John Prescott this week lifted his block on Hammerson and Standard Lifes planned extension of Brent Cross shopping centre hours before the case was due to be heard in court.
Prescott had refused permission for a 27,000 sq m (290,000 sq ft) extension on the grounds that Brent Cross was an out-of-town location. He overturned his decision on Monday, accepting the developers arguments that regional planning guidance for London backs the development of Brent Cross as a regional shopping centre.
Knock-on effects include:
- Re-determination of the application, possibly giving rise to a new public inquiry.
- Ken Livingstone being obliged to recognise Brent Cross as a regional shopping centre when he forms his Spatial Development Strategy for London in January.
- Possible decrease in interest in Chelsfields proposed 57,000 sq m (613,550 sq ft) White City scheme
- Alteration in the shape of Railtrack and Pillar Propertys proposed joint redevelopment of the nearby Crickwood Sidings site.
The jv partners have not yet decided upon the amount of retail to be developed at the scheme. Hammerson is to invest £30m in improving public transport to the shopping centre.
Barnet Council backed Hammersons challenge to Prescott. Donaldsons and Lunson Mitchenall are letting agents.
Property Week 27/10/00 page 5
