The Brent Council’s cabinet will assess Neasden Temple’s application to rename part of Meadow Garth to Pramukh Swami Road, it emerged on Wednesday 7th October.
According to Harrow Times, some Representatives from Brentfield Primary School have flagged up concerns that any change would split its address and suggested it “does not reflect our community or the school community”. The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority have also raised concerns around the spelling and pronunciation of the proposed new name which “could cause confusion and possible delay in the event of an emergency”.
Brent Council officers have reportedly acknowledged these concerns and said councillors would make a “finely balanced decision” given the positive impact of the mandir on the Borough.
The report stated, “The temple is an important asset to Brent, both for residents and as a visitor attraction.
“Although the rationale for applying for the name change has not been clearly set out in the application, it is important to recognise the desire of the temple to have a street presence which reflects its culture and that of its thousands of attendees and visitors.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was president of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) movement, which considered him to be the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan. He died in 2016 aged 94.
