Vacant Sidcup High Street shop to be turned into flats? (From News Shopper)

Vacant Sidcup High Street shop to be turned into flats?

12:47pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News

COUNCILLORS are to rule on controversial plans to turn a vacant shop into flats in Sidcup High Street on Thursday. (Jan 10)

Bexley Council’s planning committee is to meet to discuss the application for a change of use to build four flats.

Hill View Court , formerly known as 15-19 Market Parade, is on the junction with High Street and Craybrooke Road.

The proposal for one one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats has provoked a mixed response from those living nearby.

Manor House Neighbourhood Residents’ Association recommends the proposal is turned down amid fears "the sub-standard flats will open the door to other empty High Street units being turned into flats and houses".

The building has been subject to a number of planning application over the years.

In September Bexley Council granted permission to build a restaurant on the ground floor - despite strong objections from neighbours.

However, the developer has returned with another application.

Sidcup Community Group has reluctantly thrown its weight behind the latest bid, but is still worried about the loss of more retail space from the eastern end of the High Street.

An extract of its report read: "The threat to local residents of yet another eating place is so great that we are inclined to support the application."

The meeting at Bexley Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, begins at 7.30pm.