Families were victorious in saving their much-loved back garden but the fight is not over yet.

Ealing Council’s Planning Committee refused an application from Raglan Housing to construct a four-storey development providing an additional nine self-contained units to the rear of Abbey Lodge in Gordon Road, Ealing, fronting Carlton Gardens, on February 19.

Raglan, however, are now appealing a previous application they had refused last July for a four-storey extension to Abbey Lodge which would provide an extra 15 self-contained units.

The reasons this initial application was refused were that the proposed development, because of its excessive density, plot coverage, bulk, design and proximity to site boundaries, would represent overdevelopment which would result in a cramped and incongruous form, adversely affecting the appearance of the site.

There would also be an unacceptable loss of trees, including a protected ash tree.

Suzanne Jupp, 43, who has lived in Abbey Lodge for 15 years, said: “It’s fabulous that it was rejected and we felt that we actually had a voice.

“The reasons councillors gave for refusal were mainly that what would remain of the garden would be round the back, only accessible by an alley or through a car park which would be unsafe for children who would be out of the view of their parents, that there are already problems with car parking spaces so adding flats wouldn’t help, and that the building would block the view and light into many homes.”

Mrs Jupp added: “The sad thing is that Raglan have now appealed their first application which was for 15 flats. We have just won a case against nine new flats and now they want 15.

“It’s awful for us because we have to go through this again but we are prepared to fight and to win. We are doing this for our children and elderly neighbours.”

Peta Bistany, of Carlton Gardens, said: “Abbey Lodge residents and their neighbours have rallied together in real community spirit.

“We are still not out of the woods but we are hoping common sense is applied and this appeal is unsuccessful.

“We are optimistic that this will go against them, bearing in mind it was initially refused as was the subsequent application for the smaller development, but who knows.”

A Raglan Housing spokesperson said: “We are currently reviewing the scheme.”