This week in Brent:

Licence Application for Craven Park Local Sparks Debate Over Cumulative Impact

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday 12 January 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Craven Park Local, located at 28 Craven Park Road, NW10 4AB. Link to the meeting The application, which sought permission for the supply of alcohol and extended opening hours, was particularly contentious because it falls within the Harlesden Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). This means there is a presumption against granting new licences unless applicants can prove they won't negatively affect existing licensing objectives.

The report pack highlighted that a similar application by the same applicant, Mr Sathiaseelan Easwarakumar, was refused in June 2024. Representations were received from the Licensing Police, Licensing Officers, and Councillor Matt Kelcher, Chair of the Planning Committee. The police raised concerns about the area's high crime rate and anti-social behaviour, arguing that another off-licence would worsen these issues and undermine the purpose of the CIZ. The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, noting the prevalence of alcohol-related crime and street drinking.

Councillor Kelcher specifically pointed out that the applicant's assertion that the licence would be unlikely to add to cumulative impact already experienced in the area did not meet the policy requirement of would not add impact. The applicant's agent, The Licensing Guys, had sought to address the police's concerns with potential conditions. The proposed operating schedule included measures like CCTV, staff training, and a Challenge 25 policy. However, the evidence presented suggested that the potential for increased alcohol-related harm, particularly for vulnerable residents, was a significant concern for objectors.

Council Navigates Political Realignment After Green Group Formation

Brent Council held an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to formally address changes in its political composition and the subsequent reallocation of seats on council committees. Link to the meeting This follows the resignation of five councillors from the Labour Group, who have now formed a new Green Party group. The shift necessitates a review of committee allocations to ensure political balance, as mandated by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989¹.

The council's new political makeup is:

• Labour Group: 42 councillors (73.68%)
• Conservative Group: 6 councillors (10.53%)
• Green Party: 5 councillors (8.77%)
• Liberal Democrats Group: 3 councillors (5.26%)
• Independent: 1 councillor (1.75%)

This redistribution will affect the allocation of 38 ordinary committee seats. The proposed breakdown sees the Labour Group retaining the majority with 28 seats, while the Conservative Group and the new Green Party group will each be allocated 4 seats. The Liberal Democrats Group will have 2 seats. This change ensures that the council's decision-making bodies reflect the diverse political landscape of the borough, promoting transparency and accountability. The Green Party group will also now be designated as the second Opposition Group for the purposes of the Members Allowance Scheme.

Planning Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 14 January 2026 was cancelled. Link to the meeting No further information is available regarding the reasons for the cancellation or any rescheduled date.

Other Matters

• The Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Key topics include tackling poverty in Brent, with a focus on cost-of-living support and child poverty alleviation, as well as an update on emergency planning and the implementation of recommendations from the Casey Review following major events at Wembley Stadium. Link to the meeting
• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. The agenda includes a review of political group representation on council committees and sub-committees, and appointments to various sub-committees and outside bodies, following the recent formation of the Green Party group. Link to the meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Discussions will cover the Q3 financial forecast, treasury management, digital transformation plans, the expansion of SEND provision, and the procurement outcome for the South Kilburn District Heat Network. Link to the meeting
• The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. The committee will examine anti-social behaviour in the borough, review the council's work programme, and consider findings from scrutiny task groups on kerbside management and the budget. Link to the meeting

This week in Brent:

O'Bombeiro Licence Application Cancelled Amidst Safety Concerns

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a crucial application to vary the premises licence for O'Bombeiro, a restaurant at 25 Park Parade, NW10 4JG. However, the meeting was ultimately cancelled. Link to the meeting

The application sought to remove a condition imposed after a previous review, which restricted the use of the back room to sit-down dining only, prohibiting other attractions. This condition was put in place following serious drug-related incidents and anti-social behaviour in that area of the restaurant.

Both the Police and the Licensing Authority had lodged strong objections to the removal of this condition. Their concerns were rooted in the belief that removing it would undermine efforts to prevent crime and disorder, ensure public safety, and avoid public nuisance. The Police highlighted that since the condition was imposed, there had been no reported incidents of drugs or anti-social behaviour in the back room, suggesting its effectiveness. The Licensing Authority also pointed to a recent Fixed Penalty Notice served on O'Bombeiro for breaching a noise abatement notice, further underscoring their worries about potential disturbances.

The original decision to impose the condition in May 2023 was made in response to serious drug-related problems and a focus on the rear area of the restaurant, which was not visible from the front. The Sub-Committee at that time also noted concerns about the licence holder's failure to notify the police of problems at the premises. The cancellation of this week's meeting means the status quo remains, with the restrictive condition still in place.

Council Faces Political Reshuffle as New Green Group Emerges

Brent Council is set for a significant political reshuffle following the resignation of five councillors from the Labour Group, who have now formed a new Green Party group. This change in the council's political composition necessitates a review of how seats are allocated on various committees. Link to the meeting

Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989¹, councils must ensure that the political balance of their committees reflects the overall composition of the council. With the new Green Party group now established, the allocation of 38 ordinary committee seats will be revised. The proposed new distribution sees the Labour Group retaining the majority with 28 seats, while the Conservative Group and the new Green Party group will each be allocated 4 seats. The Liberal Democrats Group will have 2 seats.

This shift will also impact the designation of the second Opposition Group, with the Green Party group now taking on this role, replacing the Liberal Democrats. The implications of these changes will be felt across various scrutiny committees and other council bodies, ensuring that the diverse political voices within Brent are represented in decision-making processes.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the meeting
• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the meeting
• The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Link to the meeting

This week in Brent:

Londis Licence Sparks Fears of Increased Anti-Social Behaviour

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider a new premises licence application for a Londis store at 152-154 Church Road, NW10 9NH. Link to the meeting The decision could have significant implications for the local community, particularly vulnerable residents, due to concerns about increased alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour. No video was provided for this meeting.

Cumulative Impact Zone Concerns

The proposed Londis location falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), where the council's Statement of Licensing Policy presumes against granting new licenses that could worsen existing problems. Rhea Vagarwal, Licensing Enforcement Officer, submitted a representation stating that granting the application is likely to be detrimental to the licensing objectives.

Applicant's Track Record Questioned

Ms. Vagarwal also noted that Shivanthakumar Bastianpulle, the applicant, holds a licence for Shop 4 You, located nearby at 148 Church Road. A recent police visit to Shop 4 You found Mr. Bastianpulle in breach of a licence condition requiring a fluent English speaker to supervise alcohol sales.

Proposed Measures

Mr. Bastianpulle stated that the Londis supermarket will be an upmarket store with quality products and proposed measures such as a till prompt system for ID checks, restrictions on alcohol strength, and CCTV.

Police Object to Birthday Party Over Safety Fears

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee also met to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application for The Clay Oven at 197 Ealing Road, Wembley, HA0 4LW. Link to the meeting The Metropolitan Police have objected to the application, raising serious concerns about public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder. No video was provided for this meeting.

Previous Event Chaos

PC Brendon MCINNES, Licensing Constable for Brent Licensing Team, cited a previous TEN granted to Mr. Neal Khanna, the applicant, on 23 November 2025, which resulted in significant disruption, a fight, and overcrowding.

Security informed police of a fight taking place and that they had lost control to the entrance of the venue where guests were trying to rush past the security to gain entry. This started crushing other guests.

PC MCINNES reported that police had to implement a temporary road closure on Ealing Road and request additional resources to manage the situation.

Management Concerns

PC MCINNES expressed scepticism about the claim that the event is a birthday party with 400 guests and raised concerns that the management team cannot run the event safely.

Police have no confidence that the management can run the event safely. The actions of the management team resulted in a number of fights breaking out. Disorder on the streets and causing a nuisance to the public. This also put a drain on police resources. This also posed a risk to the general public as this incident could have resulted in a similar incident as the O2 Academy Brixton in 2022.

This week in Brent:

Homelessness Crisis Deepens Despite New Strategy

Brent Council's cabinet has adopted a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031, but the scale of the challenge is daunting. Link to the meeting With over 170 households approaching the council as homeless each week and 3,500 children in temporary accommodation, the strategy faces an uphill battle.

Key Strategy Commitments

• Understanding homelessness
• Preventing homelessness
• Affordable supply of housing
• Good quality, affordable temporary accommodation for short spells
• Partnership working

The Reality on the Ground

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, painted a stark picture:

Homelessness is one of the most significant challenges affecting local authorities in the UK, including Brent. Every week, over 170 households approach the Council as homeless. There are currently 2,400 households and 3,500 children in temporary accommodation. 20 new households enter temporary accommodation each week.

The strategy acknowledges the need for the council to advocate for government policy and funding changes to address the root causes of the crisis.

Secure Cycle Parking Expansion Approved Amidst High Demand

The cabinet has approved a £1.5 million contract to expand secure cycle parking across the borough, a move welcomed by residents but highlighting the existing shortfall. Link to the meeting Over 1,200 residents are currently awaiting a space in a bike hangar¹, demonstrating the growing demand for sustainable transport options.

Benefits Beyond Cycling

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, emphasized the wider community benefits:

...increasing access to secure cycle parking, encouraging active travel, reducing transport costs for residents, supporting health and wellbeing, and contributing to the borough's climate and environmental commitments.

The contract will utilize £650,000 of NCIL² funding for 2025/26, demonstrating the council's commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports active travel.

Council Tax Base Calculated for 2026/27

The General Purposes Committee has calculated the council tax base for 2026/27, a crucial step in setting the budget for the upcoming year. Link to the meeting This decision directly impacts the amount of revenue the council can raise from residents to fund essential services.

Key Figures

• The committee agreed to a collection rate of 97.0%.
• The approved council tax base for 2026/27 is 110,475 Band D equivalent properties.

Council tax represents a significant portion of the council's core funding, making this calculation a critical factor in delivering services.

Havenwood Garages Redevelopment Plan on the Table

The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for the redevelopment of the Havenwood Garages site in Wembley. Link to the meeting The proposal involves demolishing existing garages and constructing five residential blocks with 61 new homes for social rent.

Key Considerations

• The proposed mix of homes includes a range of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units.
• The scheme also includes landscaping, cycle parking, and refuse stores.
• Five public objections were received, raising concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties.

The Head of Planning recommended that the committee grant planning permission subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations.

North West London Health Committee Discusses Key Issues

The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss urgent and emergency care, primary care access, continuing healthcare criteria, and special educational needs continence services. Link to the meeting These discussions are crucial for ensuring that residents have access to high-quality healthcare services.

Key Topics

• Implementation of the Same Day Access Model in Primary Care
• Application of the Continuing Health Care Criteria
• SEN Continence Service

The committee also reviewed its recommendations tracker and work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year.

Other Matters

• The cabinet approved the direct award of the Integrated Treatment Recovery Wellbeing and Substance Misuse Service to VIA Community Ltd for a period of three years. Link to the meeting
• The cabinet noted the progress in developing and embedding enhanced arrangements for corporate performance reporting along with the Borough Plan 2025-26 performance reporting for Q2. Link to the meeting

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below.

• The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Londis supermarket on Church Road. Link to the meeting
• The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application and related representations. Link to the meeting