A MAN who built a football pitch at the bottom of his garden will have to tear it down.

Garry Simpson built the 3-a-side pitch in his garden in Totteridge Common, in September, much to the dismay of his neighbours.

But although Barnet Council recommended it for approval, the Chipping Barnet planning committee rejected it last night.

His neighbours said the floodlights shine into their homes and the noise from the ball banging against the pitch’s wooden panel is “irritating”.

Cllr Alison Cornelius, who sits on the committee, said: “It was not an appropriate development – it sits in the Totteridge Conservation area and there were various other policies it contravenes.

“The committee, as a whole, do not like retrospective planning applications.”

He now has the right to appeal.