Government go-ahead for Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme
Susanna Wilkey THE controversial �4.5billion Brent Cross Cricklewood development has today been given the green light by the government. In a letter to Barnet Council the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles said he will n
Susanna Wilkey
THE controversial �4.5billion Brent Cross Cricklewood development has today been given the green light by the government.
In a letter to Barnet Council the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles said he will not call the scheme in for a public inquiry.
It states that "having carefully considered (the) planning issues raised by the proposal together with all representations received and having regard to his policy on call in, it has been concluded that the Secretary of State's intervention would not be justified."
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Campaigners, who believe the development will destroy communities and cause great harm to local town centre, are hugely disappointed with the decision but have vowed to fight on.
Lia Colacicco, from the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Redevelopment, said: "It is not the end but we are very disappointed because it met all the criteria for a call-in.
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"The first phase of development is the incinerator, the shopping centre and road widening and when that starts I think public opinion will really turn against the scheme.
"It fulfilled all the criteria for a call-in and it seems to be a political decision rather than one based on the criteria it should be. This development will have a huge impact all over northwest London in Barnet, Brent and Camden."
The scheme will deliver 7,500 homes, 27,000 jobs, three schools, a new train station, a new bus station, six bridges and a new open space.
Jonathan Joseph, from the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners, said: "The decision from the government is an important milestone towards delivering the lasting regeneration of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area.
"There was cross party support for the application from Barnet Council, a strong endorsement of the plans from the Mayor of London and now the Government has given the green light as well.
"The reasons for this are clear - the fantastic benefits the regeneration will bring to local people in an area crying out for new investment and the careful planning that will ensure it is delivered in a safe and sustainable way."
Work is due to start on the scheme in 2014. For more information visit www.brentcrosscricklewood.com.
