Barnet Council is adamant it did not act undemocratically by reopening Partingdale Lane without a committee debate and vote.

As reported by the Times Group last week, Councillor Brian Coleman, cabinet member for environment, used delegated powers to pass the plan, even though it was due to be discussed at last Thursday's planning and environment committee.

The council said it was acting on the advice of its legal department and constitution experts who discovered at the 11th hour that it was not within the remit of the committee to approve or dismiss the plans.

Partingdale Lane was closed in 1997 because its narrow road, with no pavement, was seen as a danger. But the Tories, who opposed the decision at the time, made a manifesto commitment to reopen it.

Lib Dem councillor Jeremy Davies said yesterday: "I've checked the constitution and as far as I can see the committee could have taken the decision."

Council leader Victor Lyon said the decision had been made properly and should be called before the council's cabinet overview and scrutiny committee where campaigners can voice their concerns. He added it was "highly unlikely" the decision would be reversed.