I have tried on Wembley Matters to enable debate and dialogue over the planning application for the London Welsh School to relocate to the Bowling Green in King Edward VII Park. As with many planning applications the general public were unaware of the plans.
This will be a difficult decision with the protection of green space and the preservation of a unique institution apparently in conflict.
A glance back at comments on the earlier coverage on this blog will indicate that new information has emerged during the discussion and further suggestions have been made that are not in the officers' report.
The Welsh School is a charity, along with other independent schools, and charges fees. The school however prides itself on never turning a child away so fees are reduced for those in need. However the school has applied twice to become a free school and if successful would receive funding directly from the DfE. It is not clear whether they will re-apply.
The Gladstone Free School had plans to build on open sports space adjacent to Gladstone Park and this was opposed by local residents and the school withdrew. Gladstone would have been a much bigger school but free schools being built on open space is a controversial issue.
Clearly the Planning Committee would need to be mindful of setting a precedent that may open the way for other applications and the importance of protecting Brent's parks and open spaces.
There has been some confusion over which ward is affected. The Bowling Green, Park Lane school and the land between them are in Wembley Central ward. The rest of the park, including Collins Lodge and the land swap site, are in Preston ward. The houses on Park Lane, opposite the park, are in Tokyngton ward. So far only Sam Stopp. Wembley Central ward councillor has made a submission to the Planning Committee and will be speaking at the meeting. (email address below)
One suggestion has been that a possible alternative site in King Edward VII park that would be more accessible. This is on the disused yard next Collins Lodge. It has also been suggested that the Pavilion would be better used as a community facility for Wembley Central residents. The question has been asked as to why the availability of the Pavilion for other uses has not been made known to residents.
There is some confusion about the school's use of the Bowling Green itself - the planning application is only for the Pavilion and the land between the Pavilion and Princes Court back gardens. The Chair of Governors of the Welsh School in a blog comment said the bowling green itself was not in their demise but elsewhere there is an assumption that the children would use it.
There has been a flurry of late support for the planning application, many of whom have links with the Welsh School and praise its provision. Although labelled 'Comments from Neighbours' many are from much further afield. One postal letter of support mistakenly names Barham Park as the site of the Pavilion rather than King Edward VII Park. An early support statement that appeared under a name at 28 Princes Court has been removed from the Council. A neighbour checked at the address and found that no one of that name lived there and the occupants hadn't submitted a statement of support. Brent Council, rather strangely, accounted for its inclusion an as 'administrative error'. Other submissions from Princes Court are in opposition. Sports England are in touch with the Planning Officer and will make a submission by Monday.
My personal view is that because of the wider implications of this application, confusion over the detail, possibility of an alternative site within the park, and lack of public knowledge about the proposal, the Planning Committee should seriously consider deferring a decision on Tuesday.
Comments can still be made up to Monday midday to victoria.mcdonagh@brent.gov.uk
The site visit is tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9.35am
The application will be heard on Tuesday at the Planning Committee, 7pm, Brent Civic Centre. Residents can apply to speak for 2 minutes and applications have to be made 24 hours in advance.
Apply to: joe.kwateng@brent.gov.uk
To view the on-line comments so far follow this LINK
Standing orders for the Planning Committee (explains how it works, speaking rights etc) LINK
Planning Committee Code of Practice LINK
Cllr Sam Stopp is still keen to received comments from residents: cllr.sam.stopp@brent.gov.uk
This will be a difficult decision with the protection of green space and the preservation of a unique institution apparently in conflict.
A glance back at comments on the earlier coverage on this blog will indicate that new information has emerged during the discussion and further suggestions have been made that are not in the officers' report.
The Welsh School is a charity, along with other independent schools, and charges fees. The school however prides itself on never turning a child away so fees are reduced for those in need. However the school has applied twice to become a free school and if successful would receive funding directly from the DfE. It is not clear whether they will re-apply.
The Gladstone Free School had plans to build on open sports space adjacent to Gladstone Park and this was opposed by local residents and the school withdrew. Gladstone would have been a much bigger school but free schools being built on open space is a controversial issue.
Clearly the Planning Committee would need to be mindful of setting a precedent that may open the way for other applications and the importance of protecting Brent's parks and open spaces.
There has been some confusion over which ward is affected. The Bowling Green, Park Lane school and the land between them are in Wembley Central ward. The rest of the park, including Collins Lodge and the land swap site, are in Preston ward. The houses on Park Lane, opposite the park, are in Tokyngton ward. So far only Sam Stopp. Wembley Central ward councillor has made a submission to the Planning Committee and will be speaking at the meeting. (email address below)
One suggestion has been that a possible alternative site in King Edward VII park that would be more accessible. This is on the disused yard next Collins Lodge. It has also been suggested that the Pavilion would be better used as a community facility for Wembley Central residents. The question has been asked as to why the availability of the Pavilion for other uses has not been made known to residents.
There is some confusion about the school's use of the Bowling Green itself - the planning application is only for the Pavilion and the land between the Pavilion and Princes Court back gardens. The Chair of Governors of the Welsh School in a blog comment said the bowling green itself was not in their demise but elsewhere there is an assumption that the children would use it.
There has been a flurry of late support for the planning application, many of whom have links with the Welsh School and praise its provision. Although labelled 'Comments from Neighbours' many are from much further afield. One postal letter of support mistakenly names Barham Park as the site of the Pavilion rather than King Edward VII Park. An early support statement that appeared under a name at 28 Princes Court has been removed from the Council. A neighbour checked at the address and found that no one of that name lived there and the occupants hadn't submitted a statement of support. Brent Council, rather strangely, accounted for its inclusion an as 'administrative error'. Other submissions from Princes Court are in opposition. Sports England are in touch with the Planning Officer and will make a submission by Monday.
My personal view is that because of the wider implications of this application, confusion over the detail, possibility of an alternative site within the park, and lack of public knowledge about the proposal, the Planning Committee should seriously consider deferring a decision on Tuesday.
Comments can still be made up to Monday midday to victoria.mcdonagh@brent.gov.uk
The site visit is tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9.35am
The application will be heard on Tuesday at the Planning Committee, 7pm, Brent Civic Centre. Residents can apply to speak for 2 minutes and applications have to be made 24 hours in advance.
Apply to: joe.kwateng@brent.gov.uk
To view the on-line comments so far follow this LINK
Standing orders for the Planning Committee (explains how it works, speaking rights etc) LINK
Planning Committee Code of Practice LINK
Cllr Sam Stopp is still keen to received comments from residents: cllr.sam.stopp@brent.gov.uk