Greg sounds alarm

He says they will fail to stop the over-development of local neighbourhoods and cites the recent Chantry Avenue planning row as an example of the risk.

Under current planning legislation, domestic gardens are placed in the same category as derelict former industrial land and are therefore easier to develop.

However, a recent revision of the guidelines brought hope that this loophole might be closed, enabling valuable green space to be saved in urban areas.

But Housing Minister Ruth Kelly has decided to keep in place the definition of gardens as brownfield land and has also maintained minimum housing density targets.

Mr Barker said after visiting Bexhill Fire Station last Friday: "These new guidelines do nothing to remove gardens from the definition of brownfield land and the Government has refused to return to local authorities the right to decide each planning application on its own merit.

"This has been a real issue of concern in Bexhill, especially in the Chantry Avenue area.

"Green spaces such as our own back gardens are vital to the quality of life and character of our towns. They are also crucial for biodiversity and air quality.

"Labour's failure to act will not help towards protecting our gardens, which are under threat in Bexhill and right across the country. "

Objectors fearing over-development of the area fought a long battle after developers Thurleigh Homes sought to purchase nine Chantry Avenue homes and build 40 houses and flats on the site.

Rother planning committee refused permission because it would change the character of the area. The issue was fought out at appeal but the appeal inspector rejected the Thurleigh bid.

Since then other developers have submitted schemes seeking to demolish homes in Barnhorn Road and Pebsham Lane and replace them with more intensive development.