Neighbours fear plans to turn a house into new flats will cause overcrowding in an area already blighted by traffic jams.

People living in Holden Road, Woodside Park, are rallying together against plans to convert the Victorian-style semi-detached property into three flats.

Barnet Borough Council’s planning committee is due to debate the proposals this evening, and they have been recommended for approval.

Residents fear the plans will endanger pedestrians, causing extra traffic on the road, which is used by pupils of nearby Finchley Catholic School and worshippers at St Barnabas Church and Woodside Park Synagogue.

Computer consultant Sam Jacobs, 54, said: “It’s already a nightmare to park in the area. It seems nuts they’re trying to squeeze more houses here.

“It’s going to reduce the quality of life for people in the community, it will overcrowd our area. We’ve all been long-standing Barnet residents and this is wrong.

“They’re just cramming more and more people into a small space. It’s worrying us. I understand the need for new homes, but this isn’t the right way to go about it.”

The east area planning committee will meet at Hendon Town Hall in The Burroughs at 7pm.

Barnet Council said it does not comment on active planning applications.