A developer whose firm is registered in an offshore tax haven has been told to forget plans to build three luxury mansions on the site of a former garden centre.

A Whitehall planning inspector this week dismissed an appeal by Omved International, registered in the British Virgin Islands, to build the high-end properties on a site known as the Highgate Bowl. The land, lying to the east of Highgate High Street, was home to the Highgate Garden Centre until last year. 

Now civic groups in the area plan to raise funds to buy the land from the developer and turn it into a London version of the Eden Project. 

Martin Adeney, of campaign group Friends of Highgate Bowl, said: “We are delighted with the inspector’s decision, particularly as it is based on protecting the conservation area. 

“Her comments are very much in line with what we would like to do with the site – keep it largely as it is, as open land, and to use it as a centre for environmental studies and horticultural education. 

“We would expect to work closely with the neighbouring Harington Scheme which has been such a success in providing training for people with learning difficulties, particularly in gardening and horticulture. They have already expressed an interest in using some of the land.”

Mr Adeney said he hoped to open talks in the coming weeks with the sites owners. He added: “Clearly the developers will be considering their position. But once we have sorted out our charity registration over the next few weeks, we would expect to have a conversation with them to see what might be possible. Then it will be a question of raising the substantial funds required and we expect to launch an appeal for pledges from local people and approach some of the major grant-giving charities. 

“This is an opportunity to secure green space in Highgate for future generations and we must seize it. 

“We welcome any support we can get and anyone interested in helping or contributing should get in touch with us, the Friends of the Highgate Bowl, initially through the Highgate Society.”

Inspector Joanna Reid’s report said the land had a crucial role in Highgate’s landscape. She wrote: “The historic development pattern, high percentage of buildings of architectural merit, topography, green open spaces and distant views are important to the character and the appearance of the Conservation Area.”

The inspector added: “The Bowl is significant as a remnant of the once rural village setting of Highgate and its spatial qualities are cherished by local people.”

The architect acting for Omved told the inspector existing greenhouses were used as an inspiration for their designs and the two-storey homes would boast landscaped gardens.

However, the inspector ruled the designs would not preserve or enhance the conservation area and therefore Haringey Council’s decision to turn down the application was correct.