Brent Council is consulting on making changes in the Council Tax Support scheme. As you can see from above their drop-in sessions have attracted very few people. There is still time to take part in the consultation online that ends on December 15th 2024. Residents' Brent Council Tax bill is expected to increase by a further 5% in 2025-26.
The council is seeking savings of £2m on the scheme by revising the proportion of Council Tax paid by working families in need of support. The lowest income group would now receive a reduction of 65% rather than the 100% reduction (ie pay no Council Tax) at present:
I have embedded the full consultation document below. To take part in the consultation follow this LINK.
Marketing video for purpose built student accommodation in Wembley Park
There has recently been discussion about the amount of purpose built student accommodation in Brent, with some disquiet even in the Brent Planning Committee. (See LINK) Rather than reflecting an anti-student prejudice it is often about the loss of sites that could otherwise be used for family housing and questions about balancing local communities.
Brent planners have insisted that the need for student accommodation both in Brent and London as whole has been established and contributes to housing targets,
The London Mayor has recently published London Plans guidance for London local planning authorities which reviews some of the issues. The full document can be found HERE and key extracts follow (my highlighting):
The Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
London Plan Guidance (LPG) provides advice on how to apply London Plan Policy
H15 to best meet London’s needs. This guidance applies to a specialist form of
housing designed and managed for students. This typically comprises a mixture
of flats for 6-8 students with shared living spaces, and larger studio flats,
plus additional communal social spaces and other facilities.
As well as providing students with a place to live, PBSA can play an
important role in alleviating pressures on the wider private rental sector.
Indirectly its provision also helps underpin London’s higher education sector
as a global player, and the wider knowledge economy of the city.
The LPG sets
out detailed advice on siting, designing and developing such housing, including
balancing it with other housing types. It aims to ensure that these
developments are designed and managed to be of good quality, safe and inclusive
and integrated into their neighbourhood. The guidance is aimed at those
designing PBSA schemes and decision-makers assessing them as part of the
planning application process.
London’s
universities are disproportionately concentrated in a few areas,including within the CAZ (Central Activity Zone) .
PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) has clustered in similar areas,
particularly ininner
London. This has diversified the student accommodation offer from thetraditional, university-built PBSA, and private
rented homes. Several boroughswhere this
is the case have sought to limit further growth in such (purpose built)student accommodation, as well as in some cases,
HMOs Homes of Multiple Occupation). This reflects their concerns about housing
mix in their neighbourhoods and the potential ‘crowding out’ of conventional
housing, given other types of housing need amongst their population. However,
in turn, other boroughs (including within outer London, some distance from
where London’s universities are concentrated) have since seen a particularly
high influx of PBSA schemes, giving rise to similar concerns.
PBSA in
relation to neighbourhood housing mix can be considered in two ways:
• In support
of PBSA proposals that help disperse from traditional concentrations to
alternative, suitable locations – perhaps adding an element of student housing
to existing residential stock that is primarily conventional housing. This may
be particularly relevant where there is a shortage of family homes, which
students are currently occupying as HMOs or which they could be in future, in
light of PBSA shortages.
• As a more negative
consideration, where there are long-standing or more recent concentrations of
PBSA, or similar, non-self-contained accommodation, relative to conventional
housing. This may be spatial (in particular neighbourhoods) or as a proportion
of housing delivery, where PBSA may be considered to be ‘crowding out’
conventional housing schemes. Such dominance may be particularly acute under
certain market conditions; and where development sites are limited (which would
ordinarily be equally attractive for conventional residential use).
PBSA should
form part of a wider positive strategy in delivering mixed andinclusive neighbourhoods in most Local Plans. It should be acknowledged thatwhat is considered an appropriate balance of PBSA
and conventional housingwill differ
across London, and within boroughs. Local Plans should identify ifand where spatial concentration of PBSA, or
proliferation of PBSA deliverycompared to
conventional housing delivery, is impacting the ability to ensuremixed and inclusive neighbourhoods. They should
also identify more positiveopportunities
for PBSA to help contribute to local and strategic objectives.
Thiscould be used to develop spatial policies; or to
indicate the significance ofneighbourhood
or pipeline housing mix in decision-making.
My father in the first weeks of captivity, when razors were not available, and consequently (as he wrote home) 'most of the fellows here look like Biblical characters'.
Dear Editor,
An article written by me about my father G.C.G. 'Todd' Hawkins is about to appear in the November 2024 issue ofBristol Blenheimmagazine. I've taken the liberty of writing a 288-word description of the article, which is attached to this e-mail, and which might perhaps appear on the Wembley Matters blog if you thought it of sufficient interest to readers.
In the first half of last century Todd's family was well known to such Wembley personages as G. Titus Barham, the Rev. J.W.P. Silvester (who as vicar of St John's church married my parents), and his son Victor, the prominent dance-band leader. Todd's own career ended in a stroke of extraordinarily bad luck after nearly five years in captivity.
‘Todd’ Hawkins, 1911-45
An RAF airman, from a family once well known in Wembley, was shot down
over occupied France on the first day of the Battle of Britain and spent nearly
five years as a prisoner in Germany, only to be killed by ‘friendly fire’ a few
days away from liberation.
‘Todd’ (Gordon Cyril George) Hawkins flew as a navigator/bomb aimer in
Blenheim bombers. His story, illustrated by photos and his own drawings, is now
told in an article by his son Richard in the latest issue of Bristol
Blenheim, the magazine of the Blenheim Society. The article is based on
material preserved by Todd’s family, including letters he wrote home and
cartoons he drew while a prisoner, as well as wartime mentions in the Wembley
News.
Todd was born in 1911, left school at fourteen, and became a clerk in
the Workers’ Travel Association. His life before the RAF was nearly all spent
in Wembley, while its population grew from 10,000 to 100,000. His parents were
Henry Frederick Hawkins (shopkeeper, organiser of the Wembley town band, and
active in the Wembley Tradesmen’s Association and sports club) and Susannah
Jane Hawkins, eldest daughter of James Wood Blackmore, the first LMP policeman
to be stationed in Wembley.
Todd met many Canadians among his fellow prisoners, and might have
emigrated to Canada if he had survived the war. Over 200 of the cartoons he
drew as a POW did survive. It is hoped that they will have a permanent home in
the RAF Museum at Hendon.
Copies of the Nov.
2024 issue of Bristol Blenheim with the article on Todd can be obtained
from the editor, Ian Carter, through the Blenheim Society website, https://blenheimsociety.com/contact
The Newsletter gives the impression that the consultation is just about Bridge Park and Unisys but as Philip Grant says in a comment below it is about more sites that this.
The map below indicates the other sites involved in what Brent Council is calling the 'Hillside Corridor'. Residents of Roy Smith House and Bernard Shaw House should make a special effort to find out what plans are in the pipeline for their homes.
Conduit Way is not included in the map but Brent Council in the past suggested tall building there. LINK
For Stonebridge Park an additional area
adjacent to the site allocation BSSA7 Bridge Park and Unisys Building has
been identified. This incorporates the Conduit Way estate. This
extension is justified on the basis that the existing estate is of low
density, lower quality homes which has the potential to be intensified to
a higher density reflective of its higher public transport accessibility.
This is particularly so along and in the areas adjacent to the Brentfield
frontage. This will complement the taller buildings proposed on the Unisys
and Bridge Park site and reinforce the gateway role from the
North Circular of those entering the borough from further afield.
I have prompted Brent Council several times recently over the Unisys/Bridge Park development. The twin Unisys buildings have been empty for decades. In answer to a series of questions I tabled in September 2024 to Full Council LINK Brent Council said that the immediate priority was to progress scheme plans for a pre-planning resident consultation towards the end of 2024 which would include the latest on the New Bridge Park Centre and target dates for planning submission, determination and on-site delivery.
The resident consultation was launched yesterday on the Brent Council website and although the focus is on Bridge Park Centre the wider major development that includes 1,000 homes and a hotel is also important. The consultation closes on January 6th 2025.
From the Brent Council website:
Residents are invited to have
their say on the future of Bridge Park Leisure Centre as part of an
ambitious plan to invest £600 million into the Hillside Regeneration
Corridor in Stonebridge.
Brent Council is working with the owners of the Unisys buildings,
Stonebridge Real Estate Development Limited (SRED), to redevelop Bridge
Park and the neighbouring land currently occupied by the Unisys
buildings which have been derelict for more than 20 years.
The proposals, which will be shown at two exhibitions in November, show
the new Bridge Park Leisure Centre will be more than double the size of
the current building. Residents are being asked for their views
including on a new state-of-the-art swimming pool, a new sports hall, a
larger gym, a function hall, meeting rooms and a café.
The proposals include more than 1,000 high-quality homes, including
family homes and affordable options; new parks and green spaces; a new
263-room hotel, commercial and affordable workspace. The designs are
worked up to maximise the environmental benefits of the new buildings
and encourage sustainable and active travel.
The redevelopment is part of a wider plan to invest in a number of
sites, including Bridge Park, Morland Gardens, Twybridge Way, and
Bernard Shaw House, along Hillside corridor.
The existing Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre has reached the end
of its useable life. The current condition of the building demands
substantial investment to keep the site open, including major and
expensive works to the lifts and other parts of the building, which is
not affordable. The proposal is therefore for the building to close next
year with a decision expected in early 2025.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader
of Brent Council said:
Bridge Park has always been a symbol of
community and togetherness. So, as the building comes to the end of its
life, it’s important that we do justice to both its history but also to
what comes next. We take that responsibility very seriously.
We’ve listened to what residents have told us they want in a new,
state-of-the-art centre. Our proposals not only provide a new Bridge
Park Leisure Centre but expand and improve it for future generations.
Wider plans for investing in the site will create new opportunities for
everyone in Stonebridge, as well as desperately needed new homes.
Please take part in the consultation, we want to hear what you think
of these proposals. Together, we can make sure that Bridge Park
continues to serve and unite our community.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Miqdadi, SRED Director and Senior Director of
International Development of GMH General Mediterranean Holding S.A.,
SPF. said:
Stonebridge
Real Estate Development is excited to be working with Brent Council to
bring forward a transformative vision for Bridge Park and the Unisys
site. These plans focus on creating vibrant green spaces for everyone,
with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for people with
disabilities, older adults, and neurodiverse individuals. This project
underscores our dedication to sustainable, community-centred spaces that
enhance quality of life for local residents."
We’re proud to be delivering much-needed new homes, including
affordable housing options, as well as creating hundreds of job
opportunities across the hotel and leisure sectors. This major
investment into Stonebridge will enrich the area and catalyse wider
regeneration, whilst building on Bridge Park’s legacy as a place for
connection, activity, and opportunity for all.
Have
your say at two exhibitions to find out more in person at Brent Start,
Twybridge Way, London NW10 0ST on Thursday 28 November, from 3 to 7pm or
Saturday 30 November, from 10am to 2pm
There will also be an online version, which will be live from Monday 25 November on the website
The Labour Group motion to 'consider
a formal twinning agreement between Brent and the city of Nablus, which
sits under the governance of the Palestinian National Authority, and receive
a report considering the proposal at a future council meeting' was passed by a large majority at last night's meeting.
An amendment by the Conservative Group (see video) was defeated and a Liberal Democrat move to get both withdrawn, because the issue was 'divisive' failed. Legal officers ruled that both the substantive motion and the amendment were in order.
I have asked the Liberal Democrat to confirm how they voted as the Mayor does not summarise the vote and the council video does not pan across the chamber to show the voting. Cllr Neil Nerva removed himself from the council chamber before the vote was taken and returned afterwards.
A large group of Palestine supporters cheered as the motion was passed.
STOP PRESS: Brent Liberal Democrat Group confirm that they voted against both the Conservative Amendment and the Labour motion.
TfL will complete the renaming of the London Overground lines by the end of the year. LINK There have been criticisms that this will involve unnecessary expense. TfL justify the changes thus:
London Overground was created in 2007, when TfL took over a series of
under-used suburban rail lines and transformed them into a high frequency
metro-style service.
Since then, the network has expanded, improved connectivity for millions of
people and supported new jobs, homes and economic growth.
The Overground network covers 100 miles of railway, 113 stations and all 9
London zones.
Now there are more than 3 million passengers using the service each week,
connecting some of London's most historic and diverse neighbourhoods.
Giving each of the 6 London Overground routes an individual line colour lets
us improve the way our customers experience our network. It also gives them
their own name and identity.
Benefits
Specific improvements will include:
Increased usability and understanding of the
network
Greater customer confidence
Clearer wayfinding
Clearer service disruption information
It also brings a positive and unique opportunity to
engage customers and communities and showcase London's rich diversity.
Two Overground lines serve Brent and pss through Willesden Junction. TfL explain why they have chosen the names.
The
Lioness line Watford Junction to Euston
The Euston to Watford Junction line runs straight
through the heart of Wembley, where the Lionesses enjoyed their greatest
triumph when they won the UEFA Women’s EURO final in 2022. The team are
creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower the next
generation of women and girls in sport.
Following their triumph at the UEFA Women’s EURO in
2022 and their memorable run to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final a year later,
the Lionesses’ success has attracted millions of fans and had a significant
impact on the sport’s participation numbers. Following the EURO success, 2.3
million more women and girls were inspired to play the season after the
tournament. Showing the remarkable impact the squad have on the next
generation.
The Mildmay line Richmond and
Clapham Junction to Stratford (via Willesden Junction)
The name celebrates Mildmay, a small but crucial charitable NHS hospital serving
the NHS in Tower Hamlets, with a long history of helping Londoners in need.
Mildmay opened in the 1860s as an informal help centre organised by the
Reverend William Pennefather and his wife Catherine at St Jude and St Paul’s
church in Islington. William organised Mildmay Institutions to care for the
sick and Catherine trained well-educated young women – ‘deaconesses’ in
nursing. When cholera broke out in 1866, two Mildmay deaconesses volunteered to
assist in the East End’s poorest slums, an area strictly avoided by other
Londoners. In 1892, the first purpose-built Mildmay Hospital opened in
Shoreditch.
In 1982, Mildmay was closed owing to its small size and a lack of funding.
After a six-year battle, it reopened as Europe’s first hospital for people with
HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses. It was visited by Princess Diana a total of 17
times. The press coverage of some of these visits helped break the stigma at
the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The name cherishes the role of the NHS and
its smaller healthcare centres in caring for all Londoners. To this day,
Mildmay is still an internationally renowned centre for the rehabilitation of
and care for patients with complex HIV. It a valued and respected place for
London’s LGBTQ+ communities.
The Minutes of the Brent Council Meeting on September 19th have been published for approval this evening.
This is Cllr Butt's answer to my question regarding the development of the Bridge Park/Unisys site. You will note that the financial viability part of the question was not answered:
In
thanking Councillor Tatler for the written response provided, Martin Francis in asking
his supplementary question began by taking the opportunity to highlight that it
had been nearly 10 years since former Councillor Dan Filson had warned against dealing
with General Mediterranean Holdings (GMH) and 7 years since the Conditional
Land Sale Agreement relating to Bridge Park had been approved. Referring
to the latest accounts from Stonebridge Real Estate Development Ltd (Subsidiary
of GMH registered in Luxembourg) he pointed out these had shown a reduction
in valuation of the company from £36m to £29.5m.
Members were also reminded
of the aim outlined within the Council’s original decision notice relating to the
agreement back in 2013 which, he pointed out, had been for the council pursue the
option of GMH (and its subsidiary company) developing the Unisys and Bridge Park
sites for residential and commercial development to fund a new Bridge Park sports
centre with the site value of Bridge Park put at £4m and the cost of a new Sports
Centre at £9m and the difference made up from the GMH agreement and Strategic
Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL). Given the financial update provided
he therefore asked whether Bridge Park was still felt to be financially viable
and if an update was available on the timeline for completion of the financial viability
assessment of the GMH plans and when they were expected to go to planning.
In
responding on behalf of Councillor Tatler, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leaderof
the Council), thanked Martin Francis for his question and attendance at the meeting
along with the reference to former Councillor Dan Filson. In terms of the current
position, he advised that the Council were still in discussions with GMH as part
of the process in reviewing the plans for Bridge Park so could not give a precise
date, at this stage, as to when final design proposals were likely to be submitted
to planning. Confirmation was, however, provided on the Council’s intention
to undertake consultation regarding the general principles of the development
at Bridge Park in order to gauge views, with the Council remaining committed
to realising the wider opportunities and potential available through the Bridge
Park development recognising the commitment of key stakeholders in seeking
to progress the original development proposals. In terms of more detailed timescales,
the Leader advised he would be willing to provide these once they had been
finalised.
