Plans for 47 homes on green space in Brent Cross have been brought forward.

Barnet Council’s planning committee approved the development, part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration scheme, at a meeting in Hendon Town Hall this evening.

Built on the Brent Terrace Triangles – the two plots of land opposite Brent Terrace – by developer Hammerson, it will comprise 36 flats and 11 terraced houses.

Approved in an outline application last July, the work was due to take place at a later stage, but has been brought forward in order to rehouse Whitefield Estate residents displaced as part of the wider regeneration.

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An artist's impression of how the new development will look on Brent Terrace.

Concerns were raised during a public consultation about the loss of green space, which it was argued is “vital” for the community.

Fears were also raised that it could lead to children playing in the road, and about the impact it would have on elderly people reliant on the green spaces to walk their dogs.

Council officers responded that the new Claremont Park and improved Clitterhouse Playing Fields are to be provided early in the first phase of the development, and would be easily accessible.

Members of the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood attended the planning committee to express their concerns.

Lesley Turner said she worried about the character of Brent Terrace being lost, and claimed the developers were “reneging on everything”

She added: “Are we satisfied the officers have had sufficient time to scrutinise this properly? The green open space should be retained.”

Committee members expressed concern about the design of the new housing, compared to the Victorian-style houses of Brent Terrace, with housing in one plot being 3.3m higher than the other side of the road.

Labour councillor Claire Farrier said: “This block does not fit sensitively at all and I think it is going to destroy the character of the area.”

Mike McGuinness, of Hammerson, said he was aware of the concerns, and that “far from the loss” of green space, the regeneration scheme would provide 22 new acres of public open space.

He said: “I want to reaffirm the high quality design of the homes. High quality homes which will be a great place for residents to live.

“We feel that these are buildings that are worthy of the area and it is an important key step.”

The proposals were carried by six to four, with one abstention.