A large housing scheme will not damage trees overlooking a scout camp, planning chiefs have said.

Councillors postponed making a decision on housing at Millbrook Park in Mill Hill – formerly Inglis Barracks – at a meeting in January, amid concerns over possible damage to trees bordering Frith Grange Campsite.

They called on the developer to show how the proposed basement would be built while protecting the adjoining trees.

The scheme, which is part of a wider redevelopment of the site, will provide 82 homes in blocks up to six storeys high.

Barnet Council received 239 objections to the plans, many warning of the impact on Frith Grange Campsite, which has been used by Barnet Borough Scouts and other groups since 1934.

But the development was approved at a meeting of the council’s planning committee on Monday (March 2) after planning chiefs ruled it “would not adversely affect trees on the adjoining scout camp”.

It followed the submission of a tree root survey and a construction method statement by the applicant.

Despite the assurances, several Labour councillors continued to oppose the scheme.

Cllr Claire Farrier (Labour, East Finchley) said: “The campsite is a facility we should be totally proud of, in what was, at the edge of the Green Belt, countryside for our children.

“It is much more bounded now – it is not an open countryside, outdoor facility that people can use with safety and for their enjoyment. My objection is mainly on those terms.”

But Cllr Mark Shooter (Conservative, Hendon) said: “With the scouts, I sympathise there is going to be a change, but I can’t see extra overlooking being an issue in terms of safeguarding. There is already so much overlooking.

“There are parts that are overlooked by flats, but we can’t say we’re not going to have overlooking anywhere.”

Conservative members of the committee voted in favour of the scheme, together with Labour councillor for East Barnet Cllr Laurie Williams.

The remaining three Labour councillors, and Liberal Democrat Cllr Jessica Brayne, voted against.