Issue - meetings

Following the designation of Staples Corner as a strategic Growth Area in Brent’s Local Plan and adoption of a Masterplan vision and framework to support regeneration and development across the area, this report seeks funding to deliver four priority infrastructure projects in Staples Corner to enable regeneration, growth and to benefit local residents, businesses and communities in the area working in partnership with Transport for London and the London Borough of Barnet.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £2,835,000 Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to design, plan, construct and maintain the four proposed priority infrastructure projects detailed within the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration seeking approval, following the designation of Staples Corner as a strategic Growth Area in Brent’s Local Plan and adoption of the accompanying Masterplan vision and framework, to fund the delivery of four priority infrastructure projects in Staples Corner, working in partnership with Transport for London and the London Borough of Barnet.

In introducing the report, Cabinet was advised that approval was being sought for the allocation of up to £2.835m of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding for the priority infrastructure projects outlined, following adoption of the Staples Corner Masterplan setting out the vision in seeking to transform the area into a high-quality industrial and urban district with new homes, modern workspaces, and better transport connections.  Recognising the momentum built over the last year in terms of the engagement with developers and planning process, members noted the need identified to ensure growth being sought was supported by provision of the necessary infrastructure in order to unlock and enable the required development and also ensure communities were connected in seeking to shape a more sustainable future and turn the vision into reality.

Outlining the four projects being recommended for funding, members were advised these had been designed to remove long standing physical barriers created by the North Circular and Edgware Road, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the area.  The proposed works included new at-grade crossings, improved junctions and streetscapes, and upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the footbridge over the A406 which were recognised as key in improving access to Brent Cross West station and Brent Cross Town, enhancing walking and cycling routes and would also lay the foundations for new homes and job opportunities. The inclusion of public realm improvements such as tree planting and wheelchair accessibility was also felt to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to inclusive design and climate conscious investment with the proposals also recognised as contributing towards Borough Plan priorities in relation to prosperity and stability through economic regeneration and to a cleaner, greener future by promoting sustainable travel and improved air quality.

In welcoming the proposals, members were also keen to recognise the strategic nature of the schemes outlined given their ability to unlock development potential while supporting long-term connectivity, active travel, inclusion, and resilience with the use of SCIL also supported as a means of ensuring that regeneration and growth in Brent was directly able to benefit the boroughs residents and specifically (in relation to Staples Corner) helping to shape the area into a place where people could live, work and travel with greater ease and more safety as a result of the core infrastructure being delivered.

Having considered the proposals outlined Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £2,835,000 Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to design, plan, construct and maintain the four proposed priority infrastructure projects detailed within the report.