A CRACKDOWN on illegal backyard developments has been demanded, amid claims Hounslow Council is doing too little to tackle the problem.

Angry residents and opposition councillors have teamed up to call for tougher action against householders and landlords who flout planning regulations.

The demand follows angry scenes at the Sustainable Development Committee meeting on November 7, when four Conservative councillors walked out because they felt their concerns were not being taken seriously.

Councillor Sheila O'Reilly, who led the walk-out, said: "It is deeply worrying that the Labour Group appear to be undoing the excellent work of the previous administration in town planning.

"A more democratic process is urgently needed to ensure fairness for all residents."

The walk-out followed heated discussions about a single-storey rear extension to a home in Hardwicke Avenue, Heston, but Ms O'Reilly said it had been prompted by wider issues.

Fellow Conservative councillor Brad Fisher, who also left the meeting, said he shared her concerns.

"It looks as if Hounslow Council is saying do what you like and letting people ignore all the regulations," he told the Chronicle.

"When we were in authority for the last four years we really clamped down on enforcement but they (Labour) are just back to their old ways."

A number of readers have raised concerns in recent weeks over what they claim are illegal backyard developments, particularly in Cranford and Heston.

One resident, who asked not to be named, claimed there were six such buildings within 50 yards of his home and yet the council had taken no action.

"When we've brought these buildings to the council's attention we've come up against a totally inefficient planning enforcement system," he said.

"These people aren't paying council tax, water rates or TV licence fees. They're just laughing at us."

Hounslow Council had not responded to the Chronicle's enquiries as we went to press this week.