PLANS to build new homes on one of Sidcup town centre’s most prominent sites have been rejected.

Bexley councillors unanimously refused the proposals for the former Toyota dealer’s site at the top of Sidcup Hill, ignoring a recommendation to approve from officers.

The plans proposed 23 flats in a 3/4 storey block and 14 houses on the empty site at the junction of Sidcup Hill and Rectory Lane.

Dominic Price representing residents in Selborne Road described the proposed development as “greedy and overbearing” and listed the residents’ six main objections including the four-storey height and the lack of parking and amenity space.

Fiona Macbeth from Rectory Lane said the development would change the area from a leafy, residential one to a dormitory overspill.

She described the homes as “little better than rabbit hutches” and told councillors they should “say no, for the future of Sidcup”.

On behalf of Hatch Homes, John Fleetwood denied the plans were an overdevelopment of the site.

He said the development would be a landmark and relate well to the area and the company was also offering substantial contributions to a number of public schemes.

Sidcup councillor June Slaughter said she welcomed the idea of housing on the site but said the plans were totally unsuited to an area previously classed as of special character and near a conservation area.

Councillor Margaret O’Neill asked why the developer was not building houses with gardens, suitable for families and the area.

The planning committee turned down the plans because of the bulk and height of the buildings and the lack of parking and amenity space.