Brent Council is seeking funding to review its local plan, a document that guides development and land use in the borough. The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee discussed the review, highlighting challenges and opportunities amid a growing population, the cost of living crisis, and climate change.
Councillor Benaiah introduced the item, emphasising the plan's role in supporting government growth ambitions while addressing local priorities. He noted the plan must align with the London Plan.
Alice, whose last name was not provided, added to the discussion, stating that the council faces challenges in getting anything built at the moment, and that the council is trying to balance those challenges with the need to have a framework in place to get things delivered on site.
Councillor Rita Conneely, Chair of the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, questioned the lessons learned from the current local plan, both in areas of success and underperformance.
David, whose last name was not provided, acknowledged a recent drop in housing delivery, saying the council needs to examine how to make schemes viable in the current environment. He suggested considering taller buildings or a different mix of homes.
Ken, whose last name was not provided, noted that new fire safety regulations, particularly the requirement for two staircases in buildings over 18 metres, have significantly impacted development viability.
Councillor Mary Mitchell inquired about renovation as an alternative to new builds. David responded that the policies cover all development types, including renovation and property extensions.
Councillor Shah asked if the local plan would balance new builds with investment in existing infrastructure. Paul, whose last name was not provided, responded that the council will produce an infrastructure delivery plan, funded by development income through levies and obligations.
Councillor Paul Lorber, Leader of Liberal Democrats Group, raised concerns about the plan's name, given external factors influencing the council. He also questioned the quality of life for residents and the impact of tall buildings.
David responded that housing numbers are based on assessed needs, and the council aims to provide good quality homes.
Councillor Liz Dixon expressed concern about meeting affordable housing targets and asked about targeted mechanisms to increase delivery. David responded that the council is looking at the threshold approach that the Mayor of London has, which says that you do not have to undertake a financial viability appraisal of the scheme itself if you are over a certain proportion of affordable housing. He added that the council is also looking at what intermediate housing products are out there.
Councillor Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam, Chief Whip to Labour Group, asked how the council will address the mix of housing, including three-plus bedroom homes, while balancing the viability and affordable housing targets. David responded that the council has a policy that sets out the circumstances in which houses in multiple occupation are acceptable.
Councillor Rita Conneely, Chair of the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, asked what the alternative approaches and opportunities are for delivering affordable housing. Alice responded that the council is doing everything it can to facilitate confidence and the attraction, and to make it as simple as it can.
Councillor Mary Mitchell asked how the council will address climate change in the local plan. Jerry responded that the council will be looking at things like shading, flooding, drought, and keeping places warm.
Councillor Anthony Molloy hoped the review would address mutually antagonistic policies.
Councillor Mary Mitchell asked how the council will safeguard green space, particularly in high-density areas. Jerry responded that the council will protect open space and look to incorporate open space within development.
Councillor Liz Dixon asked how the council will update policies to manage the over-concentration of gambling establishments in the town centre. Jerry responded that the council wants to take a more robust line on it.
Councillor Saqib Butt asked how the council will strengthen policies to ensure developments continue to deliver well-paid employment and apprenticeships for Brent residents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. David responded that the council already does really well at that.
Councillor Liz Dixon asked how the council will capture the objections from the community and from the residents. Paul responded that the council will be using an application called commonplace, which allows people to identify on a map what they like about an area, what the problems are about it, and what policies they think could help improve that area.
Councillor Rita Conneely, Chair of the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, asked what the plans are in terms of funding the local plan. Paul responded that there is not a pot that gets set aside for the local plan review, and that the council will be going to cabinet to ask for funding for it.
The committee also confirmed the establishment of a budget scrutiny task group to review the council's financial proposals.