Instead of a “lush cascade of greenery”, this bare wall and railing are now all Eve Baxter sees when she looks out of her windows.

The palliative care manager and her neighbours covered the 8ft-high wall in foliage about five years ago, to improve the appearance and privacy of the area outside their flats in Grove Place, Hampstead.

But last week, the plants were hacked down without warning by Camden Council, which owns the block.

Ms Baxter, 43, a tenant of 11 years, said: “I now have a view of a big ugly wall and railing instead of a lush cascade of greenery.

“Nobody knew they were coming – people just turned up and cut it down.

“The plants actually belonged to me and were destroyed without permission.

“I’m really annoyed that they would go ahead and do it without informing anyone.”

Camden Council failed to respond to a request for comment.