Proposals to sell off Cricklewood’s only green space for housing have been criticised by the area’s two Conservative councillors, who are calling for them to be withdrawn.

Under plans put forward by Barnet council, the land in front of B&Q, on Cricklewood Lane, would be sold to developers Pocket Living, to build 42 flats on the site.

In a report, council officers said the site represents a “significant development opportunity”, and that the homes will be affordable, to be sold at 80 per cent of market value. They also claimed the site is currently beset with problems including fly-tipping, rough sleeping and drug use.

More than 275 people have so far signed a petition opposing the development, which was last week criticised as an “absolute outrage” by Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Cohen.

Conservative councillors Shimon Ryde and Peter Zinkin, who both represent Childs Hill alongside Cllr Cohen, have criticised the lack of public consultation about the plans.

In a statement, Cllr Ryde and Cllr Zinkin said: “The green in front of B&Q and the Market Square are important spaces to the Cricklewood and wider communities. It is therefore deeply disturbing to us that item 12 of the forthcoming assets, regeneration and growth committee meeting should be included without proper prior discussion or public notification.

“The principle of a scheme offering affordable homes exclusively to Barnet residents and sold at discount prices is to be welcomed.

“However without further details of the plans and design of this development residents have no opportunity to consider the impact of this scheme on the local environment, particularly on the street market operating in the Town Square in front of the green.”

They said that the report’s description of the green as attracting substance and alcohol misuse, and excessive littering, “shows a lack of appreciation by those who wrote the report and is grossly insensitive to all of us locally who have put so much time and effort in working to keep this area safe and litter free.”

The pair added: “Selling the green and then the developer making a planning application to develop on it before the community has had an opportunity to consider the merits or otherwise of the development is nothing less than putting the cart before the horse.

“For this reason we have asked the chair of the assets, regeneration and growth committee to investigate withdrawing this item from the meeting so that further discussion around the proposal can take place before it comes back to committee.”

Last week, a Barnet council spokesman said: “The council’s assets, regeneration and growth committee will consider a proposal for the disposal in principle of the grassed area in front of B&Q at Cricklewood. There is no intention to sell the recently improved paved area, which will be retained.

“Members of the public have the opportunity to speak at the committee and submit written questions. If the committee agrees the principle of selling the land, the council goes through a statutory process that gives members of the public the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns before a final decision is made.

“The sale would only go ahead if Pocket Living obtains planning consent for its proposal to build affordable homes. There will be full consultation on these proposals before they are considered by the planning committee."

The proposals will be discussed in Hendon Town Hall on Monday, September 7.