ISLEWORTH Green has become the first place in the borough to be awarded village green status, protecting it from development.

However, as expected, a bid to ensure the same protection for two small greens in Heston's Brabazon estate was rejected by the council.

Residents on the estate had hoped their application would scupper the council's plans to build 58 new homes on the estate.

But an independent inquiry in April, organised by the council, ruled both plots failed to meet one of the criteria for becoming a village green.

The inquiry's recommendation was upheld by councillors at Tuesday's (July 16) borough council meeting, despite opposition from the Conservatives.

In a heated debate, Tory councillor Liz Mammatt described the decision as a 'betrayal of our green borough', while fellow party member Linda Davies said the matter should have been referred to the Government's Planning Inspectorate to avoid accusations of bias against the council.

However, cabinet member for housing Steve Curran said the shortage of council housing in the borough meant it was necessary to make 'difficult decisions'.

"We're short of family homes for the working poor of this borough to live in," he said.

"We have to make difficult decisions about the green belt and whether we should lose (part of) it."

The estate was built in the 1950s and extensive green spaces were a key part of the design.

Hounslow Homes and the council initially wanted to build on part of the estate's main green but dropped those proposals after furious opposition from those living on the estate.

Residents submitted a 417-signature petition against plans to build on the two smaller greens, which are both owned by the council, as well as applying for village green status.

The inquiry found both plots of land had been used for sports and pastimes for at least 20 years, as is required for land to become a village green.

However, residents were unable to prove they had been used 'as of right' - in other words, without requiring the council's permission.

Meanwhile, Councillor Sue Sampson, cabinet member for performance and customer care, said it was an 'honour and a privilege' to present the report recommending village green status for Isleworth Green.

The successful application to protect the green space in Swan Street, Old Isleworth, was made by the Isleworth Society.