Residents in Brent are continuing to oppose plans to build 16 homes on the Granville Recreation Ground in South Kilburn, arguing the community garden that now occupies the site cannot be replaced.
The small green space on Granville Road is included in the approved Hereford House and Exeter Court development, part of the wider South Kilburn Regeneration project. Campaigners say the loss of the garden would damage a well-used local space that supports food growing, learning and community activity.
Brent Council says the scheme will deliver 16 urgently needed four and five-bedroom social rent homes for existing South Kilburn tenants, alongside a new larger Granville Urban Park of around 2,500 square metres.
Campaigners say the space has become vital
The Granville Recreation Ground was once a disused and dilapidated playground. It was rebuilt in 2023, but only after a planning application had already been submitted to Brent Council that included the site in plans for new homes.
The space first opened in 2009 when Granville New Homes were built on Granville Road, replacing what had been lost. But campaigners say there was no money to manage it, and it became overgrown until Granville Community Kitchen stepped in and established the current site.
According to the campaign group, four schools now use the recreation ground to learn about growing and reconnecting with nature. They include St Marylebone CE Bridge School, a special educational needs school.
Leslie Barson, co-founder of Granville Community Kitchen, said: “This small old-growth green space has become even more important in this climate emergency, so of course we need green spaces.”
She also criticised the proposed replacement, saying: “What they are proposing is just laughable as a replacement for this space. The old-growth, it can’t be replaced; it’s not just sanitised, it’s just wrong.”
Campaigners say they are not against new housing in principle. Their objection is to losing a green space they say already serves both existing residents and people moving into the area.
Development is due to start in 2027
Construction has not yet started on the Hereford House and Exeter Court development. The scheme is due to begin in 2027.
The next phase of the South Kilburn Regeneration programme is set to be delivered by Ballymore Group, named as the new single-developer partner for the project.
Those backing the garden say they will continue campaigning to protect the site, which they describe as irreplaceable.
Council says homes and a bigger park are planned
Brent Council says the approved plans are intended to meet housing need in South Kilburn while also creating a new public green space.
A council spokesperson said the development will provide 16 urgently needed four and five-bedroom social rent homes for existing South Kilburn tenants, as well as a new larger Granville Urban Park. The council says the park will include tree and ground planting, play and picnic areas and public seating.
The spokesperson also said the new delivery partner will work with the council to review and refine the existing designs, with further opportunities for residents and community groups to feed into the proposals.
- Site affected: Granville Recreation Ground, Granville Road, South Kilburn
- Planned development: 16 four and five-bedroom social rent homes
- Replacement proposed: Granville Urban Park of around 2,500 square metres
- Project timeline: Hereford House and Exeter Court development due to start in 2027
