Residents and activists protested in Colindale to mark the beginning of the second public inquiry into the West Hendon regeneration yesterday.

Members of Barnet Housing Action held a 60ft banner, which said “PUBLIC HOUSING NOT PRIVATE PROFIT” outside the RAF Museum on Grahame Park Way before the inquiry began.

The inquiry is looking into the council’s use of CPOs (compulsive purchase orders) which will mean West Hendon estate residents may be forced to sell their homes to make way for new flats.

A statement from Barnet Housing Action said: “Residents have led a persistent campaign to defend their homes and community from demolition and retain the public land, but Barnet Council refused to listen to its own residents, ignored the previous inquiry and opted for dissemination of the community and for social cleansing.”

The first inquiry, which ended in January 2015, was overseen by inspector Zoe Hill and heard evidence from developers, councillors, architects and tenants.

Concerns were raised about affordable housing, CPOs, the use of non-secure tenancies and the lack of suitable consultation with residents.

In November 2015, however, the decision was made to confirm the CPOs, allowing Barnet Council to take possession of 34 leaseholder properties on the estate.

Leader of Barnet Council Richard Cornelius said: “The Secretary of State confirmed the first CPO last year and this second CPO will allow us to get on with the next stage of the scheme.

“We are particularly looking forward to explaining, through our evidence to the inquiry, how important it is that the regeneration of the estate continues through to completion.

“This regeneration project represents part of our commitment to transform seven estates in the borough and provide Barnet residents with the high quality homes they deserve.”

The inquiry takes place at the RAF Museum in Colindale until Friday, 7th April.