Outraged residents have spoken out over excessive ‘garden grabbing’ by developers which they say is ruining their area.

Several developers are currently seeking planning permission for ‘back garden’ builds after purchasing land from homeowners and building up to 12 homes at a time on newly created cul-de-sac developments.

Three new developments have already been approved which will result in 34 new homes in Reigate Road and Ruden Way.

A further development for 6 homes in Ruden Way is currently awaiting a decision by Reigate and Banstead, however a development for nine houses at 349 Reigate Road has caused the most concern.

Paul Cannon, a resident of Reigate Road, said: "It is going to cause a build-up of traffic, pollution and noise and it’s going to cause a lot trouble for cars.

"The concern is the amount of cars on the road and where they are going to park. It’s just spoiling the area.

"I have counted 20 new road developments that are being built within a one mile radius. It’s just garden grabbing."

Under the previous Labour government back gardens were classified as ‘brownfield’ sites placing them in the same category as derelict factories and disused railway land, giving developers the green light.

In 2010 this ruling was overturned giving council’s greater power to reject planning applications.

However despite changes residents have said developments have continued to be approved. Mr Cannon added: "At the moment we have 36 letters of objection. There’s a real appetite against this development.

"The developers are meeting with the residents and giving them offers they cannot refuse.

"Reigate and Banstead residents are paying one of the highest council taxes in the country and people are starting to ask what they are paying for.

"We will be living in a nice area but packed in like sardines. It’s getting out of hand and we want to know what we can do about it. The residents feel like their hands are tied."

Natalie Dowds, 44 and a resident of Reigate Road, living adjacent to the already built cul-de-sac development, said: "Privacy is the major issue. I can see into their gardens and their houses.

"What was a view of trees and other people’s gardens is now quite open because the shrubbery and trees have been removed to build. It must have an impact on our property price."

She added: "It’s not that you just don’t want it in your back garden.

"The view from Nork Way was a beautiful green area and now you just see this housing estate.

"They are killing the character of the area."

But while the council is sympathetic to residents’ concerns, a spokesperson for Reigate and Banstead Council said many applications initially rejected by the council have then not been upheld on appeal.

They said: "The council appreciates that residents are concerned about the impact that infill development has on the character of their local area, especially when this involves back land development on gardens.

"The council’s planning policies as set out in the local plan do not prohibit development on garden land, but set criteria that should be met with the intention of safeguarding the character of an area.

"In a number of instances the council’s refusal of planning permission has not been supported on appeal.

"This has resulted in developments taking place which have had an impact and which can then be cited by developers submitting applications for similar schemes.

"The council has no control over the selling of private land. It is for individual owners to decide whether they sell their property or part of their garden to a developer."