Planning authority approves regeneration scheme

Councillors have approved plans for one of London's biggest ever regeneration schemes, which will provide 27,000 jobs and 7,500 new homes at Brent Cross Cricklewood. The £4.5 billion regeneration is designed to create a new gateway to the capital and a vibrant new urban quarter in Barnet.

Barnet's local planning authority resolved to grant outline planning permission to partners, Brookfield Europe, Hammerson and Standard Life Investments, who intend to develop the 250 acre site over the next 20 years.

The decision was welcomed by Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Mike Freer, who said: "I am pleased that the committee resolved to grant outline planning permission, and over the next few years we look forward to working with our development partners to deliver good infrastructure, quality homes, a new town centre and a vibrant, sustainable community.

"This is a once in a generation opportunity to secure significant investment in a part of our Borough that needs a major boost. It will enable us to deliver our policy of creating successful suburbs, while at the same time safeguarding the environment."

The site is seen as one of the key opportunity areas and regeneration schemes in North London . At present, it is poorly planned and does not work well for residents or visitors. Major road routes cut areas off from each other, there are few community facilities, and open spaces are poorly landscaped and lacking in facilities.

The regeneration scheme was drawn up following extensive community consultation, and the decision to approve it follows two evenings of debate at a special Planning and Environment Committee. The plans will now be considered by the Mayor of London and Government Office London, as they are considered of strategic significance to the capital.

The developers say the scheme will bring about the largest investment in transport infrastructure and community facilities in the area's history. In total, nearly £1bn (£964m) will be spent, including:

More than £500m of investment in transport, and £189m on environmental measures

£200m for road improvements including around £50m at Staples Corner

£109m on community infrastructure including new health facilities and state-of-the-art new premises for three local schools 

£112m on cleaning up the land and disposing of waste 

A new train station on the Midland Mainline, a new bus station, new bridges and cycling routes, new facilities for Clitterhouse Playing Fields, new open space

A new town centre for North West London

The regeneration area is bordered by Brent Cross Shopping Centre in the North, The A41 (Hendon Way) in the East, Cricklewood Lane in the South and the A5 (Edgware Road) in the West. The A406 (North Circular Road) also passes through the site East to West, as does the Midland Mainline rail route North to South.

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