OPPONENTS of plans to build thousands of new homes, offices and shops in Cricklewood say the decision to grant it permission is “fundamentally flawed”.

The Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood has campaigned against the £4.5bn regeneration of the area since plans were formally submitted last year.

However, the alliance of dozens of residents and environmental groups from across north London, has been left fuming after a single officer was allowed to sign off on the plans last Thursday.

Co-ordinator Lia Colacicco accused the council of looking to plug a gap in its accounts with the cash which will be invested by the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners.

She said: “In terms of attracting private capital, this is an example of a race to the bottom by the council to get any sort of investment, come what may and without serious consideration of the quality of the proposals.

“The Coalition will continue to fight the plans building by building to ensure a sustainable scheme, one that the local community wants, is put in its place.”

Last week Jonathan Joseph, a senior member of the Development Partners, pledged to continue to work with the community in the area to ensure the best possible scheme.

However, Ms Colacicco said: “If the developers truly wish for “meaningful engagement” with local residents, then it’s about time – it has been conspicuous by its total absence so far.”