"GARDEN grabbing" developers in Old Coulsdon have been dealt a sharp blow with a planning ruling that could set a precedent.

Inspector Paul Jackson said the proposed development at 86-94 Caterham Drive, a dead-end road flanked by coppices, would be cramped and unsightly.

Chartwell Property Group wanted to demolish and replace two of the site's existing homes and build 12 houses in the gardens behind.

But Mr Jackson said in his decision that the homes would "contrast markedly with the surrounding garden environment. There would be very little opportunity for planting or landscaping to mitigate for the discordant effect," he added.

Residents opposing the plans staged a protest rally at the site when Mr Jackson visited last month.

Anatoly Reeves, 19, said at the time: "We want to show him this is an area that needs to be preserved. We moved here for the beauty of the area – and now they want to change it."

Florence Kollie, who lives nearby in Shirley Avenue, set up Preservation of Old Coulsdon Community in June to guard against "excessive" development in the area.

"We are very pleased that the inspectorate has taken the deep concerns of the community into serious consideration," she said.

Two applications from other developers are pending. They would add a block of flats and four homes to the area.

Nigel Rea, vice-chairman of Old Coulsdon Residents' Association, said: "Developers are trying to get onto the same piece of land from a different direction.

"People have got organised and realised just how big these plans are."

Inspector Jackson added that excavating the steep hill for the homes behind Caterham Drive would be "unnatural and artificial, markedly altering the character of the area".

And he agreed with residents and Croydon Council that the development would be likely to lead to parking mayhem.

He said: "I share the concerns of others that the double parking arrangement would not always be adhered to for reasons of convenience and that vehicles would also be parked in other parts of the layout, adding to a sense of congestion."

Residents expect the developer to reapply with revised plans.

Ms Kollie said: "[Developers] tend to reapply and reapply, wearing the system down.

"This time it will be difficult because some of the reasons for rejection will be hard to get around.

"I just hope they give us until after Christmas. It is very time-consuming fighting all these."

Chartwell Property Group had not responded to a request for comment as the Advertiser went to press.