CAMPAIGNERS handed in a petition with nearly 5,000 names on it today to the Secretary of State calling for a public inquiry into the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration plans.

Members of the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Redevelopment descended on central London today to hand over the petition and letters of objection.

Lia Colacicco, the coalition coordinator, said: “ The case for a public inquiry into these disastrous and damaging plans is overwhelming.  “We are confident that the Minister will exercise sound judgement and work in the best public interest.

“The Brent Cross plans clearly meet the criteria for a call-in – they affect vast swathes of north-west London. Brent and Camden have already formally rejected the scheme.”

Ms Colacicco was joined by Navin Shah, the London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow and Brent East MP Sarah Teather at the Department for Communities and Local Government in Victoria.

The plans were referred to the government Office for London and the Mayor of London's office for second-phase approval last month after being given the green light by Barnet planning chiefs in November.

Members of the coalition oppose the £4.5bn scheme saying it will bring 29,000 more cars to the roads and the 7,500 new homes will be overdevelopment.

They also fear a proposed power station on the massive development site will create dangerous particles.

Ms Colaccico added: “It will cause congestion, pollution and is unsustainable in terms of transport, housing and the environment.

“Five thousand local residents have now signed petitions and letters calling for a public inquiry. We urge John Denham to call it in immediately so it can undergo the full public scrutiny deserved.”

For more on the Brent Cross Cricklewood development click the link below.