Tenants who face being moved as part of a regeneration scheme say it feels like they are being "pushed out" of their own homes.

The public inquiry into Barnet Council's use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) on the West Hendon Estate continued this week, with tenants and representatives giving evidence.

Leigh De Montfort, a leaseholder on the estate who faces being moved out, said she had expected to live on the estate forever.

She said: “We have worked hard, but why and for what? To see our homes reduced to a pile of dust and rubble, and to witness the break-up of a very strong and close community. The way secure and non-secure tenants are being treated is little more than a disgrace."

Ms De Montfort explained how views from her block had been destroyed by building.

She added: “With the whole regeneration, there’s no thought at all for the people living on the estate.”

Lubna Ahmed, a tenant who suffers from numerous health problems, said the scheme was causing her a great deal of stress.

She added: “It’s like we are being pushed out of our own homes and making way for luxury flats.”

George Turner, speaking on behalf of tenants, explained how he felt that viability studies – made by the council and developers to determine the number of affordable housing in the scheme – should be released to the public, which were made as part of the planning application.

The inquiry has also heard from West Hendon councillors Adam Langleben and Devra Kay, who raised concerns about affordable housing – including the fact that the regeneration scheme will see a reduction of 199 properties at affordable or social rented levels.

In a statement to the inquiry, Barnet Council said it was satisfied that there is a "compelling" case in the public interest for the order to be confirmed, which would result in "significant improvement" in the economic, social and environmental wellbeing in the area.

The inquiry, which is being overseen by planning inspector Zoe Hill, is due to finish on Friday.