Barnet Council has welcomed a ruling by the High Court that the Brent Cross Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) can proceed.

The High Court turned down an appeal against the CPO by John and Catherine Barker, of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, on Thursday, July 5.

Their land, at Brent Terrace, fell within the area that will be developed at part of the £4.5 billion scheme.

Mr Barker was unhappy with the amount of money he was being offered for the land – a sum of around £5 million.

Sajid Javid, then-secretary of state for department of communities and local government, originally approved the CPO in December last year.

The council claims the Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme will lead to thousands of news homes, substantial commercial and retail space and improved transport links over 151 hectares.

Leader of Barnet Council Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “We welcome the confirmation that the compulsory purchase order should go ahead.

“Brent Cross Cricklewood is an extremely important project that will be transformational creating a new town centre, deliver up to 27,000 jobs, 7,500 new homes, new transport and infrastructure investment, as well as spearheading economic growth in the area.

“We do not use the CPO process lightly, but in this case, we were convinced it was essential for delivery of the scheme. We are pleased that the secretary of state agreed with us, and that the court has upheld this view.”