Issue - decisions

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representatives received from Jitu Patel (as Chair of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple) accompanied by Girish Patel (as a separate Trustee) and Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation).

In highlighting the position of the Board of Trustees, Jitu Patel outlined their interest in the Gwenneth Rickus site as a key component in their long-term vision for the area along with the representations made in response to the statutory consultation and alternative offer to acquire the site from Brent Council and grant a medium-term lease to Islamia School.  As an alternative, should the decision be made to proceed with the proposed transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation the Board of Trustees advised they would be seeking the opportunity, should the site no longer be required in future for educational purposes, for acquisition, subject to the necessary legal consents being obtained.  In seeking a way forward, it was confirmed that the Board of Trustees remained committed to working collaboratively with the Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation to create a model of co-operation, and to promote and protect faith-based educational provision and community use.

In terms of the position outlined by Zafar Ashraf (on behalf of the Yusuf Islam Foundation), members noted the long running and extensive work undertaken to identify options for future provision of Islamia Primary School (as the only Muslim faith voluntary aided school in the borough) with the proposal, as set out in the report, therefore supported as a viable solution that would meet the needs and approval of key stakeholders.  Whilst aware of issues raised by the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir it was felt that these could be addressed working in collaboration including an invitation for a representative of the Board to join the Schools Governing Body as a Foundation Governor and confirmation that the new premises (subject to approval) would be made available for local community use outside of school hours for which the Foundation would be willing to engage with the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir regarding any needs they may have.

Having sought technical advice and assurance from officers at the meeting regarding the issues raised as part of the representations received and recognising the exhaustive nature of the process undertaken in seeking to identify a suitable site for relocation of the school, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the outcome and analysis from the formal consultation.

(2)       To approve the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2FE school from 1^st September 2027.

(3)       To note that the Gwenneth Rickus site would be transferred into the name of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, who would be required to hold the site for the benefit of the Islamia Primary School. Further details in terms of ownership would be set out in a Trust Deed. This would ensure that the primary school would be protected from eviction in future.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025