Protesters gathered support for their campaign against plans to build on green space in Cricklewood today.

More than 20 people, including members of the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Development, waved banners and talked to passers-by about proposals to develop on the land outside B&Q in Cricklewood Lane.

The plans form part of the £4billion Brent Cross regeneration and were granted outline planning permission by Barnet Council three years ago.

In October this year, The Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners submitted a Section 73 application to modify a number of the planning conditions. 

Worried the land could be developed on sooner than they had anticipated, the Coalition group has stepped up its campaign to try and get the council to make a U-turn on its original decision.

Lia Colacicco, a member of the action group, told the Times Series: “It’s completely illogical it’s been wrapped onto plans for this development which is a mile away from this green space.

“It’s a great piece of land for the local community – we have the Silk Road Festival here and there’ll be the Winter Fest coming soon. It needs to be kept for the use of people in the area.”

In separate plans funded by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund, architects have drawn up ideas to enlarge the pavement outside B&Q so that it can be used for a weekend market.

The idea was to create more of a “community feel” in Cricklewood, but campaigners say if the development goes ahead it could jeopardise this.

Ms Colacicco added: “We’re here today because it’s amazing how many local residents don’t actually know about the plans and there’s very little awareness about this green space which could be lost. We want to make as many people aware of the plans as possible.”

In just four days the group has collected more than 150 signatures on a petition calling for the plans to be scrapped. 

Ward councillor for Childs Hill, Jack Cohen, said: “I think Barnet Council has to think again about this part of the Brent Cross development. The green space, in my view, is vital to local people.

“There is a deficit of green space in Cricklewood and I quite understand why local resident are angry about proposals to build over this valuable piece of land.”

To see the plans visit www.brentcrosscricklewood.com or to submit your comments online go to www.barnet.gov.uk before the consultation ends on December 6.