Plans to build a 21-storey building in Bromley North have split opinions with residents.

Developer Be Living Ltd wants to build a 21-storey block of flats on Sherman Road.

The building will have 203 units, ranging from studio to three-bedroom homes.

Be Living Ltd haven’t made a planning application yet, but it ran a public consultation last month and has applied for an EIA screening opinion request.

The EIA screening opinion request allows the developer to see if the council will make them do an environmental impact assessment.

A group of residents are opposing the proposals.

Chairman of Babbacombe Road Residents' Association Patrick Holden said: “This is quite a shocking proposal.

“While nearly all residents understand the need for more housing, we believe that new developments should be sensitive to the existing scale and character of the area.

“At 21 storeys, this proposed block will completely overpower what is essentially a low-rise residential, retail and office zone.

He added: “Nearly all local residents who know about this scheme are against it, what an eyesore.

“In their race to fulfil housing obligations, the council has really lost all perspective on what is actually appropriate for the area.”

Be Living Ltd will have to get planning permission to build the flats. As part of this application there will be a public consultation.

Some residents of nearby roads are worried about the impact the flats would have on the skyline.

Patricia Collins, 74, of Glebe Road said: “It will spoil the whole aspect of Bromley North.

“The area should be protected. The station is a listed building and it shouldn’t be overshadowed by some block.”

Be Living stressed that the building would provide new homes.

A spokesman from Be Living said: “Our vision for the redevelopment of 6-10 Sherman Road is to deliver 200 new homes, with commercial and office space on the lower floors. The proposed building reaches 21 storeys in height but is located in an area that has been identified by the council as suitable for a tall building. It will be of the highest architectural quality and will provide much needed homes for local people.”

Jack, a resident on Babbacombe Road said: “I have recently moved to Babbacombe Road and my flat overlooks the poor architecture of the 1970s.

“As a recent graduate, I am keen to make my first step onto the housing ladder.

“Like many other young people, until I have more resources at my disposal I will have to rent.

“This is however a very expensive option within Bromley.

“The train station is an ideal location for a new tower, as indeed the council has recognised.”

A Bromley Council spokesman said:“It is important to note that this is not a planning application, with the Council being asked to consider whether a proposal requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“The Council will respond to this EIA Screening Opinion Request following a technical assessment of whether proposal requires an EIA under national criteria defined by Government.

“The Council’s response will be publicly published in due course and potential planning applicants will then know whether they are required to submit an EIA along with any planning application for their development proposal.”