JUBILANT campaigners are celebrating after the Secretary of State called a halt to the plans for the biggest redevelopment scheme in the borough. Residents opposed to the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration scheme welcomed the decision of John Denham, S

JUBILANT campaigners are celebrating after the Secretary of State called a halt to the plans for the biggest redevelopment scheme in the borough.

Residents opposed to the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration scheme welcomed the decision of John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to issue a 'stop notice' for the scheme under town and country planning laws.

His notice, which came just a day after Mayor of London, Boris Johnson gave the go ahead for the project, effectively prevents Barnet Council from making a final decision while he considers whether or not to call the plans in for a public inquiry.

A Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "We recognise that there have been strong views expressed about this complex proposal. We will carefully consider the case and decide whether to call it in."

Lia Colacicco, co-ordinator for the Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Plan, said: "Hopefully, the Secretary of State's next move is to call a public inquiry immediately so these disastrous plans can undergo full public scrutiny.

"We are not surprised that John Denham has issued a 'stop notice.' We want an exciting and innovative place, built around people and public transport - including a local railway like the docklands light railway. We need to use the latest green technology."

John Cox, of the North and West London Light Railway campaign group, said: "There seems to be a gulf developing between Mayor Boris Johnson, who wants the Brent Cross car-based road-congestion scheme, and the Secretary of State, who is hesitating.

"Instead of the out-dated 'Manhattan on the North Circular' - with road jams to match - we could start again, without the arrogant behaviour of the greedy developers."

Lib Dem MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather said: "This announcement is a step in the right direction and a real victory for the campaign."

Jonathan Joseph from the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners said: "We fully understand the need for the Government to take sufficient time to consider the BXC planning application, which is one of the largest complex in the UK.

"A huge amount of careful work has been undertaken to create a truly exemplary scheme that will achieve the lasting regeneration of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area.

"The BXC regeneration has received detailed scrutiny from all relevant statutory agencies and has gained strong backing now from the Mayor of London and cross-party support from Barnet's Planning Committee.

"We await the Government's decision in due course.