OPPONENTS to the controversial �5billion Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme are celebrating this week after the government stalled the proposals. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government John Denham has issued a stop notice on the scheme, givin

OPPONENTS to the controversial �5billion Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme are celebrating this week after the government stalled the proposals.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government John Denham has issued a stop notice on the scheme, giving himself more time to decide whether to call-in the development for a public inquiry.

Member of the Coalition against the scheme are over the moon with his decision, particularly as the scheme was rubber stamped by London Mayor Boris Johnson on Friday.

Coordinator Lia Colacicco said: "Hopefully the Secretary of State's next move is to call a public inquiry immediately so that these disastrous plans can undergo full public scrutiny.

"We were hoping that John Denham would stop this dinosaur of a development. He has much broader powers than the Mayor: it could be called in on several criteria, but in particular because its effects go far beyond the immediate area, local people don't want it in this form, and because it is completely unsustainable in terms of traffic, housing, and the environment."

The scheme, which covers 150 hectares of land in Barnet bordering Golders Green and West Hampstead, was granted outline planning permission by Barnet Council in November.

The developer says it understands the need for the government to take sufficient time to consider the application which is one of the largest and most complex in the UK.

Jonathan Joseph from the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners said: "A huge amount of careful work has been undertaken to create a truly exemplary scheme that will achieve the lasting regeneration of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area. We await the government's decision in due course.

Barnet Council's planning boss Cllr Melvin Cohen said: “This is the largest single planning scheme in London so it is perfectly understandable that the Government office for London should ask for more time to consider the application.”