Plans to concrete over green space in Belvedere for nearly 70 flats have been approved by councillors.

Newhaven Construction plans to build 69 apartments on a vacant plot of land near Yarnton and Eastern Way.

Belvedere is earmarked for major growth by the council, and developers said their plans would be a “positive contribution”.

The scheme, which has been in the works for months, was finally approved last week after a decision was pushed back from January.

Councillors gave developers the go-ahead, approving plans at a meeting last Thursday without a word.

The proposals are for five and six-storey buildings, mainly two-bedroom homes and 56 car parking spaces.

The site – Norman Park – already has 402 homes, first approved back in 2007.

“The proposed scale makes best use of the available developable land. Subject to appearance and landscaping, the proposal could make a positive contribution to the locality, both visually and in terms of making efficient use of the site,” officers said in a report to councillors.

In its application, Newhaven Construction said: “The proposed scheme will provide housing to meet an identified need within the borough and the wider housing market area.

“It will also bring forward the development of an under-utilised site in a location appropriate for housing development.”

At the same meeting, councillors also approved controversial plans for Belvedere Police Station, signing off on new block of 26 flats at the old nick.

Neighbours had complained that the plans were out of character with their area, and would be “overdevelopment” of the currently empty site.

The police station was closed before being sold last year as the cash-strapped Met look to cash in on their buildings.

Belvedere features heavily in the council’s growth strategy, which outlines 31,500 homes and 17,000 jobs in the borough up to 2050.