Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Liberal Democrats has written to local library campaigners on behalf of the Barham Library Campaign about the former Barham Library. He tells them that despite all the opposition from local people...
Labour Councillors have decided to spend £10,000 of Brent taxpayers money to Appeal a decision made by Brent's Planning Committee to REFUSE the Planning application to change of use of the Barham Park Buildings (including the library space) from D1 community uses.
A Planning Inspector has been appointed to deal with the Apeal and we now need YOUR help again. We need as many local people as posible to send objections to the Inspector as possible.
We will help draft objections and will meet from 7p.m. on Wednesday 16 April at the Barham Lounge 660 Harrow Road Wembley (this is the building at the front and on the left of the Barham Buildings on the edge of Harrow Road as you face it - opposite Chaplin Road) Buses 18, 92, 182 stop nearby.
If you cannot come you can also send your appeal by email to teamp13@pins.gsi.gov.uk
or in writing to:
Planning Inspectorate Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN
In both cases you must quote reference: APP/T5150/A/14/2216244
A simple objection could be as follows (although please use your own words):
Dear InspectorThe site had been suggested for a secondary special school by a charity set up by Brent parents LINK
Barham Buildings - APP/T5150/A/14/2216244
I object and oppose the Appeal against the decision to REFUSE the planning application for the Barham Park buildings in London Borough of Brent on the grounds of material loss of access to the buldings by the local community.
The buildings and the park were a gift to local people for their enjoyment. Local people have had access since 1937 and for most of the time (almost 60 years) there was a public library which received around 60,000 visist from local people each year.
The change of use from D1 to B1 to allow a takeover of large parts of the building by one organisation will deprive the local community of much needed general access. The suggestion that 2 open days a year compensates for the loss of the general access is laughable.
(IF YOU HAVE A PERSONAL and SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE OF USING THE BUILDINGS - BECAUSE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY USED TO VISIT PLEASE ADD IT HERE).
The local library provided a much needed community space for the local diverse community. It was used by people of all ages. Young people especially lost because their libray closed as they were deprived of study space and in case of younger children access to books. Older people lost a safe meeting place.
I support the campaign by Friends of Barham Library to reopen the Library for the benefit of local people. Friends of barham Library already operate volunteer libraries in temporary (and far too small) premises in Sudbury and Wembley proving the need for such a facility.
The Planning Committee received representations from local people who argued strongly for the protection of the Barham Buildings for general community use. By a large majority the Brent Planning Committee supported that call and REFUSED the application.
By pursuing the appeal Brent Council is going against the wishes of local people and I urge you to REJECT the Appeal.
Yours faithfully
Your signature"
If you cannot come on the 16th please come to either our Sudbury Town Underground Station or 428 Wembley High Road volunteer libraries where we can help you with a letter or email.