Agenda item

This report outlines recent trends for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) both delivered and within the pipeline across Brent and seeks approval for publication of a Brent PBSA Planning Position Statement for consultation.

That having noted the recent trends of purpose-built student accommodation in Brent, the relevant planning policy provisions, the role of the accommodation in addressing a wide range of positive outcomes and the need for balanced and mixed communities Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Brent Planning Position Statement for Purpose Built Student Accommodation as set out in Appendix A of the report for consultation.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Regeneration, Planning and Property to consider the consultation responses under (1) above, the need for any changes, and whether to adopt the Brent Planning Position Statement for Purpose Built Student Accommodation and for this to be a material consideration in respect of decisions on planning applications.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 20 October 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration outlining recent trends for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) both delivered and within the pipeline across Brent, and seeking approval of a Brent PBSA Planning Position Statement for consultation.

In presenting the report, Councillor Benea began by highlighting the importance of balance in the approach outlined, not only in terms of listening carefully to residents but also in seeking to act with fairness and foresight.  In welcoming the transformation of Wembley over the past decade into one of London’s most dynamic growth areas, the significant role the provision of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation had played in that process was acknowledged given the investment and vibrancy created, with the contribution made by students to Brent’s economy and cultural offer and in enriching the fabric of the borough also recognised.

In considering feedback from residents, however, the need had now been identified for this balance to be recalibrated.  With more than 3,800 student beds either having been delivered or approved, Councillor Benea advised the time was right to pause and reflect on the kind of development Brent now needed moving forward, reflecting the extent of housing challenges faced driven by the need for more family sized accommodation as well as homes for key workers, older residents and genuinely affordable housing.  It had therefore been within this context that the temporary Planning Position Statement outlined within the report had been designed providing an opportunity, pending review of the Local Plan, to ensure that future development was able to support a mix of housing that met genuine local need.  Whilst being clear that Brent continued to welcome students, investment and development, the Statement also provided a focus for development partners on the type of schemes the Council now required to assist in tackling the housing emergency.

In highlighting that Brent remained a world-class borough for investment and place of opportunity, diversity, and creativity the opportunity was also taken to recognise the tireless work of the planning team in seeking to balance the needs of residents and ambition of developers against the reality of an unprecedented housing crisis with it recognised that the borough and London as a whole could not stand still in the face of change.  Referring to the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes nationally it was recognised this would require every Council to play its part but with the need identified to ensure this was delivered in a way that was sustainable, inclusive and fair, which members noted had been the aim of the approach adopted within the report and with Brent continuing to lead with balance, build with purpose, and plan with care.

In support of the approach outlined, members recognised the concerns being raised by residents not only within Wembley but across other parts of the borough regarding the trend experienced in relation to the level of purpose-built student accommodation when compared to conventional housing schemes and potential imbalance this was creating in addressing priority housing need across the borough as well as impact on the mix and make up of local communities in those areas.  As a result, the clarity which it was felt the Statement would provide in advance of the Local Plan review was welcomed in terms of outlining what the Council considered to be an acceptable concentration of purpose build student accommodation in supporting the delivery of balanced and mixed communities across the borough and consistent framework it would provide in managing development to meet the Borough Plan priorities as well ongoing housing demand and to secure a better mix of homes and supporting infrastructure.

Having noted the recent trends of purpose-built student accommodation in Brent along with relevant planning policy provisions and need to ensure development remained focussed on delivering balanced and sustainable communities, RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Brent Planning Position Statement for Purpose Built Student Accommodation as set out in Appendix A of the report for consultation.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Regeneration, Planning and Property to consider the consultation responses under (1) above, the need for any changes, and whether to adopt the Brent Planning Position Statement for Purpose Built Student Accommodation and for this to be a material consideration in respect of decisions on planning applications