Protesters say loud and clear, 'We want truly affordable housing here!' The housing crisis comes to Quintain and Brent Council amidst Wembley Park's luxury high-rise blocks

 

Campaigners outside the Brent Civic Centre chant, 'We are the waiting list.'

Brent Renters Union held a march (which involved a bit of a teach-in using the local high rises as a visual aid) and protested outside Quintain Living and Brent Council today. Under the slogan, 'We can't afford the rent in Brent!' they drew attention to the lack of affordable public housing in Wembley Park despite the thousands of units built by Quintain, the US based developer.

They called for affordable homes, rent controls and more social housing as they stood amidst the glossy high rises. The flats were in stark contrast to the photographs some of the protesters showed me of cockroach, flies, bed bugs and vermin infested temporary homes and poorly maintainance of those managed by NottingHillGenesis.

 

 

One mother pointed to the bites on her son's arms and face and said that he was ashamed to go go school among his clear-skinned class mates. 'He is not well,' she sighed, saying that he was also suffering from asthma.

The Union had written a letter outlining their demands to Quintain Living but found the doors locked against them. They managed to slip the letter through the narrow gaps between the doors where it just lay on the floor. 

Very symbolic.

 

Miss Mohamud, of the Brent Branch of the London Renters Union, gave Wembley Matters an eloquent interview about the issues renters face.

 

The march finished with a protest outside Brent Civic Centre with the longest banner seen in any demonstration there! The demonstration was peaceful with an underlying anger about injustice and a resolute determination to bring about change. Many of the councillors were away, including several, including Council leader Muhammed Butt, at a wedding in Pakistan but one councillor came out and spoke to the demonstrators. 

A young woman from a homeless family in temporary accommodation made a passionate speech.

📢 "Landlords are profiting off of our problems!"

💥 Last week, renters in Brent took to the streets to demand affordable homes.

📈 We're sick of seeing new expensive flats that price ordinary people out. We need social homes for families and rent controls now. pic.twitter.com/AhEl3xPpv1

— London Renters Union (@LDNRentersUnion) October 29, 2024

 

 

 

Brent Renters Union can be contacted at brent@londonrentersunion.org 

07521 758 523 Twitter: @brentrenters 

LONDONRENTERSUNION.ORG/JOIN

 

Their next Brent Community Meeting is on Saturday November 2nd 12-4pm at Mencap, 379 High Road, NW10 2JR

Brent Council calls on the Government to give councils the power to crack down on proliferation of gambling premises

 

The present tense is perhaps over-claiming, Brent Council would like the power to crack down on gamblng harms.

 

Following the recent granting of a plannning application for an Adult Gaming Centre in Park Parade, Harlesden, by Brent Planning Committee, Cllr Muhammed Butt has written to the Government calling for a change in the law.

Writing as Brent Council Leader, rather than Brent Labour,  he cites the unanimous motion, supported by all parties on the Council, about the gambling harms in the Brent borough:

This is a growing issues for our communities due to the increase in the clustering of gambling premises within Brent generally, and Harlesden in particular. All councillors in Brent are united in our desire to reform the Gambling Act 2005, to ensure it is fit for purpose  in protecting our most vulnerable residents.

He claims that despite the shared opposition local authorities have found themselves powerless to intervene due to the statutory 'Aim to Permit' policy that severely limits the power to intervene:

The policy has left local authorities and communities grappling with outdated and inadequate legislation that fails to protect vulnerable residents from the harms associated with gambling.

The letter to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State, calls for the Government to support the following reforms:

1. Reform the 'Aims to Permit' Policy: Grant local authorities the power to reject premise license applications that threaten the community's welfare and safety. 

2. Categorisation of Gambling Premises: Ensure that the incoming NPPF stipulates that Bingo Halls and Adult Gaming Centres be placed in the same planning category as bookmakers, so they cannot bypass the 3% cap by splitting premises.

3. Planning Applications: Allows councils to consider local household debt levels when evaluating planning applications for high street casinos and prevent the proliferation of gambling dens in close proximity to school[s], in the same way councils can limit junk food establishments in those areas.

4. Statutory Levy for Gambling Harm Prevention: Introduce a statutory levy on gambling operators for research, education and treatment, initially set at 1% of gross revenue, to be administered by an independent public body.

5. Ban on Gambling Advertising: Prohibit gambling advertising, promotion and sponsorship to prevent exposure, especially to children and young people.

6. Stop Progress on Proposals to Liberalise Adult Gaming Centres: Following the Gambling Survey for Great Britain which underlines the need for a review of spin speed and excess staking levels on harmful B3 machines.

Brent Council consultation on varying the PSPO regarding dogs in Paddingon Old Cemetery following complaints

 

From Brent Council

Dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery Consultation

Have your say – dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery

The Consultation

Brent Council has received complaints relating to dog behaviour in Paddington Old Cemetery, located in Willesden Lane NW6 and we are seeking your views on the rules that currently apply under our Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Paddington Old Cemetery is one of four Brent cemeteries and the only one that allows dogs. The cemetery itself is a working cemetery with a number of burials taking place every year.

What is a PSPO

Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPOs) are a legal measure aimed at preventing nuisance in public areas, with the aim of maintaining public safety and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. They work by imposing conditions on the use of that area that apply to everyone.

Have your say

We are now consulting on varying the PSPO to address the complaints we are receiving about the behaviour of dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery. We are keen to hear from the local community to help us understand what rules should apply.

Please submit one questionnaire per household. If more than one response is received from the same household, only the first response will be considered as part of the consultation.

This consultation will open from Friday 18th October 2024 to Tuesday 10th December.

For further information on the consultation and FAQs please click here

You can email the Cemeteries team for more information cemeteries@brent.gov.uk

 

The consultation opened onf Friday 18th October and closes on Tursday 10th December 2024. Link to consultation survey  HERE

Harlesden and Kensal Green councillors pledge to campaign for a change in the law after approval of Adult Gaming Centre

 Harlesden and Kensal Green Labour councillors have posted a Facebook comment on the approval of another Adult Gaming Centre by Brent Planning Committee.

We continue to stand up for the residents of #Harlesden and #KensalGreen who are fed up with our neighbourhood being targeted by gambling companies. This week Cllr Chan spoke at the Planning Committee in opposition to the application from Silvertime for a new high street casino on Park Parade, and Cllr Kelcher spoke at Licensing Committee in opposition to the application from Merkur for a new bingo site on the High Street. Unfortunately, the law as it currently operates severely limits the ability of Councils to block these facilities, which is why we’re campaign at a national level.

A little local history...

Plans for a Las Vegas style £320m casino and hotel complex for Wembley Park was put forward by Quintain and Caesars Entertainment back in 2004.  Quintain were not happy when it was turned down:

24 August 2006

Developer Quintain is forced to put forward alternative plan following Brent council's decision

The London Borough of Brent has withdrawn its support for a regional casino in the area meaning developer Quintain will have to progress with alternative plans on the proposed site.

Quintain’s joint venture with Caesar’s Entertainment has now lapsed as the developer will need to come up with an alternative plan for the site which is capable of accommodation up to 203,000 sq m of development.

Nick Shattock, Quintain’s deputy chief executive said: “We are not surprised by this turn of events. Of course, we were aware that both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives campaigned on an electoral ticket to stop the regional casino coming to Brent. Obviously, when they formed a joint administration in July, excluding the Labour party members, who had made the application, there was an increasing air on inevitability of this course of action.”

 

 April 2012 

QUINTAIN Estates and Development is confident of winning Government approval to build a new super-casino at Wembley.

Nick Shattock, Quintain's property director, said he was 'OKî with the Government's latest backtracking on the number of large casinos it would allow nationwide, down to eight at the last count.

He said: 'If it is eight there is just a bigger prize to be chased.’

Quintain unveiled plans in October to build a £335 million gambling and leisure resort on land it owns near the new Wembley stadium in a joint venture with Las Vegas casino owner Caesars Entertainment.

The developer would split the cost with Las Vegas casino owner, Caesars Entertainment in a joint venture to transform a 650,000-square-foot site on the land around the stadium owned by Quintain.

The plans for the complex include a 400 room hotel, a casino to house 110 gaming tables and 1,250 slot machines, numerous restaurants, shops and a performance area.

Last night's Brent Planning Committee decisions: Brook Avenue, Harlesden Adult Gaming Centre and Queens Park garage demolitions all approved.

 The developer's agent was challenged at Brent Planning Committee over the Brook Avenue development. He was asked what would happen if some of the owners of the current two storey houses did not agree to sell to the developer. He replied that the developer was in control of the vast majority of the site and just one or two house owners are holding out. He was confident that the developer would achieve full control.

Planning officers elaborated that a last resort would be Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO by Brent Council but that would depend on establishig that a proper process was followed by the developer.

Cllr Daniel Kennelly spoke strongly in favour of the application, particularly the shared living proposal but had reservations about a cycle path to nowhere and likely problems with park despite it being a no cars development.

The Planning Committee approved the application.

 

Cllr Kelcher, Chair of Planning Committee, recluded himself from consideration of the Park Parade, Harlesden, Adult Gaming Centre application. He said his position against it was well-known and had existed before he became Chair. 

Cllr Jumbo Chan (Harlesden and Kensal Green) spoke against the application. It would be an 'engine of great harm. Over concentration of gambling facilities preying on vulnerable people of Harlesden with homelessness centre nearby.'

The possibility of a developer appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if the application was refused loomed large over the discussion. An appeal could be costly for the council it was argued.

Cllr Saqib, Vice Chair, summed up at the end with the comment, 'after all we believe in the free market'.

The Planning Committee approved the application.

The application for the replacement of garages at the rear of 88-98 Wrentham Avenue in Queens Park by two houses was approved despite a strong speech against by a local resident who challenged claims about the use of the garages. They were used for a variety of purposes including as an art studio.

 

 

Battle over another Adult Gaming Centre in Harlesden at Planning Committee tonight

 

The premises

The latest chaper in the battle over an additional Adult Gaming  Centre (AGC) in Harlesden takes place at Planning Committee tonight after a number of applications and Planning Inspectorate appeals.

It pits ward councillors and 19 objectors who oppose the application against the recommendation to approve it made by planning officers.

The Harlesden and Kensal Green ward councillors are Mili Patel, who is deputy leader of Brent Council; Matt Kelcher, who is chair of Brent Planning Committee, and Jumbo Chan.

Clearly officers are seeking to avoid yet another appeal by the applicant to the Planning Inspectorate and rely on some changes in the application and its context to recommend approval.

The narrowest one is the proportion of AGC shop fronts in the area which has been reduced by one such shop front coverting to retail.  The quota is 3% and with this application at 5-6 Park Parade comes in at 2.74%.

 The Officers Report states:

In summary, the proposed change of use would not result in an unacceptable over-concentration of Adult Gaming Centres as defined within the Council’s adopted policies, it therefore would not harm the vitality and viability of Harlesden Town Centre. The proposed development is in accordance with to DMP 1 and BE5 of the Brent Local Plan 2019-2041. The principle of development is in accordance with the Council’s policies and the London Plan and therefore is considered acceptable.

 The proposal is now for one Adult Gaming Centre unit in the double fronted shop rather than an AGC plus betting shop as previously. 

The concern over the impact on crime and anti-social behaviourof another AGC preying on a vulnerable population is undermined by the Planning Inspector's findings:

Comments were received raising concern that the use would result in crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, noting the Police objected to a previous applications. Previous comments from the Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team suggested that adult gaming centres were driver for anti-social behaviour, maps were previously provided showing the location a concentration of anti-social behaviour, violence and drug offences. The comments noted a concentration around the Jubilee Clock and Silvertime gaming centre. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams raised similar concerns with the Appeal Scheme (Appeal Ref:

APP/T5150/W/21/3269557) , a list of offences were submitted and the Inspector was furnished with this.

The Inspector did not support the Local Planning Authorities view in terms of crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder, at paragraph 16 of the Appeal Decision (Appeal Ref: APP/T5150/W/21/3269557) they stated

‘The Council have detailed concerns relating to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour including comments from local residents and bodies, the Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the Metropolitan Police. The Harlesden area is identified as an area of high deprivation with unemployment and homelessness levels generally high. There is no unequivocal link presented to me between these matters and the proposal which would result in a single AGC leading to a harmful effect on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.'

 Planning Officers' conclude:

The principle of development is acceptable and would not result in an over concentration of AGCs within Harlesden Town Centre as defined within the council's planning policies or result in harm to the vitality and viability of the town centre. The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in terms of impact to character and appearance of the subject property and the wider streetscene and the development would preserve the character of the Harlesden Conservation Area. The proposed development is not considered to have an adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties.

 

Subject to conditions, the proposed use would be acceptable and not result in harm to the locality and neighbouring occupiers. The proposal is considered to be in general accordance with the development plan having regard to material considerations.

Approval is accordingly recommended.

 

 The full Officers' Report is HERE

The meeting is in the Conference Hall of Brent Civic Centre at 6pm tonight. It is also live streamed HERE.

Unlicensed landlords watch out: Brent street patrols are after you!

 

From Brent Council 

Street surveys crackdown on unlicensed rental homes

 

Enforcement officers have begun patrolling streets in Brent to check whether rental homes are licensed.

 

The first street patrol took place six months following the start of borough-wide licensing. The law states that every landlord who rents out a property in Brent must have a licence to rent, except for Wembley Park.

 

 

Teams were made up of officers covering planning, anti-social behaviour and private housing services. They knocked on the door of every house in Stanley Avenue, Wembley, offering advice on waste management, listening to any concerns about anti-social behaviour and, where the property was a rental home, asking if it was licensed and free of serious hazards.

 

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

 

We are receiving licensing applications, but we know there are many more applications still to be made. 

 

We have intelligence on certain streets with evidence to suggest that tenants might be living in unlicensed properties, or in properties that are in breach of planning regulations, and those are the areas we are targeting through our street patrols.

 

No rogue landlord will slip through the net in Brent: if you are a landlord in Brent and your property is unlicensed, we will find you and you will face prosecution and hefty fines.

 

Last week, a landlord whose tenants were paying £3,500 to live in an overcrowded house of horrors, was handed fines totalling nearly £50,000. Willesden Magistrates Court ordered Sanjay Patel to pay £49,495 for breaches to the Housing Act at a semi-detached house that he managed in Vivian Avenue, Wembley.

 

If you are a landlord with an unlicensed property, avoid prosecution and get licensed today

 

You can report a suspected unlicensed rental property to Brent by emailing phslicensing@brent.gov.uk

 

Editor's note the only ward where a landlord is not required to register is Wembley Park. Brent Council said the area did not meet the threshold re anti-social behaviour etc.

OWL killed off by Mayor's Office

 

I find it hard to understand why the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime are discontinuing this very useful service.

This message is coming from the company that created OWL, it is not a police or Neighbourhood Watch message.

It is with deep regret and much sadness that I must inform you that OWL will be terminated on 31^st October.

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will no longer be funding OWL and the Met will not take over its funding. Without funding to maintain and operate OWL, we have no choice but to shut it down.

OWL was adopted by 18 London boroughs over the last 10 years so that your local police, their partner agencies, and Neighbourhood Watch coordinators can send urgent messages directly to residents and businesses. Over 1,700 Met police officers were trained to use OWL and many diligently kept the public informed on local issues. Each year, 14,000 alerts and updates for Londoners were published on OWL which generated 6 million emails and 12 million push notifications per year.

Your Personal Data:

OWL is the only communications platform that has kept everyone’s data safe without any data breaches or privacy issues. It has also provided 100% availability, 24x7 every year for the last decade. As per our obligations under GDPR, your personal data held on OWL will be securely erased in a timely manner following shutdown. There is no need to contact us to request erasure.

Proud to have been part of it:

Thank you for being part of OWL. During its time, many residents responded to appeals which helped the police find suspects, stolen cars and vulnerable missing people. As an example of how effective OWL has been in just one borough over a 5-year period, OWL members helped resolve £8.3m of crime and prevent £10m of further crime from happening. These are modest estimates based only on cases we were made aware of.

OWL helped boost public trust & confidence in the Met among the thousands who rely on OWL for information and reassurance. According to MOPAC’s Trust & Confidence survey of Dec 2023, 75% of boroughs using OWL had above-average trust compared with the rest of London. Boroughs ranked #1, #2, and #4 with the highest trust were using OWL. A survey among users in Enfield and Haringey showed that 76% said OWL provides the most up-to-date information from the police compared to social media platforms.

You may continue to receive messages until the end of 31^st Oct.

Stay safe, London.

 Gary Fenton 
Creator of OWL, Direct Path Solutions