Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors tonight joined the Brent Council ruling Labour group to condemn Eric Pickles' decision not to intervene in the West Hendon redevelopment on the banks of the Welsh Harp reservoir and nature reserve.
The Barratt Homes development in Barnet was narrowly approved by Barnet Planning Committee but opposed by planners in neighbouring Brent. The reservoir straddles both boroughs.
The news was received only shortly before the Council was due to discuss a Labour motion calling for Pickles to intervene because of the scale of the development (flats of up to 29 storeys) and the damage it would do to a cherished and rare open space.
An amendment was quickly tabled condemning his failure to intervene and was passed unanimously in a very rare show of party unity.
The Barratt Homes development in Barnet was narrowly approved by Barnet Planning Committee but opposed by planners in neighbouring Brent. The reservoir straddles both boroughs.
The news was received only shortly before the Council was due to discuss a Labour motion calling for Pickles to intervene because of the scale of the development (flats of up to 29 storeys) and the damage it would do to a cherished and rare open space.
An amendment was quickly tabled condemning his failure to intervene and was passed unanimously in a very rare show of party unity.