The Planning Committee of Brent Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted permission for the demolition of the existing pavilion in King Edward VII Park and its replacement with a new building for Stonebridge Boxing Club, and also approved the demolition of a dwellinghouse at 26 Salmon Street to allow for the construction of a new residential building containing 13 flats.

King Edward VII Park Pavilion

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing pavilion in King Edward VII Park and the erection of a new single-storey building for Stonebridge Boxing Club (SBC). The new facility will include a gym, physio facilities, changing rooms, an office, and a café.

During the discussion, Mr Aamir Ali, manager of Stonebridge Boxing Club, explained the club's history and its importance in providing a positive outlet for young people and the wider community. He highlighted the club's need for a permanent home and their willingness to open the facilities to other community groups. Councillors raised questions about the project's delivery, sustainable transport, membership retention, fees, park lighting, and potential anti-social behaviour. Officers clarified that the building's design would incorporate security measures and that the club's presence would likely deter anti-social behaviour. Concerns about the loss of open space were addressed by noting the relatively small percentage of the park affected and the significant community benefits the new facility would provide. The committee unanimously approved the recommendation to grant planning permission.

26 Salmon Street Development

The committee also granted planning permission for the demolition of the dwellinghouse at 26 Salmon Street and the construction of a part three and four-storey building containing 13 new residential units, including four family-sized homes. The proposal also includes seven car parking spaces, 24 cycle parking spaces, refuse storage, and private and communal amenity space.

Objectors, including residents of Salmon Street, raised concerns about the development's scale, density, impact on the street's character, privacy, natural light, traffic congestion, parking, and potential for anti-social behaviour, citing issues at a nearby development, Krishna Court. They proposed a less dense development of townhouses instead. The applicants' architect, Kieran Stephen, and planning consultant, Ben Thomas, presented the scheme, highlighting its high-quality design, energy efficiency measures, biodiversity net gain, and compliance with amenity standards. They also detailed the financial viability assessment which concluded that on-site affordable housing was not viable, leading to a £41,000 payment in lieu contribution towards off-site affordable housing.

Councillors discussed the development's height and massing in relation to the local context, the provision of affordable housing, the quality of amenity spaces, and potential impacts on neighbouring properties. Officers confirmed that while the development was taller than some surrounding properties, it was considered acceptable due to the site's corner plot location, the design's stepping down towards neighbouring properties, and the overall benefits of providing new homes. The financial viability assessment and the resulting contribution were also discussed.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant planning permission with five votes in favour, one against, and one abstention. The member who voted against cited concerns about parking shortfalls and lack of amenity space, while the abstaining member highlighted the absence of on-site affordable housing and the perceived lack of benefit to local residents.