Neighbours were left “stunned” after turning up to a council meeting to object to plans to build ten flats in Golders Green, only to find nine had already been approved.

Barnet Council’s officers approved an application from Jewish Community Housing Association to build nine flats on a car park in Limes Avenue earlier this year.

But astounded residents said they did not receive any notification about the original plans for self-contained flats for people with mental and physical disabilities.

Speaking at tonight’s West Area Planning Sub-Committee, resident Anthony Adler said he was “taken by surprise” before continuing to explain why he objected to the application.

He said: “There will be another nine or ten residents there with carers or visitors and they will have nowhere to park. Limes Avenue is a very small road and it’s already impossible to park in.”

Other objections had been sent to the council complaining that the area is already heavily populated and that loss of parking would result in drivers going to surrounding roads which are also already "heavily parked".

In an attempt to relieve neighbours’ concerns, Daniel Rosenfelder, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, said six parking spaces would be on the site and that no extra staff would be needed to take care of residents living in the flats.

But despite Councillor Claire Farrier voting against the plans because of “huge problems with parking”, the application was approved.

Cllr Farrier said: “As a development I think it’s admirable, and there is a need for supported housing. But in Limes Avenue, there are huge problems with parking, as well as on evenings and weekends.

“Residents have also said they were not consulted on the first proposals. Because of these new rejections this time, I expect there would have been similar numbers previously.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Adler told the Times Series: “We were stunned to find out the council had already approved nine flats, which none of the residents had received any letters about. It’s not right and we will be looking into contesting the decision.

“There is a problem with parking and we don’t feel they have addressed it properly.”

The flats will be developed on land that is leased to JCHA by Jewish Care, which supports elderly people as well as those with mental and physical disabilities.

Commenting on the plans, Jeff Andrews, property director for Jewish Care, said: “We, in principle, support the development of the Limes Avenue site that will provide much needed housing for the local community.

“We are working closely with JCHA to discuss the details and practical issues that require consideration as a result of this proposed development.”

The homes will consist of eight, one bed units, and two, two bed units which will all be accessible via one main entrance.