MP Harriett Baldwin today backed Government proposals to save back gardens from housing development and end the process of 'garden-grabbing' by developers. Planning guidance has classified gardens as previously 'residential land', in the same ‘brownfield’ category as derelict factories and disused railway sidings. The Government has changed guidelines removing gardens from the ‘brownfield category’, a simple step that will dramatically transform councils' ability to prevent unwanted development on gardens where local people object and protect the character of their neighbourhoods. The proposals will also see the outlining of plans to end ‘top-down’ planning returning housing development planning to local authorities. Housing minister Greg Clark said: "For years the wishes of local people have been ignored as the character of neighbourhoods and gardens have been destroyed, robbing communities of vital green space. "It is ridiculous that gardens have until now been classified in the same group as derelict factories and disused railway sidings, forcing councils and communities to sit by and watch their neighbourhoods get swallowed up in a concrete jungle. Harriett added: “I have been an active campaigner for the end of the Regional Spatial Strategy and am delighted to see an end to the imposition of massive housing development projects in the county. “I also welcome the plans to increase the powers of councils to act in the best interests of local people. For too long councils have been powerless to help residents block developments blighting their homes. “This has been a major concern, particularly across Malvern Hills District Council areas, and I will be watching to ensure that this change is adopted. “Most of all, I hope that this heralds a new era of sensible co-operative local planning in the best interests of all.”