Queens Parade planning application to be heard on March 14th

Queen's Parade now

Proposed new student accommodation building

New building in townscape

A planning application that will transform the Walm Lane, Willesden Lane and High Road junction in Willesden Green comes up for decision by Brent Planning Committee on Wednesday March 14th.

Planning Officers recommend granting of planning permission for 1-12 Queens Parade, Walm Lane, for demolition of the existing one storey shopping parade and its replacement by a part 6, 7 and 8 storey building housing 117 student accommodation units with 5 retail units on the ground floor and a basement retail warehouse space.

The shops are currently let on a 'meanwhile' basis pending redevelopment.

The officers' report LINK states:

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The key planning issues for Members to consider are set out below. Members will need to balance all of the planning issues and the objectives of relevant planning policies when making a decision on the application:

Principle of use: There is no objection in principle to the redevelopment of the site to provide student accommodation and five retail units. The site is considered to accord with Council policy in relation to the provision of student accommodation due to its location within a town centre and good transport links. The submission demonstrates a need for the student accommodation in line with Brent and London Plan policy. The retail units would contribute to the viability and vitality of the Willesden Town Centre. The principle of development is therefore considered to be acceptable.

Representations received: Objections were received from 20 local residents and one Councillor raising concerns regarding the loss of the retail units; harm to the high street; suitability of student accommodation at the site; parking/servicing, overdevelopment; impact on conservation the area and impact on neighbouring amenity. In addition to this 50 letters of support were received from local residents who stated that the existing buildings do not make best use of the site; the proposal will boost the local economy; the new units will improve the town centre; and the height is considered to be suitable.

Demolition of existing building: There is no objection in principle to the demolition of the existing retail units. While they are in a Conservation Area, the existing buildings do not share the distinctive characteristics which define the Willesden Green Conservation Area. The Site Specific Allocation encourages redevelopment of the site with a more intensive and better use of land. The loss of these buildings is considered to accord with policy provided the replacement building is of an acceptable design.

Character and Appearance: The proposal is considered to have a high quality design that has regard to the character of its surroundings including the conservation area and to not inappropriately challenge or dominate surrounding development.

Impact on Neighbouring Amenity: The development has been assessed against loss of light and sense of enclosure on all neighbouring properties. It has been found that the relationship between the proposed development and all surrounding properties is considered to be acceptable, according with relevant Brent standards and BRE guidance.

Parking & Servicing: It is considered that the use of a ‘permit free’ agreement secured by condition would mitigate against parking concerns in the area. It is considered that the proposed servicing arrangements would be suitable for the site and would not materially harm the surrounding area.

'A turnkey solution on a hardware-as-a-service basis' (Uh?) announced by Quintain and Samsung for Wembley Park

Tipi 'social kitchen'

Any possibility of truly affordable family housing in the Quintain development seems to be disappearing fast as the 'build to rent' scheme clearly has a different market in mind. Products will be 'refreshed' every few years which is not good news for the environment.

Here's the latest press release from Quintain's public relations company:

Leading property developer Quintain and Samsung Electronics have today announced a multimillion pound deal to provide the most innovative digital appliances in the market to over 3,000 rental apartments at Wembley Park. This deal marks Samsung's first hardware subscription deal within the build to rent market. The deal has been constructed using Samsung Capital to fund the appliances as well as on-going maintenance and provides a turnkey solution on a hardware-as-a-service basis.
   

Quintain is delivering the UK's largest build to rent development at Wembley Park with over 5,000 homes managed by their residential management company, Tipi. The deal will see over 3,000 apartments kitted out with the latest "connected" appliances including smart fridge freezers, ovens, hobs, dishwashers and washer dryers.

Samsung is one of the world's leading companies in the digital appliance industry and the stand-out leaders in innovation. Samsung invests heavily in research and development to bring the most advanced products to market with the aim of improving the lives of its customers.

As part of the rollout, Samsung will install its state-of-the-art appliances not only in the apartments but also in the shared social spaces, which are part of Tipi's all-inclusive lifestyle offering. Samsung connected devices include Family Hub fridges, which have built-in cameras allowing residents to see exactly what is inside their fridge from their mobile phone, and track the freshness of food items.

Angus Dodd, Chief Executive of Quintain, commented:

"We are delighted to be working with Samsung who are widely known as the global industry leaders in innovation. This deal is an important step forward to creating a smart city at Wembley Park and ensuring it remains one the most connected places in London."

"Tipi is an industry leader in operating professionally managed rental homes and the deal with Samsung Electronics really makes Tipi stand head and shoulders above our competitors." 

Robert King, Vice President of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, commented:

"Samsung is delighted to be a partner on this key regeneration project at Wembley Park. It identifies with our purpose of building communities, enriching experiences with technology and delighting our customers. Using Samsung Capital allows Quintain to refresh models every few years, ensuring their residents have the best, up-to-date experience at Tipi."

Barry Gardiner among the speakers at Jobs and Climate Conference on Saturday

Tickets are still available for this important conference in central London. Go to LINK.

Tackling the climate crisis needs workers to build a world fit for the future. Yet the narrative of 'jobs versus environment' is still heard across the political spectrum, derailing the action we urgently need.

This conference, organised by the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group, aims to challenge the false choice of good jobs versus the environment. Instead of settling for this, there is both an urgent need for action on climate change and a real opportunity for trade unionists to be at the forefront of campaigning for a transition. One which puts the needs of the planet, decent jobs and social justice at the top of the political agenda.

The conference, for trade unionists and others interested in the issues, will be an opportunity to hear from trade unionists, scientists, environmental activists and others about the issues; and to learn from grassroots action today as well as debating a vision for the future.

Speakers include:

Barry Gardiner - Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade and Shadow Minister for International Climate Change, Chris Baugh - Dep Gen Sec PCS , Sarah Woolley - BFAWU, Caroline Russell - Green Party London Assembly Member, Liz Hutchins - FOE, Professor Joanna Haigh - Grantham Institute, Suzanne Jeffery - Chair CACC, Asad Rehman - Executive Director War on Want, Mika Minio-Paluello - Platform, Wilf Sullivan - Race Equality Officer TUC, Tahir Latif - (Aviation group PCS), Duncan Law - Biofuelwatch, Kim Hunter - Frack Free Scarborough, Tina Louise Rothery - Lancashire Anti-Fracking Nanas, Graham Petersen - Greener Jobs Alliance, Sam Mason - PCS, Allison Roche - UNISON, ACTS Unite, Jonathan Neale - Global Climate Jobs, Dave King - New Lucas Plan Group, Lauren Jones - Sheffield Climate Alliance, Paul Allen - Centre for Alternative Technology, Sarah Pearce, UNISON

Registration: 10am-10.45am, conference start 10.45, conference finish 5pm

Two Plenary Sessions:
1. Jobs versus the Environment, challenging a false choice.
2. Planning for a just transition - a future which doesn't cost the earth

Workshops include:

• Climate Change: What's happening to our climate and why this is an issue
• One Million Climate Jobs: Planning for a national Climate Service
• Climate Refugees: Campaigning within the trade unions
• Just Transition: Challenging the Government's Clean Growth Strategy
• A New Lucas Plan: Popular Planning for Social Need
• Jobs and Climate: Debates in the movement
• Food and agriculture: Planning for a healthy sustainable future
• Women and Climate: In the frontline
• Workplace Environmental Reps: Organising in the workplace
• Energy Democracy: How can trade unions 'resist, reclaim, restructure' the energy system?

Olympic Way Story - Illustrated talk March 23rd

Wembley History Society presents:-

Visitors Welcome (£3 charge, students £1)

At: English Martyrs’ Hall,
Chalkhill Road (top of Blackbird Hill), Wembley, HA9 9EW.

Car park at rear, and buses 83, 182, 245, 297 & 302 stop nearby.

For further information, please contact:
            Philgrant69@aol.com

'Capital West London' marketing venture launched by Brent and 6 other West London boroughs

I missed this last week but also cannot recall the decision being discussed by Full Council, perhaps someone will put me right.

Pic from left to right - Cllr MuhammedButt, from Brent Council; Katharine Glass, Director, White Label Creative; Cllr Julian Bell, from Ealing Council; Cllr Steve Curran, from Hounslow Council; Dan Gascoyne, West London Alliance

From Brent Council website:

Seven west London councils have revealed ground-breaking plans to unite their areas as one huge investment opportunity, promoting its combined £69billion economy to a worldwide audience under the brand Capital West London.

Capital West London, the brainchild of the West London Alliance - made up of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow councils, was successfully launched at the Hilton Hotel Wembley on Wednesday morning.

The ambitious three-year programme will transform West London's reach to the global market, providing a hub of information and allowing potential investors to tap into the second largest economy in the UK with just one call.

The novel and innovative venture is fully endorsed at the most senior level by the officers and members of the local authorities involved, and will work in partnership with the Greater London Authority and London & Partners, with the backing of the Department for International Trade.

Capital West London will bring together a collaborative group of public and private sector stakeholders and centre on the region's key assets with a programme focused on connectivity, investment and trade.

The programme, delivered by regeneration marketing specialists White Label Creative, will ensure the continued success and growth of West London and raise its profile as a one of the world's leading investment destinations, while helping companies within the sub-region reach new markets.

Dan Gascoyne, West London Alliance Director, said:

This is the latest ground-breaking collaboration between our seven local authorities and provides a fantastic platform from which to secure West London's future prosperity. By working together, we can present an opportunity of significant scale to investors combined with the local connections, intelligence and expertise necessary to turn that opportunity into reality.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:

West London is already great. With Wembley Stadium, Westfield, numerous high-quality parks and green spaces, Brent Cross and an impressive educational offer at the universities, colleges and schools, it's a great place to live. And the array of prestigious HQs and global companies, including Sky, GSK, Disney, and L'Oréal, are testament to its appeal as a business destination. This new collaboration will help it stay that way.

Borough Solicitor attempts to put block on Duffy's questions

The Brent Senior Solicitor has written to Cllr John Duffy regarding Duffy's attempts to ask further questions where he feels officers' answers are deficient. Looqman Desai, the Senior Solicitor has told the councillor that officers will not deal with any further questions on issues that they consider dealt with and that any new questions must be dealt with via the Members Enquiries system.

Cllr Duffy has responded that this is disingenous and a way of ensuring his questions are not answered despite the Mayor's promise that officers would answer his questions. He has written to the Mayor, Cllr Chohan, with further questions:

Mr Mayor it is important you stand by what you told the full council and public at the full meeting and do not renege on it  and ensure the officers answer the  following questions or  instigate an independent  investigation by someone with Health and +Safety  experience to answer them.

(1) Will officers confirm that the soil / rubble was stored in a safe lockable area within Carpenders park  prior to its transfer to Paddington Cemetery and explain how the soil/rubble   was delivered into the lockable area and was the rubble purchased as top soil.

(2)  Will the officers confirm the Soil/Rubble transferred to Paddington Cemetery was the same as the Soil/Rubble that the 60 Kgs of waste was sent for disposal under a consignment note as Hazardous waste. If not where did the original contaminated load go?

(3) Will officers confirm that 60 Samples taken by Eton' Environmental Specialists on behalf of the council showed that17(27%) were contaminated by Asbestos and 57 (95%) were contaminated with builders rubble and do officers believe that the level of rubble is appropriate  for the burial of residents.If officers do not believe its appropriate  for burials  of residents why will the CEO and Lead Member of the Environment not consider compensating the relatives of the deceased for the inconvenience , anguish and uncertainty  they have been put through by Brent Council?

(4) Will officers confirm the last burial which took place on the mount by graveyard employees after the 30 KGS of asbestos was discovered. Will they also confirm that graveyard employees  were not given protective equipment the same as the private contractor. I understand the contractors workforce were instructed by Brent Council to continue to bury people without protection up to 21 days after the asbestos was found.

(5) Will officers confirm that workers were bused in on the 26th June to carry out work on the mound and those workers were given no protective clothing or special instructions. Will Officers also confirm the pictures I presented to officers depict workers raising dust on the mound without any protection for the workforce or any attempt to cordon the area from public access.

(6) Will the Head of Finance confirm the failure of senior officers to control the transportation of Hazardous waste to the Paddington Cemetery cost Brent Council over one million pound and provide a full break-down of costs including loss of revenue , cost so far and expected removal costs.

Mr Mayor I met a relative of one of the deceased buried on the mound, who wrongly believe I was a council official.He was upset and wanted to know how could the council allow people to be buried in builders' rubble. I could not answer him. I have attached a picture of the rubble that is thrown around the mound and a picture of Michael Bond's grave on the footpath to show the affect of the council's policy to use builders' rubble. (Above)

Mr Mayor what we are witnessing is abuse of procedures,where powerful officers are using a timetable to keep information from the  public. I  ask you  to stand up to officer and stop this deliberate abuse of  the Purdah period and ensure ALL  relevant staff  are interviewed ASAP and the results of those interviews are published  along with answers to the six questions  asked above before the 19th March, to ensure they are  not caught up in the Purdah period.

Mr Mayor it is important the concerns of the residents, parents and grave-owners are treated with the respect they deserve and dealt with ASAP.

Clean air pledge demanded from Brent parties ahead of May election

The campaign group Clean Air for Brent (CAfB) has written to party leaders in Brent, challenging them to place cleaning up the borough’s dirty air at the top of their manifestos for the May 2018 local elections.

Fiona Mulaisho, Chair of CAfB said:

“The next four years will be absolutely crucial if Brent’s residents are to get the clean air they so desperately need.  Brent Council estimates that at least 200 people in our borough die prematurely from air pollution each year, and too many of our children are being exposed to levels of emissions that far exceed the legal limit.  Indeed, two Brent schools are currently part of the Mayor of London’s Schools Air Quality Audit, because they have the dubious honour of being among the 50 primary schools worst affected by air pollution in the capital.  We urge all parties and candidates to put combating air pollution front and centre in their manifestos and, if elected, to hit the ground running on this all-important issue.”

As well as building on and extending Brent Council’s revised Air Quality Action Plan, CAfB has asked for the following 5 key pledges from local politicians:

1. To support the Mayor’s proposals to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone (currently under consultation). CAfB is strongly in favour of including the North Circular, as large numbers of people reside on its heavily polluted borders. 
2. To propose specific measures for schools next to busy roads – with reference to the Mayor’s recent audits of Ark Franklin and John Keble Primary Schools. 
3. To press the Mayor of London to deliver a clean bus fleet much sooner than is envisaged in TfL plans, as London buses are a major contributor to emissions. Currently, 72% of TfL bus routes in Brent are diesel.
4. To secure greater public involvement in activities to reduce air pollution, such as a Brent-wide anti-idling campaign with schools and elsewhere.
5. To increase public awareness of the public health impact of air pollution.

Clean Air for Brent is ready to work with all parties to deliver these aims.

Burst water main closes Park Lane, Wembley

Monday 10am. Brent Council reports it is now fixed and Park Lane has reopened.