A ‘SHODDY’ £1.9M scheme to move Orpington Library has come under fire from objectors who say the plan is being ‘railroaded through’.

If approved the library would be moved from its current site in The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington, to the ground and first floor of the council building at The Walnuts.

The idea of relocating the library was mooted in the Orpington Masterplan, which was published by Bromley Council in March 2008.

It was developed after the council had consulted residents about their views on the borough’s town centres in 2006 and Orpington was seen as being run down and in need of investment.

But a planning application for the library was not submitted until this September and the plan, produced by Frankham Consultancy Group, has been slammed by residents and councillors.

Failings of the architectural plans included missing out some of the doors and windows on the College Square building.

The council committee deferred its decision about whether to grant planning permission because of the problems with the plans.

Speaking at the meeting on October 29, Cray Valley East ward councillor David McBride said: “There is a feeling from the public it is being railroaded through and the fact there have to be amendments to the plan has only emphasised this.

“The plans were shoddy, missing out doors and windows and there is no excuse for that.

“In a scheme as big as this and as important as this we must be absolutely sure anything which gets through this committee is accurate and right.”

A revised planning application, showing minor amendments will be submitted shortly.

Protestors cannot understand why the council wants to move London’s 10th busiest lending library from its purpose built location into an office block.

They say the proposed building is not big enough and might need to be reinforced to take the weight of the books.

Clive Newson, of Telscombe Close, Orpington, said: “They are trying to push this through come what may.”

The 73-year-old architect said: “I’m old now but if you did that [submitted ‘shoddy’ plans] as a student then you would not last five minutes.

“This is a cavalier way to do this.”

Council leader Councillor Stephen Carr said: “Investment in Orpington is clearly vital to its survival, particularly in such difficult economic times.

“By creating a modern library in the town centre, we not only provide a bigger and more accessible library with better facilities, we also bring more than 4,000 extra visits into the town centre each week.

“This will bring additional benefit to the businesses located there.

“We believe underlining our commitment to Orpington will encourage further private investment, securing the town’s future.”

The proposal will be discussed at an executive meeting of Bromley’s top councillors on Wednesday (November 4).