Purpose

To request authority to approve the submission of an application for grant funding from the Green Roots Fund.

Decision

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning:

i)               Approves the submission of an application for grant funding to the Green Roots Fund in the sum of £339,665.

Reasons for the decision

Officers are seeking approval to submit an application to the Green Roots Fund for the proposed Neasden Green Corridor project, to deliver a connected green corridor linking Neasden Town Centre, the eastern gyratory and routes towards the Brent Reservoir. The project aims to improve access to nature within a polluted urban environment. The project responds directly to longstanding challenges in Neasden related to poor air quality and limited access to high-quality green and blue infrastructure.

Alternative options considered

Without early intervention, there is a risk of missing a critical opportunity to integrate green and blue infrastructure through new investment, and this proposal is complementary and additional to the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme, maximising existing investment by translating strategic green infrastructure ambitions into early, place-based delivery.