The destruction of trees on Northwood garden land, ahead of a planning application decision, has caused 'heartbreak' amongst residents.

More than 90 people have signed a petition against the land, adjacent to 68 Knoll Crescent, being developed into a two-storey detached house with parking.

The application, which is due to be heard by Hillingdon Council in January, is the latest attempt to build on the garden land after a long running battle with residents .

Wendy Wright, who has lived in Northwood for 20 years, told getwestlondon that after yet another refusal in August this year of one house, a new developer is trying to build the same house, moved by one metre, whilst appealing the earlier decision.

It follows a refused application to build four houses in 2012, another refused application to build two houses in 2013 which ended an a refused appeal in 2014.

She said: “They've just started to take literally every tree, bush and plant without a Tree Protection Order (TPO) on it and pulled it out, shredded it and they’ve put a great big 8ft building fence up, to block off the entrance.

“Planning permission has always been denied to them on three grounds, one being that it’s a green and verdant area, which is a natural break in the developed area.

“What they’ve done is demolish everything so it looks like a building site waiting to happen.”

'Heartbreaking'

Mrs Wright calls the behaviour by the developers, although not illegal, a 'cynical' move to pre-empt the planning decision.

She said: “It’s heartbreaking to watch this; the whole area is against it.

“We’ve had over 90 people sign the petition to the council to stop this going on.

“The garden technically belongs to 43 The Drive, but the planning application says 'adjacent to 69 Knoll Crescent' and they’re furious they’re being dragged into this when it’s not even their land.”

David Goodman, Planning Advisor at Northwood Residents Association, said: “Allegedly the contractor has cleared the vegetation and they've done so without any form of planning permission.

“We want to preserve all the amenity open spaces in the community for the local residents.”

The plans will be heard by Hillingdon Council on January 12, 2016, where the petition will also be submitted.

A council spokesperson said: “The application is still under consideration and all consultation responses will be taken into account.”