An MP is calling for “one final push” to stop a developer’s plan to build on agricultural land, after it appealed against Barnet Council’s decision to refuse planning permission.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers urged residents to share their views as part of a public inquiry into the 152-home scheme planned for fields at the Whalebones Estate in High Barnet.

A council planning committee turned down the plans in November last year, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan subsequently allowed the decision to stand.

But developer Hill Residential has appealed against the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate – and residents have until Friday 18th June to give their views about the scheme to the inquiry.

Theresa said: “Time is running out to save Whalebones, and I urge residents who want to stop these green fields from being built on to have their say. We need one final push if this planning application is going to be defeated.”

In a post on her website, the Conservative MP claimed that the proposal amounts to a “serious breach of conservation area policy” and would run contrary to a Barnet planning policy stating that development should preserve or enhance local character.

“We must do all we can to make sure our opposition is expressed effectively and in numbers,” Theresa added.

A spokesperson for Hill said the proposed scheme would provide energy-efficient homes for the local community, including 40% ‘affordable’ housing, and provide more than 2.2 hectares of public green, open and community space on land to which there is currently no right of public access.

The spokesperson added: “Extensive landscaping, including over 190 new trees, and approximately 850 metres of new hedgerow and the creation of ponds, will significantly enhance the existing biodiversity of the site. Through consultation with the London Wildlife Trust, we have also included owl, bird and bat boxes in the proposal.

“Pedestrian and cycle links will be created throughout the development, with crossings on Wellhouse Lane and Wood Street, to ensure greater connectivity for the existing communities to Barnet Hospital. Hospital workers, visitors, and patients, along with the local community, will be able to enjoy a new ‘Healing Garden’ which will provide a green and peaceful setting.

“The plans also provide a new custom designed studio for the Barnet Guild of Artists Charity and the Barnet Beekeepers Association.”

Residents can share their views on the scheme in the following ways:

• Online at gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate

• By email to [email protected]

• By post to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/N Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Those responding need to include their name, postal address and the appeal reference number: APP/N5090/W/21/3273189.