Councillor Ajmal Akram
Email: Cllr.Ajmal.Akram@brent.gov.uk
Council: Brent
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Ajmal Akram's council service across 2024 and 2025 reveals a consistent focus on planning, development, and resident concerns, with a marked increase in his active involvement and leadership in the most recent year, 2025.
In 2024, Akram was a vocal participant in discussions surrounding regeneration and planning. He demonstrated a critical eye, questioning the council's capacity for regeneration projects, the procedural handling of recommendations, and the lack of concrete details in regeneration plans. He specifically sought clarity on social housing commitments and expressed concern over stalled schemes. His role as the ward Councillor for Wembley Hill led him to declare personal interests in planning applications, emphasizing his commitment to approaching decisions with an open mind after hearing from residents.
The emphasis shifts significantly to 2025, where Councillor Akram's activity and influence are more pronounced. He was appointed as a full member of the Licensing Committee and, crucially, took on the role of Chair of Wembley Brent Connects in May. His engagement within the Planning Committee was particularly active. Akram demonstrated a proactive approach to scrutinizing development proposals, consistently raising pertinent questions. For instance, in September, he questioned the absence of a noise impact assessment and the rationale behind extended opening hours for an adult gaming center. Later, in November, he voiced concerns regarding communication with the Alstom train care facility and potential parking issues stemming from a car-free development. His specific apprehension about the use of CPZ contributions for highway and parking improvements, due to fears of increased street parking, highlights a deep-seated concern for the practical implications of development on local infrastructure and resident experience.
Key Themes and Priorities: Throughout his service, Akram's core priorities have revolved around ensuring responsible development, scrutinizing planning applications, and advocating for the practical needs and concerns of residents. This includes a focus on infrastructure, parking, and the potential impact of new developments on the local environment and community.
Evolution of Focus: While his foundational interest in planning and development was evident in 2024, 2025 marks a significant evolution towards a more leadership-oriented and detailed engagement. His appointment to the Licensing Committee and Chairmanship of Wembley Brent Connects, coupled with his more frequent and specific questioning of development proposals, indicates a deepening commitment and a desire to actively shape council decisions.
Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years): In 2025, Akram's most significant contributions lie in his active role within the Planning Committee and his leadership as Chair of Wembley Brent Connects. His detailed questioning of development proposals, particularly regarding noise assessments, opening hours, and parking implications, demonstrates a commitment to thorough due diligence and resident welfare. His proactive stance on these issues in 2025 is a clear indicator of his growing influence and dedication.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest: A consistent thread throughout Akram's council service is his meticulous attention to detail in planning and development matters. He consistently seeks clarity, questions justifications, and considers the practical consequences of council decisions on residents. His role as a ward councillor for Wembley Hill has clearly informed his focus on local issues, particularly those related to parking and community impact.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, Councillor Ajmal Akram was actively involved in council proceedings, particularly within the Planning Committee. He was appointed as a full member of the Licensing Committee and took on the role of Chair of Wembley Brent Connects in May. Throughout the year, Akram demonstrated a keen interest in development proposals, notably questioning the lack of a noise impact assessment and the justification for extended opening hours for an adult gaming center in September. He also raised concerns about communication with the Alstom train care facility and potential parking issues near a car-free development in November, specifically questioning the use of CPZ contributions for highway and parking improvements due to worries about increased street parking.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During November 2025, Ajmal Akram participated in the Planning Committee meeting on November 12th. He raised concerns regarding communication with the Alstom train care facility and potential parking issues near a car-free development. Akram specifically questioned the use of the CPZ contribution to improve highways and parking controls, citing worries about increased parking on streets like Torkington Avenue and Point Place.
Meetings in November 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 November 2025 6.00 pm - 12 November 2025
Ajmal Akram, a member of the Planning Committee, raised questions concerning communication with the Alstom train care facility and potential parking issues in the vicinity of the car-free development. He specifically inquired about the possibility of utilizing the CPZ contribution to enhance highways and parking controls in the area, citing concerns about increased parking on nearby streets such as Torkington Avenue and Point Place.
Council - Monday 10 November 2025 6.00 pm - 10 November 2025
There is no record of Ajmal Akram saying or doing anything in the provided minutes for the Council meeting on 2025-11-10.
During the September 10, 2025 Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Ajmal Akram actively questioned the proposal for an adult gaming center. His inquiries focused on the lack of a noise impact assessment, the justification for extended opening hours, and any prior resident complaints regarding noise or anti-social behavior.
Meetings in September 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 10 September 2025 6.00 pm - 10 September 2025
During the Planning Committee meeting on 2025-09-10, Councillor Ajmal Akram raised several pertinent questions regarding the proposed adult gaming center. He specifically inquired about the absence of a noise impact assessment, the rationale behind the proposed late opening hours, and whether any resident complaints concerning noise or anti-social behavior had been received.
Councillor Ajmal Akram was absent from the Planning Committee meeting on August 4, 2025. Councillor Bajwa substituted for him.
Meetings in August 2025
Planning Committee - Monday 4 August 2025 6.00 pm - 4 August 2025
Councillor Ajmal Akram was absent from the Planning Committee meeting on August 4, 2025. Councillor Bajwa substituted for him.
Ajmal Akram had no recorded activity or statements during the July 2025 council meetings.
Meetings in July 2025
Council - Monday 7 July 2025 6.00 pm - 7 July 2025
There is no record of Ajmal Akram speaking or taking any action in the provided transcript for the Council meeting on 2025-07-07.
During June 2025, Councillor Akram attended the Planning Committee meeting on June 11th. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided documents.
Meetings in June 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 11 June 2025 6.00 pm - 11 June 2025
Councillor Akram was present at the Planning Committee meeting on 11 June 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided documents.
During May 2025, Councillor Ajmal Akram was appointed as a full member of the Licensing Committee and also took on the role of Chair of Wembley Brent Connects.
Meetings in May 2025
Licensing Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025 6.00 pm - 21 May 2025
Councillor Ajmal Akram is listed as a member of the Licensing Committee. However, the available documentation does not indicate any specific actions or statements made by him during the meeting.
Annual Council Meeting, Council - Wednesday 14 May 2025 6.00 pm - 14 May 2025
During the Council meeting on 2025-05-14, Councillor Ajmal Akram was appointed as a full member of the Licensing Committee, taking over from Councillor Tony Ethapemi. Additionally, he was appointed as the Chair of Wembley Brent Connects, succeeding Councillor Teo Benea.
During April 2025, Councillor Akram was noted as being present at the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 9th. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Akram in the minutes from this meeting.
Meetings in April 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 9 April 2025 6.00 pm - 9 April 2025
Councillor Akram was present at the Planning Committee meetings on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Akram in the minutes from these meetings.
Ajmal Akram attended the Planning Committee meeting on March 12, 2025. However, there is no record of Councillor Akram speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
Meetings in March 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - 12 March 2025
Ajmal Akram was present at the Planning Committee meeting on March 12, 2025. However, the provided documents do not indicate that Councillor Akram spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Ajmal Akram was a member of the Planning Committee and attended the meeting on February 12, 2025. However, the available documentation does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by Councillor Akram during the meeting.
Meetings in February 2025
Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 February 2025 6.00 pm - 12 February 2025
Ajmal Akram is listed as a member of the Planning Committee. However, the available document (reports pack) does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by Councillor Akram during the meeting.
Throughout 2024, Councillor Ajmal Akram demonstrated active engagement in council meetings, particularly concerning regeneration and planning matters. In April, he raised significant concerns about the delayed installation of cybersecurity software, the procedural nature of responses to CPZ recommendations, and the lack of detail in regeneration plans. He questioned the council's capacity for regeneration projects and sought clarity on social housing commitments, emphasizing the need for specific details on stalled schemes. In May and June, Councillor Akram consistently declared personal interests in planning applications due to his role as the ward Councillor for Wembley Hill, stating he had been contacted by residents but was approaching decisions with an open mind and without prior direct engagement with applicants. His presence was noted at a Pension Board meeting in March, though without specific contributions recorded.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During the June 11, 2024, Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Akram declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4. He noted that as a representative of Wembley Hill ward, he had been contacted by local residents about the application but had not directly engaged with them and had not yet formed a decision. He affirmed that he was attending the committee with an open mind.
Meetings in June 2024
Planning Committee - Tuesday 11 June 2024 6.00 pm - 11 June 2024
Councillor Akram declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4. He stated that as a representative of Wembley Hill ward, he had been contacted by local residents regarding the application but had not engaged directly with them and had not yet come to a decision. He further stated he was attending the Committee with an open mind.
During the May 2024 council meetings, Councillor Ajmal Akram declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4 at the Planning Committee meeting on May 8th, citing his role as the ward Councillor for Wembley Hill. He noted that local residents had contacted him about the application but stated he had not directly engaged with the applicant and was attending the committee with an open mind. There is no record of Ajmal Akram's participation in the Annual Council Meeting on May 22nd.
Meetings in May 2024
Annual Council Meeting, Council - Wednesday 22 May 2024 6.00 pm - 22 May 2024
There is no mention of Ajmal Akram's participation in the Council Budget Setting Minutes from February 29, 2024.
Planning Committee - Wednesday 8 May 2024 6.00 pm - 8 May 2024
Councillor Ajmal Akram declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4 as the ward Councillor for Wembley Hill. He informed the committee that local residents had contacted him regarding the application, but he had not engaged directly with the applicant and had not yet formed a decision. He stated he was attending the committee with an open mind.
During the April 23, 2024, Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Ajmal Akram declared a personal interest in the Regeneration in Brent
agenda item due to his Planning Committee membership. He raised concerns about a substantial delay in cybersecurity software installation until 2025 and called for continued monitoring. Councillor Akram criticized the responses to CPZ recommendations as procedural, arguing they failed to address climate commitments and efficiency. In the Regeneration in Brent
discussion, he noted the high-level nature of the document and lack of detail, questioning the council's capacity for regeneration projects in the current economic climate and the need for strategic reassessment. He confirmed that new units in South Kilburn are at social rent level and sought clarification on the council's ability to enforce social housing commitments, which he understood to be possible via Section 106 agreements. Councillor Akram requested specific details on schemes facing pauses due to financial viability or grant funding, finding the provided information too vague.
Meetings in April 2024
Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 23 April 2024 6.00 pm - 23 April 2024
Councillor Ajmal Akram actively participated in the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee meeting on April 23, 2024. He declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 6 – Regeneration in Brent due to his membership on the Planning Committee.
During discussions on the Recommendations Tracker, Councillor Akram highlighted concerns about a significant delay in cybersecurity software installation until 2025, emphasizing the need for future monitoring. He also critiqued the responses to CPZ recommendations, stating they were procedural rather than addressing the core questions about climate commitments and efficiency.
In the Regeneration in Brent
discussion, Councillor Akram initiated the conversation by noting the high-level nature of the provided document and the lack of detailed appendices. He questioned the council's capacity to deliver regeneration projects amidst the current economic climate and whether a strategic rethink was necessary. He clarified that new units in South Kilburn are all at social rent level. Councillor Akram expressed frustration regarding the division of portfolios and sought clarification on the council's ability to enforce social housing commitments, confirming that this is possible through Section 106 agreements. He requested specific information on which schemes would be paused due to financial viability or grant funding issues, finding the current details too vague.
During March 2024, Councillor Akram was present at the Pension Board meeting on March 25th. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided meeting minutes.
Meetings in March 2024
Pension Board - Monday 25 March 2024 6.00 pm - 25 March 2024
Councillor Akram was present at the Pension Board meeting on 25 March 2024. The provided minutes from the 8 November 2023 meeting do not contain any specific statements or actions attributed to Councillor Akram.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
37 meetings · Page 1 of 8
Planning Committee - Wednesday 14 January 2026 6.00 pm
Extraordinary Council Meeting, Council - Tuesday 13 January 2026 6.00 pm
An extraordinary meeting of the Council was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss the representation of political groups on council committees and to make appointments to these committees. The meeting's agenda was driven by a change in the council's political balance following the resignation of five members from the Labour Group and their subsequent formation of a new Green Party group.
Planning Committee - Wednesday 10 December 2025 6.00 pm
The Brent Council Planning Committee convened to discuss and make decisions on planning applications, with a primary focus on a large residential development. The committee approved the Havenwood Garages redevelopment project, which includes the demolition of existing garages and the construction of 61 new social rent homes, subject to a legal agreement and specific conditions. There were no apologies for absence or other urgent business raised.
Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 November 2025 6.00 pm
The Brent Council Planning Committee convened to discuss two significant planning applications and other routine items. The committee approved plans for Argenta House, a 100% affordable housing development, and also approved a variation to a prior planning permission for a property on Lydford Road.
Council - Monday 10 November 2025 6.00 pm
The Brent Council meeting on 10 November 2025 addressed a range of local issues, including community safety, housing, environmental concerns, and financial planning. Motions were passed regarding bee corridor management, support for free childcare, and reforming the two-child benefit limit, while a motion on affordable housing was defeated. The council also formally adopted the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-28.
Decisions from Meetings
78 decisions · Page 8 of 16
Apologies for absence and clarification of alternative members
From: Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - March 12, 2025
...to note the apologies for absence from Councillor Jayanti Patel and the substitution of Councillor Kansagra.
Recommendations Approved
Any Other Urgent Business
From: Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - March 12, 2025
...to approve the recommendations, noting there was no other urgent business to discuss.
Recommendations Approved
24/3532 - 75 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3ND
From: Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - March 12, 2025
...to grant planning permission for development at 75 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3ND, subject to specified conditions and informatives.
Recommendations Approved
Declarations of interests
From: Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - March 12, 2025
...that members of the Committee who had been approached by the applicant's agent and objectors regarding application 24/0410 confirmed they could consider the application impartially, and no other declarations of interest were made.
Recommendations Approved
24/2624 - 7 Randall Avenue, London, NW2 7RL
From: Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025 6.30 pm - March 12, 2025
...to defer consideration of the application for 7 Randall Avenue due to concerns about the consistency of the submitted drawings with the outline consent and site location plan.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 37
Average per Month: 1.5
Decisions Recorded: 78