Barnet council has come under further fire over plans to sell off Cricklewood green space “without public consultation”.

Mapesbury councillor Lia Colacicco, whose ward covers the Brent side of Cricklewood, accused the authority of a lack of “tri-borough co-operation” after plans were laid out to sell off the space, outside B&Q, for housing.

The Labour councillor said: “I am incredulous that Barnet plan to sell the only green space, outside B&Q. Public open space. Without public consultation. So much for tri-borough co-operation.

“Residents and protesters were given verbal assurances by both Barnet council and Hammerson that due to public feeling this site would be left alone despite outline planning permission for a five storey block of flats.”

The proposals, which will see 42 flats built by developers Pocket Living, have already been criticised by the three Childs Hill councillors, with Conservative councillors Shimon Ryde and Peter Zinkin calling for them to be withdrawn.

A petition opposing the scheme has been signed by more than 360 people so far.

Cllr Colacicco pointed out that Cricklewood was awarded £1.6m Outer London Funding last year, which was topped up with an extra £591,000 by Barnet and Brent councils, to improve the area.

She said: “I have asked for a breakdown from Barnet but let's say a large chunk of this was spent excavating, widening the pavement, and planting the trees to create the lovely market place.

“Yet despite assurances to the contrary, the map of the land for sale looks like it includes most of the new widened granite pavement. If this is the case, the money would have been better spent on other improvements such the dangerous A5 junction.”

Cllr Colacicco added: “The people of Cricklewood are going to have to endure 20 years of disruption from construction traffic for the new mini-town along Cricklewood Lane, and gridlock from additional cars and buses will affect the roads in perpetuity - right into Willesden Green.

“Rather than adding insult to injury why can't Barnet invest some of the regeneration money from this development into Cricklewood's only green space. The plot could be completely levelled and even gated to form a park or plaza, but even some more lighting would be a good start.”

In a statement, a Barnet council spokesman said there is “no intention” to sell the recently improved paved area, which will be retained.

They added: “Members of the public have the opportunity to speak at the committee and submit written questions. If the committee agrees the principle of selling the land, the council goes through a statutory process that gives members of the public the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns before a final decision is made.

“The sale would only go ahead if Pocket Living obtains planning consent for its proposal to build affordable homes. There will be full consultation on these proposals before they are considered by the planning committee."

The proposal will be discussed by Barnet council’s assets, regeneration and growth committee in Hendon Town Hall on Monday, September 7.