Agenda item

This report provides an overview of the process which Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan Forum has followed in producing the draft Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan and a summary of its content. It sets out the next stages that the Plan will have to go through to become part of the development plan and seeks authority from Cabinet to undertake these actions.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve:

(1)        that the draft Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report) be published for public consultation for a minimum of 6 weeks.

(2)        that the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property be authorised to respond to the formal public consultation on behalf of the London Borough of Brent.

(3)        in consultation with the London Borough of Camden and the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan Forum, to appoint an independent examiner.

(4)        that following public consultation, the draft Plan and representations received are submitted for independent examination.

(5)        that following receipt of the examiner’s report, the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property be authorised to publish the Council’s decision notice, update the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan, undertake a referendum and, subject to a majority of votes cast in favour, that the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan is made by the Council.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 27 May 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration providing an update on the process followed by the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan Forum in producing the draft Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan along with a summary of its content and setting out the next stages that the Plan would need to go through to become part of the Development Plan, for which authority from Cabinet was being sought.

In presenting the report to Cabinet, the opportunity was taken to highlight the way in which efforts being made by the local community in Kilburn to shape development in their area were being supported through the Neighbourhood Plan process.  In recognising neighbourhood planning as a powerful opportunity for residents and businesses to have a meaningful say in how their high streets, homes, and public spaces evolved, the proactive work undertaken in producing the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan was outlined and welcomed as the process now moved forward to the next stage involving formal consultation and independent examination.  Members were advised that the Plan had been designed to present a locally led vision for Kilburn High Road and the wider neighbourhood which, it was noted, was also aligned with the Borough Plan priorities, including prosperity, public realm improvements, health and sustainability.

The Plan had been assessed as well-evidenced with local stakeholders having worked constructively to identify policies that not only reflected the needs and aspirations of the area but also remained consistent with borough and national planning frameworks, with Councillor Benea also keen to acknowledge the quality of local engagement undertaken to date.  In seeking approval to progress to the next stage in the process, members were advised that the authority now being sought from Cabinet was designed to enable progress while ensuring proportionate oversight with key actions delegated to appropriate officers, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member to ensure that the process was able to move forward efficiently and without compromising on transparency or accountability.  Assurance was also provided that should any more complex challenges be identified as the process moved forward these would be reported back to Cabinet for further consideration.

In considering the report, members not only commended the efforts made by the local community to develop the Plan but also the vision and objectives identified which had been designed to reflect the character of the area whilst also recognising the importance of green infrastructure as well as the legacy of architectural quality, social and commercial life and cultural identify in a way that would ensure Kilburn remained a distinct and important part of London and the borough (recognising that the area was divided by any administrative boundary with Camden).

In recognising that the neighbourhood planning process worked best when it was collaborative, timely and underpinned by trust between the local communities and local authorities involved and example the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan represented in not only this respect but also level of engagement undertaken in seeking to ensure that local views and aspirations were reflected in the approach adopted, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        that the draft Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report) be published for public consultation for a minimum of 6 weeks.

(2)        that the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property be authorised to respond to the formal public consultation on behalf of the London Borough of Brent.

(3)        in consultation with the London Borough of Camden and the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan Forum, to appoint an independent examiner.

(4)        that following public consultation, the draft Plan and representations received are submitted for independent examination.

(5)        that following receipt of the examiner’s report, the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property be authorised to publish the Council’s decision notice, update the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan, undertake a referendum and, subject to a majority of votes cast in favour, that the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan is made by the Council.