"Garden grabbing" has risen steadily in Richmond over the past 12 years, new Government figures showed today.

The figures, published by the Department of Communities and Local Government, reveal that 41 per cent of housing was built on previously residential land between 2006 and 2009, compared to roughly half that figure - 22 per cent - between 1998 and 2001.

Other increases included - Kingston 10 to 50; Elmbridge 44 to 69; Runnymede 32 to 60 and Spelthorne 43 to 60.

Decentralisation minister Greg Clark said: “We can see from these statistics that last year an even higher proportion of homes were built on previously residential land, which includes back gardens.

“Building on gardens robs communities of green breathing space, safe places for children to play and havens for urban wildlife.”

The coalition Government has acted to protect gardens by taking them out of the brownfield category, which makes it easier for town halls to refuse planning permission for developments.

The change to planning rules was broadly welcomed in Richmond, with campaigners saying it would halt the "destruction" of Richmond. However, others said they feared the restrictions could create “rich ghettos”.