Issue - meetings

An investment opportunity has arisen to provide a high quality table tennis centre including the possible development of residential accommodation, proposals provide for the regeneration of land that is currently in a poor state at Dudden Hill Lane and High Road Willesden.

(i)         that approval be given to a sale by private treaty with Greenhouse Charity;

(ii)        that officers negotiate and enter into an agreement for a lease on the subject lands, as set out in the plan attached to the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to enable the construction of a table tennis centre with, if required, residential development;

(iii)       that on satisfactory completion of building works, the council enters into a lease of up to 250 year lease subject to negotiation with Greenhouse Charity in accordance with the terms set out in the confidential Appendix to the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(iv)       that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to agree such terms that are in the best interests of the Council;

(v)        that officers advertise (at the appropriate time) the proposed letting of public open space (as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth) under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 and if, in the opinion of the Operational Director Property and Projects, there are significant objections to report back to the Executive for it to consider;

(vi)       that it be noted that the Brent Indian Community Centre (BICC) have enjoyed informal use of an adjacent play area, the Greenhouse proposal will terminate such arrangement and officers will involve BICC in future consultation;

(vii)      that it be noted that due to the emerging Housing Revenue Account Growth Strategy the site has been forwarded to them to appraise, should a feasible option come forward then members will be provided with a verbal update.

Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) introduced the report before the Executive on the future of land adjacent to 19 Dudden Hill Lane and responded to concerns heard earlier in the meeting from adjacent property Mr Mistry speaking for adjacent property owner Brent Indian Community Centre and also Mr Clive Newman.

The Executive also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Councillor Crane reminded the Executive of the history of the site which had always been difficult to manage and the opportunity from Greenhouse to invest in young people, many of whom were disadvantaged. The facility could also be used by schools and the wider community. Councillor Crane acknowledged the informal use of the site by BICC would have to cease should the scheme progress hence on-going discussions. He referred them to the financial implications set out in the appendix to the report and the significant investment which would provide a welcome boost for the area.

Councillor R Moher (Deputy Leader, Lead Member) commended the work of the Greenhouse with Wembley High School children. The coaches had been much appreciated and there had been a positive impact on education which had benefitted the wider community. The project would also make a positive contribution to the healthy borough programme.  Councillor Choudry (Lead Member, Crime Prevention and Public Safety) echoed concerns over the lack of consultation and Councillor Crane clarified the area which was under consideration and drew attention to the detailed information in the appendix to the report.

The Chair (Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council) restated the wish that the proposal would be a catalyst for development in the area. He referred to concerns expressed earlier in the meeting which would also be taken into account during the consultation exercise and drew members’ attention to the information set out in appendix to the report which was not for publication.

He thanked Mr Mistry and Mr Newman for their contributions.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to a sale by private treaty with Greenhouse Charity;

(ii)        that officers negotiate and enter into an agreement for a lease on the subject lands, as set out in the plan attached to the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to enable the construction of a table tennis centre with, if required, residential development;

(iii)       that on satisfactory completion of building works, the council enters into a lease of up to 250 year lease subject to negotiation with Greenhouse Charity in accordance with the terms set out in the confidential Appendix to the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(iv)       that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to agree such terms that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8

An investment opportunity has arisen to provide a high quality table tennis centre including the possible development of residential accommodation, proposals provide for the regeneration of land that is currently in a poor state at Dudden Hill Lane and High Road, Willesden.

That consideration of this report be deferred.

RESOLVED:

that consideration of the report be deferred.