PLANS to turn a riding school in the green belt, into a Buddhist religious centre have been rejected by Bexley councillors.

Linh Son Hill Buddhist Association wanted to adapt buildings at the North Cray and Sidcup Riding School in Parsonage Lane, North Cray, and create a religious study centre and Buddhist temple.

But objectors identified major problems with access to the site via narrow rural lanes with no pavements and few passing places.

They were backed by Bexley Council’s traffic engineers who said their would resist anything which led to an increased use of the “sub-standard” Parsonage Lane which is too narrow for two-way traffic.

Linh Son Hill applied for permission to make alterations to the existing barn and demolish two stable blocks, while creating a cycle shelter for up to 20 bikes and an additional 10 car parking spaces.

But the stables are situated in the green belt, in a rural lane which has large homes on one side of the road, and open fields on the other, used mainly for grazing horses.

The association, currently based in Upper Norwood, said it would expect up to 50 people to visit the site on Sundays and around 200 on its festive days at New Year, Buddha’s birthday, parents’ day and the October full moon.

It says access to the centre wouild be via public transport, bike or by car via an encouraged route along Bunkers Hill and Cocksure Lane.

Bexley Council planning committee members heard car sharing was already an established practice at its Upper Norwood centre.

Among the objectors were North Cray Residents Association who, as well as identifying the traffic problems, said setting up a religious centre on agricultural land in the green belt was unacceptable.

Bexley Civic Society and a number of residents also objected on traffic grounds.