THE huge redevelopment of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area has been approved by the Mayor of London. Boris Johnson approved the �4.5million scheme on Friday (March 12) and was immediately slammed by campaigners who are opposed to the plans. Members of th

THE huge redevelopment of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area has been approved by the Mayor of London.

Boris Johnson approved the �4.5million scheme on Friday (March 12) and was immediately slammed by campaigners who are opposed to the plans.

Members of the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Plan have opposed the scheme for what they say are numerous failings in protecting the local community.

Co-ordinator Lia Colacicco said: "We are not surprised that Boris Johnson has approved the Brent Cross application, but the complacency of his statement is breathtaking given the huge opposition to the scheme by residents in Barnet and neighbouring boroughs, the objections of Camden and Brent Councils and the potential catastrophic impact of the scheme.

"In doing so he has broken his own manifesto commitments on carbon reduction, affordable homes, protecting small shops and environmentally friendly housing. He has betrayed tens of thousands of north-west London residents. Boris isn't the people's Mayor, he's the shopping mall, car-supporting, incinerator and tower block Mayor."

On Friday (March 12) the mayor gave his approval and sent out a statement on the scheme.

He said: "This is another great example of pushing ahead with major development and infrastructure improvements to create jobs, and boost the capital's economic growth, while transforming the quality of life of thousands of Londoners. The scheme will bring a new vitality to a part of the capital in need of regeneration."

The campaigners are now calling on Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, to call-in the application for a public inquiry.