A Conservative MP has attacked a “disgraceful” decision by a fellow government minister to allow a large housing scheme to go ahead.

MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers said she strongly disagreed with the decision by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick to give the green light to the 1,350-home development at North London Business Park in Brunswick Park.

Ms Villiers, who is Environment Secretary, had long campaigned against Comer Homes’ plans to redevelop the business park, which were refused by Barnet Council in 2017.

But on January 22 Mr Jenrick approved the scheme following an appeal by the developer, allowing housing blocks up to nine storeys high to be built at the site.

The decision was instantly condemned by local politicians from the Conservative and Labour parties.

Ms Villiers said: “It is disgraceful that the planning application for tower blocks in North London Business Park has been given the go ahead.

“I strongly disagree with this decision by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

“I have been campaigning against this development for many years. It is hugely disappointing that the concerns of residents have not been listened to.”

Ms Villiers warned the blocks will be out of character with the surrounding area and the increase in population will “put real pressure on local roads and services”.

The MP added: “I am contacting Comer Homes to ask for an urgent meeting to try do everything I can to mitigate the impact of this development on constituents living in neighbouring roads.

Labour’s London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore also criticised the Housing Secretary’s decision.

He said: “I joined local residents in objecting to this vast scheme because it is a huge overdevelopment of the site and a massive over-densification.

“These buildings are also huge and will tower over nearby residents. The residents have been badly let down by the Government, who seem to have little or no knowledge about how this scheme will impact on the local community.”

Cllr Kathy Levine (Labour, Brunswick Park) added: “It’s extremely disappointing that this development proposal has been approved, especially as one of the reasons given is that Barnet have included this development in their plans to reach the Barnet housing target, with no alternatives suggested.

“Also, the inquiry says all the high blocks are in the middle of the development, but this is not the case – some homes in Brunswick Crescent and Haynes Close will be overlooked by blocks nine storeys high. This is disgraceful.”

Cllr Roberto Weeden-Sanz (Conservative, Brunswick Park), said: “The inspector’s decision to approve the plans at the North London Business Park in the face of near universal opposition from residents, our MP and Conservative councillors is an outrage.

“Regardless of what the inspector’s report says, the planned development is totally inappropriate for the area and will cause untold harm to the local community.

“It is part of a pattern of overdevelopment which threatens the fabric of our borough and cannot be allowed to continue.”

A spokesperson for the Planning Inspectorate said: “This appeal was recovered for the Secretary of State’s determination.

“In making his report to the Secretary of State, the inspector gave careful consideration to the evidence submitted during the inquiry and took account of current legislation, planning policy and guidance.”

“The Secretary of State agreed with the Inspector and allowed the appeal.”

A spokesman for Comer Group said: “This development represents a huge investment and commitment to the local community by Comer Group. This investment will greatly benefit local businesses and allow for meaningful training programmes to be implemented for the young and keen workforce in the area.

“The additional benefits of accessible open parkland, extending to some 2.5 hectares and new sports facilities, will also provide greater amenity for all local residents.”

Councillor Shimon Ryde, chairman of Barnet Council’s planning committee, said: “Barnet Council’s planning committee turned down this application, so it is disappointing that the Secretary of State has decided to approve the scheme.

“Like all local authorities, the council is required to identify sites with the potential to be used for housing.

“While it was determined that this site could have accommodated up to 1,000 homes subject to planning approval, the application now approved by the Secretary of State exceeds that figure by 350 homes.”

MHCLG was also approached for comment.