Brent Cross Cricklewood planning proposal: party time for councillors

Barnet Councillors were extraordinarily self-congratulatory after approving the Brent Cross Cricklewood planning proposal. A real party atmosphere! Never mind that they had just voted for the demolition of 217 homes and the decimation of a community of ma

Barnet Councillors were extraordinarily self-congratulatory after approving the Brent Cross Cricklewood planning proposal. A real party atmosphere! Never mind that they had just voted for the demolition of 217 homes and the decimation of a community of many elderly residents who will be forced to leave the area.

Did they actually stop to think about the human cost of the development? Certainly none of them mentioned it during their deliberations. Is this evidence of the more affluent thinking they know what's best for those living in a 'deprived' area of the borough?

The developers have spun a really good story of the huge number of benefits the scheme will have. Whilst some of this may be true, one planning manager recently conceded that 'some sections' of the development area are going to experience worse conditions than currently, but that this had to be weighed against the benefits of the scheme as a whole.

For 'some sections' read most existing residents residing within, or directly next to, the development area!

Barnet planners and councillors knew this, yet they went through the motions of consulting some Cricklewood residents, knowing full well that they wouldn't be listening to them or trying to find a compromise.

Knowing all this Barnet planners recommended approval. Real Democracy is just an inconvenience when so much is at stake.

G EMMANUEL

Brent Terrace, NW2