'Garden-grabbing' an issue for 50 councils

"Garden-grabbing" for housing development is a problem in 50 "hot spots" of England, mainly in the West Midlands, South East and London, a report found yesterday.

Housing Minister John Healey promised to help prevent inappropriate building by making it clear that previously developed land, including gardens, is not necessarily suitable for development.

Around 40 per cent of councils surveyed said garden-grabbing was an issue in their area.