Cllr Nerva was wrong in his claim at Full Council that Gladstone Park and Roundwood Park have Green Flag Awards - but there is hope.

 

Brent Council has confirmed in a response to Cllr Lorber that Brent Council currently has no Green Flag awards. This confirms my statement on Twitter (above) refuting claims by Cllr Nerva (Queen's Park) during the Council meeting on February 27th, apparently after some frantic googling, that Brent had won Green Flag awards for Gladstone Park and Roundwood Park. 

His intervention came following the budget speech made by Cllr Hannah Matin, Lib Dem councillor for Alperton, who had said that she had to take her guide dog, Wendy, to parks outside of Brent for her necessary free run, because they were cleaner and safer than Brent parks.  He said:

I'd just like to pick up on a point made about parks in Brent. I've just looked up, Gladstone Park: Green Flag, Roundwood Park: Green Flag.   There are lots pf other places in Brent that provide really great recreation and wellbeing. I think it is really sad to hear someone denigrate the really hard working Brent Parks Service.

It's 'really sad' that a member of Brent Cabinet does not know that Brent Council opted out of the Green Flags Award scheme back in 2014 when parks maintenance was outsourced to Veolia. LINK

 The Award was always a great incentive across London and is international in its scope. The map below shows the Brent desert with just Roe Green Walled Garden and Queens Park marked.  The Walled Carden is looked after  by the Barn Hill Conservation Group rather than Brent Council/Continental Landscapes (the new contractor) and Queens Park by the City of London Corporation. 

 Indeed there is some hope as Continental Landscapes features in the 2024 Green Flag Awards list for work in some other London boroughs and applications have been made for King Edward VII Park and Bramshill Open Space.

It is to be hoped that Brent Council will listen to residents who truly value their parks, including supporters of Barham Park who were recently refused a hearing, and renew their commitment through participation in the Green Glag Award scheme.

Back in 2011 I celebrated Fryent Country Park's Green Flag Award with congratulations to Brent Council and a video showing the park throuh the seasons.

A rather tattered green flag remained in the Fryent Way car park for some time after the Council withdrew from the Award.

Early road closures and bus diversions in Wembley on Sunday despite 4.30pm Kick-Off

 

Brent Council launches new consultation on licensing all HMOs in Brent as private rentals constitute almost half of Brent's homes

 

With concern over HMOs (Homes of Multiple Occupation) mounting in the borough (not least in the Randall Avenue Planning Application coming up at Planning Committee this week) it is appropriate that Brent Council is consulting on the private rented sector. The expansion of the sector and unavailability of council homes means that that almost half of homes in Brent are now privately rented.

In today's announcement Brent Council says:

Brent residents are being asked to have their say on plans to improve living conditions in private rented homes.

 

An online survey, starting today, invites tenants, landlords, and anyone affected to give their views on Brent Council’s proposals to improve living standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

 

These new plans are an extension of a previous programme that ran for five years and ended in January, which helped improve the quality of private rented homes in the borough. During that time, more than 2,500 HMOs were licensed.

 

HMO licensing makes sure that houses are safe, well-managed, and provide basic facilities for tenants. Council officers inspect licensed properties to ensure they meet the required standards.

 

A mandatory licence is needed for HMOs with five or more people from two or more households. Additional licensing covers other types of HMOs, typically the smaller with three or more people from two or more different households, like those living in bedsits.

 

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents' Services, said:

 

Over the past 20 years, the number of privately rented homes in Brent has grown, and now makes up almost half of all homes in the borough. We want to make sure these homes are safe and good quality for tenants.

 

While we have seen significant improvements, we believe that another additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in Brent. We want to encourage residents to give their opinions on these new proposals for HMOs.

 

The HMO additional licensing consultation, launched today (10 March 2025) will run for eleven weeks, ending on 26 May 2025. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.

 

Call to action:

 

• You can take part in the consultation by completing the online questionnairehttps://haveyoursay.brent.gov.uk/en-GB/

 

• Paper copies can be requested calling 020 8937 2384/5 or emailing prslicensing@brent.gov.uk

There is detailed documentation available on line but this sums up the background issues:

 

We believe that a further additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in the borough. HMOs pose a higher risk to occupants, especially when poorly managed. 

 

The previous additional HMO licensing scheme has helped us improve standards and management practices of many HMOs across the borough. However, the evidence shows that there is a significant number of properties that are still substandard and potentially dangerous. Even landlords with good intentions may not always be aware of the latest legal and safety requirements. These HMOs pose a risk to the health, safety, and wellbeing of tenants, cause problems for neighbours, and demand substantial intervention from council enforcement services. It is important that the council uses all available tools to improve conditions for tenants in this sector. Licensing is one of the tools and plays a key role in this effort.

 

 

 

 

Banking Hub opens at Willesden Green Post Office - separate days for the different banks for more complicated matters

 

A temporary banking hub has been set up at Willesden Green Post Office, 78 High Road, Willesden Green (opposite Willesden Green Library, corner of Lechmere Road)  following the closure of all bank branches in Willesden Green. Ward councillors are pressing for a permanent facility.

 

 

Customers of all major banks and building societies can access cash services from the Post Office counter service, whenever the hub is open.

Banking hubs offer easy access to face-to-face cash and banking in the heart of communities across the UK. They are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.

Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, each banking hub has a counter where you can access cash services whenever the Hub is open and whoever you bank with:

• pay in cash (notes and coins) and cheques
• withdraw cash (notes and coins)
• check your balance
• pay utility bills
• top up your gas and electricity
• access change-giving services (for registered businesses) 

You can also talk to a community banker from your bank on the day your bank is in the Hub. 

 

There is a private space where you can talk face-to-face about more complicated banking enquiries like payments and transfers, managing your account, and how to use online banking. You can view the services available from community bankers from the community banker services page.

Community banker availability varies between hubs and is based on local demand. Please check which community bankers are in your local hub.

This page shows the status of each banking hub, whether it's open for business or still under construction.

Or, you can find a complete view of the cash services available in your area by using LINK's Cash Locator.

Willesden Green Post Office
78 High Rd
London NW10 2PX

 

Opening hours

• Mon:  9am - 5pm Nat West
• Tue:  9am - 5pm   Barclays
• Wed: 9am - 5pm   HSBC
• Thu:  9am - 5pm   Santander
• Fri:   9am - 5pm    Lloyds
• Sat:   Closed
• Sun:  Closed

 

Community banker availability

 

Please note that our community bankers may be unavailable during lunchtime as they take a well-deserved break

Check HERE to see what services your bank will offer.

 

This ia a busy Post Office so I will be interested in feedback from readers using the service.

Brent Council amends PSPO to require dogs to be kept on a lead at all times in Paddington Old Cemetery

 

A letter from a reader on the Brent Council consultation about dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery last October  received many comments and indicated the strength of feeling on the issue

Letter:Brent Council is using heavily biased language in its Paddington Old Cemeterydog PSPO consultation - what are their real plans?

 

The Council yesterday issued a statement following the consultation giving their decision but provided no data or quotations to evidence the decsion :

 

Dogs will be required to be kept on leads at all times in Paddington Old Cemetery from Monday 10 March.

 

This new requirement is part of an existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which has been varied following a comprehensive public consultation where 860 people shared their views.

 

PSPOs are legal measures that impose conditions on public places where there has been a nuisance which has had a detrimental effect on the community. PSPO conditions apply to everyone equally. They are designed to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Paddington Old Cemetery is an active burial ground that over recent years has also become a valued local community space. Its increasing popularity with dog walkers has raised serious concerns among grave owners, mourners and other users of the cemetery.

 

The public consultation, held between 18 October and 10 December 2024, asked members of the public their opinions on dog behaviour within the cemetery. This also included grave owners and mourners who lived further afield.

 

Prior to the consultation, the council received 74 complaints regarding dog behaviour at the cemetery, including: dogs defecating and urinating on graves, dogs running uncontrolled near funeral services and unwanted dog interactions. In contrast, no complaints were reported in the council’s three other cemeteries where dogs are required to be on leads.

 

The council has carefully considered all viewpoints, taking into account the public response and the serious concerns raised. As a result, the existing PSPO has been varied so that dogs are now required to be kept on leads in Paddington Old Cemetery.

 

These changes aim to preserve a peaceful and respectful environment for Paddington Old Cemetery users while ensuring responsible dog owners can continue to access the cemetery. It also brings the dogs on leads requirement in line with all of Brent’s cemeteries.

 

The existing PSPO requirements also remain in effect:

• A maximum of four dogs may be walked by one person at a time.
• Dog waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly in provided bins or taken away.

 

Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Jobs and Skills, said:

 

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us. 

 

While many responsible dog owners value the cemetery as a place for walking their dogs, the number of serious concerns raised made it clear that action was needed. 

 

We understand that dogs are an important part of people's lives, which is why we will continue to allow dog walking here, rather than banning them altogether. However, dogs must be kept on leads, in line with the well-established policy in our other cemeteries where we have received no complaints. 

 

This new PSPO requirement aims to strike a fair, balanced and proportionate approach, ensuring the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful place while still allowing responsible dog walking. 

 

The council is committed to working with all users of the cemetery and will establish a Paddington Old Cemetery Liaison Group.

 

The consultation highlighted a number of areas that the council will now explore. These include:

• Designated off-lead area - Considering the creation of a designated enclosed off-lead dog area within a section of the cemetery, subject to further consultation with residents.
• Parking review - Local parking controls are set to be reviewed.
• A review of local CCTV arrangements.
• Tiverton Green improvements - Exploring options to introduce self-closing gates at nearby Tiverton Green to better support off-lead dog walking, and create a safer environment for dogs.

Planning Officers recommend approval of Reserved Matters in Randall Avenue application to build on back garden

 The development site

 From above

 A controversial planning application will be heard at Brent Planning Committee on Wednesday which received some vociferous opposition at the Outline stage. The application is on reserved matters for the plan to build on the garden at the rear of 7 Randall Avenue in Dollis Hill:

The application relations to the grassed area to the rear of No.7 Randall Avenue. The application site slopes to the south, and currently forms part of the garden to No.7 Randall Avenue. The application site has a shared driveway with the adjacent dwelling to the north, No.9 Randall Avenue.

Ten individuals have submitted objections some of which are multiple. Not mentioned in the officers' report is a Change petition 'Brent Council must reject all plans to approve a private car park and HMO on Randall Avenue, NW2' LINK.

 

 

Front view of development

Extract from  an Objector's comment:

 

I am writing to formally object to the planning application submitted by Mr. Teixeira for the development of the 1.5 storey building right behind my house, based on outline permission 22/0175. This objection is rooted in significant concerns that must be addressed and the risk are too high associated for this planned building.

The proposed development poses a serious risk of land movement and potential landslides due to its location on a higher part of the hill, directly above our home at 98 Dollis Hill Avenue. Any disturbance to the hillside could result in structural damage to our property and neighbouring homes. We already face issues with soil instability, and new construction on the muddy, water-saturated ground significantly increases the risk of landslides. The loss of soil cohesion and added weight from construction could exacerbate this, leading to dangerous consequences for the entire area. Who will take responsibility for the damage if this occurs-the council or the developer?

Additionally, the underground parking proposed on conserved land poses serious environmental and noise concerns. Not only would it disrupt the green space and natural extension of Gladstone Park into our gardens, but it would also increase noise pollution and vibrations from vehicle engines, causing a loss of tranquillity in our outdoor spaces. There is a strong possibility of structural damage to nearby properties over time due to these vibrations, especially considering the already unstable soil in the area.

Further, the introduction of more cars and the associated air pollution from exhaust emissions will have detrimental effects on the air quality in our gardens and could harm the local flora and fauna, not to mention the long-term health risks for residents. The character of this quiet, modest area will be forever altered by a luxury development overlooking our gardens and the tenants looking into our houses, bringing increased noise, traffic, and a social divide that could push long-term residents out of the neighbourhood.

Finally, issues of overshadowing, loss of privacy, and increased traffic congestion must be thoroughly examined. The scale and design of the development are out of character with the local architecture, and the shared driveway arrangement raises legal concerns. This is an area built for tranquillity and a naturally grown community that enjoys nature and privacy, and the proposed development threatens that balance.

I strongly urge the Planning Committee to reconsider this application in light of the risks posed to neighbouring properties, the environment, and the community. The potential impact on our safety, quality of life, and local infrastructure is too great to ignore.

 
Thank you for your consideration

Residents' experience of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is raised in the petition and some objections. Planning officers respond:

The development as granted by the outline planning permission seeks to erect a new, self-contained dwellinghouse to the rear of No.7 Randall Ave. Functionally, the proposed dwellinghouse forms a separate planning unit to the premises at No.7 Randall Ave. There is no evidence to suggest that a new home would result in increased anti-social behaviour.

 

The use of 7 Randall Avenue had previously been investigated by the Planning Enforcement Team and found to be lawfully operating as a small HMO with a licence. This had been happening prior to the Article 4 direction, which prevents the change of use to small HMO's within Brent without planning permission.

 

Any change of use into a 'large' HMO of a sui generis nature beyond the threshold of Use Class C4 would express necessitate planning permission anyways. (sic)

 

There is sufficient control in place that would prevent the proposed dwellinghouse to be converted into an HMO without express planning permission.

 

The Planning Officrs' recommend the Planning Committee approve the application LINK. 

 

Brent Officers recommend approve of Atlip Centre, Alperton, development of 885 homes in units up to 29 storeys high

 Brent planning officers have recommended  LINK that the Planning Committee approve the Atlip Centre/2 Atlip Road  development at its meeting on Wednesday 12th March.

The application is for 464 resident units on the site near Alperton Station and 421 co-living places.

They will be housed in 2, 8, 10, 20,  23 and 29 storey structures with a single storey workspace and some commercial units.

 145 people have signed a petition opposing the development but only 27 have lodged an objection on the Brent Council planning portal. There are also 3 neutral comments (including an Alperton councillor - not identified by name). No comments in favour have been lodged.

It was quite a task for anyone interested to read all 355 documents on the Council website. 

Approval will be subject to referral to the Mayor of London.

 

The petition:

 

A petition has been lodged at Brent Council to stop the approval of another mega-development at Atlip Road in central Alperton. The campaigners have put forward the following reasons against the proposal.

1. Loss of Light – The development’s height (up to 30 storeys) will cause severe overshadowing, reducing natural light to nearby homes, including Bigler Court and Dawson Court, contrary to BRE guidelines. Reduced daylight can lead to health impacts such as vitamin D deficiency, especially for brown and black residents at higher risk.

2. Overcrowding – The proposal includes 885 residential units, adding excessive strain on already stretched local services, including GP surgeries like Stanley Corner Medical Centre, schools, and public transport.

3. Parking and Traffic – The limited parking spaces will lead to increased congestion on surrounding roads, creating parking difficulties and worsening air pollution.

4. Noise Pollution – Construction noise will cause major disruption, particularly for those working from home or resting at home. Long-term noise from communal spaces will also impact residents’ quality of life and stress pets.

5. Loss of Facilities – The proposed demolition of the existing gym will force residents to travel 30–45 minutes on foot to the nearest affordable alternative, making fitness routines less accessible and harming physical well-being.

6. Flood Risks – Existing flood risks on Atlip Road, with depths up to 600mm, will be worsened by the development. New drainage systems offer no guaranteed protection against surface water flooding.

7. Air Quality – Construction dust and emissions pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, while long-term increases in traffic will reduce air quality further.

8. Privacy and Child Safety – Flats will overlook nearby homes, including Bigler Court, and Alperton Community School’s playground, raising safeguarding concerns for children.

The petition can be signed HERE.

Brent Council consult on closure of Bridge Park Leisure Centre in July ahead of redevelopment

 Brent Council have launched a consultation on the closing of Bridge Park Leisure Centre in Stonebridge aheard of redevelopment.

This is the statement on their website:

 Residents are being asked for their views on the future of Bridge Park Community Leisure including options for leisure and community facilities, as part of a wider redevelopment to provide new homes and green spaces along the Hillside Regeneration Corridor. This consultation will help shape the future of the site and ensure that local needs are met.

At the end of 2024, local people described what they would like to see in a new leisure centre which would include a new swimming pool, new sports hall, larger gym, a function hall, meeting rooms and café.

In the first phase of consultation, residents highlighted the need for improvements to local leisure and community spaces. Respondents shared their views on potential new facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, and community areas. We are now seeking further feedback to refine these proposals and ensure they align with community needs.

The deteriorating condition of the existing leisure centre means that it would require very substantial capital investment to keep the site open and safe on a sustainable basis, including major and expensive works to the lifts and other key parts of the building fabric. We do not believe this expenditure is a sensible use of limited council funding when there are proposals to build a new, state-of-the-art centre for the community to use for years to come.

Brent Council is asking local people for their views about closing the existing leisure centre in July 2025, to enable a planned closure to take place in a managed way.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: 

Bridge Park Leisure Centre is so much more than a building and we want to honour its history and build on its legacy for the next generation of residents. I want to thank residents who told us what they would like to see in a new and improved leisure centre at Bridge Park, including brand new leisure facilities, much needed new homes, a new jobs and skills hub and community and green spaces. Now that we have a clearer vision of the future, we want to work closely with the community to shape the future of leisure and community facilities at Bridge Park. This next phase of consultation is about gathering feedback on the proposed closure, and transition arrangements for residents.

With other leisure facilities available at Vale Farm Sports Centre and Willesden Sports Centre, which are both within three miles of Bridge Park, the consultation is an opportunity for residents to feedback how well these facilities could support transition arrangements.

The redevelopment of Bridge Park is part of a wider plan to transform the local area, which could see £600million invested along the Hillside corridor in Stonebridge over the coming years.

The Unisys buildings, which stand empty over the North Circular, have been derelict for more than 20 years. 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.

Your views are vital, so have your say by 11 May 2025.

The statement makes no direct mention of efforts by the community to have the current building listed as a Black History  heritage site  LINK but the Equality Assessment notes the impact on the BAME community:

The closure of a leisure and function facility is relevant to the Council’s Public Sector Equality Duty as it will affect residents that currently use the facility and those who might have used it in future and could particularly impact individuals from protected groups such as older residents, young people, disabled people, BAME individuals, those from certain religions/beliefs  pregnant and maternal residents and those from lower-income households.

 

The users of BPCLC are predominantly from the local area and closing the facility before a new facility is opened will result in users having to travel to another facility and potentially incur greater costs. Although alternative provision is available in the local area, and we would take steps to mitigate impacts, the closure may also have an impact on overall participation and activity levels. Some individuals may not choose to travel further or pay more for alternative provision.

 

As a result there may be an impact on the need to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, which is one of the three equality needs set out in section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. However, as explained below, the Council considers that the proposals would be objectively justified, so as not to give rise to discrimination.

 

The Council also acknowledges that Bridge Park has played an important role in the Stonebridge community for many years. Bridge Park is an important chapter in Black British history and the community’s achievements in creating this space in the 1980’s to empower local black residents. It is important to work with the community to ensure this history is commemorated within the new facilities.

 

There may therefore be an impact on the need to foster good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic and persons who do not share it, one of the other relevant equality needs. The Council is seeking to mitigate this as much as possible including through public consultation both on the proposed closure and our plans for the new leisure centre and wider redevelopment.