Brent MP backs councillors call for Cricklewood rail ‘super hub’ decision postponement

Brent Central MP, Dawn Butler, is rallying behind a group of Brent councillors ahead of a pivotal meeting tonight on Cricklewood’s freight ‘super hub’.

The plans are set to go to a Barnet Council planning meeting, for them to approve the aggregate transfer station on the Edgware Road site.

While sitting within the borough of Barnet, the proposed site for the ‘super hub’ sits near its border with Brent.

The group of 11 Labour Brent councillors is demanding Barnet Council postpone the decision. They believe traffic and dust from facility would increase pollution in the area, which is part of an Air Quality Management Area.

Ms Butler, who has been MP for Brent Central since 2015, said it’s concerning that residents objections have not been fully taken into account. “The potential environmental and noise impact of this site on surrounding areas goes much wider and we must ensure that all those who will be affected by this decision have the right to a proper hearing,” she said.

The councillors, led by Mapesbury councillor Lia Colacicco, have sent a letter to Barnet Council asking them to defer the meeting.

She said: “We want them to delay making the decision. One of the important documents is the road safety assessment, which was only published on Monday night. There has not been enough time to look over it.”

A spokesman for Barnet Council confirmed the meeting is planned to go ahead. It is set to start at 7pm.