The former GLC leader told a Crystal Palace protest meeting last month that he "would look into every aspect of that deal to see if there's a way we can stop it".

And he has passed control of the cabinet's environmental

issues to Darren Johnson, the Green Party's newly elected London Assembly member.

Mr Johnson has been one of the most vocal opponents of the development - which would see a mammoth 13 screen cinema, complete with rooftop parking for 1,000 cars, built on the park's top site.

Speaking on television after the election Mr Johnson said: "What we can do is to look at the range of legal options, whatever they are, and also look at the full range of influence the mayor's office will have."

And other members of the London's new governing body have also expressed concerns at the development.

Labour assembly member Trevor Phillips - once of former candidate Frank Dobson's campaign team - warned developer London & Regional at a public meeting: "If you do not want this to be the last development you ever make in London then you need to talk to us, you need to talk to the community."

Meanwhile, single mum Diane Barker is planning a last-ditch court battle to save Crystal Palace Park from the developers.

Miss Barker, of Anerley Hill, lost a High Court legal bid to halt the multiplex development last month. The legal costs were estimated at £60,000 - with most of the sum picked up by the taxpayer.

Now, amid fears the developers are about to start work on the site, Miss Barker has submitted papers appealing that decision.

Her solicitor Susan Ring said: "We are planning an appeal, on the same grounds as our last legal action. We still believe we are right about European law."

Appeal papers have been submitted to the High Court. A date for the hearing is expected within a few weeks.