I look forward to the next round of consultations on phase one of the massive project that will engulf our lives over the next couple of decades – Brent Cross Cricklewood.

Given the impact it will have, it is important that people are not taken in by the razzmatazz and that they ask searching questions of each application as details are revealed.

We are promised parks and road improvements. Is there still a slice of Clitterhouse playing field for the local school? Are the compensating areas of parkland merely unusable verges? Is the riverside walk so abominable a noise barrier can’t bring it to an acceptable level? Is it explicit that even if we have the same amount of open space (which I doubt), much of it will be lower in quality and expected to serve a vastly increased number of residents?

I will be particularly keen to see if the land in front of B&Q is included. This strip of land, recently regraded to provide an avenue of trees, is destined to have a five-storey building on it, with no means of servicing. No lay-by for ambulances or taxis to pull in or an old peoples’ home. Any building here would increase congestion. The trees seem mighty vulnerable to me. This strip of publicly-owned open space, resolutely overlooked as such in the developers sums has been lumped in with the greater scheme previously so it could not get the scrutiny it deserves. Let us hope it hasn’t been lumped in with ‘new parks and road improvements’.

There was destined to be a pocket-sized park at Cricklewood station but only if the rapid transport bus service is shelved. The original concept of a light rail link to improve public transport was watered down to a bus, and even this is now no longer certain. Providing a turning point at Cricklewood and Brent Cross underground stations was one of the notable improvements to the road network. Will this be included in the proposed works or not? Will the step-free access to Cricklewood station be included? Will we just have the major bridge works and upheaval at Cricklewood Lane?

Will the demolition of housing and removal of the local play spaces off Brent Terrace also be subsumed into the candy-coated presentation. I urge your readers to look carefully and ask questions.

Lesley Turner

Needham Terrace, Cricklewood