Brent Cross Cricklewood decision set to be delayed again (From Times Series)
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Plans drawn up for two-day hearing over Brent Cross plans
8:56am Thursday 15th October 2009 in News
Brent Cross Cricklewood decision set to be delayed again
THE decision over the future of the controversial £4.5bn Brent Cross Cricklewood project could be postponed yet again, according to Barnet Council.
Plans have been drawn up to scrap next Tuesday's scheduled meeting and hold an “unprecedented” two-day review in mid-November, to allow everyone registered to speak a chance to do so.
Campaigners against the scheme had previously criticised the council for scheduling the decision on the project, the most expensive in the history of north west London.
Councillor Maureen Braun, who will chair the committee said: “I am committed to ensuring that the widest possible range of views is heard..
“We have had a great many submissions form the public covering a wide range of issues and I am keen that everyone has a chance to make their voice heard.
“Such a meeting is unprecedented in Barnet and shows the importance we attach to both the proposals put forward and to proper public involvement and transparency in the debate about the scheme.”
In order for this to happen the committee will have to sit next week and agree to defer the decision, which was originally scheduled to be made in September.
A full council meeting on November 3 will then have to agree to suspend the committee's rules and regulations to allow the extended hearing, which would be held in the week commencing November 16.
More soon.
Ali H. says...
11:14am Thu 15 Oct 09
But it's still the case that the Council is not and cannot be objective, unbiased or knowledgeable on the Brent X project. Several councillors are, for example, completely confused about the impact of the proposed gasifiying incinerator and its emissions. And, only one developer has submitted plans: where are the true regeneration experts, rather than the builders of shopping centres?
What's needed is a proper public enquiry under the auspices of independent, objective experts who will allow a fair hearing to all and make a properly informed judgement.
Barnet need to get back to putting the Community first, rather than sheer commercial interest.