Homes planned for a former garden centre site would “completely destroy” the pool of darkness on Highgate Bowl, it is claimed.

Elspeth Clements, of The Highgate Society, said proposals for the three family homes, off Townsend Yard, would create severe light spillage at a one-day Planning Inspectorate hearing last week.

But architects, acting for developers Omved International, said the homes would add character to the “significant” site.

The inspectorate will rule on the scheme in the coming months.