The row over a green space near Willesden has seen the nursery accused of a “land grab”
A nursery school in North London has been accused of attempting “a land-grab” over plans to erect a screen on the perimeter fence of a nearby green.
Some local residents claim the plan to give the nursery privacy would instead “block any view” of the open space and “completely destroy” the character of the area.
A petition, which has been signed by around 80 residents, is calling on Brent Council to stop College Green Nursery School in Willesden from “erecting a screen, living wall or any structure on the perimeter fence of College Green” – a patch of open space at the top of College Road. It’s understood that a planning application has not yet been submitted.
The petition claims the move would “block any view of the open space” that has been enjoyed by residents for the last 100 years and “completely destroy the pleasant character of the area”. A local preservation group has accused the nursery of a “betrayal of the trust and hope” built up over decades.
Alongside potentially blocking the view of nearby residents, College Green Preservation Society – which has sought to protect College Green since it was founded in 1988 – claim any screen would also create “a major road safety hazard” at a busy junction nearby.
The petitioner and Chair of College Green Preservation Society, James Hogan, said: “The open space is used by the Scouts and the nursery and has never been part of the nursery’s property. It is an important part of the community and should not be hidden from view by any screen, living wall or any other structure.
“College Green Nursery School has already erected an additional fence across the open field, which is having a negative effect on Scout activities. The open field is not and never has been part of the nursery school property. If the nursery school wants to screen their property that is up to them but they have no right to screen the open field, which does not belong to them and is an open space used by the Scouts, enjoyed by the local residents and is a vital aspect of the character of the area.
“This proposed land-grab is extremely concerning and is a betrayal of the trust and hope of the local residents over many decades that the open space and view would be preserved forever.”
The society also claims that the proposal is a contravention of the protective covenant granted by All Souls’ College, Oxford in 1913 and is part of the deeds of the surrounding houses, which legally protects householders’ rights – including that it cannot be used for any purpose that may cause them nuisance, damage or grievance or depreciate the value of the properties.
College Green Nursery School was approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication. The petition will be presented to Brent Council’s Cabinet at a meeting next week (September 7), where the relevant cabinet member will provide a response.
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