A controversial scheme to concrete over green spaces in Erith and build two blocks of flats are set to be approved – again.

Proposals to build on land in Wilde Road were met with a residents’ backlash earlier this year.

The Save Wilde Road campaign group raised “significant concerns” over the loss of open space on their estate, as well as problems with parking.

A previous application for the same development was recommended for approval but deferred in March following a packed council meeting where councillors failed to reach an agreement.

Speaking at March’s meeting, Chris Brown, resident and one of SWR’s organisers, said the original 1996  application for the estate included conditions to safeguard the open spaces.

Now, the applicant – which is Bexley Council – has come back again with plans, this time increasing the number of parking spaces to 14, revising the mix of homes and reducing the height of the east building.

The proposal is still for a total of 12 flats, six in each block, 50 per cent of which would be affordable housing.

Neighbours have again shown strong opposition to the council’s plan – including 62 objection letters and a 161-strong petition.

As well as the loss of open space and increased parking pressures, residents have objected on the grounds that the original traffic survey was done in the early hours, emergency services will be hindered when arriving at the estate, and that claims the land is underused are not true.

The council says there are enough open spaces nearby to justify the loss of land.

Planning experts said in their report: “The proposed development would make an important contribution to the borough’s housing supply, in particular, to the provision of affordable housing, the need for which is in great demand in the borough.

“Residents have raised significant concerns with regard to the loss of open space.

“However, in this instance the area is served by alternative local open space provision and the housing which this development would deliver would result in considerable social benefits which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the loss of the existing open space.”

The application, which has been recommended for approval, will be debated at a meeting next Thursday, August 2.

Bexley Council has previously defended accusations it was “selling off parks”, saying instead it was transferring sites to its development company BexleyCo.

Other sites earmarked for development are West Street in Erith, Nags Head Lane in Welling,  the Walnut Tree Road depot in Erith, and the Felixstowe Road car park in Abbey Wood.

Save Old Farm Park took on the council over a similar scheme to build flats in Sidcup last year.