BARNET Council has approved an unprecedented two-day hearing for controversial �4.5billion plans for a new town centre in Brent Cross, Cricklewood. The application will now be heard on November 18 and 19 after councillors agreed to suspend the standing or

BARNET Council has approved an unprecedented two-day hearing for controversial �4.5billion plans for a new town centre in Brent Cross, Cricklewood.

The application will now be heard on November 18 and 19 after councillors agreed to suspend the standing orders to allow the extended hearing.

It is now expected to be similar to Camden's two-day hearing for the large King's Cross development.

The council wanted to give more people the opportunity to speak at the meeting, which has been delayed several times already.

The plans for a new town centre would eventually create 27,000 jobs, 7,500 homes, three schools, new health facilities, parks and open spaces, and invest more than �400million in transport.

The acting chairwoman of the planning committee Cllr Maureen Braun said: "We recognise that there is growing public interest in this complex application, and that we need to allow more members of the public to give their views to the planning committee.

"Such a special meeting is unprecedented in Barnet and shows the importance we attach to both the proposals put forward and to proper public involvement and transparency in the debate about the scheme.