Garden grabbing on the increase in London

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by Kay Murchie

The number of homes built on gardens in London has doubled in a decade.

Garden grabbing has increased with over 30% of new homes being built on land that used to be a garden.

Government figures show that over 22% of new homes are built on former gardens and previously residential land. In 1997, when Labour came to power, the figure was 11%.

Typically, a developer will demolish a traditional family home and build a block of flats that occupies the original property’s footprint and part of the garden.

As a result, there are fewer trees, less greenery and more imposing development. Furthermore, gardens soak up rainwater so the risk of flood increases.

Wildlife experts are warning that vast areas of the capital’s green space are disappearing.

Tory MP, Greg Clark, is leading a campaign against the garden grabbers. He said the figures prove that more and more gardens are being bulldozed under Labour.

Ministers have ruthlessly exploited the absurd situation in which gardens are classified as brownfield land. This is how they achieve their brownfield development targets, not by regenerating derelict land but by destroying green space in our towns cities and suburbs, added Mr Clark.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has pledged to hold back the garden grabbing phenomenon. Mr Johnson said the Government has failed to protect open spaces in London. It is the duty of the Mayor to protect green spaces.

However, junior housing minister Ian Wright, said that the Conservatives are being disingenuous. These figures include the replacement of run-down houses and estates.

John Ennis of Foxtons estate agency recently said they are often approached to sell plots of land which may include garden spaces.

One property owner from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire was offered £125,000 tax-free for her 300ft garden.