Cranes in place as towers set to rise on the Alperton Bus garage site

The Carey/Telford Homes buiding ste at the junction of Ealing Road and Bridgewater Road

The eventual height of the three towers to be built on the former Alperton bus garage site is evident from the height of the cranes as seen today.

The towers are 28, 25 and 21 storeys high and will dwarf Alperton Station and Alperton High School and will throw considerable shade.  The station and school can just be seen in the bottom right corner of this image, The blue outlines show the original height proposal that was reduced. Often developers take the likely demand for reduction from residents into account when they make their original proposal so it appears that they are taking note of residents views when they knock a couple of storeys off.

 

Ealing Road from the station to Bridgewater Road will be a canyon with high rise on either side and more high rises are planned for further up Bridgewater Road, The former 'Pleasure Boat' pub opposite is currently boarded  up awaiting redevelopment.

 

Brent Council  has agreed to spend around £48m of borrowed money to buy 155 leasehold flats in block 'C' from an unidentified “Asset Special Purpose Vehicle”. See Philip Grant's article HERE .

 

Open letter to the “Alliance for Radical Democratic Change” (AFRDC) from GET PR DONE!

 

Open letter to the “Alliance for Radical Democratic Change” (AFRDC)

By GET PR DONE!

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham/Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford/Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown

 

We appreciate that your new Alliance is looking at the issue of democratic change which is vital in making our society more equitable. But we are sure that tens of thousands of electoral reformers will be very disappointed — indeed perplexed — by your decision to omit any reference to proportional representation (PR) from the 1 June mission statement of a group that is calling for “radical democratic change.”

Not wanting to change the voting system comes across as illogical if you are serious about making other reforms. And, to be clear, PR is not especially “radical.” More than 90 countries around the world already use PR and this far fairer voting system elects the legislatures in both Wales and Scotland. Westminster is the laggard.

Moreover, we are doubly disappointed that two leading Labour politicians strongly in favour of PR — namely, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford — have obviously lost out in making PR a part of your group’s mission statement. Other Scottish politicians from the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, two parties which also support PR as a matter of policy, have obviously lost out as well.

SUPPORT FOR A CHANGE TO PR GROWING RAPIDLY 

Your statement is being issued at a time when the overwhelming majority of Labour Party members support PR and three of its largest unions — UNITE, UNISON and USDAW —- all support PR. So do the majority of UK voters. Only the Conservative Party still supports the archaic first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. 

Set up in the 1880s, FPTP is notoriously undemocratic. It has created hundreds of safe seats and means that millions of votes are wasted. Minorities often rule. Under PR, by comparison, seats won match votes cast. PR is far more equitable and nonpartisan.  

AFRDC, which is headed by former PM Gordon Brown, was set up in Edinburgh on 1 June.  Here is a press release of its launch:   
https://ourscottishfuture.org/leaders-to-form-new-alliance-to-change-uk/

We in GET PR DONE! ask that the AFRDC consider revising its mission statement and include PR as a basic democratic principle for a democratic country. Retaining FPTP is simply indefensible for democrats.   

Signed,

The steering group of GET PR DONE!

Established in January 2020, GET PR DONE! is a cross party/ no party campaign group that aims to do what it is says on the tin.  https://getprdone.org.uk/                    getprdone@gmail.com 

The perils of permitted development - local housing needs lose out

 

Jenga House, 356 High Road, Wembley

2015 Report 25 units for residential use

 

'Apartments'  from £170 per night as advertised on 'Urban Stays'

Back in 2015 developers were given prior approval under permitted development for conversion of the the former Brent House Annex in High Road, Wembley from office space to residential use.  I emphasise residential because it has been used for short-term lets for a minimum of £170 a night for one bedroom and £200 a night for two bedrooms. The agent was Urban Stays but now a new agent appears to have taken over.

A local informant tells Wembley Matters:

Recently I have discovered from my neighbours in Jenga Court  that all of their rental agreements are not being renewed, and discovered that although all these properties were on sale on Zoopla for ridiculous prices, the property has been bought by Flying Butler LINK

Is this just another way of having permanent AirBNB, as before some of these were Valet Apartments?, and does this conversion have any impact on the planning that was granted? 

They are currently all being refurbished, decorated etc so not actually available as yet.

Sure enough Flying Butler is now advertising in advance of completion of the refurbishment  but apartment rates have not yet been publshed:

 

 Like the Krisha Court development in Queens Walk, Kingsbury that received planning permission for residential flats but now used a Airb&B short term lets (query to Brent Council regarding non-compliance with planning permission still not answered)  these are short-lets as reflected in the last sentence of  the blurb : '..you'll have plenty to keep you entertained during your visit.'

What is really annoying is that both developments deprive local people of possible long-term housing and as with other planning approvals there seems no follow up from planning officers to ensure that tenure is as granted and that any planning obligations are fulfilled.

 

Brent letter restricting attendance at Barham Park development hearing was a mistake - you CAN attend in-person

 

The proposed development in Barham Park

 

Opposition councillor Paul Lorber has received a response confirming that the Council made another mistake (the first was failure to consult everyone affected) in their letter apparently restricting public attendance at the June 12th Planning Committee. It was 'old wording'.

The Committee are due to consider George Irvin's application to build 4 three storey houses in Barham Park on a site currently occupied by a pair of two storey houses.

New letters are being sent advising that there are no restrictions and people can attend in-person or on-line and that the meeting is going ahead on Monday 12th June  at 6pm as planned.

 

The meeting is particularly crucial because it could set a precedent for application for other parks and green spaces where there are existing buildings.

 

To address the committee you must notify Executive and Member Services by 5 pm on the working day before the committee meeting. Please email committee@brent.gov.uk or telephone the Executive and Member Services Officer, Mrs Dev Bhanji, on 07786 681276 during office hours. 

Are our parks and green spaces safe with Brent Council?

A meadow in Fryent Country Park was again used as a car park for football fans on Saturday. This time for those attending the FA Cup Final on the day of a rail workers' strike.  On social media  I expressed were concern about the use of a designated nature reserve for this purpose.

The meadow was  last used as a car park on another train strike day in June last year, this time for fans going to an Ed Sheeran concert. LINK

On that occasion Brent Council told Wembley Matters:

The event field at Fryent Country Park is available for commercial hire and events are very common there. Wembley Stadium approached the council to rent it on the basis the rail strike would create additional parking and traffic pressures in the Wembley area. The council agreed to its rental on the basis this would provide sensible relief across the wider area.

 

As well as a rental income to the council, the parking revenue was agreed to be ring-fenced to improve future event day management arrangements in the Wembley area, for example, more council enforcement, toilets and better fencing.

 

This is unlikely to be a regular occurrence, but the field is available for commercial hire as has always been the case.

 

 

Concern was heightened  by the news that Brent Council planners were recommending that Brent Planning Committee approve George Irvin's planning application to build four 3 storey houses in Barham Park. Liberal Democrat councillor for Sudbury ward, Paul Lorber, has written to Brent  Parks department asking whether this will set a precedent for other sites in the borough:

The Planning Officer recommendation on the Barham Park planning application going to Committee on 12 June 2023 suggests that the Council Housing Policies over rides this and the protection of Parks and Open Spaces is now a dead duck.

It is of some surprise to find that the Park Service made no representations on the Barham planning application and is silent on the issue and the implications for other Parks and Open Spaces.

Perhaps you can explain why?

In view of this can you provide the following:

1.  List of all of Brent’s Parks and Open Spaces which have residential buildings (I am aware of around wood Park and King Edward VII Park for example) and other buildings which on the basis of the Barham Park recommendation are now at risk.
2. How many of the above have been looked at and assessed as suitable for future housing development.
3. Whether in view of planning officers  recommendations the Protection of Parks and Open Spaces needs to be reviewed and strengthened.

Residents across Brent are now asking “is our Park/Open Space safe?” and they need reassurance.

I would appreciate an early reply.

Regards

Paul

PS. As you know there used to be a large House in the middle of Gladstone Park some years back. As it was used as a private residence is the site now suitable and acceptable for a residential development? Is the Council position on Barham Park (silence by the Parks Service and the Barham Park Charity managed by Council officers) a precedent of what residents can now expect in the future?

 

This is the relevant section of the Officers' Report. The promise of the first paragraph is dismissed in the subsequent paragraphs:

 

The Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Plan designated Barham Park including the land within the application site as a Local Green Space under Policy LGS1, with LGS2 relating to Barham Park. This policy highlights that the Local Green Spaces will be given long term protection and proposals for development which is not ancillary to the use of the land for recreational purposes will be resisted. The Local Green Space designation for Barham Park includes the houses and the majority of their curtilages as being within the designated space. It is set out within Neighbourhood Plan policy BP1 (Barham Park) that any proposals for the re-use or redevelopment of park buildings for residential us (Use Class C3) will not be supported.

 

Neighbourhood Plan Policies LGS1, LGS2 and BP1 are relevant to the proposal as the site is within the area defined as Local Green Space by the plan. However, the proposal does not result in the loss of any Local Green Space. The site contains house for which the authorised use is as dwellings within Use Class C3 and as such, the proposal is not considered to result in the redevelopment of park buildings.

The proposal is considered to accord with policies LGS1, LGS2 and BP1. Nevertheless, if one contended that Policy BP1 relates to all buildings within the area designated Local Green Space as opposed to all buildings within the park itself, it is noted that the fall-back position for the applicant would be the continued use of the houses and their curtilages for their current lawful use, for purposes withinUse Class C3. In this instance the proposed redevelopment of the site would continue to be acceptable having regard to the existing use of the site.

 

UPDATE:Lorber challenges attendance restriction. Brent Council recommends approval of application to build in Barham Park and restricts attendance at the Planning Committee considering it

 

The proposed four 3 storey houses in Barham Park

Residents who have made comments on funfair supremo and developer, George Irvin's, controversial application to build four 3 storey houses in  Barham Park, have been surprised to receive letters apparently restricting attendance at the Planning Committee that will decide the application on June 12th.

The letter (below) cites Covid restrictions but these were not in evidence at the Council's Annual General Meeting and currently not in evidence in the public areas of the Civic Centre.

The UK Government website says, 'There are no coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions in the UK.' 

Despite widespread opposition to this proposal the Chief Planner is recommending approval.

 

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Re: 776 & 778, Harrow Road, Wembley, HA0 2HE 

 

I refer to the planning application for the above site which proposes:- 

 

Demolition of 2 existing dwellings and construction of 4x new three storey dwellinghouses, associated cycle and refuse storage, amenity space and boundary treatment 

 

The application will be formally considered at the meeting of the Planning Committee on 12 June, 2023 starting at 6pm. 

 

As a result of the current regulations allowing the Council to hold meetings of the Planning Committee remotely coming to an end, the Council is now required to hold this as a socially distanced physical (face to face) meeting. 

 

This meeting of the Committee has therefore been arranged to take place in the Conference Hall, at the Civic Centre. 

 

As we are still operating under existing Covid restrictions, capacity within the meeting venue has been strictly limited to ensure compliance with the necessary social distancing guidelines. 

 

We are therefore encouraging those who wish to observe proceedings to continue doing so via the live webstream which we will continue to make available on the Council’s website: 

 

https://www.brent.gov.uk/your-council/democracy-in-brent/local-democracy/live-streaming/ 

 

It is possible to speak at the Committee Meeting, which (in advance of the current restrictions coming to an end) can continue to be undertaken online (including via the telephone) or now, as an alternative, in person at the meeting, subject to the restrictions set out in the Council's Standing Order. These provide for one objector and/or one supporter of the application to speak. The Chair has the discretion to increase this to two people from each side. In doing this, the Chair will give priority to occupiers nearest to the application site or representing a group of people. 

 

To address the committee you must notify Executive and Member Services by 5 pm on the working day before the committee meeting. Please email committee@brent.gov.uk or telephone the Executive and Member Services Officer, Mrs Dev Bhanji, on 07786 681276 during office hours. If you would prefer to attend the physical meeting to speak in person then please could you indicate this when notifying us of your request, as attendance will need to be strictly managed on the night. This may involve you having to wait in a separate area outside of the meeting room until you are called to speak.

 

The Chief Planner's recommendation for this application is to Grant Consent

 

 UPDATE:

 

Following expressions of concern from local residents about the restriction on attendance at the consideration of a very controversial planning application, Sudbury Lib Dem councillor Paul Lorber has written to Brent Council:

This is a very odd letter to be sent to Councillors and residents about a Planning Meeting.

There are no COVID restrictions in place and none were applied at the recent Council AGM.

This has confused resident concerned about this controversial Planning Application and given an impression that residents are being dissuaded from attending and show the strength of local opposition.

Can you please clarify the position and if the letter and references to COVID restrictions were sent in error a new notification sent out and if appropriate the item postponed to a later date.

Regards,

 

Paul Lorber

 

 

A defence of family connections on Brent Council?

 The question mark is deliberate as comments on the post 'Three councillors declare free Funfair tickets from proprietor and developer George Irvin' have been numerous and rather extraordinary including tributes in poetry to Cllr Akram and a Letter to the Editor about his leadership qualities. It has been hard, as with this comment received today, to decide whether they are genuine or satirical.

It is important to approach allegations and concerns about the Barham Park planning application with a fair and objective perspective. While it is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, it is equally crucial to avoid making unfounded assumptions or drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence. Let's examine the claims made and provide a rebuttal accordingly:

1. Cllr Mo Butt, Leader of Brent Council, is chair of the Barham Park Trust:
While it is true that Cllr Mo Butt is the Leader of Brent Council, and that he is currently chair of the Barham Park Trust, it does not necessarily imply any impropriety or ulterior motives. Public officials often engage in various roles and responsibilities within their community.

2. Cllr Saqib Butt and Cllr Ajmal Akram are both on the planning committee:
The fact that Cllr Saqib Butt and Cllr Ajmal Akram are members of the planning committee is not in itself indicative of any wrongdoing. It is common for local councilors to serve on committees that address various aspects of community development. Their involvement should not be automatically assumed as compromising the decision-making process.

3. Cllr Mili Patel is on the Barham Park Trust, and her husband, Cllr Matt Kelcher, is Chair of the Planning Committee:
Again, it is important to emphasize that mere associations or family relationships should not automatically cast doubt on the integrity of the decision-making process. If Cllr Mili Patel and Cllr Matt Kelcher have disclosed their affiliations and followed appropriate ethical guidelines, their involvement should be evaluated based on their individual merits and adherence to their responsibilities.

4. Cllr Krupa Sheth is on the Barham Park Trust, and her uncle, Cllr Ketan Sheth, is a Wembley Central councillor:
Similar to the previous points, family connections alone do not imply any wrongdoing or conflicts of interest. As long as the involved councilors have acted in accordance with their duties, exercised transparency, and disclosed any potential conflicts, their contributions should be evaluated based on the merits of their decision-making.

5. Cllr Rajan-Seelan is on the Planning Committee:
Once again, being a member of the Planning Committee does not automatically undermine the decision-making process. It is essential to consider the individual councilor's professionalism, adherence to ethical standards, and their ability to evaluate applications impartially.

It is crucial to remember that making allegations without concrete evidence can potentially harm the reputations of individuals involved. If there are concerns about the decision-making process or potential conflicts of interest, appropriate channels for lodging complaints or seeking clarification should be pursued. Public officials should be held accountable, but this accountability should be based on facts and evidence rather than assumptions or associations alone.

Finally, the involvement of family and friends in politics can contribute to a stronger sense of community and a deeper understanding of local issues. When individuals who share personal connections work together in political endeavors, they often bring a higher level of trust, cooperation, and shared values to the decision-making process. This can foster a more collaborative and cohesive approach to addressing community needs and concerns. Additionally, having family members and close friends engaged in politics can lead to increased accessibility and representation. People who are personally connected to elected officials may feel more comfortable reaching out and expressing their opinions, knowing that their concerns will be heard and considered. Furthermore, family and friends who are involved in politics may have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the community's history, culture, and specific needs, allowing them to make more informed decisions that benefit the local population..

Henry Cooper of Wembley – free talk on Saturday 17th June 10.30am at Brent Civic Centre

Guest post by local historian Philip Grant

Back in November 2018, I wrote a short post about a blue plaque which had been unveiled in Ealing Road, to commemorate Sir Henry Cooper. The greengrocers business that he ran there, for three years in the 1960s, was called “Henry Cooper of Wembley”, and that is the name of a free illustrated talk which I will be giving at Brent Civic Centre on the morning of Saturday 17 June. I’m writing this article, so that as many local people as possible, who might wish to come along to my talk, are aware of it.

 

 

The talk has been arranged for that weekend, and that venue, because it will be the 60^th anniversary of Henry Cooper’s famous boxing match at Wembley Stadium (a final eliminator, with the winner fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the World) against Cassius Clay, aka Muhammad Ali.

 

 

The talk is not just about boxing, but also about Henry Cooper the man, who lived in Wembley with his family for fifteen years, at the height of his career. Although it is advertised as being at the Civic Centre's Wembley Library, the talk will actually take place in Boardrooms 4&5  as students will be revising for exams in the library itself. Because of this, if you are coming to the talk, please arrive between 10.15 and 10.25am, at the library entrance in the main Civic Centre atrium, so that a member of staff can take you up to the third floor in the lift.

 

Although this is a free talk, you need to book online, at the Brent Culture Service Eventbrite website, to reserve your place. To see more details, and to do that, please click HERE. I look forward to sharing Henry’s story with you, in words and pictures!

 

Philip Grant