Decision details

To consider approval to ring-fence the Brentfield Road site for a community led housing development by Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) until March 2026 and to provide an update on their progress towards this. A decision is also sought on the following points; approval to agree and issue Heads of Terms subject to a contract to BCLT to enable them to secure funding, delegated authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to certify whether BCLT has met the specific criteria for gifting the site (for a period of 250 years), and to note that, upon meeting the criteria, the Council will be required to enter into a Lease Agreement with BCLT.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To confirm the position that the Brentfield Road site, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report, continues to be ring-fenced for the purpose of Community Led Housing.

(2)        To agree that the site be ring fenced for a further period until March 2026.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to certify whether Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) had met the specific criteria detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report and, based on that certification, to approve the next steps outlined in (4) and (5) below.

(4)        To delegate authority to the Director of Property and Assets (in consultation with the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration) to agree heads of terms and enter into a conditional agreement for lease with the BCLT.

(5)        To delegate authority to the Director of Property and Assets to enter into a 250 year lease (and/or any ancillary legal document) with the BCLT once the conditions detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report were fulfilled.

(6)        To agree in principle to further consider the use of appropriation for planning purposes under section 19 (1) of the Housing Act 1985 and/or section 122 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 to support the development of the Brentfield Road site and to ensure the scheme was not frustrated or delayed by legal injunction.

(7)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to formally cease the site ring-fencing upon non-compliance of the specific criteria detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report.

(8)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to extend the site ring fencing by an additional 6 months should BCLT fail to meet the specific criteria detailed in paragraph 3.2.3 of the report but be able to demonstrate significant progress towards meeting the criteria.

(9)        To note that should BCLT fail to meet the specific criteria detailed in paragraph 3.2.3 of the report or demonstrate significant progress towards meeting the criteria, the site would be returned to Brent Council and the formal arrangement with BCLT would cease.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25