Harrow Council said it is “extremely risky” to start building without planning permission – despite doing exactly that at one of its allotment sites.

Last month, it applied for permission for two greenhouses to be installed at the West Harrow Large Allotment, in The Ridgeway.

Sanjiv Gohil, who lives nearby, noticed that the shells for these buildings sprang up before the planning decision was made.

He suggested this sends out a message of ‘one rule for some, another for others’, and believes it is particularly poor coming from a local authority.

“I have absolutely no objections to the council’s proposals to put up two greenhouses in a field that has been unused for many years. I hope that whatever it is for, the community will benefit,” he said.

“What I do object to is their assumption that it will get planning permission so commencing before it is granted.

“The council should be setting an example; it has to set the standard, not flout it.”

Harrow Council explained that it too must abide by national, regional and local planning laws when putting forward applications.

It suggested that, in all circumstances, it is unwise to start building before being given the go-ahead.

A council spokesman said: “Starting work on outbuildings while planning permission is still being considered is extremely risky and we certainly don’t recommend it.

“If permission isn’t granted, structures do need to be removed.”

A date for a decision on the greenhouses has not been set.