The leader of Barnet Council, councillor Lynne Hillan, has welcomed the decision of Communities secretary Eric Pickles not to call in the £4.5bn redevelopment of Brent Cross shopping centre, approved by the council last year, backed by London mayor Boris Johnson but put on hold pending a Government decision on whether or not to hold a public inquiry.

Councillor Hillan said: "I am obviously delighted that Barnet’s biggest regeneration project has been given a green light by central Government. This is a £4.5bn investment in the borough that will create a new town centre, new homes, new jobs and new schools as well as enhancing one of the borough’s biggest employers.”