A shed built by the chairwoman of Barnet Council's Hendon area planning sub-committee without the necessary planning permission has finally been approved - despite two of the three councillors voting on it objecting and abstaining.

Councillor Maureen Braun applied to retain a three-metre high shed at the back of her home in Victoria Road, Mill Hill.

The decision was carried earlier this month by Hale ward Conservative councillor Hugh Rayner who, as vice-chairman of the committee, held the casting vote after Lib Dem councillor Jeremy Davies opposed the decision and Labour councillor Gill Sargeant abstained. No other councillors were able to vote, having not visited the site.

National regulations state that developments within five metres of a home require permission. The application was originally heard in September. Although officers recommended approving the shed's retention, councillors deferred the decision for a site visit.

Mr Davies said: "I objected because of the proximity of the shed to the back of the existing extension. It's higher than the fence line and I think it impacts on the neighbours.

"It's embarrassing that a member of the planning committee didn't act in accordance with the agreed rules. She should have known better."

The application had been submitted in April but was only accepted in July owing to missing information.