PLANS to create a £5bn town on the border of the borough was controversially passed last week despite opposition in Brent over traffic and a waste plant.

The Brent Cross Cricklewood development, in Barnet, is expected to create 27,000 jobs as well as new homes, schools and transport links.

But concerned groups believe there should have been a full public inquiry into the proposals before it was passed at Hendon Town Hall on November 20.

Thousands of people in Brent fear it will bring an estimated 29,000 extra cars per day onto the borough's roads, and have a dramatic impact on other local businesses. The plans also include a large waste dump on the border of Brent which could see hundreds of extra lorries passing through residential areas, particularly Dollis Hill, every day.

A coalition of 12 residents' associations and other community organisations was set up to fight the plans. It has said it will continue the fight for a public inquiry.

Lia Colacicco, coalition co-ordinator, said: "The views of the Brent residents have been cast aside. The developer's reassurances about the waste dump's safety and the incinerator emissions are not credible. For thousands of residents in Dollis Hill for instance, public relations and private profit have been placed before public health and community benefit."

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, will now assess the 20-year scheme.

Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, said: "Barnet councillors have stabbed their neighbours in Brent in the back. If the Government do not call in this disastrous scheme it will devastate our local area with thousands of extra cars and pollution overwhelming the
local streets.

"We are not against regeneration that would improve the area, but we are passionately against regeneration that will actually make our area worse. You cannot build a colossal new urban centre without taking steps to protect the environment and the community that is already there. The Secretary of State must now act immediately to call in this scheme."

John Cox, campaigner for better transport in North West London, said: "Barnet will get the extra council tax income, with the developers paying for brand new public infrastructure like roads, street lights, and so on. Brent and Harrow will get all the extra traffic."

The plans will create health facilities and premises for three new schools as well as a new bus and railway station.

Jonathan Joseph, from the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners, said: "Clearly we are delighted with the decision which is an important milestone in the creation of a new town centre at Brent Cross Cricklewood. We have much detailed work still to do but this is great news for people across North West London."