A DETERMINED coalition has formed to try and fight off one of the biggest developments in the country. Ten residents groups, three political parties, three environmental groups, two MPs and a London Assembly Member have joined forces in an attempt to sta

A DETERMINED coalition has formed to try and fight off one of the biggest developments in the country.

Ten residents groups, three political parties, three environmental groups, two MPs and a London Assembly Member have joined forces in an attempt to stave of the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development which is due to go before Barnet Council on Wednesday September 23.

The coalition is calling for the proposal to be called in by Government chiefs and a public inquiry held.

Lia Colacicco who lives in St Gabriel's Road, Cricklewood, said: "This scheme is unsustainable in many ways, despite the green-wash painted by developers.

"Our coalition objects to many aspects of the plan: transport provisions, increases in pollution, environmental degradation and lack of social sustainability.

"In view of the huge negative environmental impact this regional scale development will have on a wide area of North West London, all our diverse groups have come together to oppose it.

"We welcome regeneration of the area, but not this ill-conceived pre-climate change plan that has incensed a great number of local people across three boroughs."

A 3,000-strong signature petition has also been handed in to John Denham, Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, calling for the plans to be called in by the Government.

Alison Hopkins, who lives in Humber Road, Dollis Hill, said: "This is an attempt to build Manhattan in a suburban setting, destroying much green space and our quality of life in the process. Frankly, the whole scheme is overbearing, and smacks of over ambition, especially in the current fragile economic climate."

Jonathan Joseph, of Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners, said: "We have met with many of these groups and we believe their concerns are unfounded.

"The scheme to create a new town centre in Brent Cross Cricklewood fits within and fully complies with the most up-to-date local and London wide planning policy to achieve the lasting regeneration of the area.

"The sustainability of the scheme is second to none. The measures we propose will together achieve a carbon reduction of 50 to 60 per cent. The �500m of investment into transport meanwhile will connect an area currently cut off from its surroundings with communities around it and the wider capital.