At the beginning of this month I carried a 'Guest Blog' LINK from trustees of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library on why they had reached an agreement with the developer, Andrew Gillick. This has attracted many comments with the debate becoming quite heated at times. I posted an update on the planning application for the redevelopment of the library building on Saturday LINK which has also attracted debate. The revelation of the option agreemment between All Souls and Andrew Gillick LINK added another dimension to the discussion.
There are three main questions arising from the debate as far as I can see:
1. Is the agreement the best deal possible for the campaign to safeguard a community library space in the building, is it secure and will the Friends be able to raise the necessary funds for the upkeep and running of the space?
2. Should the police investigation into the fraudulent emails supporting Andrew Gillick's first planning application be concluded before the Brent Planning Committee considers this planning application and would a delay put the acquisition of the community space in jeopardy?
3. What are the ramifications of the option agreement and should it be submitted as evidence to the Planning Committee?
Having hosted this debate on Wembly Matters I do recognise that it has reached only a small number of people but concerns a whole local community.
As the issue is clearly controversial with strong opinions voiced on both sides, I wonder of there should be a public meeting where some of these matters can be thrashed out, starting from the assumption that everyone wants to retain a library presence in the building?
The consultation closes on April 28th and there is a possibility that the application will go to the May 14th Planning Committee, a week before the local elections.
There are three main questions arising from the debate as far as I can see:
1. Is the agreement the best deal possible for the campaign to safeguard a community library space in the building, is it secure and will the Friends be able to raise the necessary funds for the upkeep and running of the space?
2. Should the police investigation into the fraudulent emails supporting Andrew Gillick's first planning application be concluded before the Brent Planning Committee considers this planning application and would a delay put the acquisition of the community space in jeopardy?
3. What are the ramifications of the option agreement and should it be submitted as evidence to the Planning Committee?
Having hosted this debate on Wembly Matters I do recognise that it has reached only a small number of people but concerns a whole local community.
As the issue is clearly controversial with strong opinions voiced on both sides, I wonder of there should be a public meeting where some of these matters can be thrashed out, starting from the assumption that everyone wants to retain a library presence in the building?
The consultation closes on April 28th and there is a possibility that the application will go to the May 14th Planning Committee, a week before the local elections.