strategy prior to
construction; compliance with the ICE Demolition protocol, demonstrated by submission of an
independent report detailing demolition and new build material use and recycling; and 20% on
site renewable energy details to be submitted and approved, which shall be maintained
throughout the lifetime of the development.
• Join and adhere to the Considerate Constructors scheme.
• Prior to Occupation, submit gain approval for and adhere to a Travel Plan.
• Payment of the Council's legal and other professional costs in (a) preparing and completing the agreement and (b) monitoring and enforcing its performance

The Officers recognise local concerns but 'on balance' think these have been appropriately addressed and that the proposal is 'in general compliance with the Council's Development Plan'. They recommend approval subject to the Section 106 Agreement being met.

Brent Council Snuffs out the Lights

From Brent Council's website (last year)

Petitioners will be at the June 13th Executive to protest at the cuts of funding for festivals. They include 5,000 signatures to save Navratri and 110 to Save the St Patrick's Day Parade.

The Executive will vote on a 'no faith funding' approach that will even see the Christmas lights go out. In an ominous echo of David Cameron's strictures on the 'divisiveness'  of 'multiculturalism' the Council proposes to fund events which are 'inclusive of the whole diverse Brent Community' including a new 'Brent Celebrates' event.  However in the same paper it says that the new Civic Centre performance area and that of the rebuilt Willesden Green hub (if it goes ahead) will showcase Brent's diversity. Didn't Navratri etc do that? Is Guy Fawke's Night inclusive?

To be fair to the Council here is their justification for the preferred policy option:

Cease delivery of any faith-based events and deliver a reduced programme

Deliver one Brent Celebrates event (which is anticipated to be an event attracting up to 30,000 people) and continue to provide fireworks night and Holocaust Memorial Day. The council would also work with others in the community, to provide advice and guidance to resident groups to promote festivals and events they may identify.

This would mean the council ceasing its current events for Chanukah, St Patrick’s Day, Eid, Diwali, Christmas, St George’s Day, LGBT Month, International Women’s Day. It would also no longer fund Navrati or the Christmas/festive lights.

This option would enable the council to build on the support already provided to a number of events, festivals and activities delivered by community groups which is currently working well. This would meet the requirements identified in the Brent Cultural Strategy 2010-2015 of providing a key leadership role in developing partnerships with cultural providers. This support could include advice and, where appropriate, training. Savings of approximately £270,000 would be achieved in the first year. The consultation feedback does not oppose this option and does support festivals and activities that bring all communities together.

Drastic Cuts In Mental Health Day Opportunities

The Council's proposals HERE for the future of Day Provision Opportunities for those with  Mental Health problems have been published. They envisage an eventual cut of  from the 2010-11 budget of £1,660,000 to £236,000 in 2012-13 with £480,000 cut this financial year.  The proposals involve the closure of Kingsbury Manor Day Centre and the administrative unit at Design Works. Kingsbury Resource Centre would continue at a reduced level of 4 sessions per week for up to 10 service uses. Four community development workers would be employed to run these sessions and help access community services for other users. The Report to the Executive states:

Users and carers had objected to the proposals during the consultation.

Service user concerns were wide ranging. For example, they:
• Do not want to lose the day centres as meeting places, where they have friends
• Do not want to lose the relationship they have with their key workers
• Feel vulnerable in the community.
• Are worried they will be isolated at home 

Carers concerns focused on the following areas:
• That changes are driven by the need to save money rather than improvements to the service
• The capacity of two workers, as per proposal, to meet needs of service users
• That many service users will need support to manage their direct payments
• The need for a percentage of service users to have a base to go to as they are too vulnerable to access resources in the wider community
• The need for a culturally sensitive service

Further objections were:

• The choice and community activities are not suitable for all
• Service users are vulnerable in the community
• They may become isolated
• There will be less respite for carers if activities are community based
• Personalised services will be more expensive and or unavailable
• The support mechanisms to prevent relapse will be reduced.

The Executive will vote on the proposal at their meeting on Monday June 13th

Teather in the hot seat?

Another meeting!  I don't spend all my time at them, honestly, but this is one where we might see a bit of accountability.

Headteachers and governors have been wrestling with the twin-pronged pressures of government policy changes and budget cuts. Conversion to academies is an active issue with Ark, Capital City,Claremont,  Crest Girls, Crest Boys academies and Kingsbury and Woodfield considering conversion. The prospect of a primary Free School is on the horizon. The Council's stance on academies has been somewhat opaque with Cllr Mary Arnold, lead member for Children and Families stating her opposition, but Krutika Pau, Director of Children and Families, putting forward a 'neutral' stance.

In terms of cuts, governors have found themselves in a difficult position regarding detailed budget figures from the council which were received very late in the budget making process, as well as having to make decisions about 'buying in' services from the council at increased cost and provided by fewer staff. School have often been tempted to buy-in services from external providers instead.

The two issues are connected because poor back-up from the Local Authority undermines arguments against converting to academy  status.

We are also in the rare position of having a local MP in the government with an education brief . Sarah Teather, Minister of State for Children and Families,  is currently leading on early years provision and special educational needs. Dr Rhodes Boyson, Conservative MP for Brent North, was the last local MP in such a position.

Sarah Teather will be speaking at the Brent Conference for Governors on Monday June 20th 2011. She will be speaking about the new Education Bill and Krutika Pau will be speaking about changes in Children and Families and her vision for her brief.

Gareth Daniel, Brent's Chief Executive will examine what he sees are the main challenges ahead and how they will affect schools and children's centres.

The event, at the Wembley Plaza, is free to Brent school governors, children's centre board members, associate members and clerks. There is a charge of £70 per person  for other interested parties.

Fighting Academy Conversions and Free Schools

Brent is facing the possibility of more academy conversions and a possible free school (see previous BLOG)  and so a forthcoming conference has come at a vital time. Although the Labour council has apparently been a little more proactive in the case of the Woodfield Sports College it is important that parents, education unions, school students and governors get involved.

On Saturday June 11th there is a conference on the issue organised by SERTUC (the TUC in London, the South East and Easter Region) and the Anti Academies Alliance.

There will be practical workshops for governors, parents, school students and staff and speakers include Lisa Nandy MP, Nigel Gann on school governance, Professor Stephen Ball from the Institute of Education, Christine Blower NUT, Mary Bousted  ATL, Patrick Roach NASUWT, Jon Richards UNISON, Megan Dobney SERTUC, and Alasdair Smith from the Anti-Academies Alliance.

The conference is at Congress House. Great Russell Street, WC1B 3LS from 10.30am-4pm.

To register e-mail sertucevents@tuc.org.uk

Further information HERE

School Crossing Patrols - a matter of life or death

I had a shock when someone told me that Cllr James Powney had blogged that he agreed with me about something. LINK I feared that I would lose all my friends in the Brent Labour Party as a result. I was reassured when I read his posting. He is at pains to write, "I disagree with much of what he says, most of the time". Phew, that's all right then!

He agreed that the Scrutiny and Overview Committee was used for political grandstanding rather than meticulous examination of policy proposals but sees that only in terms of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative opposition. Of course it also applies to the Labour administration and to Labour councillors who sit on the Committee.

I referred in my article to a Willesden and Brent Times  editorial that argued it has been residents who voted for councillors who have ended up doing the councillor's work by airing concerns about controversial decisions at council meetings.  The local press, especially the Willesden and Brent  Times, have been proactive in covering the council cuts and the library closures issue. Cllr Powney however, accuses them of being weak in not exposing Liberal Democrat hypocrisy. Strange really when the WBT editorial was commenting on its own story about poor attendance at council meetings of some Liberal Democrat and Conservative politicians.

My article covered various issues to do with local democracy LINK not least that of consultation. This is an issue that was controversial under the previous Lib Dem-Con coalition (remember the Wembley Academy consultation?) as well as the current Labour administration.

The latest example is the short consultation, over a school holiday, on the cutting of school crossing patrols. I have an interest because I kicked up a fuss about the lack of one outside Park Lane Primary School in Wembley when I worked there. The school is on a sharp bend and it is hard to see traffic coming in either direction (it used to be called Blind Lane before being re-named) and it is on several bus routes. We eventually won a patrol and Tracey, the officer appointed, became a much-loved member of the school community.

This is one of those issues which is literally a matter of 'life and death' (or serious injury) and one that deserves serious consideration. It is not enough to say that if schools are concerned they can pay for their own crossing patrol out of their hard-pressed annual budgets. The council has a responsibility for the safety and well-being of the community, especially vulnerable members such as children. We encourage children to walk to school for good environmental and health reasons but should not put them at risk. The lack of a patrol may result in parents going back to taking children to school in their cars with a resultant increase in  traffic congestion and pollution.

New Willesden Eco Group Meets on Tuesday

Following a great deal of interest at Brent Friends of the Earth’s Green Fair in Willesden Green, a new group Willesden Transition is being formed for eco-minded residents in the Willesden area.  Brent’s first Transition Town group, “Transition Kensal to Kilburn” started two years ago and now has over 450 members.

Environmental campaigner and Dollis Hill resident, Viv Stein, who came up with the idea of the new group says:

Transition is about local communities coming together to develop their own ways of making their neighbourhoods greener, friendlier, more sustainable and less wasteful places to live in.  It is about people finding their own solutions to deal with the very real challenges of peak oil, rising food prices and climate change, without waiting for politicians to take a lead.

Brent Friends of the Earth’s Green Fair proved there’s a great deal of interest in the Transition Town movement in the Willesden area.  We are now looking for local people from all over Willesden, Cricklewood and Dollis Hill to get involved to start this new group.

Transition Town groups are springing up in towns and cities all across the world.  Camden has around 10 groups, the latest is being launched in West Hampstead next week.

The “Transition Willesden” meeting is being held at the Rising Sun pub, 25 Harlesden Road, Willesden, NW10 2BY at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7th June.  All are welcome to come along and get involved.  For more information see http://ttkensaltokilburn.ning.com/events/transition-willesden-first or contact viv2000-transition@yahoo.com

Stop Global Warming - Change the World

Sunset over Fryent Country Park, Kingsbury

Jonathan Neale, novelist, playwright, historian and political activist, lead-author of the Million Climate Jobs report, will be introducing his book, Stop Global Warming – Change the World at Willesden Green Library on Monday June 6th at 7.30pm

Here are some comments from Jonathan Neale as a taster for what should be a stimulating discussion:

The threat from climate change is so large that a big programme of public works and government investment is needed. But this comes up against the ideology of neoliberalism – the idea that private is good and public is bad.

Government investment and regulation to fight climate change would challenge this ideology. It means that many governments try to take action through market instruments, such as carbon trading, instead.

If people saw that governments could intervene in the market to save the planet, they would start asking questions. Why can’t governments do the same in the health service? Business doesn’t want people asking those questions.

Climate change is a global problem and needs a global solution. But governments and corporations work on the basis of competition not co-operation. Dealing with climate change means dealing with that.

Stopping climate change is no small task. But action by ordinary people has led to huge changes in the past – from ending colonialism and slavery to developing the welfare state in Britain.
To stop climate change we’re told ordinary people will have to sacrifice. But the key is to shift to using different resources, not less. If we think that we can’t change how we do things then we’ll conclude that we have to sacrifice.

The real problem is that people don’t feel they can change how things are done. The best response I think is to look at the Second World War. All major countries shifted what their economies did because of the war effort.

Now we have to change the economy in the same way – but to save as many lives as possible rather than to kill as many people as possible.

It shows what is possible if the political will is there. What we have now is a lack of political will.
Governments will not take the measures needed to stop climate change unless we build a mass movement that forces them to. This is not just about the environmental movement.

It’s a matter of building all the movements for a better world, including the anti-war movement and the anti-globalisation movement.

We face a choice. We can rely on the rich and powerful to solve the problem from the top. Or we can look to the mass of ordinary people across the planet to force change and run society in a different way.