A Conservative councillor has hailed a victory over ‘garden grabbers’ after stopping developers building behind homes.

Brunswick Park councillor Lisa Rutter opposed plans to knock down the side extension of a house in Beresford Avenue, South Barnet, in order to widen an access road and build six houses behind existing properties.

She voted against the plans, which received 613 objections from members of the public, at a meeting of the Chipping Barnet Area Planning Committee on July 17.

People opposed to the development said it was out of character and raised fears it would set a precedent for further ‘garden grabbing’.

Residents also disputed the developer’s rights to the access road, claiming they had evidence of ownership on their mortgage deeds.

Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved, as the developer had addressed concerns raised during two previous applications that were rejected.

But councillors voted unanimously against the proposals.

The Conservatives made a manifesto commitment to oppose overdevelopment in Barnet, claiming Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s drive to build as much infill housing in London as possible would lead to garden grabbing by developers.

Cllr Rutter said: “I was delighted that the committee unanimously refused this application. Whilst more housing is undoubtedly required, developers need to realise that any proposed developments need to blend with the surrounding properties and area.

“Developers need to understand that cramming developments in any bit of green land available is not the answer. My advice to residents is that if you have an access road you may like to consider gating it to deter developers from thinking they have rights of way.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: “Barnet Council has an appalling record of failing to deliver affordable housing for local people.

“The mayor makes no apologies for being bold about building affordable housing. His plans set out how we can build more homes whilst protecting how green a site is. In contrast, the government have relaxed national rules to allow building on gardens without planning permission.

“It is disappointing, though sadly not surprising, that the local Barnet councillors are trying deliberately to scaremonger local residents rather than helping the mayor build the new genuinely affordable housing that their local residents desperately need.”