PLANNERS and a civic society locked horns during a government hearing over plans to overhaul a town centre.

The Area Action Plan is Bromley Council’s 15-year vision for Bromley town centre and includes designs for a cinema, hotels and hundreds of new homes.

Twelve sites around the town have been identified for possible development and if interested parties complete all the work it could result in 2,000 jobs being created in new bars, restaurants, shops and office blocks.

Today, government inspector Eric Searle listened to the arguments for and against developing Site L at the junction of High Street, Westmoreland Road and Masons Hill.

It includes the old DHSS building and Bromley Christian Centre.

The Area Action Plan shows the site would be suitable for a new hotel but the Bromley Civic Society argue the southerly view of Keston Ridge would be ruined.

Society chairman Tony Banfield warned the hearing at Bromley Civic Centre that the police station in the high street was a “planning blunder” when it was built because it affected the view.

Talking about the new hotel, he explained: “The actual view itself is going to be obstructed by a taller building.”

However, the local authority’s chief planner Bob McQuillan argued: “I’ve spent 30 years of my work life protecting the views.

“I don’t think I’m going to make a u-turn on that now.”

Also at the hearing was Robert Clarke from planning consultants Rapleys LLP.

They are consultants for Telereal Trillium, the company that currently owns Site L.

Mr Clarke said: “I don’t think there is any conflict.

“I support the proposals that Site L can entertain taller buildings.”

However, Mr Clarke disagreed with the council over the potential for office space at Site L, adding: “We have reservations it is appropriate for offices.”

The hearing is due to finish next week.