CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the controversial Brent Cross Cricklewood redevelopment have blasted the decision to allow the project to go ahead.

Members of the coalition for a sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Plan have vowed to continue to their fight against the plans, which have been given the green light by central Government.

Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has decided not to call in the £4.5 billion project, leaving critics claiming authorities have ridden “roughshod” over the widespread public opposition.

A statement from the coalition said they believe by allowing the plans to go ahead, it will “destroy communities and cause great harm to local town centres across north west London and beyond”.

The group's co-ordinatior, Lia Colacicco, said the scheme should have been called in by Mr Pickles on the grounds of the damage it will do to those communities alone.

She added: “The plans are discredited, out-dated and green-washed, with high-rise rabbit-hutch housing of poor environmental standards and a gasifying incinerator as the only supposedly “renewable” energy source.

“This predominantly car-based scheme will exacerbate air pollution at a time when the Government has already been given final notice by the EU for breaching air quality standards, and will also destroy any chance of a sustainable light-rail scheme across this part of outer London.”

Ms Colacicco believes the next step is for the coalition to call for a public inquiry. She said: “This ill-conceived decision by the Secretary of State does not bode well for future planning decisions, and is completely at odds with new Conservative Party policies on planning, and the recent Coalition Government planning statement.

“It rides roughshod over widespread local opposition from tens of thousands of people, which must now be heard at a public inquiry.

“We will continue to fight this regressive, unpopular scheme, to replace it with a sustainable development that meets both 21st century standards and the needs and aspirations of the whole community.”