Burnt Oak Broadway Developer Fails to Plant Trees

Residents in Queensbury Ward have voiced their discontent over a long-standing breach of planning conditions linked to the 2011 development of Callier House on Burnt Oak Broadway. The heart of the issue lies in the unfulfilled requirement for the developer to plant 11 trees along the pavement, a condition of the planning approval.

At a Brent Council meeting on Monday, Councillor Jayanti Patel questioned Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, about the lack of progress on this matter.

According to the Public Reports Pack, the tree planting was a legally binding condition of the planning approval, intended to maintain the Broadway's tree-lined character and ensure the development contributed positively to the local environment.

Councillor Benea responded that the developer was unable to plant the trees due to the presence of underground services beneath the footway. While the specific nature of these services was not detailed, their presence made the original planting location unfeasible. He assured the council that the developer, Peabody and Byond Homes, has agreed to make a financial contribution to the council to cover the cost of planting trees elsewhere in the local area.

Councillor Patel also inquired about why a building control certificate was issued despite the breach of planning conditions and what steps would be taken to ensure compliance. Councillor Benea clarified that the Building Regulations process is separate from the planning process and that Building Control authorities do not have the power to withhold a Completion Certificate for non-compliance with planning conditions.

Councillor Benea stated that the council faces resource constraints in routinely monitoring compliance with every planning condition. However, he affirmed the council's commitment to upholding high standards across the borough and investigates potential breaches in line with the Planning Enforcement Policy. The council will continue to take proportionate and transparent action to secure compliance where necessary.