The amendment, tabled by Conservative peer Earl Cathcart, states that in exercising the relevant planning acts, "special regard shall be had to the desirability of preserving gardens, groups of gardens and urban green spaces".

The Earl described the current Planning Policy Statement 3, which underpins the Government's housing policy, as "a green light for garden grabbing", providing "rich pickings for developers".

He said: "This surge in garden grabbing not only puts pressure on infrastructure and increases the risk of flooding, but destroys the environment, biodiversity and places in which to relax and play safely."

For the Government, Communities & Local Government minister Baroness Andrews said she supported the "underlying aim" of the amendment, but claimed existing laws were capable of preventing garden grabbing.

A recent survey of six English urban local authorities found that 72 per cent of all brownfield development was on gardens.