From Brent Council
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WEMBLEY MATTERS News and views on local politics, the environment, climate change, culture and local history
Tuesday, 20 August 2024
Wembley disruption ahead: Taylor Swift and Wrestling - Today and Sunday
UPDATE: MEETING POSTPONED Another Harlesden gambling licence application goes to Brent Council Licensing Committee next week
TODAY A NOTICE WENT UP ON THE BRENT COUNCIL CALENDAR TO SAY THAT THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED. NO REASON WAS GIVEN.
The Brent Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee, unlike other Brent committees, is busy meeting this month with two alcohol licence applications and another for a gambling licence. LINK
The latter, on Tuesday August 27th, is interesting because the applicant, Merkul Slots, applying for a licence for 67 High Street, NW10 4NS, has been able to persuade the Brent Licensing Inspector and Brent Police to withdraw their initial opposition to the application. This has been done by their acceptance of a number of conditions. The conditions are listed here: Licensing Inspector LINK and Police LINK.
However, the Committee will also be considering objections from local councillors led by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Mili Patel, and residents:
Councillors' Objections
On behalf of the Harlesden and Kensal Green ward councillors, and also the Roundwood ward councillors, I am writing to lodge a joint objection to the application by Merkur Slots for a Bingo Club Premises Licence.
We object to this application because we believe it contravenes the Council’s four licencing objections:
1) Preventing crime and disorder
Harlesden is a location that is already saturated with betting shops, bingo halls and adult gaming centres. On a six-hundred-metre stretch from Craven Park Road to Harlesden High Street there is currently a total of six gambling premises, with potential for more to come. An additional adult gaming centre is not needed and would further cluster the high street.
Evidence has demonstrated that the public health and community safety impacts of gambling are often exacerbated in areas in which clusters of betting shops are located. This means that vulnerable residents are often targeted, anti-social behaviour is increased, and the high street is further impacted.
Increasing the density of Harlesden’s gambling cluster will only divert further resources from stretched policing budgets. This is why our dedicated Harlesden Police Force have objected to further gambling premises being opened whenever applications have come up.
2) Public Health
A stones-throw away from 67 High Street is a homeless shelter. The homeless charity, Crisis, have submitted objections against these types of applications. The negative social, economic, and public health impacts of gambling are well documented.
In the Council’s Statement of Principles for Gambling, section 4.5 outlines the importance of protecting vulnerable adults. Within the guidance a persons ‘situation’ is highlighted as needing to be considered, this includes if the individual ‘is experiencing financial difficulties, is homeless, is suffering from domestic or financial abuse, has caring responsibilities, experiences a life change or sudden change in circumstances.’
An additional adult gaming centre would, in our view as local representatives, put already vulnerable people at further risk. Moreover, in addition to the homeless shelter, Harlesden is an area with high levels of poverty and deprivation as identified by the Brent Poverty Commission. Granting this application would therefore undermine the Council’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable adults.
3) Public Safety
The saturation of betting shops and gambling premises also increases the likelihood of crime within the area. Harlesden High Street already has high levels of anti-social behaviour, and an additional adult gaming centre could increase this level and attract further illicit and anti-social activities.
A study from nearby Ealing Council explored crime and disorder in relation to gambling premises and found that: ‘as well as reported crime in betting premises being much higher than the controls, there was a clear and statistically significant increase in crime in the vicinity of betting shops, with the greatest correlations at the closest distances from the premises.’
We are clear that public safety in our two wards would be undermined if this application were to go through.
4) Protecting Children from Harm
Harlesden High Steet is a known area for young people to congregate, particularly after school. Whilst Merkur Slots outline that they operate a strict over-18 policy, the proliferation of gambling premises and the consistent visible exposure to them on the high street is likely to increase interest in them and potentially encourage young people to explore gambling opportunities either illegally or when they are of age.
We have a duty to ensure that young people are aware of the impacts of gambling. We should follow the principles of Brent’s groundbreaking policy which prevents new fast food outlets opening in close proximity to schools and also prevent gambling sites clustering in these areas.
We believe that, for all these reasons the application is in contravention of Brent’s licencing objectives and should be rejected by the committee.
Cllr Mili Patel
Deputy Leader of Brent Council
Labour Councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green Ward
Residents' Objections (There are 21 objections that can be read HERE. This is just one)
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to formally object to the application for a gambling licence for the premises located at 67 High Street, Harlesden on the grounds of public safety, health, and wellbeing concerns.
As a local resident, I have observed that our area already hosts several gambling
establishments. The saturation of such venues can contribute to several significant issues within our community. An increase in gambling establishments is often correlated with higher incidences of crime and anti-social behaviour. The concentration of such venues can attract criminal activities, including theft, fraud, and other related offenses. This increase in crime not only affects the immediate vicinity of the gambling establishments but can also extend to surrounding residential areas.
The presence of multiple gambling venues can compromise public safety. Frequenting these establishments, individuals might become targets of crime, or engage in behaviour that threatens the safety of others. Ensuring the well-being and security of residents should be a priority, and additional gambling venues would undermine these efforts. Moreover, gambling establishments can contribute to noise pollution, littering, and other forms of public nuisance, disrupting the peace and order of the community.
Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and families. The proliferation of gambling venues exacerbates this problem, contributing to mental health issues, financial distress, and family breakdowns. Our community needs more support services and healthier recreational options, not additional gambling facilities.
There are several schools in our district, and the presence of a new gambling establishment poses a significant risk to young people. Exposure to gambling at a young age can lead to harmful behaviors and addiction. Ensuring that children and young persons are protected from such influences is paramount for their healthy development. With multiple schools in the vicinity, the establishment of another gambling venue is inappropriate and harmful.
Children should not be exposed to gambling-related activities or environments on their way to and from school, as this normalises gambling behaviour and poses a risk to their well- being.
In light of these points, I urge Brent Council to reject the application for a gambling licence. The potential negative impact on crime rates, public safety, health, and the welfare of young people far outweighs any benefits that such an establishment might bring.
Thank you for considering my objections. I trust that the council will act in the best interest of the community and its residents.
Brent Council is currently consulting on revised guidelines for Gambling Licensing. This will be covered in a future article.
Monday, 19 August 2024
Only one person has responded to Brent Council Survey on new Conservation Area Directions. Deadline August 30th
A sharp-eyed reader has drawn my attention to several Brent Council consultations that are taking place during the August holiday period. The first is on Conservation Area directions within some of Brent's Conservation Areas. These are important because they map the relevant area and set out regulations on windows, doors and front gardens. The consultation started on August 1st and ends on Friday August 30th. So far just one person has 'had their say'.
This is the blurb from the council website LINK:
Proposed Article 4 Directions for Conservation Areas
On the 28th May 2024 Brent’s Cabinet Committee gave its authorisation to proceed with proposals for immediate and non-immediate new Article 4 Directions to replace the existing Directions for its residential Conservation Areas.
New immediate Article 4 Directions are needed because the Council has reduced the boundary of the Buck Lane Conservation Area, de-designated the Sudbury Cottages Conservation Area and agreed to relax the Article 4 Directions for windows, doors and front gardens in the Northwick Circle Conservation Area.
Non-immediate Article 4 Directions are needed because the Council has
extended the Brondesbury, Mapesbury, Queen’s Park and Willesden Green
Conservation Areas. The proposed Article Directions, with the exception of
Northwick Park outside Northwick Circle, will restrict the same suite of
permitted development rights as those Article 4s that exist and as illustrated
in the bullet points above. (Editor's note: As you can see there are no 'bullet points above!)
The Article 4 Directions are attached to this survey, or are alternatively available here where there are also accessible versions available: https://www.brent.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/listed-buildings-and-conservation-areas#article4
We are inviting comments on the Article 4 Directions from 1st August to 30th August 2024 17:00.
Please complete this survey, providing your comments on the proposed changes to the Conservation Article 4 Directions.
Only the name of organisations represented but not any individual’s personal details will be made public in any material related to the representations received. The Council will only retain your personal details to inform you of the outcome of the decision on whether to proceed with the confirmation of the Directions. After this has occurred your personal details will be deleted. For more information see our privacy notice.
If you have any questions or would like any further information please email planningstrategy@brent.gov.uk
Conservation area maps
Brondesbury
Kensal Rise
Mapesbury
Northwick Park
Queens Park
Roe Green
Sudbury Cottages
FULL DETAILS BELOW
Saturday, 17 August 2024
Kingsbury Mandir anniversary - a chance to enjoy Hindu culture this week
Guest post by Philip Grant
Kingsbury Mandir, at the corner of Kingsbury Road and Townsend Lane. (Image from the internet)
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, and is inviting the local community to join them for a series of events over the next eight days. I know, from personal experience, that the people of this Mandir are very welcoming to anyone, from whatever background, who is interested to experience their culture, and that they are keen to be an integral part of Brent’s wonderfully diverse community.
One of the highlights of the week will be a grand procession along Kenton Road and Kingsbury Road next Saturday afternoon, 24 August. The procession will start from St Luke’s Hospice at 3.30pm – chosen because the Mandir has been supporting the hospice charity from the time that its environmentally friendly temple building was being constructed.
There was a similar colourful procession in 2014, when the Kingsbury Mandir opened, and I can give you a flavour of what you might see with these photos which I took then, as it passed near Kingsbury Library.
You may wonder, as I did at first, what a band in kilts, playing bagpipes, has to do with Hindu culture. I learned, from speaking later with a member of the band, that about fifty years ago their spiritual leader (Inspirator) came from India, to visit the relatively new community of this branch of the Swarminarayan faith. While in London, he saw and heard a Scottish military bagpipe band, and felt uplifted by its beautiful music. Wishing to please him, a group of his followers learned to play the bagpipes, and Kingsbury Mandir’s band now performs to an excellent standard. I suggest that you take the chance to hear them!
The stretch of Kingsbury Road near the Library, with its wide pavement on the less busy side of the shopping centre, would be a good place to watch the procession pass, probably between about 4 and 4,30pm. And if you are early, and have not already seen it, why not pop inside Kingsbury Library to view the small display about the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park in 1924!
Philip Grant.
Friday, 16 August 2024
Brent Council 'sad' at loss of fine, healthy mature oak tree they felled on Barn Hill
Photo: Lasitha Leelasena
Photo: Lasitha Leelaseena
Residents of Barn Hill were shocked to find that what they saw as a beautiful health oak tree on an open space, between Brampton Grove and Basing Hill, had been felled by Brent Council.
Apart from the main Barn Hill open space there are remnants of Humphry Repton's landscaping present amongst the 1930s housing on the hill. Its oak trees create a unique green environment, apparent from many vantage points, and contribute to the area's clean air.
Survivors amongst the housing
Some residents were aghast and asked Brent Council why the tree had been felled - was it disease or something else?
Kelly Eaton, Head of Parks and Green Infrastructure responded to residents:
I am afraid that we had to remove the tree because of an insurance claim related to property subsidence. In these instances we undertake a rigorous process of assessment of damage caused and liaise closely with our insurance team and loss adjusters. We considered every possible option to save the tree before having to make the difficult decision for its removal. I offer my assurance that the Parks Service did not take this decision lightly, especially when a healthy tree needs to be removed. It leaves us all with a great sadness when this has to take place. I am sorry that we did not inform neighbours before this work was undertaken. We cannot replant in the same location but will work with colleagues to identify alternative locations for any tree replanting.
Local historian Philip Grant adds:
This is a very sad loss, as this was a tree planted as part of Humphry
Repton's landscaping of Richard Page's Wembley Park estate lands in 1793. You
can read about this at the end of Part 1 of my 2020 local history series about
Wembley Park:
https://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-wembley-park-story-part-1.html
Although they are now more than 230 years old, you can still follow the lines
of oak trees that Repton had planted around the boundary of Richard Page's
estate, and as a landscape feature framing the summit of Barn Hill when viewed
from the Wembley Park mansion on the northern slope of Wembley Hill.
I have sent Martin a copy of a map from 1920, a few years before developers
started to build the Barn Hill estate. This (above) clearly
shows many of Repton's lines of trees, with an arrow added to point out the row
of trees retained when Basing Hill and Branpton Grove were developed by
Wimpey's in the 1930s.
One of those oaks is the casualty of Brent Council's response to an insurance
claim. It was not the tree's fault, because it had its roots in that ground
more than a century before the houses were built
First Becoming Brent Workshop on Empire - Saturday August 17th
From Brent Council
The trauma and legacy of the British Empire is being explored in a hard-hitting new project to mark the 100th anniversary of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium.
Becoming Brent is a series of events and workshops, each exploring the impact of the British Empire in Brent, Britain’s colonial past and the harsh realities and ugliness of racism.
Come along, get involved and help to re-imagine and create a decolonised future.
Brent Museum and Archives will be hosting a series of workshops on:
· Saturday 17 August, 11am-2pm
· Friday 23 August, 11am-2pm
· Friday 6 September, 11am-2pm
· Saturday 7 September, 11am-2pm
I have asked for venue and booking details to be added when received.
Wednesday, 14 August 2024
Taylor Swift road closures, bus diversion etc August 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th
Security has been tightened for the Wembley Stadium Taylot Swift concerts. Swifties without tickets will not be allowed to gather outside the stadium:
Taylor Swift Concert details:
Thursday 15
August
Early Entry doors: 15:30
General Admission and Hospitality: 16:00
Show Start: 16:55
Friday 16 August
Early Entry doors: 15:45
General Admission & Hospitality: 16:15
Show Start: 17:10
Saturday 17 August
Early Entry doors: 15:45
General Admission & Hospitality: 16:15
Show Start: 17:10
Monday 19 August
Early Entry doors: 15:30
General Admission & Hospitality: 16:00
Show Start: 16:55
Tuesday 20 August
Early Entry doors: 15:30
General Admission & Hospitality: 16:00
Show Start: 16:55
ROAD CLOSURES AND BUS DIVERSIONS
The usual Event Day parking restrictions will apply.
Unfortunately, as usual TfL has failed to publish timings for bus diversions and suspensions ahead of the event.
Advertising watchdog finds Quintain Living guilty of misleading advertising on three counts regarding its Wembley Park properties
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today upheld three complaints made about Quintain Living, the private landlord arm of developer Quintain Ltd.
Summary of Council decision:
Three issues were investigated, all of which were Upheld.
Ad description
A website for property management company Quintain Living, www.quintainliving.com, seen on 12 February. A page titled “7 WAYS YOU’LL SAVE WITH US” stated “SAVE ON AVERAGE 56% ON ENERGY BILLS. According to Amber Energy these energy savings are based on comparing our EPC rating of “B” versus the average rental property rating of “D” in England & Wales of comparable apartment size.
Energy bills being defined as heating, lighting and hot water”. The page also stated “FREE SUPERFAST WIFI. Save £477 per year [“Save £477 per year” in bold] according to uSave – the average UK superfast broadband (30mbps or above) is £39.75/mth. Ours is included, set up ready to go and is 250mbps on all buildings except Alto, Montana & Dakota on 60mbps”. It further stated, “FREE WORK FROM HOME AREAS”.
Issue
The complainant challenged whether the following claims were misleading and could be substantiated:
- “SAVE ON AVERAGE 56% ON ENERGY BILLS”;
- “FREE SUPERFAST WIFI”; and
- “FREE WORK FROM HOME AREAS”.
Quintain Living website today still advertising 'Free superfast Wifi' and 'Free work from home areas'
Response
- Quintain Living Ltd explained that their energy savings claim was based on comparing their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of “B” compared to the average rental property rating of “D”. Those comparative ratings remained correct and when they originally made the claim, in line with their ongoing policy, their tariff was no more expensive than the best value tariff for a one-year fix from an energy supplier with at least one per cent of the UK market. However, from April 2023 to April 2024, they had been unable to meet that target, because the Energy Price Guarantee, a government-backed subsidy designed to mitigate the sharp increase in energy costs, had not been extended to consumers supplied via commercial landlords. They said they would change the claim to focus on the energy efficiency of the apartments rather than a monetary saving going forward.
- Quintain Living accepted that the use of the word “free” in relation to the WiFi claim was not in line with the Council of Advertising Practice (CAP Code), because the WiFi was included in the package. They said they would change the wording so it stated the WiFi was “included” rather than “free”. They explained that the claim only featured on one webpage.
- Quintain Living said they had free open plan work-from-home areas for residents in all their developments, which were open to residents on a first-come, first-served basis. They further stated that they had additional higher quality work-from-home areas which could be hired for a fee. They said that the claim featured on one isolated webpage.
Assessment
1. Upheld
The ASA considered consumers would understand the claim “SAVE ON AVERAGE 56% ON ENERGY BILLS”, which appeared beside explanatory text, to mean that they would save 56% on their energy costs against the average comparable energy bill by renting through Quintain Living. The ASA acknowledged Quintain Living’s statement that the claim had been inaccurate from April 2023 to April 2024, and we welcomed their willingness to amend it.
However, we had not received any evidence to demonstrate that the claim that consumers could save 56% on average on energy bills was accurate when the ad was seen or previously.
We therefore concluded that it was misleading. On that point, the ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 3.1 (Misleading advertising) and 3.7 (Substantiation).
2. Upheld
The CAP Code stated that marketers must not describe an element of a package as "free" if that element was included in the package price unless consumers were likely to regard it as an additional benefit because it had recently been added to the package without increasing its price.
We considered consumers would understand the claim “FREE SUPERFAST WIFI” to mean that the WiFi was genuinely free and therefore not included in the rent payments or other charges. We acknowledged Quintain Living’s explanation that the WiFi was included in the package price and was therefore not technically “free”.
Given that, we concluded that the claim “FREE SUPERFAST WIFI” was misleading.
On that point, the ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 3.1 (Misleading advertising) and 3.25 (Free).
3. Upheld
We considered consumers would understand the claim “FREE WORK FROM HOME AREAS” to mean that the areas were genuinely free and therefore not included in the rent payments or other charges. We acknowledged Quintain Living’s comment that there were some work-from-home areas which were available to all residents without a hire fee, and some higher quality options which could be hired for a cost. However, we understood that those work-from-home areas which did not require a hire fee were in any case included in the package cost. Given that those work-from-home areas were not therefore genuinely free, we concluded that the claim “FREE WORK FROM HOME AREAS” was misleading.
On that point, the ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 3.1 (Misleading advertising) and 3.25 (Free).
Action
The ad must not appear again in the form complained of. We told Quintain Living Ltd not to describe an element of a package as “free” if that element was included in the package price unless consumers were likely to regard it as an additional benefit because it had recently been added to the package without increasing its price. We also told them not to mislead consumers about the average saving they would make on energy costs.
https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/quintain-living-ltd-a24-1244037-quintain-living-ltd.html
Wembley Park ward is not included in the Brent Council Landlord Licensing Scheme because it does not meet the Council's threshold for inclusion.