CONTROVERSIAL plans to build housing in the green belt in Stanmore have been approved by the Government.

Harrow Council transferred Wood Farm, in Wood Lane, to developer CP Holdings as part of a deal which will see ten houses built on a ridge overlooking London.

In return the company must clean up the remaining land in the 69 acre site, which will then become part of Stanmore Park.

The scheme met fierce opposition from residents who oppose building on the green belt and say it will set a dangerous precedent for London.

A planning application was approved by the council in October last year but Hazel Blears, then secretary of state for communities and local government, stepped in, ordering an inquiry into the proposals.

The plans have now been approved.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, responsible for planning, said: “This application prompted a number of representations and was the subject of considerable media coverage, so it was entirely right and to be expected that the Government called it in for review.

“We've now had the debate and this Government decision clears the way for us to move on to detailed discussions with the applicants.

“We are absolutely confident that the lasting legacy of this small housing development will be nearly 70 acres of extra greenbelt land at Stanmore Country Park for future generations of walkers to enjoy.”

In a letter to Harrow Council in December last year, Lucy Hargreaves, head of West London Plans and Case Work, explained Ms Blears' approach to intervening on planning issues.

She said: “Her policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. She will, in general, only take this step if planning issues of more than local importance are involved.”