The Brent Council Planning Committee met on Monday to discuss planning applications for a student accommodation complex, a house in multiple occupation (HMO), and house extension. The committee approved all three applications, with the student accommodation decision generating the most debate.

Matalan Discount Club, Cricklewood Broadway

The committee approved the demolition of the Matalan Discount Club building and the construction of two buildings, ranging from three to nine storeys, to create student accommodation. The development will have 826-bed spaces, two commercial units, a landscaped courtyard, and a pedestrian street.

The approval is subject to referral to the Mayor of London and a Section 106 agreement¹ to secure planning obligations, including:

• 35% of the student accommodation being affordable
• a nominations agreement with higher education providers
• training and employment opportunities for Brent residents
• contributions towards carbon offsetting and healthy streets

During the meeting, Ben Tansley, representing the Northwest 2 Residents Association, raised concerns about the scale of the development, arguing that the nine-storey frontage on Cricklewood Broadway was excessive and out of character for the area. He stated that the local plan favours development of the site, but that it says heights of up to five storeys will be appropriate.

Mark Pender, the applicant's planning consultant, said the consented residential scheme was no longer viable due to increased construction and financing costs. He stated that the new proposal was policy compliant, with 35% of rooms being affordable, and that it had green credentials, including landscaping and a biodiversity net gain.

Committee members questioned the need for student accommodation, its impact on the private rental sector, and whether the development would maximise benefits for Brent. Councillor Liz Dixon said she did not feel that student accommodation is a public benefit.

Officers responded that the development would contribute towards housing targets, regenerate an underutilised site, and provide economic benefits. They also clarified that student accommodation is assessed on a London-wide need, rather than a Brent-specific need.

Balmoral Road, Willesden

The committee approved the conversion of a two-storey house at 81 Balmoral Road into a seven-bedroom, eight-person HMO. The plans also include a rear dormer extension, front roof lights, a new boundary treatment, landscaping, and cycle and refuse storage.

The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure a £4,500 contribution for a bike hangar in the area.

During the meeting, Tanya Payne, speaking on behalf of local residents, objected to the HMO proposal, citing concerns about noise nuisance, antisocial behaviour, and waste management. She also said that the HMO concentration diagram didn't count 10 properties in each direction, and that the Brent data is understating it because the additional licensing system is not operating at the moment.

Councillor Long, a ward councillor, also objected, raising concerns about the overabundance of HMOs in Willesden Green and the impact on the community.

Peter Lee, the applicant, said the proposal would provide high-quality accommodation and that a professional HMO management company would run the property.

Committee members questioned the number of HMOs in the area and the impact on the supply of family housing. Officers responded that the proposal met HMO standards, and that checks had been done to ensure there was not an overconcentration of HMOs in the area.

Chevening Road, London

The committee approved a single-storey side-to-rear extension, a basement extension with lightwells, and the replacement of windows at 82 Chevening Road.

Alistair Newton, the agent, said the application followed a previous planning consent and had been adjusted to reduce its scale and remain in keeping with local guidance.

Officers confirmed that the development was similar to others in the area and that they were happy with the assessment.