Issue - meetings

The Government has announced proposals for a new High Speed 2 and Crossrail interchange at Old Oak by 2026. Based around the opportunities presented by the new interchange and national and sub regional transport connections, the London Boroughs of Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Ealing, as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL), have produced a vision for regenerating the Old Oak area. The Mayor of London is now consulting on proposals to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Old Oak and Park Royal to take the lead on the planning and regeneration of this area. This report summarises the implications of the proposed MDC for Brent and proposes the areas which should be covered in a formal response to the current consultation

(i)         that the Council response to the consultation cover the issues set out in paragraphs 3.25 to 3.29 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth be approved;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Leader of the Council to finalise the exact wording of the final response.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member for Regeneration and Housing) reminded members that Central Government had announced proposals for a new High Speed 2 and Crossrail interchange at Old Oak by 2026. Based around the opportunities presented by the new interchange and national and sub regional transport connections, the London Boroughs of Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Ealing, as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL), have produced a vision for regenerating the Old Oak area.

Councillor McLennan stated that the Mayor of London was now consulting on proposals to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Old Oak and Park Royal to take the lead on the planning and regeneration of the area. Councillor McLennan acknowledged that a significant number of local businesses and residents would be impacted however a number of meetings had taken place and the aim was to get the best for Brent residents such as employment opportunities, generating development and providing affordable housing.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader, Lead Member for Resources) acknowledged that there were differing views on the approach the council should adopt to get the best deal whether to reject proposals or negotiate at the outset. Councillor Mashari (Lead Member for Employment and Skills) stressed the need for local businesses to have representation on the MDC and also suggested that employment should be included in the list of local benefits.

Non-cabinet members and members of the public also contributed to the debate. The view was put that the council should oppose the MDC at the outset and then only work with it once established. It was questioned whether the Leader of the Council was best placed to sit on the MDC given his existing time commitments and whether the MDC was the right organisation to take forward views. On transport, it was felt that an extra station on the London overground line would not be sufficient. The public would want to travel between Wembley Central and Willesden Junction. There was a also a view that more social housing should be provided and the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth confirmed that the council would be arguing for a housing mix, affordable for Brent residents.

Councillor Butt (Chair, Leader of the Council) re-emphasised the aim of getting good outcomes for residents and the council was united with the other boroughs. To have Wembley Central Station as a HS2 destination was key. He also agreed on the need for more affordable housing and the reference to employment as a benefit.

The Chair thanked those present for their contributions.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the council response to the consultation cover the issues set out in paragraphs 3.25 to 3.29 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth be approved;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Leader of the Council to finalise the exact wording of the final response.