North London Park Housing Deal Branded a Joke Over £200k Sum

A deal might let houses be built on a London park. The deal involves changing a legal agreement, and some people think the deal is bad. Critics say council members might break promises.

Five Brent Council members manage Barham Park. They might agree to a deal with a funfair owner and developer. The current agreement stops more park homes.

In June 2023, a plan was approved to replace two homes with four new ones. George Irvin, who owns the funfair, is the developer. His company, Zenaster Properties, will carry out the plan.

The Barham Park Trust, which includes five councilors, wants to drop the rules. The councilors involved are Muhammed Butt, Mili Patel, Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Harbi Farah, and Krupa Sheth. The council says this change will generate money for park upkeep.

The park had two houses for its workers, built in the 1960s. These houses lost their purpose in the early 2000s when a company managed all parks. Mr. Irvin bought the houses in 2011, knowing more building was restricted.

This plan has angered locals and councilors. Paul Lorber, a local councilor, called the plan a “joke.” Lorber told a news service that the offer is bad and that “the agreement shouldn’t change.” Councilors earlier promised less building on the park. The developer knew the rules, said Lorber.

The Trust received advice stating that lifting the rules raises land value. Lorber says the park gets too little money, even though the land value would increase by a million. Lorber is suspicious of the decision and believes Brent councilors should keep promises, adding that he is against building on the park.

In 2023, a plan for four homes was approved, but building is currently blocked by an agreement. The council states the sum is market value and aids the Trust’s funds. Legally, the Trust can change the rules.

The report claims the change is in the Trust’s best interest, helping them reach their goals and securing the best deal available, while following charity law. The council claims the park will benefit, and locals will benefit from park upgrades. Experts said £200,000 is the agreement’s market value, with Monday’s meeting set to make a final decision.