Agenda item

This report seeks a decision regarding the renaming of the eastern section of Meadow Garth Road to Pramukh Swami Road, following an application from the local community, and outlines the conditions and associated costs.

Having noted:

·                the comments made by a representative of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple and Councillor Hirani in support of the name change;

·                the comments made by a local resident objecting to the name change; and

·                the finely balanced nature of the decision to be made.

 Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)      Confirm and approve the making of an order to change the name of the eastern part of Meadow Garth to Pramukh Swami Road.

(2)      Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment to implement the proposed order.

(3)      Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment to enter into a legal agreement to ensure that the applicant covered the reasonable costs that were incurred by the Council and occupiers affected as a result of the change to the street name at the eastern section of Meadow Garth, plus to the occupiers of the properties, an inconvenience fee.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning, Councillor Shama Tatler, introduced the report which detailed an application received from the Shree Swaminarayan Temple for the renaming of the eastern section of Meadow Garth Road to Pramukh Swami Road.

Councillor Butt welcomed Councillor Hirani, ward councillor for Dudden Hill Ward, and Giresh Patel, a representative from the Shree Swaminarayan Temple (“the Temple”) who had requested to speak in support of the application.

Councillor Hirani begun his representation by outlining his support for the name change, noting the positive contribution the Temple had made to the borough, as well as the cultural and global significance of the request. In also recognising the objections that had been received, Councillor Hirani praised the balanced nature of the report and recommendation.

Giresh Patel, representative from the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, thanked the Leader for the opportunity to also speak in support of the application. Members’ attention was drawn to the high visitor numbers the Temple received from all religious denominations and the impact the temple had had on regenerating the area and creating a secure and safe neighbourhood for local residents. The application was in line with many similar approvals for roads to be renamed in memory of other inspiring and historic figures. He also felt it important to highlight that in order to minimise inconvenience the application was only to rename the part of Meadow Garth for which the majority was occupied by the temple and fact that the Temple were offering to provide compensation to local residents for the inconvenience of the name change.

Councillor Butt thanked Councillor Hirani and Mr Patel for taking the time to address the committee and welcomed Mrs Fontaine-Waldron, a resident of Meadow Garth, to the meeting, who had requested to speak in objection to the application.

Mrs Fontaine-Waldron began her representation by noting that she was a long term resident of the area and had settled at her current address. She objected to the change of name given the impact on the postal address for those residents directly affected, highlighting the significant harm and inconvenience this would cause not only to herself but also her family. She noted the offer of compensation but felt this did not negate the inconvenience and negative impact to her health and wellbeing given the stress and disruption that would be caused as a result and her current state of health.

Councillor Butt thanked Mrs Vadney-Waldron for attending and making her views known to the committee.

In discussing the recommendation to approve the change of name Members highlighted the positive contribution which the Temple made to the borough and emphasised that the cultural diversity of Brent was an asset to be celebrated. Cabinet noted and took into consideration the concerns raised in opposition to the application during this item in the meeting and in the report and praised the report for balancing both sides of the issue.

 Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)      Confirm and approve the making of an order to change the name of the eastern part of Meadow Garth to Pramukh Swami Road.

(2)      Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment to implement the proposed order.

(3)      Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment to enter into a legal agreement to ensure that the applicant covered the reasonable costs that were incurred by the Council and occupiers affected as a result of the change to the street name at the eastern section of Meadow Garth, plus to the occupiers of the properties, an inconvenience fee.