Haringey Council has reduced the number of new council homes proposed for a leafy Highgate estate in the face of strong opposition.

The local authority has earmarked the Hillcrest estate, off North Hill, as one of several stretches of land it owns where council houses could be built to solve a black hole of affordable housing in the west of Haringey.

However, last week at a consultation with residents, the council revealed the layout of the estate has forced it to halve the number of homes proposed for the site.

Up to 40 new flats could now be built on the estate following initial proposals for between 40 and 90.

The plans for more housing sparked a furious campaign in the summer by residents, who claim more housing would ruin their estate.

“It is a big relief,” said Hannah Liptrot, treasurer of the Hillcrest Residents’ Association.

“But we are still concerned about three sites being taken, and the provision [to replace] the football pitch and play area.”

A Haringey Council spokesman said: “As we’ve always made clear, while we’ve identified Hillcrest as one of 20 sites across Haringey where much-needed new housing could be built, no final decisions have been made.”